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Gold Derby highlights the most significant entertainment news for December 20, 2024.
UPDATE:
SZA unveils Lana album after significant delay
Fans have finally received the much-anticipated album from SZA, featuring collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lil Yachty, and Benny Blanco. This release serves as a deluxe edition of her previous album, SOS, which won SZA three Grammys in 2022, including Best Progressive R&B Album and Best R&B Song for “Snooze.” While many speculated that Lana would drop in February, following the release of the single “Saturn,” the album has now made its debut. The question on everyone’s mind is whether it lives up to the expectations built during the wait.
Farewell to The Talk after 15 successful years
The final episode of CBS’s The Talk featured an emotional farewell from hosts Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, and Sheryl Underwood. During the broadcast, Morales expressed gratitude to the viewers for sharing laughter and tears during their morning segments. The show aired a montage of memorable moments that showcased its legacy, highlighting its multiple Daytime Emmy wins, including Best Talk Show Entertainment in 2016 and 2018.
Oscar disqualification for Better Man‘s ‘Forbidden Road’
In a significant development for this awards season, the Academy announced the disqualification of “Forbidden Road,” an original song from the film Better Man. Co-written by Robbie Williams, Sacha Skarbek, and Freddy Wexler, the song was deemed ineligible as it contained elements from an existing track not originally composed for the film, according to the Academy’s statement, as reported by IndieWire. The song was previously included on this year’s Oscars shortlist, leaving 14 contenders vying for the five available Best Song nominations.
ORIGINAL STORY: Published 12/20/24 at 9:15 a.m. PT
Weekend Box Office: Mufasa faces off against Sonic 3
This weekend brings three major releases aiming to challenge the performance of Moana 2 and Wicked at the box office. New entries include Homestead from Angel Studios, Mufasa: The Lion King by Walt Disney, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from Paramount Pictures, all set to premiere on Friday. Early estimates suggest Sonic 3 might earn between $50 million and $60 million in the domestic market, while Mufasa is projected to achieve impressive global earnings, potentially reaching $180 million.
SEE 2025 Oscars calendar update for upcoming highlights
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards recipients announced
This year’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards will honor a diverse group of musicians, including Frankie Beverly, The Clash, Dr. Bobby Jones, Taj Mahal, Prince, Roxanne Shante, and Frankie Valli. Additionally, Erroll Garner, Glyn Johns, and Tania León will receive Trustees Awards, while Dr. Leo Beranek will earn the Technical Grammy Award. The awards will be presented during a Special Merit Awards ceremony at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre on February 1, the day before the competitive Grammy winners are announced. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. remarked on the honor of recognizing such influential figures who have shaped the music industry.
Juror #2 now available for streaming on Max
Clint Eastwood’s most recent film, Juror #2, is making waves as it begins streaming on Max. This thriller stars Nicholas Hoult as a juror involved in a high-profile murder trial, with Toni Collette portraying the Assistant District Attorney. Despite a limited theatrical release on November 1 that drew mixed reactions—notably the lack of box office reporting—the film was designed primarily as a streaming release. It has garnered positive reviews, holding a remarkable 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Eastwood’s talent for compelling storytelling. The National Board of Review recognized it among the top 10 films of the year, and Collette received an AACTA International Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Costume Designers Guild to honor Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña, known for her performance in Emilia Pérez, will receive the spotlight award during the 27th Costume Designers Guild Awards. This recognition acknowledges an actor who exemplifies dedication to exceptional artistry, particularly in costume design. Saldaña is currently a contender for an Oscar due to her role as Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer assisting a drug lord in a transition storyline within the musical dramedy. The awards ceremony is set for February 6, 2025, at The Ebell of Los Angeles.
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