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Claudia Cardinale legendary star of The Leopard and 8½ dies at 87 leaving behind six decades of cinematic brilliance

Italian screen icon Claudia Cardinale, celebrated for roles in The Leopard, 8½ and The Pink Panther, has passed away at 87 in France surrounded by her family.

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Claudia Cardinale legendary Italian actress dies at 87 after six-decade career
Italian screen icon Claudia Cardinale, star of The Leopard and 8½, has died at 87 leaving behind a legacy of timeless cinema.

The world of cinema is mourning the loss of Claudia Cardinale, the Tunisian-born Italian actress whose career spanned more than six decades and helped define the golden age of European film. Cardinale, best known for her roles in The Leopard, Federico Fellini’s 8½, and Blake Edwards’ The Pink Panther, has died at the age of 87 at Nemours in France. Her agent, Laurent Savry, confirmed that she passed away peacefully in the company of her children.

“She leaves us the legacy of a free and inspired woman both as a woman and as an artiste,” Savry said in a statement.

Claudia Cardinale legendary Italian actress dies at 87 after six-decade career



From Tunis to Venice

Born in Tunis in April 1938 to Sicilian parents, Cardinale’s journey to stardom was almost accidental. At 16, she won a beauty contest that crowned her “the most beautiful Italian woman in Tunis.” The prize was a trip to the Venice Film Festival, where her striking presence drew the attention of filmmakers.

Though she initially dreamed of becoming a teacher, her father encouraged her to “give this cinema thing a go.” Cardinale reluctantly stepped into acting, unaware that she would one day become one of the most admired actresses of her generation.

Overcoming challenges

Her early years were not without hardship. While still a teenager, Cardinale was raped and later discovered she was pregnant. Persuaded by a mentor, she gave birth in secret in London, introducing her son Patrick for years as her younger brother.

Language was another barrier: raised speaking French, Arabic, and Sicilian, her accent was considered unsuitable for Italian cinema. Early in her career, her voice was dubbed by other actors until she eventually mastered Italian for her roles.

Claudia Cardinale legendary Italian actress dies at 87 after six-decade career



Stardom in the 1960s

Cardinale’s breakthrough came in 1963 with two films that remain classics of world cinema. Fellini’s 8½, which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film, and Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard, in which she starred opposite Burt Lancaster, cemented her reputation as a luminous screen presence.

She soon caught the attention of Hollywood, appearing in The Pink Panther (1963) and Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), sharing the screen with legends like Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson. Critics hailed her as the embodiment of postwar European glamour, a mix of strength and sensuality that transcended borders.

Reflecting on her career, Cardinale once recalled a compliment from actor David Niven during the filming of The Pink Panther: “Claudia, along with spaghetti, you’re Italy’s greatest invention.”

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A personal life interwoven with film

In the early 1970s, Cardinale separated from film producer Franco Cristaldi and began a lifelong partnership with Neapolitan director Pasquale Squitieri, with whom she had a daughter, Claudia.

Despite personal challenges, her professional life thrived. She played roles that ranged from saints to seductresses, often remarking that acting allowed her to live “more than 150 lives.”

Claudia Cardinale legendary Italian actress dies at 87 after six-decade career


Advocacy and recognition

Beyond cinema, Cardinale was a committed activist. Named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 2000, she championed women’s rights and cultural causes. She was later honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Berlin Film Festival in 2002, recognition of her enduring influence on global cinema.

She continued performing into her 80s, appearing as recently as 2020 in the Swiss TV series Bulle. Her resilience and dedication to her craft made her a rare figure who bridged classic cinema and contemporary storytelling.

Tributes pour in

Following her passing, Italy’s culture minister Alessandro Giuli hailed her as “one of the greatest Italian actresses of all time,” praising her as an embodiment of “Italian grace.” Around the world, filmmakers, fans, and critics alike have been revisiting her performances, a reminder of her extraordinary contribution to the art of film.

Claudia Cardinale’s life was one of courage, reinvention, and artistry. From a reluctant teenager thrust into the spotlight to a celebrated icon who graced some of cinema’s greatest masterpieces, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

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Newsmax Makes Bold Move… Renews Greg Kelly & Carl Higbie Shows Amid Surging Viewership

The conservative network doubles down on two of its most recognizable voices as 2026 election buzz intensifies.

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Newsmax Renews Shows Hosted by Greg Kelly and Carl Higbie
Newsmax locks in Greg Kelly and Carl Higbie as the network strengthens its primetime lineup.

In a strategic decision that signals confidence in its primetime lineup, Newsmax has officially renewed the shows hosted by Greg Kelly and Carl Higbie, two of its most outspoken and widely recognized personalities.

The renewal comes at a moment when political tensions and audience demands are climbing ahead of the 2026 midterm cycle. Insiders at the network say the decision reflects the growing loyalty of viewers who have gravitated to Kelly’s sharp-edged commentary and Higbie’s forceful, unapologetic style.

Kelly, a former military aviator and long-established television presence, hosts “Greg Kelly Reports,” a show that has built a strong following through his pointed monologues and direct approach to political analysis. Fans frequently engage with his commentary on X (Twitter), where he posts under his verified profile.

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Higbie, known for his program “Carl Higbie Frontline,” has carved out his own lane with a blend of military insights, headline breakdowns, and a tone that resonates with audiences seeking a no-filter perspective. His rising popularity has made him one of the network’s fastest-growing voices.

Newsmax Renews Shows Hosted by Greg Kelly and Carl Higbie


Executives at Newsmax have reportedly been pleased with the performance of both shows, which consistently generate competitive ratings in the conservative media landscape. A source close to the network described the renewals as part of “a larger commitment to voices viewers trust during volatile political times.”

The decision also comes as the network positions itself for an increasingly crowded media environment. With election narratives heating up, viewer engagement is expected to climb — and Newsmax is making it clear which hosts it wants steering those conversations.

The renewals of Greg Kelly and Carl Higbie are not just programming moves; they are strategic bets on personalities whose influence continues to expand across television and social media.

As one executive put it, “They’re not just hosts — they’re anchors of our audience.”

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Hollywood’s New Power Move… Shannon McIntosh & Universal Music U.K. Join Forces for Major Music-Driven Films

A surprising partnership between a veteran Hollywood producer and a global music giant promises a bold wave of cinematic stories.

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Shannon McIntosh & Universal Music U.K. Team Up for New Music-Focused Film Slate
Hollywood producer Shannon McIntosh partners with Universal Music U.K.’s Globe Originals to build a groundbreaking music-driven film slate.

In a development already stirring excitement across both the film and music industries, acclaimed Hollywood producer Shannon McIntosh has officially partnered with Universal Music U.K.’s creative studio Globe Productions to develop a slate of music-driven feature films.

McIntosh, known for her long list of acclaimed works and her reputation for cultivating emotionally rich storytelling, described the collaboration as “a natural evolution” of her creative journey. Sources close to the deal say her vision aligns seamlessly with Globe’s growing portfolio of film and documentary projects centered around music, culture, and artist narratives.

The partnership will bring together McIntosh’s Hollywood filmmaking expertise and Globe’s vast access to musical talent, archival material, and the expansive catalogue owned by Universal Music U.K. With the music world increasingly intersecting with cinema, analysts call the pairing “one of the most strategically timed moves of the year.”

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Executives at Universal Music U.K. reportedly view the collaboration as a chance to push deeper into narrative filmmaking — a space where music biopics, performance-centered dramas, and cultural documentaries continue to dominate audience interest. Using Globe’s creative infrastructure and McIntosh’s storytelling pedigree, the two entities aim to bring true stories, artist-inspired films, and original music-centered narratives to a global audience.

McIntosh’s body of work has consistently spotlighted character-led storytelling. Insiders say she plans to apply the same approach to this new slate, weaving music into the emotional core of each film.

Shannon McIntosh & Universal Music U.K. Team Up for New Music-Focused Film Slate


A representative familiar with the partnership explained, “This isn’t just about placing songs in movies. It’s about building entire cinematic experiences around music — the artists, the legacy, the emotion.”

Although the first film titles in the slate have not yet been revealed, early signs suggest a blend of biographical dramas, culture-focused narratives, and original concept films that pull from Universal Music’s vast influence across genres.

For Hollywood and the global music world alike, the message is clear:
A new era of music-powered storytelling is beginning — and McIntosh is steering the ship.

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Catherine O’Hara Remembered on Stage, Harrison Ford Honoured with Lifetime Award but Who Really Stole the Night at the 2026 Actor Awards?

From Sinners sweeping the film categories to a tearful tribute that left the Shrine Auditorium speechless, the 32nd Actor Awards delivered drama, history, and moments no one saw coming.

