While that recognition never arrived, the actor made clear that the experience has only fueled his ambition moving forward.



<h2>Dwayne Johnson Says Oscar Recognition Was a Real Goal</h2>



After spending decades as one of the industry’s most reliable box office draws, Johnson took a markedly different path with “The Smashing Machine,” Benny Safdie’s 2025 biographical drama about former MMA champion Mark Kerr. 



The role earned some of the strongest reviews of his career and led to a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor, sparking awards season buzz that many believed could carry into the Oscars. Looking back on that campaign, Johnson admitted he had been hoping for more. “It would have been incredible to get nominated for an Oscar,” he told Esquire.



Rather than dismissing the disappointment, the actor said the prospect of Academy recognition mattered to him from the start. “It would have been amazing. I wish it happened. But it didn’t,” Johnson said. “But in no uncertain terms did I ever think, ‘Oh, that doesn’t matter.’ I always thought it mattered.”



The film itself represented a major departure from Johnson’s usual blockbuster fare. Released by A24 after premiering at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Silver Lion, “The Smashing Machine” followed Kerr’s rise in mixed martial arts alongside his struggles with addiction and personal turmoil. 



Johnson starred opposite Emily Blunt, with the pair portraying the complicated relationship at the center of Kerr’s story. Despite strong reviews, the picture struggled commercially and finished its theatrical run with just over $21 million worldwide against a reported $50 million budget.



Still, Johnson suggested the experience left a lasting impact. “It has lit a fire in my spine, which is: Let’s go back to work,” he said, signaling that prestige projects remain firmly on his radar. The actor’s upcoming slate includes Disney’s live-action “Moana,” arriving in July, and “Jumanji: Open World,” which is scheduled to close out the year, but his latest comments indicate that his pursuit of another awards caliber role is far from over.

Dwayne Johnson Admits He Wanted an Oscar Nomination for ‘The Smashing Machine’

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Dwayne Johnson Admits He Wanted an Oscar Nomination for 'The Smashing Machine' - Spoiler US

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The actor shared the experience in a new interview with Esquire, recalling how a routine medical concern suddenly raised the possibility of something far more serious.



<h2>Dwayne Johnson Opens Up About a Frightening Health Scare</h2>



The revelation came after Johnson discovered a lump on one of his t**ticles shortly before traveling to Las Vegas for CinemaCon, where he was scheduled to promote “Jumanji: Open World.” Recalling the doctor’s initial reaction, Johnson said, “The doc felt the lump and said it was probably epididymitis,” a condition involving inflammation of a tube. However, the physician also warned that “it could be cancer,” leaving the actor facing a far more serious possibility.



What followed was a difficult conversation about timing. According to the account shared with Esquire, the doctor asked, “What’s your schedule today?” Johnson explained that he was heading into an all day promotional event tied to the upcoming “Jumanji” film. Rather than wait, the physician urged him to return for further testing immediately the next morning, advising that he “needed to get an ultrasound first thing the next morning.”



That recommendation left Johnson with an anxious stretch of uncertainty. “So I had to live with that for those 24 hours, not knowing,” he said, while still carrying out a packed schedule in front of fans, exhibitors, and members of the press. Despite the circumstances, he continued with his public appearances, later recalling that he “had to be on all day, joking around, making speeches.”



The actor eventually underwent the ultrasound, which provided the answer he had been waiting for. The results showed that the lump was caused by epididymitis rather than cancer. Sharing the outcome, Johnson offered a simple update: “But! I’m okay.”



The experience unfolded during a particularly busy year for Johnson. Alongside his return as Maui in Disney’s live-action “Moana,” he is also leading “Jumanji: Open World,” the latest installment in the adventure franchise. While audiences saw him promoting major studio releases, he was simultaneously dealing with a deeply personal health concern and waiting to learn whether the diagnosis would change his life.

George Clooney Names His Pick for the Next James Bond: “The Perfect Guy to Do It”

Dwayne Johnson Reveals He Faced a Cancer Scare Earlier This Year - Spoiler US

Speaking to Variety, the actress voiced strong support for Hardy while addressing reports of behind-the-scenes tensions surrounding “MobLand,” where the two actors play key figures in the powerful Harrigan crime family.



<h2>A Strong Endorsement Amid Questions About Hardy’s Future</h2>



As discussion continues over whether Hardy will return for a potential third season, Mirren left little doubt about where she stands. When asked if she would work with him again, the Oscar winner delivered a blunt and enthusiastic response: “Absolutely. In a ****ing heartbeat.”



The comments arrive after months of reports surrounding alleged friction during production. Early claims suggested Hardy had been removed from the series following disagreements on set. Subsequent reporting, however, indicated that no firing had taken place and that conversations regarding his future involvement remain ongoing.



Rather than dwelling on the controversy, Mirren used the opportunity to praise her co-star’s talent. “I love Tom, I think he’s the most amazing actor,” she said. The actress also noted that performers often approach their craft in different ways, adding, “Different actors have different processes.”



Mirren emphasized that the end result matters more than the route taken to get there. “As long as what’s on the screen is fantastic, I’m totally chilled with however someone gets there,” she said, before describing Hardy as “a very special person.”



She closed her remarks with an unmistakable show of support, calling Hardy “absolutely remarkable” and stressing, “My support of him is genuine and heartfelt.”

