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Sweet-stealing capitalists and the definition of kissing: The 2026 Ig Nobel award winners
The annual awards highlight strange, funny and thought-provoking research. This year's ceremony took place in Europe, with “fungi” as the theme of the 36th edition.
Remembering Gloria Steinem: A life in powerful quotes and witticisms
Gloria Steinem, the feminist trailblazer, writer and activist who helped define the modern women’s movement in the US, has died at 92.
Gloria Steinem, feminist icon, writer and pioneering journalist, dies aged 92
Gloria Steinem, the feminist trailblazer, writer and activist who helped define the modern women’s movement in the US, has died at 92.
The Killers’ hit ‘Mr Brightside’ continues to break records and reaches 520 weeks in the UK Chart
More than 20 years since its release, this song remains the indie rock anthem that just won’t go away...
Cassandra Wilson, the celebrated Grammy Award-winning jazz singer, dies aged 70
Cassandra Wilson, known for her deep, moody and genre-bending contralto, was one of the most influential American jazz vocalists of the last 40 years.
Hope, Dopamine and whatever 'Perfecth' means: The Debate’s Fall music preview
The Debate looks ahead to the last four months of 2026 and picks the hotly anticipated albums you won’t want to miss.
The road to Dunesday: The Debate's massive Fall movie preview
There's still plenty of cinematic goodness to look forward to in the last four months of 2026.
Dolly Parton has left fans a secret song – but it’s locked away and buried until 2045
Dolly Parton may no longer be with us, but she recorded a secret song for her fans.
‘Polyester’: Understanding Gen Z’s new favourite insult (and why it’s a good thing)
What does Gen Z’s latest viral insult mean and what does it reveal about their preoccupations?
Tennessee governor backs plans to name Nashville airport after Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s home state of Tennessee will pay tribute to the music legend by naming Nashville International Airport after her.
‘Disgusting’: Donald Trump faces backlash for posting AI image of him and Dolly Parton
In one of his latest AI slop posts, Trump took to Truth Social to share an AI-generated illustration of him arm in arm with Dolly Parton walking around the White House.
The Debate's Film of the Week: 'The Dog Stars' - A smouldering Jacob Elordi can't save us
Ridley Scott's latest film proves that while a smouldering Jacob Elordi and his faithful dog can't save us in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Josh Brolin’s goatee can spark some hope.
Barton… Jack Barton: Could this unknown British actor be the next James Bond?
Relative unknown Jack Barton is reportedly emerging as the surprise frontrunner to become the next James Bond, ahead of further screen tests expected in September.
The literary scandal of the year? Rachel Cusk's 'Life of M' / Natalie Portman drama explained
Is Natalie Portman really the subject of Rachel Cusk’s new novel? Or is this manufactured literary drama designed to generate buzz?
Polka dots, infinity rooms and phallic sculptures: Yayoi Kusama’s art in pictures
“She continued to paint until her final days, never setting aside her brush, and continued exploration of forever love and eternal soul.” Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who splashed her signature polka dots on paintings, sculptures and museum installations…
Tim Curry, legendary star of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ and 'It', dies aged 80
The prolific British stage, screen and voice actor was best known for his starring roles in the cult ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’, ‘Clue’, ‘It’ and ‘Muppet Treasure Island’.
Why are Dolly Parton fans lashing out at Donald Trump?
Donald Trump's order for flags to be lowered at half-mast to honour Dolly Parton has been met with applause.
The wit and wisdom of Dolly Parton: 'If you see somebody without a smile, give 'em yours!'
Celebrated country music star Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy of music, films and charity work, as well as plenty of humour and wisdom.
'Unique and irreplaceable': Dolly Parton tributes from public figures and celebrities
Tributes have been paid after the news that Dolly Parton, one of the most legendary artists in country music history, has died at the age of 80.
Meet the new James Bond villain? Saoirse Ronan is 'dead serious' about wanting to play a 007 baddie
This is not the first time that Oscar-nominated Irish actress Saoirse Ronan has expressed a desire to play a Bond villain...
Has there been pressure on Russian stadium to cancel planned Kanye West concerts?
Only a week after two shows in St Petersburg were announced, Kanye West’s upcoming gigs seem to have been cancelled – as the venue hosting the concerts say it is not hosting the controversial artist.
