Tag: Entertainment-Variety

Last week, Reese Witherspoon went viral (in the wrong way) for declaring “the AI revolution has begun” and suggesting that women should learn about the technology. “The jobs women hold are 3x more likely to be automated by AI, yet women are using AI at a rate 25% lower than men on average,” the “Morning Show” star wrote on Instagram. “We don’t want to be left behind.”

The post attracted a fair amount of backlash, with people pointing out the problems associated with data centers and intellectual property, and accusing Witherspoon of being paid by AI companies to promote generative tools.

“Well, I guess my AI post got people talking,” Witherspoon wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday. “To be clear, no one is paying me to talk about this. I’m just a curious human. My kids are learning about AI tools, I know a lot of founders who are vibe coding, and I hear about people using AI in EVERY sector of business.”

She continued, “But I want to acknowledge people’s concerns, they are valid. I’m aware of the impact this could have on jobs across so many industries. I understand environmental concerns. I care deeply about local communities. And I have concerns about impending AGI. I don’t believe computers should replace humanity. I’m planning on learning as much as possible so that I’m educated about this technological revolution. If you want to learn with me, great, let’s do this! If you don’t, that’s okay too.”

Witherspoon has long been talking about artificial intelligence and encouraging her followers to become familiar with the technology, which is rapidly upending industries from Hollywood to tech.

“It’s so, so important that women are involved in AI because it will be the future of filmmaking,” Witherspoon told Glamour in September. “And you can be sad and lament it all you want, but the change is here. It will never be a lack of creativity and ingenuity and actual physical manual building of things. It might diminish, but it’s always going to be the highest importance in art and in expression of self.”

She told the magazine that she uses AI Assistant as well as search tools like Perplexity and the AI shopping agent Vetted AI.

Witherspoon isn’t the only A-list actress talking about the AI revolution. Last week, Sandra Bullock said at the CNBC Changemakers Summit that AI is “here” and “we have to understand it.”

“We have to lean into it,” Bullock said. “We have to use it in a really constructive and creative way, make it our friend rather than — I mean, we have to be incredibly cautious and aware of it because there are people who will use it for evil and not good. But I do feel that there’s a place for it… It’s here. We have to just be friends in some dark way.”

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass unveiled temporary reductions in fees for film productions on Tuesday in the face of accusations of not having done enough to retain Hollywood jobs.

Bass is up for reelection, with the June 2 primary just six weeks away. Her chief opponents, Councilwoman Nithya Raman and reality star Spencer Pratt, each argued last week that the city has failed to make it easier to film.

On Tuesday morning, Bass announced a six-month pilot program to reduce fees for “low-impact” productions. She also announced that all productions would receive a 20% discount on parking at city lots for a year, matching a deal that was recently offered to help keep “Baywatch” at Venice Beach.

The standard permit fee to shoot in Los Angeles is $931. Under the pilot program, certain productions shooting for up to three days and up to three locations will pay just $350. The city will also waive a $285 fee for spot checks by the L.A. Fire Department.

The pilot is intended for “new media” shoots and other small-scale productions that have no more than 30 cast and crew on set at one time and do not require safety supervision. Feature films and TV shows — and even commercials — will generally not meet the eligibility criteria.

Last week, Raman tweeted that the city has treated Hollywood as “an inconvenience rather than an asset,” and blamed red tape for the loss of 50,000 production jobs in recent years.

“When I’m mayor, LA will be a reliable partner to film productions,” she wrote. “We’ll staff a real city film office, eliminate fees for smaller productions, simplify permitting, and get rid of ridiculous conditions that stall production.”

The Bass campaign responded by pointing out that Raman had not offered any legislation to help the film industry in her five years on the city council, and that she had recently recused herself from a vote on streamlining the permit process due to her husband’s business interests.

Raman unveiled her own plan on Tuesday morning, saying she would reduce or eliminate fees for independent and mid-sized productions, and guarantee “faster, more predictable permitting.” She also pledged to appoint an experienced Hollywood leader as her film liaison and build a fully staffed film office.

Pratt meanwhile offered in a podcast interview to make it “literally free to shoot.”

“What the city doesn’t understand is we need to have no fees,” he said. “It’s time to bring this business back. We need everyone to be able to work.”

The “low-impact” pilot program is being funded by FilmLA, which has pledged to make up the cost difference for the six-month duration from its operating reserves. FilmLA is an industry-run nonprofit — with board members from the major studios and unions — that handles permitting and collects fees on behalf of two dozen jurisdictions around L.A. County.

FilmLA has been the target of complaints for more than a year, largely from independent and low-budget producers who find the $931 fee a significant obstacle. Major studios have generally not complained about the fee, which represents a tiny fraction of a typical production budget.

The contraction in film and TV production has also hit places like New York and Georgia. The Entertainment Union Coalition has focused its lobbying efforts on production incentives, both at the state and federal level, to better compete with subsidies in Canada, the U.K., and elsewhere.

