Switzerland’s Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest after event roiled by protests over Gaza war

Switzerland’s Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest after event roiled by protests over Gaza war
Nemo representing Switzerland holds the Eurovision sculpture after winning during the Grand Final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmo, Sweden, May 11, 2024. (Reuters)
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Updated 12 May 2024
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Switzerland’s Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest after event roiled by protests over Gaza war

Switzerland’s Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest after event roiled by protests over Gaza war
  • Nemo, 24, is the first nonbinary winner of the contest that has long been embraced as a safe haven by the LGBT community

MALMO, Sweden: Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest early Sunday with “The Code,” an operatic pop-rap ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing a nongender identity.
Switzerland’s contestant beat Croatian rocker Baby Lasagna to the title by winning the most points from a combination of national juries and viewers around the world. Nemo, 24, is the first nonbinary winner of the contest that has long been embraced as a safe haven by the LGBT community. Nemo is also the first Swiss winner since 1988, when Canadian chanteuse Celine Dion competed under the Swiss flag.
“Thank you so much,” Nemo said after the result from Saturday’s final was announced soon after midnight. “I hope this contest can live up to its promise and continue to stand for peace and dignity for every person.”
At a post-victory news conference, Nemo expressed pride in accepting the trophy for “people that are daring to be themselves and people that need to be heard and need to be understood. We need more compassion, we need more empathy.”
Nemo’s victory in the Swedish city of Malmo followed a turbulent year for the pan-continental pop contest that saw large street protests against the participation of Israel that tipped the feelgood musical celebration into a chaotic pressure cooker overshadowed by the war in Gaza.
Hours before the final, Dutch competitor Joost Klein was expelled from the contest over a backstage altercation that was being investigated by police.
Nemo — full name Nemo Mettler — bested finalists from 24 other countries, who all performed in front of a live audience of thousands and an estimated 180 million viewers around the world. Each contestant had three minutes to meld catchy tunes and eye-popping spectacle into performances capable of winning the hearts of viewers. Musical styles ranged across rock, disco, techno and rap — sometimes a mashup of more than one.
Israeli singer Eden Golan, who spent Eurovision week in Malmo under tight security, took the stage to a wall of sound — boos mixed with cheers — to perform the power ballad “Hurricane.” Golan shot up the odds table through the week, despite the protests that her appearance drew, and ended in fifth place behind Nemo, Baby Lasagna, Ukrainian duo alyona alyona & Jerry Heil, and French singer Slimane.
Eurovision organizers ordered a change to the original title of her song, “October Rain” — an apparent reference to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and triggered the war in Gaza.
The show was typically eclectic Eurovision fare, ranging from the pop-zombie folk hybrid of Estonia’s 5Miinust x Puuluup to the folk-inflected power pop of Greece’s Marina Satti and Armenia’s Ladaniva and the goofy 1990s nostalgia of Finland’s Windows95man, who emerged from a giant onstage egg wearing very little clothing.
Britain’s Olly Alexander offered upbeat dance track “Dizzy,” while Ireland’s gothic Bambie Thug summoned a demon onstage and brought a scream coach to Malmo, and Spain’s Nebulossa boldly reclaimed a term used as a slur on women in “Zorra.”
Nemo had been a favorite going into the contest, alongside Baby Lasagna, whose song “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” is a rollicking rock number that tackles the issue of young Croatians leaving the country in search of a better life.
The contest returned to Sweden, home of last year’s winner, Loreen, half a century after ABBA won Eurovision with “Waterloo” — Eurovision’s most iconic moment. ABBA did not appear in person in Malmo, though their digital “ABBA-tars” from the “ABBA Voyage” stage show did.
A trio of former Eurovision winners — Charlotte Perrelli, Carola and Conchita Wurst — performed “Waterloo” in tribute.
Though Eurovision’s motto is “united by music,” this year’s event has proven divisive. Protests and dissent overshadowed a competition that has become a campy celebration of Europe’s varied — and sometimes baffling — musical tastes and a forum for inclusiveness and diversity.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched for the second time in a week on Saturday through Sweden’s third-largest city, which has a large Muslim population, to demand a boycott of Israel and a ceasefire in the seven-month Gaza war that has killed almost 35,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
Several hundred gathered outside the Malmo Arena before the final, with some shouting “shame” at arriving music fans, and facing off with police blocking their path. Climate activist Greta Thunberg was among those escorted away by police.
Klein, the Dutch performer, was ejected from the competition after a female member of the production crew made a complaint, competition organizer the European Broadcasting Union said. The 26-year-old Dutch singer and rapper had been a favorite of both bookmakers and fans with his song “Europapa.”
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, one of dozens of public broadcasters that collectively fund and broadcast the contest, said that as Klein came offstage after Thursday’s semifinal, he was filmed without his consent and in turn made a “threatening movement” toward the camera.
The broadcaster said Klein didn’t touch the camera or the camera operator, and called his expulsion “disproportionate.”
Tensions and nerves were palpable in the hours before the final. Several artists were absent from the Olympics-style artists’ entrance at the start of the final dress rehearsal, though all appeared at the final.
Several competitors made reference to peace or love at the end of their performances, including France’s Slimane, who said: “United by music for love and peace.”
Nemo said the Eurovision experience had been “really intense and not just pleasant all the way.”
“There were a lot of things that didn’t seem like it was all about love and unity, and that made me really sad,” Nemo said. “I really hope that Eurovision continues and can continue to stand for peace and love in the future. I think that needs a lot of work still.”


