Sian Cain

Larry David described the collapse of his long friendship with attorney Alan Dershowitz, saying Dershowitz “made a deal with the devil” by representing Donald Trump. The two former neighbors on Martha’s Vineyard fell out publicly after David called Dershowitz “disgusting.” David expressed regret that he did not contact Dershowitz after the death of his son Elon, but said Dershowitz was responsible for his social ostracism because of his legal and political choices. The article also notes Dershowitz’s representation of Trump, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein, his move from the Democratic to the Republican party, and the US supreme court’s refusal to revive his $300m defamation lawsuit against CNN.

British filmmaker John Irvin has died peacefully at home at the age of 86, his producer Claire Evans confirmed. Over a five-decade career spanning documentaries, television and cinema, Irvin directed the acclaimed BBC adaptation of John le Carré's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which won two BAFTAs, and later made films including The Dogs of War, Raw Deal, Hamburger Hill and Robin Hood. He also directed independent films in later years, finishing with the Nelson Mandela biopic Mandela's Gun, on which he was working on a new cut when he died. He is survived by three children and two grandchildren.

Hayden Panettiere, known for Heroes, Nashville and the Scream franchise, has died at 36. Her representative confirmed the death, while authorities said an emergency call was made by an acquaintance and that preliminary findings showed no foul play, suspicious circumstances or trauma; no cause of death was given. The Guardian reviews Panettiere’s career from childhood acting and film roles to her acclaimed television performances and music on Nashville. It also recounts her struggles with postpartum depression, alcoholism and substance abuse, her recovery efforts, memoir and relationship with her daughter. Co-stars and fellow actors, including Viola Davis and Masi Oka, paid tribute to her talent and character.

Nicole Kidman reflects in a Vogue interview on her 2025 divorce from musician Keith Urban and her 2001 divorce from Tom Cruise, describing the more recent split as unexpected, frightening and deeply vulnerable. She says she is choosing to confront the uncertainty with hope and adaptability. Kidman also recalls dismissing warnings that marrying Cruise would overshadow her acting career, saying she prioritised love and marriage despite the consequences. She additionally reveals that she sometimes disguises herself so she can go dancing in public.

Comedian and Great Australian Bake Off host Natalie Tran discusses the amount of cake she eats during filming, her conviction that rice cookers should be mandatory, and her cautious encounters with birds. She recalls an awkward non-interaction with Steve Carell, reflects on her early YouTube career and pop-culture opinions, describes preparing a highly detailed PDF itinerary for her first date with her partner, and shares chaotic moments from filming Bake Off, including a hot-water bottle falling down her jumpsuit.

Omar Musa has won the 2026 Miles Franklin Literary Award and its $60,000 prize for Fierceland, his novel about siblings returning to Malaysian Borneo after their father’s death. The judges praised the book’s fusion of Malay storytelling traditions with contemporary Australian language. Musa spent six years developing the novel, which explores palm-oil plantations, logging, corruption, colonial history, privilege and grief. His research included living in Kota Kinabalu and visiting jungle communities and plantations. He hopes the novel will encourage people from Sabah and Sarawak to tell their own stories, while continuing to release poetry.

Perez Hilton was hospitalized in Miami after livestreaming an apparent act of self-harm on TikTok. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office responded to public reports, used a de-escalation approach while monitoring the situation, and later confirmed that he was safely transported to a local hospital. His managers said they had been unable to contact him directly, asked that his privacy be respected, and declined to speculate. Hilton is a celebrity blogger who later moved into reality television and podcasting.

Guardian Australia editors and critics recommend twelve Australian books scheduled for August publication. The selection spans literary fiction, science, music, history, travel writing and memoir, including Meg Mason’s novel about obsession and loneliness, Max Easton’s exploration of working-class struggle, Michael Dulaney’s account of zoonotic disease, and books examining sexism in music, environmental and labour exploitation, witch trials, Indigenous segregation and Australia’s history of blackbirding. Alan Joyce’s Qantas memoir is highlighted for its account of the airline’s controversies and his rise to executive leadership, while Jaclyn Moriarty’s time-travel novel and AJ Mackinnon’s travel sequel receive especially warm endorsements.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day earned $932 million worldwide in its opening weekend, making it the second-biggest global opening ever and the largest in North American box-office history, narrowly surpassing Avengers: Endgame. International sales reached $572 million, led by $121 million in China, while Australia recorded its biggest opening weekend of 2026. Marvel and Sony executives praised the result, which was supported by strong critic and audience ratings and by the concurrent success of The Odyssey and Toy Story 5. Analysts attributed the film’s appeal partly to its themes of loneliness, friendship and human connection, particularly among Gen Z audiences, although the overall 2026 domestic box office remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Australia’s live news coverage followed criticism of Pauline Hanson after One Nation barred the Guardian, the ABC and The Age from a press conference announcing Victorian election candidates. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young called Hanson a “political coward,” while the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom and the Guardian defended journalists’ right to question public figures. Other major developments included Australia’s first confirmed mass wildlife mortality event from H5 bird flu, suspected further deaths in Victoria and concern over impacts on threatened species; a fatal equipment incident at the United Wambo mine in the Hunter Valley; a partial building collapse in Sydney that injured two men; and the resumption of NSW ICAC hearings. The government also released details of its News Bargaining Incentive, drawing criticism from former ACCC chairs, News Corp and the Coalition over the expected revenue and limited number of publisher deals. Sydney tolls are expected to fall under a new agreement with Transurban, while a gambling inquiry heard allegations that betting companies and casinos provided drugs, accommodation and escorts to high-spending customers.

Two major David Hockney exhibitions are scheduled to open in Australia later in 2026. The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra will present more than 60 works in David Hockney: Portraits in Print, while Sydney’s Carriageworks will host David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), an immersive production created with Hockney and featuring his narration. The exhibitions offer contrasting but complementary approaches to his six-decade career, and the immersive show will continue as a legacy project following Hockney’s death at 88.

Ariana Grande will step back from public-facing work after completing her Eternal Sunshine Tour, citing the endless scrutiny surrounding her appearances and public image. She has withdrawn from the planned 2027 London production of Sunday in the Park With George, where she was due to star opposite Jonathan Bailey; the show will continue at the Barbican with her role recast. The announcement follows renewed public speculation about Grande’s weight and health, issues she has previously criticized as harmful and intrusive. Her tour concludes with a 10-night London residency and a final show on 1 September.

The Working Dog team—Rob Sitch, Tom Gleisner, Santo Cilauro and Jane Kennedy—will write and co-produce a new stage adaptation of the 1997 Australian comedy The Castle. The production will revisit the Kerrigan family’s fight to save their home from an airport expansion, while incorporating 25 years of updates. Produced with Michael Cassel, it will premiere at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre in March 2027, marking the film’s 30th anniversary; casting has not yet been announced.

Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall discuss ending Colin from Accounts with its third season, which reunites their characters Ashley and Gordon after a three-year separation. The married actors and co-creators say the final season’s tension, awkwardness and emotional weight were creatively rewarding, while family responsibilities made conflict in their own relationship harder to sustain. They explain their decision to portray an Australia and Sydney free of familiar tourist imagery, reject pressure to dilute local language such as “arvo,” and describe drawing story material from real experiences, including infertility, illness and everyday mishaps. Although they remain anxious about audiences’ reactions, Dyer says their future success means achieving balance and confirms they intend to write together again.

Jason Alexander apologized to Courtney Stodden for a 2012 Funny or Die sketch in which he made sexual jokes involving her when she was 17, acknowledging it was inappropriate and expressing regret. Stodden, now an advocate against child marriage, criticized the sketch as an example of adults exploiting a minor and urged Alexander to support legislation and nonprofit efforts aimed at ending child marriage. Stodden accepted his public apology but said meaningful action would matter more, while Doug Hutchison, her former husband, maintained he had no regrets about their past marriage.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has generated intense interest in Australia and among fans traveling to one of the few cinemas able to screen it in original 70mm IMAX format. The podcast considers whether the film’s scale and theatrical exclusivity can draw audiences away from streaming and help an ailing cinema industry.

