Wanda Sykes Loves Hiring Women Over Men: ‘And If She’s a Black Woman, You Got the Job’

Stand-up comedian Heather McMahan is back on tour, bringing her unique blend of humor and personal storytelling to the Orpheum in downtown Los Angeles on November 1. Her ability to share her vulnerabilities not only entertains but also resonates with audiences, making her performances relatable and impactful. This tour is significant as it showcases how comedy can be a powerful tool for processing life's challenges.

The Variety Power of Women event in Los Angeles celebrated the achievements of influential women in the entertainment industry, featuring stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Sydney Sweeney, and Kate Hudson. Hosted by Iliza Shlesinger, the event highlighted the importance of women's contributions to society and the arts, emphasizing that when women thrive, communities flourish. This gathering not only honors individual accomplishments but also inspires future generations to pursue their dreams and advocate for gender equality.

Aly Raisman, the celebrated gymnast with multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, recently accepted the Variety Courage Award at the L.A. Power of Women event. In her heartfelt speech, she emphasized the importance of community and the uplifting power of people and pets, reminding us that hope flourishes when we come together. This recognition not only honors her achievements but also highlights the vital role of support systems in overcoming challenges, making it a significant moment for both Raisman and her audience.

Sharon Stone recently defended Sydney Sweeney at Variety's Power of Women LA event, where she presented an honor to Sweeney amidst controversy over her American Eagle ad. Stone emphasized the importance of embracing one's natural beauty, stating, 'It’s okay to use what your mama gave you.' This support highlights the ongoing conversation about body positivity and self-acceptance in the entertainment industry, making it a significant moment for both actresses and their fans.

Sydney Sweeney is feeling a mix of emotions as she prepares to wrap up filming for 'Euphoria' Season 3, describing the experience as 'bittersweet.' Honored at Variety's 2025 Power of Women ceremony in Los Angeles, Sweeney reflects on how the show has shaped her twenties. This moment is significant not just for her career but also for fans who have followed her journey and the impact of the series on pop culture.

Brad Pitt recently unveiled a striking new hairstyle, complete with grey sideburns, during game four of the 2025 World Series at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles. This transformation not only showcases his evolving style but also highlights his presence at significant cultural events, reminding fans of his enduring relevance in both Hollywood and sports. It's a fun moment that adds to the excitement of the World Series, blending celebrity culture with sports.

The team behind 'Kokuho' recently discussed their efforts to introduce Kabuki theater to younger audiences during a Variety Screening Series event in Los Angeles. Producer Chieko Murata and production designer Yohei Taneda shared insights into the film's artistic vision and the significance of Kabuki in Japanese culture. This conversation highlights the importance of preserving traditional art forms while making them accessible and relevant to new generations, showcasing how cinema can bridge cultural gaps.

Sophie Flay is making a significant career move by joining ABC News as a correspondent and overnight anchor for World News Now and Good Morning America First Look. Having worked at ABC7 in Los Angeles since 2019, she brings valuable experience, including coverage of major events like the Monterey Park mass shooting. This transition not only highlights her talent but also strengthens ABC News' team, ensuring viewers receive insightful reporting during crucial overnight hours.

FilmSharks has made a significant move by acquiring the world sales rights to 'The Convent,' a film that explores a unique and dark narrative set in a convent in southern Spain. This acquisition highlights the growing interest in unconventional stories within the film industry, and it could pave the way for more innovative projects to gain international attention. Additionally, the news of 'Guns & Moses' being released in the U.S. and the Canadian indie feature 'Nobody Sees Me Like You Do' adds to the excitement, showcasing a diverse range of films that are capturing audiences' imaginations.

Comcast has reported a strong quarterly performance, surpassing Wall Street expectations, largely driven by a 19% revenue growth in its Theme Parks division, thanks to the success of Epic Universe. Despite tough comparisons to last year's Paris Olympics, the company has shown resilience with steady advertising revenue from Peacock and a reduction in domestic broadband losses, alongside an increase in wireless customers. This positive trend highlights Comcast's ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive market, making it a significant player in the entertainment and telecommunications sectors.

Fox Corp. has exceeded Wall Street's expectations in its fiscal first quarter, reporting adjusted earnings per share of $1.51 and total revenue of $3.7 billion, surpassing analysts' predictions of $1.06 per share and $3.58 billion in revenue. This strong performance is particularly noteworthy given the sluggish growth in the advertising sector, which is crucial for the company's overall success. This news is significant as it highlights Fox's resilience and ability to perform well even in challenging market conditions.

Fox Corporation reported a 5% increase in revenue for its first fiscal quarter, amounting to $174 million, driven by higher cash from advertising and distribution. However, the company's profit took a hit due to rising operating expenses, resulting in a net income of $599 million for shareholders. This news highlights the ongoing challenges companies face in balancing revenue growth with increasing costs, a situation that could impact future financial strategies.

Nexstar Media Group has announced the extension of CEO Perry Sook's contract until 2029, a move that reflects confidence in his leadership as the company aims for further growth. With over 200 stations across 116 markets, Sook's continued guidance is crucial as Nexstar seeks to expand its influence in the broadcasting industry. This decision not only secures stability at the top but also signals Nexstar's ambition to enhance its market presence, which is significant for both investors and viewers.

The acclaimed Bulgarian directing duo Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov are set to release their latest film, 'Black Money for White Nights,' which explores the absurdities of life in post-communist Bulgaria through the story of a couple who fall victim to a travel scam. This film, currently in post-production, promises to be a tragicomic reflection on moral erosion, making it a significant addition to contemporary cinema. Its presentation at the Thessaloniki Works in Progress program highlights its importance in addressing societal issues while entertaining audiences.