Author: France 24

In this edition of arts24, Angelina Jolie learns to sing opera for her part as Maria Callas in Paris. The biopic looks at the final days in the life of one of the most iconic and controversial figures in opera. With her soaring voice and dramatic stage presence, the Greek star redefined what it meant to be a diva, captivating audiences worldwide. “Maria” is directed by Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín – the final part of his great women trilogy following Jackie and Spencer. Eve Jackson met him in Paris.

President Donald Trump’s overhaul of US foreign assistance has led to chaos in the aid and development field, leaving hundreds of contractors in a severe financial crunch with some already having to lay off staff and others facing millions of dollars in unpaid invoices. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, FRANCE 24’s Sharon Gaffney welcomes Dr. Paul B. Spiegel, Director of the Center for Humanitarian Health and Distinguished Professor of the Practice at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), organised in Morocco, will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The African Football Confederation (CAF) has released the complete schedule along with the list of matches and stadiums where the competition will be held.

President Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China is partly aimed at curbing the flow of fentanyl into the United States, where the opioid is blamed for some 70,000 deaths annually. So how do those countries play a role in the trafficking of the drug?  Plus, we take a closer look at how global car companies are particularly vulnerable to tariffs. Editors’ note: Since this update, the US has also agreed to pause tariffs on Canadian imports. 

On this week’s arts24 music show, Marjorie Hache takes a look at the highlights of the 67th Grammy Awards, with author and journalist Morgane Giuliani. They discuss everything from Queen B making history, to Kendrick Lamar’s risqué diss track “Not Like Us”, as well as victorious French artists Gojira and Justice, plus the arrival of artificial intelligence.

The Israeli military has expanded its operation, dubbed “Iron Wall”, from the West Bank’s Jenin refugee camp to Tulkram, further north in the occupied Palestinian territory. The IDF says it has found what it calls terrorist infrastructure in Tulkarm. But residents of the neighbourhood say only families live there, who are being unfairly targeted and inhumanely treated.

On Jan 23, 2020, Wuhan sealed itself off, ushering in China’s zero-Covid era of strict travel and health controls, foreshadowing a looming global pandemic. For a deeper perspective, five years on, FRANCE 24’s Carys Garland welcomes Florence Débarre, Author and CNRS Research Dir at the Inst of Ecology and Environmental Sciences at the Sorbonne. Ms. Débarre warns we have not yet taken the time to “investigate” the vast patchwork of local, global responses to the pandemic, to “learn from it and be better prepared” next time.

The stunning trade between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday that will see Luka Doncic sent to Los Angeles and Anthony Davis to Dallas has whipped the NBA world into a frenzy. Neither Doncic nor Davis have since made any comments or posts about the trade.

In this special edition from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Charles Pellegrin sits down with Nigeria’s Industry, Trade and Investment⁣ Minister Jumoke Oduwole. They discuss the return of Donald Trump as US president and how his policies might impact the oil-rich African country, as well as the challenges of diversifying the economy and attracting investors. Following a change in administration in May 2023, Nigeria has been pursuing bold economic reforms but inflation still remains high. Will 2025 will bring the “renewed hope” promised by Bola Tinubu’s administration? 

Beyoncé has earned 11 Grammy nominations for Cowboy Carter, matching Michael Jackson’s Thriller for the most nominations from a single album. As the most awarded artist in Grammys history, could this finally be her moment to claim the top prize on Sunday at the 2025 Grammy Awards?