We take a look back on some of the biggest showbiz stories of 2023:
Hollywood Strikes
Hollywood studios faced their first dual work stoppage in 63 years when writers and actors went on strike over higher compensation in the streaming TV era plus safeguards around the use of artificial intelligence, forcing them to halt many productions across the United States and abroad. Unions for both groups eventually reached agreements with major studios.
The Last Beatles Song…Ever
The last Beatles song, featuring the voice of late member John Lennon and developed using artificial intelligence, was released.
Aussie Mushroom Deaths
A suspected case of mushroom poisoning in Victoria took a turn when Erin Patterson, the woman central to the incident, was arrested.
In her written statement, shared with Victoria police, Patterson aims to “clear up the record” following the unfortunate deaths of three individuals.
The Pattersons, Erin’s in-laws, both 70, died, as did Heather Wilkinson, 66. Ian Wilkinson, a 68-year-old Baptist church pastor, remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Britney Spears Back in the Headlines
Britney Spears released her memoir in which she said she had an abortion to end a pregnancy by fellow pop star Justin Timberlake while the two were dating.
Off to Court
Actors Kevin Spacey and Gwyneth Paltrow and singer Ed Sheeran were among the famous names taking the stand in high profile trials.
New Mexico prosecutors said they intend to recharge actor Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.
Year of Swift: From Worldwide Tours to Romance
Music superstars Taylor Swift and Beyonce kicked off their hugely successful concert tours, and both brought films of them to cinemas. “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” hauled in an estimated $126 million-plus globally in its opening weekend, a boost for cinemas after the Hollywood strike prompted studios to delay releases for titles like “Dune: Part Two.”
Swift also made headlines for her personal life when she began dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, sending sales for his jersey soaring and television ratings up as fans speculated on whether she would make an appearance at the player’s games.
We Lost Too Many Great People
2023 was a tough year for many families. From Tina Turner to Matthew Perry, we lost many famous faces in 2023.
Wars also ravaged throughout the world in 2023. Thousands of people across the Ukraine and the Middle East died as war was a constant reality across the regions.
What else happened in 2023?
- The Rolling Stones released “Hackney Diamonds”, their first album of original material since 2005 and the first recording since drummer Charlie Watts died in 2021.
- Madonna was forced to delay the start of her career-spanning tour after being hospitalised in intensive care for a serious bacterial infection.
- Oscar winners Robert De Niro and Al Pacino became fathers again, aged 79 and 83 respectively.
