Washington: Oscar-nominated producer Adam Somner, who worked as an assistant director and producer alongside renowned filmmakers including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson, Alejandro Inarritu, and Ridley Scott, has passed away at the age of 57, Variety reported.

He succumbed to thyroid cancer in Studio City.

Somner’s most recent project was as a producer and assistant director on Anderson’s upcoming Warner Bros. film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

He was also part of the production team for Anderson’s Licorice Pizza, which earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination.

Born in the United Kingdom, Somner began his career assisting on films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit? before transitioning to assistant directing.

He served as the third assistant director on Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and went on to collaborate with Spielberg on numerous films, including West Side Story, Ready Player One, Lincoln, Munich, and War of the Worlds.

Spielberg paid tribute to Somner, stating, “The job title ‘assistant director’ is insufficient to describe what Adam Somner was to me and the contribution he made to my films — just as my left arm is more than just an assistant to my right. He worked as AD and producer, and he performed both of those tasks with equal measures of devotion. He loved making movies. He loved being on set. It was his gridiron. He was a cheerleader and ball carrier, and at times I couldn’t tell if he was following my lead or I was following his.”

Spielberg continued, “He made everyone who joined the crew feel like they were part of the family. He was a uniter, and when things weren’t going according to plan, his English working-class wit and humour could smooth over the problem with his under-the-breath cursing, laughter, and the backup plan he always seemed to have. He was an icon in his field and an inspiration to anyone pursuing a career in film production — blending creativity and organisation. Returning to work without Adam will never be the same.”

Somner also collaborated with Ridley Scott on films such as Black Hawk Down, Kingdom of Heaven, and Gladiator, among others. He is survived by his wife, Carmen Ruiz de Huidobro; his children, Olivia and Bosco; and his brother, Mark Somner, Variety reported. 

Ariana Grande is getting applause for her role in the musical film, Wicked. Now a new report claims that several fans of the singer-actor have been sending bribery emails to the voters of Critics Choice Awards to nominate her in the Best Supporting Actress category. Also read: Wicked makers deny rumours that Ariana Grande was paid 15 times as much as Cynthia Erivo for musical

Bribery emails by fans

Recently, Hollywood critics have shared screenshots of emails allegedly sent by Ariana Grande’s fans, attempting to bribe jurors to secure a nomination for her performance in Wicked.

The emails reportedly offer financial incentives and other perks to those involved in the nomination process. These revelations have sparked controversy, raising questions about the integrity of the awards system. Critics have condemned the actions as unethical.

The voters of the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards are getting these emails asking them to nominate her with the promise of a bribe that’s within a “four digit range”. Ariana have received acclaim for her performance with many predicting that her name will appear in the upcoming awards season.

It came to light through social media posts by critics Siddhant Adlakha and Carlos Aguilar.

“Someone apparently sent this email to several (all?) Critics Choice members offering a 4 figure bribe to vote for Ariana Grande,” Siddhant wrote while sharing a screenshot of the mail. Carlos shared, “Ariana Grande stans have a bigger bribery budget than most outlets have freelance funds. Insane email this morning for Critic’s Choice voters”.

“They’re f***** paying for Ariana’s nomination now? This is bribery,” one user wrote reacting to the post. One user shared, “I want to know how high they’d go”.

The 30th annual Critics Choice Awards will be held on January 12, 2025, with Chelsea Handler returning to host the show. The Critics Choice Awards are given annually to honour cinematic and television achievements.

About the film

Wicked is the first of two Universal Pictures films based on a Broadway prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Wicked, adapted from Gregory Maguire’s best-selling novel, tells the untold story of the witches of Oz. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande portray Elphaba and Glinda respectively in the film. Winnie Holzman, the original stage production’s book writer, collaborated with Dana Fox on the screenplay for Chu’s film. Stephen Schwartz, the Oscar-winning composer and lyricist of the original musical, has adapted the score for the cinematic version. The cast also features Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Bowen Yang.

