NEW YORK — Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to fans as Jiggly Caliente from the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise, has tragically passed away at the age of 44. Her death comes just days after her family reported she was hospitalized due to a severe infection, which led to a leg amputation.

Jiggly Caliente’s family shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, confirming her death early Sunday morning. They described her as “a luminous presence” in both entertainment and activism, remembered for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity.

Her legacy lives on through her artistry and the deep connection she made with fans worldwide. Jiggly’s influence extended far beyond the stage—she was a beacon for advocacy and a role model for many, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.

Jiggly Caliente’s rise to fame began with RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4, where she made her mark as a talented contestant. She returned for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in the subsequent seasons, proving her lasting impact on the franchise. In 2022, she was selected as a judge on Drag Race Philippines, showcasing her role as both a mentor and an icon within the drag community.

However, just prior to her passing, Jiggly had to cancel her appearance in the upcoming season due to her hospitalization and the surgery she underwent.

Born in the Philippines and later immigrating to New York, Jiggly’s drag career spanned nearly two decades. She began her journey in the drag scene by competing in pageants and local performances, but it wasn’t just about entertainment for her—her heritage was always a central part of her work.

In 2018, Jiggly released a hip-hop album titled T.H.O.T. Process, with a track where she rapped in Tagalog, celebrating both her Filipino identity and the growing need for more cultural representation in drag.

Jiggly was also a trailblazer for transgender visibility within the drag scene. In 2016, she publicly came out as transgender, sharing her personal journey with fans who had been inspired by her story. While competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she was already transitioning but kept it private, not wanting it to define her on the show.

“I didn’t want it to be my storyline, because being a trans woman is not what defines me,” she said in a 2018 interview with Billboard. Jiggly’s bravery in sharing her truth helped countless fans navigate their own gender identities, and her work remains a powerful testament to living authentically.

As the drag world mourns her loss, RuPaul’s Drag Race shared a statement remembering Jiggly’s talent, truth, and impact. “Her legacy will continue to slay—always,” the statement read, as they held her family, friends, and fans close in their hearts during this difficult time.

Jiggly Caliente may have left us far too soon, but her influence and light will never be forgotten.

Source: AP News – Drag performer Jiggly Caliente from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ franchise dies at 44 after hospitalization

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In the wake of devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles and impacted the heart of the movie industry, Hollywood showed resilience with a strong showing for Netflix’s Emilia Pérez. The trans identity narco-musical led the Oscar nominations on Thursday with a record-breaking 13 nods, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar. The film also secured nominations for Best Director (Jacques Audiard), Best Original Screenplay, two song nominations, and a supporting performance from Zoe Saldaña.

“This recognition is a celebration of the global world we live in,” Audiard commented in a statement, emphasizing the film’s universal appeal.

Emilia Pérez became the most nominated non-English language film ever, surpassing Netflix’s previous contender, Roma, which garnered 10 nominations. With 13 nominations, Emilia Pérez joins an elite group of films, including All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land, which scored more nominations in Academy Awards history.

“Wicked” and “The Brutalist” Garner Multiple Nominations

The musical Wicked, based on the beloved Broadway adaptation, also performed strongly, securing 10 nominations, including Best Picture and acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Similarly, Brady Corbet’s postwar epic The Brutalist, released by A24, earned 10 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, and Felicity Jones received acting nominations for their standout performances in the film.

Surprising Entries and Unexpected Contenders

In this wide-open Oscar race, several films and performances exceeded expectations. The Brazilian film I’m Still Here, a powerful depiction of political resistance during Brazil’s military dictatorship, landed a Best Actress nomination for Fernanda Torres. Nickel Boys, directed by RaMell Ross, earned praise for its inventive first-person perspective, prompting critical discourse about race and pain in American cinema.

Ross, watching the nominations in Providence, Rhode Island, said, “This film forces a subjective response. It’s a film built for discourse.”

Surprises also came in the Best Picture race, where The Apprentice – a film about the formative years of Donald Trump – earned a pair of nominations for Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong. Strong, playing Trump’s mentor Roy Cohn, expressed complicated emotions about his role, particularly in light of Trump’s divisive legacy. “It was the role of a lifetime,” Strong said, “but his legacy is playing out in real-time in frightening ways.”

Notable Exclusions and Highly Competitive Categories

In the Best Actor category, Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), and Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) joined Stan and Brody, while Daniel Craig, widely praised for his un-James Bond performance in Queer, was notably absent.

Best Actress proved to be one of the most competitive categories of the year, with Demi Moore, Karla Sofía Gascón, Fernanda Torres, Cynthia Erivo, and Mikey Madison (from Anora) making the cut. The category notably excluded stars like Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) and Nicole Kidman (Babygirl).

In the Best Director race, Coralie Fargeat, the filmmaker behind The Substance, broke through the all-male lineup, which included Sean Baker (Anora), Corbet, Audiard, and James Mangold (A Complete Unknown).

