分类: entertainment

  • Legendary Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs dies aged 84

    Legendary Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs dies aged 84

    One of Nigeria’s most legendary and beloved entertainers, Olu Jacobs, who built a decades-long career that shaped the trajectory of Nollywood across theater, television, and film, has passed away at the age of 84. His death was confirmed by his wife, fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, in an official statement, where she asked that the public grant the grieving family space and privacy during this difficult period.

    In her statement, Silva honored Jacobs with the title “The Lion of Lufodo,” reflecting his towering status in Nigerian performing arts, and reflected that he had lived a full, purposeful life marked by unwavering dedication to his craft. Across his more than 50-year career, Jacobs built an extensive body of work, with standout roles in well-known projects including *My Kingdom*, *Covert Operation*, and *One Fine Day*.

    Widely regarded as a foundational father figure of Nollywood, Nigeria’s world-famous film industry, Jacobs commanded universal respect and admiration from audiences, peers, and industry stakeholders across the nation. Beyond his on-screen work, Jacobs and Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, institutions that have nurtured generations of new performing talent across Nigeria, expanding his impact far beyond his own screen credits.

    Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs received formal acting training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He launched his professional career with roles in British television series and international film productions before returning to focus on Nigeria’s growing entertainment sector, where he would emerge as one of the defining figures of the national film industry. He earned a reputation for his commanding on-screen presence and remarkable versatility, seamlessly moving between theater, television, and feature film roles across decades.

    Throughout his career, Jacobs collected numerous prestigious honors in recognition of his contributions. He won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and received multiple lifetime achievement awards for his work elevating African cinema. In 2011, the Nigerian government awarded Jacobs the national distinction of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), one of the country’s highest civilian honors, in recognition of his decades of service to Nollywood.

    Jacobs had stepped back from public life in recent years, as he managed ongoing health challenges. In her statement, Silva reiterated the family’s request for privacy, calling on digital content creators and social media users to honor the family’s wishes as they mourn. For more coverage of African news and entertainment updates, visit BBCAfrica.com or follow BBC Africa on social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

  • Watch: Will Ed Sheeran cancel his tour as support acts quit?

    Watch: Will Ed Sheeran cancel his tour as support acts quit?

    The future of Ed Sheeran’s highly anticipated United States tour has been thrown into serious question following a sudden wave of departures that has sent shockwaves through the live music industry. In an unexpected turn of events, every member of Sheeran’s touring backing band and all scheduled opening support acts have confirmed their withdrawal from the upcoming run of shows, leaving fans and industry observers scrambling to understand what comes next for the global superstar’s tour.

    The mass exit, which was not accompanied by an official public statement from either the departing performers or Sheeran’s team explaining the underlying motivations for the decision, has sparked widespread speculation across social media and entertainment outlets. Ticket holders who have already purchased access to the shows have taken to online platforms to share their concerns, with many asking whether the entire tour will be scrapped entirely, or if Sheeran will move forward with a last-minute reshuffle of his touring lineup to salvage the schedule.

    Industry insiders note that a full withdrawal of all support acts and backing personnel is an extremely rare occurrence in major arena touring, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation. While Sheeran has not yet issued a public response to the departures as of this reporting, fans around the world are waiting anxiously for an update on whether the tour will proceed as planned, be rescheduled, or be canceled outright. The situation remains fluid, with no clear timeline for an official announcement from the singer’s camp.

  • Pro-Israel billionaire Robert Kraft led campaign to drop Macklemore from Ed Sheeran tour

    Pro-Israel billionaire Robert Kraft led campaign to drop Macklemore from Ed Sheeran tour

    The ongoing debate over artistic freedom and the Israel-Gaza conflict has entered the mainstream music industry, after US rapper Macklemore confirmed via an Instagram statement that he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s North American tour, following aggressive pressure from American billionaire and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

    The controversy traces back to Macklemore’s guest appearances at Sheeran’s sold-out shows at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium last week, where the rapper made public remarks calling for freedom for Palestine and condemning Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the apartheid system in the occupied West Bank. He told the crowd that the plight of Palestinians living under violence and occupation had not been forgotten, drawing cheers from large portions of the audience – but also sparked fierce backlash from pro-Israel right-wing groups, who targeted tour host Sheeran.

