Gayety

Tag: BAFTA Awards

  • Dua Lipa Says ‘Yes!’ Pop Star Confirms Engagement to Actor Callum Turner

    Dua Lipa Says ‘Yes!’ Pop Star Confirms Engagement to Actor Callum Turner

    Dua Lipa is officially off the market, and she’s positively glowing about it.

    In a new cover interview with British Vogue, the Grammy-winning pop star confirmed her engagement to actor Callum Turner. The stylish duo has been stirring up rumors since early 2024, but now the speculation has turned into full-on celebration. “Yeah, we’re engaged,” Lipa revealed, calling it “very exciting” and admitting she’s completely smitten with her ring and her fiancé.

    “It’s so me,” Lipa said of the custom piece, designed after Turner reportedly consulted her sister and best friends. If that doesn’t scream husband material, we don’t know what does.

    How They Met: A Meet-Cute With a Side of Destiny

    Their love story has all the makings of a rom-com. The two first crossed paths at London’s River Cafe, an unplanned run-in while Lipa was dining with her father and Turner was out with friends. The universe (and a helpful co-founder of the restaurant) made the intro. Though they had mutual friends, it wasn’t until a year later, over dinner in Los Angeles, that sparks properly flew.

    Call it fate, or just very good taste in books. Turner arrived at that dinner reading the same novel Lipa and her tablemate, Mustafa the Poet, were discussing. That detail had Lipa reminiscing to Vogue: “I was like, that’s the really hot guy from The River Cafe!”

    From Low-Key to Loved Up

    Though they’ve only been public for about a year, their relationship has moved steadily and sweetly. From quiet Instagram posts to matching looks at events like the Time100 Gala and Met Gala 2025, Lipa and Turner have perfected the art of the soft launch.

    They’ve been seen cuddling backstage at Glastonbury, sneaking kisses in California, and making stylish entrances at BAFTA and BRITs after-parties. But according to Lipa, their romance thrives most behind closed doors. “It’s nice to know the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with knows you so well,” she told Vogue.

    The couple even abides by their own version of the long-distance lovers’ golden rule: never go more than two-and-a-half weeks without seeing each other. (Although, she admits, Australia and New Zealand stretched that to three.)

    Not Rushing Down the Aisle Just Yet

    While the engagement is official, wedding bells aren’t ringing just yet. Lipa is still on her “Radical Optimism” tour, and Turner is busy shooting. For now, the couple is soaking in this pre-wedding glow.

    “I’ve never been someone who’s really thought about a wedding, or dreamt about what kind of bride I would be,” Lipa said. “All of a sudden I’m like: ‘Oh, what would I wear?’”

    Kids are part of the vision too, eventually. “I love children, but there’s so much more to raising a child than just loving them,” she said.

    Fans React: ‘She’s Entering Her Future Nostalgia Era for Real’

    Naturally, the internet went feral over the news. Fans flooded social media with reactions ranging from heartfelt congratulations to elaborate wedding dress predictions.

    “Dua Lipa is doin life right love that her man is up to par with her!!” one user posted. Another added, “Not me actually tearing up.”

    And of course, the memes were on point. Some fans joked about rebranding her albums to fit her new era: Radical Optimism & a Diamond Ring, anyone?

    Lipa’s Next Chapter Looks Like a Love Song

    Dua Lipa’s music has often charted the highs and heartbreaks of love, but this chapter is shaping up to be her sweetest yet. With a partner who reads the same books, respects her independence, and helps design perfect jewelry, it’s no wonder she’s glowing.

    While the timeline to the altar may be TBD, one thing’s for sure: Dua Lipa is dancing her way into forever.

    https://www.tiktok.com/@popculturett/video/7308850909386165537?q=dua%20lipa%20one%20kiss%20dance&t=1749746158524

  • Cynthia Erivo, Cole Escola and Rainbow-Studded Chorus Boys: The Queerest Moments from The 2025 Tony Awards

    Cynthia Erivo, Cole Escola and Rainbow-Studded Chorus Boys: The Queerest Moments from The 2025 Tony Awards

    At this point, asking whether the Tony Awards are queer is like asking if Broadway has ever met a jazz square. The answer is a resounding yes, darling. But even by its own rhinestone-encrusted standards, the 78th Annual Tony Awards delivered a sparkling showcase of LGBTQ+ excellence, drama, and cheeky acceptance speeches that had us cheering louder than a stage mom on opening night.

