Canadian actor, comedian, filmmaker, cannabis entrepreneur
Dame Penelope Keith has died after a battle with cancer. Her career spans stage, The Good Life and To the Manor Born, with a lasting impact on British comedy. Tributes praise her comic genius and decades of work in theatre, television and charity.
The film set between The Hobbit and LotR is undergoing casting decisions amid discussions on diversity. Andy Serkis has defended a white-led cast while acknowledging past debates about Tolkien’s legacy. New names are joining the ensemble, with production expected to begin ahead of a Christmas 2027/2028 release window.
The Independent reports that London hosts The Final Film Festival from August 6–9, offering international premieres and hidden gems in venues from the ICA to Peckham’s The Castle. Organisers say the festival aims to fill a niche between large festivals, welcoming both acclaimed titles and cult favorites.
AP News and Independent report that a sixth annual West Coast fundraising gala raised over $12 million, with high-profile honorees and programming tied to a new museum exhibition.
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 London debut of Kimberly Akimbo at Hampstead Theatre presents a rare aging-prodigy premise. Maria Friedman stars as Kimberly, a teenager with a life-shortening condition, supported by a witty, chaotic family and Tesori’s lively score. The show blends heart, humor, and tough truths about time and youth, earning a warm, hopeful reception.
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.