France 24

EntertainmentYesterday

From slavery to today: The Black women who shaped America

"If you don’t understand the history of Black women, you don’t understand the history of America." Those words from Nobel Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison open Sasha Bonét's debut memoir, "The Waterbearers". The New York writer traces three generations of Black women in her family: her grandmother Betty Jean, the daughter of formerly enslaved people in Louisiana who went on to raise eleven children; her mother Connie, who sought a middle-class life in majority-white Houston; and Sasha herself, now raising her daughter Sofia in New York.

EntertainmentYesterday

Music show: Meet Ed Banger Records' new girl Tatyana Jane and wild Jazz band Buck

This week on Arts24, music editor Marjorie Hache chats to Buck's saxophonist. He tells us more about how the six-piece came together during lockdown and took their name from the antler-sporting animal to make psychedelic wild jazz. They are currently touring their new album "Animal Boisé". We also meet French Cameroonian Dj Producer Tatyana Jane, Ed Banger Records' first female signing in two decades. Plus, we take a look at new releases by Leon Bridges and M83.

EntertainmentYesterday

Pop, protests and Palestine: Ed Sheeran’s moral maze

A clash over music, politics and Palestine is putting freedom of expression in the spotlight. Macklemore’s outspoken support for Palestinians has sparked a backlash around Ed Sheeran’s US tour, raising a bigger question: should artists be expected to take a political stand, or are they equally free to stay silent? FRANCE 24’s Gavin Lee is joined by Adam Behr, reader in music, politics and society at Newcastle University, to discuss the controversy.

Entertainment3 days ago

Ed Sheeran calls Gaza war catastrophic after dropping Macklemore over pro-Palestinian comments

English singer Ed Sheeran opened his first show since his opener Macklemore was dropped after making pro-Palestinian comments onstage. The move sparked controversy and prompted several other support acts to drop out of the tour, publishing statements citing their support for Palestinians. While some concert goers could be seen trying to sell their tickets on Saturday, others have voiced their support for the 'Shape of You' singer. Story by Charlotte Hughes.

Entertainment6 days ago

'We don't just want to hear Ed Sheeran sing and play guitar, we want to know his politics'

François Picard is pleased to welcome Ellis Cashmore, sociologist, professor and author of "Celebrity Culture". Cashmore argues that contemporary celebrity culture has fundamentally altered the relationship between entertainment and politics. There was a time when public figures retained the option of political neutrality. Whereas, today, even silence or refusal to engage can be interpreted as a political act.

EntertainmentSep 14, 2026

Bob Mackie, fashion designer for the stars, dies at 87

⁠Hollywood designer ⁠Bob Mackie, known for making stars such as Cher and Elton John sparkle, died on Monday at 87, according to a post on his official Instagram account. His career spanned ‌five decades and included ⁠designing a Barbie doll clothes collection. FRANCE 24's Camille Knight has more.

Céline Dion makes historic Paris comeback, six years after last tour

Beloved French Canadian singer Céline Dion on Saturday returned to the stage after years battling a rare neurological disorder with a sell-out concert in an arena west of Paris. The 58-year-old appeared visibly moved as she opened her first full concert in six years to a crowd of around 30,000 people.

Danish WWII drama wins Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival

A Danish WWII drama about a woman trying to hide a wartime relationship with a Nazi was awared top prize on Saturday at The Venice Film Festival, while Gaza documentary NAZA snagged the special jury prize. "Unknown Woman" had been a major talking point of the festival due to its subject matter, which has rarely been explored in film, and because director May el-Toukhy was almost alone as a woman director in the event.

A cultural stroll through Paris with actor Alex Vizorek and singer Hélène Ségara

This week on Paris des Arts, Belgian comedian Alex Vizorek takes us to the Théâtre des Mathurins to talk about his latest one-man show, "Deux et demi." After putting on a series of shows about art, the comedian turns to more personal themes: the passage of time, his grandmothers and philosophy. He says: "After 15 years together with the audience, they know me and I know them, and I know what can amuse them about me."