Many dog owners often find themselves wondering whether their furry companions can enjoy a splash of milk. The sight of their dogs with eager eyes and wagging tails makes it difficult to resist the temptation to share our favourite foods. After all, who can say no to those pleading looks? These creamy, rich dairy products often seem like the perfect treat to reward our loyal friends.

However, while the idea of treating our dogs to something delicious is appealing, it’s crucial to understand the potential effects of dairy on their health before indulging them. Just because a type of food is safe for humans doesn’t mean it’s suitable for our canine companions. Dogs have different digestive systems and nutritional needs than we do, which can lead to unexpected consequences when they consume foods that are rich in lactose, like milk.

The Lactose Dilemma

The crux of the issue lies in lactose, the sugar found in milk. Most dogs are actually lactose intolerant, meaning their bodies struggle to digest lactose after they are weaned off their mother’s milk. While puppies have a higher level of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, this production decreases as they mature. As a result, adult dogs often lack the necessary enzymes to process dairy products effectively.

Feeding milk or dairy to lactose-intolerant dogs can lead to various gastrointestinal issues. Common symptoms include:

1. Vomiting: Dogs may vomit shortly after consuming dairy due to their inability to digest it.

2. Loose Motions: Diarrhoea is a frequent reaction as the undigested lactose ferments in the gut.

3. Bloating: Excess gas can cause discomfort and bloating in dogs.

4. Flatulence and Gurgling Belly: The buildup of gas can lead to excessive flatulence and audible stomach noises.

5. Pancreatitis and Pain: In some cases, high-fat dairy products can lead to pancreatitis, causing abdominal pain and more severe health complications.

When Can Dogs Have Dairy?

While many dogs are lactose intolerant, a select few can tolerate small amounts of dairy without experiencing adverse effects. If you’re considering introducing dairy into your dog’s diet, it’s wise to start with a small quantity and monitor for any reactions. If your dog shows no signs of discomfort, a little milk may be fine as an occasional treat.

Fermented Dairy: A Better Choice

Given the potential issues with regular milk, why do many veterinarians recommend fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir? The answer lies in the fermentation process. During fermentation, bacteria feed on lactose, breaking it down into simpler sugars that are easier for dogs to digest. As a result, the lactose levels in these products are significantly reduced.

So What Is To Be Done?

While many dogs may find milk and dairy products tempting, caution is advised. However, if your dog can tolerate dairy, moderation is key. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir can be safer and more beneficial alternatives, providing digestive support without the lactose overload. 

At a fashion event in Mumbai on Friday, Vicky Kaushal broke down his fashion mantra. He also revealed how much he relies on wife Katrina Kaif for the same.

Vicky Kaushal often discusses how marrying Katrina Kaif has led to a cultural crossover. While we already know about him learning to eat pancakes, and her warming up to homecooked aaloo ka paranthas, in an interview with GQ, Vicky revealed how Katrina has shaped his fashion choices. (Also Read: Chhava release date pushed back to next year, Vicky Kaushal-starrer averts clash with Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 The Rule)

What Vicky said

Vicky looked dapper at a fashion event in Mumbai on Friday evening, for which he wore an all-black suit with matching sunglasses. He also sported short hair and a moustache, which is his look for Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s Love & War, which he’s currently filming alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in Mumbai. He reportedly plays an Indian Air Force officer in the film.

When Vicky is asked on the red carpet if he’s well-versed with fashion, he shakes his head and says, “I’m a really fashion-handicapped person. I rely on an army to make me a little presentable,” Vicky said. When asked if Katrina has ever ordered him to change his outfit because she doesn’t approve of it, he said, “Yeah, of course. She’s like the prefect of that army, the subedar of that army.”

Vicky and Katrina’s relationship

Vicky and Katrina began dating during the pandemic months after he slyly confessed his love for her on Koffee with Karan. They tied the knot in 2021, only after which they officially confirmed they were dating each other.

On the work front, is gearing up for his role in Chhaava, a historical drama in which he plays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the film’s teaser has already captivated audiences with Vicky’s fierce portrayal. Chhaava was initially set for release on December 6, but the makers postponed it to February 14, 2025 in order to avert a clash with Sukumar’s Telugu action thriller Pushpa: The Rule.