“I think the work the mayor is doing is important,” said Rebecca Rhine, president of the coalition and a top official at the Directors Guild of America, in an interview last week. “Every little bit helps. But at the end of the day what we need are major commitments.”

Last month, Bass cut permit fees to shoot at Griffith Observatory by 70%, and also opened up the L.A. Central Library to filmmakers.

Raman also promised to campaign for the elimination of the $750 million cap on the state’s film incentive, echoing a proposal offered by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who are each running for governor.

Variety is proud to highlight the trailblazing women behind television’s most-talked about series with the launch of its inaugural High Tea: Celebrating Female Directors. The one-of-a-kind event will officially kick off Variety TV Week on Tuesday, May 5, in Los Angeles with an afternoon of conversation, connection, and celebration.

The intimate High Tea will feature a forum-style discussion with Emmy-contending female directors whose creative vision is shaping the current and future TV landscape. This year’s distinguished panelists include Lesli Linka Glatter, “Imperfect Women,” Mimi Leder, “The Morning Show,” Janicza Bravo, “The Bear,” Christina Alexandra Voros, “The Madison,” Susanna Fogel, “Ponies,” Lucia Aniello, “Hacks” and Lisa Joy, “Fallout.”

With the support of Apple TV+, FX Networks, Paramount+, Peacock, HBO, and Amazon, the event will celebrate these accomplished directors for their creative contributions, while fostering meaningful dialogue around female storytellers and leadership within the entertainment industry.

“Variety has long been dedicated to amplifying the voices that move our industry forward, and female directors are at the forefront of that momentum,” said Donna Pennestri, Associate Publisher, Variety. “High Tea is both a celebration of their extraordinary work this season and a reflection of our commitment to championing women storytellers and the vital perspectives they bring to television.”

High Tea: Celebrating Female Directors marks the beginning of Variety TV Week, an annual gathering of the season’s most exciting Emmy contenders and influential changemakers, setting the tone for a week devoted to highlighting excellence in storytelling.

The “Southern Bastards” pilot at Hulu is rounding out its cast with five new additions.

Variety has learned that Jonathan Tucker (“Kingdom,” “Palm Trees and Power Lines”), Amin Joseph (“Snowfall,” “One of Them Days”), Ethan Suplee (“American History X,” “My Name Is Earl”) and Derek Luke (“Antwone Fisher,” “Friday Night Lights”) have all been cast in the pilot, with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard,” “Justified: City Primeval”) set to guest star.

The new additions will star alongside previously announced cast members Kevin Bacon as well as Erin Kellyman and Tim McGraw. Full character descriptions can be found below.

“Southern Bastards” is based on the graphic novels of the same name. It was picked up to pilot at Hulu in October 2025. The official logline states that the show “follows a tenacious military vet (Kellyman) into Craw County, Alabama, in search of her estranged father (Bacon). What she finds is a murderous hornet’s nest of organized crime run by the winningest high school football coach in the South (McGraw).”

Tucker is repped by Paradigm, Management 360, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller. Joseph is repped by Entertainment 360, Gersh and Fox Rothschild. Suplee is repped by Paradigm, Nicole Garcia Management, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller. Luke is repped by Gersh, LINK Entertainment and HillTop Entertainment. Ellis-Taylor is repped by CAA and TMT Entertainment Group.

Bill Dubuque and Nia DaCosta share a co-story credit for “Southern Bastards,” with Dubuque writing the teleplay and executive producing. Matt Olmstead will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Reinaldo Marcus Green will direct and executive produce the pilot. Jason Aaron and Jason Latour, who created the graphic novels, will executive produce. Layne Eskridge of POV Entertainment also executive produces along with Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian, and Zinzi Coogler of Proximity Media and Green. Simone Harris of Proximity and Kate Berry of POV co-executive produce. Proximity Media’s creative executives Hannah Baker and D’Angelo Louis will also oversee the project. The series is produced in association with Fifth Season.

Character Descriptions:

Jonathan Tucker (“Esaw”) – Esaw Goings is muscled and linebacker lean. Vexed by undiagnosed CTE from his playing days. An Assistant Coach for Craw County High School’s football team, he’s also Coach Boss’s go-to enforcer— the “chief leg breaker” who does the dirty work that keeps Boss’s local empire afloat. Status-hungry and hot-headed, he’s ultimately an obedient foot soldier with absolute loyalty to Boss

Amin Joseph (“Hardy”) – Hardy Whitworth is a former star football player whose blown knee kept him from fulfilling NFL dreams. He’s now the Sheriff of Craw County — though he mostly acts as a puppet playing the role that Coach Boss needs him to play. He’s capable of decency and has a professional and friendly demeanor — but he’s been morally corrupted by his willingness to cover up the violent crimes that occur under his watch. Hopes to one day recapture some version of his glory days