    According to Macklemore’s account of the situation, the pressure campaign was spearheaded by Kraft, a prominent Jewish-American and long-time outspoken advocate for Israel who used his influence over major US stadiums to force Sheeran’s hand. Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, one of the venues on Sheeran’s planned tour, threatened to block Sheeran and his production team from accessing the venue if Macklemore remained on the lineup. He also rallied other major stadium owners across the country to issue a collective ultimatum: either remove Macklemore from the tour, or the entire tour would be blocked from using their facilities.

    Macklemore also noted that Sheeran told him he chooses to remain neutral on the issue of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its decades-long occupation of Palestinian territories, a stance consistent with Sheeran’s public image as an artist who avoids political engagement.

    Kraft’s long-standing pro-Israel advocacy is well-documented. In 2019, during a group tour of Israel for American football hall of famers that he led, Kraft met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and told an audience that after his own family, nothing matters more to him than the state of Israel and his Jewish identity. Just this year, Kraft withdrew all financial and public support from Columbia University after the institution allowed pro-Palestine student demonstrations protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza, saying the university was “no longer an institution I recognise”.

    In the wake of his removal from the tour, Macklemore emphasized that artists like himself and Sheeran do not qualify as victims of this incident, as both hold positions of privilege that insulate them from far worse harm. “We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world. Whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families,” he wrote. The true victims, he stressed, remain the Palestinian people, more than 20,000 of whom – the majority children – have been killed in Gaza alone, with violence continuing daily. “I want to make sure that as I tell this story, we don’t lose sight of that,” he added.

    These claims have been backed by international bodies: a United Nations commission of inquiry has joined dozens of major humanitarian organizations in concluding that Israel is carrying out a genocide in Gaza. The state of Israel currently faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.

    Kraft has not denied organizing the pressure campaign to silence Macklemore. In his public response, he stated that his actions were prompted by what he called Macklemore’s “deeply offensive and hurtful” comments made from the stage in New Jersey, which he claimed harmed the Jewish community. “I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with Macklemore and discuss the facts,” Kraft added, noting that his ultimate goal is “peace for all people, an end to suffering and an end to all hate.”

    News of Macklemore’s removal sparked immediate widespread backlash against Sheeran, while the rapper has drawn overwhelming public support from high-profile artists, journalists and activists across the world. Award-winning journalist Glenn Greenwald pointed out the contradiction in global narratives around the Israel issue on the social platform X, writing: “It seems difficult to insist that Israelis and Jews are the world’s most hated, marginalized and oppressed group – suffering a global epidemic of exploding anti-Semitism – while the surest way to get fired, punished and cancelled is uttering even mild criticisms of Israel.”

    British singer Paloma Faith also issued a public statement of support on Instagram, arguing that “It is not controversial to affirm that cancelling human rights advocates for saying Free Palestine doesn’t protect Jewish people. It protects Israel from accountability.” Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem went a step further, backing Macklemore and calling for a public boycott of Sheeran’s tour, writing simply: “Boycott activated.” Prominent climate and Palestinian rights activist Greta Thunberg also voiced her solidarity, saying: “Total solidarity and a free Palestine. The ‘active’ silence of artists in the face of injustice and genocide will not be forgotten.”

  • Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek stars pay tribute to late Catherine O’Hara

    Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek stars pay tribute to late Catherine O’Hara

    The 2026 Emmy Awards became a night of shared grief and heartfelt celebration as the entertainment industry came together to honor a roster of legendary figures who passed away over the past year, with moving tributes that left many audience members in tears.

    One of the most anticipated moments of the annual in memoriam segment came from three stars who shared some of Catherine O’Hara’s most beloved career moments, as they gathered to pay tribute to the Emmy-winning actress, who died in January 2026 at the age of 71. O’Hara built a decades-long career defined by iconic roles: as Kevin McCallister’s frazzled, well-meaning mother in the 1990s *Home Alone* film franchise, and as the wildly eccentric, quick-witted Moira Rose in the groundbreaking comedy series *Schitt’s Creek*, where she starred alongside Dan Levy and Annie Murphy as members of the Rose family.

