A glamorous Venice Film Festival appearance took an unexpectedly awkward turn for Nina Dobrev after a brief interaction on the red carpet left fans talking. 

The actress arrived looking every bit the movie star in a stunning outfit, ready to pose for photographers at one of cinema’s most prestigious events. 

However, just as cameras turned toward her, a moment involving festival staff seemed to cut short her photo opportunity, creating an uncomfortable scene that quickly drew attention online.

Nina Dobrev stepped onto the red carpet in a strapless Armani Privé design featuring shimmering embellishments and dramatic tulle detailing around the waist. 

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As photographers gathered to capture the moment, the “Vampire Diaries” actress positioned herself for photos before an unidentified man in an all-black suit suddenly entered the frame.

Video from the event shared on X appeared to show the man gesturing with his arm while speaking to Dobrev. 

Although it was unclear exactly what was said, he seemed to be directing her to move from her spot. 

A woman standing nearby briefly appeared to intervene as the exchange unfolded, while Dobrev maintained her composure despite the interruption.

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Dobrev Reacts With Humor After Awkward Exchange

Rather than immediately leaving the area, Nina Dobrev managed to squeeze in a few more seconds in front of the cameras. 

The 37-year-old playfully twirled the flowing tulle drapes of her gown while striking a noticeably stern expression, seemingly acknowledging the unusual situation unfolding around her.

The moment didn’t last long. Security personnel soon returned and appeared to usher her away from the photo area. 

Dobrev responded with an awkward frown before breaking into a laugh, looking amused by the unexpected turn of events. 

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As she exited, she briefly waved toward photographers positioned farther down the carpet but did not stop for additional photos.

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Nina Dobrev Sparks Debate As Fans Weigh In On Venice Incident

The awkward red carpet moment quickly went viral, leaving fans divided over whether Dobrev had been treated unfairly or festival staff were simply enforcing event rules.

Some fans felt the actress had been unnecessarily embarrassed in front of photographers. One commenter argued, “Celebrities should start boycotting this event; every year there are videos of security guards embarrassing some artist.” 

Another took issue with the criticism Dobrev received online, writing, “It’s lamentable. During her youth, they use her image as an example of beauty and now that she has aged, the same woman begins to be scorned by the press and ridiculed by some ‘fans,’ simply for aging. HOW HARD IT IS TO BE A WOMAN.”

Not everyone saw the incident the same way, however. Several social media users suggested that the movie star may have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

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One fan speculated that Venice operates differently from many American red carpets and suggested Dobrev may not have realized where guests were expected to pose. 

That sentiment was echoed by another commenter who defended the security team’s actions, writing, “She wanted to show up. There’s a place to take photos. That isn’t the Oscars. You’ve got to pass by quickly. The security guard did well.”

Dobrev Rebounds At Star-Studded Armani Beauty Dinner

After the awkward red carpet moment that sparked debate across social media, Nina Dobrev quickly found herself back in the spotlight for a very different reason. 

Just a day later, the “Love Hard” star joined a glamorous guest list at Armani Beauty’s exclusive dinner during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.

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Dobrev attended the September 3 gathering at Venice’s Royal Gardens, where she posed alongside a host of high-profile names connected to Armani Beauty. 

As Page Six reported, the event attracted celebrities including Sydney Sweeney, Vittoria Ceretti, Jonathan Bailey, Nicholas Galitzine, J Balvin, and Kendall Jenner, all of whom were in Venice for the festival and related brand events. 

For the dinner, Dobrev traded her sequined Armani Privé festival gown for a sophisticated Giorgio Armani tuxedo-inspired jumpsuit. 

The look featured a strapless bodice with an asymmetric satin lapel that flowed into tailored black trousers, giving the actress a dramatically different silhouette from her earlier red-carpet appearance. 

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Photos from the evening showed Dobrev comfortably posing during the photocall and mingling with fellow guests as Armani Beauty hosted one of the festival’s premier social gatherings. 

Nina Dobrev Unveils Dramatic Blonde Transformation For New Film

Away from Venice, Dobrev also generated significant buzz in recent weeks after unveiling one of the most dramatic makeovers of her career. 

She surprised fans by trading her signature brunette hair for a striking blonde look while filming the upcoming adaptation of Tessa Bailey’s bestselling novel “It Happened One Summer.”

