BY SUSAN HORNIK

GOT BEEF?

Netflix’s super-hit series Beef left the Golden Globe Awards a triple winner, with Ali Wong and Steven Yeun becoming the first Asian Americans to take home a win for Best Actress/Actor in a Limited Series. The electrifying, road rage drama also won Best Television Limited Series.

In his acceptance speech, Yeun said: “The story I usually tell myself is one of isolation and separateness. And then you come up here and you have this moment and you can only just think about everyone else. And that feels like the plot of Frozen!” he quipped.

“I’m just so thankful,” he added. “I am the recipient of a long line of compassionate love and protection and good will, so I appreciate this.”

In the press room, director Lee Sung Jin was thrilled with the accolades. “Steven and Ali are at the top of their game; I’m so grateful for their friendship. I don’t think there’s anyone else more deserving.”

Jin wrote the script based on an experience he had with another driver. “It was very anticlimactic and it didn’t last long but it did spark this project so I’m thankful for that.”

THE FUTURE OF FILM

AI has had a “profound” transformational e­ffect on Hollywood, reshaping the way content is created, produced, and experienced, noted Travis Cloyd, CEO of immersive media agency Worldwide XR. “AI has become a collaborative tool in the hands of creators. It’s more than just special e­ffects; AI permeates every stage of filmmaking. From predictive analytics that help studios identify potential box office hits to virtual actors and AI-generated scripts, this technology will rewrite the script of Hollywood.”

Cloyd predicts Tinseltown is on the brink of an era where AI-driven content will redefine entertainment, “blending seamlessly” with reality and the virtual realm.

Worldwide XR has been exploring numerous AI immersive opportunities within the estates of deceased classic Hollywood icons, including Rock Hudson, Bette Davis, Hedy Lamarr, Will Rogers, Bettie Page, Jean Harlow, Natalie Wood, and Clark Gable.

FASHION FEAST

Apple’s upcoming historical drama The New Look is bound to be a hit with viewers. Inspired by true events and filmed exclusively in Paris, the fascinating series, starring Emmy Award winner Ben Mendelsohn as Christian Dior and Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel, centers on the iconic fashion designers as they navigate the horrors of World War II.

“The details of what defined them in their personal lives, the forces that shaped them, the specific choices that Dior, Chanel, Cristobal Balenciaga, and Pierre Balmain all made as they faced the darkest hours of the four-year Nazi occupation of Paris…This is what led to a cultural revolution, which brought spirit and life back to a world decimated by the second World War,” explained creator and executive producer Todd A. Kessler.

Kessler, who also directed the series, said that Binoche fully embraced playing Chanel. “Juliette knew we would have the breadth and depth to explore a nuanced and provocative portrayal.”

ANIMAL STYLE

If you love all the animals in PBS’ All Creatures Great & Small, get ready for an even bigger dose of adorable. Recently, the network hosted a season 4 premiere preview for the series at the L.A. Zoo, which featured a live discussion with the series’ two stars, Nicholas Ralph and Rachel Shenton.

“Expect more animal stories; that’s something to always look forward to!” said Shenton. Shenton has the dream job of any animal lover: to cuddle with the furry creatures during filming.

“These animals are so professional!” she said. “They train the goats with food and sound. There were these really loud horns and then a shake of a food container, and the goats would know to go to the next bit of their blocking.”

One of the highlights on set is a cute gray tabby cat named Humbug, who plays Oscar. “He’s worked on sets since he was a very little kitten, so he’s used to being around people and he’s confident. He was super good and a­ffectionate!”

DAFOE’S ON A ROLL

Willem Dafoe leads quite the busy life. The iconic actor churned out an impressive four films last year: The Boy and The Heron, Inside, Poor Things, and Asteroid City. It’s no surprise the Hollywood Creative Alliance presented him with the Excellence in Artistry Award.

Dafoe is one of the most beloved and iconic actors working today, and we are delighted to be celebrating his extraordinary work as an artist,” said HCA Vice Chair Yong Chavez. “His work as an actor continues to amaze audiences across the globe, and with several standout performances in 2023 alone, we couldn’t be happier to be presenting him with this award.”

On the red carpet, Dafoe acknowledged his love for staying busy. “It’s good for my mindset,” he told INDUSTRY. “But I never like to talk about future projects until they happen. I just work on what’s in front of me, and when that’s done I go on to the next one.”

One of the driving forces in Dafoe’s life is his Ashtanga yoga practice, one that he has dedicated his life to for decades. ‘It helps me on so many levels,” he added.