The top ten SHOOT stories that generated the most engagement (clicks to view) in 2023 included an apology from F. Murray Abraham, backlash over Bud Light's marketing partnership with a transgender influencer, concert films from Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, and the big winners at the AICP Show.
Topping the click tally for SHOOT in 2023 was F. Murray Abraham apologizing after allegations of sexual misconduct–in the form of what he described as inappropriate joke telling–led to his departure from the Apple TV+ show Mythic Quest.
Next up in second place of our rundown of most viewed stories in 2023 was news that some central Florida lawmakers were considering options to top business owners in a small town from voluntarily displaying rainbow decals in their windows indicating that they are a “safe place” for LGBTQ+ people who feel threatened. Four Republican lawmakers wrote a letter to officials in Mount Dora warning that the new, optional city-sponsored program could put the central Florida community outside Orlando “in the crosshairs of potentially detrimental and absolutely unnecessary economic harm.” The lawmakers cited boycotts of Bud Light and Target, which followed the brands’ efforts to promote diversity and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community.
Third in our countdown was the finding that the serious injuries actor Jeremy Renner suffered while using a snow tractor to free a snowbound motorist on a private mountain road near Lake Tahoe appear to be the result of a “tragic accident.”
Finishing fourth in the most watched SHOOT story tally was the announcement that the historical drama Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp as King Louis XV, will open the 76th Cannes Film Festival. The period film was directed by and also stars Maïwenn, the French actress and filmmaker.
Taking fifth place was the filming of a protest scene in NYC for the Joker sequel. The timing of the movie shoot came as real-life protests were anticipated in the area in the event that an indictment was lodged against President Donald Trump for allegedly paying $130,000 to buy the silence of porn actor Stormy Daniels.
Coming in as the sixth most clicked story was the Human Rights Campaign decision to suspend its benchmark equality and inclusion rating for Anheuser-Busch, citing the beer company’s handling of the hate-filled and transphobic backlash to its partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. “What we’re seeing play out here is an example of companies making a decision to have and construct inclusive marketing, which is great — but a business should be standing by those decisions,” said Eric Bloem, HRC’s senior director of programs and corporate advocacy. “The Anheuser-Busch (case) is a textbook example of what not to do.”
Seventh in the countdown was the announcement that a documentary chronicling Beyoncé’s just-concluded 39-city Renaissance World Tour would premiere in North American theaters Dec. 1. The film adds a second blockbuster from a music superstar to a fall slate of movies that’s been slightly thinned out by the ongoing screen actors’ strike. Like Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which debuted Oct. 13, Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé is being released directly by AMC, the movie theater chain, without studio involvement.
Ending up eighth in our click count for 2023 was Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour making a massive, first place box office debut between $95 million and $97 million in North America. It’s easily the biggest opening for a concert film of all time.
Nestling in ninth place was a report on the big winners at the AICP Show, including SMUGGLER, Somesuch, director Kim Gehrig, Apple and Levi’s.
And rounding out the top ten was a review of Lisa Cortés’ documentary, Little Richard: I Am Everything.
Here’s a countdown of SHOOT’s most engaging stories of 2023 (click headline to view):
1. F. Murray Abraham apologizes after “Mythic Quest” exit
3. Sheriff: Jeremy Renner’s snow tractor injury appears to be “tragic accident”
4. Johnny Depp-Starrer “Jeanne du Barry” To Open Cannes Film Festival
5. Protests erupt in NYC — not for Trump but for “The Joker”
7. Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour is over. But it’s coming to movie theaters soon
8. “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” Tops Weekend Box Office, Eyes “Joker” Record
9. Big Winners At AICP Show Include SMUGGLER, Somesuch, Director Kim Gehrig, Apple, Levi’s
10. Review: Director Lisa Cortés’ “Little Richard: I Am Everything”
11. Netflix’s password-sharing crackdown reels in subscribers as it raises prices for its premium plan
12. “Friends” Star Matthew Perry Dies At 54
13. Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Creatives Assess Super Bowl Spots
14. Matthew Perry Foundation established for late “Friends” actor to help people with addiction
15. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” Hits $1B, Tops Box Office For 4th Straight Week
16. Bud Light VP of Marketing Reportedly Takes Leave After Boycott Calls
17. Comedy Translates Into “No Hard Feelings” Between Jennifer Lawrence, Writer-Director Gene Stupnitsky
18. “Indiana Jones” Adventures Into Cannes Film Festival; Harrison Ford Receives Honorary Palme d’Or
19. Storylines Behind A Looming Hollywood Writers’ Strike
20. Video Game Adapts Well At Box Office: “Five Nights at Freddy’s” Makes $130 Million Global Debut
21. DeSantis’ retaliation against Disney hurts Florida, former governors and lawmakers say
22. Fox, Dominion Reach $787 Million Settlement Over Election Claims
24. Martin Scorsese Shares “Internal Spectacle” In “Killers of the Flower Moon”
25. Production and Costume Designing “Killers of the Flower Moon”