Dobrev introduced the transformation on Instagram while revealing her role as Piper Bellinger, the glamorous Los Angeles socialite at the center of the story. 

Sharing behind-the-scenes images from the production, she jokingly embraced her new look, writing, “Turns Out Blondes Do Have More Fun.” 

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The photos also featured cast members Gavin Leatherwood, Virginia Gardner, and Tyler Hoechlin, who plays Brendan Taggart, Piper’s eventual love interest. 

The film adaptation has attracted considerable attention because the novel became a massive BookTok sensation and sold millions of copies. 

The story follows Piper after a viral scandal upends her privileged lifestyle and sends her to a small Pacific Northwest fishing town, where she is forced to rebuild her life while clashing with a rugged sea captain.

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Carla Jeffery’s twin brother, Carlon Jeffery, shared the poignant final message he sent to his sibling before her tragic death.

Sharing a screenshot of the text via his Instagram Story on Wednesday, September 2.

“Hey sis, call me back when you get this,” Carlon wrote in the message. “I was just calling to see how your day went! I love you to the moon and back sis.”

In the text message, Carlon urged his sister to embrace her “light” and not shrink herself for others.

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“Your resilience, your grace, your infectious smile that lights up a room. You are truly a light that shines bright. Don’t let anyone.. dim that light.. even yourself,” he wrote

Carlon continued, “The light you carry is special and must be protected at all times. You are the best sister a brother could ask for. I pray we continue to grow closer to one another along this journey.”

Signing off the text, Carlon concluded, “I got your back in this life and the next.”

News broke earlier on Wednesday that the Disney alum had died. She was 33. A cause of death was not revealed at the time.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Carla Jeffery, who passed away on September 1, 2026, at just 33 years old,” read a statement from Carla’s management company, Alexanders Talent, shared via Instagram on Wednesday. “Carla joined Alexanders Talent Management family at the age of 12.”

The statement continued, “For more than 20 years we had the privilege of watching her grow into a beautiful, vibrant and incredibly talented woman whose radiant smile could light up any room.”

The post added that Carla was known for her “joy, humor and bright spirit.”

“Carla was more than a client; she was family,” the statement read. “Our hearts are with Carla’s family and loved ones during this devastating time. We respectfully ask that their privacy be honored as they grieve this unimaginable loss. Rest beautifully, Carla. Your light will never be forgotten.”

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After rumors began to swirl about what caused Carla’s death, her family set the record straight about whether the actress had been involved in drugs as some people speculated.

“She did not do drugs,” the family told TMZ before claiming there was no foul play and that police are not involved.

Carla  was best known for starring in the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise Zombies. She played the cheerleader Bree in the first three movies.

For anyone who already treats a slow Saturday bake as the best hour of the week, the cultural moment finally caught up. Grandmacore, the nostalgic aesthetic behind the recent knitting and crochet revival, has landed in the kitchen, and younger cooks are framing it as a form of self-care that asks for little more than attention.

The appeal is not just how it looks. Instead, it is what it does to your afternoon, and often to the people sharing it with you.

What Grandmacore Cooking Actually Looks Like

Baking now sits alongside knitting, crochet, gardening and sewing as a “grandma hobby” being rediscovered by younger generations. Gulf News describes young people embracing sourdough baking alongside embroidery, gardening and sewing as part of grandmacore. SheThePeople similarly identifies homemade bread baking as one of the slow, hands-on hobbies gaining traction with Gen Z.

If you have already bought the crocheted throw and lit the beeswax candles, the kitchen is the next natural entry point into the aesthetic, and the easiest one to share with kids.

Why Grandma Hobbies Are Replacing Screen Time for Gen Z Crafters Who Discovered Knitting Through TikTok

Why Nonna’s Kitchen Energy Feels Like Self-Care

Cooking demands attention to a physical task rather than passive scrolling. The Irish Examiner spoke with a young crafter who called cooking, knitting and crochet some of her most mindful time because each activity requires her full focus. The same publication describes baking as a relaxing alternative to scrolling through social media.

Working from scratch, the kind of slow, hands-in-the-dough process associated with a nonna’s kitchen, ends with something you can actually eat. Gulf News ties grandmacore to the satisfaction of making something from scratch, a tangible payoff that a two-hour scroll session simply cannot match. For parents juggling work and family, it doubles as a natural teaching moment, the kind of skill a kid remembers watching a grown-up do.