Disney plans pared-down premiere for ‘Snow White’ amid controversies surrounding Gal Gadot, Rachel Zegler

Disney plans pared-down premiere for ‘Snow White’ amid controversies surrounding Gal Gadot, Rachel Zegler
Updated 12 March 2025
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Disney plans pared-down premiere for ‘Snow White’ amid controversies surrounding Gal Gadot, Rachel Zegler

Disney plans pared-down premiere for ‘Snow White’ amid controversies surrounding Gal Gadot, Rachel Zegler

DUBAI: In what may be a death knell for the film, Disney has decided to not allow media outlets onto the red carpet for the premiere of its live-action adaptation of “Snow White,” instead inviting just photographers and house interviewers, according to Variety.

The premiere is set to take place on March 15 at the El Capitan Theater, with both Rachel Zegler (Snow White) and Gal Gadot (the Evil Queen) expected to attend. Controversy has plagued the film ever since it was first announced. Many activists called for a boycott of the film due to Gadot’s pro-Israeli stance over Israel’s war in Gaza.

Gadot, who is Israeli and a former member of the Israel Defense Forces, has been an outspoken supporter of Israel on social media as well as in a passionate speech she delivered on March 4 when she was honored at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual summit in New York City. “Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States, and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying and cheering on a massacre of Jews,” she said.

Zegler has repeatedly given interviews and used social media posts to advocate for a “Free Palestine,” indicating a rift between the two lead stars.

Meanwhile, some Disney fans questioned casting Zegler as Snow White as she is a Latina actor. The “West Side Story” star also faced backlash when she called the 1937 original “dated” because the prince “literally stalks Snow White.”

In an interview with Variety at D23 two years ago, Zegler said, “She’s not going to be saved by the prince. She’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.”
 


Saudi Film Festival returns for 11th edition next month

Saudi Film Festival returns for 11th edition next month
Updated 10 March 2025
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Saudi Film Festival returns for 11th edition next month

Saudi Film Festival returns for 11th edition next month

DHAHRAN: The highly anticipated Saudi Film Festival is set to return for its 11th edition from Apr. 17 to 23, with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) unveiling key details at a recent press conference.

Festival Director Ahmed Al-Mulla emphasized the festival’s significance as a platform for filmmakers. “The festival presents a diverse selection of films and programs that highlight successful production experiences in the film industry, allowing professionals and enthusiasts to engage and learn from these journeys,” he stated.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by (@saudifilmfestival)

This year’s theme, “Cinema of Identity,” will explore how films shape and reflect individual, national, and cultural identities.

Organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with Ithra and supported by the Film Commission, the festival will feature 68 films from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf — including Iraq and Yemen — and beyond.

A major highlight this year is the honorary tribute to Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, a veteran Saudi actor with over three decades of experience in theater, television, and cinema. His notable works include the TV series “Tash Ma Tash” and “Bayni Wa Baynak,” as well as films such as Ithra’s “Hajjan,” “Zero Distance,” and the recent “Hobal.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ithra | (@ithra)

This year’s lineup includes seven Saudi and Gulf feature films, 22 short fiction films, and seven documentaries, alongside 12 parallel screenings of Saudi productions. The festival will also host four panel discussions, four advanced masterclasses and three book-signing sessions for the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia.

Once again, the red carpet will be rolled out, giving filmmakers, actors and industry professionals the chance to be there in-person to celebrate the achievements of the region’s growing film industry.