Anna Friel discusses portraying a tough surgeon in the Australian medical drama The F Ward, noting the challenges women face in the field and her efforts to balance strength and likability in the role. She reflects on filming in Australia, praising the confidence and beauty of the people, and shares personal habits such as learning lines in the bath and carrying lightbulbs to improve environments. Friel recalls meaningful fan encounters, her affection for nostalgic films, and her hope that Pushing Daisies may one day return. The interview also touches on her past relationship with David Thewlis and the comforting effect of revisiting classic movies.

The live coverage reports the arrest of a 58-year-old New South Wales woman in an investigation into the movements of Dezi Freeman, who killed two Victorian police officers and was later shot dead. Telstra executives faced a parliamentary inquiry over a nationwide outage affecting calls, businesses, payments and trains. Pauline Hanson faced condemnation from political opponents after a Tommy Robinson podcast interview containing alleged anti-migrant and anti-Muslim claims. Other developments included diplomatic pressure over Laos methanol-poisoning charges, criticism of Queensland youth detention legislation, the death of a stranded humpback calf, evidence concerning university responses to antisemitism and student trauma, and warnings that a proposed Hunter Valley coal-mine expansion would make NSW emissions targets substantially harder to meet. Spotify also added credits acknowledging generative AI in Josh Fawaz's viral cover of “Like a Prayer”.

A Guardian live blog reports condemnation from assistant multicultural affairs minister Julian Hill of Tony Abbott’s video attacking multiculturalism and Muslim communities. Other major developments include warnings from Ed Husic that Australia must accelerate AI regulation, a threatened BHP strike in Western Australia, hearings on the emissions and local impacts of a proposed Hunter Valley coalmine extension, and controversy over the closure of Sydney’s queer-inclusive Divine Playhouse. Telstra executives are due to face a Senate inquiry over the triple-zero outage, while the privacy commissioner found no apparent legal failings by Qantas after its 2025 data breach. The blog also covers new bird-flu detections, rising fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict, an AFP child-abuse appeal and the revelation that actor Sam Neill died from pneumonia.

Sam Neill died from pneumonia, according to his representative, who released the information to counter inaccurate media reports. Neill had recently been declared cancer‑free after undergoing CAR‑T therapy and had remained active professionally. His funeral will be private, and supporters are encouraged to donate to charities he valued, including the Dunstan Hospital Foundation and the Snowdome Foundation. Friends and colleagues noted his declining health in recent weeks and have paid tribute to him across New Zealand and Hollywood.

A Liberal National MP says Pauline Hanson’s association with UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson will damage her politically, while Labor MP Meryl Swanson warns voters to assess One Nation’s policies rather than Hanson’s communication style. Ed Husic opposes weakening copyright protections for AI companies. Other major developments include police action against a truck displaying sexist “Ditch the Witch” advertisements targeting Victorian premier Jacinta Allan, a serious school assault in Brisbane, arrests linked to Melbourne arson attacks, and testimony to the antisemitism royal commission alleging universities failed to respond adequately to antisemitic incidents and campus safety concerns. Rising oil prices connected to Donald Trump’s threats over the Strait of Hormuz pressured Australian markets. Northern Territory police released previously unseen photographs from the Peter Falconio investigation, while researchers administered a new chlamydia vaccine implant to a wild koala in a conservation breakthrough.

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey was shot entirely on Imax 1570 film, making it the first feature to use the highest‑resolution format exclusively. Only 41 cinemas worldwide can project it, with Imax Melbourne the sole venue in the southern hemisphere equipped for the reel. Fans are travelling to experience the film in the intended format.

Fans are travelling internationally to watch Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in the rare IMAX 1570 format, available at only 41 cinemas worldwide. IMAX Melbourne, the largest 1.43:1 film screen and the only Southern Hemisphere venue with a 1570 print, has seen tens of thousands of tickets sold and visitors structuring holidays around screenings. Projection staff describe the heavy, intricate format as offering warmth and unrivalled resolution, contributing to renewed interest in large‑format film. Nolan’s influence has helped drive a small global revival in 1570 projection and increased public awareness of film formats.

Actors, directors, friends and political leaders mourn Sam Neill, who died at 78. Steven Spielberg, Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman, Cillian Murphy, Phillip Noyce and many others praised his talent, kindness, wit, loyalty and generosity. New Zealand and Australian leaders highlighted his role in taking New Zealand stories to global audiences and strengthening the country’s film industry. Tributes also emphasized Neill’s environmental activism, particularly his advocacy for marine conservation, native species and protection of New Zealand land from exploitation.