There is real irony here. Grandmacore’s offline activities are being rediscovered through very online spaces. The Irish Examiner connects Gen Z’s embrace of baking and other grandma hobbies with their visibility on TikTok and Instagram. SheThePeople also notes how nostalgic, hands-on pursuits, often filed alongside granny chic style, are trending across social feeds.

The path from feed to flour follows a simple loop.

• Discover the activity online.
• Feel inspired to try it.
• Put the phone down.
• Physically make something.

Social media gives familiar activities a modern identity without changing the analog experience behind them, which helps familiar activities feel newly relevant to younger generations.

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Why Grandmacore Matters Right Now

Baking and cooking share the qualities driving interest in every other corner of the trend. Hands-on participation. A slower process. Focus. Tangible results. Real time away from a screen.

The Irish Examiner describes baking, sewing, knitting and crochet as useful skills younger people associate with their grandmothers’ generation. Grandmacore reframes those familiar kitchen skills as intentional leisure rather than something simply old-fashioned, validating the hours millennial cooks already pour into scratch dinners and weekend loaves.

TikTok and Instagram may help younger cooks discover the trend, but the reward happens away from the feed. Working with your hands. Focusing on a process. Sharing something you physically made, sometimes with a small helper at the counter. That is what grandmacore is really selling, and the kitchen may be its most rewarding room yet.

Bindi Irwin is marking the 20th anniversary of her father Steve Irwin’s death with a heartfelt post.

Sharing a photo of the Crocodile Hunter and herself as a child via her Instagram Story, Bindi, 28, wrote a lengthy caption alongside it to remember her dad.

“20 years ago today, the world lost the most passionate and dedicated wildlife conservationist. Our family lost our superhero,” she wrote. “My mum lost the love of her life; my brother and I lost the greatest dad. Grief never truly leaves us, we walk alongside it everyday. Where there is enormous grief, there is even greater love.”

Bindi went on to reflect on the decades that have passed since Steve’s death and the legacy he left behind.

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“In the last 20 years, I have watched the world mourn my dad with our family. I always thought my dad’s legacy is wildlife conservation; it turns out, his legacy is love. For our planet and for each other,” she continued.

Bindi welcomed daughter Grace Warrior with her husband Chandler Powell in March 2021 and she shared how her child connects with Steve despite him no longer being around.

“I have a 5-year-old daughter who watches his documentaries every morning. She feels utterly loved by her ‘grandpa crocodile’ without ever having met him,” Bindi wrote. “My dad left a lasting impact so poignant that it will ripple out for generations to come. I believe with my whole heart that his love will live on forever. In all of us. In every kindness we show to the Earth. And that is a life and legacy worth celebrating.”

Bindi signed off the post by addressing her late father directly.

“Dad,I love you with my whole heart. Thank you for being our guardian angel,” she wrote. “And most of all, thank you for watching over my daughter now, too. She loves you so much. We all do.”

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Forever in their hearts. Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin have paid tribute to their father, Steve Irwin, many times in the years since his heartbreaking death. Steve — a wildlife conservationist and beloved television personality — died at age 44 after being pierced by a stingray barb in September 2006. He was survived by his […]

For his part, Bindi’s brother, Robert Irwin, shared his own tribute via Instagram, posting a throwback photo of his dad and himself as child.

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“Your legacy is forever,” Robert, 22, simply captioned the snap.

Steve died at age 44 after being pierced by a stingray barb in September 2006. He was survived by his children Bindi and Robert and his wife, Terri Irwin.

Although Bindi and Robert were only 8 and 2 at the time of their father’s passing, they’ve grown to carry on his legacy. Today, the family continues to run the Australia Zoo, which Steve’s parents started in the 1970s.

We live in a society that loves instant gratification. We love a quick fix, we need the satisfaction of having completed something so we can move on to the next adventure. It’s why on television, miniseries and smaller episode orders are the new frontier. But when it comes to movies, audiences don’t necessarily want to be in and out; rather, they want to experience the joy of the cinema for as long as they can.

Though there are certainly some great films that run around ninety minutes, some of the greatest films of all time are longer than two hours, and we’re here to honor them. In 180 minutes or more, a complete story is brought to life through cinematic magic. These films are so perfect that time fades away as we are completely immersed in the action, and by the time the credits roll, we forget how long we’ve been happily glued to our screens. From modern thrillers to beloved classics, these ten titles are over two hours and well worth the time.