    Macaulay Culkin, who played O’Hara’s forgotten son Kevin across the *Home Alone* films, opened the tribute with a mix of gentle humor and deep affection. Joking about the core plot point that kicked off the first two *Home Alone* movies, he told the crowd: “She may have forgotten me… twice! But we will always remember her.” Going beyond the on-screen dynamic, Culkin spoke to the maternal warmth O’Hara extended off-camera, saying: “There are all kinds of words I could use to Catherine. She was encouraging. She was warm. She was funny, but the word that I think of is mom… She was, she was my mom. She was our mom. Like a good mom, she always showed up when I asked her to.”

    Murphy, who brought O’Hara’s on-screen daughter Alexis Rose to life, reflected on the outpouring of public love that followed O’Hara’s death, with fans repeatedly quoting the star’s most iconic lines from her decades of work. “These are only very few of the interactions I’ve been lucky enough to have that remind me how profoundly Catherine has impacted the world, and it’s because she brought us joy,” she said. Dan Levy, who co-created *Schitt’s Creek* and played O’Hara’s son Johnny Rose, added a simple, lasting takeaway for the audience: “Always say yes to any opportunity to revel in the presence of greatness.”

    Against a backdrop of a large portrait of a smiling O’Hara, the tribute moved even seasoned comedy stars Martin Short and Steve Martin, who were seen wiping away tears from their seats in the audience. Following the trio’s remarks, folk singer Noah Kahan took the stage to deliver a haunting, tender performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” as the segment continued.

    Next, Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis stepped forward to honor celebrated actor-director Rob Reiner, who was killed alongside his wife in December 2025. Reiner, who built a legendary career spanning acting, directing, and writing, leaves behind a catalog of beloved films including *When Harry Met Sally*, *This Is Spinal Tap*, *Stand By Me*, *Misery*, and *A Few Good Men*. Just one week before the Emmy Awards, Reiner was posthumously awarded an Emmy for his guest-starring role on the hit series *The Bear*, a win that set a new record: the 48-year gap between Reiner’s first and most recent Emmy victories surpassed the previous record held by his father, comedy legend Carl Reiner. Calling Reiner a “cherished legend” and “our beloved meathead” — a nod to his breakout role as Michael Stivic on *All in the Family* — Curtis opened her remarks by also acknowledging the recent passing of *Cheers* co-creator James Burrows, a close friend of Reiner’s.

    The segment also included remembrances for a number of other stars lost in recent months. *Heroes* and *Nashville* lead actress Hayden Panettiere, who died just one month prior to the ceremony, was honored alongside *Rocky Horror Show* icon Tim Curry and *Dawson’s Creek* actor James Van Der Beek.

    Beyond the core in memoriam block, tributes to late icons were woven throughout the night’s broadcast. To mark the 50th anniversary of *Charlie’s Angels*, original co-stars Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd, and Jaclyn Smith took the stage together to present the award for Outstanding Drama Series, and paused to pay tribute to their co-star Farrah Fawcett, who died in 2009. Jackson told the audience: “Fawcett ‘was the shiniest angel of all, and she was loved by millions of people all over the world. And she still is today. And they’ll never forget her and neither will we. And I’m sure you won’t either.’”

    Buffy the Vampire Slayer alums Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz also took a moment to acknowledge the multiple losses their cast has suffered in recent years, including co-stars Nicholas Brendon, Anthony Head, and Michelle Trachtenberg. “David and I would like to acknowledge that it has been a tough two years for our beloved cast and crew, and we feel very lucky to have known and worked with such amazing people,” Gellar said.

    In another standout tribute outside the formal in memoriam segment, two-time Oscar-winning actress Sally Field led a remembrance of country music legend and Emmy winner Dolly Parton, who died last month. Field, who starred opposite Parton in the iconic 1989 film *Steel Magnolias*, described Parton as “genuine, humble, supportive and blisteringly funny.” Highlighting Parton’s far-reaching impact beyond entertainment, Field added: “She was a humanitarian whose contribution has made a profound difference across our country. God bless you Dolly Parton my friend, I am not the only one on earth who will love you for ever and ever.” Following Field’s remarks, country superstar Reba McEntire took the stage to perform a special musical tribute in Parton’s honor.