Oscars Push Ahead Despite Ongoing Wildfires

Originally scheduled for January 17, the Oscar nominations were delayed twice due to the wildfires that began on January 7, devastating parts of Los Angeles, including the Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Despite calls to cancel the ceremony, the Academy has chosen to move forward, with March 2 set for the awards show. Academy leaders have emphasized the importance of the Oscars in supporting Los Angeles’ economy and as a symbol of resilience during these challenging times.

“We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry,” said Bill Kramer, Academy CEO, and Janet Yang, President of the Academy, in a statement.

Blockbusters Miss the Mark, But Indie Films Shine

This year’s nominations reflect the unpredictable state of Hollywood. While big-budget blockbusters like Wicked and Dune: Part Two performed well, other high-grossing films like Deadpool and Wolverine and Inside Out 2 missed out on nominations. Notably, Netflix’s Emilia Pérez has not been one of the platform’s top watches, but its record-breaking nominations indicate that streaming services are still making their mark.

Several films that were initially declined by distributors, including The Apprentice and the documentary No Other Land, found unexpected success, earning Oscar recognition despite their uncertain release paths.

Unlike last year, when Oppenheimer dominated, the 2024 Oscar race is wide open, with The Brutalist, Emilia Pérez, Anora, Conclave, and Wicked all in the running for Best Picture. The next few weeks will be crucial as the film industry prepares for the awards ceremony in March.

This year’s Oscars will be a testament to Hollywood’s resilience, creativity, and optimism, even as it deals with ongoing challenges, including the aftermath of wildfires and political turbulence. With a diverse slate of nominees across genres and formats, this year’s ceremony promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory.

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After delays caused by devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards nominations will proceed on Thursday morning at 8:30 AM ET. Despite the challenges, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences aims to honor the resilience and creativity of the film industry.

The nominations will be announced through multiple platforms, including Oscar.com, Oscars.org, social media, Disney+, Hulu, and ABC’s Good Morning America. Actors Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott will present the nominations.

Wildfires and Their Impact on Hollywood

Initially scheduled for January 17, the nominations were postponed after the wildfires on January 7 ravaged areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena, causing historic destruction. The Academy extended the voting window to accommodate those affected.

Despite calls to cancel the Oscars, Academy leaders insisted the March 2 ceremony must go on to support Los Angeles’ economy and symbolize the industry’s resilience. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang stated the event will reflect recent hardships while celebrating unity in global filmmaking.

However, the usual glitz of award season has been scaled back:

• The annual nominees’ luncheon was canceled.
• Other events were postponed or downsized.
• Original song performances will not take place this year.

Comedian Conan O’Brien, whose home narrowly escaped the fires, is set to host the event.

What to Watch for in the Nominations

1. A Wide-Open Best Picture Race

Unlike past years, no clear favorite has emerged. Four films have secured nominations from major guilds:

• “Anora”
• “Conclave”
• “Emilia Pérez”
• “A Complete Unknown”

They are expected to be joined by:

• Golden Globe-winner “The Brutalist”
• Blockbuster musical “Wicked”
• Sci-fi sequel “Dune: Part Two”

Other contenders for the 10 spots include:

• “A Real Pain”
• “The Substance”
• Potential surprises like “Sing Sing,” “September 5,” or “Nickel Boys”

Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” is expected to dominate with the most nominations, possibly setting a new record for non-English language films.

2. Best Actress: Tough Competition

This year’s Best Actress category is packed with talent. Likely nominees include:

• Demi Moore (The Substance)
• Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
• Mikey Madison (Anora)
• Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez)

The fifth spot is up for grabs among:

• Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
• Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths)
• Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl)

Notably absent might be heavyweights like Nicole Kidman (Babygirl) or Angelina Jolie (Maria).

3. History in the Making?

Karla Sofía Gascón, the star of “Emilia Pérez,” could become the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Oscar. In the film, Gascón plays a drug lord who transitions into a woman, a dual role that has captivated audiences.

Reflecting on the possibility of making history, Gascón said:

“If it happens, I’d be so grateful. If it doesn’t, I’ll go back to my life. I’ll play with cats, see my family, and work on other projects.”

4. The Controversial “The Apprentice”

One of the boldest films of 2024, “The Apprentice,” explores former President Donald Trump’s early career in real estate under attorney Roy Cohn. With Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn, both are on the fringe of Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor nominations. Trump, unsurprisingly, labeled the filmmakers “human scum.”

5. Will Best Director Be All Male Again?

The Best Director category has seen progress in recent years, but this year might revert to an all-male lineup, including:

• Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez)
• Sean Baker (Anora)
• Edward Berger (Conclave)
• Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
• James Mangold (A Complete Unknown)

Potential female contenders include:

• Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light)
• Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)

Big-budget filmmakers like Jon M. Chu (Wicked) and Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two) could also break into the mix.

The Road Ahead

The nominations announcement will set the stage for an Academy Awards season shaped by resilience, creativity, and hope in the face of adversity. Stay tuned for Thursday’s reveal and the surprises it may bring.

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