Are we getting more Oasis shows in 2027 – and will any be in mainland Europe?
Oasis fans are getting increasingly impatient about when new concert dates will be announced...
Dolly Parton shares health update and considers ‘avatar performances’ in future
The 80-year-old country legend has shared an update on her health after being forced to cancel her Vegas residency.
Celebrities call for protection of child actors after Hayden Panettiere’s death
Hollywood continues to mourn the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, which has sparked discussions regarding the way the film industry treats child stars.
The Debate's Film of the Week: 'Fjord' - A worthy 2026 Palme d'Or winner?
A deeply religious Romanian family clashes with Norway's liberal principles when the couple is suspected of child abuse.
Raiders of the Cookie Jar: Harrison Ford and Cookie Monster break the internet
“This has made my month." A clip shared by Sesame Street's Cookie Monster has gone viral, racking up millions of views and rave reviews...
Alarming study reveals that almost 40 per cent of music released globally in July 2026 used AI
The use of AI in music creation continues to be a divisive topic and recent figures confirm that the onslaught of AI-generated tracks is not slowing down.
Has Disney found a million alpacas for Johnny Depp's return to the Pirates of the Caribbean series?
Johnny Depp is reportedly in talks to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, despite having been dropped from the franchise following his legal woes.
'Many revelations': Charles Spencer to 'tell the truth' about his sister Princess Diana in new book
Earl Spencer has written a book about his sister Princess Diana. He promises to "tell the truth" about his sister, in a memoir that publishers say contains “many revelations” about her life.
Beninese-French singer Angélique Kidjo makes history as first Black African to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star
“By becoming the first African artist to receive this global honour, the Beninese icon has etched her name into history and raised the rhythms, creativity and dignity of our entire nation to the highest level," said Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni.
'Niu Lai': How is a 'disaster-level' Chinese animated film rivalling 'The Odyssey' at the box-office?
A low-budget and shoddy-looking animated film has emerged as this summer’s most unexpected box-office hit in China.
Kanye 'Ye' West to perform in Russia - a first since invasion of Ukraine in 2022
If the concerts scheduled for 10 and 11 October go ahead, the controversial US rapper would become the first major Western music star to perform in Russia since the country launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Horsing around: How Trump's AI George Washington image has symbolically backfired
Donald Trump's latest AI-generated image, depicting him horse riding alongside George Washington, has backfired as many have pointed out the symbolic blunder of him riding a black horse in the current climate...
'Such devastating news': Stars pay tribute to Heroes and Scream star Hayden Panettiere, dead aged 36
Panettiere was best known for her role as cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes and country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville.
From Gaza condoms to 'Your mom': Outgoing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's most divisive moments
Karoline Leavitt announced this week she was stepping down from her role as White House Press Secretary.
Album of the year? Phoebe Bridgers – ‘Lost Weekend’: The Debate’s review and verdict
It's been a six year wait since the release of American singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers' critically acclaimed 'Punisher'...
The Debate's Film of the Week: 'The End Of Oak Street' - Putting the Jurassic World franchise to shame
A mysterious cosmic event uproots Oak Street from 80s suburbia to prehistoric times...
Solar eclipse 2026 in pictures: The best shots from around Europe
Millions witnessed the most significant eclipse in Europe for decades yesterday evening as the Sun disappeared behind the Moon.
Jack Lowden for James Bond: Did British TV presenter and author Richard Osman leak identity of the new 007?
Speaking on his podcast, Richard Osman claimed to have insider knowledge that suggests a certain Scottish actor could be next in line to play James Bond...
Brad Pitt backs certain use of AI in Hollywood: 'It’s going to help these mid-budget films get made'
Brad Pitt has shared that when it comes to making expensive visual effects more affordable, AI could help more modestly budgeted productions get off the ground.
Why is the internet accusing Anne Hathaway of wearing a fake pregnancy belly?
Social media users have claimed that Anne Hathaway was wearing a fake pregnancy belly on the red carpet for the premiere of 'The End Of Oak Street'.
The Jason Arday controversy: Explaining the University of Cambridge scandal rocking British academia
A high-profile plagiarism row has led to one of the biggest academic scandals in the UK's history.
