Nguyễn Thị Thanh, affectionately known internationally as The Lunch Lady, tragically passed away yesterday morning shortly after arriving at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. Following her arrival, she experienced cardiac arrest and although medical personnel worked tirelessly for over an hour to resuscitate her they were unable to revive her.

As the heart and soul of The Lunch Lady, Nguyễn Thị Thanh’s culinary legacy has reached far beyond her acclaimed Saigon street stall, previously brought to life through the lens of Anthony Bourdain’s show, No Reservations. Her passion for authentic Vietnamese cuisine and dedication to sharing this culinary richness has touched the lives of many restaurant patrons in Canada and around the world.

The Vancouver location, which has received 3 consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards, will be closed Wednesday, May 21st, to allow for staff to mourn. A new Toronto location was planned to open on June 3, 2025, where Ms. Thanh was expected to be based out of for the month. The opening has been postponed with a new date to be announced at a future time. Management will be reaching out to patrons who have reservations to arrange alternate arrangements for both Canadian locations.

“To the world, she was The Lunch Lady. But to me, she was my aunt, my mentor, and someone I loved like family. Today, we’re mourning more than the loss of our founder. We’re mourning her warmth, her generosity — the way she lit up a room without ever needing to speak. Her smile said everything. Her impact went far beyond food. She taught us to lead with care, to cook with soul, and to stay grounded in where we come from. We’ll carry her legacy forward with honour, with gratitude, and with the same heart she brought to every bowl,” says Michael Tran, Creative Director & Co-owner, The Lunch Lady Canada.

Nguyễn Thị Thanh was a trailblazer in introducing Vietnam’s vibrant street food culture to a global audience. Her passing is profoundly felt across the globe, as patrons mourn the loss of a true culinary icon whose absence will leave a significant void.

Vigils in Canada will be planned in honour of Nguyễn Thị Thanh in Vancouver and Toronto, with details regarding the date and locations to be announced at a future time.

A heartfelt message from the Lunch Lady Canada team can be found on the Lunch Lady’s Instagram.

An acclaimed look at activism that sparked the rise of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ movement, Winnipeg director Noam Gonick and Toronto producer Justine Pimlott’s National Film Board of Canada (NFB) feature documentary Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance begins a national rollout in May.

Over 15 Canadian community and festival screenings are confirmed for Parade, with more cities to come. Pride Month in June will also feature broadcast and online premieres on TVO and NFB platforms.

The film recently opened the Hot Docs film fest, where it was voted a top ten audience favourite.

About Parade

Unflinching, bold, enraging and hopeful, this vital new chapter in the queer canon captures pivotal moments that sparked Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ movement, honouring the activists and elders whose resistance led to the rights we have today.

Through rarely seen archival footage and first-person accounts, audiences are transported to the frontlines of the struggle. From police raids to early drag shows, community organizing to the House of Commons, Parade brings the complex history of the country’s diverse communities to vivid life.

Key milestones illustrate the power of taking it into the streets and underscore how easily the rights we’ve fought for can be revoked, making the documentary essential viewing for all Canadians.

National screening schedule

Dates confirmed so far

May 31 at 11:45 a.m., Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival, Toronto – filmmakers in attendance
June 12–15, Queer North Film Festival, Sudbury
June 14 (with panel discussion) and June 21, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Toronto
June 22: Streaming premiere across Canada at 9 a.m. EST on TVO Docs YouTube, website and app, and broadcast premiere in Ontario at 9 p.m. EST on TVO
June 26, Hello Film! at the NFB’s Alanis Obomsawin Theatre, French-language screening and panel discussion, Quebec premiere presented in collaboration with Fierté Montréal and image+nation, Montreal
June 27, begins streaming on NFB platforms
June 27, Dixon Hall, Toronto
June 27, Trans Wellness Ontario, Windsor
June 28 at 6:30 p.m., Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg – panel discussion with filmmakers
June 28, pflag Chapter, The Rumpus Room, Owen Sound, Ontario
June 28, Museum London, London, Ontario
July 26 at 2 p.m., Millennium Library, Winnipeg
August 3 at 1 p.m., Richmond Public Library – Brighouse Branch, Richmond, British Columbia
August 5 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, French-language screening, Montreal
August 5 at 6 p.m., CinéQueer presented by Fierté Montréal and the NFB in collaboration with image+nation at the NFB’s Alanis Obomsawin Theatre, French-language screening, Montreal
August 16–24, Capital Pride, Ottawa
Acclaim for Parade

“Parade is overflowing with intelligence, energy and honesty. At a moment in history when the freedom to love who you want and be who you want to be is in question, this film is unequivocally on the side of the angels. Parade is an absolute triumph.” – Border Crossings Magazine

“There are moments of heartbreak, depression, and sadness, but the film also illustrates how much love and warmth was at the heart of these equality movements. It’s both critical and uplifting at the same time.” – The Gate

“…a call to arms to reach out to and learn from the queer elders who are still with us, and to preserve stories that are gradually disappearing. Parade invites us to see the ghosts, and challenges us not to look away.” – Xtra

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada announces an exciting lineup of powerhouse speakers at this year’s second annual event on Thursday, May 29, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto.