‘Oppenheimer’ (2023) – 3 Hours and 1 Minute

Image via Universal Pictures

Trying to condense an entire biography into a single film can often be a struggle, but with someone like Christopher Nolan at the helm, the task was handled with ease. Told across multiple timelines, Oppenheimer traces the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), from his university days studying quantum physics through the Trinity test, the world’s first successful nuclear explosion, to his moral and emotional turmoil as he sat for his 1954 security clearance hearing during the Red Scare.

Just over three hours long, Oppenheimer is more than just a fascinating true story; it’s a masterclass in performance and direction. The film flies through at a restless pace that pulls you straight into the chaotic world of Los Alamos. By flipping back and forth between color and black-and-white, there are no dull moments, as every scene is informative of Oppenheimer’s psyche. Murphy gives a haunting transformation as Oppenheimer, carrying the weight of the world. Alongside a stellar ensemble, this dialogue-heavy film is like watching the greatest stars do what they do best.

‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994) – 2 Hours and 34 Minutes

Image via Miramax Films

If you keep the action moving at a relentless pace, a multi-perspective thriller will move along at a perfect pace. In Quentin Tarantino’s ’90s-defining Pulp Fiction, four interconnected stories are brought to life as it tells the tale of criminals, hitmen, and boxers in Los Angeles. Jumping back and forth in time through a bookend of a young couple, Pumpkin (Tim Roth) and Honey Bunny (Amanda Plummer), who plan to rob a restaurant, Pulp Fiction uses dark, humorous dialogue, philosophical chats, and random bursts of violence to force the individuals to question their dangerous lives.

Pulp Fiction’s unconventional structure, razor-sharp dialogue, and deeply developed characters make it function as an intricately woven tapestry. Audiences spend their time eagerly waiting to see who or what might pop up next and how it affects future events. With an unpredictable nature to the story, Pulp Fiction keeps you on your toes, as you never know when an incidental overdose or accidental car shooting can disrupt the conversations. By the time the film ends, you’re left highly satisfied thanks to its ultimate character collision, an iconic soundtrack, and high-voltage thrills.

‘Schindler’s List’ (1993) – 3 Hours and 15 Minutes

Image via Universal Pictures

Sitting through a story about a harrowing period of world history may not sound like a fun time, but when it’s a masterpiece like Schindler’s List, it’s worth the length. Steven Spielberg’s historical drama recounts the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saved over 1,000 Jewish lives during the Holocaust. With the aid of his accountant, Itzhak Stern (Ben Kingsley), Schindler spends his entire fortune bribing Nazi officials and producing fake military goods to keep his workers alive until the war ends.

Despite the topic, the three-hour-plus runtime is crucial for the director. Spielberg carefully plots the story as he builds Schindler’s arc from a greedy, opportunistic war profiteer into a fervent savior. Spielberg provides an immersive feeling inside the grueling suffocation of the Kraków Ghetto and Plaszów concentration camp. Through mesmerizing visual storytelling, Spielberg and cinematographer Janusz Kamiński opt for black-and-white, only to introduce profound flashes of red that evoke a haunting, effective feeling.

‘The Dark Knight’ (2008) – 2 Hours and 32 Minutes

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

The superhero genre was forever redefined thanks to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. In the second film in the trilogy, Batman (Christian Bale), Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) work together to stop organized crime in Gotham City as the city is plunged into pure chaos by the Joker (Heath Ledger), whose mission is simple: prove that regular people and heroes can be corrupted and turned to violent chaos.

A wonderfully refreshing take on the classic hero-and-villain dynamic, The Dark Knight is a full-tilt thriller that wastes no time in its 152-minute run. The narrative moves swiftly, leaving audiences on edge as Batman and his allies are always a step behind the criminal mastermind. While it is still an action film, most of the time is spent enriching its psychological depth, allowing both Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent to undergo parallel, tragic transformations from heroes into symbols of a broken Gotham. The Dark Knight is also a showcase of the late Ledger at his very finest. ​​​​​​​

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003) – 3 Hours and 21 Minutes

Image via New Line Cinema

Whether you choose to watch the original theatrical release or the four-hour director’s cut, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a true fantasy epic. The third part of the trilogychronicles the final confrontation in Middle-earth as Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) approach Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring, while Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) leads the free peoples against Sauron’s armies.

