Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Cinema with Hollywood Stars in Vatican

Pope Leo XIV welcomed a host of Hollywood stars, including Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, and Greta Gerwig, to a unique audience at the Vatican. The gathering took place in a grand hall adorned with frescoes, where the Pope encouraged the filmmakers present to amplify marginal voices through their art. He described film as “a popular art in the noblest sense, intended for and accessible to all.”

This event, organized by the Vatican’s culture ministry, aligns with previous audiences held by Pope Francis, who similarly engaged with artists and comedians. For Leo XIV, the first American pope, this encounter holds additional significance, as he grew up in Chicago during the golden age of Hollywood. The Pope’s call for inclusivity resonates within the industry, where diverse narratives are increasingly seen as essential.

In other entertainment news, a new Netflix documentary titled “Selena Y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy” will premiere on March 1, 2026. Directed by Isabel Castro and executive produced by Selena Quintanilla’s siblings, Suzette Quintanilla and AB Quintanilla III, the film offers an intimate look into the life of the late singer. Featuring previously unseen archival footage from the family’s personal collection, the project aims to enhance Selena’s cultural impact and introduce her story to newer generations.

The educational landscape also witnessed a notable event when filmmaker Ken Burns and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda hosted high school students at Trinity Church in New York City. The session, linked to Burns’ upcoming documentary “The American Revolution,” emphasized the importance of diverse storytelling. The documentary, set to air on PBS, features a range of narrators and historians, highlighting narratives from various perspectives rather than a singular viewpoint.

In the realm of television, the Apple TV comedy “Palm Royale” has garnered attention for its vibrant costumes and star-studded cast, including Kristen Wiig and Carol Burnett. The show’s costume designer, Alix Friedberg, revealed that 50-60% of the thousands of costumes worn in Season 2 are original, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.

Meanwhile, Meg Donnelly, known for her roles in Disney productions, has made her Broadway debut in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” Portraying the character Satine, she described this milestone as a fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Having a background in theater, Donnelly aims to continue expanding her artistic pursuits, including writing and performing her own music.

In a significant change, the Screen Actors Guild Awards will be rebranded as the Actor Awards starting in 2026. This announcement was made to the SAG-AFTRA board, with plans for the awards ceremony to take place on March 1. The rebranding aims to enhance audience recognition by aligning the event’s name with its iconic statuette, The Actor. Netflix will continue to stream the event, maintaining its position as a key player in Hollywood’s award season.

On a more serious note, recently released emails from the late Jeffrey Epstein have shed light on the relationships between journalists and their sources. The communications reveal often casual interactions, including advice given by journalist Michael Wolff on managing media narratives related to Epstein and former President Donald Trump. This revelation raises ethical questions about the nature of such relationships in the journalism field.

In college sports, a new catchphrase “6-7” has sparked excitement among fans at basketball games across the United States. Recently, the Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball team, under coach Jennie Baranczyk, ignited a frenzy when they scored 67 points in an 89-61 victory over North Alabama, sending students into cheers and mimicking a viral video.

Lastly, the late poet Andrea Gibson is remembered through a documentary that captures their journey with terminal cancer. Titled “Come See Me in the Good Light,” the film balances humor and deep emotion, focusing on living rather than dying. Directed by Ryan White, the documentary is now available on Apple TV, continuing to share Gibson’s legacy and love story with their wife, Megan Falley.