Sandra Hüller: from European cinema to working with Tom Cruise and Ryan Gosling

Sandra Hüller has conquered European cinema – now Hollywood is calling. The German actress, who earned an Oscar nomination for 'Anatomy of a Fall' and a Silver Bear for 'Rose', stars alongside Ryan Gosling in 'Project Hail Mary', and Tom Cruise in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s highly anticipated 'Digger'.

EntertainmentSep 9, 2026

‘Call My Agent’ returns: George Clooney, Eva Longoria guest star in French film spinoff

Manon Kerjean, FRANCE 24's film critic highlights some of her picks among the French films in competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. She also looks at new releases in French cinema: "15/18", a film set in a psychiatric unit which tackles mental health and "A Woman's Life" – a film starring Cesar-winning actress Léa Drucker as a woman whose organized life is upended by the arrival of a stranger. She also previews "The Unknown", a film by Arthur Hariri about two strangers who wake up in each other's bodies. Finally, she gives her thoughts on a highly anticipated film, "Call my Agent", which picks up five years after the end of the hit TV series on Netflix.

EntertainmentSep 9, 2026

Why is France so good at animation?

🇫🇷 🎞️ Usually associated with high fashion and culinary excellence, the French touch is prominent in another field not many know about: animation. The French animation industry is the third-largest exporter of animated content in the world, behind only the US and Japan. But why is France so good at animation? FRANCE 24's Tanishk Saha explains.

EntertainmentSep 9, 2026

The 'Brenaissance': Brendan Fraser on 'Pressure', winning an Oscar in 'The Whale' and 'The Mummy 4'

From "The Mummy" to his Oscar-winning performance in "The Whale", Brendan Fraser's career has taken some extraordinary turns. At the Deauville American Film Festival, he talks to Eve Jackson about his "Brenaissance", playing General Dwight D. Eisenhower in "Pressure", what D-Day can teach us about the dangers of ignoring science and his return as Rick O'Connell in "The Mummy 4".

EntertainmentSep 8, 2026

Only woman director in Venice Film Festival says industry remains unequal

May el-Toukhy, the only woman director selected for the top competition at the Venice Film Festival, highlighted the scarcity of women within the film industry at a press conference on Sunday, quipping that her film, "Woman Unknown" was itself "about the invisibility of women".

Ethan Hawke leads the charge at Deauville's 52nd American Film Festival

The Normandy coast has become Hollywood-sur-mer once again, as the annual film festival welcomes talent from the United States. FRANCE 24's Genie Godula takes time out from hosting the opening ceremony in Deauville to bring us an overview of the features screening there.

Haute Couture, autumn-winter 2026/27: Make way for the independent labels

Some couturiers get to modernise houses owned by luxury groups. Among them is Duran Lantink, who draws on Jean Paul Gaultier's ballet-costume era for his inspiration. Independent houses, by contrast, must create from scratch. Iris van Herpen turns to science. Rahul Mishra finds inspiration in the beauty of Hindu goddesses. Imane Ayissi pays tribute to his late mother. Finally, Kevin Germanier keeps celebrating the most desirable approach to recycling imaginable.

Gloria Steinem, feminist trailblazer and award-winning journalist, dies at 92

Feminist activist and journalist Gloria Steinem died on Wednesday, at the age 92, her foundation said in an Instagram post on Thursday.

George Clooney, Robert Pattinson expected on the red carpet at Venice Film Festival

Our film critic Emma Jones takes us through the highlights as the 83rd Venice International Film Festival kicks off this Wednesday.

From North Korea to ICE: Photojournalist David Guttenfelder on the front lines in Minneapolis

David Guttenfelder from The New York Times has spent 35 years photographing history around the world. Now, he is documenting it at home. The award-winning photojournalist is known for his work in Rwanda, North Korea and conflict zones across the globe. This year, he turned his camera on Minneapolis, documenting the federal immigration crackdown and deadly clashes involving ICE. His exhibition "The People of Minneapolis vs. ICE" is currently on show at the Visa pour l'Image photojournalism festival in Perpignan.

