logo
Hollywood executive Peter Rice named head of ceremonies for 2028 Olympics

Hollywood executive Peter Rice named head of ceremonies for 2028 Olympics

Straits Timesa day ago
Find out what's new on ST website and app.
FILE PHOTO: Peter Rice, Chairman and CEO, Fox Networks Group, speaks during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 3, 2017. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo
LOS ANGELES - Organisers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics have named TV and film executive Peter Rice as head of ceremonies and content, marking the first time a major Hollywood figure will oversee the creative production of the Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies.
Rice, who has had senior leadership experience with 21st Century Fox and The Walt Disney Company, will serve as lead executive producer for both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Los Angeles.
"Our ceremonies will capture the energy, innovation and creativity of Los Angeles as well as the emotion that exists at the heart of every Olympic Games," Rice told Reuters in an interview.
"The challenge is to welcome the world in a way that's not only memorable, but truly representative of LA's unique spirit - a city that stands at the crossroads of creativity, sports, and art."
The British American producer will shape the creative vision and oversee production of all four ceremonies at two iconic venues: the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the newly built SoFi Stadium.
He said his experience with global sporting events like the Super Bowl, World Series, and FIFA World Cup has prepared him for the task, and emphasized that assembling a world-class production team was his top priority.
"We need people with deep Olympic experience who can also tap into LA's creativity and energy," he said, adding that the selection of a production company is expected by year's end.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Judge asks prosecution for more information on Kpods in first case involving etomidate-laced vapes
World In landmark opinion, World Court says countries must address climate change threat
Singapore 5 teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt
Singapore Male victim of fatal Toa Payoh fire was known to keep many things, say residents
Sport Bukayo Saka the difference as Arsenal beat AC Milan at National Stadium
Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in
Singapore Over 1.15 million Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 have claimed SG60 vouchers
Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him
LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman expressed enthusiasm for Rice's appointment, citing their 25-year friendship and Rice's unique blend of business, technical, financial and creative skills.
"I knew he was our number one draft pick," Wasserman said.
Rice, whose projects have earned 51 Academy Award and 293 Emmy nominations, hopes the ceremonies reflect Southern California's spirit of optimism.
"It's a place where people go to pursue their dreams, and the Olympics are all about people's dreams," he said.
The LA Games open on July 14, 2028, with the Paralympic Games following in August. It will be the first time Los Angeles has hosted a Paralympics. REUTERS
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump signs order aimed at curbing big-money influence in college sports
Trump signs order aimed at curbing big-money influence in college sports

Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Trump signs order aimed at curbing big-money influence in college sports

Find out what's new on ST website and app. U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on artificial intelligence at the \"Winning the AI Race\" Summit in Washington D.C., U.S., July 23, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File Photo WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order that the White House said was aimed at curbing the influence of big-money payouts in college sports like football and men's basketball. The White House said the order would block "third-party, pay-for-play payments" to college athletes, without affecting fair-market compensation for brand endorsements. It also directs U.S. officials to "clarify" the legal status of student-athletes, with the White House saying the changes would help preserve scholarships and competition in women's and non-revenue sports. The order could have ramifications for in multimillion-dollar market for U.S. college athletes. It was not immediately clear how the order would be enforced. The National Collegiate Athletic Association, which governs U.S. sports at the college level, had long prohibited student athletes from receiving compensation for athletics outside of scholarships in a bid to preserve the amateurism of college sports and keep the playing field fair for recruiting. But in June 2021, the organization approved an interim policy allowing college athletes to make money by selling their name, image and likeness (NIL) rights. The policy allowed student athletes to make money through activities things like signing autographs, endorsing products or businesses and making personal appearances so long as the activities were legal in state where the school was located. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia 11 Thai civilians killed as Thai and Cambodian militaries clash at disputed border: Reports Asia Singapore urges all parties in Thailand-Cambodia border dispute to exercise restraint Asia Deadly Thai-Cambodian dispute puts Asean's relevance on the line Life Hulk Hogan, who helped turn pro wrestling into a billion-dollar spectacle, dies at 71 Singapore Avoid water activities around Tuas Second Link, Raffles Marina after chemical tank accident: NEA Singapore Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp Singapore Mindef to set up new volunteer management unit to grow volunteer pool Singapore Primary 1 registration: 29 schools to conduct ballot in Phase 2B In March 2025, the NCAA agreed to permanently eliminate its rule that prohibited student athletes from negotiating NIL deals before enrolling in a school. The change came a day after a legal settlement between the NCAA and a group of state attorneys general who had sued the organization, arguing that the restriction violated federal antitrust law. "President Trump recognizes the critical role of college sports in fostering leadership, education, and community pride," the White House said in a statement. The changes in recent years on NIL payments, the White House said, "has created a chaotic environment that threatens the financial and structural viability of college athletics." REUTERS

