LONDON (Reuters) – The Hollywood Strikes entertainment world grabbed headlines throughout the year, witnessing events ranging from Hollywood strikes to iconic musical releases. Here are some of the most significant showbiz stories of 2023:
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Hollywood studios faced their first dual work stoppage in 63 years as writers and actors initiated a strike over increased compensation in the streaming TV era and sought safeguards against the use of artificial intelligence. This led to a pause in numerous productions across the United States and abroad. Eventually, unions for both groups reached agreements with major studios.
Hollywood Strikes
The last song by The Beatles, incorporating the voice of the late John Lennon and created using artificial intelligence, was unveiled.
The Rolling Stones marked their return with “Hackney Diamonds,” their first album of original material since 2005 and the first recording without drummer Charlie Watts, who passed away in 2021.
Madonna faced a setback in her career-spanning tour as she had to postpone the start due to hospitalization in intensive care for a severe bacterial infection.
Britney Spears shared revelations in her memoir, disclosing that she had undergone an abortion during her relationship with fellow pop star Justin Timberlake.
High-profile trials saw celebrities like Kevin Spacey, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ed Sheeran taking the stand.
New Mexico prosecutors announced their intent to recharge actor Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.
Music sensations Taylor Swift and Beyonce embarked on highly successful concert tours, with accompanying films released in cinemas. “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” raked in over $126 million globally in its opening weekend, providing a boost to cinemas recovering from the impact of the Hollywood strike.
Taylor Swift’s personal life made headlines as she started dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, resulting in a surge in jersey sales and television ratings amid speculation about her attendance at the player’s games.
Oscar winners Robert De Niro and Al Pacino became fathers again at the ages of 79 and 83, respectively.
The year witnessed the passing of several entertainment icons, including Tina Turner, Lisa Marie Presley, Harry Belafonte, Matthew Perry, Tom Sizemore, Julian Sands, Jeff Beck, Jane Birkin, Tony Bennett, Sinead O’Connor, and Michael Gambon.
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