EntertainmentSep 1, 2026

Backstage at Rock en Seine 2026 with up-and-coming British singer Sekou

In this edition of our Arts24 music show, Jennifer Ben Brahim takes us backstage at this year's Rock en Seine music festival. More than 180,000 music lovers descended on the grounds just outside of Paris to see 80 live shows. Headliners this year included the likes of American hip-hop star Tyler, The Creator, Australian rockers Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds as well as Britrock legends The Cure, who closed out the weekend in style.

EntertainmentAug 27, 2026

'National treasure: If we could all be like Dolly, the world would be a much better place'

As the world pays homage to the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, François Picard is pleased to welcome Nashville's Irene Kelley, Country musician and celebrated songwriter, alongside her daughter, Justyna Kelley, Country musician, songwriter, actress and producer. For the Kelley family, Dolly Parton’s significance lies in the extraordinary reach of her music, and even more in the way she turned intimate stories into something remarkably universal. Her songs were grounded in home and family, sharing life's immense struggles, while staying true to her values. The Kelleys see Parton as a national treasure who transcended generations, social class and the great political divide.

EntertainmentAug 26, 2026

Embraced across divides, Dolly Parton leaves a lasting legacy

Throughout her lifetime, Dolly Parton worked to build a better world, while becoming inextricable from the American imagination. She was embraced by fans across gender, race and class, embodying a mythology typically inaccessible to even the most influential historical figures. It is one of her greatest legacies: to take what you have and help someone with it.

Angélique Kidjo becomes the first Black African honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Five-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo on Tuesday became the first Black African to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Born in Benin, Kidjo has built an international career spanning more than 40 years and 18 albums. Her star is the 2,853th on the famous Los Angeles sidewalk.

Literary icon Margaret Atwood on why The Handmaid’s Tale no longer feels like fiction

Two-time Booker prize-winning author, Margaret Atwood has spent four decades warning what happens when democracy, women’s rights and free expression begin to erode. Today, many readers believe the world has caught up with her fiction. In this interview with FRANCE 24’s Eve Jackson, the author of The Handmaid’s Tale reflects on US President Donald Trump, the expanding book bans in the United States, the rollback of reproductive rights, censorship and why she torched an “unburnable” edition of her most famous novel.

Avignon turns 80: Wagner Moura, Isabelle Huppert attend France's oldest theatre festival

FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear brings us all the latest from the Avignon performing arts festival, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary. This year, Golden Globe winners, Brazilian actor Wagner Moura and French actress Isabelle Huppert are starring in shows. The festival has also chosen Korean as its language of honour and turns the spotlight on artists from the Mediterranean region. Salazar-Winspear also talks to the co-director of Avignon's fringe program. It's known as the "off" in French and features more than 1,700 shows performed in public spaces around the city. Finally, she gives us her recommendation for a fringe show that is not to be missed.

Madonna takes over Paris as Bad Bunny arrives for his French concerts

Why has Madonna made Paris the heart of her latest comeback? In this edition of arts24, we unpack the Queen of Pop's new album Confessions II – fresh from her Paris Fashion Week appearance and exclusive fan events in the French capital. We also look at Bad Bunny's historic new wax figure at Paris's Musée Grévin ahead of his sold-out French concerts, and meet MIND, the French pianist and producer blending electronic music with Afro-jazz and his Guyanese heritage before he performs at the Paris New York Heritage Festival. Plus, a preview of the Rolling Stones' upcoming album, Foreign Tongues.

The Odyssey: Matt Damon, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway relive the epic

In this edition, Critic Emma Jones tells us why Christopher Nolan’s take on the Greek epic was worth the wait – and the eye-watering budget – and how the themes of this ancient story still speak to contemporary audiences. The all-star cast includes Matt Damon as a world-weary Odysseus, Anne Hathaway embodies a very patient Penelope and Lupita Nyong’O plays both Helen of Troy and her twin sister Clytemnestra.