Helen Mirren Defends Tom Hardy Following MobLand Controversy: “I Think He’s the Most Amazing Actor”

Billy Ray Cyrus Reveals He Nearly Died During 2024 Sepsis Battle: “I Had a Miracle”

Helen Mirren Defends Tom Hardy Following MobLand Controversy: “I Think He’s the Most Amazing Actor” - Spoiler US

The country musician reflected on the experience in a new interview with People, describing a period marked by repeated hospital visits, uncertainty, and a recovery he now views as deeply personal.



<h2>Billy Ray Cyrus Says Family Helped Him Through a Life Threatening Health Crisis</h2>



Reflecting on the health crisis, Cyrus said, “I got really sick and almost died.” He recalled periods when he was sent home from the hospital while still fighting for his recovery, spending time with his rescue dog Tommy Jack as doctors continued to monitor his condition. “My body was blowing up [with] a toxicity of some type,” he said, adding that the threat felt immediate. “If it had erupted, I would have died.”



As his condition worsened, Cyrus turned increasingly to prayer. He described making repeated visits to what he called his “prayer rock,” where he would ask for help. “Please. I need a miracle. I need a miracle,” he remembered praying.



According to Cyrus, doctors eventually prepared for what he believed would be one final surgery, but the outcome surprised everyone involved. “I got to the hospital [and] they said, ‘Mr. Cyrus, it’s gone. It’s healed,’” he said. “I had a miracle.”



Recovery brought another obstacle when the illness affected his voice. Cyrus revealed that he temporarily lost the ability to sing and speak because of vocal paralysis. Rather than giving up, he tried to convince himself that the setback would not be permanent. “I started believing once I had the first miracle,” he said. “I said, ‘Cyrus, you can’t talk or sing right now, but believe you can.’”



Music became one of the things that helped him push forward. Cyrus pointed to Noah Cyrus’ song “Don’t Put It All On Me,” written by his son Braison, as a source of comfort throughout the ordeal. “I just loved it so much,” he said of the track. “And I do credit that particular song [for] saving me.” 



The singer also found encouragement from an unexpected place: his grandson Bear. Recalling one emotional moment during his recovery, Cyrus said, “In this very broken moment of my life, my little grandson Bear looked at me and said, ‘Try again.’” The comment stayed with him. “I thought, ‘He’s telling you something,’” Cyrus said. “Is it about love? Music? Somehow, I got to try again at both.” Looking ahead to the release of his new album, The Hill, he added, “So I’m learning to try again.”

James Handy’s Partner Reveals New Details About the Morning of His Death

Billy Ray Cyrus Reveals He Nearly Died During 2024 Sepsis Battle: “I Had a Miracle” - Spoiler US

In the fast-moving machinery of global entertainment, fame is often a fleeting commodity. Yet, Elizabeth Hurley remains an immovable, dazzling fixture of pop-culture fascination. While the public often defaults to viewing her through a purely aesthetic lens, reducing her legacy to specific fashion moments, the true story of Hurley is one of radical subversion, iron-clad business calculation, and an absolute refusal to let the industry dictate her timeline.



<h2>From Punk-Rock Rebel to Theatrical Grace</h2>



Long before she was synonymous with high-society glamour and red-carpet royalty, Hurley’s roots were planted firmly in the avant-garde. Growing up in Hampshire, England, she initially trained as a professional ballet dancer before trading the leotard for the safety pins, pink hair, and heavy leather jackets of the late-1970s punk-rock scene.



This early immersion in counter-culture gave Hurley an invaluable edge: a complete lack of reverence for traditional Hollywood expectations. When she officially transitioned into acting in the late 1980s, she brought with her a sharp, defensive wit and a distinct fearlessness that allowed her to navigate the grueling early days of the studio system without losing her core identity to the Hollywood machine.



<h2>The 29-Year-Old Rookie: Shattering the Modeling Mold</h2>



One of the most extraordinary, frequently overlooked chapters of Hurley’s career is her entry into the high-fashion modeling world. In an industry that historically deemed women over the age of 23 as “past their prime,” Hurley completely shattered the glass ceiling by landing her first-ever major modeling contract at the age of 29.



Signing as the global face of cosmetics giant Estée Lauder in 1995 with zero prior modeling experience on her resume wasn’t just a win—it was an absolute anomaly.



That historic corporate partnership didn’t just launch her face onto billboards across the globe; it laid the foundation for an unprecedented, three-decade-long cosmetic relationship that has defined her public profile well into 2026.



<h2>The Executive Suite: Simian Films and Swimwear Empires</h2>



Hurley recognized early on that true longevity in Hollywood requires seizing the means of production. Instead of waiting for scripts to find her, she stepped into the executive suite, co-founding Simian Films in the mid-1990s. As a hands-on producer, she steered major studio features like the medical thriller Extreme Measures and the mob comedy Mickey Blue Eyes, establishing herself as a formidable force behind the camera long before female-led production companies were a normalized industry trend.



In 2005, she diversified her portfolio yet again by launching Elizabeth Hurley Beach, a luxury swimwear collective. Operating as the active CEO, head designer, and primary fit-model for the brand, Hurley turned an independent fashion venture into a thriving global e-commerce powerhouse that continues to dominate the resort-wear market by focusing on empowering women of all ages to feel fabulous.



