Local authorities in France have announced that the funeral of celebrated actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot is scheduled for January 7, 2024, in the renowned French Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez. Bardot, who passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday in southern France, was instrumental in popularizing the town, making it a favored destination for tourists and celebrities alike.
The ceremony will take place at the town hall, with plans for it to be broadcast on large screens at both the port and the central square, allowing fans and admirers to pay their respects. Following the public ceremony, Bardot will be laid to rest in a private burial at the local cemetery, which offers a picturesque view of the Mediterranean Sea. A public homage is expected to follow the burial, providing an opportunity for the community to honor her legacy.
In a separate announcement, it has been revealed that actors George Clooney and Amal Clooney, along with their twins, have been granted French citizenship. The French government made this announcement through the Journal Officiel, noting that Amal was naturalized under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin. The couple purchased a property in France in 2021, and in a recent interview, Clooney described the estate as their primary residence, citing a desire to raise their children away from the pressures of Hollywood.
Meanwhile, actor Chevy Chase is the subject of a new documentary titled “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” which is set to air on CNN on New Year’s Day. Directed by Marina Zenovich, the film delves into Chase’s complex personality, exploring his journey from a troubled childhood to his rise in Hollywood. The documentary features insights from notable figures such as Dan Aykroyd and Beverly D’Angelo. Chase himself has expressed approval of the film, describing it as a blend of painful and lovely experiences.
In a more serious development, actor Tyler Perry faces allegations of assault from Mario Rodriguez, an actor from “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” Rodriguez has filed a lawsuit claiming that Perry assaulted him between 2014 and 2019. Screenshots of text messages obtained by The Associated Press show that the two maintained contact years after the alleged incidents, with Rodriguez reaching out as recently as Thanksgiving 2024. Perry’s attorney dismissed the claims as a “$77 million money grab scam,” while Perry himself has denied the allegations.
In the world of cinema, Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo have been recognized in King Charles III’s New Year’s honors list. This annual tradition celebrates individuals for their contributions to public life in the U.K. Elba has been knighted for his services to young people, particularly through the Elba Hope Foundation, an organization he co-founded to address issues such as education and poverty.
As 2025 comes to a close, Hollywood has experienced a notable resurgence in ticket sales, driven by the success of films like “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Marty Supreme.” James Cameron’s latest installment collected an estimated $88 million over the holiday weekend, while the indie film “Marty Supreme” garnered $27.1 million. This marks a significant recovery for the industry, concluding a challenging year with the highest Christmas Day box office since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the year ends, streaming platforms also provide an opportunity for viewers to catch up on notable films and television series. One highlight is the airing of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” featuring performances from artists like Diana Ross, Chance the Rapper, and others, available to stream through ABC.com.
