American filmmaker, one of the most influential directors in cinema
George Clooney has been chosen to receive the Golden Lion at the 83rd Venice Film Festival, which runs from September 2–12. He has described the honor as tremendous and noted it may mean he is old. Venice holds personal significance for Clooney, including his 2014 marriage in the city.
Paralives, an indie life-sim from Alex Masse, has gained traction since Steam early access in May 2026, selling 250,000 copies in a day and drawing attention as a potential ethical alternative to EA’s The Sims amid industry consolidation and AI costs. The creator aims for bold customization and performance improvements to appeal to fans seeking creativity over realism.
Nolan has secured the scale and tech to adapt Homer’s Odyssey, with Matt Damon leading a star-studded cast. The film is shot entirely on IMAX film and follows Odysseus’s ten-year journey home, with Penelope and Telemachus in supporting roles. Releases are imminent as studios push the project toward premiere.
Universal Pictures releases Nolan’s Odyssey, adapting Homer’s epic with Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland. The film is shot entirely in IMAX 70mm, positioning Nolan’s epic as 2026’s event cinema.
Charli xcx has released Music, Fashion, Film, a 11-track project that blends electronic textures with guitar-driven moments. The artist has explained the release as a reflection on creativity, identity, and the pressures of fame, with responses to Brat and earlier projects.
A wave of new music sees artists blending genres and asserting creative independence. From Labrinth’s Cosmic Opera Act II to FLO’s Therapy at the Club and Shaboozey’s country-infused album, creators push for control over their work while embracing broader collaborations.
New film, theatre and music events have been announced, spanning cinema premieres, stage productions and live tours across the UK. The Guardian and Independent cover forthcoming releases and performances; dates run through September with festivals and exhibitions filling the calendar.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are underway with The Pitt leading drama nominations and Widow’s Bay challenging Hacks for comedy supremacy. Mariska Hargitay is hosting NBC’s telecast, with Apple TV+ debuts Pluribus and DTF St Louis among top contenders. The ceremony honors Buffy, Charlie’s Angels, and Dolly Parton while Zendaya and Harrison Ford are among notable presenters.
The Guardian and Independent reviews converge on Greengrass’s The Uprising (aka The Rise of Robin Hood), arguing the film’s attempt to parallel 14th‑century revolt with today’s politics falls short, while Garfield’s Ploughman amid a muddy epic fails to ignite. Focus Features releases the US version on Sept 11.