The festival will also include award ceremonies, where films across various categories will be recognized after a deliberation by jurors. All selected entries will be showcased at these cinemas, where festivalgoers can attend screenings and experience the films firsthand. The awards will be given out as the festival’s finale.

For the first time, the festival will utilize the cinema space at the neighboring Energy Exhibit to screen additional films, expanding beyond Ithra’s two existing cinema halls.

The plaza and library at Ithra will host ‘Meet the Expert’ one-on-one sessions and private screenings, offering filmmakers ample opportunities for personalized mentorship and feedback.

A key component of the festival is its production market, which will showcase 22 booths from various production entities, providing filmmakers with a platform to develop and present their work. And to network.

A curated selection of 12 short films from the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival will be featured.

Additionally, Japanese cinema will be in focus, marking 70 years of Saudi-Japan relations, with eight Japanese films, expert discussions, and the return of the Short Shorts Film Festival from Japan as a major collaborator this year.

The festival is also introducing different passes this time around, allowing attendees to tailor their experience. These can be purchased online through the Ithra website.

For those unable to attend in person, parts of the film festival will be streamed online.


Review: Charlie Cox’s Daredevil makes brutal and gripping return to form in Disney+ reboot

Review: Charlie Cox’s Daredevil makes brutal and gripping return to form in Disney+ reboot
Updated 05 March 2025
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Review: Charlie Cox’s Daredevil makes brutal and gripping return to form in Disney+ reboot

Review: Charlie Cox’s Daredevil makes brutal and gripping return to form in Disney+ reboot
  • First 2 episodes of series make a strong first impression
  • Retains signature moody, atmospheric, violent aesthetic

DUBAI: After years of anticipation, reshoots and creative switcheroos, “Daredevil: Born Again” has finally arrived, and its first two episodes waste no time reintroducing audiences to the brutal, morally complex world of Hell’s Kitchen.

Anchored by Charlie Cox’s measured performance as Matt Murdock (aka Daredevil) and Vincent D’Onofrio’s chilling return as Wilson Fisk, the series makes a strong first impression.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Matt Murdock (@daredevil)

Marvel’s grittiest hero is back in top form, thanks largely to “Punisher’s” Dario Scardapane, who took over as showrunner mid-production.

The opening episodes set a relentless and heart-wrenching tone, beginning with a violent confrontation between Daredevil and Bullseye (Wilson Bethel) at Josie’s Bar that quickly escalates into a rooftop clash.

The fight sequences, a hallmark of the original “Daredevil” series from Netflix, remain meticulously crafted — visceral, bloody and free of unnecessary embellishment.

Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock and Nikki M. James as Kirsten McDuffie. (Supplied)

A year later, Murdock, still struggling with the burdens of his dual identity, now operates a new law firm alongside Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James).

He appears to be forging a new romantic connection with psychiatrist Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva). Yet, despite his efforts to build a more stable life, shadows from his past loom large.

Wilson Fisk, long absent from the scene, reemerges from the shadows with a new and menacing agenda, turning his ambitions toward the political arena.

His aspirations to become mayor of New York City suggest a fresh and dangerous evolution of his character — one that D’Onofrio plays with a practiced and quiet menace that is as captivating as ever.

Cox remains a commanding presence, portraying Murdock with an understated intensity that exudes rage, resilience and exhaustion, all at once.

Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onfrio in ‘Daredevil: Born Again.’ (Supplied)

His reunion with Fisk — in a masterfully-crafted, tense diner scene — serves as a stark reminder that their ideological battle is far from over.

Visually, the series retains its signature aesthetic — moody, atmospheric, and unflinching in its depiction of violence. The action is raw, the dialogue sharp, and the stakes higher than ever.

All in all “Daredevil: Born Again” does not try to reinvent itself but instead refines what made its predecessor so compelling.


Honey, candles and California: Meghan Markle’s new show goes live

Honey, candles and California: Meghan Markle’s new show goes live
Updated 05 March 2025
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Honey, candles and California: Meghan Markle’s new show goes live

Honey, candles and California: Meghan Markle’s new show goes live
  • Harry — whom Markle wed in a fairytale ceremony in 2018, and with whom she fled to California two years later — only makes a fleeting appearance at the end of the eight episodes