Though it might be difficult to call it a standalone film, in the larger scope of the trilogy, The Return of the King does a phenomenal job of resolving multiple massive storylines. The extended wrap-ups provide crucial closure following long years of war, alongside some much-needed moments of levity and reflection. Like its predecessors, the film is a viscerally extraordinary visual and narrative masterpiece. Earning 11 Academy Awards, The Return of the King earned its status as a landmark cinematic achievement.

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994) – 2 Hours and 22 Minutes

Image via Columbia Pictures

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One of the great adaptations of a Stephen King work, The Shawshank Redemption features one of the most satisfying conclusions in cinema history. The story follows a banker named Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) who spends nearly two decades in a harsh prison after a wrongful murder conviction. Inside the prison walls, he befriends Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman), uses his banking skills to help the corrupt warden (Bob Gunton) and guards launder money and handle finances, and carefully plots his escape.

Every minute of the 142-minute drama is utilized precisely. With a deliberately paced story, writer and director Frank Darabont ensures that an enduring bond between Andy and Red develops, so that the climax is well-earned. The long-spanning story requires a longer run so as not to rush the important beats and erosion of emotional moments. The film depicts the tragic psychological impact of long-term imprisonment, giving the audience the chance to feel life behind the walls. By the end of the film, Andy’s journey becomes warranted and truly triumphant. ​​​​​​​

‘The Sound of Music’ (1965) – 2 Hours and 54 Minutes

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The hills are truly alive with The Sound of Music. Based on the Broadway musical, Robert Wise directs the film about a young nun, Maria (Julie Andrews), who becomes a governess for seven children of the stern Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), bringing music into their lives as they escape Nazi-occupied Austria.

Without a wasted minute, The Sound of Music fulfills the necessary beats from the stage show while profoundly crafting its own identity, largely due to the astonishing performance of its star. Andrews is simply divine, carrying the story through song, heart, and emotional resonance. The extended runtime furthers the secondary stories, which are necessary for the historical background and the looming threat the protagonists are fighting against. The Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II score is vividly brought to life, and pairing it with the vast Austrian Alps and Salzburg architecture provides a truly remarkable viewing experience. ​​​​​​​

‘Titanic’ (1997) – 3 Hours and 14 Minutes

Image via Paramount Pictures

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The James Cameron epic film operates in two parts, beginning with a forbidden romance between an upper-class young woman, Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet), who feels trapped by her wealthy, abusive fiancé. She meets Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a poor, free-spirited artist, in third class. As they fall in love, the ship of dreams strikes an iceberg during its transatlantic voyage, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion.

If you’re a child who grew up in the ‘90s, you most certainly are aware of the Titanic 2-VHS box set. You may have even made jokes at its expense for its runtime. Now, looking back, we savor those three-plus hours for giving us a beautiful romance before tragedy strikes. Cameron uses the first act to establish the vessel’s luxury, class divides, and grand scale before making the Titanic the main character. Without its bold framing device, Titanic wouldn’t be as incredible as it is.

‘Wicked’ (2024) – 2 Hours and 40 Minutes

Image via Universal Pictures

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Theater lovers finally had their wish fulfilled when Wicked was adapted for the big screen. Director Jon M. Chu split the musical into two parts to allow the full story to take shape. The first part of the story, acting as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, depicts how Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) became the Wicked Witch of the West and Galinda (Ariana Grande) became Glinda the Good.

Through themes of government corruption, discrimination, and the ways propaganda shapes public perception, the film explores what it means to truly be “wicked.” Based on Gregory Maguire‘s novel, Wicked has the freedom to dive deeper into the relationships that the stage show has thanks to the expanded runtime. Further, it gives Chu the chance to do extensive visual worldbuilding through beautiful landscape shots and extravagant musical numbers. Fans were enthralled that no song from Wicked‘s first act was cut, ensuring the musical vision remained intact.

‘Zodiac’ (2007) – 2 Hours and 37 Minutes

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Capitalizing on the public’s obsession with true-crime thrillers, David Fincher did the unthinkable in the haunting thriller Zodiac. The film follows the grueling manhunt for the real-life Zodiac Killer in Northern California. As the killer begins to send the San Francisco Chronicle cryptic letters and blood-stained items, demanding they be printed to prevent further murders, San Francisco Police Inspectors Dave Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) and Bill Armstrong (Anthony Edwards) hit endless dead ends as crime reporter Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.) and political cartoonist Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) begin independently connecting the clues.

