Grande and Gaga Triumph at MTV VMAs, Honoring Music Legends
Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga delivered unforgettable performances at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 10, 2023, held at Madison Square Garden. Grande took home the coveted Video of the Year and Best Pop awards, using her acceptance speech to express gratitude to her “therapists and gay people.” Lady Gaga, the evening’s top nominee, won the Artist of the Year award and electrified the audience with her performance.
Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award, celebrating her illustrious career with a medley of her greatest hits. The late Ozzy Osbourne was honored with a tribute performance, while Busta Rhymes received the Rock the Bells Visionary Award. In a historic moment, Ricky Martin was celebrated as the first-ever Latin Icon. The event was hosted by LL Cool J, who added to the night’s vibrant atmosphere.
The Creative Arts Emmys also took place recently, celebrating excellence in television. Kendrick Lamar won for music direction of his Super Bowl halftime show, while former President Barack Obama earned an award for documentary narration, marking his third win in this category. “Saturday Night Live” dominated the event, securing 11 awards for its milestone 50th season.
As the entertainment world buzzed with award news, Prince Harry’s visit to the UK this week has sparked speculation regarding a potential meeting with his father, King Charles III. This trip coincides with the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, and British media suggest it could be an opportunity for reconciliation. Since relocating to California in 2020, Harry’s relationship with his father and brother has been strained, following revelations aired by him and his wife, Meghan. The last meeting between Harry and Charles occurred in February 2024.
In further entertainment news, audiences can look forward to a variety of new releases. Ed Sheeran is set to return with his pop album “Play,” while the acclaimed series “Only Murders in the Building” will premiere its fifth season on Hulu. Additionally, a two-part documentary titled “AKA Charlie Sheen” will chronicle the actor’s complex career. Prime Video will showcase “The Girlfriend,” a psychological thriller starring Robin Wright and Olivia Cooke, and R&B artist Ty Dolla $ign will release his first album in five years.
In box office news, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” has emerged as a significant success in the horror genre, grossing $83 million domestically across 3,802 theaters. This figure makes it the third highest domestic opening for a horror film and the largest horror opening internationally, totaling $104 million. With other hits like “Weapons” and “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” the horror genre has surpassed $1 billion in earnings at the domestic box office this year. Senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian emphasized the unique experience of viewing horror films in a shared environment.
At the Toronto International Film Festival, director Nia DaCosta premiered her adaptation of Ibsen’s “Hedda,” featuring Tessa Thompson in the lead role. The film offers a fresh perspective on the classic play, portraying the character of Hedda Gabler as queer but not overtly so. As the couple hosts a party in their mansion, the narrative unfolds over a tense evening filled with intrigue.
In celebrity news, several notable figures will celebrate birthdays during the week of September 7-13, including singer-guitarist Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and comedian Leslie Jones from “Saturday Night Live.” Other notable birthdays include rapper Wiz Khalifa, actor Gaten Matarazzo from “Stranger Things,” and director Guy Ritchie.
The 82nd Venice Film Festival has concluded, leaving behind a trail of buzz around its highlights. Jim Jarmusch’s film “Father Mother Sister Brother” surprised audiences by winning the prestigious Golden Lion. Benny Safdie received the Best Director award for “The Smashing Machine,” while top acting honors went to Chinese actor Xin Zhilei and Italian icon Toni Servillo. Dwayne Johnson’s performance in “The Smashing Machine” has ignited Oscar speculation.
In more somber news, Mark Volman, a founding member of the 1960s pop group The Turtles, has passed away at the age of 78. Volman was renowned for his vibrant stage presence and distinctive vocals, contributing to hits like “Happy Together.” Following the disbandment of The Turtles, he reinvented himself as part of the duo Flo & Eddie, known for their humor and musical versatility. In 2023, Volman published his memoir, “Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures,” chronicling his experiences in the music industry. He died on September 8, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, after a brief illness.
