Did they collect millions for the film festival?

Will Smith and other stars - Did they collect millions for the film festival?

A whole host of famous Hollywood stars attended the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, which took place in the port city of Jeddah from November 30 to December 9. Michelle Williams (43), Chris Hemsworth (40), Johnny Depp (60) and Halle Berry (57) had their photos taken on the red carpet. As reported by "Variety", the actors were allegedly able to enjoy a lavish payment for this. According to anonymous sources, Will Smith (55) is said to have received around one million US dollars (around 910,000 euros) and was accommodated in a luxury hotel. His colleague Gwyneth Paltrow (51), who has actually sworn off the acting industry for years, is said to have received even more, according to the report.

Hollywood and Saudi Arabia are getting closer again

This year's guest list signals "a dramatic turnaround in relations" between Saudi Arabia and the dream factory compared to five years ago, writes the industry newspaper. After the murder of anti-government journalist Jamal Khashoggi (1958-2018), many in Hollywood broke off contacts.

Business between Saudi Arabia and Hollywood had dropped to a minimum, which now appears to be changing again. According to "Variety", former Warner Bros. production president Greg Silverman has signed a pact with Film AlUla for ten projects over a period of three years. There have also been rumors for several weeks that the country wants to buy a major studio, namely Paramount. The Golf Channel, which belongs to Comcast, is also being eyed.

Baz Luhrmann: "The idea of doing something here appeals to me"

Citing anonymous sources, "Variety" also reports that "half a dozen top-class directors" are planning to travel to Saudi Arabia in March to view modern soundstages there. "Elvis" director Baz Luhrmann (61), who served as jury president at the festival, told the industry publication that he had traveled to the country before signing on. "The idea of doing something here appeals to me," he explained.

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1. The Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, attracted not only Will Smith (55) but also other Hollywood stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow (51), Michelle Williams (43), Chris Hemsworth (40), Johnny Depp (60), and Halle Berry (57).
2. Despite strained relations in the past due to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi (1958-2018), Saudi Arabia is making a comeback in the Hollywood scene, as indicated by this year's star-studded guest list for the film festival.
3. In an interview, director Baz Luhrmann (61) expressed interest in potentially working in Saudi Arabia, noting that the concept of doing something there appeals to him.
4. Johnny Depp and Halle Berry, as well as other Hollywood stars, reportedly received significant payments for attending the Red Sea International Film Festival, with Will Smith allegedly receiving one million US dollars and being accommodated in a luxury hotel.
5. The lucrative payouts for attending the festival in Saudi Arabia have attracted attention in the industry, leading some to speculate that even major studios like Paramount may be targeted for acquisition by the country.
6. The red carpet at the Red Sea International Film Festival saw many stars, including Gwyneth Paltrow, who took a break from acting, making her return to the industry for this event in Saudi Arabia.
7. The film industry is observing the growing ties between Hollywood and Saudi Arabia with interest, as the Saudi Arabia's Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah continues to attract major stars and gain international acclaim.

Source: www.stern.de