  • Emmys 2026: The winners and nominees in full

    Emmys 2026: The winners and nominees in full

    Los Angeles played host to the glitziest night in television on Monday, as the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards gathered A-list stars from across the globe to celebrate the year’s most outstanding small-screen achievements. Unlike typical ceremonies, this year’s event split honors across two installments: most technical and craft awards were distributed during the earlier Creative Arts Emmys earlier this month, leaving only the most high-profile, fan-favorite categories for the main primetime telecast.

    The night delivered no shortage of historic milestones and memorable moments, headlined by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys who cemented his place in Emmy history with an unprecedented double win. Rhys took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on the hit comedy *Widow’s Bay*, and followed that win with a second trophy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for his performance in *The Beast In Me* – a rare dual acting victory that has not been seen in the awards show’s decades-long history.

    *Widow’s Bay* dominated the comedy category overall, taking home the night’s top prize for Outstanding Comedy Series in addition to Rhys’ lead acting win. British performer Kate O’Flynn claimed the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role on the show, while Stephen Root won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, and the series also picked up honors for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Katie Dippold) and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Hiro Murai).

    In the drama series division, medical drama *The Pitt* emerged as the leading nominee and claimed the coveted Outstanding Drama Series award. Noah Wyle took home the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series trophy for his leading turn on the series, while Rhea Seehorn of *Pluribus* won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Vince Gilligan also picked up the award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for *Pluribus*, while the directing honor went to Saul Metzstein for Slow Horses. Allison Janney claimed Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for *The Diplomat*, and Tom Pelphrey took home the supporting actor prize for *Task*.

    Limited and anthology series honors went to *DTF St Louis*, which claimed the night’s top award in the category. Sally Field won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series for *Remarkably Bright Creatures*, joining Rhys as an acting honoree in the section.

    Outside scripted categories, the reality competition award went to fan-favorite *The Traitors*, beating out established hits including *RuPaul’s Drag Race* and *Survivor*. In the variety series category, *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* retained its spot at the top, taking home the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series.

    The ceremony was preceded by a packed red carpet that saw dozens of television’s biggest names pose for photos and speak to reporters, bringing high fashion and star power to the Los Angeles event. From unexpected upsets to historic firsts, the 2026 Emmys cemented its reputation as a celebration of the diverse, groundbreaking storytelling that defines modern television.

  • Memorable moments from the Emmys and everything you couldn’t see on TV

    Memorable moments from the Emmys and everything you couldn’t see on TV

    Hollywood’s biggest night for television, the 2026 Emmy Awards, delivered a star-studded, history-making event filled with viral moments, emotional wins, and unexpected backstage charm, drawing A-listers from television, film, sports and music to downtown Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater.

    This year’s ceremony marked a landmark for female representation: Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay took on hosting duties, becoming the first woman to emcee the event in 15 years. Hargitay kicked off the night with a playful, star-studded opening, reworking Joan Jett’s iconic *I Love Rock & Roll* into a love letter to television that name-checked dozens of the evening’s nominees. The host wove in surprise cameos throughout the show, leaning into her own pop culture connections: NBA star Jalen Brunson, a nod to Hargitay’s well-known support for the New York Knicks, made an on-stage appearance, while a viral pre-recorded comedy skit followed Hargitay and her SVU castmates as they “investigated” whether pop superstar Taylor Swift would make an appearance. The sketch ended with a surprise cameo from Swift herself, joined by her cat Olivia Benson — named for Hargitay’s long-running SVU character — bringing the audience to its feet.