TechnologyAug 16, 2026

Ahmed El Attar brings rage, resistance and humanity to the stage in Avignon

In this edition, arts24 decamps to the south of France for a special show from the world-renowned Avignon theatre festival as it celebrates its 80th edition. Korean is this year’s guest language at the event, offering audiences an insight into drama, dance and literary work from Korean artists. We also check out Julien Gosselin’s high-tech, literary exploration of evil in ‘Maldoror’, on stage at the Palais des Papes and talk to Egyptian director Ahmed El Attar about his recent work.

Jurassic Park, The Piano, The Tudors... New Zealand actor Sam Neill dies at 78

New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for his roles in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano", has died aged 78. Neill had announced in April that he was cancer-free after undergoing treatment for stage-three blood cancer. Tributes are flowing in for the star, including from New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon who said Neill was "one of the greats". Story by Carys Garland.

TechnologyAug 16, 2026

Summer soundtrack: Charli XCX and the return of The Strokes

On today's Arts24 music show, Jennifer Ben Brahim brings us a roundup of upcoming album releases to add to your summer playlists. From the return of indie sleaze icons The Strokes, who are set to release their first album in six years, "Reality Awaits", to a British pop star hoping to recreate the success of her 2024 record Brat – the album that sparked the viral internet trend dubbed "Brat Summer". Her seventh album, Music, Fashion, Film, features musician John Cale, designer Marc Jacobs and filmmaker Martin Scorsese on the cover. Here's the single "Wink Wink".

Actor Sam Neill, star of 'Jurassic Park', dies at 78

New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for his roles in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano', died Monday at the age of 78, according to a statement from his family on social media.

Cardi B, Teyana Taylor and Bad Bunny brave Paris heat

Paris has been hosting its autumn-winter couture collections amid simmering temperatures, with celebrities sporting parasols and fans as they watch the shows. Fashion journalist Alice Pfeiffer tells us why "Blazymania" has taken hold, as Chanel's new artistic director continues his winning streak with designs inspired by Coco Chanel herself. At Dior, Jonathan Anderson presents an accessible, floral collection, while Pierpaolo Piccioli draws stars including Cynthia Erivo, Demi Moore and Teyana Taylor to the front row for his Balenciaga debut.

A cultural stroll through Paris with Kalash and Manon Lisa

A summer of music with Paris des Arts! On today's show, we meet up with French rapper Kalash as well as singer Manon Lisa.

'Total Eclipse of the Heart' singer and 80s power ballad queen Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75

Best known her power ballad “Total Eclipse of the Heart” that topped the charts in 1983, Bonnie Tyler, the gravelly voiced, Grammy-nominated Welsh pop star has died. She was 75 and passed away in hospital in Portugal from an illness, after undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in May. Her signature voice was actually the result of an accident after not resting enough following an operation to remove nodules on her vocal cords.

'Lucky', 'Ted Lasso' and 'Little House on the Prairie': TV series to watch this summer

From Netflix’s ambitious reboot of “Little House on the Prairie” to Anya Taylor-Joy’s high-stakes crime thriller “Lucky”, this summer’s TV line-up has something for every viewer. We also preview “GIGN” (Elite Force), a gripping French action series that takes viewers inside one of the world’s most elite police units. Fan favourites are returning too, with a new season of “Ted Lasso” and Will Ferrell taking on his first major TV leading role as an ageing golf champion in The Hawk. Arts24’s Dheepthika Laurent rounds up the biggest series to add to your watchlist this summer.

UK pop singer Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75

Welsh pop singer Bonnie Tyler, famed for 1980s ‌power ⁠ballads ‌such as "Total ⁠Eclipse of the Heart" and "Holding ‌Out for a Hero", has died at the age of 75, BBC News reported on Thursday.

Rwanda's big screen moment: Historic Cannes win sparks creative boom

Rwandan cinema has never enjoyed such a spotlight. Last May at the Cannes Film Festival, Ben'Imana by Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo won the 'Caméra d'Or' – the first Rwandan feature film ever to do so. The achievement has lifted an entire local film scene now in full bloom: in Kigali, restored movie theatre, open-air festival and a new generation of filmmakers reflect this momentum.

