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Maybe a few movies more? Clint Eastwood turns 90

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Movie legend Clint Eastwood turns 90 on Sunday, but don’t count on the famously stoic and hard-working star of “A Fistful of Dollars” and “Dirty Harry” hanging up his cowboy boots just yet.

The multiple Oscar-winning actor-turned-director, who churned out nine films in his 80s, has expressed no desire to retire ahead of the milestone — and in any case, he’s not a fan of birthdays.

“We’re just going to do a family thing — very, very calm, very mellow,” his 34-year-old actor son Scott told “Access Hollywood.”

“We’ll sneak a cake in there, definitely. He probably won’t like it.”

Eastwood, born in 1930, has enjoyed a career spanning seven decades and more than 50 films.

He last trod the Hollywood red carpet as recently as November, for his Olympic bombing biopic “Richard Jewell.”

It was released to mixed reviews — and sparked a backlash over its fictional depiction of a real-life female journalist trading sex for FBI secrets.

Clint Eastwood last hit the Hollywood red carpet in November 2019 for the premiere of his film “Richard Jewell,” which received mixed reviews. PHOTO: AFP/File / VALERIE MACON

But Eastwood’s career has weathered greater controversy, from accusations of excessive violence in the spaghetti Western “Dollars” trilogy, fascism in “Dirty Harry” and warmongering in “American Sniper,” to his portrayal of racism in “Gran Torino.”

As well as Oscars for “Unforgiven” and “Million Dollar Baby,” and a lifetime achievement Palme d’Or from the Cannes festival, Eastwood’s back catalog also contains a few critically savaged flops.

“I would like to think it rolls off his back… he’s gotten beat up along the way pretty regularly,” Variety senior vice president Tim Gray told AFP.

“I think he’s going to keep working as long as he can… he seems to have a creative drive that keeps him going.”

‘Just wants to work’

Clint Eastwood (C) won two Oscars in 1993 for “Unforgiven” for best picture and best director — he is seen with presenters Jack Nicholson and Barbra Streisand. PHOTO: AFP/File / SCOTT FLYNN

Known on the Hollywood circuit as polite but reticent as far as small talk or personal details, Eastwood has hinted at future projects, but had not yet confirmed any plans before the coronavirus pandemic shut down all productions in March.

In a January interview with Britain’s ITV , Eastwood indicated he was still enjoying plying his trade.

“I like doing it, it’s nice to be able to have a paying job,” he told “This Morning.”

“I like being in films, I like making films and I started directing films because I thought one day I’m going to look up on screen and say, ‘That’s enough, Eastwood — you’d better do something else.'”

In other interviews, he has expressed confusion as to why luminaries such as Billy Wilder and Frank Capra quit the business at a younger age, and spoken of his desire to keep working as long as he finds projects that are “worth studying.”

Despite previously announcing his retirement from acting after 2008’s “Gran Torino,” Eastwood returned in front of camera four years later in “Trouble with the Curve,” and again in 2018’s “The Mule.”

“He’s pretty unpredictable,” said Gray, adding: “I get the feeling now, he does what he wants to do.”

Clint Eastwood won two more Oscars in 2005 — again for best picture and best director — for “Million Dollar Baby”. PHOTO: AFP/File / JEFF HAYNES

As well as continuing to oversee his Malpaso Productions, Eastwood — a former mayor of Carmel, California — remains politically engaged, endorsing Michael Bloomberg’s doomed presidential run earlier this year.

And as a father of eight children and a grandfather many times over, Eastwood will likely have his hands full Sunday — even if he isn’t asking anyone to “make my day.”

“He probably won’t even want us to acknowledge it. He hates his birthday,” daughter Alison told Closer late last year.

“I think he just wants to work and enjoy his life but I don’t think he wants to celebrate it… So we’ll see.”

Reporting and photos: AFP

Culture

Experience radiant Diwali celebration at Amari Raaya Maldives

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Amari Raaya Maldives is set to light up this year’s Diwali festivities with a remarkable program designed to captivate guests of all ages. From exclusive cuisines to myriad of Diwali-themed activities, the celebrations at Amari Raaya Maldives are set to be truly memorable.

During the Diwali promotional period, guests can relish daily Indian cuisine corner curated by the resort’s Executive Chef , Yogender Pal (Chef Yogi) at Amaya Food Gallery. This culinary experience spotlights an array of vegetarian delights and live cooking stations. With his remarkable background in speciality restaurants and innovative dining concepts, Chef Yogi’s culinary expertise has gained global recognition. Accompanied by a team of skilled chefs, Amari Raaya Maldives offers exceptional buffet options dedicated to showcasing the finest of Indian cuisine.