    Beyond the main stage, the Emmys’ sprawling behind-the-scenes footprint stretched across the downtown LA district surrounding the Peacock Theater, which sits directly across from the Crypto.com Arena. Nearby streets were closed to traffic and onlookers as black car convoys ferried celebrities to the venue, with dozens of security staff and publicists posted throughout the secured zone. Adjacent to the theater, the JW Marriott’s grand ballrooms were converted into a multi-zone press and after-event space, where castmates reunited for the first time since wrapping production long before the ceremony began. Contrary to the traditional idea of a backstage, winners walk a winding, covered pedestrian path from the Peacock Theater stage to this adjacent space, where they pose for official photos, speak to press across print, digital and broadcast outlets, and stop to have their newly won golden Emmy statuettes engraved. Dozens of unengraved golden statues lined display tables in the engraving zone, where onlooking press could snap photos and admire the iconic trophies up close.

    The night’s biggest breakout success was Apple TV+’s underdog supernatural comedy *Widow’s Bay*, which dominated the award tally: the sleeper hit earned six primary Emmy wins on ceremony night, adding to eight additional wins at the earlier Creative Arts Emmys. The cast and crew credited their surprise success to organic word-of-mouth from fans, rather than big-budget marketing. “All the people online talking about it, or viewers, or people just tweeting about it, truly like it. That really got the word to spread, and we’re so grateful,” said series creator Katie Dippold, with lead star Matthew Rhys joking that the earliest fans were “predominantly our parents.”

    Rhys, a Welsh actor, made Emmy history himself on Monday: he became the first performer ever to win two Outstanding Lead Actor awards in the same year, taking home prizes for his work on both *Widow’s Bay* and the psychological thriller *The Beast In Me*. Rhys declined to speak to reporters backstage until he learned that *Widow’s Bay* director Hiro Murai had won his own directing award — which Murai ultimately did. When he finally took the mic, he called on the BBC for the first question, still stunned by his historic win. “At the moment, I genuinely can’t quite believe what’s just happened,” he said, teasing his friendly rivalry with partner Keri Russell, who was nominated for an Emmy for her leading role in *The Diplomat*. “I bet a lot of money on myself. The kids ran a book. It’s going to be a rough week for her. I’m sorry. I don’t know if I am,” he joked, before adding that Russell is “always the class act” and “always really the winner.”

    *Widow’s Bay* breakout Kate O’Flynn, who won her first Emmy for her role as the awkward, charming Patricia, said she was “completely gobsmacked” by her win, noting that audiences connected with her character’s relatable mix of awkwardness, bravery and humor. O’Flynn shared that she was shocked to see “an army” of fans dress as Patricia at this year’s DragonCon, and joked she was excited to see more cosplays for Halloween. U.S. actress Jean Smart also made history with her own win, joining Rhys in cementing the 2026 ceremony as a record-breaking night for the awards.

    Another upset win came for Allison Janney, who took home Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as U.S. President Grace Penn in *The Diplomat*. The category was heavily favored to go to a star from the hit medical drama *The Pitt*, and Janney told reporters she was “genuinely shocked” by her victory. “We really didn’t think it was going to go my way. So I felt just excited and relaxed, because I was 100% sure I wasn’t gonna win,” she said, describing her shock when her name was called, captured on camera with her hands flying to her face in disbelief.

    One of the most talked-about red carpet moments of the night came from *Hacks* star Megan Stalter, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy, who turned heads with a bold costume: she covered her body in gold body paint, added angel wings, and carried an oversized replica of the atom held by the official Emmy statuette, dressing as an actual Emmy award. Stalter joked to reporters that the look was a last-minute project with her stylist, and that her co-star Paul W. Downs airbrushed the gold paint on himself.

    Backstage moments also brought plenty of lighthearted banter from other nominees. Arlan Ruf, star of HBO’s dark true crime comedy *DTF St Louis*, joked that the show’s biggest fanbase is made up of his friends’ mothers, noting that the series’ dating-app murder premise resonates with the large female audience for true crime content. “I don’t know a lot of my friends are watching it,” he said cheekily, “their mums are.”

    From historic firsts to surprise viral moments, the 2026 Emmy Awards delivered a memorable night that celebrated both underdog breakout hits and long-beloved Hollywood talent, reminding audiences why television remains a beloved cultural touchstone.

