Alice Wong, a prominent disability rights activist and author, has died at the age of 51. Wong passed away on Friday in a hospital in San Francisco due to an infection, as confirmed by her close friend Sandy Ho. Born with muscular dystrophy, Wong used a power wheelchair and an assistive breathing device throughout her life. Ho described her as a humorous writer who sought to empower individuals with disabilities to assert their independence and voice.
Film and Music Highlights
In other news from the entertainment world, acclaimed filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli has announced his latest project, a visually rich time-travel adventure titled “Varanasi.” The film, which draws inspiration from Hindu mythology, features a star-studded cast, including Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The announcement took place in Hyderabad, India, where thousands of fans gathered to witness the first look of the film, showcasing Babu as a fierce warrior. “Varanasi” is slated for release in 2027.
The music world mourns the loss of Todd Snider, a beloved figure in American roots music, who passed away at 59. His record label announced his death occurred on Friday. Known for his unique blend of folk, rock, and country, Snider’s career spanned three decades and included songwriting for notable artists like Jerry Jeff Walker and Tom Jones. The circumstances surrounding his death include a recent diagnosis of pneumonia after a violent incident that led to a canceled tour.
Pope’s Call for Inclusion in Cinema
In a significant cultural gathering, Pope Leo XIV welcomed numerous Hollywood stars, including Spike Lee and Greta Gerwig, to the Vatican. During the event, he urged filmmakers to use their platforms to amplify marginalized voices. He emphasized the importance of film as a popular art form, accessible to all, during this special audience organized by the Vatican’s culture ministry. This encounter follows a series of similar events hosted by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
A new documentary featuring the life of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez is set to premiere on Netflix on Monday. Titled “Selena Y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy,” the film is directed by Isabel Castro and includes unreleased archival footage from Selena’s family collection. The project aims to celebrate Selena’s cultural impact and introduce her to new audiences, according to her siblings Suzette and AB Quintanilla III.
Educational Initiatives and New Releases
In a notable educational initiative, filmmaker Ken Burns and Lin-Manuel Miranda recently engaged hundreds of high school students in New York City at Trinity Church. The session was part of Burns’ new documentary, “The American Revolution,” which emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in storytelling. The documentary is set to premiere on PBS on Sunday and features a distinguished cast of narrators and historians.
Finally, the Screen Actors Guild Awards will officially change their name to the Actor Awards starting March 1, 2026. This announcement was made to the SAG-AFTRA board, explaining that the new name aligns with the iconic statuette, The Actor. Netflix will continue to stream the event, maintaining its presence in Hollywood’s awards season since the awards began in 1995.