Entertainment

Hollywood actor George Clooney, others withdraw support for Biden

Published

4 months ago

July 12, 2024

Hollywood actor George Clooney, others withdraw support for Biden

What if Hollywood, a key Democratic financial pillar, cut off Joe Biden’s campaign funding? That possibility now looms large after actor George Clooney and other wealthy donors urged the US president to withdraw from the White House race.

“I love Joe Biden. But we need a new nominee,” Clooney wrote in a column in the New York Times on Wednesday, after Biden’s disastrous performance in a televised presidential debate against Republican rival, Donald Trump rekindled fears around the 81-year-old’s fitness for office.

The statement dealt a serious blow to Biden, coming just three weeks after Clooney headlined a major fundraiser in Los Angeles for his reelection campaign.

At the gala, the president was able to raise more than $30 million in one evening, a record amount that showcased the industry’s might in financing the American left.

“If all these big donors pull out, he’s sunk,” said Steve Ross, professor of history at the University of Southern California who wrote a book on the influence of Hollywood on American politics. “Hollywood is still the one shop stop for candidates.”

Clooney is not the only one worried. In recent days, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, Walt Disney’s granddaughter Abigail and Hollywood mega agent, Ari Emanuel, whose brother, Rahm served as Barack Obama’s chief of staff — said they would not be financing Biden citing concerns over his age

Even though the millions generated by the American entertainment industry are essential to both parties, Hollywood’s hearts and wallets have predominantly leaned left for decades.

Both Bill and Hillary Clinton relied on Hollywood support in their respective White House bids. In 2007, Obama famously benefited from the “Oprah Winfrey effect,” receiving a boost to his profile after the star TV host organized a dinner to promote the man who was then still only a senator.

During the presidential race in 2020, the entertainment industry gave $104 million to Democrats compared to $13 million to Republicans, according to Open Secrets, a nonprofit that tracks campaign financing.

It wasn’t always that way.

In the 1980s, Republican president Ronald Reagan, himself a former actor, enjoyed the support of stars like Frank Sinatra and relied heavily on Hollywood’s coffers.

“Hollywood started as a conservative base for the Republican Party,” Ross told AFP.

“When Louis B. Mayer took over MGM Studios in the late 20s, he turned it into a fundraising publicity wing for the GOP, and he raised enormous amounts of money,” Ross said, referring to the Republican party.

The four Warner brothers, on the other hand, supported Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s with their studio and their stars.

It was the election of John F. Kennedy in 1960 that marked Hollywood starting to shift to the left, as the era of blacklisting actors for suspected communist sympathies came to an end.

“It was a new era of free speech for movie stars who weren’t going to be blacklisted if they said anything deemed too radical,” the expert said.

Just hitting pause?

But even with its cultural and financial prowess, does Hollywood have the power to axe Biden from the race?

Clooney’s New York Times op-ed “is another pressure point, for sure,” said Steven Maviglio, a Democratic adviser who worked with former California governor Gray Davis.

But Maviglio believes the panic of certain donors to be “a temporary phenomenon.”

Related Topics:BIDEN Featured george clooney Hollywood

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Entertainment

Meet Azeez Odumosu, The Multi-Talented Yoruba Actor Shaping Nollywood’s Future

Published

16 minutes ago

November 17, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Meet Azeez Odumosu, The Multi-Talented Yoruba Actor Shaping Nollywood’s Future

Azeez Awiye Odumosu also known as Veron, a rising star in the Yoruba movie industry, has become a force to reckon with as an actor, producer, influencer and the CEO Awiye TV on YouTube channel. Known for his vibrant presence on TikTok and as a successful entrepreneur, Odumosu is the owner of Awiye Autos Nigeria Limited, a reputable car dealership based in Lagos State.

