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Australian actor Rose Byrne, fresh from winning a Golden Globe and earning an Oscar nomination for her lead role in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” will be honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals on Friday. Byrne, known for her roles in films such as “Bridesmaids,” “Neighbors,” “Insidious” and the TV series “Damages,” will join a celebratory parade through the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts. She will later receive the traditional pudding pot award at a roast ceremony and attend a performance of the troupe’s 177th production, “Salooney Tunes.” In a review of the film, AP critic Jocelyn Noveck said Byrne was given “a chance to display versatility and grit in surely the toughest dramatic role of her career.” Sonam Kapoor hosts heartfelt Baby Shower, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Anil Kapoor among guests Actor Michael Keaton, famed for “Batman,” “Birdman,” “Beetlejuice” and “Spotlight,” was named the 2026 Man of the Year and received his pudding pot on Feb. 6. “We are thrilled to honor Rose Byrne as our Woman of the Year,” Hasty Pudding Theatricals President Daisy Nussbaum said in a statement, noting that her recent Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination made the recognition fitting. The Hasty Pudding Theatricals is the oldest theatrical organization in the United States and among the oldest globally. Since 1951, it has presented the annual award to leading actresses including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson and Annette Bening. Last year’s recipient was “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo. Byrne has also appeared in “Juliet, Naked,” “Get Him to the Greek” and “28 Weeks Later.” Her stage work includes productions at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and she is set to star opposite Kelli O’Hara in the Broadway revival of “Fallen Angels” beginning in March. Ireland introduces world’s first permanent basic income scheme for artists

Sonam Kapoor, soon to welcome her second child, shared a glimpse of her Seemantonnayan ceremony, describing it as an emotional and deeply meaningful celebration. Taking to Instagram, Sonam posted a reel featuring family and close friends, including Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shabana Azmi, Khushi Kapoor, Masaba Gupta, Anupam Kher, and Sanjay Kapoor. She reflected on the significance of Seemantonnayan, the third of the sixteen sacred sanskars in Sanatan Dharma, commonly known as the “hair-parting ritual,” which honours the mother and the life she carries. The ceremony is also celebrated in different regions of India under names such as Godh Bharai, Shrimant, Dohale Jevan, Shaad, Seemantham, Valaikappu, Pulikkudi, and Sadhabhakshan, with the essence remaining the same: blessing, love, protection, and celebration of new life. The ritual involves the husband parting the hair of the expecting mother to promote the healthy development of the fetus, ensure maternal mental well-being, and ward off negative energies. Sonam expressed that the presence of her closest friends and family made the occasion even more special. “This ancient ritual felt even more meaningful because all my best friends in the world showed up for me. My whole family did too. I felt so held. And to my mum, my mother-in-law, and my sister — thank you for organising everything and making me feel so deeply loved, cherished and celebrated. I will never forget this. A lap full of blessings. A heart overflowing with gratitude,” she wrote. In November 2025, Sonam had announced her second pregnancy. Recently, she shared an Instagram picture of herself in a vibrant hot-pink wool suit, captioned simply, “MOTHER.” Sonam Kapoor married businessman Anand Ahuja in a lavish ceremony in May 2018, after years of dating. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Vayu, in August 2022.

Ireland has introduced what is being described as the world’s first permanent basic income scheme for artists, offering selected recipients €325 per week to support their creative work. The Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) programme will provide weekly payments to 2,000 eligible artists for a period of three years. Applications are scheduled to open in May. Culture Minister Patrick O’Donovan said the initiative marks a significant milestone and positions Ireland as a global leader in artist support. He noted that the scheme aims to sustain artistic careers and help retain creative talent within the country. The permanent programme follows a pilot launched in 2022 to assist the arts and culture sector in recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to government data, every €1 invested in the pilot generated a return of €1.39, while also allowing artists to devote more time to their work and improving their quality of life. O’Donovan said research from the pilot consistently highlighted the positive impact of income support, as well as the financial insecurity faced by many artists in Ireland. He encouraged artists nationwide to apply so the final selection reflects a broad range of creative disciplines. The Department of Culture said 2,000 applicants will be selected through an anonymous randomised process to ensure equal opportunity. Detailed application guidelines will be published in April. To be eligible, applicants must be resident in Ireland at the time of application, work as professional artists with an established creative practice, and have their primary creative activity based in Ireland. Officials expect a high volume of applications and acknowledged that not all eligible candidates will receive funding. Those not selected in 2026 will have another opportunity to apply when the scheme reopens in 2029.   With inputs from BBC

A sequel to the Brad Pitt-led blockbuster F1 is officially in development, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed. Speaking at the annual Academy Awards luncheon in Los Angeles, Bruckheimer said work has begun on a follow-up to the racing drama, which was released last summer. However, he did not provide a timeline or confirm whether Pitt will return to reprise his role. The film stars Pitt, 62, as veteran driver Sonny Hayes, who makes a comeback to Formula 1 with the fictional team APXGP. The project was co-produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and was filmed during the 2023 and 2024 Formula 1 seasons, including scenes shot at major race weekends such as the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. F1 earned $630 million worldwide, making it Apple Original Films’ most successful theatrical release so far. The movie has also received four Oscar nominations this year, including a nod for best picture. Bruckheimer said he was pleased by the film’s awards recognition and described working with Pitt as a thrilling experience. He noted that production faced delays due to industry strikes but ultimately succeeded in drawing global audiences. Speculation about a sequel had been circulating for months. During a recent Apple TV press event, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali hinted at future developments, telling fans to “stay tuned.” In addition to the F1 sequel, Bruckheimer revealed he is developing several other projects, including Heat 2, another Days of Thunder film, a new Top Gun installment and a further entry in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. He also mentioned a project related to UFOs. Reflecting on changes in Hollywood, including studio mergers and the rise of artificial intelligence, Bruckheimer expressed optimism about the future of cinema. He said audiences will continue to seek live entertainment, adding that filmmakers must deliver content people want to see in theatres.   With inputs from BBC

Pop icon Britney Spears has sold the rights to her entire music catalogue to independent publisher Primary Wave for an estimated $200 million, according to media reports. Spears, 44, reportedly finalized the deal on December 30. Neither Primary Wave nor representatives for the singer have publicly commented on the agreement, and the exact financial details have not been officially disclosed. The Grammy-winning artist is known for global hits such as ...Baby One More Time, Oops!... I Did It Again, Toxic and Gimme More. She has released nine studio albums since her 1999 debut and has sold more than 150 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time. In January 2024, Spears said she would “never return to the music industry.” Her most recent musical release was a 2022 duet with Elton John. Primary Wave, founded two decades ago by music executive Lawrence Mestel, has also acquired stakes in the estates or catalogues of major artists including Prince, Whitney Houston and Notorious BIG. Spears joins a growing list of high-profile musicians who have sold their catalogues in recent years. Bruce Springsteen sold his back catalogue to Sony in 2021 in a deal reportedly worth $500 million, while Justin Bieber signed a deal valued at around $200 million in 2023. The sale follows a turbulent period in Spears’ life. In 2021, she ended a 13-year conservatorship that gave her father control over her finances and personal affairs. She later detailed her experiences in her 2023 memoir The Woman in Me.   With inputs from BBC

Grammy-winning singer Chappell Roan has cut ties with the Wasserman talent agency, led by entertainment executive and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics chair Casey Wasserman, following the release of government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Wasserman has not been accused of any wrongdoing. However, documents made public by the US Justice Department show that in 2003 he exchanged flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later convicted of helping Epstein recruit and abuse underage girls. “As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman,” Roan wrote on Instagram Monday. “I hold my teams to the highest standards… No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.” Though she did not mention Epstein directly, Roan said artists deserve representation that aligns with their values and ensures their safety and dignity. Among the released emails was one in which Wasserman told Maxwell, “I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” Responding earlier, Wasserman said he “deeply regret” the correspondence, which he described as taking place “long before her horrific crimes came to light.” He also said he never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein and met him only once during a 2002 philanthropy trip to Africa with former US President Bill Clinton. He added that he never saw anything inappropriate and had no further contact. Trevor Noah takes jabs at Trump and Nicki Minaj during Grammys Maxwell was charged in 2020 and is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Roan’s move follows similar decisions by other artists under Wasserman. Bands including Wednesday, Beach Bunny, Water From Your Eyes and Sylvan Esso have announced plans to leave the agency, while Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino publicly urged Wasserman to step down. Wasserman, grandson of Hollywood mogul Lew Wasserman, heads one of the world’s leading sports and talent agencies and has played a key role in bringing the 2028 Summer Olympics to Los Angeles. The International Olympic Committee has said it will not intervene in the matter.

February 2026 brings a mix of returning favourites and new releases in TV entertainment, from comedies and thrillers to historical dramas and biographical series. Among the highlights is the revival of the popular hospital sitcom Scrubs, with Zach Braff returning as JD and Donald Faison as Turk. The series picks up 16 years after the original finale, blending nostalgia with new storylines. It premieres February 25 on ABC and February 26 on Hulu in the US. Thrillers like Vanished, starring Kaley Cuoco and Sam Claflin, follow a couple whose romantic trip turns dangerous after one mysteriously disappears. The series premieres February 1 on MGM+ in the US and February 27 on Prime Video in the UK. Another suspense-filled release, 56 Days, based on Catherine Ryan Howard’s novel, explores an erotic relationship entwined with murder and suspense, premiering February 18 on Prime Video globally. Fans of dark crime dramas can follow Dark Winds season four, set among the Navajo Tribal Police, which continues to combine 1970s Americana, Native traditions, and suspenseful investigation. It premieres February 15 on AMC and AMC+ in the US. Other notable series include the comic thriller How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (February 12, Netflix), the political thriller Paradise starring Sterling K. Brown (February 23, Hulu), and the historical drama The Gray House, set during the US Civil War (February 26, Prime Video). Biographical miniseries Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette premieres February 12 on FX and Hulu in the US, with Disney+ release in the UK on February 13. Comedy fans can enjoy The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe, which combines mockumentary style with odd-couple humour. It premieres February 23 on NBC and February 24 on Peacock in the US. This February’s slate of TV shows offers something for every audience, from nostalgic revivals to high-stakes thrillers and historical storytelling, marking a diverse month in entertainment.   With inputs from BBC

Brad Arnold, the lead singer and songwriter of popular US rock band 3 Doors Down, has died after battling cancer. He was 47, the band confirmed in a statement posted on social media on Saturday. “He will be deeply missed and forever remembered,” the band said, paying tribute to Arnold’s long career and impact on rock music. Arnold was best known for writing and performing hit songs such as Kryptonite, Here Without You, When I’m Gone and Loser, which dominated rock and pop radio during the 2000s. In May 2025, Arnold revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage four clear cell renal carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer that had spread to his lungs. At the time, he said he was not afraid and asked fans to keep him in their prayers, though the illness forced the band to cancel an upcoming tour. The band said Arnold, a founding member as well as the original drummer and vocalist, helped shape mainstream rock music by combining post-grunge sounds with emotional lyrics that connected with everyday listeners. Formed in Mississippi in the mid-1990s, 3 Doors Down rose to fame with their debut album The Better Life in 2000. The album became one of the top-selling records in the United States that year, according to Billboard. Arnold wrote the band’s breakout hit Kryptonite when he was just 15 years old. Another founding member of the band, Matt Roberts, died in 2016 at the age of 38. Arnold was also open about his struggles with alcoholism and said he had been sober since 2016. He often spoke about how recovery changed his life both personally and professionally. Over the years, 3 Doors Down won three Billboard Music Awards and performed at major national events, including US presidential inaugurations. In 2004, the band set up the Better Life Foundation, a charity that supports children in need of food, shelter and medical care. Arnold is survived by his wife, Jennifer.   With inputs from BBC

The producer also remarked, “After Sholay, I can’t recall another film that has achieved this level of success.” Starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, Dhurandhar released in theatres on December 5, 2025, and went on to dominate the box office, shattering several records. The film’s producer, Jyoti Deshpande, has now shared her thoughts on its extraordinary performance. What the Dhurandhar producer said In an interview with Fortune India, Jyoti Deshpande said, “This isn’t just a victory for the makers; it equally belongs to the audience. It has been many decades since a film has captured the collective imagination of moviegoers like this. People turned it into a blockbuster by watching it repeatedly and spreading the word. The film has been running in theatres for over 60 days.” Drawing parallels with the legendary Sholay, she added, “After Sholay, I can’t think of any film that has been this successful. As filmmakers, there is no greater recognition than this. It’s not something you can plan or buy with marketing budgets—money alone can’t create this kind of impact.” Talking about Dhurandhar 2, scheduled for a March 19 theatrical release, she said, “If the first part hadn’t worked, the sequel would have remained shelved. But we were confident the first film would succeed, and we put that belief out into the world. We’re thrilled that audiences embraced it.” She further shared, “We truly believe Dhurandhar 2 will surpass the first film. It will be released in five languages.” Music rights of "Dhurandhar 2" shift from Saregama to T-Series Reflecting on the film’s unprecedented reach, Jyoti noted, “The success of Dhurandhar 1 in just one language has been extraordinary. It has outperformed South Indian films, and even for the Hindi version, the contribution from southern states is three times higher than that of another successful Hindi film. It is also the most-watched film in Pakistan. Several respected industry figures have told me that there’s a ‘before Dhurandhar’ and an ‘after Dhurandhar’—that we’ve changed the grammar of storytelling.” Meanwhile, the recently released teaser of Dhurandhar 2 has sparked massive excitement among cinema audiences. NDTV source

Martin Scorsese’s legendary New York thriller ‘Taxi Driver’ turns 50 this week, yet its most powerful moment may not be the one everyone remembers. The film, released in US cinemas on February 8, 1976, is widely known for Robert De Niro’s famous line, “Are you talking to me?” as he stares into a mirror. De Niro plays Travis Bickle, an ex-marine turned cab-driver slowly unraveling in the gritty, chaotic streets of 1970s New York. But behind the iconic mirror scene lies another quieter, more heartbreaking moment that truly defines the film’s emotional core. This key scene comes early in the film when Travis calls Betsy from a payphone after upsetting her with a disastrous date. He pleads for a second chance, but she refuses. Instead of focusing on his heartbreak in a typical dramatic way, Scorsese’s camera slowly pulls away, leaving Travis behind in a grim, empty corridor that opens onto the dark, bustling city. The shot captures the raw loneliness and rejection Travis experiences, letting audiences feel his isolation without needing words. Screenwriter Paul Schrader recalls how Scorsese improvised this approach on set. “It was so painful to watch him that Marty decided the camera should just move away,” Schrader told the BBC. “It lets Travis keep a bit of dignity, something the world rarely gives him.” Scorsese later told Stephen Colbert that this corridor scene shaped the entire visual style of ‘Taxi Driver’. Its European-inspired approach  reminiscent of Jean-Luc Godard and Agnès Varda contrasts with the film’s later violent bravado, offering a tender look at Travis’s vulnerability. Dilwale Dulhania at 30: Mandir’s timeless romance with SRK-Kajol classic Film historian Mark Cousins explains, “That tracking shot isn’t just about Travis’s loneliness, it’s about ours. In that moment, he’s not threatening but achingly human, and the camera’s refusal to intrude lets us share that pain.” While the mirror scene may be more famous, the corridor sequence quietly captures the universal feeling of isolation at the heart of ‘Taxi Driver’. Half a century later, Scorsese’s masterpiece remains both a cultural icon and a deeply human story of loneliness, rejection, and longing in a city that never sleeps.   With inputs from BBC