New Zealand actor Sam Neill died at age 78 in Sydney, with his family announcing the news and confirming he remained cancer‑free following treatment for angioimmunoblastic T‑cell lymphoma. Tributes highlighted his five‑decade career spanning films such as Jurassic Park and The Piano, significant television roles, and numerous awards and honors, including a knighthood. Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, Neill built an international reputation for memorable leading roles and charismatic villains. He is survived by four children and eight grandchildren.

Turkish authorities blocked the Scarlet Lady, a Virgin Voyages ship carrying 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers and performer Patti LuPone, from docking in Kuşadası, citing moral values and public concern. Atlantis Events, which chartered the cruise, called the move unprecedented and discriminatory despite having visited the ports many times before. LuPone and company representatives condemned the decision, while attempts involving the US embassy failed to reverse it. The ship will reroute to Cairo and Crete. The incident highlights ongoing government hostility toward LGBTQ+ events in Turkey, where Pride marches have been banned since 2015.

Jessica Mauboy discusses her role hosting That Blackfella Show, reflecting on the cultural significance of celebrating First Nations identity and her initial impostor syndrome. She shares anecdotes about being recognised by police, early tour mishaps, musical inspirations, and her admiration for emerging First Nations artists. Mauboy critiques modern mumble rap, recounts a cringe-worthy moment performing a kookaburra call on Ellen DeGeneres’ show, and highlights her upcoming tour and the premiere of the new variety program.

A selection of new Australian books spans fiction, memoir, short stories and nonfiction, featuring themes of intimacy, memory, family trauma, spirituality, climate collapse and contemporary culture. Highlights include a psychosexual thriller, a multigenerational saga, surreal short stories, explorations of spirituality and grief, climate-themed fiction, and a study of the impact of Rupert Murdoch’s media practices. The list also features a First Nations cookbook and several debut novels focused on love, loss and identity.

Lily Allen defended the short, theatre-style format of her West End Girl tour after fans criticized its 55‑minute runtime, lack of crowd interaction, and high ticket prices. Reviews ranged from frustration at the limited setlist and absence of older songs to praise from some critics who viewed the show as a deliberate theatrical experience. Allen argued the format had been clearly advertised and said the artistic choices supported the storytelling, while acknowledging concerns about value for money. The tour continues internationally, with mixed reactions to its unconventional structure.

Two major musicals, Waitress and Beetlejuice, and a multimillion‑dollar opera were cancelled in Australia due to rising production and touring costs, weak ticket sales and lower consumer confidence. The cancellations leave theatres dark for extended periods and put hundreds of workers out of jobs. Industry leaders are urging the federal government to introduce UK‑style tax incentives to stabilise the sector, arguing that high costs are outpacing ticket revenues and deterring international productions. Arts organisations also highlight affordability issues for audiences and propose measures such as cultural vouchers. Government consultations on the national cultural policy are underway amid mounting pressure to support the live performance industry.

The Whitney Houston estate rejected Oprah Winfrey’s claim that the singer was using drugs when she fell off the stage during a 2009 appearance on Winfrey’s talk show, insisting the fall occurred during a dark sound check and was unrelated to substance use. The estate said attributing every incident in Houston’s life to her past struggles was unfair, emphasizing her professionalism and talent. Winfrey, speaking at Cannes Lions, had asserted Houston had relapsed and said she urged the audience not to release photos of the fall. Winfrey has not responded to the estate’s statement.

A selection of new Australian books for June highlights a mix of fiction, nonfiction, and a standout cookbook. Featured titles include thrillers-in-verse, survival narratives, examinations of wellness conspiracies, intergenerational stories, explorations of Bengali cuisine, and major debut novels. Themes span identity, migration, history, nature, and the impact of social media outrage. Critics offer positive assessments across genres, emphasizing originality, emotional depth, and cultural resonance.

Marcia Lucas, the Oscar-winning editor of Star Wars and a pivotal creative force in New Hollywood, has died at 80 from metastatic cancer at her home in California. Renowned for her emotional intelligence and shaping key story decisions in Star Wars, she also made major contributions to films by George Lucas, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. Tributes praised her innovation, influence and personal warmth. Her career included editing landmark films such as American Graffiti, Taxi Driver and Raiders of the Lost Ark, and she later voiced strong criticism of the newer Star Wars installments. She is survived by her daughters and grandchildren.

