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‘Scream VI’ tops box office with franchise-best $44.5M

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oscar weekend belonged to “Scream VI” in theaters, as the horror sequel notched a franchise-best $44.5 million in domestic ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group co-production sailed past expectations, easily surpassing the previous series high of $32 million that “Scream 2” opened with in 1997. The film’s robust debut, coming as Hollywood prepared to gather for the 95th Academy Awards, was yet another reminder of how horror has come to be one of the industry’s few sure things at the box office.

After lying dormant for more than a decade, the “Scream” franchise, previously directed by Wes Craven and released by Dimension Films, has found a ripe revival with a young cast led by “Wednesday” star Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera.

Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett have brought back the 27-year-old series’ meta slasher storylines and serial killer Ghostface, and it’s paying off. Last year’s “Scream V” grossed $137 million worldwide on a production budget of $24 million. In the latest chapter, Courtney Cox returns as reporter Gale Weathers, as does Hayden Panettiere, a veteran of “Scream IV.” But it’s the first “Scream” movie without Neve Campbell.

“Scream VI,” quickly greenlit after the success of “V,” has also fared fairly well with both critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 75% fresh rating. Moviegoers gave it a “B+” CinemaScore, a decent grade for a horror film. The sixth “Scream,” which cost $33 million to make, added $22.6 million overseas.

Last week’s top film, “Creed III,” slid to second after its above-expectations launch. Michael B. Jordan’s MGM “Rocky” spinoff, starring him and Jonathan Majors, earned $27.1 million in its second weekend. It has rapidly passed $100 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters.

Columbia Pictures’ “65,” a science-fiction thriller starring Adam Driver as a space explorer stranded on prehistoric Earth, opened in third place with an estimated $12.3 million from 3,405 locations, and an additional $7.2 million internationally. That might be better than expected, too, for a film that got terrible reviews from critics. (It scored just 35% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.) But “65” reportedly carried a hefty production budget of about $90 million, though tax rebates roughly halved that cost to financiers including Sony, Bron Studios and TSG.

Bobby Farrelly’s “Champions,” starring Woody Harrelson as a disgraced coach trying to lead a basketball team to the Special Olympics, opened with $5.2 million in 3,030 locations. Audiences (an “A” CinemaScore) have liked it more than reviewers (53% on Rotten Tomatoes).

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “Scream VI,” $44.5 million.

2. “Creed III,” $27.1 million.

3. “65,” $12.3 million.

4. “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” $7 million.

5. “Cocaine Bear,” $6.2 million.

6. “Jesus Revolution,” $5.2 million.

7. “Champions,” $5.2 million.

8. “Avatar: The Way of Water,” $2.7 million.

9. “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: To the Swords,” $1.9 million.

10. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” $1.7 million.

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Fantasia, Babyface, Rickey Smiley, and More Sizzle at the Inaugural Music Fest Orlando

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Fantasia delivered an unforgettable performance at the inaugural Music Fest Orlando, Saturday, March 25, 2023. (Photo by Dutches Scott / Florida National News)
ORLANDO, Fla. – Over 8,000 patrons flocked to Orlando on Saturday, March 25, for the inaugural Music Fest Orlando held at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. The good vibes and ambiance were felt from the gates to the vendors and the stage. Setting the tone for the festival was the opening artist’s segment that included: Arkeshia, Ashley Peck, Lolita, Pretti Emage and The Don D’rel. The vibes continued with legendary DJ’s, Demp, Nasty 305 and BoWeezy , who kept the crowd on their feet and the energy flowing. The outdoor festival continued with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, with a riveting and soul-stirring performance by headliner Fantasia and an R&B nostalgic performance by Babyface. We took a trip down South with the sounds of Goodie Mob, Plies, the 69 Boyz and JT Money. In addition, fans enjoyed a soulful set with Lyfe Jennings and Levelle, and the festival also included some afro-beats tunes with artist KowKow. Special appearances included Havier Daivon, Married to Medicine costars Dr. Scott and Contessa Metcalfe, and Tyesha Williams. Also, the one-day outdoor live music festival was hosted by acclaimed comedian, actor, and national radio personality, Rickey Smiley, who kept the crowd entertained all night.
Music Fest Orlando has proved to be the ultimate music and cultural experience in the heart of Orlando, gathering fans from the southern region, including Miami, Jacksonville, Atlanta and even the city of Orlando. Tanya Baskerville, a resident of Orlando and an avid festival goer, stated, “I had an amazing time! It was a beautiful experience to see everyone come together to support our own! From the artists to all the beautiful black businesses. Felt like a family reunion. Nothing but positive vibes. I loved it and can’t wait until next year! I will be back!”