  • Superstars and broken records: 2026 Emmy highlights

    Superstars and broken records: 2026 Emmy highlights

    As the entertainment industry gears up for one of its most prestigious annual events, new details have emerged about the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, scheduled to take place in 2026. Set to unfold at Los Angeles’ iconic Peacock Theatre, the ceremony will have a familiar and beloved face at the helm: Mariska Hargitay, the long-time lead of the hit procedural drama *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*.

    Hargitay’s casting as host marks a full-circle moment for the star, who has been a fixture of television for nearly three decades, earning multiple Emmy nominations and a win in 2006 for her portrayal of Lieutenant Olivia Benson. Industry insiders note that her selection reflects the awards’ focus on honoring long-standing contributions to television, alongside recognizing the breakthrough work of newer creators and performers.

    Ahead of the 2026 ceremony, industry analysts are already predicting a night of record-breaking milestones and surprise wins, with buzz building around new hit series and veteran artists vying for top honors. Unlike many recent awards shows that have shifted to smaller venues or hybrid formats due to industry disruptions, the 78th Emmys are planned as a full-capacity in-person event, designed to reunite the global television community in celebration of outstanding storytelling. More details about nomination categories, presenters, and performance lineups are expected to be released in the coming months as event organizers finalize plans.

  • Welsh actor Matthew Rhys makes Emmy Awards history with double win

    Welsh actor Matthew Rhys makes Emmy Awards history with double win

    The 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards, the most prestigious honor ceremony in American television, delivered a night of unforgettable moments, groundbreaking history, and moving tributes that left audiences and attendees alike reflecting on the past year of iconic TV storytelling. The night’s biggest headline maker came in the form of Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who etched his name into Emmy record books as the first performer in the awards’ history to take home two lead acting trophies in a single ceremony. Rhys claimed the top prize for Best Lead Actor in a Limited Series for his work on the psychological thriller *The Beast In Me*, followed just hours later by a win for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as the small-town mayor in the supernatural hit *Widow’s Bay*. While a handful of industry legends including Alan Alda, Sally Field, and Ted Danson had previously earned two lead acting nominations in the same year, Rhys’s double victory set an unprecedented new benchmark for the awards. On stage after his second win, Rhys paid homage to his home nation, saying: “We are a small but mighty nation. This is incredible,” before closing with the Welsh phrase “Diolch yn fawr iawn,” meaning “thank you very much.” Backstage, he expanded on his pride in representing Wales, adding that he was grateful for the chance to “put our flag on the map and say, ‘we punch higher than our weight sometimes.’” Accepting his limited series award, Rhys thanked his co-star Claire Danes, who leads the thriller as a grieving author who suspects Rhys’s mysterious neighbor character of murder, calling the opportunity to work on the project a “real shock.” For his comedy win, he thanked family, friends, and early supporters including his parents, who “kicked me on to the stage at a very early age.” Rhys wasn’t the only British talent to take home a win for *Widow’s Bay*: Lancashire-born co-star Kate O’Flynn claimed the award for Best Supporting Comedy Actress for her role as Patricia on the series, which follows a fictional island plagued by an ancient curse. In her acceptance speech, O’Flynn called the role “the role of a lifetime” and thanked producers for “trusting this Lancashire lass to play a sassy broad like Patricia.” The night brought more historic milestones beyond Rhys’s double win: veteran actors Jean Smart and Allison Janney tied the all-time record for the most career Emmy acting wins just minutes apart from one another. Smart, who won Best Comedy Actress for the fifth and final season of the hit Hollywood satire *Hacks*, notched her fifth win for the series and eighth overall Emmy. Joking to the crowd after her standing ovation, she reflected “What a ride this has been,” before quipping that the standing ovation only happened “because I’m old.” Janney followed by picking up her eighth career Emmy, taking home Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work on *The Diplomat*. Her win came as a surprise to many, beating out four nominated cast members from the top drama *The Pitt*. “I’m genuinely shocked,” Janney said of the victory. The two now match the record previously held only by Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus for the