Wellness enthusiasts can partake in daily sunset yoga sessions deigned to enhance the sense of well-being, set against the backdrop of the tranquil beach and expansive ocean. Whether a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, its an ideal way to rejuvenate while savouring the mesmerising Maldivian sunset.

On November 12th, Amari Raaya Maldives, offers a vibrant array of Diwali celebrations to guests. To start off the festivities, a Rangoli Art competition will be held at Artist Zone offering a chance to create intricate and colourful designs that embody the spirit of Diwali.

As a special transformation of the resorts renowned “Amari Ritual, the resort has crafted a heart-warming and lively Diya lighting ceremony. This unique twist of the ritual combines the warmth of traditional custom with a touch of modern elegance. Guests will gather to bask in the glow of the Diyas (traditional oil lamps) perfectly complemented with cocktails and delectable canapés, creating a warm and lively atmosphere at the resort’s Village Hub.

Enjoy a mouth-watering Indian Gala dinner at Amaya Food Gallery, offering a delightful fusion of Indian flavours and aromas that pay homage to cuisine’s rich diversity. To conclude this remarkable evening, guests will be invited to Ampers&nd, where live entertainment will enhance the joyous spirit of the occasion.

Celebrate, connect and embrace the joyful celebration in the company of fellow guests and the resort’s dedicated team members at Amari Raaya Maldives with an incredible discount up to 40% on villas, along with additional perks.

For more details, please visit www.amari.com/raaya-maldives/special-offers or contact the resort directly at reservations.raaya@amari.com

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Aussie music sensation Delta Goodrem confirms 2024 performances at Kandooma Maldives

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced that Delta Goodrem will return in 2024.

Following successful concerts at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives in May earlier this year, organisers Music in Paradise have confirmed that singer songwriters Delta Goodrem and Matt Copley will return to the idyllic private island resort 18 – 25 May 2024 for a series of intimate concerts on the beach and at the resort’s rooftop bar. The Music in Paradise series of events throughout the year make it possible for fans to get up close and personal with music stars at the private island where the party continues long into the night.

An ‘Early Bird’ Gold Experience package has been released for A$3,540 per person, twin share (normally A$4,250) for 7 nights staying in a Beach View Villa and including:

• Entry to 3 Nightly Exclusive Events
• 3 Intimate Performances
• Music in Paradise Gift Bag
• Music in Paradise signed Event Poster
• Event commemorative t-shirt
• Return shared Speedboat airport transfers
• Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
• Delicious buffet breakfast daily at Kandooma Café
• Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa daily
• Complimentary snorkel trip & use of snorkelling gear
• Two group scuba dives a day for licensed divers (Resort T&Cs apply)
• Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee

Additional packages are also available at https://www.musicinparadise.com.au/event/delta-goodrem-live-in-the-maldives/

With five #1 albums, nine #1 singles, 17 top-10 hits, 12 Australian ARIA Awards, a Silver Logie TV Award and three World Music Awards, Delta Goodrem is an artist in the truest sense and makes giving back a focus in her life through philanthropy and her Delta Goodrem Foundation.

Her first album, Innocent Eyes, was one of the highest-selling debut albums in Australian history. The album spent a record-breaking 29 weeks at #1 and Delta became the first-ever artist to have five #1 singles on the Australian charts from a debut album and was awarded the Australian ARIA Albums Artist of the Decade in 2010 having sold more albums and singles than any other domestic or international artist over the decade.

Delta’s repertoire includes duets with Tony Bennett, Michael Bolton, Men at Work, LeAnn Rimes and Olivia Newton-John. She has toured with Ricky Martin and Andrea Bocelli. Written songs for a number of superstar artists including Celine Dion and Olivia Newton-John. Delta starred as “Grizabella” in Andrew Lloyd Webber ’s award-winning musical CATS in Australia. She has represented Australia performing at two Commonwealth Games.

With a television resume that started at the age of seven so much of her life has been lived in the public eye. At 16 she joined the cast of prime-time show “Neighbours”. For 9 years she was the longest serving coach on The Voice Australia and a coach on Voice Kids. In 2018, Delta starred in the lead role of her mentor, idol, and good friend, Olivia Newton-John in the superstar’s biopic, Hopelessly Devoted to You.

Delta supports a number of charities and Foundations – serving as Patron of The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and has a long-standing ambassadorial relationship with Starlight Children’s Foundation, Make-A-Wish, Sony Foundation and Global Citizen.

“We are thrilled that Delta Goodrem and Matt Copley are returning to Kandooma Maldives again next year. The performances were out of this world earlier this year. I think these events which are presented by our partners Music in Paradise offer something very magical for guests who truly do get to mingle with the stars,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

“We’ve got a series of events planned for 2024 but for now we are excited to let fans know that early bird offers are now open and available to book with confirmed dates.” he added.

Located in the South Male atoll just 40 mins from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful, natural island paradise. White sand beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the backdrop for a wide variety of leisure pursuits and some of the best diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas for their stay. Families are well catered for with a choice of 2- and 3-bed villas as well as the Kandoo Kids’ Club and activities programme. Six food and beverage outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied and the flavours of the Maldives are explored. For guests who desire the ultimate in relaxation, sun loungers and hammocks are located around the island and the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers the ultimate in tranquility and escape for body and mind. Visit www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com

For guests keen to know how Delta’s Kandooma Maldives concert was earlier this year, get a taste from the Wrap up Video here:

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Renowned Saxophonist Elizaveta Yurgina brings mesmerising jazz performance to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

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Elizaveta Yurgina also known as Eliza Sax is a critically acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and band leader who is set to captivate audiences with her extraordinary talent during an exclusive performance at various dining venues at the breathtaking Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Maldives this August. This highly anticipated event promises to be an unforgettable evening of jazz and soulful melodies, showcasing Yurgina’s virtuosity and artistic brilliance.

Hailing from Moscow, Eliza has amassed a remarkable list of accolades throughout her career. In 2018 she emerged victorious in the prestigious Musical Diamond Competition held in Spain, solidifying her status as one of the most exceptional saxophonists in the world. Her incredible musicianship and innate ability to connect with audiences have also earned her recognition at renowned events such as the Moscow Jazz Festival 2023, Ural Music Night in Ekaterinburg, Jazz at the Hermitage, and Gnesin-Jazz.

This spring, Eliza embarked on a highly successful tour in Armenia, mesmerising audiences with her original compositions and captivating performances. Her band, comprising exceptional musicians, showcased their versatility and ability to seamlessly blend various musical influences, creating a truly unique and enchanting experience for concertgoers.

Eliza’s talent extends beyond her solo career, as she has had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed artists and ensembles. Notably, she joined forces with Oleg Lundstrem’s orchestra, a legendary name in the jazz world, showcasing her ability to seamlessly integrate her sound into larger ensembles. Additionally, her versatile abilities have led her to star in several musical TV projects, further cementing her reputation as a multifaceted artist.

Eliza’s exclusive engagement at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives promises to be an extraordinary affair, as she creates an ambiance of sophistication and musical brilliance against the backdrop of the stunning Maldivian paradise. Guests will be treated to a memorable evening of soulful saxophone melodies. Whether playing breathtaking renditions of classic ballads or infusing energetic beats into modern hits, Eliza Sax’s performances promise to transport listeners on a euphoric musical journey.

With 14 bars and restaurants, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi prides itself on its exemplary cuisine.  From award-winning Italian delicacies at Trio; mixology classes at Water’s Edge; a live show-cooking Japanese experience at Teppanyaki; French cuisine at the award-winning overwater restaurant Flavours; Asian fusion at Bamboo and Maldivian seafood at Islander’s Grill – Sun Siyam Iru Fushi satisfies the most sophisticated of taste buds. 

Nestled in the natural beauty of Noonu Atoll, a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight from Velana (Male) International Airport, the five-star Sun Siyam Iru Fushi spans 52 acres and boasts 221 villas and suites, perfecting the balance between rustic charm and understated luxury. This is a true island playground for families, groups of friends, couples and honeymooners alike. An award-winning Spa by Thalgo France with more than 140 treatments to choose from, makes this tropical island the perfect wellness getaway. And for families, kids under 15 sleep and eat for free with two paying adults in the same room and all whilst enjoying and discovering local marine life at Nemo’s Reef and recreational activities at Koamas Kidz Club.

To find out more visit www.sunsiyam.com, browse the offers to book your stay, or follow the resort on Facebook,  Instagram, or YouTube.

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