Small Things wins big Irish Award

 

Small Things Like These, an Irish drama starring Cillian Murphy as a coal merchant and father haunted by secret abuses in a local convent sanctioned by the Catholic Church, beat out Kneecap, the hip-hop comedy featuring Michael Fassbender, to win the best film award at the Irish Film & Television Awards in Dublin on Friday. 

Saoirse Ronan won two awards (lead actress for her role in The Outrun and the supporting actress  for Blitz). Murphy won the best actor IFTA for h Small Things Like These. Demi Moore (The Substance) and Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) were honoured in the international acting categories, and Colin Farrell (The Penguin) and Sharon Horgan (for writing Bad Sisters) earned TV:  statuettes.

Best Film: Small Things Like These
Director – Film: Rich Peppiatt – Kneecap
Script – Film: Enda Walsh – Small Things Like These
Lead Actor – Film: Cillian Murphy – Small Things Like These
Lead Actress – Film: Saoirse Ronan – The Outrun
Supporting Actor – Film: Brían F. O’byrne – Conclave
Supporting Actress – Film: Saoirse Ronan – Blitz
Best Drama – TV:  Bad Sisters
Director, Drama – TV:  Dearbhla Walsh – Bad Sisters
Script, Drama – TV: Sharon Horgan – Bad Sisters
Lead Actor, Drama – TV: Colin Farrell – The Penguin
Lead Actress, Drama – TV:  Lola Petticrew – Say Nothing
Supporting Actor, Drama – TV:  Tom Vaughan-Lawlor – Say Nothing
Supporting Actress, Drama – TV:  Hazel Doupe – Say Nothing
Best International Film: Conclave
Best International Actor: Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
Best International Actress: Demi Moore – The Substance
George Morrison Feature Documentary: The Flats
Live-Action Short Film: Clodagh
Animated Short Film: Dembaya
Casting: Kneecap – Carla Stronge
Cinematography: Bird – Robbie Ryan
Costume Design: Kneecap – Zjena Glamocanin
Production Design:  Abigail – Susie Cullen
Hair & Makeup: The Apprentice – Sandra Kelly, Tom Mcinerney
Sound: Oddity – Aza Hand, Hugo Parvery
Original Music: Fréwaka – Die Hexen
Editing: Kneecap – Julian Ulrichs & Chris Gill
VFX: Shogun – Ed Bruce, Andrew Barry
Rising Star: Anthony Boyle (Actor – Say Nothing, Masters Of The Air, House Of Guinness, Manhunt)

 

Lawsuit threat to Superman

 A new lawsuit threatens to disrupt the release of director James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film this summer. Gunn, best known for directing Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, now co-leads DC Studios at Warner Bros. Alongside producer Peter Safran, he is spearheading a reboot of the DC Universe, with Superman as its centrepiece. However, the estate of one of the superhero’s co-creators has thrown a spanner in the works.

According to Deadline, Joseph Shuster’s estate has filed a lawsuit in New York, claiming Warner Bros. doesn’t have the rights to release Superman in the UK, Canada, Ireland, and Australia. Mark Warren Peary, executor of the estate, is seeking damages and an injunction against alleged infringement, arguing that copyright in these nations should have reverted to the estate.

The lawsuit alleges that, under copyright laws in Commonwealth countries, Shuster’s rights should have been reinstated 25 years after his death in 1992. Warner Bros. denies the claims, stating, “We fundamentally disagree with the merits of the lawsuit and will vigorously defend our rights.”

Legal battles over Superman have persisted for decades. In 2009, Siegel’s estate was awarded 50% of the character’s rights. With Superman being crucial to the new DC Universe, Warner Bros. may settle out of court to prevent delays. If unresolved, the legal battle could derail the release, whch is scheduled for 11 July..

Stars line up for Scott's pandemic thriller

 

Ridley Scott’s forthcoming pandemic thriller, The Dog Stars, is set to become a gripping cinematic experience with a cast featuring Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, Guy Pearce, and Jacob Elordi. The story follows a solitary civilian pilot living at an abandoned Colorado airbase with his loyal dog and a hardened ex-marine. Their secluded life is upended when a band of ruthless scavengers, known as The Reapers, invades their space, forcing Hig and his companions to prepare for a fierce battle.

Based on the 2012 novel by Peter Heller – also known for Burn, The River, The Painter, and The Last Ranger – the film initially saw Gladiator II star Paul Mescal attached to the project. However, scheduling conflicts with his role as Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes’ Beatles anthology led to his withdrawal.

Screenwriter Mark L. Smith, celebrated for The Revenant and American Primeval, is teaming up with Christopher Wilkinson to craft the screenplay. With Scott finishing his Bee Gees biopic You Should Be Dancing, he is now fully focused on shaping The Dog Stars into a thrilling, character-driven epic.

Shonda resigns after Trump takeover

Acclaimed producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes has stepped down as treasurer of the Kennedy Center in Washington following Donald Trump's takeover of its board.

On Wednesday, Trump announced on Truth Social that he had been "unanimously" elected chairman of the U.S. national centre for performing arts. "It is a Great Honour to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees. We will make The Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!" he wrote.

His leadership began with the removal of several board members appointed by former President Joe Biden, along with long-time Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter.

In response, Rhimes, known for Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and The Princess Diaries 2, confirmed her resignation. She shared a screenshot of the news on Instagram, quoting John F. Kennedy: “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”

Soprano Renée Fleming and singer-songwriter Ben Folds also resigned from their advisory roles.

On Monday, Trump appointed special missions envoy Richard Grenell as interim executive director of the Kennedy Center. In the announcement, the President criticised the centre's current slate of programming, saying:

"Ric shares my Vision for a GOLDEN AGE of American Arts and Culture, and will be overseeing the daily operations of the Center. NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA - ONLY THE BEST. RIC, WELCOME TO SHOW BUSINESS!"

The Kennedy Center's website is currently down due to "scheduled maintenance". 

Is this the new Dumbledore?

The Harry Potter franchise may have found its next Dumbledore – and he’s an American, the legendary John Lithgow, according to film industry rumours.

Originally, the part in the new Harry Potter series on America’s HBO network was expected to go to Mark Rylance, but he stepped down following the death of his wife. While Lithgow is distinctly American, his Shakespearean background and ability to bring gravitas (The Crown) and mischief (3rd Rock from the Sun) could make him a fascinating choice for Hogwarts’ beloved headmaster.

Some fans may be unhappy with a non-Brit taking on the iconic role that was first shepherded into our hearts by Richard Harris (HP 1-2) and then Michael Gambon (HP 3 - 8), especially in a series deeply rooted in British culture.

But Dumbledore has always been a character of wisdom, whimsy, and quiet authority—qualities Lithgow has mastered in TV roles like The Old Man and Dexter.

Transatlantic Film Festival at sea

The BFI (British Film Institute) and Cunard have announced the full programme for the inaugural Film Festival at Sea, a unique seven-day Transatlantic Crossing taking place on board the luxurious liner Queen Mary 2 from 8–15 March.

Sailing from Southampton to New York, the voyage offers guests an exclusive opportunity to explore the world of cinema through a curated programme of film-themed events, screenings and hands-on workshops, against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Festival will feature exclusive events with film industry talent including Mike Valentine, Paul Mayeda Berges and Gurinder Chadha, actress Miranda Richardson, Joy Moore and John Hay.

Programme highlights include award-winning actress Miranda Richardson reflecting on her celebrated career, as well as renowned cinematographer Mike Valentine (Casino Royale, No Time to Die) leading a talk on underwater cinematography. Filmmakers Gurinder Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges, the creative duo behind Bend It Like Beckham, will introduce a special screening of one of their most loved films.

Guests will also be treated to a performance of Posting Letters to the Moon by actors Simon Williams and Lucy Fleming, a show based on the wartime letters between the actress Celia Johnson and her husband, Peter Fleming.

The programme also features a series of creative and interactive workshops including scriptwriting, acting and smartphone filmmaking, as well as BFI-curated screenings, such as Powell and Pressburger’s I Know Where I’m Going!, restored by the BFI National Archive, and a lively film quiz celebrating cinematic history.

You can more about the Film Festival at Sea and book the voyage at https://www.bfi.org.uk/film-festival-sea. Fares start at £699 per person.

Babygirl director defends age-gap romance

 

Halina Reijn, the writer-director of the controversial new drama Babygirl, has shared her thoughts on portraying an age-gap romance in Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson’s new erotic thriller. In an interview with W Magazine, Reijn reflected on the increasing presence of films exploring such relationships, including May-December and The Idea of You.

“If a male actor is the same age as a female actor in a romance, we often find it unusual, which is absurd,” Reijn said. “We need to normalise age gaps in both directions and embrace the idea that women can have diverse relationships. Women are no longer confined to outdated boxes. However, we’ve internalised the male gaze and patriarchal norms, and freeing ourselves from that is a challenge.”

In Babygirl, Kidman stars as Romy, a high-powered CEO who jeopardises her career and family by engaging in a passionate affair with her younger intern, Samuel, played by Dickinson. Reijn emphasised that she wanted the film’s intimate scenes to feel authentic yet steamy. “Sexuality is stop-and-go,” she noted. “It’s not the polished, glamorous scenes we saw in ’90s Hollywood movies. Real intimacy is more nuanced.”

Kidman revealed why the role resonated with her in an interview with The Hllywood Reporter. “Women are often discarded as sexual beings at a certain stage in their careers,” she explained. “It was empowering to be seen this way. From the moment I read the script, I knew this was a unique and unexplored voice. Romy is powerful yet uncertain about her identity, desires, and what she truly wants, even though she appears to have it all. That’s incredibly relatable.”

• Babygirl is released in the UK on 10 January.

Wicked could be banned, says director

Director and producer Adam McKay has said he wouldn’t be surprised” if Wicked was banned in 3-5 years due to its “radical” storyline.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) the man behind Anchorman and Don’t Look Up said he doesn’t think Jon M. Chu’s record-breaking musical adaptation will be received as well down the line because of the political climate in the US.

“On a pure storytelling level Wicked Part 1 is right up there as one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made,” he wrote in his first post, adding, “I know Part 2 swings back to the centre a bit but Part 1 is nakedly about radicalisation in the face of careerism, fascism, propaganda.”

He noted a few other movies that come to mind when he thinks of “radical” projects: Bridge on the River Kwai, The Sound of Music, the Searchers, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Hunger Games and Citizen Kane. He also mentioned The Best Years of Our Lives, Network, Dr. Strangelove and Serpico, despite not considering them “big studio movies.”

“What’s really striking about Wicked Part 1 is that it’s coming out NOW when America has never been more right-wing and propagandised. And yes, I know the theatrical production and the book are much older so part of the timing is a coincidence but still …

“I think you’ll be shocked. If America keeps going on the track it is I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years.”

Downton big screen tribute to Maggie Smith

The forthcoming Downton Abbey movie will feature a heartfelt tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith. Executive producer Gareth Neame has revealed that the untitled sequel, set for release in September, will include a poignant homage to Smith’s character, Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, who passed away in the previous film.

“The loss of the Dowager Countess already carried emotional weight,” Neame told to the US website TVLine.“But with Dame Maggie’s own passing, it feels even more significant to see the characters mourning the family matriarch. It brings a deeper poignancy to the story we had planned.”

Smith, celebrated for her roles in Downton Abbey, The prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Harry Potter, passed away peacefully in hospital on September 27, surrounded by family. She leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren.

“She was an actress of unparalleled talent, able to seamlessly navigate high comedy and profound tragedy,” he wrote. “It is deeply personal for me, as my late grandfather directed her Oscar-winning performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Both Jean Brodie and Violet Crawley exemplify the extraordinary range of her decades-long career, which captivated audiences worldwide. There will never be another Maggie Smith, and she will be sorely missed.”

Squid Game gets even darker

When Squid Game premiered on Netflix in 2021, it became an unprecedented global sensation. The brutal yet brilliant South Korean satire, crafted by Hwang Dong-hyuk, explored class warfare through a Parasite-meets-Battle Royale concept, with deadly childhood games offering the lure of a life-changing cash prize. The show remains Netflix’s most-watched series to date. Now, as Lee Jung-jae’s Prisoner 456, Gi-hun, prepares to re-enter the deadly arena in Squid Game Season 2 on Boxing Day, one question looms large: How do you follow up the biggest show in Netflix history?

According to Hwang Dong-hyuk, crafting the sequel has been both a creative triumph and a gruelling challenge. Speaking to Empire magazine, Hwang admitted to feeling the immense pressure but believes he’s delivered something extraordinary. “Season 2 is a deeper, more advanced story,” he says, hinting it could surpass the first. However, the process took its toll. “Physically, mentally, it was not easy. Some sequences were the hardest of my career. It was... hell.”

The new season picks up where the first left off, with Gi-hun choosing not to board that plane. Hwang explains the show continues to reflect a worsening world: “Climate change, wars, more people dying. Our lives haven’t improved since 2021. Things are worse.” 

This darker reality informed the new season’s tone, which Hwang describes as even crueller and more terrifying. “I even wondered, ‘Is this too much for people to handle?’”

But fans are ready. With promises of heightened tension, scarier twists, and even more gruesome challenges, Squid Game Season 2 is poised to delve deeper into the despair of its dystopian universe. As Hwang says, “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” Let the games begin.

Wicked breaks box office record

Wicked: Part One has soared to a record-breaking $164 million global opening weekend. The film, which explores the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West (Cynthia Erivo) and her college roommate Galinda (Ariana Grande) from The Wizard of Oz, has left its competitors “green” with envy.