LOS ANGELES, United States: Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle show went live on Netflix Tuesday, showcasing the former British royal as a thriving domestic maven.
The Duchess of Sussex, wife to Britain’s Prince Harry, harvests honey, makes pasta and mixes bath salts against an idyllic California backdrop.
A rustic and effortlessly chic home provides the setting for the first episode, whose conceit is that she is hosting a long-time friend.
Of course, we’re not actually at Markle’s house, but rather another luxury property near her home, where camera operators roam, offering purposely wobbly close-ups of candles, crudite and cake.
It also seems to have two kitchens. You know, like everyone’s house does.
Harry — whom Markle wed in a fairytale ceremony in 2018, and with whom she fled to California two years later — only makes a fleeting appearance at the end of the eight episodes.
But there are little hints about life as a British royal; reminders of how — in their telling — the couple were spurned by a stuffy and racist establishment.
A friend who comes to stay, makeup artist Daniel Martin, “has just been in my life from the before, during and after, shall we say,” Markle tells an off-screen producer, with a meaningful pause to let viewers piece everything together.
Episodes of “With Love, Meghan” feature appearances from chef Alice Waters, actress Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer, one of Markle’s “Suits” co-stars.
The show coincides with a rebranding of Markle’s jam-and-cookies online retailer, which was originally called “American Riviera Orchard” but is now known as “As Ever.”
The series is the latest effort by the Sussexes to make their own financial way after being cut off from the royal purse.
A reported $100 million deal with Netflix yielded the much-talked-about “Harry & Meghan,” a six-episode tell-all about their relationship and their high-profile split from the House of Windsor.
That was followed by Harry’s successful autobiography “Spare,” which re-trod much of the same angry ground, with bonus tales about taking drugs in proximity to Hollywood celebs.
But subsequent media ventures that have not rehashed the same grievances have fallen flat.
A Spotify interview podcast by Markle was not renewed after a first series critics blasted as pointless, while Netflix offerings about the sport of polo and the Invictus Games failed to make much impression.
Early reviews of “With Love, Meghan” in the British press were not kind, with The Telegraph calling the series an “exercise in narcissism.”
“Meghan invites people to her pretend house” wrote the paper’s critic, and “they tell her how amazing she is. This happens for eight episodes,” it said.
Meanwhile Britain’s The Times newspaper said the show was desperate in its “upbeatness” with Markle “presenting her extreme wealth and mind-bogglingly exclusive lifestyle as if it is available to anyone.”
 

 


‘The Crown’ actor Khalid Abdalla called in for police questioning over pro-Palestinian protest

‘The Crown’ actor Khalid Abdalla called in for police questioning over pro-Palestinian protest
Updated 04 March 2025
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‘The Crown’ actor Khalid Abdalla called in for police questioning over pro-Palestinian protest

‘The Crown’ actor Khalid Abdalla called in for police questioning over pro-Palestinian protest

DUBAI: British actor and activist Khalid Abdalla, known for his portrayal of Dodi Fayed in “The Crown,” has been asked to attend a police interview in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest he attended in London in January this year.

In an Instagram post, the 44-year-old actor revealed that he received a letter from London’s Metropolitan Police on Thursday. He stated that others, including 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, had also been “summoned” for interviews.

The matter concerns a demonstration organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which took place in Whitehall, London, on Jan. 18. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) protest was adjusted to be a static rally after police curtailed organisers’ plans for a march past the BBC, which critics said was also near a synagogue. A group of protesters marched towards London’s Trafalgar Square from Whitehall after the rally.

Abdalla, who also starred in the 2024 thriller “The Day of the Jackal,” noted that it “remains to be seen” whether he or the others will face charges.

He expressed concern over the state of protest rights in the UK, saying they are “under attack” and must be defended.

The actor also made a reference to “No Other Land,” a collaborative documentary made by Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers that won an Oscar this week, in his online statement. 

“While there is an alarming rise in attempts to censor voices that stand up for Palestine, even as it faces open calls for ethnic cleansing, it will not work. The days of silencing and intimidation are gone. The stakes are too high, and as we can see today with ‘No Other Land’ winning at the Oscars, momentum is on the side of justice, and shared humanity,” he wrote.

“I will not be making further comment on the January 18 protest for legal reasons, for now, but in every other way, I will continue to put my energies towards the better world that we so clearly need, and which requires all of us to work together to turn into a reality,” he added.

Abdalla, born in the UK to Egyptian parents, has participated in multiple pro-Palestinian demonstrations and has used social media to call on Western nations to “stop arming Israel.”

He was  also a signatory to the Artists for Palestine UK open letter to the BBC in February, criticising the corporation's decision to pull a documentary about children's lives in Gaza after it discovered its 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official.