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INSIDER

JENNIFER ANISTON

New this week: 'Cry Macho,' McCreery and 'The Morning Show'

This week’s new entertainment releases include new music from Lindsey Buckingham and Scott McCreery, as well as the return of Clint Eastwood, who has gone back to his Western roots with “Cry Macho,” starring as a former rodeo star hired to bring a young man in Mexico back to his father in the U.S. Fans of TV's “The Morning Show” will also get to see Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Steve Carell and Billy Crudup kick off Season 2.

2020 in photos: The biggest, most iconic pop culture moments

(Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)Harvey Weinstein sentencedHarvey Weinstein leaves the New York City criminal court during his sex crimes trial on Jan. 10, 2020 in New York City. (2020 Getty Images)Megxit happensIt was the exit heard all around the world: Megxit. (Photo by Marc Piscotty/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)Zoom reunionsZooming became the new way to communicate in 2020, and everyone was doing it. (Photo by Manny Carabel/Getty Images) (2020 Manny Carabel)Joe Biden and Kamala Harris win 2020 electionAfter a wild election season, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris beat President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)What was your favorite pop culture moment from 2020?

Aniston is award-worthy first responder in Emmy fire skit

LOS ANGELES – Jennifer Aniston missed out on an Emmy but proved herself as an award-worthy first responder when a ceremony stunt got overheated. In a bit during Sunday night's Emmys, host Jimmy Kimmel sprayed an envelope holding a winner's name with disinfectant then, for good measure, dropped it in a wire wastebasket and set it on fire. So far, so good, ceremony executive producer Reginald Hudlin said Monday. A test had been run beforehand, with a booster added to make the fire more visible, and things were going as planned when the scene was shot — including Aniston to the rescue. She sprayed the wastebasket again, but as she and Kimmel bantered the fire flared again, bigger, and "we're like 'uh oh,'" Hudlin said.

Another record low in viewership for 'Pandemmys'

(The Television Academy and ABC Entertainment via AP)NEW YORK – The novelty of television stars getting Emmy Awards delivered to their homes wasn't enough to keep the annual show from slipping further in popularity. The Nielsen company said 6.1 million people watched the Emmys on Sunday night, down from 6.9 million in 2019 and the third straight year of record low viewership. Still, it illustrated how the Emmy Awards are becoming a boutique event. Last year was the first time viewership slipped under 10 million people. Viewership is also fragmented across many different networks and streaming services, and several shows don't have a wide audience.

Primetime Emmy awards show ratings drop to all-time low

Jimmy Kimmel and actress Jennifer Aniston presented the award for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series together at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards. Despite stacked odds, the 72nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards went off without a hitch Sunday night. In early estimates from Nielsen Monday, it appears the event saw the lowest viewership of any Emmy ceremony in the Television Academy's history, drawing only 5.1 million total viewers. The game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks on NBC tallied 12.2 million viewers, dwarfing the Emmy numbers. The season premiere of "60 Minutes" on CBS drew in 7.5 million viewers.

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The 'Pandemmys' were weird and sometimes wonderful

(The Television Academy and ABC Entertainment via AP)It was Regina King, winning her fourth career Emmy on Sunday, who perhaps summed up the proceedings the most succinctly — and accurately: “This is freaking weird." Nobody was more thrilled than Daniel Levy, son of best actor winner Eugene Levy; the younger Levy won the award for comedy writing, shared a directing award and captured the supporting actor trophy. A CALL TO THE BOOTHLevy used some of his considerable mic time to urge viewers to vote in November. “I know this seems like a really weird time to be celebrating,” Zendaya said. Sterling K. Brown gave out the show’s final award, best drama, in a Black Lives Matter shirt.

Zendaya becomes youngest lead drama actress to win Emmy

In this video grab captured on Sept. 20, 2020, courtesy of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and ABC Entertainment, Zendaya accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Euphoria" during the 72nd Emmy Awards broadcast. (The Television Academy and ABC Entertainment via AP)LOS ANGELES – Zendaya said her “heart was filled” when she saw her fellow nominees, including Jennifer Aniston, cheering on the “Euphoria” actress for becoming the youngest drama lead actress to win an Emmy. She is only the second Black actress to claim the lead drama actress award, following Viola Davis’ groundbreaking 2015 win for “How To Get Away With Murder.”Zendaya along with her gleeful family and friends screamed, cheered, hugged and cried behind her as a stunned she accepted the award in what appeared to be a hotel suite. It’s pretty crazy.”On “Euphoria,” Zendaya plays Rue Bennett, a teenage addict struggling with her sobriety and recovery on the series that delves into sex, drugs, trauma and identity among high-schoolers. “I definitely felt like this wrapping of love around me as I was sitting here,” Zendaya continued.

