THE SCOOP

Flynn is in at Westminster

Flynn the bichon frise was picked as best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club on Tuesday night, a choice that seemed to surprise almost everyone in the crowd at Madison Square Garden. Fans who had been loudly shouting for their favourites fell into stunned silence when judge Betty-Anne Stenmark announced her choice. No matter, the white powder puff was picked and walked off as top dog at the U.S. show. Guided by handler Bill McFadden, Flynn beat out Ty the giant schnauzer, Biggie the pug, Bean the Sussex spaniel, Lucy the borzoi, Slick the border collie and Winston the Norfolk terrier.

Knight credits ‘clean living’

Gladys Knight, 73, has dismissed online gossip about her ageless looks after beauty experts suggested she had undergone a facelift before the Grammys. Knight has taken to social media to insist she just looks after herself. “I feel like I won a medal with all the compliments,” she captioned an Instagram shot of herself. “You guys keep me young,” adding she’s “thankful for these Godgiven genes and clean living.”

South African censors ban Oscar hopeful

South Africa’s film board has banned an Oscar shortlisted movie from family cinemas after complaints over its depiction of homosexuality. Inxeba drew some protests for showing the relationship between two young men during traditional initiation rites, but it had been showing in theatres throughout most of the country. The Film & Publication Board has now reclassified the film so that it can be shown only in “designated adult premises.” The movie was South Africa’s entry for the Oscars for best foreign language film.

Metallica wins Polar prize

U.S. heavy metal band Metallica and Afghanistan’s National Institute of Music have won the 2018 Polar Music Prizes, a Swedish award. It is the first time a heavy metal band gets an award given each year for significant achievements in music. The award panel said Metallica had “through virtuoso ensemble playing and its use of extremely accelerated tempos” taken rock music “to places it had never been before.” It said the Afghan ensemble “revives Afghan music, and shows you can transform lives through music.” They will receive their awards June 14.