Pope Leo XIV hosted an exceptional gathering at the Vatican, welcoming prominent Hollywood figures such as Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, and Greta Gerwig. The event, held in a beautifully frescoed audience hall, focused on the importance of using film to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. The Pope underscored that cinema is “a popular art in the noblest sense, intended for and accessible to all.” This audience marks a continuation of similar events organized by the Vatican’s culture ministry, reminiscent of the engagements initiated by Pope Francis in recent years.
The occasion holds particular significance for Leo, recognized as the first American pope. Growing up in Chicago during the rise of Hollywood, he carries a unique perspective on the power of storytelling through film. The gathering is part of a broader effort to encourage artists to consider the narratives often overlooked in mainstream media, fostering a more inclusive artistic landscape.
In another notable cultural event, a new Netflix documentary titled “Selena Y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy” is set to premiere on March 18, 2024. Directed by Isabel Castro and executive produced by Selena’s siblings, Suzette Quintanilla and AB Quintanilla III, the film offers an intimate look at the life and legacy of the late singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. The documentary features previously unseen archival footage from the family’s collection, aiming to inspire new generations and deepen appreciation for Selena’s cultural impact.
A separate educational initiative took place at Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan, where hundreds of high school students engaged in a history lesson led by filmmaker Ken Burns and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of “Hamilton.” This event promoted Burns’ upcoming documentary, “The American Revolution,” set to air on PBS on March 24, 2024. Burns emphasized the importance of storytelling from diverse perspectives, aiming to broaden understanding of historical narratives through the documentary’s impressive roster of narrators and historians.
On the entertainment front, the Apple TV comedy “Palm Royale” has gained attention for its vibrant costumes and engaging storyline. The show, featuring stars like Kristen Wiig and Carol Burnett, presents a comedic take on 1960s Palm Beach high society. Costume designer Alix Friedberg revealed that 50-60% of the costumes in its second season are original designs, showcasing an impressive attention to detail that enhances the storytelling.
In the realm of television, actors Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys have joined forces in the new Netflix series “The Beast in Me,” which explores the complexities of their characters’ relationship. Danes portrays a Pulitzer Prize-winning author grappling with personal challenges, while Rhys plays a real estate tycoon with a mysterious past. Their dynamic chemistry adds depth to the narrative, as the plot unfolds around the protagonist’s pursuit to write a book about Rhys’ character to clear his name.
Changes are also afoot in the awards circuit, with the Screen Actors Guild Awards officially rebranding as the Actor Awards, effective from March 1, 2026. This decision, communicated to the SAG-AFTRA board, aims to align the awards with the union’s iconic statuette, The Actor, enhancing recognition among audiences. The event continues to be streamed on Netflix, maintaining its status as a central fixture in Hollywood’s awards season.
In a more somber note, the late poet Andrea Gibson, who passed away in July 2023, has been honored in a new documentary titled “Come See Me in the Good Light.” The film captures Gibson’s journey with terminal cancer alongside their wife, Megan Falley. Filmmaker Ryan White crafted the project to balance humor and profound emotion, focusing on living fully despite life’s challenges.
As the arts continue to evolve, these events highlight the intersection of creativity, culture, and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of inclusive narratives in both storytelling and wider societal conversations.
