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‘I Chose to Stay Away from Cinema,’ Dalia el-Behery Tells Asharq Al-Awsat

The jury of the Casablanca Arab Film Festival
The jury of the Casablanca Arab Film Festival
    Cairo - Intissar Dardir
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‘I Chose to Stay Away from Cinema,’ Dalia el-Behery Tells Asharq Al-Awsat

The jury of the Casablanca Arab Film Festival
The jury of the Casablanca Arab Film Festival

Egyptian actress Dalia el-Behery said the “My Very Beautiful Lady” play, which she is set to perform at the National theater during the winter season, has been her dream since she read the original novel in her childhood. During an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Behery explained that the new show differs from the play starred by the couple Fouad el-Mohandes and Shwikar. She also expressed her joy for partaking in the jury of the Feature Film Competition at the Casablanca Arab Film Festival, and noted that she looks forward to the 5th season of the comic series “Diaries of a Very Angry Wife”.

· How do you assess your recent participation in the jury of the Feature Film Competition at the Casablanca Arab Film Festival?

This is the first time I attend this festival upon the invitation of its director Fatima al-Nawali, a very respectful person who’s passionate of her work. I love the Moroccan cinema, and was thrilled with this participation, which was not my first experience as a juror, it’s the tenth maybe. I already partook in juries of the Cairo International Film Festival twice, in Damascus festival before it suspends, in Morocco’s Salé festival, and Aswan International Women's Film Festival.
· As an actress, how did you benefit from these participations?

They were beneficial on all levels. They allowed me to watch non-commercial movies that are screened only in festivals, meet young talents in all fields and cinema figures that I can only see in such events. In Casablanca, I met Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, and Mohammad Kiblawi, director of Malmo Arab film Festival. These festivals are also beneficial on the artistic and human levels and can open new horizons.

· In your opinion, does a good movie has specific features?

A good movie gets everybody’s applaud. As a jury, we all agreed on the winning movies, mainly the Jordanian film “Farha”, which won the best film award for highlighting a humanitarian cause that touched us all with great acting and amazing cinematography. A good movie should be presented with an esteemed cinematic language that focuses on the image and performance more than the script, and this is why the film should be coherent and attract the spectators from the beginning until the end.

· You had many successful leading roles on the big screen including “The Embassy Next Door”, “Mohami Khulaa”, and “Harim Karim”. Why did you step away from cinema?

Because I respect the audience, myself, and my short journey during which I presented 12 movies. I don’t plan to partake in works that underestimate me, or make the audience respect me less. Recently, I was offered roles that don’t resemble me. I am not used to act just for appearances, or to make money. My roles should be valuable additions to my careers, and make me more proud of my work. Some don’t care about these things, and some have to accept such roles for living, but I am grateful I can say no.
· You started the rehearsals for “My Very Beautiful Lady” which you will perform on the national theater…what does this show represent to you?

I am thrilled to stand on the stage of the national theater, it will be a huge moment for me as an actress. As for the play, I loved it since I was a kid, we had the playscript of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion in my father’s library, and I always dreamed of performing it after I became an actress. Director Hassan Rizk offered me this role in his new play, and I always wished I could work with him because I am sure he can bring new energies in me as an actress.

· Does this mean that we will be watching another version of “Sodfa Baadeshi”?

No, “My Very Beautiful Lady” is not related to “Sodfa Baadeshi”, but it involves the same theme because they are both inspired by Shaw’s Pygmalion. A group of amazing actors will be performing the play alongside me in a comic, musical frame composed by musician Mahmoud Talaat. Luckily, I met Shwikar once, in the premiere of “First Year of Scam”. I sat next to her, and when she watched the movie, she told me that I have a Spanish style and hailed my performance.

· You made four seasons of the series “Diaries of a Very Angry Wife”. What about the fifth?

I heard of a fifth season, and I look forward to it. This series is one of the dearest works to my heart. It could continue for more seasons because it involves non-stop developments. The audience loved it, and it helped me gain more fans, especially among the younger generations who watched it.

· You started your journey as a TV personality, and many actors and actresses have worked as TV presenters after acting. Do you consider returning to TV?

I don’t mind the idea if it would bring me an added value. I presented all kinds of programs (politics, entertainment, and children content…). The most important thing is to make something new. I was recently offered to present a program, but it was aimed at making profit, and meant nothing to me.

· As a former Miss Egypt, how do you see beauty?

Beauty is a combination of factors including the physical features, classiness, culture, and intelligence. I partook many times as a juror in Miss Egypt, but I don’t understand why we call it “Beauty Queen”. The winner is “the lady of Egypt”, which means she’s the one with the perfect Egyptian characteristics, including the Egyptian look, fitness, respect of traditions, and culture. The good look is not everything. There are so many beautiful women who lose their beauty once they speak, or beautiful but lack intelligence.

