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Meryl Streep Guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the 77th Festival de Cannes

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Meryl Streep Guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the 77th Festival de Cannes, (Photo by Patience Eding / Another Concept Magazine / FNN News Network / Florida National News)

Meryl Streep will be the guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the 77th Festival de Cannes which will take place on the stage of the Grand Théâtre Lumière on Tuesday, May 14. A celebrated figure in American cinema, the American actress will kick-off the upcoming edition which will draw to a close on Saturday, May 25th with the awards’ list given by the President of the Jury, Greta Gerwig.

After Jeanne Moreau, Marco Bellocchio, Catherine Deneuve, Jean-Pierre Léaud, Jane Fonda, Agnès Varda, Forest Whitaker or Jodie Foster, Meryl Streep will receive the Festival’s Honorary Palme d’or. 35 years after winning the Best Actress award for Evil Angels, her only appearance in Cannes to date, Meryl Streep will be making her long-awaited return to the Croisette.

Meryl Streep Guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the 77th Festival de Cannes, (Photo by Patience Eding /Another Concept Magazine / FNN News Network / Florida National News)

“I am immeasurably honored to receive the news of this prestigious award. To win a prize at Cannes, for the international community of artists, has always represented the highest achievement in the art of filmmaking. To stand in the shadow of those who have previously been honored is humbling and thrilling in equal part. I so look forward to coming to France to thank everyone in person this May!” Meryl Streep stated.

“We all have something in us of Meryl Streep!” Iris Knobloch and Thierry Frémaux said. “We all have something in us of Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, Out of Africa, The Bridges of Madison County, The Devil Wears Prada and Mamma Mia! Because she has spanned almost 50 years of cinema and embodied countless masterpieces, Meryl Streep is part of our collective imagination, our shared love of cinema.”

After her drama studies and initial success on New York City stages, Meryl Streep’s career took off on the big screen in 1978 with The Deer Hunter, starring Robert De Niro. In Michael Cimino’s film, Meryl Streep wrote all her lines to give her character nuance and depth. This marked both her first Oscar nomination — now reaching a record 21 — and her demand to play strong, ambivalent women. For example, when she starred opposite Dustin Hoffman in Kramer vs. Kramer, she refused to let the film revolve around the male lead and rewrote a crucial monologue. She went on to win her first Oscar, and quickly gained recognition from the audiences and the industry alike.

Meryl Streep uses her intuition and hard work to reinvent herself with every appearance. Even on the scale of a film: in Karel Reisz’s The French Lieutenant’s Woman, she played two roles. In Alan J. Pakula’s Sophie’s Choice, her acting addresses a mother’s inconceivable moral dilemma. For this character, she studied German and Polish to take on the accent — impeccable according to Andrzej Wajda — and won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Sydney Pollack’s unforgettable historical, romantic epic Out of Africa (1985) marked a new turning point, in which she and Robert Redford formed one of cinema’s most legendary couples. Far from confining herself to the register of passionate love, Meryl Streep also ventured into darker characters. In Fred Schepisi’s 1988 Evil Angels (A Cry In The Dark), she played a mother accused of infanticide. Her performance earned her the Best Actress Award at the 1989 Festival de Cannes.

In the 1990s, she tried her hand at gritty comedy: she challenged female stereotypes in Mike Nichols’ Postcards from the Edge and Robert Zemeckis’ Death Becomes Her. In The Bridges of Madison County, she captured the screen alongside Clint Eastwood in a love story as impossible as it is timeless, that went down in cinema history.

Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has never shied away from publicly denouncing the precarious position of women in the film industry. Aware of the issues surrounding the representation of women in Hollywood movies, and keen to embody all their facets in all their complexity and fragility, Meryl Streep plays a wide variety of roles and genres. After Stephen Daldry’s The Hours and Robert Altman’s The Last Show, it was in two roles as funny as unexpected that she once again made her mark: as the cantankerous editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine in The Devil Wears Prada and Donna, a hippie who marries off her daughter in the musical Mamma Mia! She went on to star in biopics (The Iron Lady, Florence Foster Jenkins, Julie & Julia), political satyres (Lions for Lambs, Pentagon Papers, Don’t Look Up) and family films such as Little Women, directed by Greta Gerwig, who serves as President of the Jury at this year’s Festival de Cannes.

