News

Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira stars in a series of short films for US fashion retailer Torrid, celebrating female empowerment. Liz Muñoz, Torrid CEO, said 'The partnership with Barbie and the female director-led production crew is unique in that we let these talented women dream with us to showcase that with a sprinkle optimism and by dressing in Torrid looks, you can accomplish anything'.

US rapper Lil Wayne has unveiled his own cannabis brand, GKUA Ultra Premium, launching 2020. The brand will 'celebrate music and art culture through new artist support and branded events', and the Uproar hitmaker said 'I used to just want to get high, now I smoke to get inspired. With GKUA, I'm sharing a feeling that I love'.

Music for Dementia 2020 ambassador Lauren Laverne has launched a new initiative with the nationwide campaign, curating a series of guides on how to create the 'perfect personalised playlist', highlighting the positive impact music can have on people living with the condition. The BBC Radio 6 presenter made a nine-hour playlist with her father before he died last November, and she commented 'I’m so glad I did this when he was still around, it not only provided a deeper connection when we were together, but his favourite music can still reach me and speak to me now. I want this to be available to everyone who has a loved one living with dementia'.

Swedish actor Joel Kinnaman has been announced as the new face of sports fashion brand Björn Borg. The Robocop star said 'To stay in shape both mentally and physically has always been important to me and is now a big part of my everyday life as an actor. Thus, it feels natural for me to join Björn Borg in their mission to inspire people to exercise in order to feel better'.

Veganuary ambassadors Joaquin Phoenix, Kellie Bright, George Monbiot, Alicia Silverstone, Evanna Lynch, Peter Egan, Jasmine Harman, Melody Kane, Sara Pascoe, and Chris Packham have joined forces with the vegan charity, launching its 2020 campaign to encourage fans to adopt a plant-based diet in the New Year and 'fight climate chaos'. Joker star Phoenix commented 'If you look at the climate crisis or the violence of our food system and feel helpless, thinking "I wish there was something I could do" - you can. Right now. Sign up to try vegan this January'.

Baykali Ganambarr, a 25-year-old Australian dancer turned actor, made his acting debut in Jennifer Kent’s The Nightingale, a role which instantly garnered Ganambarr critical acclaim. When cast in the brutal historical drama, which swept most of the film categories at this year’s Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts awards in Sydney, Ganambarr had never acted professionally; instead he had been a member of an aboriginal dance company, Djuki Mala, touring a mix of traditional and modern dance styles. However, after The Nightingale’s debut at the 75th Venice International Film Festival in 2018, Ganambarr was recognised for his acting ability by being awarded the Marcello Mastroianni Award, for Best Young Actor or Actress. Ganambarr is set to return to screens next year in the Australian Western, The Furnace.

Gleam Futures has added influencers including Gemma Styles, Emma Hill, Emily Norris, We Are Twinset, Gina Martin, Topjaw, Iconicakes, and Hand Luggage Only to its roster, joining the likes of Zoe Sugg, Jim Chapman, and Tanya Burr. Dom Smales, CEO of Gleam Futures, said 'There are thousands of creators out there who have the potential to turn their passions into commercial and creative opportunities, but our focus has always been identifying and working with the top-quality talent amongst this. All our latest signings fit this mould and we’re excited to be working with them to help build on their potential'.

Personalities including Vicky McClure, Louise Thompson and Montana Brown have teamed up with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), launching the charity's #YuleSlog social media campaign, 'encouraging conversation around the good, the bad and the ugly of Christmas'. New research shows 49% of Twitter users 'feel pressured to have fun during the festive period', and Love Island star Brown commented 'If you know someone who might be feeling lonely, anxious or overwhelmed by the Christmas period, then speak to them or ask how they are doing - as it could make all the difference'.