Local authorities have announced that the funeral of famed French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot will take place on January 7, 2024, in the picturesque resort town of Saint-Tropez. Bardot, who passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday in southern France, was instrumental in bringing global attention to the coastal town.
The ceremony will be held at the Saint-Tropez town hall and will be broadcast on large screens at both the port and the central square, allowing fans and admirers to pay their respects. Following the public homage, Bardot will be buried in a private ceremony at the local cemetery, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Known for her captivating performances and strong advocacy for animal rights, Bardot retired from acting in 1973 and had resided in Saint-Tropez for over fifty years.
In related news, Hollywood couple George and Amal Clooney, alongside their twins Ella and Alexander, have been granted French citizenship. The announcement was made by the French government in the Journal Officiel last weekend. Amal Clooney, a respected human rights lawyer, acquired her citizenship under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin. The couple purchased an estate in France in 2021, and George Clooney has described their farm as their primary residence, expressing a desire for a quieter life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Meanwhile, actor Chevy Chase has become the focus of a new documentary titled “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not.” Directed by Marina Zenovich, the film will air on CNN on New Year’s Day. It delves into Chase’s complex personality and career, featuring insights from fellow actors such as Dan Aykroyd and Beverly D’Angelo. Chase describes the documentary as both painful and beautiful, reflecting the humor he developed as a coping mechanism for his troubled past.
In legal news, actor Tyler Perry is facing allegations from actor Mario Rodriguez, who claims Perry assaulted him between 2014 and 2019. Recent text messages obtained by The Associated Press show that the two maintained contact long after the alleged incidents, with Rodriguez reaching out to Perry for assistance. Perry’s attorney has dismissed the lawsuit as a “$77 million money grab scam,” while Perry himself has denied the allegations.
The entertainment industry is also seeing new releases as Daisy Ridley stars in the zombie thriller, “We Bury the Dead.” The film, which explores themes of grief in a post-apocalyptic setting, will be released in theaters on Friday. Critics note that while it is a zombie film, it grapples with deeper emotional issues, leaving some aspects of the narrative somewhat unresolved.
As 2025 comes to a close, the film industry is wrapping up the year with strong box office performances. The much-anticipated “Avatar: Fire and Ash” has dominated ticket sales, grossing an estimated $88 million over the Christmas weekend. Additionally, indie film “Marty Supreme” has seen remarkable success, earning $27.1 million during the same period. This marks a significant rebound for Hollywood, achieving its best Christmas Day box office since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, notable figures such as Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo have been recognized in King Charles III’s New Year’s honors list. Elba received a knighthood for his contributions to youth advocacy through the Elba Hope Foundation, which addresses critical issues including knife crime and poverty. The annual honors list celebrates individuals for their contributions to public life in the United Kingdom.
With various events and developments across the entertainment landscape, 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for both film and cultural recognition.