<h2>A Legacy Written in Pink: The Philanthropic Crusade</h2>



While her business savvy and cinematic chapters are formidable, Hurley’s most enduring legacy is written in pink. For over three decades, she has served as the tireless, global ambassador for the Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Campaign, traveling the world to raise awareness, destigmatize the disease, and fund life-saving medical research.



Her philanthropic crusade has helped raise tens of millions of dollars globally, transforming her from a red-carpet magnet into an international humanitarian force. For Hurley, the work is deeply personal, driven by the loss of her own grandmother to the disease, and it remains her most fiercely protected priority outside of her family.



As she navigates the modern landscape of 2026, Hurley’s cultural footprint is defined by absolute, unapologetic autonomy.

How Elizabeth Hurley Rewrote the Rules of Celebrity and Longevity

How Elizabeth Hurley Rewrote the Rules of Celebrity and Longevity - Spoiler US

On June 10, 2005, director Doug Liman released Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith, a slick, high-octane action comedy about a bored suburban couple who discover they are rival assassins secretly contracted to eliminate one another. The movie was a massive commercial success, raking in over $487 million worldwide.



But nobody was actually looking at the box office receipts. They were talking about the thermonuclear screen chemistry between its two lead mega-stars: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.



Today marks the 21st anniversary of the film’s theatrical release. Looking back from 2026, the legacy of Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith has evolved from a simple popcorn blockbuster into the catalyst for a decades-long family drama that is, remarkably, still dropping bombshells in real-time.



<h2>The Spark of 2005: A Box Office Obsession</h2>



When production on Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith began in 2004, Brad Pitt was still heavily married to America’s sweetheart, Jennifer Aniston. However, the moment paparazzi photos from the set began leaking to the press, rumors of an intense, off-screen affair between Pitt and Jolie ignited a media circus.



By the time the movie officially premiered on June 10, 2005, Pitt and Aniston had already announced their separation, and the public was deeply divided into “Team Aniston” and “Team Jolie” camps. The film essentially functioned as a multi-million-dollar public debut for their real-life attraction. Pitt later admitted that the movie remained a favorite for his children because:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Not a lot of people get to see a movie where their parents fell in love.”<cite>Brad Pitt</cite></blockquote>



For the next decade, “Brangelina” reigned as the undisputed king and queen of global pop culture, expanding their family to include six children and eventually marrying in an intimate 2014 ceremony at their French estate, Château Miraval.



<h2>The 21-Year Evolution: From ‘Brangelina’ to Courtroom Contenders</h2>



The romantic illusion famously dissolved in 2016 following a highly publicized mid-air altercation on a private plane. What followed was a complete real-world mirroring of John and Jane Smith’s cinematic warfare—minus the happy ending.



While their complex, bitter divorce was finally officially finalized in December 2024, the fallout from their split has stretched all the way into mid-2026. The real-life assassins are still trading legal blows, and the focus has shifted entirely to two major fronts: property and the kids.



<h3>The War of the Rosé Continues</h3>



The primary battleground today remains the $164 million Château Miraval winery in France. Pitt sued Jolie back in 2022 after she sold her shares of the estate to a third party without his consent. The legal posturing is still active; just this spring, their respective legal teams have been actively filing motions debating whether the massive trial over the vineyard should be pushed as far back as August or September of 2027.



<h2>The Reality in 2026: The Surname Fallout</h2>



Perhaps the most devastating development for the Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith legacy is how the couple’s adult children are actively reacting to the rift. In a series of back-to-back filings that hit the headlines, the children have systematically begun dropping “Pitt” from their hyphenated surnames.



<ul><li>Zahara Jolie (21): Official court documents sourced just this week reveal that Zahara has formally petitioned the Superior Court of California to legally change her name to Zahara Marley Jolie, following her introduction at her Spelman College graduation under the shortened moniker.</li><li>Maddox Jolie (24): Their eldest son had his legal name change officially finalized, dropping “Pitt” for what he cited as purely “personal” reasons.</li><li>Shiloh Jolie (22): Legally removed “Pitt” from her surname a few years ago upon turning 18, and has recently been credited professionally in her dance career under the pseudonym Shi Joli.</li><li>Vivienne Jolie (17): While not a legal change yet, she opted to drop “Pitt” on the official Broadway playbill for The Outsiders, which she co-produced alongside her mother.</li></ul>



Twenty-one years later, Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith remains a highly entertaining, beautifully shot relic of mid-2000s star power. But it also serves as a haunting reminder of how easily Hollywood fantasy can bleed into a complicated, high-stakes reality. John and Jane Smith managed to put their guns down at the end of two hours, but for Brad and Angelina, the crossfire has lasted for a decade—and shows no signs of stopping.

From Box Office Sparks to Courtroom Battlefields: ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ Turns 21 Today

From Box Office Sparks to Courtroom Battlefields: ‘Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith’ Turns 21 Today - Spoiler US

There is a distinct difference between a movie star and a cultural icon. Movie stars capture the zeitgeist of a specific decade; cultural icons capture the very soul of the human experience. Judy Garland didn’t just sing and act—she bared her absolute soul on celluloid, inviting audiences into a shared space of profound vulnerability, unbridled joy, and deep-seated longing.



While history often fixates heavily on the tragic machinery of the studio system that exploited her, her true legacy is enshrined in the staggering artistic heights she achieved. Garland was a master technician of emotion, an accomplished dancer, a brilliant physical comedian, and a dramatic powerhouse who could command a scene with nothing but a trembling glance.



To celebrate her birthday today, we are skipping the tragic bios and turning on the screen to rank the 10 greatest and most definitive film performances of a true Hollywood titan.



<h3>1. Vicki Lester / Esther Blodgett in A Star Is Born (1954)</h3>



This is not just Garland’s greatest performance; it is widely considered one of the greatest performances in the history of cinema. Returning to the screen after being brutally cast out by MGM, Garland poured every ounce of her personal trauma, industry disillusionment, and raw genius into George Cukor’s tragic musical epic. From the blistering, one-take intimacy of “The Man That Got Away” to the agonizing dressing-room breakdown where she rails against the cost of fame, Garland delivered a masterclass in dramatic range. Her historic Oscar loss that year remains one of the Academy’s most egregious snubs.



<h2>2. Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (1939)</h2>



It is the performance that granted her cinematic immortality. At just 16 years old, Garland anchored a massive, unstable fantasy production with an unparalleled sense of emotional reality. Sitting in a sepia-toned barnyard and singing “Over the Rainbow,” she captured the universal adolescent ache for escape so purely that the song became the definitive cultural anthem of hope. Her performance earned her a special Juvenile Academy Award and created a character that remains a foundational piece of global pop culture.



<h2>3. Esther Smith in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)</h2>



Directed by her future husband Vincente Minnelli, this glorious Technicolor masterpiece captured Garland at the absolute peak of her romantic, musical powers. Playing a vibrant young woman navigating family transitions at the turn of the 21st century, Garland grounded the nostalgia with genuine emotional high stakes. Her performance of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”—sung to a weeping Margaret O’Brien—is a devastatingly beautiful moment of comfort wrapped in quiet melancholy that still defines the holidays.



<h2>4. Irene Hoffmann in Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)</h2>



For anyone who foolishly believed Garland could only succeed inside the safe, stylized boundaries of the musical genre, Stanley Kramer’s courtroom drama was a shocking revelation. Stripped entirely of glamour, makeup, and music, Garland delivered a brief, shattering dramatic performance as a German woman terrified to testify about a past relationship that violated Nazi racial laws. Her trembling, panic-stricken breakdown on the witness stand earned her a richly deserved Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination.



<h2>5. Alice Mayberry in The Clock (1945)</h2>



This deeply underappreciated wartime romance represents a massive milestone in Garland’s career: her very first completely non-singing dramatic role. Playing an everyday New York office worker who accidentally falls in love with a soldier on a 48-hour leave, Garland carried the entire movie on pure acting chops. She infused Alice with a quiet, tender, and incredibly realistic vulnerability that proved she didn’t need a three-piece orchestra to completely capture an audience’s heart.



<h2>6. Hannah Brown in Easter Parade (1948)</h2>



Pairing up with dancing legend Fred Astaire, Garland proved she could match the absolute best in the business step-for-step while delivering elite-tier physical comedy. Originally intended for Gene Kelly, the film was completely stolen by Garland’s impeccable slapstick timing. The definitive highlight remains the “A Couple of Swells” routine, where she willingly smudged dirt on her face, donned rags, and successfully out-charmed Astaire, showing her utter lack of vanity on screen.



<h2>7. Jane Falbury in Summer Stock (1950)</h2>



This film stands as a monumental testament to Garland’s sheer professionalism and resilience. Filmed during a period of intense personal illness and emotional exhaustion, Garland pushed through the production to deliver a delightfully warm, engaging performance as a conservative farm owner whose barn is hijacked by a theater troupe. The film climaxes with the iconic, late-addition “Get Happy” routine. Draped in a black tuxedo jacket and a tilted fedora, Garland delivered a vibrant, electrifying burst of pure star power that became one of the most famous musical numbers of all time.



<h2>8. Susan Bradley in The Harvey Girls (1946)</h2>



Garland headed out to the wild frontier for this quintessential, high-spirited MGM western musical. Playing a naive young woman who travels West to become a waitress at the historic Fred Harvey restaurants, she brought an infectious sense of determination and proto-feminist grit to the role. Leading the sprawling ensemble through the Oscar-winning anthem “On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe,” Garland radiated a pure, studio-era joy that defined the Golden Age of Hollywood.



<h2>9. Jenny Bowman in I Could Go On Singing (1963)</h2>



Garland’s final feature film performance is a deeply poignant, borderline uncomfortable piece of art. Playing a highly successful, erratic American concert singer traveling to London to reclaim her estranged son, the film functions as a meta-textual, semi-autobiographical mirror of Garland’s own chaotic life. The scene where her character delivers a frantic, emotionally raw monologue from a hospital bed isn’t just acting—it is a boundary-blurring look into the heart of a genius who spent her entire life giving everything she had to her audience.



<h2>10. Betsy Booth in the Andy Hardy Franchise (1938–1940)</h2>



You cannot fully understand the meteoric rise of Judy Garland without examining her electric, kinetic partnership with Mickey Rooney. Stepping into the wholesome world of Carvel as the multi-talented girl-next-door Betsy Booth, Garland served as the ultimate secret weapon for the franchise. Her effortless, rapid-fire banter and teenage vulnerability alongside Rooney birthed the quintessential “let’s put on a show!” musical subgenre, laying the groundwork for the massive superstardom that followed.

Celebrating Judy Garland on What Would Have Been Her 104th Birthday

Celebrating Judy Garland on What Would Have Been Her 104th Birthday - Spoiler US

If there is one thing Miles Teller has mastered over the last few years, it’s the art of the high-velocity career pivot. He can smoothly transition from singing bar tunes in a flight jacket to anchoring intense, award-winning independent prestige dramas without missing a single beat.



The actor is officially keeping his foot on the gas. Deadline reports that Teller has signed a deal to star in Copperhead, an upcoming original crime thriller from director John Swab (King Ivory) and financier-producer Black Label Media.



The film, which boasts a screenplay co-written by Chad Feehan (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) and J. Todd Scott, promises to be a bruising, realistic look at institutional decay. Here is everything we know about the project so far, and a look at the jaw-dropping career run that brought Teller to this point.



<h2>The Plot: Betrayal in West Texas</h2>



Copperhead drops audiences directly into the rugged, unforgiving landscape of the Lone Star State. The narrative ignites when an intense, undercover drug transaction goes catastrophically sideways in West Texas, leaving a trail of bodies in its wake.



In the aftermath of the botched operation, Teller will portray a battle-weary, veteran detective who finds himself in a bureaucratic nightmare. He is forced to form an uneasy, high-friction partnership with a young, idealistic federal agent. As the mismatched duo digs into the evidence, they discover that the rot goes all the way to the top—uncovering a massive, deep-seated web of corruption and conspiracy operating entirely inside their own elite, specialized task force.



Production is officially locked to begin shooting this August 2026. The project is a true collaborative effort behind the scenes, functioning as a joint production between Black Label Media, John Swab’s Milk Boy banner, and Teller’s own production vehicle, Lime Tree Productions.



<h2>Tracking the Extraordinary 2022–2026 Miles Teller Streak</h2>



To understand why landing Teller for Copperhead is such a massive coup for Black Label Media, you only have to look at his box-office metrics. Teller has quietly engineered one of the most bulletproof, wildly lucrative winning streaks in modern Hollywood history.



<ul><li>The A-List Catalyst (Top Gun: Maverick): Playing Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw—mustache, piano chops, and all—opposite Tom Cruise catapulted Teller into the absolute stratosphere of global stardom. With Paramount recently giving the official green light to Top Gun 3, Teller remains firmly cemented as the future of Hollywood’s premier aviation franchise.</li><li>The Billion-Dollar Biopic (Michael, 2026): Right now, Teller is absolutely dominating the global cultural conversation for his work in Antoine Fuqua’s box-office behemoth Michael. Playing John Branca, Michael Jackson’s legendary, calculating attorney and estate executor, Teller grounded the spectacular musical biopic with essential dramatic weight. The film premiered in late April 2026 and is already on the precipice of crossing a staggering $900 million worldwide.</li><li>The Cannes Masterclass (Paper Tiger, 2026): Just last month, in May 2026, Teller walked the steps at the Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of James Gray’s crime drama Paper Tiger. Co-starring alongside Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, Teller’s performance as an engineer entangled in a Russian mafia scheme earned a booming, 10-minute standing ovation and was promptly snatched up for domestic distribution by Neon.</li></ul>



<h2>John Swab: Hollywood’s New Go-To Action Auteur</h2>



Pairing Teller’s intense, internal dramatic energy with director John Swab is an absolute match made in thriller heaven. Swab has rapidly become one of the most prolific, highly demanded directors in the action-crime genre.



Following the critical success of his drug-trafficking drama King Ivory—which turned heads at the 81st Venice Film Festival—Swab’s directorial dance card has exploded. In addition to Copperhead, he is currently linked to direct Netflix’s upcoming high-octane feature Fast &amp; Loose starring Will Smith, a highly anticipated Hells Angels screenplay vehicle for Jason Momoa, and the Netflix crime-drama Night Work led by Mark Wahlberg.

Miles Teller to Lead John Swab’s High-Stakes Conspiracy Thriller ‘Copperhead’

Miles Teller to Lead John Swab’s High-Stakes Conspiracy Thriller ‘Copperhead’ - Spoiler US

In a recent Variety interview, the actress looked back on the intense public attention that accompanied her portrayal of Cassie Howard, one of the show’s most polarizing characters.



<h2>Sydney Sweeney Says the Conversation Around Cassie Often Extended Beyond the Screen</h2>



When asked about the criticism she received during the run of “Euphoria,” Sweeney pointed to what she sees as a contradiction in the public response to both her character and herself. “I’ve always found it really interesting how people scrutinize how Cassie was treated on the show, and then they do it to me in real life,” she said.



The actress went on to argue that many viewers failed to recognize the parallel between the way Cassie was perceived within the series and the way discussions about the show often played out online. “There’s no awareness that [Cassie’s peers] sexualize Cassie on the show, but we’re going to do this in real life too.”



Sweeney acknowledged that the attention surrounding the role was not always easy to navigate, particularly as conversations about Cassie frequently spilled beyond the boundaries of the fictional character. “To be honest, sometimes it’s hard,” she admitted.



Still, the A-lister suggested that time may ultimately change how both the series and the discourse surrounding it are remembered. “I hope maybe years from now, when people are separated from the craziness and the clickbait of social media, someone who sits back and watch it all, doing a deep dive, goes, ‘Huh, maybe we all had this very wrong.’”

Sydney Sweeney Opens Up About the Real-Life Scrutiny That Came With ‘Euphoria’

‘Doctor Who’ Christmas Special Canceled as Showrunner Russell T Davies Announces Departure

Sydney Sweeney Opens Up About the Real-Life Scrutiny That Came With ‘Euphoria’ - Spoiler US

As informed by Variety, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has chosen Ridley Scott as one of this year’s Honorary Oscar recipients, recognizing a body of work that has influenced modern filmmaking across genres and generations.



The filmmaker will receive the award at the 17th Governors Awards on Nov. 15 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood alongside fellow honorees Glenn Close and Floyd Norman.



<h2>The Director Behind Some of Cinema’s Most Lasting Worlds</h2>



Few filmmakers have left a visual imprint on popular culture quite like Scott. From the claustrophobic terror of “Alien” to the rain soaked future of “Blade Runner” and the grandeur of “Gladiator,” his pictures have repeatedly introduced audiences to worlds that continued to resonate long after their original release. Many of those productions went on to become reference points for entire genres.



What makes Scott’s career particularly unusual is that some of his most celebrated achievements were not always recognized immediately. “Blade Runner” struggled to find its audience when it first arrived in theaters, only to be reassessed over time as one of the defining science fiction films ever made. “Alien” similarly helped redefine what the genre could accomplish, blending suspense, horror, and striking visual design in a way that influenced decades of filmmaking.



The Academy has acknowledged Scott’s work on several occasions without ever awarding him a competitive Oscar. He received Best Director nominations for “Thelma &amp; Louise,” “Gladiator,” and “Black Hawk Down,” while “The Martian” earned him a Best Picture nomination. Although “Gladiator” won the gold, Scott himself never secured an Oscar, a surprising distinction given his stature and influence within the industry.



Beyond awards, Scott’s longevity remains one of the most remarkable aspects of his career. Nearly five decades after making his feature directing debut with “The Duellists” in 1977, he continues to mount ambitious productions. Recent releases such as “Napoleon” and “Gladiator II” have demonstrated an output that few filmmakers of any generation can match.



For a director whose influence can be seen across countless movies, television series, and visual artists, the Honorary Oscar serves as recognition of a career that has helped define the look and scope of modern filmmaking.

Ridley Scott Will Receive an Honorary Oscar, Marking His First Academy Award Win

After Eight Oscar Nominations, Glenn Close Will Receive an Honorary Oscar

Ridley Scott Will Receive an Honorary Oscar, Marking His First Academy Award Win - Spoiler US

According to Variety, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has selected Glenn Close as one of this year’s Honorary Oscar recipients, recognizing a career that has spanned more than five decades across film, television, and the stage. 



The award will be presented at the 17th Governors Awards on Nov. 15 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood, where fellow honorees include filmmaker Ridley Scott and animator Floyd Norman.



<h2>A Long-Awaited Academy Recognition</h2>



Close has long held a unique place in Oscar history. Despite earning eight Academy Award nominations, she has never taken home a competitive Oscar, making her one of the most nominated performers without a win. 



The actress first caught the Academy’s attention with supporting role nominations for “The World According to Garp,” “The Big Chill,” and “The Natural.” She later received leading actress nominations for “Fatal Attraction” and “Dangerous Liaisons,” performances that helped establish her as one of the defining screen talents of her generation.



More than two decades later, Close returned to the Oscar race with acclaimed turns in “Albert Nobbs,” “The Wife,” and “Hillbilly Elegy.” Her nomination for “The Wife” in particular reignited discussions about her place among the industry’s most respected performers, as many awards observers considered her a leading contender that season.



Beyond the Academy Awards, Close’s résumé includes three Primetime Emmy Awards, three Tony Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and multiple Screen Actors Guild honors. She is also among the select group of performers whose achievements have placed them in contention for both the Triple Crown of Acting and EGOT status.



Announcing the honor, Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor praised Close’s body of work, highlighting the emotional depth and complexity she has brought to a wide range of characters throughout her career.

After Eight Oscar Nominations, Glenn Close Will Receive an Honorary Oscar - Spoiler US

There are fashion icons, there are pop-culture legends, and then there is Elizabeth Hurley. Ever since she walked down the red carpet in that safety-pin Versace dress in 1994, Hurley has occupied a permanent, gilded seat in the upper echelon of celebrity royalty. Whether she’s acting as a global ambassador for breast cancer awareness, commanding the pages of high-fashion magazines, or stealing scenes on the silver screen, she has spent decades executing an absolute masterclass in timeless elegance and razor-sharp wit.



Following a year of whirlwind headlines—including her high-profile romance with country star Billy Ray Cyrus and marking three decades of iconic collaboration with Estée Lauder—Hurley continues to prove that age is merely a suggestion.



To honor her birthday today, we are shifting our focus to her acting career. Beyond the runway and the tabloids, Hurley has dropped some genuinely unforgettable, delightfully campy, and fiercely sharp performances into pop culture history. Here are the 10 greatest roles to binge today in her honor.



<h2>1. The Devil in Bedazzled (2000)</h2>



If you want to see Hurley at the absolute peak of her cinematic power, look no further than Harold Ramis’s fantasy-comedy remake. Playing Satan herself, Hurley didn’t just understand the assignment—she rewrote the textbook. Operating as a shape-shifting, contract-wielding temptress tormenting a clueless Brendan Fraser, she cycled through dozens of jaw-dropping wardrobe changes with an effortlessly wicked, playful charm. It is an infinitely rewatchable, scene-stealing performance that remains a cornerstone of Y2K cinema.



<h2>2. Vanessa Kensington in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)</h2>



It takes an immense amount of comedic composure to play the straight-faced foil to Mike Myers’ chaotic, randy 1960s British spy, but Hurley pulled it off flawlessly. As the leather-clad, hyper-competent British secret agent Vanessa Kensington, she anchored the iconic spy spoof with an air of aristocratic superiority and brilliant physical comedy. The film exploded into a multi-million-dollar global phenomenon, permanently cementing her face into the foundation of 90s pop culture.



<h2>3. Queen Helena in The Royals (2015–2018)</h2>



When the E! Network decided to launch its first-ever scripted drama about a fictional, wildly dysfunctional British royal family, there was only one woman on Earth with the regal gravity to lead it. For four seasons, Hurley reigned supreme as Queen Helena Henstridge. Playing a fiercely manipulative, unapologetically powerful, and deeply protective matriarch navigating palace conspiracies and tabloids, the role allowed Hurley to fully lean into high-camp melodrama with absolute, delicious precision.



<h2>4. Diana Payne in Gossip Girl (2011–2012)</h2>



When the Upper East Side needed a fresh jolt of adult drama in its fifth season, Gossip Girl brought in Hurley to stir the pot. Playing Diana Payne, a wealthy, media-savvy, and highly secretive British media mogul who starts an illicit affair with a young Nate Archibald, Hurley brought a distinct air of mature predatoriness to the teen soap. Her effortless sophistication and sharp, calculated line delivery made her one of the most memorable adult antagonists in the show’s entire run.



<h2>5. Sabrina Ritchie in Passenger 57 (1992)</h2>



Long before she was a household name, a young Hurley made a bruising, high-impact splash in Hollywood by jumping headfirst into the action genre. In this Wesley Snipes airline thriller, she played Sabrina Ritchie, a cold-blooded, deep-cover terrorist disguised as an innocent flight attendant. Stripping away her traditional glamorous persona, Hurley delivered a genuinely sinister physical performance, proving early on that she possessed an underlying, calculating edge.



<h2>6. Sara Moore in Serving Sara (2002)</h2>



Teaming up with Friends alumnus Matthew Perry, Hurley took center stage in this frantic, cross-country romantic comedy. Playing a wealthy, betrayed wife trying to dodge divorce papers served by a stressed-out process server, Hurley weaponized her sharp-tongued wit and natural charm. The film is a breezy, nostalgic time capsule of early-2000s studio comedies, showcasing her capability as a leading lady in slapstick environments.



<h2>7. Morgan le Fay in Marvel’s Runaways (2019)</h2>



Marvel officially tapped into Hurley’s mystical allure for the third season of the Hulu comic-book series. Stepping into the supernatural role of Morgan le Fay, an immortal, immensely powerful sorceress from the Dark Dimension, Hurley looked entirely in her element. Draped in elaborate, gothic-chic capes and channeling a terrifying, ancient authority, she provided the teen heroes with a genuinely imposing, charismatic, and magical threat.



<h2>8. Sandra Stahl in Permanent Midnight (1998)</h2>



For audiences who assumed she could only operate in commercial comedies, David Veloz’s gritty independent biopic offered a stark reality check. Starring opposite Ben Stiller—who played real-life heroin-addicted comedy writer Jerry Stahl—Hurley delivered a remarkably grounded, dramatic performance as Sandra, a television executive who enters into a green-card marriage with Stahl. It remains a deeply underappreciated, raw look at her dramatic range.



<h2>9. Jill in EDtv (1999)</h2>



In Ron Howard’s prophetic, star-studded satire about the invasive nature of reality television, Hurley played Jill, a hyper-glamorous, calculating model brought into the narrative specifically to seduce Matthew McConaughey’s everyday protagonist for a bump in network television ratings. The performance was a brilliant, meta-textual nod to Hurley’s real-world status as a media magnet, allowing her to playfully satirize her own public image.



<h2>10. Lily in Strictly Confidential (2024)</h2>



Rounding out her most memorable chapters is a deeply personal project that marked a monumental full-circle milestone. Written and directed by her lookalike son, Damian Hurley, in his feature directorial debut, this sensual, twist-filled Caribbean thriller starred Elizabeth as Lily, a protective mother navigating a web of dark family secrets, betrayal, and seduction. The project highlighted not just her enduring screen presence, but her fierce devotion to supporting the next creative generation of her family.

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth Hurley! Her 10 Most Iconic Roles

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth Hurley! Her 10 Most Iconic Roles - Spoiler US

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, George Clooney did not hesitate when the conversation turned to the future of James Bond. While the entertainment industry continues to speculate about who will replace Daniel Craig as 007, the Oscar winner revealed the actor he believes is best suited to take over one of Hollywood’s most coveted roles: Callum Turner.



<h2>George Clooney Backs Callum Turner for James Bond</h2>



Clooney’s endorsement arrives at a moment when interest in the next Bond has reached a fever pitch. Amazon MGM Studios is developing the franchise’s next chapter with acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve attached to direct, and industry chatter has increasingly centered on Turner as a serious contender.



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The filmmaker worked with Turner on 2023’s “The Boys in the Boat,” where the British actor led the historical drama as Olympic rower Joe Rantz. Reflecting on Turner’s career choices since then, Clooney praised the path the actor has carved out in an industry often driven by commercial opportunities. “He hasn’t just gone for the easy paychecks. He’s done really interesting work,” the A-lister said.



Rather than pointing to a single breakout performance, Clooney highlighted the steady momentum Turner has built through projects that have helped him stand out from his peers. “Somehow Callum has weaved his way through all of the noise and found a place where people look at him and go, ‘There’s something with this young man.’ It’s exciting to watch people saying, ‘That guy, that’s a guy I want to follow and pay attention to.’”



The praise culminated in a direct endorsement for Bond. Without prompting, Clooney expressed hope that Turner ultimately lands the role, declaring, “I hope Callum ends up being the next Bond. I think he would be a great Bond.” He then listed the qualities he believes make the actor an ideal fit, adding, “He’s tall and handsome and charming and British, so he’s the perfect guy to do it.”



Turner, 36, has spent the last decade steadily building his résumé through projects such as “Fantastic Beasts,” “The Capture,” and “Masters of the Air.” More recently, his profile has risen even further thanks to high profile roles and his relationship with Dua Lipa. Whether Clooney’s prediction comes true remains to be seen, but his endorsement adds another influential voice to the growing campaign surrounding one of the most closely watched casting decisions in modern Hollywood.

George Clooney Names His Pick for the Next James Bond: “The Perfect Guy to Do It” - Spoiler US

Her comments came during a recent interview with the Daily Mail, one week after the veteran performer was killed at age 81.



<h2>Wendy Gledhill Recalls the Morning James Handy Was Killed</h2>



In the interview, Gledhill recalled that Handy got out of bed around 9 a.m. on June 3 to retrieve the newspaper. One detail stood out to her afterward. “James had gotten up to get the newspaper at about 9 o’clock, but he didn’t make the coffee like he usually does,” she told the outlet. She added that all she heard was the front door opening as he stepped outside.



Gledhill told the Daily Mail that she remained in bed and was unaware that a confrontation may have been unfolding outside the house. Referring to her son, Michael Gledhill, she said, “I can only assume my son was already out there and they started to argue, from my understanding, on the front yard.” She also acknowledged that she does not know what may have triggered the alleged dispute.



According to Gledhill, she did not realize anything had happened until officers from the Los Angeles Police Department arrived at the residence roughly half an hour later. “The first time I heard something was happening was when the police showed up,” she said. Authorities informed her that a 911 call had been placed and that “someone was wrapped in a blanket outside the house,” though she told the outlet she did not initially understand who they were referring to.



The interview also touched on Michael Gledhill’s mental health history. Gledhill said her 44-year-old son, who has reportedly been diagnosed with schizophrenia, may have stopped taking his medication in the week before the incident. “So I don’t think he was taking it at the time [of the alleged attack], but I don’t know for sure,” she told the publication.



Elsewhere in the interview, Gledhill described the emotional toll of the tragedy. “I was with James for 31 years and of course I loved him dearly,” she said. “This is so difficult.” She also told the Daily Mail that she has not left the home since Handy’s death.



The actor spent nearly five decades working steadily across film and television, appearing in titles including “Jumanji,” “Arachnophobia,” “Alias,” “Profiler,” “Logan” and “Top Gun: Maverick.” He died after suffering a fatal stab wound to the chest. Michael Gledhill was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.

Rob Reiner’s Son Seeks $1.5 Million Trust Fund to Finance Defense in Parents’ Murder Case

Sydney Sweeney Reveals the ‘Euphoria’ Scene She Trained for That Never Made the Final Cut

James Handy’s Partner Reveals New Details About the Morning of His Death - Spoiler US

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The news was confirmed by his wife, Valarie Anderson, who told TMZ that he passed away Saturday at a hospital in the Los Angeles area after suffering a cardiac arrest in May.



According to Variety, Anderson said Guidera had remained on life support for three weeks following the medical emergency.



<h2>A Familiar Face Across Film and Television</h2>



While Guidera was not a household name, he carved out a recognizable presence in Hollywood through a string of supporting roles in major studio productions. Born in San Francisco on October 18, 1960, he made his feature film debut in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather Part III” in 1990, appearing as a bodyguard in the final chapter of the acclaimed crime saga.



His film career expanded throughout the decade with appearances in several high-profile releases. Audiences saw him in Roger Donaldson’s science-fiction thriller “Species,” Michael Bay’s action blockbuster “The Rock,” Kevin Costner’s The “Postman,” and the asteroid disaster epic “Armageddon.” Though often cast in smaller roles, Guidera became a familiar screen presence in productions that defined much of 1990s popular cinema.



Television viewers also encountered him in a variety of guest roles. His credits included appearances on “Baywatch,” “Renegade,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” and “Angel,” among other series. 



One of the most unusual milestones of Guidera’s career came in 1996, when he shared the MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss with Natasha Henstridge for a scene in “Species.” 



In a statement shared on social media, Anderson described her husband’s death as a devastating loss for the family and asked supporters to keep him in their thoughts.

Anthony Guidera, ‘Species’ and ‘The Godfather Part III’ Actor, Dies at 65 After Cardiac Arrest

Anthony Guidera, ‘Species’ and ‘The Godfather Part III’ Actor, Dies at 65 After Cardiac Arrest - Spoiler US

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