Two women, two generations, two aspirations, and the same passion for the Seventh Art, brought together on the stage of the Grand Théâtre Lumière.

Entertainment

2025 Miss America Crowned: Alabama’s Abbie Stockard Shines in Orlando Competition

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The spotlight shone brightly on Orlando this week as the 2025 Miss America competition brought unparalleled glamour, exceptional talent, and inspiring stories to the stunning Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This celebrated event, steeped in over a century of tradition, united 52 delegates from across the United States and the District of Columbia, all vying for the prestigious title.

Miss America Competion 2025. Photo by Pierredens Jeune / Florida National News

The competition radiated brilliance as each contestant showcased their unique talents, delivered impactful speeches, and demonstrated a commitment to social change. The energy and passion emanating from the stage left the audience in awe, and the event reaffirmed its status as one of the most iconic and inspiring traditions in American culture.

Miss America 2025. Photo by Pierredens Jeune / Florida National News


Crown Winner: Abbie Stockard (Alabama)

Abbie Stockard from Alabama stole the show, captivating judges and attendees alike. Stockard, adorned in a breathtaking white gown, delivered a compelling speech on unemployment, advocating for actionable solutions with poise and passion. Following her address, she performed a stunning rendition of the Christian song “You Say” by Lauren Daigle, mesmerizing the audience.

Abbie embodied grace, confidence, and purpose, leaving an indelible mark on everyone in the room,” said one of the judges. Her powerful combination of advocacy, charisma, and raw talent made her a clear favorite and earned her the coveted crown.

First Runner-Up: Annette Addo-Yobo (Texas)

Texas’s Annette Addo-Yobo brought charisma and poise to the stage, earning her the position of first runner-up. She connected deeply with the audience through a heartfelt speech on immigration and a moving poem dedicated to her brother, who lives with autism.

Wearing a radiant yellow gown, Addo-Yobo demonstrated grace under pressure when another contestant accidentally stepped on her dress. She handled the situation with elegance, gliding across the stage effortlessly. “Her poise in that moment spoke volumes about her character and confidence,” remarked a fellow competitor.


Second Runner-Up: Carley Jaymes Vogel (Tennessee)

Miss Tennessee, Carley Jaymes Vogel, wowed the audience with a speech on combating misinformation and the importance of organ donation. Known for her resemblance to a Disney princess, she performed in a dazzling blue dress reminiscent of Frozen. Her later wardrobe change to a sparkling white crystal gown left spectators in awe, with one attendee commenting, “She looked like a fairy tale brought to life.

Third Runner-Up: Casana Fink (Florida)

Florida’s Casana Fink represented her home state with elegance and insight. Discussing the impact of technology on society, Fink captivated the audience with her eloquence and creativity. Her stunning green gown added a vibrant touch, complementing her dynamic stage presence.

Fourth Runner-Up: Stephanie Finoti (Ohio)

Ohio’s Stephanie Finoti showcased her Latino heritage in a vibrant yellow dress during her performance, transitioning later to a flowing green gown. Her discussion on alleviating student debt resonated with many, highlighting her passion for advocacy and her ability to connect with her audience.

 

Miss America Competion 2025. Photo by Pierredens Jeune / Florida National News

Top 11 Finalists:

  • Alexandra Lotko (Colorado) – Known for her unique flair.
  • Ludwidg Louizaire (Georgia) – Impressed with his engaging presence.
  • Emily Schumacher (Minnesota) – Demonstrated determination and talent.
  • Lauren Frost (Oklahoma) – Inspired with her innovative performance.
  • Davis Wash (South Carolina) – Delivered heartfelt moments.
  • Mandi Jo Genord (Wisconsin) – Rounded out the top competitors with a dynamic showcase.