    From historic wins and glittering gowns to impromptu dating app shoutouts and numbers choreographed “for the gaze” (not the gaze, the gays), this year’s Tonys offered a masterclass in fabulousness. Let’s pull back the curtain on the most iconic queer moments that had us tossing roses at our screens.

    Cynthia Erivo Hosted, and Her Wardrobe Deserved Its Own Tony

    Let’s get one thing straight, Cynthia Erivo is not. But also, she’s not just a host. She’s a moment. Fresh off a WorldPride concert, an album drop, and promoting Wicked: For Good, Erivo moonwalked into Radio City Music Hall and somehow made ten outfit changes look easy.

    No opening monologue, no faux comedy routine, just pure star power, powerhouse vocals, and couture worthy of a museum. One look in particular, a glimmering red gown with white satin trim, gave heavy Annie-meets-Elphaba energy. It was co-designed by Zac Posen and Jason Bolden, but the real magic was Erivo’s calm, commanding presence.

    Someone give her dresser a Lifetime Achievement Award. Stat.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP8YtvXHxAw

    Jonathan Groff Straddles Keanu, Remains Dry

    Groff may not have taken home a trophy this year (Darren Criss beat him for Maybe Happy Ending), but he still delivered a high-octane tribute to Bobby Darin in Just in Time. Known for sweat-soaked performances that require a splash zone warning, Groff miraculously stayed dry while serenading, then straddling, Keanu Reeves.

    Waterproof Groff is still gay rights.

    Cole Escola Makes Tony History, Thanks Grindr

    Cole Escola, comedian, playwright, wig enthusiast, stole the show and the Tony for Best Leading Actor in a Play for Oh, Mary!, becoming the first non-binary actor to do so. Dressed in a custom silver Wiederhoeft gown with enough sparkle to blind George Clooney (who was also nominated), Escola offered the queerest acceptance speech of the night.

    “Hi Mom. I love you. I’ll call when I can. Oh, and thank you to T-Bone from Grindr,” Escola quipped, casually cementing their legacy and their contact list in Tony history.

    Oh, Mary! also snagged Best Direction for Sam Pinkleton and delivered a delightfully deranged take on Mary Todd Lincoln’s inner turmoil. It’s queer. It’s weird. It’s wonderful.

    Hue Park Winsand Announces He’s Single

    Maybe Happy Ending swept the Tonys with six wins, including Best Musical and Best Score, thanks to the writing duo of Will Aronson and Hue Park. During one of many acceptance speeches, Park charmingly let the world know he’s single. That tidbit echoed through the evening, with presenters and winners giving it playful shoutouts.

    Cue the DM flood.

    Jinkx Monsoon Pirates the Stage

    Drag legend and two-time Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon took to the stage as a pirate wench in Pirates! A Penzance Musical alongside David Hyde Pierce. Was the show snubbed? Sadly, yes. Was Jinkx playing a washboard in full swashbuckler drag a peak moment of the night? Absolutely.

    Death Becomes Her Gives a Dazzling Queer-Encapsulated Performance and Paul Tazewell is on a Roll!

    While we didn’t get BOOP! The Musical (justice for Betty!), we were gifted the gloriously camp spectacle of Death Becomes Her’s number “For the Gaze.” Picture Liza Minnelli doing a costume-change challenge with backup dancers in rainbow sequins and you’re still only halfway there.

    Madeline Ashton, multiple wigs, and a final tableau that probably left several straight viewers emotionally unprepared, Broadway’s never been more in on the joke. Choreographer Christopher Gattelli really said, “Subtlety? Never met her.”

    Costume designer Paul Tazewell earned a Tony for his breathtaking work on the show, adding to a trophy shelf that already includes a BAFTA and an Oscar for Wicked. Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Costume Design and remains a trailblazer in every sense.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_S_JjZh76s

    Harvey Fierstein Finally Gets His Flowers

    Harvey Fierstein already had four Tonys, but the Special Lifetime Achievement Award was long overdue. Though his award wasn’t televised (rude!), the moment was still monumental. Fierstein’s decades of blazing trails, be it with Torch Song Trilogy, La Cage aux Folles, or simply existing unapologetically, paved the yellow brick road for this new queer wave of thespians and theater connoisseurs.