Hosted by Canadian comedian and YouTube creator Julie Nolke, this year’s event will feature a series of dynamic, women-centred sessions designed to inspire, inform, and ignite meaningful action. These sessions will explore key issues, opportunities, and challenges unique to women across the entertainment industry — on screen, behind the scenes, and in executive leadership roles:

The Art of Leadership, presented in partnership with Blink49 Studios

Moderated by Global Media and Tech Leader Kirstine Stewart, this session offers a compelling conversation with the women driving strategy, innovation, and influence across film, television, and digital media, including: Valerie Creighton, C.M., S.O.M., President & CEO, Canada Media Fund; Michela Di Mondo, Executive Vice President Distribution, Canada, International, Fremantle; Carlyn Klebuc, General Manager, Original Programming, Bell Media; Kat Kowalski, Senior Vice President, International Content Programming and Acquisitions, Pluto TV; Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, Toronto International Film Festival; and Kerry Swanson, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Screen Office (ISO).

The Power of Music, presented in partnership with FACTOR

Moderated by Music Trade Journalist, Karen Bliss, this engaging panel presents the leaders shaping Canada’s music landscape who are setting the agenda and amplifying new voices. Speakers include: Julie Adam, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada; Jully Black, Canada’s Queen of R&B and Soul; Kristen Burke, President, Warner Music Canada; Keziah Myers. Executive Director, ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective; Meg Symsyk, President and CEO, FACTOR; and Patti-Anne Tarlton, Vice-Chair, Live Nation Concerts Canada.

(Caption Top-Bottom, Left-Right: Julie Adam, Jully Black, Kristen Burke, Keziah Myers, Meg Symsyk, Patti-Anne Tarlton)

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is a first-of-its-kind summit and Awards bringing the industry together across television, film, and music to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Canadian women driving the industry forward in their respective fields.

This year’s honourees include Margaret Atwood, recipient of the ICON Award; Tantoo Cardinal, receiving the Equity in Entertainment Award; Jeanne Beker, honoured with the Impact Award; Amrit Kaur is named the Breakthrough Award honouree; and Christina Jennings, this year’s Glass Ceiling Award honouree.

For tickets and more information, including the day’s full schedule and programming details, visit www.womeninentertainment.ca.

Walt Disney Animation Studios revealed a brand-new teaser trailer this morning for “Zootopia 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to 2016’s Academy Award®-winning “Zootopia.” Featuring glimpses at new and returning characters, the trailer reunites rookie cops Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman) and teases a new team-up with a mysterious pit viper, Gary De’Snake (voice of Ke Huy Quan).

In the film, which opens only in theatres Nov. 26, Judy and Nick find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, they must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before. According to Disney Animation chief creative officer and director Jared Bush, who also wrote the script, a larger world is in store for fans. “We are beyond excited to welcome everyone back to the outrageous, expansive animal metropolis of Zootopia, and take audiences on a hilarious, wild ride into parts of the city we’ve never visited before,” said Bush. “Whether it’s the marshes of semi-aquatic mammals, the vast desert dunes or even greater mysteries beyond, our heroes, Judy and Nick, will meet a lot of new friends, and discover even more about the world, themselves and a brand-new snake in town.”

Added director Byron Howard, “The trailer features the original song ‘ZUTU’ by Zootopia’s finest lemming techno group, LEMEEENS. Fresh from touring with superstar Gazelle as her opening act, members Hans-Peter, Gūnther, Spielt and their DJ, Spaß, created the song to mark the occasion and welcome the world back to the City of Zootopia!”

From the Oscar®-winning team of Jared Bush and Byron Howard (directors) and Yvett Merino (producer), “Zootopia 2” also features the voices of Fortune Feimster, Quinta Brunson and Shakira, who returns as Gazelle.

MUBI, the global distributor, streaming service and production company, shares a first look of Akinola Davies Jr.’s directorial feature debut, My Father’s Shadow, which had its World Premiere in Un Certain Regard at Cannes Film Festival on May 18 2025.

My Father’s Shadow is Akinola Davies Jr.’s (Lizard) directorial feature debut and stars Sope Dirisu (Slow Horses, Gangs Of London). The film is a semi-autobiographical tale set over the course of a single day in the Nigerian metropolis Lagos during the 1993 Nigerian election crisis. The story follows a father, estranged from his two young sons, as they travel through the massive city while political unrest threatens their journey home.

My Father’s Shadow is a collaboration between Element Pictures and Fatherland Productions, and based on a script by Wale Davies and Akinola Davies Jr., whose previous collaboration on Lizard won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2021 and garnered a BAFTA nomination for Best British Short Film.

My Father’s Shadow was developed by BBC Film, who previously backed Lizard, and co-financed by BBC Film and the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding). The Match Factory is handling worldwide sales. MUBI has acquired all rights from Element Pictures for North America, UK, Ireland, and Turkey, with MUBI distributing in key territories including the UK/IE and US.

For more than a half a century, Sesame Street has been a beloved cornerstone of children’s media, enchanting young minds and nurturing a love of learning. Now Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and all their friends are coming to Netflix later this year, with Sesame Street’s all-new, reimagined 56th season — plus 90 hours of previous episodes — available to audiences worldwide.

The new season will feature fresh format changes and the return of fan-favorite segments like Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck. Expect new ways to play along as Cookie Monster opens his very own Cookie Cart on Sesame Street, and explore Abby’s Fairy Garden, a home to surprising and delightful magical creatures.

Additionally, episodes will now center on one 11-minute story, allowing for even more character-driven humour and heart.

These new episodes of the iconic series will be available same day-and-date in the US on PBS stations and PBS KIDS digital platforms, bringing critical early learning to children throughout the country for free. Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street, with Sal Perez and Kay Wilson Stallings serving as executive producers; Emmy, Humanitas, and NAACP Award nominee Halcyon Person (Karma’s World, Dee & Friends in Oz) joins as head writer.

Stay tuned for the release of new episodes of Sesame Street Season 56 later this year on Netflix.

Additional information:

Sesame Street will continue to be available on PBS KIDS and across their digital video and games platforms, continuing its 50+ year legacy of using the power of public television to bring critical early learning to children across the country for free.

Netflix has exclusive worldwide premiere rights and episodes will be available day-and-date on PBS stations in the U.S. and across PBS KIDS digital platforms.

Netflix will also be able to develop video games for both Sesame Street and Sesame Street Mecha Builders.

Kids and Family viewing represents 15% of Netflix’s total viewing. Whether it’s laughing alongside their favorite characters with Ms. Rachel, Gabby’s Dollhouse, CoComelon Lane, Blippi and Hot Wheels Let’s Race or diving into exciting new adventures with The Sea Beast and Leo, we’ve built a space where kids can watch, play, and learn

Netflix makes family time easy and fun with dedicated kids’ profiles made just for them. Parents can set controls, check what their kids are watching, lock profiles with a PIN, and even get helpful recaps—all to create a safe and personalized experience for little viewers. Coming soon to the experience will be more games for kids included with all subscriptions.

About Sesame Street Season 56

Sesame Street’s reimagined 56th season will include the following new segments and format changes:

New ways to play along. Cookie Monster opens his very own Cookie Cart on Sesame Street. Will there be cookie chaos or a sweet treat with every adventure? Abby’s Fairy Garden is home to surprising and delightful magical creatures. What could possibly go wrong when Abby helps care for them?

To-camera moments. The characters speak directly to the viewers and invite them into the action—capturing emotions and interactions.

Animation overlays that highlight music, action, humor, and important story moments while adding visual excitement. Visual effects like wand sparkles, bubbles, and confetti will add a touch of anything-can-happen magic to the storytelling.

One 11-minute story. The longer format provides the opportunity to tell stories with even more character-driven humor and heart.

A new animated segment, Tales from 123 that takes viewers INSIDE the most famous apartment building in the world where they can discover the wacky and whimsical building that Elmo, Cookie Monster, and friends call home.

The return of fan-favorite episodes of Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck.

Format: Season 56 will be released in three batches.

Production Company: Sesame Workshop

Executive Producers: Sal Perez, Kay Wilson Stallings

Head Writer: New head writer Halcyon Person, an Emmy, Humanitas, and NAACP Award-nominated TV maker who’s worked as a writer, director, and producer for everything from preschool to late night. She was the Head Writer and Co-Executive Producer of Karma’s World (2021) and Dee & Friends in Oz (2024) on Netflix.

About Sesame Workshop:  
Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesame.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.

Today, Canadians can rejoice that summer is BACK at Starbucks. Back by popular demand is the Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers® trio, alongside the creamy White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew, alongside a new Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop and new Egg, Pesto & Mozzarella Sandwich. All are available at Starbucks stores in Canada for a limited time, while supplies last.

