Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons Star in ‘Bugonia’ Opening This Weekend

Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons are taking the cinematic world by storm with their latest film, Bugonia, which opens in select theaters this weekend. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the film features Plemons as a conspiracy theorist who kidnaps Stone’s character, a pharmaceutical CEO, believing she is an alien. This darkly comic narrative offers a surprising depth, enhanced by its powerful score and raw performances.

The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is adapted from the 2003 South Korean movie Save the Green Planet!, with screenplay by Will Tracy. Stone not only stars in the film but also took on the role of producer, diligently working to maintain the project’s integrity.

Jodi Picoult Responds to Censorship of Musical

In related news, renowned author Jodi Picoult is facing challenges with both her literary works and a musical adaptation of her novel Between the Lines. The superintendent of Mississinewa High School in Indiana recently canceled the musical due to concerns regarding “sexual innuendo” and references to alcohol. Picoult argues that censorship is problematic, particularly when it involves a single parent’s perspective on what is appropriate for all students. This same school has previously staged performances of Grease, which contains similar themes.

Moreover, Picoult’s book Nineteen Minutes has faced bans, being removed from circulation 16 times this year alone.

New Voices Bring Harry Potter to Life

The world of Harry Potter is also expanding with new voices. Young British actors Frankie Treadaway, Arabella Stanton, and Max Lester are set to narrate the audiobook of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for Audible. With all roles played by different actors, the audiobook is set for release on November 4, 2023.

During a recent recording session, the young actors expressed their excitement about voice acting and the immersive experience of being part of the Harry Potter universe. They noted that one of their favorite perks of the project is the snack cupboard stocked with chocolate to keep their energy up.

Broadway Musicians Reach Labor Agreement

In another significant development, the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 reached a tentative labor agreement with Broadway producers, averting a strike that could have impacted nearly two dozen musicals. The union, representing around 1,200 musicians, had threatened to strike if a new contract was not finalized before Thursday morning.

This tentative deal follows a recent agreement between producers and the Actors’ Equity Association, which represents 51,000 members. The potential strike could have silenced major productions, including hits like Hamilton and The Lion King, as well as newer shows such as Queen of Versailles and Chess.

Songwriters Hall of Fame Nominees Announced

On the music front, a diverse group of nominees for the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame has been unveiled. Notable names include Taylor Swift, Kenny Loggins, LL Cool J, Pink, and David Byrne of Talking Heads. The list also features artists from various genres, including members of The Go-Go’s and The Guess Who. Eligible voters have until midnight Eastern on December 4, 2023, to submit their ballots.

New Children’s Booker Prize Announced

Finally, the Booker Prize Foundation has announced the establishment of a new award – the Children’s Booker Prize. Set to begin accepting submissions early next year, this award will recognize high-quality fiction for children aged 8 to 12. The inaugural prize, offering £50,000 (approximately $67,000), is scheduled for 2027. A jury composed of both children and adults, led by writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce, will determine the winner.

As these developments unfold across the entertainment landscape, they showcase the dynamic nature of the industry and the diverse voices contributing to its evolution.