Ethan Suplee (“Mater”) – Eugene “Materhead” Maples is a former offensive lineman. More of a sidekick than a mastermind, he is loyal to his fellow assistant football coach Esaw Goings, and also helps Esaw as an enforcer for Boss’s organized crime ring. He shows hints of a conscience, but for now he’s a true team player in this criminal enterprise

Derek Luke (“Uncle Lou”) – Uncle Lou is sharp, charismatic, and singularly focused on monetizing his nephew and star football player Demetrius’ talent. A former tour manager with hustler instincts, he views football as both opportunity and business. Protective and pragmatic, he intends to control the money so his nephew can focus on the game, unfazed by Coach Boss’ stature.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“Vernetta”) – Roberta’s assertive but worried mother. Indignant that the military would treat her daughter this way, she urges her to reach out to her father for help in her situation, unfazed by Roberta’s attempts to deflect. She succeeded in putting as much distance as she could between herself and Craw County, until her daughter’s journey of vengeance draws her back to her hometown.

Kamala Harris and Rita Moreno will receive Public Counsel’s William O. Douglas Award and Trailblazer in the Arts Award, respectively, at the law firm’s annual William O. Douglas Award Dinner. Dedicated to recognizing those whose accomplishments have profoundly advanced justice and equality, the event will take place on April 29 in Beverly Hills.

Harris began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and served as District Attorney of San Francisco, California’s Attorney General and the state’s Senator before going on to serve as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025. Harris was the first woman in history to hold the office. As Vice President, Harris worked to strengthen global alliances and address key issues including economic opportunity, reproductive rights and climate investment. 

“Vice President Harris has dedicated her career to fighting for the people – from her service to the State of California to her historic tenure as Vice President of the United States,” said Kathryn Eidmann, Public Counsel’s president and CEO. “Her leadership has helped advance civil rights, expand opportunity, and uphold equal justice and dignity for all. We are honored to recognize her with the William O. Douglas Award.”

Rita Moreno’s career has spanned more than eight decades across film, television and stage; Moreno is also one of the few artists to achieve an EGOT. In addition to her Academy Award, Tony Award, two Emmy Awards and a Grammy, Moreno won a Golden Globe for her role in “West Side Story.” Previously, she’s been recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award and the prestigious Peabody Award. 

In addition to Harris and Moreno, the event will honor Davis Wright Tremaine LLP with the Law Firm Pro Bono Award for its demonstrated commitment to public service for more than eight decades; the firm has contributed more than 31,275 hours of pro bono work in 2025, valued at $25.6 million. 

Jason George will return as emcee with board member Tanya Acker. Poet Amanda Gorman will deliver a reading and Uzo Aduba will present the William O. Douglas Award to Harris. 

Past honorees include Jane Fonda, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Viola Davis, John Legend, Governor Gavin Newsom, Hillary Clinton, President Bill Clinton, Elie Wiesel, and Reverend James M. Lawson Jr., among others.

Where in the “Michael” world is Janet Jackson?

The music superstar is nowhere to be seen as a character in the new Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic about her late brother.

“I wish everybody was in the movie,” Jackson sibling LaToya Jackson told me Monday night at the film’s premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. “She was asked and she kindly declined so you have to respect her wishes.”

Michael is portrayed by their nephew Jaafar Jackson with Joe Jackson played by Colman Domingo and Nia Long playing Katherine Jackson. LaToya is portrayed by Jessica Sula. Juliano Valdi takes on the role of younger Michael.

Fuqua said it was “very important” for him to have the Jackson family involved with the movie.

“You’re telling somebody’s life, you want to make sure that they’re happy,” he said.

Not only does Michael’s estate have a financial investment in the project, but his son, Prince Jackson, serves as an executive producer. His other children Bigi and Paris are not involved. Paris has publicly criticized the film for having “a lot of inaccuracies” and “a lot of full blown lies.”

She said in a video posted to social media, “The film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in the fantasy. And they’re going to be happy with it.” 

As for Janet, Fuqua said, “I have so much respect and love for Janet, but you know it’s OK. She’s supportive of Jaafar and that’s what matters.”

LaToya gushed over Jaafar’s performance.

“Oh my gosh, I have to tell you that Jaafar was absolutely fabulous,” LaToya said. “I’m sure you’ve seen the movie and you know how wonderful he is, how we all forget and think that we’re watching Mike. It’s like, ‘Oh, I forgot this is Jaafar.’”

As Variety’s Brent Lang and Rebecca Rubin first reported in early April, the Jackson estate had to pay up to $15 million for reshoots. They had to cut scenes showing Michael being accused of child molestation by Jordan Chandler because Chandler’s settlement with the singer barred the depiction or mention of him in any movie.

“Michael” is in theaters on April 24.