Entertainment
Cole Escola Steals the Spotlight at 2025 Tony Awards with Dazzling Gown and Bold Performance
From paying tribute to Bernadette Peters to earning a Tony nod for Oh Mary!, Cole Escola proved they’re Broadway’s most fearless new icon
The 2025 Tony Awards lit up New York City with glamour, talent, and trailblazing performances — and Cole Escola was the beating heart of it all. The 38-year-old performer, playwright, and cabaret rebel turned heads on Sunday night with a gown that was as much a performance piece as it was red carpet couture. But it wasn’t just the look that stunned — Escola was also one of the night’s breakout stars, earning a nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play for their work in the hit absurdist comedy Oh, Mary!.
Escola arrived in a silvery-blue, custom-designed gown inspired by Bernadette Peters’ 1999 Tony Awards look, a tribute that spoke volumes. “It’s my favorite blue — I call it Cinderella blue,” Escola told reporters on the red carpet. The elaborate creation by designer Wiederhoeft featured a lace-up corset, hand-embroidered metallic blue glass beads, and a cascading ornamental door motif that symbolized both homage and evolution — a nod to “the passage of time and historical femininity.”
The theatricality didn’t stop there. Escola’s curly reddish-brown wig was a direct salute to Peters’ iconic look, while their necklace, adorned with an image of 19th-century actress Laura Keene, added a haunting historical twist — tying together past and present with fearless flair.
Beyond fashion, Escola’s performance in Oh, Mary! — a surreal and irreverent take on Mary Todd Lincoln — has become one of Broadway’s most buzzed-about roles. Written and performed by Escola, the play reimagines Lincoln’s widow as a boozy, frustrated chanteuse trapped in a bizarre historical cabaret. It’s bold, it’s bizarre, and it’s brilliant — qualities that have defined Escola’s career from the start.
The 2025 Tony Awards were a celebration of originality, and Escola stood tall among a field of adventurous newcomers. Alongside wins by Sarah Snook for her mind-bending 26-role performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray and Nicole Scherzinger’s blood-streaked revival of Sunset Boulevard, Escola’s nomination represented a victory for experimental theatre and alt-comedy on Broadway’s biggest stage.
The night also belonged to Maybe Happy Ending, a Korean sci-fi romance that walked away with six Tony Awards, proving that Broadway’s future belongs to fresh, fearless storytelling. But even as the spotlight spread across genres and geographies, it was Cole Escola’s fusion of fashion, performance, and pastiche that many will remember most.
With Oh, Mary! continuing to captivate audiences and critical acclaim pouring in, Escola has officially arrived — not just as a Tony nominee, but as a cultural disruptor with Broadway in their palm.
Entertainment
Harry Styles Scraps São Paulo Concert Following Tour Illness
Organizers confirmed the cancellation and announced refund options for affected ticket holders.
Fans of Harry Styles in Brazil were left disappointed after the global pop star announced the cancellation of his scheduled concert in São Paulo due to what was described as a “tour illness.”
The performance, originally set for Tuesday, was called off after Styles was advised to prioritise his health while continuing his international tour. Organisers confirmed that the decision was made out of caution to ensure the singer has sufficient time to recover before returning to the stage.
Health Comes First
In a statement shared with fans, organisers explained that Harry Styles was unable to perform because of illness linked to the demands of touring.
While no further medical details were disclosed, the cancellation highlights the physical challenges artists often face during long international tours that involve frequent travel, rehearsals and back-to-back live performances.
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Supporters across social media responded with messages of encouragement, wishing the singer a speedy recovery and expressing hope that he will be able to resume performances soon.
Refunds and Exclusive Ticket Offer
To minimise inconvenience, organisers announced that all ticket holders for the cancelled Tuesday concert will receive full refunds.
In addition, affected fans will also be offered an exclusive discount to purchase tickets for the Friday show in São Paulo, subject to availability.
The gesture has been welcomed by many fans, providing another opportunity to attend the concert once Styles is fit to return.