Hailing from Iragunsin, Epe, Lagos State, Azeez began his journey as a content creator, leveraging social media to showcase his talent and build a fanbase. His transition into Nollywood came when he connected with key players in the industry. In 2024, his professional acting career officially began after being introduced to his boss, Kayode Adebayo, popularly known as Kay Alubarika, who is a Nollywood movie director, Akintelu Fatimah Gbemisola and a popular D.O.P, Azeez Tijani also known as AZ.

Since joining the industry, Azeez has featured in several Yoruba movies, earning recognition for his talent and dedication. His venture into movie production has also gained attention, with his debut production, “Odun Kan”, promising to be a blockbuster. With his growing ambitions, Odumosu is currently planning to shoot a cinematic movie, aiming to leave an indelible mark on the industry.

Balancing his acting career with his thriving business, Awiye Autos Nigeria Limited, Azeez Odumosu exemplifies versatility and determination. As he continues to excel in Nollywood and beyond, fans eagerly anticipate his next projects and entrepreneurial milestones.

Entertainment

Nigerian Thespian Wuraola Olaniran Takes Center Stage

Published

4 days ago

November 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Nigerian Thespian Wuraola Olaniran Takes Center Stage

Wuraola Olaniran, a versatile actor, scriptwriter, and director, has carved a niche for herself in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. With a degree in English Literature from the University of Ilorin, Wuraola’s passion for acting began at a tender age, blossoming into a successful career.

A Stellar Career

Wuraola’s professional journey commenced in 2015, with her debut screenplay appearance in February 2016. Since then, she has captivated audiences with breathtaking performances in numerous stage and screen productions. Her repertoire includes:

•⁠ ⁠Stage plays: “A Dance of the Forests,” “Life Burial,” “Love Twirls of Aditu and Iyunade,” “Efunsetan Aniwura,” and “Moxie of Afonja.”
•⁠ ⁠Screen productions: “To Kill a Monkey,” “Miracle Center,” “Omije,” “Aiyetoro Town,” and “The Only Celebrity in Nigeria.”
•⁠ ⁠Notable collaborations: Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, Toyin Abraham, Femi Adebayo, and Kemi Adetiba.

Directing Credits

Wuraola’s directing credits include:

•⁠ ⁠A Dance of the Forests (Wole Soyinka)
•⁠ ⁠Life Burial (Helen Paul)
•⁠ ⁠KWRS Tax Program (2018)

Upcoming Performance

Catch Wuraola live on stage on November 17th in “Moxie of Aareonakakanfo,” where she will masterfully portray three distinct characters.

Artistic Philosophy

For Wuraola, acting transcends entertainment; it’s a cultural bridge, preserving heritage and uniting diverse audiences. Her dedication to authenticity and immersive storytelling has earned her recognition within the industry.

Entertainment

Mustapha Sholagbade Releases Highly Anticipated Part 2 of “Oko Aunty Mi” on YouTube

Published

4 days ago

November 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Mustapha Sholagbade Releases Highly Anticipated Part 2 of “Oko Aunty Mi” on YouTube

Following the success of the first installment of *Oko Aunty Mi”, which quickly became one of the most viewed movies on YouTube, producer and actor Mustapha Sholagbade has released the much-anticipated part two. Fans can now catch the continuation of this compelling story on Mustapha Sholagbade TV (Mstvfilms) on YouTube.

The storyline dives deep into the complexities of marriage, exploring the risks of the blame game when mutual understanding and tolerance are lacking. Described as a “unique love literature,” “Oko Aunty Mi” follows the journey of a young couple facing critical challenges in their union. The big question remains: will they uncover the missing element in their marriage, or will they be torn apart by unresolved issues? Find out in the part 2 of the flick.

Featuring a fantastic cast, including Mide Funmi Martins, Allwell Ademola,Yomi Fabiyi, Saidi Balogun, and Sholagbade himself, the movie promises top-notch performances and an unforgettable storyline. “Oko Aunty Mi” Part 2 is now available for streaming, delighting fans with its depth and emotional resonance. Use the link to view the movie for free: