American filmmaker, one of the most influential directors in cinema
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 Tribeca film festival marks 50 years since Taxi Driver’s release. Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster and Paul Schrader gather to reflect on the film’s loneliness and its relevance to today’s digital isolation. Schrader calls the screenplay “like a razor blade,” while Foster notes the antihero’s enduring pull and the film’s shock of its time.
The US Commerce Department has issued an export control directive that has forced Anthropic to disable access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models for foreign nationals; Anthropic has shut the models for all customers to ensure compliance while disputing the government's narrow 'jailbreak' claim and seeking to restore access.
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.