Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga to perform at FireAid benefit concert for L.A. wildfire victims, Conan O’Brien to receive Mark Twain prize, and more of today’s top stories
Gold Derby’s top news stories for Jan. 16, 2025
Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga among stars to perform at FireAid benefit concert for L.A. wildfire victims
Some of music’s biggest stars are joining forces to support victims of the recent L.A. wildfires. Oscar winners Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga are just two of the headliners set to perform at the FireAid benefit concert on Jan. 30, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Other performers taking the stage at the Intuit Dome include Jelly Roll, Lil Baby, Tate McRae, Gwen Stefani, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and U2.
Proceeds from the concert will go toward a 501(c)(3) created for the event that will focus on rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families and advancing fire prevention technologies and strategies to ensure L.A. is better prepared for fire emergencies. Legendary rock band The Eagles have donated $2.5 million to the cause, but it has not yet been confirmed if they will perform.
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Conan O’Brien to receive Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Conan O’Brien has been named the 26th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The comedian and former late-night host will be honored at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy on Mar. 23. The program will premiere exclusively on Netflix later this year.
Photo courtesy of TBS
“For four decades, Conan O’Brien, has brought his unique blend of the smart, silly, insightful, and hilarious into our homes,” said Deborah F. Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center. “From Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — including the unbelievably funny monorail episode — to late night, podcasts, and all things Team Coco, Conan is a master of invention and reinvention, consistently pushing the envelope in search of new comedic heights. I look forward to honoring his immense legacy and enduring impact with an uproarious evening in the concert hall on March 23.”
Added O’Brien, “I am honored to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize recognized not for humor, but for my work as a riverboat pilot.”
O’Brien was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, and started his path in comedy when he served twice as the president of The Harvard Lampoon. He became a writer and producer on several television shows, including Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons, until 1993, when NBC tapped him as host of Late Night. Since then, he’s won five Emmy Awards, seven Writers Guild Awards, and the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Television Host. O’Brien has hosted two Emmy Awards and performed at the White House Correspondents Dinner for two presidents. In 2021, O’Brien concluded his 11-year run with “CONAN” on TBS, solidifying his 28-year career as a late-night host and one of the longest tenures in late-night history. The comedian, currently in production on the second season of his Emmy-winning travel series, Conan O’Brien Must Go, is set to host the 2025 Oscars on March 2.
Previous recipients of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor include Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Steve Martin, Billy Crystal, Carol Burnett, Eddie Murphy, David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Kevin Hart.
‘You’ Season 5 teaser: Penn Badgley is back where he was ‘always meant to be’
Today, Netflix confirmed Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) will officially be returning to screens on Apr. 24 for his killer finale. See the new teaser for Season 5 of You below.
“Do you remember me? Because I remember you,” Joe Goldberg says in a sinister tone. “Here we are together again, back to where it began. A lot has happened these many years together: Identities, cities, loves, complications. But, all that led me here to now – to where I was always meant to be. And the one constant, the one thing that has always been there for me, is you. You, who have been there the whole time, and will be there with me to the end.”
According to Netflix’s official logline: In the epic fifth and final season, Joe Goldberg returns to New York to enjoy his happily ever after… until his perfect life is threatened by the ghosts of his past and his own dark desires.
You stars Penn Badgley, Charlotte Richie, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, and Griffin Matthews.
Prime Video releases trailer for ‘Clean Slate’ starring Laverne Cox and George Wallace
Today, Prime Video revealed the trailer for the new comedy series Clean Slate, from legendary producer Norman Lear and starring Laverne Cox and George Wallace. All eight episodes of Clean Slate will debut on Feb. 6 on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide. Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television produce Clean Slate.
The heartfelt comedy follows Harry (Wallace), an old-school car wash owner in Alabama who has a lot of soul-searching to do when the child he once called “son” returns after 17 years as a proud trans woman named Desiree (Cox). Her homecoming brings together a hilarious cast of friends, coworkers, and love interests as Desiree and Harry try to get it right the second time. The series explores universal themes of unconditional love through Norman Lear’s signature boundary-pushing brand of comedy.
Advanced Imaging Society cancels 15th Annual Lumiere Awards luncheon
The deadly Los Angeles wildfires have continued to impact the 2025 awards season. The latest cancellation is the 2025 Lumiere Awards, which were set to honor the best in French-speaking cinema on Feb. 7.
In press release today, AIS President Jim Chabin said, “Our thoughts are with all those in our community who have been affected by these devastating fires. In the past few days, we’ve been heartbroken to learn of friends and colleagues who have lost homes and cherished memories. At the same time, we’ve been deeply moved by stories of members offering shelter, resources, and support to those in need. This spirit of solidarity and generosity reflects the very heart of our industry.”
The nominations were announced on Dec. 12, 2024. Emilia Pérez led the nominations with six, followed by Misericordia and Souleymane’s Story with five. Winners of the 15th Annual Lumiere Awards will be announced in a press release on Feb. 7.
American Cinematheque re-opens L.A. theaters amid wildfires
American Cinematheque announced today that they have reopened the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 theaters in Los Angeles amid the deadly wildfires.
In an email to their constituents they stated, “For the remainder of 2025, the American Cinematheque will donate $0.50 per each online ticket purchased for screenings at the Aero, Egyptian and Los Feliz 3 Theatres to The Motion Picture Television Fund and The California Fire Foundation.”
The Motion Picture & Television Fund supports members of the entertainment community, both active and retired, by offering essential services such as financial assistance, counseling and guidance in navigating insurance needs for those impacted by the Southern California fires. The California Fire Foundation provides assistance to firefighters and the communities they protect.
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