Welsh actor known for The Americans; Emmy winner
The National Eisteddfod of Wales has returned to its roots near Cardigan for its 850th birthday, with events spanning 1-8 August in Llantwd, Pembrokeshire. The festival attracts about 150,000 visitors and features Welsh-language poetry, music, drama and visual arts, including performances by the Super Furry Animals and a 5‑metre Lord Rhys puppet.
The Welsh-language version of Star Wars: A New Hope has been announced for Christmas Day release on S4C, featuring a cast of Welsh actors and produced with Lucasfilm and Disney. The project marks a milestone for Welsh-language media, aligning with Wales' cultural sectors and 50th-anniversary celebrations.
Two August Fringe launches showcase a vibrant, chaotic restart of Scotland’s festival scene. Underbelly marks its 20th birthday with a spoof on Violet, the upside-down cow, while Assembly greets a crowd hungry for new acts and big personalities after a two-year refurbishment.
The first season drew a large audience as Bob Mortimer and Richard Ayoade led a dramatic, rapid-fire contest in which laughter ends a comedian’s run. The show has a Halloween special, with the second series already planned for next year. Ten comedians are confined to a room for six hours, earning yellow cards for smiles and laughs; a potential final twist is imminent as the Halloween episode nears.
The Television Academy is distributing hundreds of Primetime Emmys across two ceremonies at the Peacock Theater, LA. The Pitt leads drama nominations with up to nine wins possible; Hacks leads comedy nominations. Five categories move to Sunday, boosting star power as guests and rookies contend for top prizes.
The dress once worn by Princess Diana at the Serpentine fundraising dinner is expected to fetch up to $220,000 at Sotheby’s, London. The gown, by Christina Stambolian, has toured globally ahead of the December sale, with part of the proceeds supporting NHS Lothian Charity.
The Celebrity Traitors has won best reality competition at the NTAs, with Alan Carr receiving a special recognition award. Paloma Faith staged a coffin entrance, while Carr reflected on the year’s achievements as the ceremony celebrated multiple categories.
Matthew Rhys has become the first actor to win two lead acting Emmys in a single night, taking honors for Widow’s Bay (comedy) and The Beast in Me (limited series). He also holds a previous lead drama win, making him the first man to win in all three lead acting categories. Apple TV+’s Widow’s Bay dominates the night with 14 wins.
Dafydd Owain has won the 2026 Welsh Music Prize for Ymarfer Byw, with the ceremony at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff highlighting personal journeys and the prize’s evolving legacy. Mary Hopkin receives a Welsh Music Inspiration Award for lifetime contributions.