Meanwhile, Katrina was last seen in Sriram Raghavan’s crime comedy Merry Christmas, also starring Vijay Sethupathi and Sanjay Kapoor. She’ll be next seen in Jee Le Zaraa.

Catch every big hit,…

See more

News / Entertainment / Bollywood / Vicky Kaushal calls Katrina Kaif the ‘prefect, subedar’ of his fashion army: I rely on her to look a little presentable

Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor continue to set sibling goals with their close-knit bond. Recently, Orry shared a sweet picture of the duo in cozy pajamas, decorating their Christmas tree together. The heartwarming moment showcases their festive spirit and gives us all major sibling goals for the holiday season.
On November 30, Orry took to Instagram stories to share a delightful collage of Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor decorating their Christmas tree. The vibrant green and white tree stood elegantly, beautifully adorned and radiating festive cheer. It’s a heartwarming moment that perfectly captures their holiday spirit.
Janhvi is seen mid-decoration, dressed casually in a simple t-shirt and black-and-white checkered pants. Beside her, Khushi Kapoor helps out in cozy pajamas, adding an extra touch of warmth to the festive moment.
Orry also adds a playful touch to the festive moment by sneaking into the frame with his ‘shy fingers’ pose. The picture perfectly captures the holiday spirit, showcasing the sisters in full Christmas mode and getting us all excited for the season too.
In a recent interview with Lifestyle Asia India, Khushi Kapoor opened up about her close bond with Janhvi Kapoor, calling her the biggest support in her life. She described the Mr & Mrs Mahi actress as a guiding figure who always offers advice, no matter how big or small the issue may be.
Khushi revealed that Janhvi is the first person she turns to for guidance, often feeling like a parental figure. While Janhvi provides valuable pep talks, Khushi also enjoys the perks of being her sister, especially when it comes to borrowing clothes and shoes.
Khushi, who recently made her runway debut at a fashion show, shared the advice Janhvi gave her before the event. In an interview with ANI, she revealed that Janhvi urged her to stay calm, be in the moment, and listen to the music. Her sister’s encouraging words helped Khushi feel confident and at ease during the show.

Mumbai: Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan’s son Ibrahim Ali Khan’s gym bag has sparked curiosity as it had everything that can commit the perfect crime. In a video shared by a paparazzi, Ibrahim is seen in a hurry as he comes out of his car and then hilariously pulls out his gym bag.

As soon as he pulls out, a string of suspicious items such as duct tape, gloves, bank robber’s mask, scissors, rope and keys fall out.

The brother of Sara Ali Khan is then seen funnily picking up all the items while the shutterbugs are seen funnily asking him “Iggy bhai yeh kya hai?” and “chabhi, rope –yeh sab kya hai bhai?”

Have A Look At The Post:

As the paparazzi are asking him for a picture, Ibrahim in a hurry covers up the hilarious crime scene. Social media users went to the comment section and quipped: “Mekenic he kya (sic).” One asked: “Gym karne gaya tha ya kidnapping karne?” One asked a question: “Itni bhi kya jaldi thi?” “Ye kya leke jaata yeh bhai,” said another.

On Friday, Ibrahim hilariously touched the feet of photographers after he walked out of the gym. Ibrahim, who was dressed in a grey oversized jacket paired with shorts, made his way out of the gym and was going to the car, when shutterbugs followed him and asked the brother of actress Sara Ali Khan to turn around for the camera.

Ibrahim could be then seen keeping his stuff in the car and then touching the feet of the paparazzis and is heard saying “thank you thank you”.He then rushed back into the car.

In other news, it was reported that Ibrahim joined actress Palak Tiwari, whom he is reportedly dating, in Maldives for a holiday. Ibrahim, who is the son of Saif and Amrita Singh, is set to make his acting debut with the film titled Sarzameen.

It will be an emotional thriller with Ibrahim playing a pivotal role. The film went on floors in 2023. The film also stars Kajol, who is paired opposite Prithviraj.