A sweep for ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ ‘Succession’ tops Emmy Awards

(The Television Academy and ABC Entertainment via AP)LOS ANGELES – “Schitt's Creek,” the little Canadian show about a fish-out-of-water family, made history at Sunday's Emmy Awards with a comedy awards sweep, something even TV greats including “Frasier” and “Modern Family” failed to achieve. The awards for Pop TV's “Schitt's Creek” included best comedy series and trophies for its stars, including Catherine O'Hara and father-son Eugene and Daniel Levy. Moments later, his son won the award for comedy writing for “Schitt's Creek” episode, then shared a directing award and captured the supporting actor comedy trophy. As “Schitt’s Creek” gobbled up comedy awards, that left acclaimed “Insecure” and its creator Issa Rae empty-handed. But Black stories, Black performances and Black Lives Matter,” he said, urging Kimmel to shout with him.

Spicoli to the rescue with 'Fast Times' virtual benefit

LOS ANGELES Spicoli is making a virtual return to Ridgemont High to raise money for a pair of non-profit groups. Sean Penn, a cast member in 1982's Fast Times at Ridgmont High," will be joined by Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and other stars in a socially distanced reading of the film's script. Penn is handing the role of stoner Jeff Spicoli over to another actor, with details about who's playing what part to be unveiled at next week's event. None of those actors, nor Roberts or Aniston, appeared in the original film. It will be available on Facebook Live and TikTok via COREs Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CoreResponse.

Fresh comedy faces, 'Modern Family' farewell seek Emmy nods

This image released by Hulu shows Ramy Youssef in a scene from "Ramy." Nominations for the next Emmy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, July 28. Last year's best series winners Game of Thrones and Fleabag called it a wrap, clearing the path for others to prevail. The Handmaids Tale, which took the best drama trophy in 2017, is vying for its third nomination in the category. Big Little Lies, last year's winner for best limited series, is hunting for a drama series nod for its second season.

Jennifer Aniston Passionately Pleas for Everyone to Wear a Mask

Jennifer Aniston is urging her fans to wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic. Aniston went on to directly address those who feel that being forced to wear a mask in public is infringing on their rights. "People seem worried about their 'rights being taken away' by being asked to wear a mask. Aniston has recently been using her massive platform to speak out about causes that are important to her, including voting and fighting against police brutality. Aniston commented on how the pandemic had one silver lining -- she had the time and space to keep educating herself.

Matthew Perry Jokes About David Beckhams Friends Shirt and He Responds

Matthew Perry took to Instagram on Wednesday to poke some fun at retired soccer pro David Beckham. The 50-year-old Friends actor shared a selfie David had posted with his wife, Victoria Beckham, to his own Instagram account. In the pic, David is wearing a black T-Shirt with a famous Friends' scene of Chandler (Perry) and Joey (Matt LeBlanc) from the 1996 episode, "The One Where No One's Ready." David clarified further, writing, "Yes @cruzbeckham got me the shirt but could I be wearing anymore clothes @mattyperry4." While the entire cast hasn't reunited just yet, Aniston and Kudrow did recently have a mini Friends reunion.

Jennifer Aniston's Wrist Tattoo: The Possible Meaning Behind '11 11'

Now, there appears to be an explanation behind the "11 11" inked on her left wrist. The number 11 is also special to her because of her birthday and Norman, the source says. Aniston's Welsh Corgie-Terrier named Norman died in 2011, and her birthday is on Feb. 11. The possible reason behind the wrist tattoo holds up as Aniston also has "Norman" inked on her right foot in honor of her late pet. James Devaney/GC ImagesGregg DeGuire/FilmMagicMeanwhile, Aniston's ex-husbands, Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux, have numerous tattoos all over their bodies.

Jennifer Aniston Recalls 'Trying to Prove' She Was More Than Rachel From 'Friends'

Jennifer Aniston just wanted a break from Rachel Green! The 51-year-old Friends star opened up on The Hollywood Reporter's Drama Actress Roundtable about trying to escape the sitcom role that shot her to stardom. I could not escape Rachel from Friends, just Rachel from Friends, it's on all the time and you're just like, 'Stop playing this f**king show,'" Aniston quipped. This one time I was with Courteney [Cox], and we were trying to find something to reference, an old Friends thing," Aniston said in Variety's Actors on Actors issue. RELATED CONTENT:Jennifer Aniston Fans Spot Her Tattoo During Mini 'Friends' ReunionJennifer Aniston & Lisa Kudrow Reminisce Over 1st 'Friends' Table Read'Friends' Co-Creator Says Show's Reunion Will Likely Shoot in August