most acting Emmys won by any performer. Other major acting honors included Rhea Seehorn’s first career Emmy, awarded for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work on Apple TV+’s *Plurusb*, a sci-fi series following a woman who discovers nearly all of humanity has been overtaken by a mysterious mind virus. For the second consecutive year, Noah Wyle took home Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series for *The Pitt*, which also claimed the night’s most prestigious honor: Outstanding Drama Series. Wyle, a former star of *ER*, told the audience that working in television had been his lifelong dream, saying “I’m a Hollywood kid. I was raised on a television, and movie theaters were my place of worship. This is all I’ve ever wanted to do and this is the only club I’ve ever wanted to join. Thank you for accepting me.” He also paid homage to his fellow nominee, British icon Sir Gary Oldman, noting that Oldman’s 1986 performance as Sid Vicious in *Sid and Nancy* set the career benchmark he had always aspired to reach. Beyond competitive awards, the 2026 ceremony featured deeply emotional tributes to beloved entertainment figures who passed away in recent months. Country music legend and Emmy winner Dolly Parton, who died last month, was honored by longtime friend Sally Field, who called Parton “genuine, humble, supportive and blisteringly funny” and “a humanitarian whose contribution has made a profound difference across our country.” Country star Reba McEntire delivered a special performance of Parton’s *Appalachian Memories* as part of the tribute. Ironically, Field herself won a competitive award earlier that night, taking home Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for the Netflix film *Remarkably Smart Creatures*. Other tributes included a remembrance of *Home Alone* and *Schitt’s Creek* star Catherine O’Hara, with former co-star Macaulay Culkin joking: “She may have forgotten me… twice! But we will always remember her.” Late actor and director Rob Reiner, who received a posthumous Emmy earlier this month for his guest role on *The Bear*, was honored by Jamie Lee Curtis during the annual in memoriam segment, which featured a performance of *Bridge Over Troubled Water* by folk singer Noah Kahan. One of the most celebrated moments of the night came when 65-year-old *Back to the Future* star Michael J. Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his decades of advocacy for Parkinson’s disease research. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 29, Fox founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000, and received a full standing ovation as he accepted the honor from his wheelchair. Fox told the audience he initially hid his diagnosis out of fear it would change how audiences saw him, saying “I worried that it would affect my work and my relationships with audiences when they laughed if they knew I was sick.” He eventually found purpose in going public, explaining: “Eventually, I understood that accepting Parkinson’s didn’t mean I had to surrender to it. It just meant doing what I could for everyone living with this disease. So I set out to advocate for patients’ needs and raise money, and to propel us towards a cure.” His closing message: “When it starts getting tough, you show up, you help, and if you get a little joy while you’re doing it, that’s even better.” In other award categories, Scottish presenter Alan Cumming took home Best Reality Host for the U.S. adaptation of *The Traitors*, which also won Best Reality Series. Joking that “it is so beautiful that a show about treachery and betrayal brings people together,” Cumming also thanked his dog Lala, his “perfect co-host,” and delivered the night’s only major political message, urging U.S. citizens to register to vote ahead of November’s midterm elections. Longtime late-night host Stephen Colbert closed out the major awards with a win for Outstanding Variety Series for *The Late Show*, which wrapped its run in May after years on air. Colbert highlighted the role late-night television plays in nurturing new talent, saying that nightly talk shows are a “fantastic incubator for young people to come in, work professionally, on a deadline, in collaboration, and that is the future of our business that we have to look after.” Signing off, he thanked audiences for their years of support: “Thank you so much for watching, we hope you enjoyed the show, we had a great time doing it for you. That’s it, thank you, and catch you on the flip.” From record-breaking wins to moving celebrations of industry legends, the 2026 Emmys will go down as one of the most memorable nights in television awards history.

  • Macaulay Culkin honours Catherine O’Hara

    Macaulay Culkin honours Catherine O’Hara

    Long after their iconic on-screen collaboration became a staple of holiday film canon, Macaulay Culkin has publicly honored his former *Home Alone* co-star Catherine O’Hara, celebrating the lasting impact she has had on both his career and the entertainment industry at large.