One of Pop Music’s Biggest Global Stars
Harry Styles has built a reputation as one of the world’s most successful touring artists, attracting sold-out crowds across Europe, North America, Asia and Latin America.
The former One Direction member has earned widespread acclaim for his solo career, blending pop, rock and contemporary influences while delivering energetic live performances.
His concerts are known for their vibrant atmosphere, audience interaction and elaborate stage productions, making every cancellation a significant disappointment for thousands of fans.
Looking Ahead to Friday’s Performance
At present, organisers remain optimistic that Harry Styles will be able to perform at the scheduled Friday concert, provided his recovery continues as expected.
Fans are encouraged to monitor official event channels for any updates regarding ticketing, health announcements or schedule changes.
For now, supporters are hoping the brief pause will allow the Grammy-winning artist to fully recover before returning to the stage.
Entertainment
Inside Venice Film Festival’s Biggest Talking Points: Hollywood, AI and the Fight for Gender Equality
The festival’s artistic director shares his perspective on the evolving film industry, from Hollywood’s changing presence to AI’s growing influence and the need for greater diversity behind the camera.
As anticipation builds for the 83rd Venice Film Festival, festival director **Alberto Barbera has offered a candid assessment of the current state of global cinema, touching on Hollywood’s reduced presence, the industry’s evolving conversation around artificial intelligence, and the disappointing decline in gender representation among filmmakers.
Speaking ahead of this year’s prestigious event, Barbera acknowledged that while the festival continues to attract internationally acclaimed filmmakers and stars, the lineup reflects a noticeable shift in Hollywood’s participation.
Hollywood Takes a Step Back
Unlike previous editions that featured a heavy concentration of major U.S. studio premieres, this year’s festival includes fewer large-scale Hollywood productions. According to Barbera, the change is driven less by a lack of interest and more by shifting release strategies, production schedules, and evolving priorities within the American film industry.
Despite the lighter studio presence, Barbera emphasized that the festival remains committed to showcasing exceptional storytelling from across the globe, regardless of where a film originates.
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The Venice Film Festival has long served as a launchpad for awards-season contenders, and organizers believe that independent productions and international cinema will continue to define this year’s edition.
Why Luca Guadagnino’s Artificial Is Missing
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the lineup has been the absence of ****Luca Guadagnino**’s upcoming film Artificial.
Barbera clarified that the project was simply not ready in time for inclusion. Rather than suggesting any controversy, he indicated that production timelines prevented the film from joining this year’s official selection.
The explanation puts to rest speculation that the decision was related to programming preferences or creative disagreements.
AI Is a Tool—Not a Replacement
Artificial intelligence continues to spark debate throughout the entertainment industry, and Barbera believes filmmakers should approach the technology thoughtfully.
He suggested that AI can become a valuable creative resource when used responsibly, but stressed that it should never replace the imagination, artistic vision, and emotional depth that human filmmakers bring to cinema.

As studios and creators increasingly experiment with AI-assisted production, festivals like Venice are expected to remain important spaces for discussions about ethics, originality, and the future of filmmaking.
Gender Representation Remains a Concern
Perhaps Barbera’s strongest comments focused on the lack of female directors represented in this year’s main competition.
Describing the situation as “desperate,” he acknowledged that the number of films directed by women has declined compared to previous years. However, he insisted that festival selections are ultimately based on the quality and readiness of submitted films rather than attempts to meet numerical targets.
His remarks have reignited broader industry discussions about whether more structural changes are needed to ensure women filmmakers receive equal opportunities at the highest levels of international cinema.
Looking Ahead to the 83rd Edition
Even with fewer Hollywood blockbusters, the Venice Film Festival remains one of the world’s most influential celebrations of cinema. The event is expected to welcome award-winning directors, rising talents, and global stars while continuing its tradition of introducing films that later dominate the international awards circuit.
As the festival prepares to open its doors, Barbera’s comments underline the challenges—and opportunities—facing modern filmmaking. From AI innovation to diversity and Hollywood’s changing priorities, this year’s Venice gathering promises to be about much more than red carpets and premieres.
Entertainment
Venice Film Festival to Close With Giovanni Veronesi’s Historical Drama ‘Dio Ride’
The acclaimed Italian director’s latest historical feature has been selected as the official closing film for this year’s Venice Film Festival.
The Venice International Film Festival has officially chosen Giovanni Veronesi’s upcoming historical drama Dio Ride as its closing film, giving the Italian filmmaker the honour of concluding one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals.
The announcement adds another highly anticipated title to this year’s festival lineup, which continues to attract acclaimed directors, award-winning actors, and global cinema enthusiasts.
Inspired by events believed to have taken place during the mid-1600s, Dio Ride tells the story of Fra Leopoldo, a religious figure who chooses to communicate the teachings of the Gospel in a way ordinary people can understand. While the Church continues to preach in Latin, Fra Leopoldo embraces a more accessible and joyful approach, connecting with communities through warmth, simplicity, and compassion.
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According to the film’s official synopsis, the story explores faith, communication, and humanity during a period when religious traditions shaped nearly every aspect of daily life. Rather than focusing solely on historical events, the film examines the emotional and personal struggles of individuals living within that era.
Giovanni Veronesi is widely recognised as one of Italy’s respected filmmakers, known for blending emotional storytelling with strong character development. His latest project is expected to continue that tradition while offering audiences a visually rich journey into 17th-century Europe.

The Venice Film Festival has long served as one of the most influential launchpads for international cinema. Over the years, many films that premiered at Venice have gone on to receive critical acclaim and major awards during the global awards season.
Being selected as the festival’s closing film is considered a significant honour, highlighting the organisers’ confidence in the movie’s artistic and emotional impact. The closing night traditionally celebrates not only the festival’s achievements but also the enduring power of cinema to tell meaningful stories.
Historical dramas have enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years, with audiences increasingly drawn to films that combine authentic period settings with compelling human narratives. Dio Ride appears to follow that path by placing personal faith, hope, and resilience at the centre of its story.
As anticipation builds, film lovers will be watching closely to see how Veronesi’s latest work is received by critics and festival audiences. A successful premiere at Venice could position Dio Ride as one of the standout international films of the year.
With its blend of historical inspiration, spiritual themes, and acclaimed creative leadership, Dio Ride is set to bring this year’s Venice Film Festival to a memorable conclusion.
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