'The #Odyssey': What's missing from #Nolan's film according to Homer's translator

Since Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" came out, it has generated over $300 million… and a growing conversation about what is missing compared to the original poem. But what is that exactly? In a scathing review published recently, classicist and translator of Homer’s epic, Emily Wilson, had much to say about what differed from the original poem. Her translation, published in 2017, was widely acclaimed, and Nolan said she was one of the inspirations for his film in early publicity. FRANCE 24 spoke to her a few days before she published her review, and here’s what she had to say.

The Bayeux Tapestry in London: 'A diplomatic operation that almost never happened'

Nearly 1,000 years after chronicling the Norman conquest of England, the Bayeux Tapestry is making history once again. The fragile 11th-century embroidery has arrived in London on an unprecedented loan to the British Museum, prompting delight and concern in equal measure. Celebrated as one of Europe''s greatest medieval treasures, its journey has reignited debates over heritage, diplomacy and the risks of moving delicate cultural artefacts.

WorldAug 16, 2026

UNESCO places ancient Lebanese city of Tyre on heritage danger list

UNESCO on Wednesday added Tyre, an ancient coastal city in southern Lebanon founded by the Phoenicians, to its list of world heritage sites in danger following months of Israeli bombardment. Founded around 4,700 years ago, Tyre is home to archaeological treasures including two protected UNESCO areas.

WorldAug 16, 2026

Louvre heist: 'We've recovered millions worth of artworks thanks to tipsters', explains legal expert

Annette Young is pleased to welcome Christopher Marinello, veteran lawyer, founder of Art Recovery International and one of the world's foremost experts in recovering stolen, looted, and missing works of art. The reopening of the Apollo Gallery at the Louvre, nine months after one of the most brazen museum thefts in recent history, marks more than the restoration of a famous exhibition space. It exposes a broader tension between public access to cultural heritage and the growing vulnerability of museums in an era of increasingly sophisticated organised crime.

'France wants to lead the way' with under-15s social media ban

French lawmakers are expected to pass a bill on July 21st banning social media access to children under 15. If approved, France would follow Australia's lead, where the world's first ban for under-16s ‌on platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube came into ⁠force in December, as concerns grow over the impact social media has on the health and safety of minors.

Morocco's Tangier hosts first edition of its photography festival

Tangier, Morocco's iconic port city and gateway between Europe and North Africa, is hosting the first edition of the International photography festival "Photo Tangier". This year's theme is "The Call of the Open Sea". The event will span two and a half months, from the 17th June to the 31st August, transforming Tangier into an open air creative space in which private galleries, museums, and public spaces come together as one big work of art.

BTS storms Paris: K-pop phenomenon plays stade de France

The Korean superstar boyband is wrapping up the European leg of their Arirang album tour in the French capital before dates in North and South America. FRANCE 24 takes a look at the K-pop phenomenon’s meteoric rise.

Ali Zalzali’s shows gothic glamour in his début couture collection

His blossoming, botanical and flowing forms recall the life cycles of plants and humans. Designer Ali Zalzali tells FRANCE 24 about creating his first couture collection, ‘Natura Morta’ and the evocative short film he made to conjure up the universe of these hand-crafted pieces.

Eurovision: Winners involved in 'armed conflict' now ineligible to host contest

The winning country in Eurovision will be ineligible to host the contest the following year if involved in an armed conflict or a "sensitive geopolitical situation" that could impact the safety of the event, organisers said on August 12. The rules for the contest were updated following an annual review by the European Broadcasting Union.

Pakistan's emerging DJ scene: The women behind the turntables

Pakistan, a country known for its conservative values, rarely makes waves in the music and entertainment industry. Yet in major cities like Karachi and Lahore, a quiet but thriving DJ scene is beginning to make itself heard, with emerging talents and artists transforming the music industry. At the heart of this evolution, more and more women are asserting themselves in a field largely dominated by men.

TechnologyAug 16, 2026

Nigerian artist transforms ordinary clay into intricate works of art

In his Lagos studio, Nigerian artist Emmanuel Olatunde is transforming the way portraits are painted, using clay sourced from the earth beneath his feet. The 39-year-old artist has developed a unique technique that turns natural clay into paint, using his background in science and his passion for art.