    Tears were shed were definitely shed in this poignant moment.

    Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Francis Jue Round Out the Rainbow

    Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose won Best Play, adding to his Pulitzer Prize haul. Meanwhile, veteran actor Francis Jue won hearts (and critical acclaim) for his role in Yellow Face, reminding us all that queer Asian excellence has always been part of Broadway’s DNA.

    Curtain Call

    From Cynthia’s 10 looks to Cole’s historic win and Jinkx’s pirate couture, the 2025 Tony Awards proved once again that queerness isn’t just part of Broadway, it is Broadway. And as long as we have chorus boys in sequins and monologues that end with “I’d like to thank Grindr,” the theater will be in fabulous hands.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBtzq3C-Wlc

    Full List of Winner Below

    Best Musical

    • Maybe Happy Ending

    Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

    • Nicole Scherzinger, Sunset Blvd.

    Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

    • Darren Criss, Maybe Happy Ending

    Best Revival of a Musical

    • Sunset Blvd.

    Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

    • Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!

    Best Direction of a Musical

    • Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending

    Best Direction of a Play

    • Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary!

    Best Revival of a Play

    • Eureka Day, Jonathan Spector

    Best Play

    • Purpose

    Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

    • Natalie Venetia Belcon, Buena Vista Social Club

    Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

    • Kara Young, Purpose

    Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

    • Jak Malone, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical

    Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

    • Francis Jue, Yellow Face

    Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

    • Sarah Snook, The Picture of Dorian Gray

    Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

    • Maybe Happy Ending, Will Aronson (music and lyrics) and Hue Park (lyrics)

    Best Costume Design of a Musical

    • Paul Tazewell, Death Becomes Her

    Best Costume Design of a Play

    • Marg Horwell, The Picture of Dorian Gray

    Best Scenic Design of a Musical

    • Dane Laffrey and George Reeve, Maybe Happy Ending

    Best Scenic Design of a Play

    • Miriam Buether and 59, Stranger Things: The First Shadow

    Best Lighting Design of a Musical

    • Jack Knowles, Sunset Blvd.

    Best Lighting Design of a Play

    • Jon Clark, Stranger Things: The First Shadow

    Best Choreography

    • Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck, Buena Vista Social Club

    Best Orchestrations

    • Marco Paguia, Buena Vista Social Club

    Best Sound Design of a Musical

    • Jonathan Deans, Buena Vista Social Club

    Best Book of a Musical

    • Maybe Happy Ending, Will Aronson and Hue Park

    Best Sound Design of a Play

    • Paul Arditti, Stranger Things: The First Shadow
  • Nava Mau Becomes First Out Trans Actor Nominated for TV BAFTA

    Nava Mau Becomes First Out Trans Actor Nominated for TV BAFTA

    The nominees for the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards have been revealed, with Baby Reindeer dominating the field, and Nava Mau making history as the first out transgender actor to ever be nominated for a TV BAFTA.

    Historic Nomination for Nava Mau

    Mau, 32, earned the nomination for her role in Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, a drama that has already made a significant impact, winning six Emmy awards last year. In addition to Mau’s groundbreaking recognition, the series also received seven other BAFTA nominations, including for lead actor Richard Gadd and supporting actresses Jessica Gunning and Mau.

    Mau’s nomination marks a major milestone in the entertainment industry. Not only is she the first out trans actor to be nominated for a TV BAFTA, but she also made history last year with a Primetime Emmy nomination in the limited series or TV movie acting category.

    Reflecting on her Emmy nomination, Mau discussed the challenges faced by trans people, especially Latinas and other underrepresented communities. “Unfortunately, the opportunities afforded to trans people and Latinas and all under-represented people have been extremely limited,” she said. “That has gotten in the way of us being able to grow in our craft and explore all we can be.”

    Mau, who is also set to star in the upcoming season of Netflix’s thriller You, expressed hope for the future. “I by no means will be the only [trans actress] moving forward,” she said. “What Baby Reindeer and this moment has shown is that when we’re given the opportunity, we can grow into it and so far beyond it.”

    Other Notable BAFTA TV Nominations

    Baby Reindeer is not the only show making waves at this year’s BAFTA TV nominations. The drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office also earned multiple nods, while Say Nothing, a series set in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, and the thriller Slow Horses received recognition as well.