Jennifer Aniston Fans Spot Her Wrist Tattoo During Mini 'Friends' Reunion

Friends fans got a good look at Jennifer Aniston's wrist tattoo when she reunited with her sitcom co-star, Lisa Kudrow, for Variety's Actors on Actors issue. Aniston has "11 11" inked on her left wrist, and was first spotted with the tattoo at the end of 2018. Though her "11 11" ink didn't come up in conversation with Kudrow, the actresses did have a nice time sharing memories about being on Friends together. This one time I was with Courteney [Cox], and we were trying to find something to reference, an old Friends thing," Aniston recalled. Here's more with Aniston and her other female Friends co-star, Courteney Cox:RELATED CONTENT:Jennifer Aniston & Lisa Kudrow Reminisce Over 1st 'Friends' Table ReadJennifer Aniston Posts a 'Friends' Flashback for Courteney Cox's B-DayJennifer Aniston Tells COVID-19 to 'Kindly F**k Off' With Throwback Pic

Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow Reminisce Over First 'Friends' Table Read

Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow are looking back at their time on Friends. Both Aniston and Kudrow look back fondly at their time on Friends, so much so that they've often found themselves watching bloopers from the show. "You did have an ability to giggle, to break during the punchline," Aniston agreed. "We know its not scripted, that we know," Aniston noted. RELATED CONTENT:'Friends' Co-Creator Says Show's Reunion Will Likely Shoot in AugustJennifer Aniston Posts a 'Friends' Flashback for Courteney Cox's B-DayLisa Kudrow Assures 'Friends' Fans This One Thing About the Reunion

'Friends' Co-Creator Marta Kauffman Says HBO Max's Reunion Will Likely Shoot in August

HBO Max's Friends reunion may shoot this summer! In an interview with The Wrap, Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman reveals that those working behind-the-scenes on the much-anticipated reunion are hoping to shoot the special later this summer. The reunion special, which will feature Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, was initially slated to premiere with HBO Max's launch on May 27, but was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. "We are hoping to be able to shoot in August, if all is well and there is no early second wave and the studio is open," Kauffman says. RELATED CONTENT:'Friends' Co-Creator Says She 'Didn't Do Enough' for DiversityThe Definitive Guide to Binge-Watching 'Friends' As It Arrives on HBO MaxLisa Kudrow Assures 'Friends' Fans This One Thing About the Reunion

Jennifer Aniston Celebrates Courteney Cox's 56th Birthday With a 'Friends' Flashback

The 51-year-old actress took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday to send Courteney Cox some belated birthday wishes. In the first of four posts, Aniston shared a pic of a smiling Cox, writing, "Happy birthday to this amazing human." The last shot was a throwback from the women's time starring on Friends, on which Aniston played Rachel Green and Cox played Monica Geller. InstagramInstagramInstagramInstagramOn Cox's actual birthday, her other Friends co-star, Lisa Kudrow, shared photos of her and Cox snuggling with two dogs. Watch the video below for more on Cox's birthday celebration.

Jennifer Aniston Donates Nearly $1 Million to Racial Justice Charities Following George Floyd's Death

Jennifer Aniston is backing up her commitment to the fight against racial injustice with a sizable donation. A source tells ET that Aniston has quietly donated large sums of money to several charities, including Colors Of Change, to the tune of nearly $1 million. According to the source, the actress spread out her charitable donations to several "worthy organizations" dedicated to the battle against systemic racism and discrimination. Aniston also showed solidarity for Blackout Tuesday on June 2, when she shared an image of a black square, which she captioned simply, "Black lives matter. RELATED CONTENT:Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez Join Black Lives Matter ProtestBTS Donates $1 Mil to Black Lives Matter After Expressing SolidaritySpike Lee on What He Finds Encouraging About the Ongoing BLM ProtestsBrad Pitts Activism: How His Work Has Helped the Black Lives Matter Movement

'Friends' Co-Creator Says She 'Didn't Do Enough' for Diversity

Marta Kauffman is reflecting on the lack of diversity in Friends. "I wish I knew then what I know today," she said, before apologizing for getting emotional. "I mean weve always encouraged people of diversity in our company, but I didnt do enough. "I was well aware of the lack of diversity and I campaigned for years to have Ross date women of color," he said. RELATED CONTENT:David Schwimmer Suggests an All-Black or All-Asian 'Friends' RebootJennifer Aniston Donates Nearly $1 Million to Racial Justice CharitiesLisa Kudrow Assures 'Friends' Fans This One Thing About the Reunion

‘Friends’ reunion special one step closer to reality, sources say

Several news outlets are reporting what “Friends” superfans have dreamed of for years - a possible reunion special. Sources told Variety that an unscripted “Friends” reunion special could be waiting for HBO Max users when the new streaming service launches in May 2020. HBO Max recently purchased the rights to the NBC sitcom for $425 million, which has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity while streaming on Netflix. Deadline also reported that talks are underway for a “Friends” reunion special, saying it’s still in the planning stages. Former show co-creator Marta Kauffman said, “We will not be doing a reunion show, we will not be doing a reboot,” at the Tribeca TV Festival in September.