Celebrity Deaths in 2026: All the Stars Who Died This Year - Business Insider

• Madonna has secured the most nominations for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, followed by Taylor Swift with nine nods. • Swift is currently just one win away from becoming the most-awarded artist in the history of the VMAs.

• MTV announced the official nominations for the 2026 Video Music Awards on Tuesday, August 18. • The complete list of nominees features high-profile artists, including pop icons Madonna and Taylor Swift.

• CableTV.com has released its top six TV and movie recommendations for the streaming week of August 10–16, featuring content from platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, AMC+, and Paramount+. • A highlighted release is comedian Kelsey Cook's new stand-up special, debuting Tuesday, August 18, which focuses on relatable social anxiety and modern dating struggles.

• Actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36, as confirmed by her representative to ABC News on Sunday. • Panettiere, known for her role in the series "Nashville," was found in cardiac arrest prior to her passing.

• Top South Korean male celebrities are increasingly choosing streaming platforms over traditional television for their first projects following mandatory military service. • This shift reflects a broader industry trend where global OTT services offer more creative freedom and wider international reach than domestic broadcast networks.

• CEO Josh D’Amaro hosted the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Honda Center to unveil exclusive first looks and major entertainment announcements. • The showcase featured creators and stars from across Disney's portfolio, including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN.

• Disney hosted "D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event" at the Honda Center, featuring a series of high-profile showcases and an awards ceremony. • The event included the Disney Entertainment Showcase on Friday, the Disney Experiences Showcase on Saturday, and the Disney Legends Award Ceremony on Sunday.

• Ariana Grande has commenced a UK tour, beginning with the first of 10 scheduled performance dates in London. • The singer intends to "step back" from her public life and take a hiatus following the conclusion of these shows.

• Actor Ananya Raj, recognized for her roles in the films ‘Ghost’ and ‘Final Exit’, has passed away at the age of 27. • The news was reported on August 16, 2026, as part of a live entertainment update covering global celebrity trends and industry news.

• Disney revealed major updates on upcoming projects, including "X-Men," "Avengers," and a new "Villains Land" theme park area, during the D23 event on August 14, 2026, in Anaheim. • Key film announcements include "Ice Age: Boiling Point," starring Queen Latifah and Dennis Leary, which is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 5, 2027.

• COL Group has launched COL AI Studios, a new entertainment vertical designed to help brands, studios, and platforms develop and scale content. • The studio leverages a global distribution network that has grown from 1,000 to over 5,000 live-action titles sourced from China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the U.S.