Tour de France shortens stage 19 after cattle disease outbreak forces route change
Tour de France shortens stage 19 after cattle disease outbreak forces route change

Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Tour de France shortens stage 19 after cattle disease outbreak forces route change

Find out what's new on ST website and app. Cycling - Tour de France - Stage 18 - Vif to Courchevel Col de la Loze - Courchevel Col de la Loze, France - July 24, 2025 Team Picnic PostNL's Oscar Onley, UAE Team Emirates XRG's Tadej Pogacar and Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Jonas Vingegaard in action during stage 18 Pool via REUTERS/Papon Bernard ALBERTVILLE, France - Friday's Stage 19 of the Tour de France has been shortened after an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis in cattle near the Col des Saisies forced authorities to cull livestock and restrict access to the area, race organisers said on Thursday. The 129.9-km stage from Albertville to La Plagne was due to include the ascent of the Col des Saisies, but the climb has now been scrapped to avoid the affected zone, ASO said in a statement. "In light of the distress experienced by the affected farmers and in order to preserve the smooth running of the race, it has been decided, in agreement with the relevant authorities, to modify the route," ASO said. The ceremonial start will take place as planned in Albertville, followed by a 7-km neutralised section before the official start an hour later than planned. Riders will rejoin the original course shortly before Beaufort, at the 52.4-km mark of the initial route. As a result, the stage will now be reduced to 95 km. The shortened stage still finishes in La Plagne and comes just two days before the Tour concludes in Paris on Sunday. REUTERS

Arsenal sign defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia
Arsenal sign defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia

Straits Times

time4 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Arsenal sign defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia

Find out what's new on ST website and app. Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera (right) in action with Vitor Roque of Real Betis. LONDON – Arsenal have signed central defender Cristhian Mosquera from Spanish La Liga side Valencia on a long-term deal, the Premier League club said on July 24. Details of the transfer were not disclosed but British media reported the 21-year-old Spaniard has signed a five-year contract for an initial fee of around €15 million (S$22.5 million), plus add-ons. Mosquera has joined Arsenal for their tour of Singapore and Hong Kong. He featured in 90 matches for Valencia across all competitions and played 37 of their 38 La Liga games last season to help them finish 12th. He joins Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke among Arsenal's close-season signings. Striker Viktor Gyokeres is also reported to be on the brink of joining the London club as manager Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad after finishing runners-up in the last three Premier League seasons. 'We're delighted to welcome Cristhian to Arsenal. As a 21-year-old defender, Cristhian has already performed consistently well with significant experience in LaLiga,' Arteta said in a statement. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia 11 Thai civilians killed as Thai and Cambodian militaries clash at disputed border: Reports Asia Singapore urges all parties in Thailand-Cambodia border dispute to exercise restraint Asia Deadly Thai-Cambodian dispute puts Asean's relevance on the line Life Hulk Hogan, who helped turn pro wrestling into a billion-dollar spectacle, dies at 71 Singapore Avoid water activities around Tuas Second Link, Raffles Marina after chemical tank accident: NEA Singapore Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp Singapore Mindef to set up new volunteer management unit to grow volunteer pool Singapore Primary 1 registration: 29 schools to conduct ballot in Phase 2B 'He is an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides.' REUTERS, AFP

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store