Wicked earned an impressive $114 million in the US alone and £13.7 million in the UK, setting a new record for the largest opening both globally and in the US for a Broadway show adaptation. It surpassed the previous record held by Les Misérables ($103 million worldwide in 2012) and Into the Woods ($31 million in the US in 2014). As well as that, the film now ranks among the top five openings for any movie musical, trailing only a handful of Disney live-action remakes and the phenomenon Frozen II.

Meanwhile, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II also made a triumphant debut, amassing $221 million worldwide during its opening weekend. The swords-and-sandals sequel continues the legacy of its Oscar-winning predecessor with a strong and honourable showing at the global box office.

Idris joins Masters of the Universe

Idris Elba is set to join Masters of the Universe, the upcoming live-action adaptation from Amazon MGM Studios, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Elba is in final talks to portray Duncan, aka Man-at-Arms, a key character in the iconic Mattel toy line. Directed by Travis Knight, the film stars Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, with Camila Mendes as Teela and Alison Brie as Evil Lyn. The movie is slated for a June 2026 release.

Launched in 1982, Mattel’s Masters of the Universe franchise began with a popular line of action figures, followed by the animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, which premiered in 1983. The franchise expanded into video games, comics, and other merchandise, maintaining its cultural significance for decades.

Elba, known for his versatile roles, will soon return as the voice of Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, arriving in inemas next month. He also stars in the spin-off series Knuckles on Paramount+. Upcoming projects include the Amazon MGM Studios action-comedy Heads of State alongside John Cena and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Elba’s notable credits include Luther, Hijack, Pacific Rim, Hobbs & Shaw, and Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Cineworld staves off administration

Cineworld has confirmed five of its sites are to close - and one has been saved - after it staved off the threat of administration in a High Court appearance.

This morning, a judge approved restructuring plans for four of its companies - Cine-UK Ltd, Cineworld Cinemas Ltd, Cineworld Cinema Properties Ltd and Cineworld Estates Ltd - which make up the firm. The approval means that £16million of fresh equity from their indirect parent company will be injected to meet immediate financial needs, with an additional potential £35million in the pipeline.

However, despite the last minute reprieve, five of its cinemas are set to close. Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Loughborough, Yate and Swindon Regent Circus will all still close for good. The timeline for the closures are currently unknown. However, Cineworld Hinckley - which had previously been earmarked for closure - will now remain open.

Maggie Smith dies at 89

Oscar-winning actress Dame Maggie Smith has died aged 89. The British star, known for prominent roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, as well as her Academy Award-winning performance as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, died in hospital this morning, her sons said.

Her children, Widow Clicquot actor Chris Larkin, and Die Another Day star Toby Stephens, said in a statement: “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.” 

Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, she was an internationally recognised actress for much of her life after playing the fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

She also won over Harry Potter fans later in life, when she appeared in the film series as the quick-witted, kind and formidable Professor McGonagall.

And in 2010 she was central to the success of ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy-award winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, which she continued to play in the subsequent films. 

Paddington Movie No 4 coming!

Paddington Bear is set to star in his fourth family-friendly comedy film, along with a new TV series, as confirmed by the rights-owners. This news comes ahead of Paddington in Peru's release in cinemas on November 8 and a West End musical launching next year, following the opening of the Paddington Bear Experience at London’s County Hall this summer.

At the Brand Licensing Europe convention in London, StudioCanal executive Françoise Guyonnet announced, "We are working on a new TV series and a new movie slated for 2027 and 2028." She emphasized the company’s focus on content, experiential, and digital strategy, marking a shift from the simpler beginnings of the beloved character when Michael Bond wrote A Bear Called Paddington in 1958.

The upcoming film, Paddington in Peru, will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the original book. It sees Paddington returning to Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy, voiced by Imelda Staunton, with Ben Whishaw reprising his role as Paddington. The film's star-studded cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot, and Olivia Colman as The Reverend Mother.

In addition to the movie, the Paddington brand is expanding with other ventures. Jo Malone recently released a limited-edition Paddington-themed marmalade cologne, and a Paddington-themed Roblox game is set to launch in November.

StudioCanal, which acquired the intellectual property rights to Paddington Bear (excluding publishing) in 2016, aims to "turn a heritage brand into a global phenomenon" as part of Paddington's journey from a classic character to a worldwide cultural icon.

High Court move over Cineworld restructure plan

Four companies within the struggling cinema chain Cineworld are seeking approval from the High Court for a restructuring plan to ensure their continued operation. Cine-UK Ltd, Cineworld Cinemas Ltd, Cineworld Cinema Properties Ltd, and Cineworld Estates Ltd, all part of the UK division of the world’s second-largest cinema chain, are currently unprofitable, the court heard on Thursday.