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Entertainment

‘Hamnet’ and ‘One Battle After Another’ Take Top Honors at Golden Globes

(L-R) British actors Joe Alwyn, Noah Jupe, Chinese filmmaker Chloe Zhao, Irish actors Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and British actor Jacobi Jupe pose in the press room with the award for best motion picture - drama for "Hamnet" during the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, USA, 11 January 2026. (EPA)
(L-R) British actors Joe Alwyn, Noah Jupe, Chinese filmmaker Chloe Zhao, Irish actors Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and British actor Jacobi Jupe pose in the press room with the award for best motion picture - drama for "Hamnet" during the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, USA, 11 January 2026. (EPA)
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‘Hamnet’ and ‘One Battle After Another’ Take Top Honors at Golden Globes

(L-R) British actors Joe Alwyn, Noah Jupe, Chinese filmmaker Chloe Zhao, Irish actors Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and British actor Jacobi Jupe pose in the press room with the award for best motion picture - drama for "Hamnet" during the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, USA, 11 January 2026. (EPA)
(L-R) British actors Joe Alwyn, Noah Jupe, Chinese filmmaker Chloe Zhao, Irish actors Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and British actor Jacobi Jupe pose in the press room with the award for best motion picture - drama for "Hamnet" during the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, USA, 11 January 2026. (EPA)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s ragtag revolutionary saga “One Battle After Another” took top honors at Sunday’s 83rd Golden Globes in the comedy category, while Chloé Zhao's Shakespeare drama “Hamnet” pulled off an upset over “Sinners” to win best film, drama.

“One Battle After Another” won best film, comedy, supporting female actor for Teyana Taylor and best director and best screenplay for Anderson. He became just the second filmmaker to sweep director, screenplay and film, as a producer, at the Globes. Only Oliver Stone, for “Born on the Fourth of July,” managed the same feat.

In an awards ceremony that went almost entirely as expected, the night's final award was the most surprising. While “One Battle After Another” has been the clear front-runner this awards season, most have pegged Ryan Coogler's Jim Crow-era vampire thriller as its closest competition.

But “Hamnet,” a speculative drama about William and Agnes Shakespeare based on Maggie O’Farrell's bestseller, won in the dramatic category shortly after its star, Jessie Buckley, won best female actor in a drama.

It was a banner night for Warner Bros., the studio behind “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners.” Warner Bros. Discovery has agreed to be sold to Netflix in an $83 billion deal. Paramount Skydance has appealed to shareholders with its own rival offer.

In his speech after winning best director, Anderson praised Warner co-chief Michael DeLuca. “He said he wanted to run a studio one day and let filmmakers make whatever they want,” said Anderson. “That’s how you get ‘Sinners.’ That’s how you get a ‘Weapons.' That’s how you get ‘One Battle After Another.’”

The final awards brought to, or near, the stage a handful of the most talented filmmakers together in Anderson, Zhao and Coogler — plus Steven Spielberg, a producer of “Hamnet.” Regardless of who won what, it was a heartening moment of solidarity between them, with a shared sense of purpose. Zhao fondly recalled being at Sundance Labs with Coogler when they were each starting out.

“As students, let’s keep our hearts open and let’s keep seeing each other and allowing each other to be seen,” said Zhao, while Coogler smiled from the front row.

“Sinners” won for best score and cinematic and box-office achievement. The win for box office and cinematic achievement, over franchise films like “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” was notable for Coogler's film, a movie that some reports labeled a qualified success on its release.

Yet “Sinners” ultimately grossed $278 million domestically and $368 million worldwide, making it highest grossing original film in 15 years.

“I just want to thank the audience for showing up,” said Coogler. “It’s means the world.”

Coming off years of scandal and subsequent rehabilitation, the Globes and host Nikki Glaser put on a star-studded ceremony that saw wins for the streaming sensation “KPop Demon Hunters” (best animated film, song), a meta triumph for Seth Rogen’s “The Studio” and an inaugural award for podcasting that went to Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang.”

Many of the Oscar favorites won. Timothee Chalamet won his first Golden Globe, for “Marty Supreme,” after four previous nominations. The 30-year-old is poised to win his first Oscar. Fellow nominees like Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney stood to applaud his win.

“My dad instilled in me a spirit of gratitude growing up: Always be grateful for what you have,” said Chalamet. “It’s allowed me to leave this ceremony in the past empty handed, my head held high, grateful just to be here. I’d be lying if I didn’t say those moments didn’t make this moment that much sweeter.”

Glaser comes out swinging

The Globes, held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, got underway with a pointedly political opening from host Nikki Glaser and an early award for the night’s favorite, “One Battle After Another.” Emceeing the show for the second straight year, Glaser kicked off the show with self-aware satire.

