Entertainment News Roundup: Japan’s 'Swifties' root for Chiefs ahead of Super Bowl; Actor Samantha Morton to be awarded BAFTA Fellowship and more

Morton, 46, joins the likes of actors Helen Mirren and Judi Dench as well as directors Ang Lee and Ridley Scott in receiving the arts charity's highest accolade. NFL-Japan’s 'Swifties' root for Chiefs ahead of Super Bowl Japanese Swifties, devoted fans of Taylor Swift, are rallying behind the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs for this weekend's Super Bowl, fuelled by the American singer's boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who plays at tight end for the team.

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Former UK pop star Gary Glitter, jailed for child sex crimes, denied parole

Former British pop singer Gary Glitter, who shot to fame in the 1970s as a "glam-rock" star but was later convicted of child sex crimes, lost a bid to be released from prison on parole, officials said on Wednesday. Glitter, 79, whose real name is Paul Gadd, rose to prominence with the hit song "Rock and Roll", and became renowned for his figure-hugging shiny silver jump suits and platform shoes.

Super Bowl ads ditch politics for celebs, Taylor Swift and AI

Fans can expect celebrities and more lighthearted commercials, along with glimpses of Taylor Swift, during the Super Bowl on Sunday, as corporate advertisers avoid the recent practice of using the big game to promote social causes. While high-priced Super Bowl commercials often play for laughs in trying to make an impression, the flashy productions can also reflect the national mood.

‘Dune: Part Two’ director decided to tell sequel story his own way

Canadian director Denis Villeneuve is inviting audiences back to the desert planet Arrakis for “Dune: Part Two,” the second installment of the sci-fi epic starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya. The “Dune” franchise is based on author Frank Herbert’s highly acclaimed 1965 novel of the same name.

NFL-Kelce thinking about Super Bowl bling not engagement rings

Travis Kelce admits he has been thinking about a ring, the Super Bowl variety he hopes to win on Sunday when his Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers and not the engagement one for girlfriend Taylor Swift that has social media buzzing. Speculation Kelce might get down on one knee at centre field after the Super Bowl and pop the question to his pop superstar girlfriend has had Swift's army of fans known as 'Swifties' in a tither and hardcore football fans scratching their heads.

Actor Samantha Morton to be awarded BAFTA Fellowship

Actor Samantha Morton, known for films such as "Minority Report" and "In America", will be honoured with a fellowship by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) at its annual movie awards ceremony next week. Morton, 46, joins the likes of actors Helen Mirren and Judi Dench as well as directors Ang Lee and Ridley Scott in receiving the arts charity's highest accolade.

NFL-Japan’s 'Swifties' root for Chiefs ahead of Super Bowl

Japanese Swifties, devoted fans of Taylor Swift, are rallying behind the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs for this weekend's Super Bowl, fuelled by the American singer's boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who plays at tight end for the team. The romance between Swift and Kelce has boosted the sport's global popularity, showcased by Japanese fans donning red clothes in support of the Chiefs.

Analysis-For Malaysian filmmakers, censorship stifles optimism after overseas glory

It was a stellar 2023 for Malaysian filmmakers with awards at Cannes and the Oscars, but signs of heightened censorship at home and death threats have fuelled worries about whether the optimism built off the back of the global success can last. Muslim-majority Malaysia typically restricts content seen as offensive or infringing upon religious, cultural and moral values, but last month, rare criminal charges were levelled at two filmmakers for "wounding religious feelings" through their film "Mentega Terbang".

John Travolta's 'Chicken Dance' causes flap on Italian TV

U.S. actor John Travolta, famed for his dance routines in movies such as "Saturday Night Fever" and "Pulp Fiction", faced a flurry of poor reviews on Thursday after performing the "Chicken Dance" on Italian television. The dance, in which people flap their elbows and shake their hips to imitate a chicken, is popular with children, but also features regularly at weddings and beer festivals.

A Minute With: Sean Durkin on curses and the tragic, true story of 'The Iron Claw'

Writer and director Sean Durkin brings the triumphs, trials and tribulations of Texan wrestling family the Von Erichs to the screen with "The Iron Claw", with Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White in its ensemble cast. The five Von Erich brothers, led by the patriarch Fritz Von Erich, were successful professional wrestlers in the 1980s. Alongside their accomplishments, the family was struck by several tragedies, leading them to believe they were cursed. The film centres on the sole surviving brother, Kevin.

Next stop for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour film: Disney+

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert film will start streaming next month on Disney+ with the addition of five songs that were not shown in theaters, Walt Disney said on Wednesday. "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" will debut exclusively on Disney+ on March 15, Disney said. Acoustic performances of "Cardigan" and four other songs will be added to the version that played in cinemas last year.

(With inputs from agencies.)