'Disney need to sue': White House blasted over Spider-Man ICE campaign post
"Your friendly neighborhood ICE agents." Marvel fans have criticised The White House for using Spider-Man in their latest campaign to promote Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Debate's Film of the Week: 'Her Private Hell' - Nicolas Winding Refn's horny bore
Ten years since his last feature ('The Neon Demon'), the director of 'Drive' and 'Only God Forgives' signs his most vacuous and boring film yet.
'Distressing' imagery: From 'Ali G' to 'The Mummy' - Which movie posters have been banned since 2000?
Content warning: Some of the movie posters featured in this article are NSFW and can feature images which some may find graphic or distressing.
'Star Wars: A New Hope' dubbed into Welsh for the first time to mark sci-fi classic’s 50th anniversary
“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away …” Or should that be: “Amser maith yn ôl, mewn galaeth bell bell i ffwrdd ...” 'Star Wars: A New Hope' has been dubbed into the Welsh language for the first time in order to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary next…
Donald Trump angers music fans after sharing AI-generated image of himself as Elvis Presley
"You're the Devil in disguise"... Donald Trump has angered music fans in his latest spree of AI-generated images, which included one of him as none other than The King of Rock and Roll.
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' scores second-biggest ever global opening weekend – nears $1bn worldwide
The recently released 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has made box office history in its first weekend in cinemas and looks set to pass the $1bn mark in the next couple of days.
A history of own goals: Gianni Infantino's timeline of FIFA controversies
Europe's national teams have threatened to boycott the FIFA World Cup if Gianni Infantino pushes ahead with his controversial plan to privatise the tournament.
Mercury Prize 2026: Paul McCartney becomes first-time nominee in thrilling shortlist
Established in 1992, the prestigious award honours the best album released by a British or Irish artist each year.
'Crude language of MAGA’: Author Joyce Carol Oates defends 'The Odyssey' after translator's scathing review
The cultural debate over Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ continues, with Pulitzer Prize-finalist Joyce Carol Oates defending the film following a scathing review by translator Emily Wilson, who wrote that the film had “nothing convincing to say.”
K-pop giants BTS boycott 2027 Grammys after introduction of controversial new Asian pop prize
BTS, the best-selling musical act in South Korean history, will sit out the Grammy Awards next year.
The Debate's Film of the Week: 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' - Spidey to the MCU's rescue?
It’s been a rough five years for the world’s biggest movie franchise. The MCU has delivered more misses than hits in its post-'Endgame' era, and now relies on everyone's favourite wall-crawler to save the day.
Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' drives Homer book sales and sparks interest in learning Greek
The release of Nolan's 'The Odyssey' has sparked a huge surge in people wanting to read Homer's ancient poem and learn the Greek language.
'Nauseating': Boy George faces heated backlash for new pro-Israel song
The Culture Club frontman has released a song in solidarity with Israel on his X account, disputing how its offensive in Gaza has been characterised by the UN.
Donald Trump angers Katy Perry and inexplicably calls LeBron James a 'racist'
Donald Trump vs celebrities. The Trump administration has incurred the ire of Katy Perry for using her song 'Firework' as the backing track to a video featuring images of military strikes, while Trump has inexplicably labelled NBA superstar LeBron James a…
Guillermo del Toro: 'Absolutely no goddamn AI' in ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ restoration
“What we’re protecting is the beauty and the redeeming power of art," said the iconic director, whose film 'Pan's Labyrinth' has been restored without the use of AI and is heading back to cinemas in October.
Meet the new Black Panther: British actor David Jonsson cast as T’Challa’s son in ‘Black Panther 3’
British actor David Jonsson has been revealed as the new Black Panther in surprise Comic-Con announcement this weekend.
Charli XCX - 'Music, Fashion, Film': The Debate's review and verdict
Following up her era-defining 2024 global juggernaut was never going to be an easy task.
Elon Musk's anti-Odyssey campaign backfires over threat to make AI version of Nolan's epic
Elon Musk's anti-Odyssey campaign has gone to the next level, as the X owner has vowed that his AI social media bot, Grok, will make “a full-length movie of The Odyssey that is historically accurate and true to the art of Homer”.
'Kick Argentina out of the World Cup' petition nearly breaks Guinness World Record
FIFA has confirmed that Argentina will face an investigation into the “disgusting” scenes at the end of the World Cup final.
'Kick them out' Argentina face penalty punishment for fighting as fan fury erupts online
FIFA has confirmed that Argentina will face an investigation into the “disgusting” scenes at the end of the World Cup final.
From 'Following' to 'The Odyssey': All Christopher Nolan movies ranked from weakest to strongest
The much-anticipated return of Christopher Nolan has delighted film fans, as 'The Odyssey' has garnered critical praise and box office success.
Donald Trump photobombing La Roja goes viral following Spain's World Cup victory
Donald Trump has been trending online following the World Cup final, as he seemingly refused to leave the stage after presenting Spain with the trophy.
Vikings, Trump cards and baby fans: The 10 biggest viral moments of the World Cup 2026
From Erling Haaland's social media domination to the controversial Trump card and Lamine Yamal's little brother Keyne going viral online, The Debate rounds up the 10 biggest viral moments from the 2026 World Cup.
The Debate's Film of the Week: 'The Odyssey’ - An epic but flawed trip to Hades and back
Christopher Nolan follows his Oscar-winning 'Oppenheimer' with his most ambitious undertaking to date: adapting Homer's epic poem to the screen.
'Jurassic Park' and 'The Piano' actor Sam Neill died from pneumonia, according to agent
Neill’s longtime agent says the actor’s family agreed to release the information due to "inaccuracies and outright falsehoods" in media.
AI slop version of 'The Odyssey' announced prior to release of Christopher Nolan's epic blockbuster
Just days before Christopher Nolan’s star-studded and much-anticipated epic ‘The Odyssey’ hits theatres worldwide, an artificial intelligence startup has announced it has generated an AI version of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem...
Prime Minister-to-be Andy Burnham ranks his favourite bands
Andy Burnham has blind-ranked his favourite British bands in a recent interview, giving the public further insight into his listening habits.
Christopher Nolan on future of cinema and the younger generation ‘utterly rejecting’ AI slop
“So much energy has been expended on bringing in AI, but if you look at that generation’s reaction, they’re utterly rejecting it,” shared Christopher Nolan, prior to the release of 'The Odyssey'.
New Zealand treasure Sam Neill, known for his roles in ‘Jurassic Park’ and 'The Piano', dies aged 78
The versatile actor best known for dodging velociraptors in the Jurassic Park films has died unexpectedly at the age of 78.
Sir Anthony Hopkins signs recording contract and drops first single at 88
“Music was my first desire, my first wish,” Hopkins said in a statement. “I’ve been composing music all my life."
The Rolling Stones - 'Foreign Tongues': The Debate's review and verdict
The album cover leaves something to be desired... But optics aside, the Rolling Stones astonish in the way they expand their late creative burst and prove they've lost none of their momentum.
Erling Haaland’s 2016 rap song resurfaces and turns into viral World Cup hit
Before he was spearheading Norway to their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal, MVP-contender Erling Haaland dabbled in rap.
Who is Count Binface – the alien space warrior standing against Brexit champion Nigel Farage?
In a week when the race to become Britain’s next prime minister is effectively a one-horse race, there seems to be more suspense in another contest pitting Brexit champion Nigel Farage against a comedian going viral online.
Justin Bieber joins Madonna, Shakira and BTS for FIFA World Cup first ever final halftime show
Justin Bieber has joined a star-studded list of halftime performers who will close out the 2026 World Cup in New York.
'The Trump Curse': Is Donald Trump a bad omen for sports teams?
Following the elimination of the US at the World Cup, social media went into a frenzy with claims of a “Trump curse”.
‘Misaligned’: Controversial AI-generated 'actress' Tilly Norwood to make feature film debut
The divisive digital “performer” is about to star in the upcoming Particle6 project titled 'Misaligned'.
'Defining image of the era of American history': July 4 Patriot Front photo goes viral
The Fourth of July, marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, left behind a disturbing photograph depicting a young Black woman in a Washington Metro carriage, surrounded by masked white supremacists.
'The Trump Card': Reactions and viral memes to FIFA’s controversial US red card reversal
If you get a red card at the World Cup, you miss the next game... Unless Donald Trump steps in.