Running just over two and a half hours, Zodiac‘s long pacing masterfully reflects the exhaustion of the endless investigation. Each moment is filled with crucial evidence, false leads, and rich character building. Rather than heading fully into the murders, Fincher showcases how the obsession with resolution destroyed careers, relationships, and the sanity of those involved, forcing the audience to sit through the trauma of the unsolved case and providing a realistically chilling experience.

The applause may still be loud, but behind the scenes, those closest to Lionel Richie are reportedly becoming increasingly concerned about the pace of his life. 

The music icon has spent decades performing, touring, recording, and building one of entertainment’s most enduring careers. 

Yet recent health scares have sparked fresh questions about whether the 77-year-old superstar is pushing himself too hard. According to insiders, however, convincing Richie to slow down may be impossible, no matter how worried his family becomes.

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For many artists approaching their eighth decade, retirement would seem like a natural next step. However, according to insiders, Lionel Richie has no interest in that conversation.

Sources close to the singer claim he remains deeply attached to the career that transformed him from a member of the Commodores into one of the most successful solo artists of all time. 

Even after decades of hit records, sold-out tours, Grammy Awards, an Oscar, and his role in co-writing “We Are the World,” Richie reportedly still thrives on the excitement of performing and staying in the public eye.

“Lionel likes to stay busy, he can’t sit still, and loves his career momentum,” one source told the Daily Mail.

Insiders insist money is not the driving force behind his relentless schedule. Instead, they claim Richie simply loves working and being connected to audiences. 

One source put it bluntly, “He puts his health at risk to work super hard even though he is 77 – work is like an addiction for him and he refuses to retire.”

According to the same insider, “He has tons of money, he is worth over $200 million, so that’s not the problem. The issue is he loves being popular, in the news.”

Richie’s Children Are Reportedly Terrified After Recent Health Scares

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While Lionel Richie may be determined to keep moving forward, insiders say his children are viewing things very differently.

According to sources, Nicole, Sofia, and Miles have become increasingly worried following a series of alarming medical episodes involving their father. 

One insider claimed the siblings are “crazy scared they could lose him” and fear he could be dealing with serious heart-related issues.

The concern has reportedly changed family dynamics in unexpected ways. Nicole and Sofia are said to have become especially protective, with one source describing them as being “like moms to him” as they encourage their father to prioritize his health.

Despite juggling careers, businesses, and young families of their own, both daughters reportedly continue making time to check on Richie and assist whenever needed. 

Sources say Miles shares those same concerns, with all three siblings struggling to imagine life without the man they consider the family’s foundation.

Lionel Richie’s Demanding Schedule Raises Questions About His Health

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The fears surrounding Richie intensified after a troubling summer that saw the entertainer experience multiple health-related setbacks.

As The Blast reported, one incident occurred during a concert in June when the singer suddenly stopped performing after telling the audience he felt “dizzy.” 

The show was ultimately cut short, and fans later learned he had been taken to a hospital. Then, just weeks later, fresh concern emerged when Richie appeared to struggle physically during a performance in St. Louis.

He was later admitted to intensive care, where he underwent testing for cardiac-related issues and spent four days hospitalized.

Although insiders say Richie has since returned home and is “feeling OK” while remaining in his “usual jovial mood,” the incidents reportedly reinforced concerns about the workload he continues to maintain.

Beyond his current tour commitments, Richie has also served as a judge on “American Idol” for years, a role he has held since ABC revived the series in 2018. Sources claim even longtime colleague Luke Bryan has urged him to ease up.

“Luke has been calling often to check on him and telling him to take a break,” one insider stated, adding, “Luke is a very grounded guy and has reminded Lionel that family, not work, comes first.”

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Richie Prepares For Major Tour Return With Busy Fall Schedule

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As concerns about Lionel Richie’s health continue to make headlines, the legend himself appears focused on something entirely different: getting back in front of audiences. 

The next phase of the Sing A Song All Night Long tour remains firmly on the calendar, with Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire preparing for a string of high-profile dates throughout September and October. 

According to Richie’s official schedule, the tour resumes with a September 26 stop at San Francisco’s Chase Center before continuing to Chicago, Columbus, and several other cities. 

The performance has become a major talking point among fans because it will mark the duo’s return to the Bay Area after the original August date was unexpectedly postponed. 

