Cynthia Erivo to be honored at American Ballet Theatre’s 2026 Fall Gala
Cynthia Erivo attends the “Wicked: For Good!” New York Premiere at David Geffen Hall on November 17, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Cynthia Erivo’s talent will be honored at the American Ballet Theatre’s 2026 Fall Gala: Angels and Demons.
The theatre will recognize “her extraordinary contributions to the performing arts” and “her ability to inspire audiences through storytelling that transcends disciplines,” according to a press release.
“Few artists possess Cynthia Erivo’s extraordinary ability to transform themselves through performance,” Susan Jaffe, artistic director of American Ballet Theatre, said in a statement. “Whether through music, theater, or film, she brings an uncommon combination of artistry, emotional honesty, and fearless imagination to every role. Those are qualities we deeply value in ballet and strive to cultivate in every artist who takes our stage. Cynthia’s commitment to her craft and her ability to forge profound connections with audiences make her an inspiring artist and an especially meaningful honoree for American Ballet Theatre.”
The American Ballet Theatre’s 2026 Fall Gala is set to take place Oct. 29 at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Erivo previously appeared in the American Ballet Theatre’s first digital gala in May 2020, performing “America the Beautiful” alongside a video of their dancers.
Kit Harington attends the 2026 Disney Upfront at Jacob Javits Center on May 12, 2026, in New York City. (John Nacion/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
Kit Harington is headed to Hogwarts.
The actor is set to play Gilderoy Lockhart in season 2 of HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series, ABC Audio has confirmed.
Harington replaces Nicholas Hoult in the role. Hoult was previously announced to star as the character on Aug. 12. He now leaves the part over scheduling issues. HBO had to work around two of Hoult’s preexisting projects, and when it was no longer feasible, the actor was let out of his deal.
This means Harington takes over the role he previously voiced in Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, which released in late 2025.
The first season of the series, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, debuts on HBO and HBO Max on Dec. 25. Its season 2 renewal was announced on May 6.
Gilderoy Lockhart was previously played by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The character is a famous, vain wizard known for his heroic acts that he has described in books written about himself. He takes over as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts.
Dominic McLaughlin leads the cast of the upcoming show as Harry Potter. He stars alongside Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton, who play Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The series is described as a faithful adaptation of the books by J.K. Rowling, who serves as an executive producer.
Succession‘s Jon Brown, who was a writer on season 1, has been promoted to co-showrunner for season 2. He will serve in the role alongside Francesca Gardiner, the showrunner of season 1.
Harington replacing Hoult isn’t the first casting news about season 2. On May 18, ABC Audio confirmed that Gracie Cochrane, the actress who portrays Ginny Weasley in season 1, will not return to play the character in season 2 of the series.
Marcello Hernandez attends the 2025 Night of Too Many Stars at Beacon Theatre on March 31, 2025 in New York City. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
The 2026 ESPY Awards are almost here and this year, the annual awards ceremony honoring the best in sports will feature a new host.
Comedian Marcello Hernández will present the star-studded evening, which is returning to New York City this year. Hernández is taking over duties from comedian Shane Gillis, who hosted last year from Los Angeles.
“It is an honor, and frankly feels crazy to be hosting the ESPYS this year in New York,” Hernández said in a statement Wednesday. “I’m sure the energy is going to be great.”
Hernández is described by ESPN as an “avid sports fan” who played soccer at John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.
The ESPYS, which first began at New York City’s Madison Square Garden in 1993, will take place on Wednesday, July 15 at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
The 2026 ESPYS will air live at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream on the ESPN app. The awards ceremony will also be available to stream on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App, and ABC Video on Demand on July 16.
Craig Lazarus, executive producer of the ESPYS, called Hernández a “natural fit” to serve as this year’s ESPYS host.
“Marcello is one of the most electric, young comedians today. His genuine enthusiasm for sports and his ties to New York City make him a natural fit to host this year’s ESPYS,” Lazarus said in a statement. “We are excited to partner with him to celebrate the best moments in sports and look forward to the fresh take he’ll bring to the show.”
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News, “Good Morning America,” and ESPN.
Matthew Rhys, winner of outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for ‘Widow’s Bay’ and outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie for ‘The Beast in Me,’ poses in the press room during the 78th Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on Sept. 14, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Widow’s Bay and The Pitt were the big winners at the 78th annual Emmy Awards.
It was The Pitt that took home the award for outstanding drama series, while Widow’s Bay won for outstanding comedy series. Widow’s Bay also won the most awards overall with six, including outstanding writing for a comedy series, outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series, outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series and outstanding directing for a comedy series.
Noah Wyle won outstanding lead actor in a drama series for the second consecutive year for playing Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in the medical drama The Pitt. Rhea Seehorn took home the prize for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her role in Pluribus.
It was Matthew Rhys who took home the award for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for Widow’s Bay. The win was his second of the night, after also earning the prize for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie for The Beast in Me. Jean Smart won her historic fifth Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for starring in Hacks.
Mariska Hargitay hosted the awards show, which featured cameos from her famous friends Jalen Brunson and Taylor Swift.
Here is a list of the winners of the 78th Emmys:
Outstanding comedy series Widow’s Bay
Outstanding drama series The Pitt
Outstanding limited or anthology series DTF St. Louis
Outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series Kate O’Flynn, Widow’s Bay
Outstanding lead actress in a comedy series Jean Smart, Hacks
Outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie Matthew Rhys, The Beast in Me
Outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series Stephen Root, Widow’s Bay
Outstanding supporting actress in a drama series Allison Janney, The Diplomat
Outstanding lead actress in a drama series Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus
Outstanding reality competition program The Traitors
Outstanding lead actor in a drama series Noah Wyle, The Pitt
Outstanding supporting actor in a drama series Tom Pelphrey, Task
Outstanding lead actress in a limited or anthology series or movie Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures
Outstanding lead actor in a comedy series Matthew Rhys, Widow’s Bay
Outstanding writing for a comedy series Katie Dippold, Widow’s Bay
Outstanding directing for a drama series Saul Metzstein, Slow Horses
Outstanding variety series The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Outstanding directing for a comedy series Hiro Murai, Widow’s Bay
Outstanding writing for a drama series Vince Gilligan, Pluribus