    The pair first shared the screen in 1990’s classic Christmas comedy *Home Alone*, where O’Hara portrayed Kate McCallister, the panicked mother of Culkin’s character Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind when his family rushes off for a European vacation. The film became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $476 million worldwide and cementing both actors’ places in pop culture history, with annual holiday reruns introducing their work to new generations of viewers.

    Culkin, who has stepped back into the public eye in recent years with various projects and public appearances, used the platform to highlight O’Hara’s talents beyond her widely lauded role in the *Home Alone* franchise. He pointed to her decades-long career, which includes fan-favorite work on *Schitt’s Creek*, multiple acclaimed film roles, and her roots in sketch comedy with *SCTV*, noting that her ability to balance heart, humor, and authenticity has made her one of the most respected performers in Hollywood.

    Details of the tribute, which came during a recent entertainment industry event, highlight the enduring bond between the co-stars that has persisted more than three decades after their hit film first hit theaters. Fans of both performers have celebrated the public recognition, sharing clips and photos of the tribute across social media and sparking renewed conversation about the lasting legacy of *Home Alone* and O’Hara’s decades-long contribution to entertainment.

  • In pictures: Stars on red carpet at Emmy Awards in LA

    In pictures: Stars on red carpet at Emmy Awards in LA

    The most prestigious night in American television unfolded on Monday at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, where A-list celebrities from across the industry gathered for the 2026 Emmy Awards, celebrating the most outstanding scripted and unscripted television content from the past year. Ditching the traditional crimson walking surface, this year’s event welcomed stars onto a custom-designed blue carpet, where the biggest names in TV posed for photos and spoke with press ahead of the award ceremony.

    Leading the pack of fan-favorite celebrity attendees was Zendaya, who turned heads in a sparkling, floor-length jeweled Prada gown. Multi-hyphenate star Selena Gomez also stepped out for the event, earning a nomination this year as both a producer and lead cast member of the hit Hulu comedy series *Only Murders In The Building*. She was joined on the carpet by her *Only Murders* co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short, who brought their iconic comedic double act to the pre-show arrivals. Other A-list stars in attendance included Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman, BAFTA-winner Colman Domingo, and fan-favorite actor Harrison Ford, who attended alongside his wife, three-time Emmy nominee Calista Flockhart.

    Notable moments from the red carpet included Megan Stalter, a supporting comedy actress nominee for her work on *Hacks*, who leaned into the night’s excitement by arriving in a full costume styled after the iconic Emmy statuette. Pregnant actress Kaley Cuoco also made an appearance alongside her husband Tom Pelphrey, who walked away with the night’s award for best supporting drama actor for his work on *Task*. The ceremony was hosted by *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* lead star Mariska Hargitay, with special guest presenters including Florence Pugh, Odessa A’zion, Emmy Rossum and Rachel Sennott.

    The night brought historic firsts for multiple honorees: Welsh actor Matthew Rhys made history as the night’s biggest winner, taking home two separate acting trophies for his work on *The Beast In Me* and *Widow’s Bay*. The medical drama *The Pitt* emerged as one of the ceremony’s most recognized projects, earning eight individual acting nominations, with lead star Noah Wyle taking home the prize for best drama actor. Rhea Seehorn claimed the award for best leading drama actress for her work on *Pluribus*, while Allison Janney extended her own record, earning the eighth Emmy Award of her decades-long career for best supporting actress in a drama for *The Diplomat*. Shailene Woodley won best guest actress in a drama for *Paradise*, and Sally Field took home an acting win for *Remarkably Bright Creatures*, also using her time on stage to pay tribute to country music icon Dolly Parton.

    Beloved actor Michael J. Fox received one of the night’s highest honors, accepting the Television Academy’s Bob Hope Humanitarian Award alongside his wife Tracy Pollan. Multiple standout programs took home major awards over the course of the evening, including *DTF St Louis*, *Widow’s Bay*, *The Pitt* and *Hacks*. Other nominated programs in major categories included *Margo’s Got Money Troubles*, *Beef*, *Shrinking*, *The Gilded Age*, *Abbott Elementary*, and *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*, the *Game of Thrones* spin-off that earned a best drama series nomination and introduced 11-year-old English child star Dexter Sol Ansell to global audiences on the night.