Oscars 2026 Backstage Photos Capture Star Reunions and Winner Celebrations

• Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Monday that nine new television productions have been selected for California's film and television tax credit program. • The state's office estimates that these specific awards will generate over $600 million in production spending within the local economy.

• Governor Gavin Newsom announced nine new television projects to launch the second year of California’s expanded tax credit program. • The slate includes high-profile dramas and reboots, such as a new version of *The Rockford Files* starring David Boreanaz, *Ascent* with Viola Davis, and *Newlyweds* with Jamie Lee Curtis.

• Actor Morgan Freeman has released a new album exploring 100 years of the blues genre. • Pat Houston, executor of Whitney Houston's estate, is overseeing birthday celebrations for the singer, including the debut of the first Whitney Houston Barbie this Sunday.

• RTL Group reported that a surge in streaming revenue during the first half of the year offset losses in other sectors. • The growth in digital streaming helped balance financial declines seen in the traditional TV advertising market and within the Fremantle production division.

• A new list highlights 30 South Asian stars under the age of 30 who are redefining global entertainment in 2026. • These trailblazers are making significant impacts across diverse sectors, including Hollywood blockbusters, Netflix global hits, international music charts, and digital business empires.

• The Chaoshan-dialect film "Dear You" has expanded its overseas release, premiering in Thailand on August 6 and Indonesia on August 7, 2026. • This international rollout follows the movie's initial box-office success in China and previous screenings in Singapore and Malaysia.

• A new documentary has been released detailing the life of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, focusing on his near-death experience and subsequent recovery. • Estate executor Pat Houston is celebrating Whitney Houston's birthday with the debut of the first Whitney Houston Barbie doll this Sunday.

• Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui will be honored with the 2026 Camellia Award at the 31st Busan International Film Festival. • The 79-year-old director is a pioneer of the Hong Kong New Wave, having directed 27 feature films and two documentaries since her 1979 debut, "The Secret."

• Several high-profile films, including Joel Coen's 'Jack of Spades,' 'Here Comes The Flood,' 'The Riders,' and 'The Entertainment System Is Down,' have been pushed to 2027. • These delays mean the projects will miss the 2026 festival and awards season windows, leaving their potential for nominations uncertain.

• The European Athletics Championships 2026 will be hosted in the UK for the first time in 92 years. • The seven-day event will take place at Birmingham's Alexandra Stadium, featuring the continent's elite track and field athletes.

• A man accused of orchestrating the 1996 murder of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur is currently standing trial. • A new collection featuring all 11 of Whitney Houston's Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles is being released as part of her birthday celebrations.

• Disney+ and Hulu have entered a strategic partnership with iHeartMedia to integrate six video podcasts into their streaming platforms. • The deal includes popular titles such as "Hey Jonas!", expanding the variety of non-scripted content available to subscribers.