Music Fest Orlando is a celebration of Black music and culture and a party with a purpose. A portion of the ticket proceeds over the weekend will benefit students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities through the HBCU Initiative. This initiative seeks to provide students in the Central Florida area with financial assistance to further their post-high school education. Also, Music Fest Orlando Founder Ernest Wilson donated $2,000 to Pink Possible, a non-profit organization focused on breast cancer survivors. “Giving back to assist kids furthering their education and contributing to assist Brest Cancer survivors is a passion of mine,” states Founder Ernest Wilson Music Fest Orlando.

In addition to the live performances, the 2023 Music Fest Orlando featured delectable bites and a myriad of retail buys featuring a diverse assortment of small and minority-owned businesses, including Clique Wines. Music Fest Orlando is the adult spring break experience of the south at the intersection of music, art, and culture.

Also, during the weekend, attendees enjoyed a pre-social party hosted by artist CeeLo Green the night before the festival, March 24, 2023, at Dove Cote in the heart of downtown Orlando. For more information on next year’s festival, visit www.musicfestorlando.com.

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‘Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures’ Takes Families on a Fun-Fueled Excursion

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Photo courtesy of Disney and Feld Entertainment.
Photo courtesy of Disney and Feld Entertainment.

TAMPA, Fla. — Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments. Featuring new and classic tales, this a multi-generational experience visits Amalie Arena from March 23 -26.

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations. See the world from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins and Jack and his band of dancing lamplighters. Travel to the sun-soaked Motunui and help Moana restore the heart of Te Fiti. Set off on a safari and snap unforgettable photos of wild cheetahs and monkeys when guests traverse through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. Discover a whole new world and be swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade filled with spectacular stunts, magical moments with Genie, and a brand-new song from Jasmine that will render the audience “Speechless.” Mosey on over to a larger-than-life comedic carnival and team up with Woody and Bo Peep as they search for their new friend Forky. Fans will hit a high note with Mickey and pals while singing along to beloved Disney tunes as they welcome Merida, Belle, Ariel, Mulan and Tiana to the ice.

Families should be prepared for a getaway jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and surprise, up-close character interaction as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures makes a pitstop right in Tampa!

Event Location: Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

Dates and Times of Performances:


Thursday, March 23 7 PM
Friday, March 24
7 PM

Saturday, March 25 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM

Sunday, March 26 11 AM, 3 PM

For ticket prices and to purchase tickets visit www.disneyonice.com

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Winners from the 2023 Oscars

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Michelle Yeoh accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Michelle Yeoh accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oscar winners announced Sunday:

Best picture: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Best actress: Michelle Yeoh, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Best actor: Brendan Fraser, “The Whale”

Best supporting actor: Ke Huy Quan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Best supporting actress: Jamie Lee Curtis, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Original song: “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR”

Film editing: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Best director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Best animated feature: “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”

International feature film: “All Quiet on the Western Front” (Germany)

Documentary feature: “Navalny”

Live action short: “An Irish Goodbye”

Cinematography: James Friend, “All Quiet on the Western Front”

Makeup and hairstyling: “The Whale”

Costume design: Ruth E. Carter, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

Documentary short: “The Elephant Whisperers”

Animated short: “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”

Production design: “All Quiet on the Western Front”

Music (original score): Volker Bertelmann, “All Quiet on the Western Front”

Visual Effects: “Avatar: The Way of Water”

Original screenplay: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Adapted screenplay: “Women Talking”

Sound: “Top Gun: Maverick”

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