Entertainment News Roundup: Smaller, glitzy amfAR gala for AIDS research back at Cannes; Actor Ashton Kutcher backed out of Virgin Galactic space flight and more

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Smaller, glitzy amfAR gala for AIDS research back at Cannes

Hollywood A-listers, music stars, and fashion models mingled at the amfAR charity gala on the French Riviera on Friday, as the swanky dinner and auction returned to the sidelines of the Cannes Film Festival, slimmed down due to the pandemic. Actress and amfAR Global Campaign Chair Sharon Stone hosts this year's star-studded gala, with Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys set to perform for guests gathered to raise money for the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

Actor Ashton Kutcher backed out of Virgin Galactic space flight

Ten years ago actor Ashton Kutcher was planning to be among the first people to ride on Virgin Galactic's private spaceship, but he changed his mind after having children with Mila Kunis. The former "Two and a Half Men" star said he was supposed to be on the next Virgin Galactic flight but pulled out years ago.

Cannes to screen Hong Kong protest documentary, risking controversy

The Cannes Film Festival will show a new documentary on Friday chronicling the 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy protests and shining a light on protesters' stories, in a surprise addition to the line-up for the cinema showcase. "Revolution of Our Times," by native Hong Kong filmmaker Kiwi Chow, follows several protesters and documents clashes with police, in what the director previously described to Reuters as his attempt to help the movement live on.

Russian drama 'Unclenching the Fists' wins Cannes prize

Russian filmmaker Kira Kovalenko's "Unclenching the Fists" triumphed in the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes on Friday, winning the top prize in the more art-focused section of the film festival. The drama, which is based in a former mining town in Russia's southern region of North Ossetia, tells the story of a young woman trying to break free from her family's grip.

Spike Lee jumps gun at Cannes with 'Titane' Palme d'Or reveal

"Titane", a wildly imaginative film about a serial killer by French director Julia Ducournau, won the top Palme d'Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday - as revealed by jury head ahead of time Spike Lee in a gaffe at the ceremony.

Ducournau, 37, became only the second woman to win the top award at Cannes.

Golden Globe organizers agree ban on freebies

The organizers of the Golden Globes on Friday banned its members from receiving gifts and free trips from movie studios and TV networks seeking to clinch awards for their shows and stars. The reforms, approved by members of the small Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), are among a raft of changes to the organization following an uproar over ethical practices and lack of diversity that led to the 2022 Golden Globes ceremony being canceled.

Cannes awards pick wide open after film festival's crowded comeback

A Moroccan film about hip-hopping youth in Casablanca, a hero's tale by Oscar-winning Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, and a wildly imaginative French movie featuring sex with a car are among contenders for the top Cannes Film Festival award on Saturday, in one of the more unpredictable contests in years. The world's biggest film festival returned to the French Riviera after a 2020 hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, drawing a host of movie stars, from Bill Murray and Matt Damon to Sharon Stone, to the red carpet.

Britney Spears says won't perform while her father controls career

Britney Spears on Saturday said she would not perform again while her father retains control over her career, and said the conservatorship she has been under for 13 years had "killed my dreams." Her remarks, in a lengthy Instagram post, were the latest in a series of emotional public comments about the conservatorship that controls her personal and financial affairs and which she has begged to be brought to an end.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)