“Yes, the Golden Globes, without a doubt the most important thing happening in the world right now,” she said.

In a winning, rapid-fire opening monologue that landed some punch lines on the usual subjects — the age of Leonardo DiCaprio’s dates, Kevin Hart’s height — Glaser also dove right into some of her most topical material.

For the on-the-block Warner Bros., Glaser started the bidding at $5. Referencing the Epstein files, she suggested best editing should go to the Justice Dept. The “most editing,” however, she suggested deserved to go to Bari Weiss’ new CBS News — a dig at the Paramount Skydance-owned network airing the Globes.

Political tension and industrywide uncertainty were the prevailing moods heading into Sunday’s awards. Hollywood is coming off a disappointing box-office year and now anxiously awaits the fate of one of its most storied studios, Warner Bros.

The Globes, formerly presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, have no overlap or direct correlation with the Academy Awards. After being sold in 2023 to Todd Boehly’s Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions, a part of Penske Media, the Globes are voted on by around 400 people. The Oscars are voted on by more than 10,500 professionals.

But in the fluctuating undulations of awards season, a good speech at the Globes can boost an Oscar campaign. Winners Sunday included Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I'd Kick You”) for best female actor in a comedy or musical, and Wagner Moura, the Brazilian star of “The Secret Agent,” for best male actor in a drama. Kleber Mendonça Filho's period political thriller also won best international film.

“I think if trauma can be passed along generations, values can do,” Moura said. “So this to the ones who are sticking with their values in difficult moments.”

Other winners Sunday included the supporting actor front-runner, Stellan Skarsgård who won for the Norwegian family drama “Sentimental Value.” It was the first major Hollywood movie award for the 74-year-old, a respected veteran actor who drew a standing ovation.

“I was not prepared for this because I, of course, thought I was too old,” said Skarsgård.

‘The Studio' and 'Adolesence' win

In the television awards, “The Pitt” took best drama series, while Noah Wyle won, too, brushing past his former “ER”-star Clooney on the way to the stage. Netflix’s “Adolescence” won four awards: best limited series, and acting awards for Erin Doherty, Stephen Graham and 16-year-old Owen Cooper.

Other winners included Rhea Seehorn for “Pluribus” and Jean Smart for “Hacks.”

But the most comically poignant award of the night went to “The Studio,” the best comedy series winner. Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire memorably included an episode devoted to drama around a night at the Globes. (Sample line: “I remember when the red carpet of the Golden Globes actually stood for something.”)

Rogen also won best male actor in a comedy. “This is so weird,” Rogen said, chuckling. “We just pretended to do this. And now it’s happening.”

Entertainment

Globes Red Carpet: Chic Black, Elegant Dresses and a Bit of Politics

Ariana Grande is a nominee for her turn as Glinda in 'Wicked: For Good'. Frederic J. Brown / AFP
Ariana Grande is a nominee for her turn as Glinda in 'Wicked: For Good'. Frederic J. Brown / AFP
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Globes Red Carpet: Chic Black, Elegant Dresses and a Bit of Politics

Ariana Grande is a nominee for her turn as Glinda in 'Wicked: For Good'. Frederic J. Brown / AFP
Ariana Grande is a nominee for her turn as Glinda in 'Wicked: For Good'. Frederic J. Brown / AFP

Hollywood's top stars hit the red carpet on Sunday for the Golden Globes, the first major event on the road to the Oscars, and they delivered lots of old-school glamour.

Here is a glance at some of the looks seen at the Beverly Hilton Hotel:

Ever-chic black

Selena Gomez is a newlywed and her happiness shows. The best comedy actress nominee for her work on "Only Murders in the Building" radiated joy as she arrived on the arm of her husband Benny Blanco.

She oozed sophistication in a black Chanel column gown with a frothy white feathered strapless neckline, her black bob swept into soft waves.

Gomez was not alone in striking an understated pose, with lots of stars opting for black or dark, wintry hues.

Teyana Taylor, a winner for her searing turn as a leftist revolutionary in hotly-tipped film "One Battle After Another," scorched the carpet in a cut-out backless black Schiaparelli gown with a halter neckline -- and a cheeky crystal bow on her backside.

Ariana Grande ("Wicked: For Good"), who competed with Taylor for the award for best supporting actress, turned heads in a black textured Vivienne Westwood ballgown with an asymmetrical neckline and a bubble silhouette before trailing to the floor.

Her hair was swept into her signature ponytail, and she kept the jewelry simple with a diamond choker.

Amy Madigan, also in their category for her villainous turn in "Weapons," went for a tuxedo look with cropped pants and patent leather boots.

