Entertainment Report
Entertainment Report: Kristen Bell Pledges $100,000 for Medical Bills; Legal Drama Unfolds in Hollywood
The excitement is growing as the 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival begins today, marking one of the most anticipated events of the year for movie lovers.
Festival-goers have been camping out since New Year’s Eve, hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars who will be walking the red carpet at tomorrow night’s prestigious awards ceremony. Our own Mandy the Movie Guy will be on the scene, sharing all the action as it unfolds. The festival runs until January 13th, and film enthusiasts can expect a range of screenings, panel discussions, and celebrity appearances throughout the event.
While the film festival takes center stage, in the world of philanthropy, Kristen Bell has made headlines with her generous pledge of $100,000 to help pay medical bills for families struggling with healthcare costs. Partnering with Tom Marcus, an internet star known as Quentin Quarantino, Bell is helping to raise funds for people in need. The duo has a combined social media following of 17 million, and together they are sharing a new health-related GoFundMe campaign every day for a week. For each campaign, they are crowdfunding half of the needed amount, while Bell herself donates the remainder.
In other news, the legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues to unfold, following allegations of harassment on the set of the movie It Ends with Us. Lively filed a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department accusing Baldoni of harassment and retaliation. Baldoni, in turn, has filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, claiming that their coverage of the issue was biased and detrimental to his reputation. Baldoni argues that the paper relied on an unverified and one-sided narrative presented by Lively, omitting crucial evidence that could have cleared his name. The legal drama continues to evolve, with both sides preparing for a lengthy legal battle.
As Hollywood looks to January, several exciting new releases are on the horizon. Fans of biographical films can look forward to the Robbie Williams biopic, Better Man, which opens in theaters next weekend. Meanwhile, action fans will get a sequel to the hit film Den of Thieves, starring Gerard Butler in Den of Thieves 2. Also coming is the Pamela Anderson starring film, The Last Show Girl, directed by Gia Coppola.
On January 17th, the historical drama September 5, based on the 1972 Munich massacre, is set to hit theaters. This film takes a unique perspective by telling the story through the eyes of the journalists who were covering the tragic event. Another big release on the same weekend is the buddy comedy One of Them Days and the horror-thriller Wolfman. Later in the month, January 31st will see the release of the sci-fi romantic drama Love Me, as well as the psychological thriller Companion and the animated adventure Dogman.
As we start the new year, Hollywood is buzzing with a wide array of new releases, charitable initiatives, and high-profile legal battles that will keep the entertainment world on edge. Whether you're tuning into the Palm Springs Film Festival or watching the next big movie, there’s no shortage of excitement in the entertainment world.
By: NBC Palm Springs
January 2, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
Talking With Thalia: GLP-1 medications have become a popular tool for weight loss, but what you eat while taking them matters, too. Local dietitian Jessica Brantley Lopez shares the importance of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and hydration, along with why smaller, more frequent meals may help manage side effects and support healthy weight loss. Jessica also opens up about her own experience with GLP-1 medication and how it changed her approach to helping others. Talking With Thalia is sponsored by DAP Health. Watch the full conversation at NBCPalmSprings.com. #TalkingWithThalia #DAPHealth #GLP1 #WeightLoss #Nutrition Dietitian HealthToday CoachellaValley PalmSprings NBCPalmSprings
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are one step closer to completing their $110 billion merger after a coalition of 12 state attorneys general reached a settlement with Paramount. The settlement resolves the states’ antitrust lawsuit, though it still requires court approval. The agreement includes commitments involving film production, workers and editorial independence for CNN and CBS News. California AG CNN’s Brian Stelter reports. #Paramount #WarnerBrosDiscovery #ParamountMerger #CNN #Hollywood #Media #Merger #Entertainment
A high-speed police chase in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, came to a dramatic end when the vehicle plunged into Lake Como. Dashcam video released by police shows the pursuit before the car crashes into the water. Four people inside the vehicle were pulled from the lake with no serious injuries reported. Police say the driver was charged with reckless driving. Watch the video and get more at NBCPalmSprings.com.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Don’t sweat the small stuff!
As fall approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your annual flu shot. The CDC recommends flu vaccination every season for nearly everyone 6 months and older, and September or October is generally the ideal time for most people to get vaccinated. The 2026-27 flu vaccines have been updated to target the strains expected to circulate this season. There’s also a new option this year: Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older. Talk with your health care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you and make a plan to get vaccinated this fall. Learn more about DAP Health at DAPHealth.org. #FluSeason #FluShot #FluVaccine #DAPHealth #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Health #Wellness #NBCPalmSprings
Murder Suspect Vicky Kim was set to appear in court at the Larson Justice Center today following her recent medical clearance to appear in court, but refused. However, she may be forced to appear should she refuse again. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we follow the latest developments of this case #VickyKim #arraignment #courtupdate #riversidecounty
🚨 20 ARRESTS. 6 GUNS SEIZED. Cathedral City Police report 20 arrests and six handgun seizures following two days of enforcement tied to a Mongols Motorcycle Club gathering. Police also issued 77 citations and impounded 14 vehicles. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and was four weeks in the making. #CathedralCity #BreakingNews #Mongols #CoachellaValley #PublicSafety
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry: last day of summer!
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.