Roger Corman, legendary B-movie king who mentored top directors, passes away at 98; Swiss activists energized by Nemo’s Eurovision victory for non-binary rights and beyond

Legendary B-movie king Roger Corman, known for his low-budget films and for launching the careers of some of Hollywood’s biggest directors, passed away at the age of 98. Corman’s influence in the film industry was immense, with directors like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, James Cameron, and Ron Howard all crediting him for helping kickstart their careers. His wife and daughters announced his death on his Instagram account, but did not disclose the cause.

In other entertainment news, Swiss musician Nemo made history by winning the Eurovision Song Contest with their song “The Code.” Nemo, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, took home the top prize after impressing both the jury and the audience. This victory has sparked conversations about non-binary rights in Switzerland, with advocates calling for official recognition of individuals who do not identify as strictly male or female.

Meanwhile, controversy surrounded comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s commencement speech at Duke University, as dozens of students walked out of the ceremony in protest of his support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza. The video of the walkout, with some students chanting “free Palestine,” quickly spread on social media, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the issue.

Despite the political backdrop, Switzerland emerged victorious at the Eurovision Song Contest, beating out competitors like Croatia and Israel. The competition, meant to celebrate European diversity, was overshadowed by calls to boycott Israel due to the conflict in Gaza, but Switzerland’s win ultimately took center stage in the end.