Recent articles
January 15, 2026
Witches, Vampires and Aliens: How Genre Films Like ‘Sinners’ and ‘Weapons’ Factor Into the Oscar Race
Hailee Steinfeld and her “Sinners” co-star Michael B. Jordan shared the kind of on-set conversations you can only have while making a horror movie. While filming, one of their frequent debates was ...
variety.com
January 14, 2026
‘Palm Royale’ Boss and Kristen Wiig on Whether That Finale Wedding Twist Means the Show Is Over
SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers from the Season 2 finale “Palm Royale,” “Maxine Does Something Good,” now streaming on Apple TV. At first glance, Apple TV’s “Palm Royale” is a visually ...
variety.com
January 12, 2026
South Korean Superstar Lee Byung-hun Shows Off His Leading Man Charisma and Comedic Chops in ‘No Other Choice’
In “No Other Choice,” Lee Byung-hun projects everyman desperation (think Pottersville-era Jimmy Stewart in “It’s a Wonderful Life”), movie star charisma (his looks are remarked upon in the film qui...
variety.com
January 9, 2026
‘The President’s Cake’ Director Hasan Hadi’s Makes History With First-Ever Iraqi Title to Land on the International Feature Oscar Shortlist
When Iraqi helmer-writer Hasan Hadi nabbed the Golden Camera for best first feature at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival with “The President’s Cake,” Iranian director Jafar Panahi, winner of the main c...
variety.com
January 9, 2026
Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence Share ‘Palm Royale’ Secrets, From the Origin Story of Norma’s Signature Turban Look to Lotte’s Curious Accent
SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers from “Maxine Hears a Confession,” the Jan. 7 episode of “Palm Royale,” now streaming on Apple TV. Through two seasons, and 18 episodes of “Palm Royale,” ...
variety.com
January 7, 2026
Why Directors Chloé Zhao, Alfonso Cuarón and Kelly Reichardt Love Doing Double Time as Editors, Composers and Cinematographers on Their Films
Directing a film can feel like an all-consuming job, a true labor of love. But for some directors, that passion compels them to take on more and more responsibilities on their features — not just b...
variety.com
January 7, 2026
How ‘Zootopia 2,’ ‘Arco,’ ‘Little Amélie’ Used Design to Convey Big Ideas
Several animated features of 2025 tackled very thorny issues of inclusion and identity. “Zootopia 2,” “Elio,” “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain” and “Arco” all delve into deep musings on sel...
variety.com
January 7, 2026
Why Helen Mirren Calls Herself ‘a Rogue,’ Is Driven by Her Insecurity and Is ‘Disturbed by the Burgeoning Power of Technology’
Few actors can say they’ve transitioned seamlessly from the Royal Shakespeare Company to the high-octane world of “Fast & Furious,” but Dame Helen Mirren has built a six-decade career on precis...
variety.com
December 25, 2025
‘Palm Royale’ Star Josh Lucas on Douglas’ Messy Marriage to ‘Trad Wife’ Maxine and How Her ‘Death’ Affects Him: ‘He’s Untethered, He’s Lost’
SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers from “Maxine Plays Dead,” the Dec. 24 episode of “Palm Royale,” now streaming on Apple TV. “Palm Royale’s” Maxine and Douglas may be divorced, but their ...
variety.com
December 20, 2025
‘Wicked: For Good’ Script Changes Improve Disability Representation, but Issues Remain
Since its release back on Nov. 21, I’ve had several social media followers and friends ask me: “What did you think of ‘Wicked: For Good?’” There’s a hidden undercurrent to this question. They aren’...
variety.com
December 18, 2025
Kristen Wiig on How That ‘Palm Royale’ Season 2 Twin Twist Was Inspired by ‘Bewitched’ and ‘I Dream of Jeannie’
SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers from “Palm Royale,” Episode 6, “Maxine Finds Herself,” now streaming on Apple TV. Just when we think that Kristen Wiig has done it all, the comedy gods a...
variety.com
December 13, 2025
Diane Kruger on Playing Postpartum Anxiety in ‘Little Disasters’: ‘The Emotional Extremes That Were Required Almost Broke Me’
SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers from “Little Disasters,” now streaming on Paramount+. Over the past year, a cinematic trend has emerged that powerfully underscores the intense difficult...
variety.com
December 10, 2025
Jane Fonda Stands Up for a Living Wage: ‘No Democracy Can Survive When Millions of Families Cannot Afford to Live’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Jane Fonda isn’t waiting for election season to heat up — she’s kicking it off herself. On Wednesday, the Hollywood icon is headlining a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles, using her platform t...
variety.com
December 8, 2025
Jay Shetty on the ‘Deep Need for Storytellers Who Explore Faith, Spirituality and the Universal Search for Purpose’
Jay Shetty hosted the second annual Variety Faith & Spirituality in Entertainment Honors — presented by the Coalition for Faith & Media — an event for which he was an honoree last year. “Wh...
variety.com
December 3, 2025
‘Sinners’ to ‘Dune’ and ‘Birds of Prey’: How Gravillis Has Taken Film Poster Art and Album Covers to a Whole New Level in 25 Years
You know the visual artistry of Kenny Gravillis, and you have for years — decades even. You just don’t know that you know it. In the high-stakes world of Hollywood advertising, Kenny Gravillis is t...
variety.com
November 26, 2025
‘Frankenstein’ to ‘Wednesday’ and ‘The Last of Us’: How Aggressive Incentives Have Resulted in a Boom in International Filming
Despite President Trump routinely reinforcing his threat to impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S., productions big and small continue to look for the best locations to shoot abro...
variety.com