Local authorities in France have announced that the funeral of iconic actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot will be held on January 7, 2024, in the French Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez. Bardot, who passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday in southern France, played a significant role in popularizing the coastal town.
The town hall of Saint-Tropez confirmed that the ceremony will be accessible to the public through broadcasts on large screens located at the port and the central square, allowing fans and admirers to pay their respects. Following the public homage, her burial will take place in a private ceremony at the local cemetery, which offers views of the Mediterranean Sea. Bardot, who retired from acting in 1973, spent over fifty years living in Saint-Tropez.
In another notable development, George Clooney, his wife Amal Clooney, and their twins, Ella and Alexander, have recently been granted French citizenship. The French government announced the naturalizations in the Journal Officiel last weekend. Amal Clooney received her citizenship under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin. The family purchased an estate in France in 2021, and in a recent interview, George Clooney expressed a preference for raising their children in a quieter environment away from Hollywood’s culture.
In entertainment news, a new documentary titled “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” is set to air on CNN on New Year’s Day. Directed by Marina Zenovich, the film delves into the life and career of Chevy Chase, exploring his journey from a troubled childhood to his rise to fame on “Saturday Night Live” and his later work on “Community.” The documentary features insights from fellow actors such as Dan Aykroyd and Beverly D’Angelo. Chase has expressed his approval of the film, describing it as both painful and lovely.
In a legal matter, text messages obtained by the Associated Press reveal that actor Mario Rodriguez remained in contact with Tyler Perry years after alleging that Perry assaulted him. Rodriguez filed a lawsuit last week claiming that the incidents occurred between 2014 and 2019. The messages show Rodriguez reaching out to Perry as recently as Thanksgiving 2024 and August 2025, expressing gratitude and discussing financial challenges. Perry’s attorney has characterized the lawsuit as a “$77 million money grab scam,” while Perry has denied the allegations.
On a different note, the film “The Plague,” directed by Charlie Polinger, is set to explore the darker sides of adolescent life within a water polo camp. The film, which will be released in theaters on Friday, captures the complexities of youth dynamics against the backdrop of a competitive sports environment, highlighting themes of cruelty and camaraderie.
Another film release to watch for is “We Bury the Dead,” featuring Daisy Ridley as a woman searching for her husband in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a catastrophic event. The film examines themes of grief and resilience against a backdrop of a zombie thriller. “We Bury the Dead” is also scheduled for release on Friday.
In global news, authorities in China’s Xinjiang region have begun threatening residents with detention for downloading or sharing Uyghur-language songs deemed sensitive. A recording from a public meeting indicates that these songs, which range from traditional folk to rap, are considered a threat to social stability. This renewed crackdown reflects ongoing repressive policies in the region that have led to the extrajudicial detention of over one million Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in recent years.
Lastly, the New Year’s honors list from King Charles III has recognized various individuals, including actors Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo, for their contributions to public life in the UK. Elba, who founded the Elba Hope Foundation, was knighted for his services to young people, particularly in addressing issues like education and poverty.
As Hollywood wraps up a challenging year, ticket sales for films such as “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Marty Supreme” are ending on a high note. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” grossed an estimated $88 million over the holiday weekend, while “Marty Supreme” earned $27.1 million, marking a successful end to a tumultuous year for the industry.
