Reuters Entertainment News Summary

Russia last year expanded its restrictions on the promotion of what it calls LGBT propaganda amid a broader clampdown on LGBT rights, which President Vladimir Putin has sought to portray as evidence of moral decay in Western countries. Israel in spotlight at Eurovision semi-final as pro-Palestinian protests loom The second semi-final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Sweden on Thursday, with Israel's performance expected to draw attention due to large pro-Palestinian protests planned in host city Malmo.

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

A Minute With: two-time Eurovision winner Loreen on the song contest, new music

Sweden's Loreen says her life "has changed so much" since her historic 2023 Eurovision win, adding she remains grateful a year on. The singer-songwriter became the first woman to win the song contest twice: in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2012 and last year in Liverpool, England.

'Dead Poets Society' film director Peter Weir to receive Venice career prize

Peter Weir, the Australian director of "Dead Poets Society" and "The Truman Show", will be honoured for his career at this year's Venice Film Festival, organisers said on Thursday. Weir, 79, had his international breakthrough with 1975's arthouse classic "Picnic at Hanging Rock", moving on to work in Hollywood in the 1980s.

Two Russian online film distributors charged under 'LGBT propaganda' law

Two Russian online film distributors, including a company owned by Nasdaq-listed internet giant Yandex, have been charged with offences under the country's so-called "LGBT propaganda" law, a notice on a Moscow court's website said. Russia last year expanded its restrictions on the promotion of what it calls LGBT propaganda amid a broader clampdown on LGBT rights, which President Vladimir Putin has sought to portray as evidence of moral decay in Western countries.

Israel in spotlight at Eurovision semi-final as pro-Palestinian protests loom

The second semi-final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Sweden on Thursday, with Israel's performance expected to draw attention due to large pro-Palestinian protests planned in host city Malmo. Some 100,000 visitors have gathered in the southern Swedish city for the annual kitsch-fest, which is taking place amid protests and boycotts over the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa says new series feels like 'a fresh era'

Ncuti Gatwa, the first Black actor to play the lead role in "Doctor Who", says its new series feels like "a fresh era" as the British sci-fi television show goes global. The much-loved BBC cult show will now also be streamed to audiences outside the United Kingdom in a new collaboration between the British broadcaster and Walt Disney Co's streaming service Disney+.

'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' cast harnessed their inner apes

When Freya Allan arrived on set for the first day of filming "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," she was in for a surprise. "I walked into this basement and Owen just came towards me as an ape, and there were just a bunch of them running around," said Allan, who plays a human named Mae.

Warner Bros Discovery posts larger-than-expected loss on studio slump, weak ad market

Warner Bros Discovery reported a larger-than-expected quarterly loss, as advertising sales slumped at its cable TV unit and the studio segment struggled with the twin effects of last year's Hollywood strikes and poor sales of a "Suicide Squad" videogame. Shares of the company were down 7% in premarket trading on Thursday, set to add to its 31.5% decline this year.

Isabelle Huppert to head Venice Film Festival jury

Isabelle Huppert will head the main competition jury at this year's Venice Film Festival, organisers said on Wednesday. Huppert won the best actress award in Venice in 1988 for her performance in "Story of Women" and in 1995 for "La Ceremonie".

Spanish court dismisses second tax case against singer Shakira

A Spanish court on Thursday dismissed a tax investigation against Colombian pop star Shakira, after the offices of the prosecutor and state attorney opted not to bring charges against the singer. Shakira, who last year reached a settlement to avoid a trial in Barcelona over charges she failed to pay 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) in Spanish income tax between 2012 and 2014, had a second investigation pending for alleged fraud on income and wealth tax in 2018.

Blackstone set to clinch Hipgnosis Songs as Concord sticks with lower bid

Blackstone looked set to clinch its $1.57 billion deal for Hipgnosis Songs Fund after Apollo-backed Concord said on Thursday it would stick with its lower bid for the music rights owner of artists such as Shakira and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Shares in Hipgnosis, which also owns rights to songs by The Chainsmokers, were down 2.1% at 1.024 pounds ($1.28) in morning trade. They have soared 48% since Concord's first offer on April 18.

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