Culture

Tenor: My Name is Pati premieres at the Sydney Film Festival, capturing the career of a singer who has overcome discrimination to secure bookings at the world’s most prestigious venues through 2029.

Those close to Satrapi state the cause of death was sadness, marking the loss of a pivotal cultural figure who translated Iranian women’s experiences for a global audience.

As experts point to screen-induced text fatigue and unfamiliarity with complex syntax, new strategies are emerging to rebuild literary stamina.

The concert concluded with a surprise stage appearance by his father, an architect and former owner of Gaza’s Al Deira hotel, cementing a night where personal artistry and geopolitical reality intersected.

When CMAT and Olivia Rodrigo face vitriol for polar-opposite fashion choices, the backlash signals a calculated campaign to limit how women can exist in the public eye.

The Guardian’s latest cultural dispatch highlights a diverse array of titles, including the zombie thriller We Bury the Dead, the musical sequel Wicked: For Good, and the Cape Fear series, alongside local dramas and satirical comedies.

A 21-year-old student’s impromptu performance saved a Sydney show after the scheduled musician fell ill, earning praise from composer Justin Hurwitz.

The Academy Award-winning editor, who shaped the rhythm and emotional core of iconic cinema, dies from metastatic cancer at her home in Rancho Mirage.

Melbourne’s Rising festival consolidates its dance programming into a new biennale, offering classes that bridge the gap between technical precision and uninhibited communal expression.

At 67, Rupert Everett reflects on a life defined by excess, infidelity, and professional misconduct, explaining how caring for his late mother and a late-blooming sense of purpose have reshaped his career and character.

A four-part series offers intimate access to Rafael Nadal’s career, yet struggles to penetrate the guarded enigma of the man behind the myth.

A Year Without Summer features an all-nude, all-female cast exploring the intersection of medical science and nature, running until 31 May at the Arts Centre Melbourne.

Based on Elle Kennedy’s novels, the series starring Belmont Cameli and Ella Bright has captivated millions by subverting traditional tropes with a tender, honest portrayal of university romance.

Paul McCartney’s latest record, produced by Andrew Watt, blends childhood memory with modern rock intensity, drawing on influences from The Beatles to Oasis.

The series, airing on Channel 4 in the UK and HBO Max in Australia, follows a former director helping people create bizarre low-budget films.

Published by Text Publishing, the new work frames its narrative as a fable, exploring how individuals make meaning when faced with the unknowable.

The band’s sixth studio record, *For Love of Grace & the Hereafter*, trades the anthemic structures of their recent work for a streamlined, gleeful sound that juxtaposes upbeat melodies with visceral lyricism.

A midlife comedy drama co-created by Tina Fey, Tracey Wigfield, and Lang Fisher returns with a sharper script and darker themes, earning praise for its poignant exploration of long-term relationships.

The legal action against the environmentalist and activist has ignited a public relations crisis for the company, which claims it acted to protect its intellectual property after years of failed negotiations.

At 60, Davies reflects on childhood abuse, 1990s excesses, and a recent cancer diagnosis, finding that therapy and fatherhood have replaced the ‘hell-raising’ of his youth with a quieter, happier life.

Filmed in black and white with an optional colourisation feature, the show stars Cage as Ben Reilly, supported by Brendan Gleeson and Karen Rodriguez in a fast-paced narrative that leans heavily on hard-boiled tropes.

Creators Zoe Pepper and Fiona Wright say audiences are responding strongly to works that mirror real-world rental stress and the disconnect between generations.

As the film becomes available on Australian streaming platforms, critics note its thematic parallels to Frank Capra’s 1936 original and its status as one of Sandler’s most overlooked lead roles.

From the destruction of his childhood home to viral hits in Doha, Marwan Abdelhamid’s career illustrates the complex tension between cultural celebration and political vigilance in the Arab world.

The saxophonist, who collaborated with Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk and received the National Medal of the Arts, has died at his home in New York

Announced at the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, the project aims to deploy lifesized avatars on touchscreens in the US and UK, asserting that the late rocker’s father had discussed such digital preservation concepts before his death.

Following breakout success on ‘Taskmaster’ and ‘Last One Laughing’, Campbell stars as a pompous director in a show-within-a-show format that defies conventional narrative logic.

In a Guardian interview, Manilow discusses his recovery, his 45-year partnership with Garry Kief, and the enduring appeal of his music to ‘fanilows’ across the globe.

From Malala Yousafzai to Matt Haig, prominent figures at the UK’s literary gathering share personal selections spanning memoir, fantasy, and history, aiming to restore the joy of books.

In an exclusive excerpt from The Make-Believe, Murray describes a period of delusion where she believed she was a 'Ritual Master' and the saviour of the planet, viewing medical intervention as a test to keep her from her spiritual destiny.

In a recent interview with The Guardian Culture, the Booker Prize-winning author discussed the origins of *The Women Behind the Door*, his advice to emerging writers, and his upcoming appearance at the Sydney Writers’ Festival on 23 May.

From explicit sex scenes to intense dialogue, Bell reveals why he found the former easier, his empathy for Niall’s codependency, and his upcoming role as Duke in the Peaky Blinders sequel.

The Guardian reports that the “trash-pop” movement, driven by artists like Cobrah and Kim Petras, offers a cathartic escape from the pressure of feminine respectability, resonating deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences and influencing global markets including South Korea.

Derek Jacobi discusses his determination to reach 100, his struggles with memory, and the domestic dynamics of a half-century relationship.

The newcomer’s breakout performance anchors Ryan Calais Cameron’s play, which dramatises a 1950s meeting between the film legend and an NBC lawyer amid anti-communist hysteria.

Angela O’Keeffe’s latest work, published by University of Queensland Press, blends the tradition of object-centric storytelling with a deeply human narrative about Isabel, Lewis, and the power of observation.

Despite nine consecutive years as the highest-rated late-night programme, financial and political pressures precipitate the end of Stephen Colbert’s era, with a retrospective highlighting his most significant cultural and political moments.

The Guardian’s latest critique of the Netflix series highlights how the Duffer Brothers’ latest project blends monster tropes with poignant reflections on ageing, mortality, and community.

‘The Tone: Taiba’s World of Hair’ at the Sarabande Foundation challenges perceptions of Black identity, the natural hair movement, and the boundary between craft and fine art.

From a farewell event at the Ed Sullivan Theatre to the looming presence of a $8 billion merger, the cancellation of The Late Show reveals the complex intersection of media, politics, and commerce.

As the animated franchise enters a prolonged hiatus, the latest short-form content has drawn comparisons to simpler children’s programming, raising concerns about the show’s future direction following creator Joe Brumm’s potential departure.

From bicycle handlebars to reclaimed timber, local creators explore functionality, illusion, and cultural convergence in a comprehensive digital showcase.

In a candid three-part series, Minogue discusses keeping her condition secret during her Grammy-winning resurgence and advocates for routine health checks

The novel, published by And Other Stories, is praised for balancing postcolonial critique with romance, marking a significant shift in the prize’s linguistic diversity.

From its cult status and killer soundtrack to its influence on modern malaise-lit cinema, the film remains a defining entry in 90s culture, now available for streaming.

Opening at the Museum of Contemporary Art on 21 May, the exhibition invites the public to donate racist memorabilia to Albert’s Brisbane collection

The late actor’s personal effects, from original scripts to menswear and self-made collages, go under the hammer in New York.

As Florentina Holzinger’s *Seaworld Venice* dominates the Venice Biennale, the artist reflects on the irony of real bodies being deemed more shocking than historical art, and the unintended consequences of digital documentation.

As the UK’s streak of poor Eurovision results continues, The Guardian reviews the nation’s most notable failures, from Jemini’s historic nul points to the recent performances of James Newman and Sam Battle.

Filmed at Los Angeles’ Wiltern Theatre, the hour-long set is available on HBO Max from 22 May in the UK and US, and 23 May in Australia.

Following a surprise Newtown set and global validation from icons like Flea and Fred Durst, Vandal’s second record arrives on 22 May as a deliberate pivot away from short-form trends.

From the rigours of solo performance to the realities of Hollywood casting, Shawn reflects on a career defined by artistic integrity and political clarity.

In a recent piece for The Guardian, Hardy critiques the dominant Western narrative structure, proposing that chronic illness is better understood as a looping spiral rather than a story with a neat ending.

British writer Jack Thorne discusses his new Channel 4 love story Falling, his decision to step back from high-volume commissions, and his urgent campaign for AI regulation and talent investment.

The 2026 contest in Austria saw five nations withdraw over Israel’s participation, while the UK finished last with zero points.

From cowboy boot noses to boards dragged through the Australian bush, Lucas Lecacheur’s exhibition challenges conventional surf culture while maintaining functional integrity.

The 70th edition of the contest in Vienna saw Sweden’s entry characterised by laser-heavy production and a mid-2000s Eurodance aesthetic.

The Guardian criticises the prose and dialogue of the 1991-set caper, despite acknowledging Forster’s strength in evoking Australian landscapes.

Following two ARIA-winning predecessors, Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge marks a deliberate shift from dense symbolism to immediate, earthbound commentary on racism, billionaires and the conflict in Gaza.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical boycotts and a reduced field of 35 nations, Goodrem’s power-ballad outshines heavy-hitters Denmark and Finland

In an interview with The Guardian Culture, Colman and director Sophie Hyde discuss a narrative that challenges the necessity of familial strife, exploring how sexuality shapes identity and how listening can serve as a form of healing.

Starring Maeve Dermody and Alexander England, the film explores coercive control through a fragmentary narrative that balances visual polish with emotional weight.

With 59 finalists selected from over 1,000 entries, the Art Gallery of New South Wales exhibition reveals a judging process driven by narrative weight and internal consistency as much as technical mastery.

As five nations withdraw in protest of Israel’s participation, The Guardian Culture profiles the 11 entries poised to define the contest’s most turbulent year in decades.

The Melbourne-born writer, now based in Montreal, secures a landmark victory for the comics community with her story of repression and responsibility

David Tennant and Michael Sheen remain a dazzling demon and angel double act, but the controversial third season is described as a puzzling mess with a smug and stale narrative.

Promotional stunts featuring melting ice blocks and a YouTube series set in an ice plant signal a defiant rollout, yet critics argue the artist has alienated female fans by internalising critiques from the manosphere.

The initial segment of the countdown reveals positions 100 to 81, with *My Ántonia* leading the pack as the publication prepares to release the remaining titles in stages

While it underperformed commercially upon release, the film's portrayal of community loyalty and its resonant soundtrack have cemented its status as a cult favourite among adults who grew up with it

Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland have pulled out due to Israel's inclusion, threatening finances and viewership as protests in the Austrian capital overshadow the festivities

The film *Moort: Calling Dingo Back to Country* urges a shift from lethal control to coexistence, citing evidence from Western Australia where dingo reintroduction has revived degraded landscapes

Filming is set to commence in Manchester this summer for the NBC series produced by Electric Hot Dog, as the newspaper division seeks new income streams.

Premiering at New York's Museum of Modern Art, the film chronicles six months of grueling dance rehearsals and features a chilling scene informed by Binoche's experience of being strangled by a mugger at age 12

Hoffman's rapid rise follows a hit Netflix special and roles in Hacks and Rooster, drawing praise from John Mulaney despite backlash over jokes on sensitive topics

Former guitarist Brett Myers recalls the ecstatic reaction to the track 'DC' in New York, while producer Hugh Jones credits his work in introducing space and simplicity to the band's sound.

Hundreds of supporters, including young fans from Wollongong, waited hours without tickets to witness the five active members distribute autographs and selfies in a methodical, high-octane display of fandom.

Playwright Hannah Belanszky's latest work at the Sydney Opera House humanises young people navigating the law through specific, unvarnished stories gathered during a year of community engagement.

Set in the 1980s, the series stars Alex Hassell as a ruthless bounder and offers a satirical take on the era's politics and attitudes.

Beethoven and Dinosaur's latest title blends skateboarding, surreal gameplay, and deep cuts from artists like the Smashing Pumpkins and Silverchair in a tribute to youth culture.

As David Attenborough turns 100, a new retrospective highlights his daring on-screen adventures and pivotal role in commissioning landmark series

The Art Gallery of NSW trustees unanimously selected the work from 59 finalists, awarding the $100,000 prize to the New Zealand-born Melbourne artist.

Khaled Sabsabi has been reappointed as Australia's representative for the 61st Venice Biennale, presenting monumental installations that resolve a controversy while securing a historic dual venue display.

Yumna Kassab's sixth novel, published by Ultimo, uses poetic fragments to explore the terrifying cost of losing a defined identity.

Sir David Attenborough, who hoped for a quiet celebration, was overwhelmed by worldwide greetings as museums and broadcasters pay homage to his century-long advocacy for the natural world

A spokesperson has requested privacy for the singer and her family as she recuperates from the emergency operation.

Fans have identified a printing error on the new vinyl release, prompting comparisons to historic mistakes by the Electric Light Orchestra and The Zombies.

The new two-hander features Cousin Richie and Mikey Berzatto on a road trip, delivering a mysterious package and hinting at future plot developments.

The Watchful Eyes, a low-budget thriller shot entirely in Arabic, aligns with Vision 2030 goals while human rights groups warn of a strategy to whitewash the regime's record

Editors and critics have selected a range of upcoming Australian works spanning crime fiction, literary fiction, non-fiction, and cookery for release this month

Highlights include *Bugonia*, a documentary on Rafael Nadal, Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews's new series, Ewan McGregor's period drama, and Warwick Thornton's *Wolfram*, available between 5 May and 29 May.

A new wave of international cinema arrives in Sydney, anchored by A-list talent and a rare public appearance by Peter Weir

A new oral history details the production anecdotes behind the film that redefined the musical genre, from a cracked rib caused by corset lacing to a 60ft elephant stunt, as the industry reflects on its enduring legacy.

After three and a half years of litigation that drew associates Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift into the fray, the actors have chosen privacy over public victory.