The nominations for the 2025 Brit Awards have been announced, with Charli XCX at the forefront with five nominations, including Album of the Year for *Brat*, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year for *Guess* featuring Billie Eilish. Other notable nominees include Dua Lipa, The Last Dinner Party, Ezra Collective, and Myles Smith, each with four nominations. The Beatles make a historic return with a nomination for Song of the Year with *Now and Then*, their first since 1977. International artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish are also among the top contenders. The awards ceremony is set for 1 March at London’s O2 Arena, hosted by Jack Whitehall and broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX.
Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have unexpectedly launched *Ninja Gaiden 2 Black*, a remastered version of the 2008 Xbox 360 game *Ninja Gaiden 2*. Released on 23rd January 2025, this definitive edition is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC platforms including Steam, Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass. Built with Unreal Engine 5, the game enhances the original's brutal combat and gore with updated visuals and redesigned elements. It introduces new playable characters and a beginner-friendly mode, alongside adjustments to the weapon upgrade system. This release coincides with the announcement of *Ninja Gaiden 4*, marking a significant revival of the franchise.
Bruce Willis, the celebrated Hollywood actor known for his iconic roles, has been seen in a rare public appearance thanking Los Angeles first responders during the devastating wildfires. Diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023, Bruce's condition has led to his retirement from acting. His wife, Emma Heming Willis, shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, showcasing Bruce's appreciation for the emergency services. The Willis family, including his ex-wife Demi Moore and their daughters, continues to support Bruce through his health challenges, emphasizing the importance of family and unconditional love during difficult times.
Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have surprise-released *Ninja Gaiden 2 Black*, a definitive remaster of the 2008 action game *Ninja Gaiden 2*. This remaster, built using Unreal Engine 5, features enhanced visuals, redesigned stages, characters, effects, and lighting, aiming to immerse players deeper into the game’s dark ninja world. It includes additional content from spin-off titles, such as the ability to play as three extra characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. The remaster also introduces a 'HERO PLAY STYLE' mode for beginners, offering automatic support during challenging moments to make the notoriously difficult game more accessible. Gore elements have been remastered to heighten the action experience, though players can toggle these features on or off in the options menu. The release of *Ninja Gaiden 2 Black* comes alongside the announcement of *Ninja Gaiden 4*, the next mainline entry in the series, which is set to launch later in 2025.
The 2025 Oscar nominations have spotlighted 'Emilia Pérez', a French-Spanish musical film with 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, potentially the first openly trans actor to win an Oscar. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film explores the story of a Mexican drug cartel leader's gender transition, starring Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez. Despite its critical acclaim, the film faces backlash for its portrayal of trans identity and the use of AI in enhancing Gascón’s singing voice, sparking debates on representation and ethics in filmmaking.
Former television presenter Melanie Sykes has discussed her reasons for leaving the TV industry, pointing to her negative experiences on the BBC's 'Celebrity MasterChef' as a major factor. In her memoir 'Illuminated', she criticised judge Gregg Wallace for his unprofessional conduct, which she described as 'jaw-dropping.' Sykes alleged that Wallace's behaviour created a hostile environment on set, and expressed her disappointment after being advised by him that participating in the show would benefit her career. She has since chosen to exit the television industry. In light of these accusations, alongside broader allegations against Wallace from others spanning 17 years, an external review is being undertaken by Banijay UK. Despite calls to suspend 'MasterChef,' the BBC continues to air the show, although Wallace has stepped back from his hosting duties. Sykes and other former contestants are now calling for systemic changes to improve work culture in the television sector.
The article explores Danny Jones' reflections on his long-standing relationship with his wife Georgia Jones during his participation in 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!'. Highlighting the couple's journey from an awkward first meeting to a steadfast marriage, the piece delves into their perseverance in the face of public life pressures and current challenges, including Georgia's solo parenting efforts while Danny is away. The story underscores the power of communication and shared humour in sustaining their bond.
Bob Bryar, former drummer of My Chemical Romance, has been found dead in his Tennessee home at the age of 44. Bryar, who played with the band from 2004 to 2010, was discovered in a badly decomposed state, with no foul play suspected. Authorities report that all of his possessions, including musical equipment and weapons, were intact. Bryar contributed to pivotal albums such as The Black Parade and Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys before leaving the music industry. He later pursued a career in real estate and became an advocate for animal rescue. Bryar had spoken publicly about his mental health struggles and was not anticipated to reunite with My Chemical Romance for their upcoming 2025 tour.
Morgan Freeman, the renowned actor celebrated for roles in films like *The Shawshank Redemption*, was recently seen in a rare public outing in Santa Monica. At 87, he dined at Giorgio Baldi, sparking interest due to his health conditions, including nerve damage from a past car accident and fibromyalgia. Using a compression glove for symptom management, Freeman remains active in Hollywood, appearing at events like the 2024 Monterey Jazz Festival and continuing with acting projects, such as *Now You See Me 3*. Freeman's recent outing highlights his enduring influence and dedication to acting amidst personal health battles.
Legendary rock star Rod Stewart is set to perform in the famed 'legends slot' at Glastonbury Festival 2025, marking his first return to the event in over two decades. At 79, Stewart is thrilled to entertain audiences with his classic hits. Known for songs like 'Maggie May' and 'Sailing,' his appearance is highly anticipated. The festival, taking place from 25 to 29 June at Worthy Farm, heralds a historic moment with Stewart being the first artist to both headline and appear in the legends slot. This edition of Glastonbury is especially notable as it precedes a fallow year in 2026.