Takeaways and Looking Ahead

The 2025 Miss America competition not only celebrated beauty and talent but also highlighted the contestants’ commitment to meaningful social change. The event’s success in Orlando has sparked discussions about the possibility of hosting the competition in the vibrant city again next year.

For updates on the next Miss America pageant, stay tuned to Florida National News.

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Heidi Griffin and Pierredens Jeune
Florida National News
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Entertainment

Florida National News Looks Back at Music Diva Lillie McCloud

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Music Diva Lillie McCloud attends Festival Speed Luxutry Lifestyle Automotive Event. Florida National News photo

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Lillie McCloud, the celebrated vocalist who captured hearts on the hit reality TV show The X Factor, has been mesmerizing audiences worldwide with her extraordinary talent and magnetic stage presence. A true artist at her core, McCloud’s remarkable musical journey continues to inspire and enchant fans across generations.

Lillie McCloud celebrated her 66th birthday on December 7, 2024. The acclaimed singer, who gained national recognition as a contestant on Season 3 of Fox’s The X Factor, was praised by the show’s judges as a “music diva” with a voice often compared to the legendary Whitney Houston.

Music Diva Lillie McCloud. Florida National News Photo

Career Highlights
McCloud, a dancer and R&B sensation, made waves in 1986 with her international hit single, “Don’t You Want My Love.” The song soared to the top ten on charts in the U.S., Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Sweden. Before adopting the stage name Lillie McCloud, she performed and released music under the pseudonym Nicole McCloud.

Her discography boasts several notable albums, including What About Me, Jam Packed, and So What?

Music Diva Lillie McCloud. Florida National News Photo

Personal Life
Born and raised in Rochester, New York, McCloud has lived in Orlando, Florida. Her creativity extends beyond music—she collaborates with merchandise designer Cameron Furniss on cross-brand advertising initiatives.

Music Diva Lillie McCloud. Florida National News Photo

Legacy and Impact
As a contestant on The X Factor, McCloud mesmerized audiences and the judging panel, including Simon Cowell, with her powerhouse vocals and dynamic performances. Her contributions to music and her unmatched vocal range have cemented her legacy as a true diva in the industry.

Music Diva Lillie McCloud. Florida National News Photo

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Puerto Rican Heritage Network Issues Statement on Florida Puerto Rican Parade 2025 Theme and the City of Aguadilla dedication

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The Honorable Daisy Morales meets with local law enforcement ahead of the annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade in Orlando. Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. – Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, now serving as President & CEO of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, issued the following statement regarding the 2025 Florida Puerto Rican Parade’s theme and dedication:

Puerto Rican Heritage Network President Daisy Morales meets parade attendees during Puerto Rican Parade. FNN News Photo

“The annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival in Orlando continues to spotlight the vibrant history and culture of Puerto Rico while celebrating the invaluable contributions of Puerto Ricans to the mainland, particularly here in Central Florida,” said Daisy Morales, President & CEO of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network.

“This year’s theme, Renewable Energy and the Environment, is especially relevant as our state and nation face the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. As someone who proudly served as an Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor for six years, I commend the Parade for bringing much-needed attention to sustainability and environmental issues within the Hispanic community. This focus is a step in the right direction,” Morales added.

“It is also a profound honor to dedicate this year’s Parade to the City of Aguadilla, affectionately known as the City of Enchantments in Puerto Rico. This recognition celebrates its cultural significance and rich history. We eagerly anticipate the Parade, Festival, and the events connected to this incredible celebration,” Morales concluded.

About the Puerto Rican Heritage Network

The Puerto Rican Heritage Network, established in 2023, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing Puerto Rican heritage. Through educational programs, cultural events, and leadership initiatives, the organization fosters pride, awareness, and community engagement in Florida, across the US and Puerto Rico.

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