Hollywood stars honor Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is not exactly considered a haven for human rights and democracy. After the government-critical journalist Jamal Khashoggi was brutally murdered in 2018, Hollywood also initially distanced itself from the country. But this skepticism now seems to have faded.
A whole host of well-known Hollywood stars attended the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. The festival took place from November 30 to December 9 in the port city of Jeddah.
Among those who were photographed on the red carpet were Michelle Williams, Chris Hemsworth, Johnny Depp and Halle Berry. As the magazine "Variety" reports, the actors were able to enjoy lavish payment for this. According to anonymous sources, Will Smith, who made a guest appearance in a luxury hotel, is said to have received around one million US dollars (around 910,000 euros). His colleague Gwyneth Paltrow, who actually swore off acting years ago, is said to have received even more, according to the report.
The money is rolling in
This year's guest list signals "a dramatic turnaround in relations" between Saudi Arabia and the dream factory, writes the industry newspaper. Five years ago, things were very different. After the government-critical journalist Jamal Khashoggi was brutally murdered, many in Hollywood broke off contacts with Saudi Arabia. Numerous indications suggest that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally ordered Khashoggi's murder and had it carried out by his secret service.
After the murder, business between Saudi Arabia and Hollywood was reduced to a minimum, writes "Variety". This is now apparently changing again. The former production president of Warner Bros, Greg Silverman, has reportedly signed an agreement with the Saudi film agency Film AlUla for ten projects in Saudi Arabia 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. An eye has also been cast on the Golf Channel, which belongs to the US media group Comcast.
Citing anonymous sources, "Variety" also reports that "half a dozen top-class directors" are planning to travel to Saudi Arabia in March to visit modern film production facilities. "Elvis" director Baz Luhrmann, 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 making something here appeals to me," he explained.
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Gwyneth Paltrow, known for her acting career and lifestyle brand, is among the Hollywood stars reportedly receiving substantial payments for attending events in Saudi Arabia. Halle Berry, an Academy Award-winning actress, was also spotted on the red carpet at a recent film festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In contrast to five years ago, when Hollywood largely distanced itself following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, prominent figures like Will Smith and Johnny Depp are now attending events and potentially receiving significant paychecks. The current guest list indicates a significant shift in relations between Hollywood and Saudi Arabia.
Source: www.ntv.de