Tickets purchased for the original concert will still be honored, while fans unable to attend the new date have been offered refund options through the venue. 

Richie is also slated to return to Las Vegas for another run of his King of Hearts residency at Encore Theater in October. 

Lionel Richie Takes Aim At Usher And Chris Brown’s Tour 

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As Lionel Richie prepares for the next leg of his Sing A Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the musician’s most talked-about moments in recent weeks had nothing to do with his own concerts. 

During a stop in Phoenix in August, Richie addressed the buzz surrounding Usher and Chris Brown’s massively successful co-headlining R&B Tour and used the opportunity to draw a comparison with an earlier era of touring. 

Speaking to the crowd, Richie pointed out that collaborative tours between major R&B stars were hardly a new concept. 

Referencing his years with the Commodores and the touring landscape of previous decades, he joked, per PEOPLE, “Usher and Chris Brown, see, they trying to do something new! We were doing that forty years ago.” 

He then delivered the line that quickly spread across social media and entertainment headlines: “Only difference is, between then and now, we didn’t go to jail!” 

The comment immediately drew attention because of Chris Brown’s well-documented legal history. However, Richie quickly softened the moment, adding, “We’re fine Christian men. Fine Christian men, that’s right.” The crowd laughed, but the remark became one of the most discussed celebrity comments of the week. 

The story did not end there. Brown later responded publicly on social media rather than escalating the situation. In a lighthearted reply, he wrote, “Damn unk. We love you paw paw.”

If fall looming has you dreading jeans, you’re not alone. There’s nothing worse than stiff fabric and tight waistbands, which is why we’re copying Zooey Deschanel, who swapped basic denim for comfy yet elevated pants. We found her genius pull-on look for only $22!

A few days ago, Deschanel stepped out with fiancée and Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott for a walk. The actress wore a simple black top, Oxford-style sneakers, and wide-leg pull-on pants with a soft, relaxed appeal. The pair was effortlessly polished, just like this luxe-looking twin.

Get the Amazon Essentials Linen-Blend Drawstring Pants for $22 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

The Amazon Essentials Linen-Blend Drawstring Pants are made from a linen-cotton mix that drapes beautifully and actually breathes on those not-too-hot, not-too-cold days. The style comes in a similar grey-stripe print as Deschanel’s bottoms, and the full-length, wide-leg shape makes it almost impossible to tell the difference between the two.

Better yet, the pull-on elastic waistband means no buttons or zippers to fuss with. One thrilled shopper put it perfectly: “I can’t wear jeans or leggings in the summer and was looking for something light and comfortable. I found it.”

Another five-star fan confessed, “If I like something, I buy it in every color imaginable. I’ve purchased almost every color available. They’re the perfect linen pants that can be dressed up or down effortlessly.”

Pair this Deschanel-approved look with a fitted tee and sneakers for errand runs, or throw on a blazer and flats for dinner out. No matter how you style these pants, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be happy you didn’t opt for stiff jeans!

Get the Amazon Essentials Linen-Blend Drawstring Pants for $22 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more chic pants, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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This weekend, the historical crime thriller By Any Means becomes the latest to try to dethrone Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, following his previous 2026 roles in Wonder Man and Man on Fire, By Any Means follows the unlikely partnership of a young Black FBI agent and a notorious mafia hitman turned informant (Mark Wahlberg). Wahlberg hasn’t had much success at the box office in recent years, so Brand New Day is expected to continue its all-conquering run. With the box office taken care of, here’s a look at three movies you should stream this weekend on Netflix.

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.

1

‘Smile 2’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 6.7/10

Now that September has reared its sepia-toned head, horror fans’ thoughts turn to the upcoming spooky season. To get you in the mood, why not watch one of the most gruesome horror sequels of the past couple of years? Director Parker Finn‘s sequel to his smash-hit horror flick Smile follows the grinning demon as it turns its attention to Naomi Scott‘s Skye Riley, a global pop star recovering from a tragic incident.

A spine-chilling exploration of the cost of fame and the weight of public expectation, Smile 2 is an intelligent follow-up to an acclaimed horror original. Finn once again proved his talent as a horror director with some of the most memorable, skin-crawling sequences of the past couple of years, culminating in an explosive climax that will live long in your nightmares.