Lawyers representing the companiesaid that Cineworld's US division has agreed to provide financial support, contingent upon the approval of the restructuring plan. Without approval, the companies face the possibility of administration. The proposal includes renegotiating leases for over 100 sites across the UK, particularly those that are not economically viable, and the closure of six cinemas deemed commercially unsustainable.

However, landlords of four sites, including the Crown Estate and UK Commercial Property (UKCP), are seeking an injunction to prevent changes to their rental agreements. They argue that agreements made last year prohibit any further alterations through restructuring.

Tom Smith KC, representing the Cineworld companies, warned that if the plans are not approved, the companies would be unable to meet their financial obligations to creditors and would likely file for administration. Currently, Cineworld operates 101 cinemas in the UK under its own brand, as well as two Picturehouse cinemas. The wider group employs 4,401 staff and runs cinemas in 10 countries.

The company has struggled financially since being heavily impacted by the Covid pandemic, as well as strikes by actors and writers. Despite restructuring its US operations last year, Cineworld’s UK arm remains burdened by high rental costs, with many leases exceeding market value.

The company plans to close six sites but will keep all locations operational until the restructuring plans are finalized. If approved, £16 million of new equity funding from its parent firm will be released, with further funds of up to £35 million available. A judgment on the case will be delivered at a later date.

Emily's kids and her "mean" role

Emily Blunt’s role as the harassed PA in The Devil Wears Prada is beloved by fans, but her children don’t share the same opinion. The actress has revealed that her daughters, Hazel (10) and Violet (7) found her character Emily Charlton quite unpleasant. “They thought I was the meanest person they’ve ever met,” Blunt said. of their reaction.

In the 2006 box office hit, grossing $326 million worldwide, Emily portrayed a demanding assistant at the fictional fashion magazine, Runway, alongside Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

While Blunt’s children may not be fans, the movie remains a fan favourite, which still surprises the Oppenheimer star. “It’s incredible that it has such an indelible fingerprint on people… and it’s quoted to me every week,” she said.

Emily, who is married to The US Office star and director of A Quiet Place John Krasinski, fondly remembered working on the David Frankel-directed comedy-drama with co-stars Streep, Hathaway, and Stanley Tucci. “We had the time of our lives,” she recalled.

It was Emily’s first big movie and she admitted tshe didn’t fully grasp the significance of the film’s success. “I remember my agent calling me about the opening weekend, and I didn’t even know if it was good!” she said.

Blunt could potentially return to the role, as a sequel is reportedly in development at Disney, though no cast deals have been confirmed yet.

Euthanasia drama wins Venice Golden Lion

The pro-euthanasia film The Room Next Door has won the prestigious Golden Lion award for best film at the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar and starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, the film received significant acclaim, including an 18-minute standing ovation at its premiere earlier in the week, one of the longest in recent memory.

In his acceptance speech, 74-year-old Almodóvar expressed his belief in the importance of the right to die with dignity, stating, "I believe that saying goodbye to this world cleanly and with dignity is a fundamental right of every human being."

The film tells the story of a war correspondent, played by Swinton, who is battling terminal cancer. She seeks the support of an old friend, portrayed by Moore, to be with her as she makes the decision to end her own life. The emotionally charged storyline has resonated with audiences and critics alike, prompting discussions on the sensitive subject of euthanasia and the right to a dignified death.

Inside Out 2 now 8th highest grossing film ever

Inside Out 2 has now overtaken Jurassic World to become the eighth highest grossing film of all time. According to Box Office Mojo, it has now earned $1.675 billion at the worldwide box office, which puts it ahead of Jurassic World's $1.671 billion lifetime gross.

The Pixar sequel previously moved past Disney's 2019 live-action remake of The Lion King to become the ninth all-time highest grossing film. Inside Out 2's record-breaking box office has also made it the top-performing movie of 2024, along with being the highest grossing movie not only by Pixar, but among all animated films that have ever been released.

Beetlejuice booms at the box office

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice had a stellar opening weekend as it earned a massive $110million (£83million) in the US box office.

The film, which is the highly anticipated sequel to Tim Burton's 1988 Beetlejuice, is the second biggest September opening ever after 2017's IT.

The supernatural comedy is also the third biggest debut of 2024, behind Inside Out 2 ($154.2 million) and Deadpool & Wolverine ($211.4 million).

Michael Keaton has reprised his role as the titular chaos-causing ghoul in the sequel. Catherine O'Hara and Winona Ryder also returned to the franchise and were joined by other actors including Wednesday star Jenna Ortega and Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe.