Cannes prepares to award the Palme d'Or, with Neon positioned to add to an unprecedented streak

Alan Yentob, a familiar and influential voice in the arts world, has passed away at 78. During his long career at the BBC, he became known for his insightful interviews with some of the biggest names in culture and creativity, shaping how many of us understand and appreciate the arts.

Editor’s Note: Yentob wasn’t just a broadcaster—he was a bridge between artists and audiences, helping to bring high culture into living rooms with warmth and intelligence. His death marks the end of an era for arts journalism, especially at the BBC, where his work left a lasting imprint. For anyone who cares about the arts, his absence will be felt.

Cannes Film Festival chief Thierry Frémaux is in no mood to step down, joking (or maybe not?) that he’ll stick around even if fired. The festival just wrapped what many are calling its best lineup in years, and the mood at the afterparties is electric—winners are soaking up the spotlight, and Frémaux himself is holding court at the Majestic Beach bar, shrugging off retirement questions with defiant charm.

Editor’s Note: Cannes isn’t just about red carpets—it’s a high-stakes, high-glamour battleground for cinema’s top players. Frémaux’s cheeky defiance hints at the festival’s resilience (and maybe some behind-the-scenes drama), while the buzz around this year’s lineup suggests a comeback for bold, exciting filmmaking. For movie fans, it’s a sign that the magic of Cannes is alive and kicking.

BuzzFeed is asking readers to weigh in on their favorite younger versions of well-known characters in movies or TV shows—think flashback scenes or prequels where a different actor steps into a familiar role. They’re inviting fans to share their picks and opinions in the comments.

Editor’s Note: Casting younger versions of iconic characters is tricky—get it right, and it adds depth to the story; get it wrong, and fans revolt. This lighthearted discussion taps into the nostalgia and passion fans have for their favorite characters, making it a fun, engaging topic for pop culture enthusiasts. Plus, it’s a great excuse to revisit some memorable performances!

A powerful and wordless performance by Palestinian theatre group Khashabi, Milk مِلْك uses raw physicality to depict the unimaginable grief of Palestinian mothers. Set on a stark stage, the play shows women carrying broken, lifelike mannequins—symbolizing their lost children—with a haunting stillness that speaks louder than words.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just theatre—it’s a visceral outcry against loss and occupation. By stripping away dialogue, the performance forces audiences to confront the unspeakable pain of Palestinian mothers in a way headlines can’t. In a world desensitized to conflict, art like this cuts through the noise.

Five years after her controversial bestseller American Dirt sparked outrage for its portrayal of Mexican migrants, author Jeanine Cummins is back with a new novel—and she’s not apologizing. In a candid interview, Cummins reflects on the backlash, standing by her right to tell the story despite accusations of exploitation. Even her Zoom profile picture—the Spanish cover of American Dirt—hints at her unshaken stance.

Editor’s Note: Cummins’ story isn’t just about a book—it’s about who gets to tell whose stories, a debate that’s only grown louder in publishing. Whether you side with her or her critics, her comeback raises fresh questions about authenticity, creative freedom, and who bears the cost when art misses the mark.