Culture
Streaming giant Netflix has commissioned a television series based on Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer‑winning western novel, with Oscar‑nominated screenwriter Zoe Kazan and veteran writer Jeb Stuart at the helm. The project follows a celebrated 1989 CBS miniseries and signals Netflix’s continued investment in the western genre.
Culture
Warner Bros. is developing a feature-film reboot of the 1960s spy comedy 'Get Smart' with writer Seth Grahame‑Smith, and four‑time Emmy winner John Mulaney is being considered for the titular role. The project remains in its early stages, according to multiple entertainment outlets.
Culture
Kimuraya Bakery’s invention of the anpan turned a Western import into a Japanese cultural staple, a legacy still celebrated in Tokyo’s streets and on the world’s screens. A single YouTube tour that has amassed 1.7 million views shows how the humble bun continues to capture imaginations far beyond Japan.
Culture
Deep in Ethiopia’s mist‑clad highlands, centuries‑old ceremonies and a unique terroir fuse to create coveted single‑origin coffees. As a Business Insider video on the subject draws millions of views, the story of these beans proves more relevant than ever.
Culture
Veteran actor Gary Oldman told Canadian broadcaster Global that the new 007 has already been selected, though the studio has not announced it. He said his fingers are crossed that his "Slow Horses" colleague Jack Lowden will be the next Bond.
Culture
British comedian Freddie Meredith, known for his roles in "Such Brave Girls" and "Big Boys," has been added to the cast of "Saturday Night Live U.K." ahead of its second season, which premieres on September 12 with Jeff Goldblum as host. The appointment marks a notable infusion of stage‑derived talent into the BBC‑One comedy flagship.
Culture
The Venice Film Festival concluded with a strong focus on acclaimed international filmmakers, significant industry initiatives, and an unexpected on-screen halt during a competition screening. Directors Lav Diaz, Tsai Ming-liang, and Kore-eda Hirokazu presented new works, while a new cinema academy for Gaza was launched.
Culture
The second night of the Creative Arts Emmys saw a posthumous honor for Rob Reiner and significant wins for 'DTF St. Louis' and 'Widow's Bay.' These early awards set the stage for a competitive main Emmy telecast, with Apple TV and HBO Max emerging as strong contenders.
Culture
During his opening set for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium, rapper Macklemore shouted 'Free Palestine' and delivered a political speech, triggering a petition by pro‑Israel groups calling for his dismissal from the tour. The backlash has ignited a debate over artistic expression and political statements on stage.
Culture
After an eight‑year hiatus, acclaimed Korean director Lee Chang‑dong debuts his new Netflix drama 'Possible Love' at the Venice Film Festival. The film, a nuanced study of class and desire, has earned strong critical praise and is slated as South Korea’s Oscar contender.
Culture
Veteran actress Susan Sarandon stated at the Venice Film Festival that she continues to lose film roles due to her outspoken support for Palestine. She alleged that certain agencies are instructing others not to hire her, citing persistent opposition from within the industry.
Culture
Jesse Eisenberg's third feature film, 'The Debut,' has made a significant impact at the Telluride Film Festival, with critics praising its comedic script and Julianne Moore's lead performance. The film, which features seven original songs penned by Eisenberg, is also seeing one of its tunes positioned for an Academy Award nomination.