American singer, actress, dancer, and director
The Academy has invited a slate of high-profile filmmakers and actors, including Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega and Stephen Fry, to join its voting membership. If all accept, the Academy will grow to 11,319 members with 10,338 voters, continuing a push toward diversity while extending new categories for awards.
Fans at FIFA Fan Festivals in Philadelphia and Atlanta have drawn hundreds of thousands for World Cup viewing, with activations from sponsors, volunteer support, and large screens shaping the experience. Reports also show crowding and security concerns at recent live-event activations, while other festivals face mixed feedback on crowd management.
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.
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.