PLUS: The chaos and unbridled decadence of early Hollywood.

The 2023 Academy Award nominations have officially been announced and South African director, Oliver Hermanus' film Living received two!
Also in today's Entertainment Flash: Paris Hilton welcomed her first child via a surrogate, get a stunning sneak peek inside the rehearsal room of Calling Us Home, the Ndlovu Youth Choir gives a goosebump-inducing performance on America's Got Talent: All-Stars and Justin Bieber sells his music rights for $200 million.

BRONWYN MCKAY, LOCAL NEWS EDITOR

After what feels like an eternity, M-Net's acclaimed and award-nominated dramatic thriller Lioness is back for season 2 – and there is a lot to look forward to.
 

Fans and newcomers to the world of Samantha Hugo (played by Shannon Esra), her loved ones, her enemies and some snakes in the grass can expect more twists and turns to keep them glued to their seats. 
 

Here are some reasons to tune in when the show returns: 
 

That season 1 cliffhanger! 
 

What's more dramatic than someone being shot while on the rooftop of a building? The fallout from that is just one storyline season 2 has in store. Can a secret that affects a family and is known by one too many people remain buried?  
 

The 'Lioness' in Samantha really comes out
 

Having just worked her way back into her beloved children's lives, Sam will do anything to protect them – especially when they are in more danger than they have ever been.  
 

How do things pan out for Sam's sweet boy, Liam? 
 

The gentle giant (played by Joshua Eady) took part in a gruesome act during the season 1 finale – will he find his way back to the light or give in to darker desires? 
 

Click 'read more' for more reasons to watch the new season.

The star welcomed her first child with husband Carter Reum, who she married in 2021 – a beautiful baby boy, via surrogate.

Rehearsals of the grand-scale musical Calling Us Home are in full swing, and there's magic in the air ahead of their world premiere.

Oliver Hermanus' first international film, Living, received two Academy Award nominations on Tuesday. The 2023 Oscars take place on 12 March.

South Africa's Ndlovu Youth Choir returned to the AGT stage in spectacular fashion. The choir performed an original song called We Will Rise.

Justin Bieber sold his music publishing and recording catalog shares to the Blackstone-backed Hipgnosis Songs Capital for $200 million.

REVIEW

"So, should you watch Babylon? That honestly depends on your personal tastes. If you like flashy, over-the-top, ostentatious films, then yes. If you like your films short, snappy, and to the point, then this is not for you."

- Babylon by Caryn Welby-Solomon

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