'Don't Look Up' director Adam McKay pledges to donate USD 4M toward climate emergency fund

Washington [US], September 20: Filmmaker Adam McKay, who directed the disaster-inspired apocalyptic political satire 'Don't Look Up' has taken another public step in the fight against climate change.

Swati Bhat

According to The Hollywood Reporter, on Tuesday, McKay announced that he has pledged USD 4 million to the Climate Emergency Fund, which gives out grants to environmental activists. The outlet has reported that a long-time activist himself, this is McKay's largest donation ever, on any issue, as well as the largest personal donation in Climate Emergency Fund history.

He has also joined the board of directors of the Climate Emergency Fund, where he will help support strategic decision-making and fundraising. In a statement, McKay said, "The Climate Emergency Fund is unique in their commitment to funding civil, non-violent, disruptive activism. We are past time for politeness, past time for baby steps. I am proud to support their efforts and call on others to join me in doing everything we can to stave off the rapidly worsening impact of the climate crisis."

The filmmaker's donation will allow Climate Emergency Fund to continue its support of the disruptive-action protests in the U.S. and beyond, investing in groups that are dedicated to spurring elected leaders into taking immediate action to avert climate disaster. Directed by McKay, 'Don't Look Up', which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence and Cate Blanchett among others, is an allegorical movie that is a satire on climate change. The film centrally revolves around the story of two astronomers who discover that a comet is approaching Earth which would lead to the total destruction of life. They are on a mission to warn a narcissistic U.S. president and her son, as well as a pair of jaded news anchors that the Earth is about to get shattered by this comet.

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Jennifer Lopez raises USD 3.6 million at L.A. Dodgers Foundation Gala

Los Angeles [US], June 17: The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation celebrated its sixth Blue Diamond Gala on Thursday night with some of the major names in the world of Los Angeles sports stars and a headlining set from Jennifer Lopez. This has been the first time the annual event is held since the pandemic struck in 2019.

Swati Bhat

Pic Courtesy: Jennifer Lopez Twitter

The event, dubbed 'The Party for L.A.,' raised a record-breaking USD 3.6 million for LADF, which aims to improve education, health care, homelessness and social justice for all Angelenos and, since 1995, has invested more than USD 40 million in programs and grants to non-profits throughout the city, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

The gala also congratulated LADF's Everyday Champions, whose work in the community has been hampered by the COVID19 pandemic but who have been able to step up and make a difference.

Almost the entire Dodgers roster was in attendance at the event, including stars Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts, Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger, and manager Dave Roberts. Venus Williams, Dodgers owner Mark Walter and Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss had also attended the event.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, LADF CEO Nichol Whiteman took the stage for a brief speech ahead of JLo's performance, saying, "This year's gala reflects our endless potential when we combine our efforts and insist on making a difference in the lives of those who need us most."

"It is no mistake that we stand on this magical field, this field of dreams, where our Boys in Blue won the 2020 championship. In that life-altering year, we showed the world that we are champions on and off the field. We helped some of the most vulnerable communities survive an avalanche of uncertainty and pain," she added.

"Tonight, we honour our comprehensive work but we also recognized the individuals who voluntarily jumped into the unknown, pushed past fear, to help Angelenos navigate these trying times. When so much of the world shut down, these heroes stepped up," Whiteman concluded.

Jennifer Lopez, fresh from her Netflix documentary Halftime, following her 2020 Super Bowl performance, took the stage for the final hour of the gala. She performed her hits amid five costume changes and elaborate choreography with a dozen backup dancers.

After JLo teased, "I know we're in L.A. but I've got to keep it 'New York' forever," with some of her N.Y.-centered tunes, Lopez told the crowd, "This is a big night for all of you all, and a big night for me too."

While taking the stage, she said, "They told me that 8.8 million children's lives are touched by this foundation every year. Give yourselves a round of applause, a pat on the back."

"We all know that children are going to take over this world and we need to take care of them, raise them right, teach them how to give, give them what they need, and to help one another. That's really why you're here tonight," Lopez added.

The gala concluded with an after-show party featuring DJ Severe from The Dodgers and food from California Pizza Kitchen, Dunkin', Melissa's Produce, Milk Bar and In-N-Out.

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Pinterest launches first UK Creator Fund for under-represented creators

United Kingdom, June 07: Social media network Pinterest has launched its Creator Fund in the UK to elevate under-represented creators, following the successful launch in the US last year.

Pritish Bagdi

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

The Creator Fund aims to reduce barriers of entry for creators from historically marginalised communities, including Black, LGBTQIA+, Asian, Indigenous people, as well as people with disabilities.

The programme is part of Pinterest’s ongoing work to make the platform an inclusive and inspiring place, and the first round of UK applications will focus on LGBTQIA+ fashion and beauty-related content creators.

Successful candidates will be invited to join an intimate five-week programme of events and educational sessions to set them up for long-term success. They will learn about content creation and monetisation opportunities, as well as access the creator community. In addition, they will also receive 20,000 pounds in the form of a cash grant, equipment and more, to help them reach new audiences.

Hannah Ngakane, strategic partner manager at Pinterest, said in a statement: “At Pinterest, we’re committed to elevating creators from under-represented communities, and building a positive and inspiring place for their content to be discovered and celebrated.

“Through our Creator Fund, we’re able to assist talent financially and educationally and provide a clear path for creators to access the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

Pinterest’s Creator UK Fund is accepting applications until June 19.

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