Nominee Jenna Ortega embraced the goth chic of her title character in "Wednesday" in a black high-neck Dilara Findikoglu gown with glittering epaulets and cut-offs that revealed a bit of side boob... and part of her hip bone.

Among the male stars in attendance, Colman Domingo was as usual a standout, wearing head-to-toe black Valentino, with silvery appliques scattered from his left shoulder down his lapel to his waist.

Jennifer Lopez is no stranger to strong fashion statements. Her plunging green Versace gown at the Grammys in 2000 is still a reference for winning the red carpet by adopting the "less is more" rule.

On Sunday, Lopez -- whose turn in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" was overlooked by Globes voters -- wore a figure-hugging sheer gown with bronze patterns snaking over her body, ending in a mermaid fishtail.

Jennifer Lawrence --nominated for best drama actress in a film for "Die My Love" -- got the memo as well, rocking a barely-there sheer nude Givenchy gown with only a smattering of strategically placed flowers.

- Stars slam deadly ICE shooting -

Hollywood never quite has a night out without a bit of politics coming into play.

On Sunday, some of the stars including nominee Mark Ruffalo wore pins with the messages "BE GOOD" -- a reference to Renee Good, the Minneapolis woman who was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent.

Comedian Wanda Sykes wore the same pin on her lapel, while actress Natasha Lyonne, a nominee for her TV show "Poker Face," attached one to her clutch handbag.

The campaign is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), one of the country's most prominent civil rights organizations.

 

Entertainment

Hollywood Stars Gather for an All-Winners Celebration at the American Film Institute Awards

Leonardo DiCaprio takes the stage to accept the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his role in "The Revenant" at the 22nd Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California January 30, 2016.(Reuters)
Leonardo DiCaprio takes the stage to accept the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his role in "The Revenant" at the 22nd Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California January 30, 2016.(Reuters)
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Hollywood Stars Gather for an All-Winners Celebration at the American Film Institute Awards

Leonardo DiCaprio takes the stage to accept the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his role in "The Revenant" at the 22nd Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California January 30, 2016.(Reuters)
Leonardo DiCaprio takes the stage to accept the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his role in "The Revenant" at the 22nd Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California January 30, 2016.(Reuters)

If the American Film Institute Awards stands for anything, it's that everyone in the room - from Leonardo DiCaprio and Ryan Coogler to Timothée Chalamet and Ariana Grande - leaves feeling like a winner.

That spirit was on full display Friday as the AFI Awards gathered its 2026 honorees for an invitation-only luncheon in Beverly Hills, where the institute once again celebrated the collaborative nature of film and television by honoring creative teams - in front of and behind the camera.

Inside the ballroom, there were no acceptance speeches in the traditional sense and no suspense over envelopes. Instead, AFI's ceremony unfolded as a series of thoughtfully written tributes: eloquent rationales for each honored film and television program, followed by brief clips designed to place the year's work within a broader cultural and artistic context.

AFI President Bob Gazzale spoke in front of star-filled room, ensuring there were no losers with only shared recognition.

The room reflected that mood. Filmmaker Steven Spielberg was spotted chatting with Coogler, whose wife and "Sinners" producer, Zinzi Coogler, stood beside him. Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan worked the room, trading hugs and handshakes with fellow honorees and guests including "Bugonia" star Jesse Plemons and "Task" actor Mark Ruffalo. Filmmakers James Cameron and Guillermo del Toro greeted each other.

Nearby, DiCaprio stood side by side with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and actors Benicio del Toro and Edward James Olmos. Chase Infiniti looked on from her table, gazing toward her "One Battle After Another" co-stars before the program kicked off.

On the red carpet, with "Death by Lightning" actor Nick Offerman beside him, George Clooney shared laughs with a photographer, adding to the easygoing tone that carried throughout the afternoon. After the event, Infiniti and Jordan reunited for a hug and a brief catch-up, a quiet moment that underscored the camaraderie in the room.

Films honored include "Avatar: Fire and Ash,Bugonia,Frankenstein,Hamnet,Jay Kelly,Marty Supreme,One Battle After Another,Sinners,Train Dreams" and "Wicked: For Good."

Television shows recognized were "Adolescence,Andor,Death by Lightning,The Diplomat,The Lowdown,The Pitt,Severance,The Studio" and "Task."

Closing the ceremony was Carol Burnett, who delivered AFI's annual benediction, celebrating the honorees' achievements while reflecting on her own lifelong love of cinema and television.

"I've never lost the deep respect and love that I have for all the stories we tell through cinema and television and by all of those behind and in front of the camera," Burnett said. "Creative collaboration has always remained at the heart of our work, and AFI brings us all together. The world is a better place for having heard your voices."

The luncheon also featured AFI's signature March of Time video montage, a sweeping look at cinematic and television milestones from decades past, situating this year's honorees within the evolving history of the medium.