2

‘Teenage Wasteland’ (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.1/10

This week, documentary fans were delivered a treat via Netflix, as one of the best docs in the past year finally made its streaming debut. Teenage Wasteland (formerly known as Middletown) follows a teacher and group of students in the early 1990s who uncover a conspiracy while making a short film. 30 years later, they reunite to explore the discovery once again.

After premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, Teenage Wasteland earned hugely positive reviews, even earning a coveted 100% rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. “Riveting without ever feeling sensationalized and moving without being saccharine, Middletown is a captivating tale that combines elements of true crime and coming-of-age stories,” wrote Collider’s Taylor Gates in one of many glowing reviews for the doc.

3

‘Neighbors’ (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes: 72% | IMDb: 6.3/10

Finally breaking away from his High School Musical image, Zac Efron‘s coming-of-age came in the 2014 comedy Neighbors, which follows a loving couple with a newborn, Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly (Rose Byrne), as their lives change when they are forced to live next to a fraternity house. As a bitter rivalry emerges, hilarity ensues.

Efron, Rogen, Byrne, Dave Franco, and Lisa Kudrow all combine for comedy gold in Nicholas Stoller‘s fourth directorial feature, which began with the beloved Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Utterly hilarious from start to finish and littered with perfect pop culture references, Neighbors will keep you thoroughly entertained this first weekend of September, setting you up for a great month of movies.

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Release Date

May 9, 2014

Runtime

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97 minutes

Writers

Andrew J. Cohen, Brendan O’Brien

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Busy Philipps is celebrating a positive milestone on her cancer journey.

Taking to her Instagram account on Thursday, September 3, the Dawson’s Creek alum, 47, revealed it had been six months since her successful brain surgery.

“YESTERDAY WAS 6 MONTHS SINCE MY BRAIN SURGERY REMOVED THAT TUMOR FROM MY BRAIN! 🧠 🎉🙌” she wrote alongside a carousel of images, including a selfie that showed her sticking her tongue out.

Another photo showed Philipps in what appeared to be a hospital gown as she took a mirror selfie. She further revealed in the caption, “Well guess what? my mammogram was all clear too! woo!”

Related: Busy Philipps Diagnosed With Tumor Days After James Van der Beek’s Death

Dawson’s Creek alum Busy Philipps is opening up about her recovery after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. “I’m grateful that I’m alive,” Philipps, 47, told People in an interview published Wednesday, August 26, revealing that a Prenuvo full-body scan in February confirmed the presence of a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare slow-growing tumor. Philipps, […]

In an interview with People published on August 26, Philipps shared that she was “grateful” to be alive after her health diagnosis.

The actress explained that a Prenuvo full-body scan in February confirmed the presence of a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare slow-growing tumor.

Philipps added that she almost skipped her appointment to undergo the scan as she didn’t have any obvious symptoms and the consultation was scheduled to take place just one day after her former Dawson’s Creek costar, James Van Der Beek, died from stage III colorectal cancer.

“‘Should I cancel it?’” Philipps recalled asking her ex-husband, Marc Silverstein, who responded, “Maybe it’s the best thing you could do for your friend this morning. Go get that scan.”

After the scan confirmed a tumor had been detected, Philipps underwent a procedure in March so doctors could remove a 2.6-centimeter mass from her brain.

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Related: James Van Der Beek’s Widow Supports Busy Philipps After Brain Tumor News

James Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, is sharing a message of support after his former Dawson’s Creek costar Busy Philipps shared her brain tumor diagnosis. “We love you @busyphilipps and you got angels in heaven. ❤️,” Kimberly, 44, commented on People’s Wednesday, August 26, Instagram post from the outlet’s interview with Philipps, […]

Philipps’ procedure was successful, and she told the outlet that she “wasn’t in pain at all.” However, she faced a setback in April when she contracted staphylococcus on her incision and needed a follow-up surgery to debride and clear the wound.

In the People interview, Philipps shared the impact her cancer diagnosis had on her two daughters, Birdie, 17, and Cricket, 13, whom she shares with Silverstein, 55.

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“[Birdie] was kind of beside herself and really, really scared and overwhelmed with emotion,” Philipps said. “I just kept saying to her, ‘Birdie, you’re just not in the movie where your mom dies your senior year of high school. That’s just not the movie that you’re in. I promise you.’”

The actress said Cricket processed the news in a calmer way than her eldest child.

‘OK. You’re going to be fine?’ And I was like, ‘I’m totally going to be fine,’” Philipps said. “And she’s like, ‘OK.’”