Mariska Hargitay is ready to serve as captain. Not just of New York’s Special Victims Unit through her longtime portrayal of Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. But also of the 2026 Emmys.
Category: Celebs
Entertainment, news, celebrity updates, pop culture, film, music, and television.
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Dave Franco Explains ‘Complicated’ Relationship With Brother James, ‘Who He Still Loves’
Dave Franco Opens Up About Complex Relationship With Brother James Franco
For years, Dave Franco navigated Hollywood primarily known as “James Franco’s little brother.” However, recent successes — including 21 Jump Street, the horror film Together co-starring his wife Alison Brie, and his performance in Seth Rogen’s The Studio — have established him as a talent in his own right. Despite this, comparisons to his older brother persist, particularly following the sexual misconduct allegations that effectively cast James Franco out of the mainstream industry in 2018.
James Franco’s 2018 Allegations and Fallout
The 127 Hours star faced multiple accusations during his Oscar campaign for The Disaster Artist. An ex-girlfriend accused him of sexual assault, while several former students of his acting school filed lawsuits alleging he was “sexually inappropriate” and ran a “Sex Scenes” class. James Franco later admitted to sleeping with students but maintained the class was separate from those relationships. Following the allegations, longtime collaborator Seth Rogen publicly cut ties with him.
In a 2021 appearance on The Jess Cagle Show, James Franco addressed the impact on his family, stating: “I don’t want Seth [Rogen, who has cut ties with James] or my brother or anyone to have to answer for me anymore.”
Dave Franco Breaks Silence on Armchair Expert Podcast
Dave Franco had never publicly commented on the allegations against his brother until a recent appearance on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast. The conversation turned to the experience of interviewing family members and the unexpected vulnerability it creates.
Dave Franco referenced an Esquire shoot where he interviewed his brother, recalling: “Woah, we’ve never talked about any of this and you get kind of vulnerable and it’s kind of nice and you learn about each other.”
During the podcast, one of the co-hosts mentioned they had “forgot” Dave was related to James. The Together actor described the dynamic as “complicated.”
He continued: “I’ve felt a lot more [his own person] in recent years. It’s a complicated thing where I love my brother and I’m so grateful for the advice he gave me coming through this business.”
Dave Franco acknowledged the value of observing his brother’s career, saying he appreciated watching how James “navigated certain situations” and will “always be grateful for that.” He added: “I think in recent years I’ve kind of gone down my path long enough that people have started to give me my own due.” Dave noted this separation was especially challenging because “he’s a very talented [actor].”
Shepard compared the brothers’ dynamic to Frank and Sylvester Stallone, but observed that Dave had “risen up to be co-Sylvester.”
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‘Bitter Christmas’ Review: Pedro Almodóvar Returns with Cerebral, Semi-Autobiographical Drama
Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Bitter Christmas’ Explores Artistic Cannibalism at TIFF 2026
Spanish auteur Pedro Almodóvar returns to semi-autobiographical territory with Bitter Christmas, a companion piece to his 2019 film Pain and Glory. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival ahead of a November theatrical release in the United States.
Parallel Narratives Across Two Decades
Almodóvar, who wrote and directed the feature, structures the story across two timelines. Leonardo Sbaraglia portrays Raúl, a filmmaker seeking inspiration for a new screenplay in 2025. His creative circle includes younger partner Santi (Quim Gutiérrez) and longtime manager Mónica (Aitana Sánchez-Gijón).
Interwoven with Raúl’s journey is the fictional screenplay he writes, set in 2004. There, once-revered art-house director Elsa (Bárbara Lennie) attempts to pivot from commercials back to screenwriting. Both protagonists navigate May-December romances and draw creative fuel from a friend’s personal tragedy, raising questions about artistic exploitation.
Visual Style and Ensemble Performances
The film maintains Almodóvar’s signature aesthetic — vivid color palettes dominated by reds, magentas, golds, and ambers. Production design emphasizes lived-in textures: thoughtfully organized bookshelves, elegant illustrations, and a women’s strip club blending chic and sleazy elements.
Sbaraglia delivers a nuanced performance as Raúl, conveying passion and low-burning frustration. Lennie’s Elsa embodies the classic Almodóvar heroine — strong-willed, defiant, and ruthlessly devoted to her art. The younger partners, Santi and Bonifacio (Patrick Criado), are characterized by congeniality and sex appeal, though Gutiérrez brings more depth to Santi than Criado’s Bonifacio receives.
Mónica Emerges as Central Figure
Aitana Sánchez-Gijón’s Mónica ultimately commands the film’s most compelling arc. Initially presented as the devoted manager handling every logistical detail for the sensitive artist, she unexpectedly requests a sabbatical — unusual for a clear workaholic. Her revelation about a friend’s devastating personal loss mirrors themes from Almodóvar’s previous film, The Room Next Door.
The narrative ignites when Raúl immediately repurposes this confidence for his fiction, both in his screenplay and his life. A garden café confrontation where Mónica challenges Raúl’s selfishness becomes the film’s emotional peak, arguing for privacy and a friend’s dignity.
Restraint and Unresolved Tension
Despite compelling parallel stories, both Raúl and Elsa often feel subdued, observing their lives from a distance rather than fully inhabiting them. This restraint may be intentional, but it creates a sense of the film holding its breath. When emotional release arrives through Mónica’s confrontation, the movie ends shortly after without satisfying resolution — a delay perhaps reserved for Almodóvar’s next project.
Meta-Commentary and Legacy Context
At one point, Raúl acknowledges that even a minor work from him will loom large for devotees — a moment that reads as both self-awareness and preemptive defense. For general audiences, Bitter Christmas may feel slight. For Almodóvar scholars, it functions as a Rosetta stone illuminating the filmmaker’s broader body of work and his ongoing negotiation with artistic cannibalism.
Release Information
Bitter Christmas opens in New York City and Los Angeles on November 13 before expanding nationwide on November 25.
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Former Bond Girl Says Next 007 Should Be ‘another gorgeous man’ as James Bond Decision Looms
Former Bond girl Alison Papworth has weighed in on the ongoing speculation surrounding the next James Bond, stating that the iconic role should go to “another gorgeous man” as rumors intensify that the next 007 has already been selected.
Papworth Backs Traditional Casting for Next 007
Alison Papworth, who appeared in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, shared her thoughts on the future of the franchise during a recent interview. With Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond having concluded with No Time to Die in 2021, the search for his successor has been the subject of widespread media speculation and fan debate.
“The next 007 should be another gorgeous man,” Papworth said, emphasizing her belief that the character’s established appeal rests on a specific blend of sophistication, physicality, and charm.
Rumors Suggest Casting Decision May Be Finalized
Her comments come amid persistent rumors that producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, alongside Amazon MGM Studios, may have already identified the next actor to portray the British spy. While no official announcement has been made, industry insiders have suggested that a decision could be imminent, potentially ending years of conjecture names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, and Regé-Jean Page have frequently circulated in betting markets and fan discussions.
The Bond franchise, one of the most valuable in cinema history, faces a pivotal casting choice that will define its direction for the next decade. Papworth’s perspective reflects a segment of the fanbase that favors continuity in the character’s traditional portrayal, even as broader conversations about modernizing the role continue.
Eon Productions has historically maintained tight control over casting announcements, typically revealing the new Bond only when a formal deal is secured. Until then, speculation — and opinions from franchise alumni like Papworth — will likely remain a staple of entertainment coverage.
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Star Trek Legend William Shatner Reveals Bosses Wanted Spock to Lose Iconic Pointy Ears
Star Trek legend William Shatner has revealed that network executives originally wanted to remove Spock’s signature pointed ears, a creative decision that could have fundamentally altered one of science fiction’s most recognizable characters.
The iconic series debuted 60 years ago this month, but Shatner recently reflected on the show’s early development during an interview with Interview Magazine. The 95-year-old actor, who portrayed Captain James T. Kirk in the original series, disclosed that NBC brass initially objected to the Vulcan’s distinctive appearance.
Network Pushback on Spock’s Design
According to Shatner, the network’s first reaction to the character was blunt. “The first thing they said with Spock is, ‘Get rid of the ears.’ And bless our management, they said, ‘No, we’re not getting rid of the ears,’” he shared.
The management team prevailed, and Spock — originally played by Leonard Nimoy and later by Zachary Quinto in the reboot films — retained the pointed ears that became a franchise hallmark.
Ears Essential to ‘Science-Fiction Magic’
Shatner emphasized that preserving the ears was crucial to establishing the show’s unique identity. “In that pilot, I was attracted to the magic, the imagination behind that pilot with the swollen heads and the pulsing. It was such wonderful makeup. It was intriguing from many points of view.”
The actor explained that these creative elements helped audiences suspend disbelief. “You can have weird people coming out of a rock and saying, ‘These are the people who live on this planet,’ and accept it because you don’t know who’s living on that planet in the sky,” he said. “That science-fiction magic was a big propellant in the popularity of Star Trek.”
Franchise Endurance and Optimistic Vision
More than half a century later, Star Trek has grown into one of the highest-grossing media franchises in history. From the original series, the property has expanded to include multiple spin-off shows, films, video games, comics, novels, merchandise, and conventions where “Trekkies” celebrate the USS Enterprise universe.
The franchise continues to attract new generations through ongoing reinvention. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about Star Trek’s longevity, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds creator Akiva Goldsman offered insight into its enduring appeal.
“I think Star Trek reflects the world as we wish it was. The promise of a bright future. And with the real-world future looking scarier every day, it takes a lot of will to hold onto optimism. Articulating a sci-fi vision of a world where we actually do solve problems — that’s as important today as it was in 1966.”
As the franchise marks its 60th anniversary, Shatner’s revelation underscores how a single creative stand by production management preserved a visual icon that helped launch a cultural phenomenon.
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NYT Connections Hints & Answers for September 14, 2026
NYT Connections Today: Hints, Categories, and Answers for Puzzle #1191
The daily New York Times Connections puzzle continues to challenge word-game enthusiasts. If you are looking for a nudge in the right direction without an immediate spoiler, the hints below will help you identify the common threads. For those ready to see the solution, the full answer grid is provided at the end.
What Is NYT Connections?
Connections is the Times’ latest daily word game to become a social-media phenomenon. Associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu is credited with helping create the game for the publication’s Games section. Accessible on both web browsers and mobile devices, the objective is to group 16 words into four sets of four that share a hidden connection. Categories can range from book titles and software terms to country names and beyond.
Each puzzle allows up to four mistakes. Correctly identified groups are removed from the board and color-coded by difficulty: yellow (easiest), green, blue, and purple (hardest). Players may shuffle the board at any time to spot patterns more easily, and results can be shared on social media.
Hint for Today’s Connections Categories
Want a subtle clue about the themes without revealing the exact category names? Try these directional hints:
- Yellow: Birds that like water
- Green: Undercover
- Blue: Disposables
- Purple: Kinds of grass
Today’s Connections Categories Revealed
If you need a bit more assistance, here are the actual category names for puzzle #1191:
- Yellow: Waterbirds
- Green: Informant
- Blue: Common Single-Use Plastic Items
- Purple: ___Grass
NYT Connections #1191 Answer Key
Spoiler alert: The complete solution for today’s puzzle is listed below.
- Waterbirds: COOT, GOOSE, LOON, TEAL
- Informant: CANARY, RAT, SNITCH, STOOLIE
- Common Single-Use Plastic Items: BAG, CUTLERY, STIRRER, STRAW
- ___Grass: BLUE, CRAB, LEMON, WHEAT
More Daily Puzzle Help
If you are also tackling other NYT games, check out today’s Wordle answer and Strands hints. For additional puzzles—including Mahjong, Sudoku, and free crosswords—visit the Mashable games hub.
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NYT Strands Hints and Answers for September 14, 2026
New York Times puzzle enthusiasts can find today’s Strands solutions with our complete guide for September 12. The daily word-search variant challenges players to uncover themed words hidden across a grid where every letter belongs to an answer.
How NYT Strands Works
Unlike traditional word searches, Strands allows words to snake in any direction—up, down, left, right, or diagonally—and even change direction mid-word, creating distinctive patterns. Each puzzle features a unifying theme and a “spangram,” a special phrase that encapsulates the theme and spans the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.
Today’s Strands Theme: “Oh My Gosh!!”
The September 12 puzzle centers on surprise reactions. The theme “Oh My Gosh!!” signals that all solution words are adjectives describing fright or excitement.
Spangram Direction and Answer
Today’s spangram runs vertically. The complete spangram answer is That’s shocking.
Complete Word List for September 12
- Exclaim
- Shudder
- Freeze
- Gasp
- Start
- Recoil
Each word fits the theme of physical or verbal reactions to sudden surprise or shock.
More Daily Puzzle Coverage
Mashable provides daily hints and solutions for Wordle, Connections, and other popular online games. Visit our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and additional puzzle resources.
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Wordle Today: Answer and Hints for September 14, 2026
Today’s Wordle Answer and Hints for September 14, 2026
If you rinse your plates before loading the dishwasher, today’s Wordle solution might come to you quickly. For those who want the answer immediately, scroll to the bottom. If you prefer to solve it yourself, read on for clues, strategies, and the eventual reveal.
Wordle Origins and Background
Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
Best Wordle Starting Words
The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What Happened to the Wordle Archive?
The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website’s creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle Getting Harder?
It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn’t any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle’s Hard Mode if you’re after more of a challenge, though.
Today’s Wordle Hints
Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:
Cleanse
Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter? There are no recurring letters.
Today’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with the letter R.
Today’s Wordle Answer
Get your last guesses in now, because it’s your final chance to solve today’s Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today’s Wordle is RINSE.
Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
More Puzzles and Games
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands. If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
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Lanterns Episode 5 Recap: What Happened and What Comes Next
Lanterns Episode 5 Recap: Rushville in Ruins as Hal Jordan and John Stewart Face Off
If you need a moment to recover after Lanterns’ fifth episode, you are not alone. Episode 5 delivered a seismic shift, pitting Green Lanterns Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) against Manhunter Zoe Macon (Poorna Jagannathan) in a battle that left Rushville in ruins. The conflict also fractured the partnership between Hal and John, leaving the role of Green Lantern in flux.
What Happened in the Rushville Fight?
A better question might be what didn’t happen. Zoe healed John from wounds sustained when Hal crashed their car, then announced a town-wide kill order on Hal. The citizens of Rushville mobilized to protect the Manhunter in their midst, while Zoe began obliterating sections of the town with the laser satellite introduced in episode 4.
Meanwhile, Hal hunted the Manhunter independently, hoping to deliver Zoe to the Guardians himself. He first sent Antaan (Paul Ben-Victor) and his vengeful alien crew on a wild goose chase to William Macon’s (Garret Dillahunt) compound, claiming Macon was the Manhunter. Macon put on a convincing performance thanks to language and backstory coaching from Zoe, but Antaan uncovered the ruse and killed him. (RIP to Lanterns’ resident exhibitionist wife guy.) Antaan then pursued Zoe, but Hal intercepted him, leaving Antaan to explode in mid-air. (RIP to the “Antaan is Atrocitus” theory.)
Hal vs. John: The Motel Showdown
The heart of the Rushville battle was the knock-down, drag-out fight between Hal and John at the motel. The two clashed over the power ring, unleashing months’ worth of resentment before Zoe leveled the building. In a move both sweet and practical, Hal managed to shield John inside a protective bubble.
In the aftermath, John used Hal’s prone body as bait before sniping Zoe, eliminating the second-greatest threat Hal faced. John, Hal’s greatest threat, remained alive. He claimed both the ring and the lantern from Hal but refused to recite the Oath. Instead, he told Guardian Lianna (Laura Linney) he wanted no further part in the Corps. After his traumatic childhood training, discipline, and sacrifice, putting on the ring felt like nothing. To answer the question Hal posed after their fight: “No, it wasn’t worth it.”
Now Lanterns is both Lantern-less and Manhunter-less. With these two central elements removed, the series must chart a new course.
What Comes Next in Lanterns?
Now that the Manhunter mystery is resolved, Lanterns can pivot to its next major question: Who killed Hal Jordan?
Episode 1 ended with John and Sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald) examining Hal’s corpse at the Rushville football field—ground zero for the Manhunter conspiracy. Episode 6 will likely jump to the 2026 timeline, exploring John’s life after Green Lantern training—“please let him be an architect now!”—and his investigation into Hal’s murder. Viewers also need answers about Hal’s missing decade: Did he stay in Rushville? Did he continue pursuing the married Kerry? Did he remember to feed Earl?
Because Lanterns takes place in 2026, Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), first introduced in Superman, is now the sector’s Green Lantern. Fillion is confirmed for the series, but his role remains unclear: a comedic cameo or an active participant in the murder investigation? Additionally, will the show expand on extraterrestrial characters like Lianna or Sinestro (Ulrich Thomsen)? Will the cosmic fear entity Parallax, a Green Lantern franchise staple, finally appear?
Answers arrive in the final three episodes. Until then, a decompress nap feels well earned.
Lanterns streams on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.
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Zendaya, Jenna Ortega & More Best-Dressed Stars at the Emmys Ever
Emmy Awards Red Carpet: A Parade of Couture and Unforgettable Style
If there were an award for best dressed, the trophy would have to be shared. The Emmy Awards red carpet once again proved to be the premier stage for Hollywood’s elite to debut sleek tailoring, haute couture gowns, and looks that instantly enter the cultural conversation.
Fashion Takes Center Stage
Beyond the golden statuettes, the arrival line is a high-stakes runway. Stylists and design houses collaborate for months to craft moments that balance personal brand with the evening’s glamour. From architectural silhouettes to reimagined classic Hollywood elegance, the carpet serves as a real-time barometer for the industry’s most influential trends.
Suits, Gowns, and Statement Pieces
This year’s standout looks ran the gamut. Sharp, structured suits—often featuring unexpected cuts or luxurious fabrics—offered a powerful alternative to traditional formalwear. Meanwhile, voluminous couture gowns commanded attention with intricate beading, dramatic trains, and bold color palettes. Accessories, from vintage jewelry to avant-garde headpieces, provided the finishing punctuation to each ensemble.
Ultimately, the red carpet reinforces that at the Emmys, fashion is not merely supplementary; it is a vital part of the storytelling, celebrating the artistry of both the screen and the atelier.