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2026 Actor Awards Full Winners List: Sinners Wins Big, Seth Rogen's Tearful Tribute to Catherine O'Hara, Harrison Ford Honoured
Michael B. Jordan, Jessie Buckley, Seth Rogen and the casts of Sinners, The Studio, and The Pitt celebrate at the 32nd Actor Awards (formerly SAG Awards) at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, streaming live on Netflix. (Photo: Getty Images)

Sunday night in Los Angeles belonged to the bold, the brave, and the brilliantly performed. The 32nd Actor Awards — officially rebranded from the beloved Screen Actors Guild Awards to The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA — lit up the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall with a ceremony that felt less like an industry ritual and more like a genuine celebration of craft. And streaming live on Netflix, it reached more living rooms than ever before.

Hosted by the ever-charming Kristen Bell, the evening opened with the show’s iconic “I am an actor” segment featuring surprise appearances from Teyana Taylor, the legendary Michael J. Fox, and a constellation of other stars — setting the tone for a night that would be equal parts celebration and emotion.

Bell, clearly in her element, referenced the name change in a musical number during her monologue that had the audience laughing and clapping. It was the kind of opener that reminded you why live ceremonies still matter.

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Sinners Takes the Crown

The biggest story of the film night was Ryan Coogler‘s Sinners, which walked away with the most coveted film prize: Best Performance by an Ensemble in a Film. The cast — a sprawling, electric group — erupted in celebration as they took the stage.

But it didn’t stop there. Michael B. Jordan claimed Best Leading Actor for his magnetic performance in the film, cementing what many critics have been saying for months: this is the role of his career. Jordan, visibly moved, delivered a speech that was heartfelt and grounded — no Hollywood fluff, just genuine gratitude.

On the actress side, British powerhouse Jessie Buckley won Best Leading Actress for her devastating turn in Hamnet, the adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell‘s bestselling novel. Buckley has long been one of the most underrated performers working today — and Sunday night, the industry finally said it out loud.

2026 Actor Awards Full Winners List: Sinners Wins Big, Seth Rogen's Tearful Tribute to Catherine O'Hara, Harrison Ford Honoured


In the supporting categories, two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn took home Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another, a role he reportedly threw himself into with characteristic intensity. And Amy Madigan — a name that deserves far more marquee space — won Best Supporting Actress for Weapons, delivering a performance that left critics reaching for superlatives.


The Moment That Silenced the Room

If there was one moment that transcended awards season politics, it was this: Seth Rogen winning Best Actor in a Comedy Series for The Studio — and then, in the same breath, accepting the Best Actress in a Comedy Series award on behalf of his co-star Catherine O’Hara, who passed away in January.

Rogen’s tribute was quietly devastating. He didn’t reach for big words. He spoke about O’Hara the way someone speaks about a person they genuinely loved — with warmth, wit, and the kind of grief that doesn’t perform itself. There wasn’t a dry eye in the auditorium.

The Studio also won Best Comedy Series Ensemble, a well-deserved nod to one of the most talked-about shows of the year.


The Pitt Dominates Drama

On the drama side, The Pitt proved it’s more than just a critical darling — it’s an industry favourite too. The medical drama took home Best Ensemble in a Drama Series, and Noah Wyle — yes, that Noah Wyle, back and better than ever — won Best Actor in a Drama Series.

Keri Russell, long overdue for this kind of recognition, was named Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in The Diplomat. Russell has quietly been one of television’s finest performers for years. Sunday night was simply the industry catching up.


Limited Series: Intimacy Rewarded

In the limited series categories, Michelle Williams won for Dying for Sex, a performance that reportedly required everything she had — and then some. Young breakout Owen Cooper won for Adolescence, a name the industry will be watching for years.


Stunts Get Their Moment

Before the main ceremony, Netflix‘s red carpet preshow celebrated the best stunt ensembles — a category that never gets enough attention. Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning won for film, while The Last of Us triumphed on the TV side. Both are testaments to the jaw-dropping, life-risking work that rarely gets a speech.


Harrison Ford’s Night

The evening’s most poignant moment of pure reverence came when Woody Harrelson took the stage to present the Life Achievement Award to none other than Harrison Ford. Han Solo. Indiana Jones. Jack Ryan. A living monument to American cinema received his flowers — and the standing ovation lasted long enough to feel earned.


The 2026 Actor Awards didn’t just hand out trophies. It reminded us why storytelling matters, why performance is irreplaceable, and why — even in the age of algorithms and streaming wars — a room full of actors celebrating each other still feels like something worth watching.

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