·Summer’s back, and it’s bursting with berries:
Returning for its second year, the Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers® features a sweet and summery blend of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavours shaken with ice and water, poured over a layer of popping raspberry flavoured pearls for a juicy burst in every sip. Also available with lemonade in the Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher or with creamy coconut beverage in the
Summer Skies Drink.

Fun Fact: In its debut year, the Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers drove the highest week
one product launch in the company’s history in Canada.

·Cool down with a cold brew:
The fan-favourite White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew returns with sweet macadamia syrup and topped with white chocolate macadamia cream cold foam and toasted cookie crumbles, making it the ultimate cold-meets-creamy summer sip.

·Strawberries are IN:
New to the bakery case for the summer is the Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop, made with strawberry cream cake, buttercream, and dipped in chocolate with a festive summer finish.

·A new vegetarian delight:
The new vegetarian Egg, Pesto & Mozzarella Sandwich joins the permanent menu—featuring fluffy cage-free egg frittata with kale and basil pesto, topped with a creamy slice of mozzarella on a toasted cheddar and onion bun.

·Summer in full colour:
Starbucks has partnered with Brazilian fashion and lifestyle brand FARM Rio to launch a limited-edition drinkware collection. Available at Starbucks stores across Canada starting May 13 for a limited time, the exclusive line celebrates the vibrant beauty of nature in full bloom. Inspired by the rich culture and natural landscapes of Rio de Janeiro, FARM Rio brings its signature blend of bold colour, artisanal craftsmanship, and joyful design to this unique collaboration. Learn more about the collection on Starbucks Stories.

The trailer for 20th Century Studios “Predator: Killer of Killers” is available now. The original animated action-adventure film set in the Predator universe will premiere June 6, 2025, exclusively on Disney+.

The anthology story follows three of the fiercest warriors in human history: a Viking raider guiding her young son on a bloody quest for revenge, a ninja in feudal Japan who turns against his Samurai brother in a brutal battle for succession, and a WWII pilot who takes to the sky to investigate an otherworldly threat to the Allied cause. But while all these warriors are killers in their own right, they are merely prey for their new opponent – the ultimate killer of killers.

“Predator: Killer of Killers” is directed by Dan Trachtenberg with Josh Wassung, from animation company The Third Floor, serving as co-director. The film stars Lindsay LaVanchy, Louis Ozawa, Rick Gonzalez, and Michael Biehn and is written by Micho Robert Rutare and story by Trachtenberg and Rutare, based on characters created by Jim Thomas & John Thomas. The producers are John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, p.g.a., Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, p.g.a., with Lawrence Gordon, James E. Thomas, John C. Thomas, and Stefan Grube as executive producers.

Rihanna releases “Friend Of Mine” from Paramount Animation’s SMURFS Movie Soundtrack via Roc Nation Distribution. Rihanna will star as Smurfette in the film, out July 18, 2025. The soundtrack is available for Pre-Order/Pre-Save HERE and will officially release June 13, 2025 via Roc Nation Distribution.

“Friend Of Mine” is the second song to come off the soundtrack following “Higher Love” by DESI TRILL featuring DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania and Subhi. “Higher Love” also saw an official music video:

In addition to the already star-studded cast, the soundtrack will also feature a new song from Tyla. Pre-save SMURFS Soundtrack HERE via Roc Nation Distribution.

ABOUT SMURFS:

When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. SMURFS features an all-star voice cast including Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Marshmello, with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.

SMURFS is in Theatres July 18, 2025

Details:

“SMURFS”

Executive Produced by

Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary

Produced by

Jay Brown, Ty Ty Smith, Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Ryan Harris, p.g.a.

Based on the Characters and Works of Peyo

Written by

Pam Brady

Directed by

Chris Miller

Cast:

Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Marshmello, with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.

CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

THIS FILM HAS NOT YET BEEN RATED

FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES devastates in its debut with $43 million from 3,523 theatres for Warner Bros. This makes it the most successful opening ever for the now six-film Franchise. It gets a smashing 92% on the Tomatometer.

Second is Marvel’s THUNDERBOLTS* with $16 million, taking it to $154 million over three weekends domestically.

Third goes to SINNERS with $15 million, now at $240 million for Warner Bros. in its fifth frame.

A MINECRAFT MOVIE lands in fourth with $5.6 million for Warner Bros. This takes it to $416 million in its seventh weekend out.

The Weeknd‘s HURRY UP TOMORROW, which is a companion to his sixth album of the same name, debuts in fifth with $4.7 million from 2,020 theatres for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures. It gets 14% on the Tomatometer.