Jamie Lee Curtis announced the death of her sister Kelly Curtis at age 69, describing her as a talented actor, devoted family member, and lifelong confidant. Kelly, the daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, held film and television roles across several decades and also worked closely with her sister. Jamie Lee shared personal reflections on their relationship, highlighting Kelly’s interests, heritage, and character. Kelly died peacefully at home, and no cause of death was provided.

Massive Attack will perform in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in August, marking their first Australian shows since 2010. The group recently released a new single with Tom Waits and continues to draw attention for political activism, including protests, a boycott of Spotify over military AI investments, and participation in campaigns linked to Israel and climate action. The band also staged a renewable‑energy‑powered festival in Bristol, and ticket sales for the tour begin in early June.

Matt Corby reflects on vocal injuries, musical influences, album track‑listing challenges, and memorable moments from his career, including an on‑stage technical failure that still haunts him. He describes his love of bass playing, his ability to quickly learn new skills, and a rare experience of fans anonymously paying for his family’s meal. Corby also discusses past jobs, creative collaborations involving natural sounds, and details of his upcoming Australian tour.

Patagonia filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against drag performer and environmental activist Pattie Gonia, arguing that their attempt to trademark and sell clothing under a similar name could harm the company’s brand. The company seeks only one dollar in damages but says protecting its trademark is necessary despite years of unsuccessful negotiations. Pattie Gonia criticized the lawsuit as an effort to erase their advocacy and said legal costs would be significant. Patagonia stated the dispute is not about financial gain but about safeguarding its intellectual property. The case has prompted significant public reaction, including calls from Pattie Gonia’s supporters for the company to drop the suit.

Armando Iannucci and longtime collaborator Simon Blackwell have been selected to write the script for the fourth Paddington film, extending their successful partnership from projects including The Thick of It, Veep and In the Loop. The announcement follows earlier confirmation by Studiocanal that prominent comedy writers had been hired for the project. Director Dougal Wilson, who helmed Paddington in Peru, is in talks to return. The franchise continues its strong commercial legacy, having earned more than $800m globally, while previous instalments, particularly Paddington 2, have received exceptional critical acclaim.

Ozzy Osbourne’s family announced the creation of a lifesize AI-powered avatar developed with Hyperreal and Proto Hologram, prompting backlash from fans who consider the project disrespectful. Jack and Sharon Osbourne defended the effort, emphasizing its accuracy, technical sophistication and Ozzy’s presumed approval based on past discussions. Hyperreal stated the avatar was built from approved material and will appear on interactive displays in the US and UK. The debate follows similar controversies over holograms of other deceased artists.

The Mandalorian and Grogu posted the weakest opening weekend of any Star Wars film released under Disney, earning $102m domestically and $165m globally, falling short of the inflation-adjusted performance of Solo. Analysts note the figures align with expectations for franchise spin-offs despite broader signs of Star Wars fatigue. Disney anticipates stronger long‑term performance supported by positive audience scores and potential cross‑promotion across its streaming platform, merchandise, and theme parks, as the franchise continues shifting focus toward Disney+ content ahead of the next planned theatrical release in 2027.

Grizz Chapman, best known for playing Grizz on 30 Rock, died in his sleep at age 52 after long-term health struggles, including kidney disease and years of dialysis before a 2010 transplant. Born in Brooklyn, he transitioned from bodyguard to actor after an early commercial job and rose to prominence through his role on Tina Fey’s sitcom, aided by Tracy Morgan’s support in keeping him on the cast. Tributes from costars praised his kindness and comedic talent. His career extended to several film and television appearances. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Billy Joel rejects the upcoming biopic Billy & Me, stating the filmmakers lack rights to his life story and music. The film focuses on his early years through the perspective of his first manager, Irwin Mazur, and involves longtime friend Jon Small, who supports the project. Writer Adam Ripp and director John Ottman defend the film as an origin story centered on relationships rather than Joel’s catalog. Disputes over life rights and the film’s legitimacy frame the conflict between Joel and the production team.