    In terms of LGBTQ+ representation, several actors have been nominated. Lola Petticrew received a nod for leading actress for their role in Say Nothing, and Sharon D Clarke earned a nomination in the same category for her performance in Mr Loverman, a queer Caribbean drama.

    McKinley Belcher III received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Netflix’s Eric, while Bilal Hasna is up for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Extraordinary, a superhero comedy series. Additionally, hit LGBTQ+ comedies We Are Lady Parts and Smoggie Queens earned nominations, showcasing the growing visibility of queer voices in television.

    The BAFTA TV Awards

    The 2025 BAFTA TV Awards will take place on May 11 at the Royal Festival Hall in London. This year’s ceremony promises to highlight the diverse range of talent and groundbreaking stories being told on television, including significant representation from the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Alan Cumming to Host 2025 BAFTA Television Awards

    Alan Cumming to Host 2025 BAFTA Television Awards

    The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced that Alan Cumming will serve as the host for the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards, set to take place on May 11 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. Known for his versatility and charisma, Cumming’s involvement marks an exciting chapter in the prestigious awards show’s history.

    Cumming, a multi-talented performer with a career spanning stage, screen, and beyond, is well-regarded for his distinctive style and magnetic presence. His acting credentials are stellar, with awards including a Tony Award and an Olivier Award for his standout performance in Cabaret. Additionally, he earned a Golden Globe Award for his role on the hit television series The Good Wife, where he also served as an executive producer.

    In recent years, Cumming has garnered widespread attention for his role as a host on The Traitors U.S., a reality series that has won over audiences with its high-stakes drama and Cumming’s lively and engaging hosting style. His work on the show has earned him two Emmy Awards and two Critics Choice Awards, further solidifying his reputation as a charismatic and versatile entertainer.

    “We’re delighted that Alan Cumming will be hosting this year’s BAFTA Television Awards,” said Emma Baehr, executive director of awards and content at BAFTA. “He will definitely bring a playful sense of mischief and fun to the ceremony, so audiences should expect the unexpected at Britain’s biggest celebration of TV.”

    As host, Cumming is expected to bring his signature wit and charm to the event, which celebrates the best in British television. Known for his unpredictable and entertaining style, Cumming’s appointment is sure to add an exciting dynamic to the annual ceremony. His flair for engaging with audiences both in-person and on-screen has made him a favorite among fans and critics alike.

    The announcement of Cumming as host comes as anticipation builds for the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards, with the countdown officially underway. This year’s ceremony promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, as the industry looks forward to recognizing the standout talent and achievements in television over the past year.

    Nominations for the 49 competitive categories across the BAFTA Television Awards and BAFTA Television Craft Awards will be revealed this Thursday. The announcement of the nominees will mark a significant milestone in the lead-up to the ceremony, as the spotlight shines on the most innovative and celebrated programs in television.

    In a move aimed at reflecting the evolving landscape of children’s programming, the BAFTA Television Awards will also introduce new categories for children’s television this year. These categories will feature an extended eligibility window, as announced last September, in a bid to better recognize the diverse and exceptional content aimed at younger audiences.

    The 2025 ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer in the U.K., ensuring that viewers across the country can tune in to watch the awards unfold. Last year’s ceremony attracted a significant audience, with an average viewership of 2.7 million across BBC One and iPlayer. Additionally, social media coverage for the event generated more than 7 million views, highlighting the global appeal and widespread interest in the BAFTA Television Awards.

    For international audiences, the ceremony will be available to stream via BritBox in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the Nordic regions, as well as on Foxtel in Australia. The ceremony will also reach viewers across Africa and the Middle East, where it will be broadcast on AlThaqafeya and MBC Channels in 24 countries. In Asia, audiences in 13 countries will be able to enjoy the event via Rewind Networks, with additional regions expected to be confirmed closer to the event.

    The BAFTA Television Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the entertainment industry, celebrating excellence in television production, acting, writing, and direction. This year’s ceremony promises to continue that legacy by honoring the best and brightest talent in British television, with Cumming at the helm to add his unique touch to the festivities.

    As the May 11 date approaches, excitement continues to build, with fans and industry professionals alike eagerly anticipating the star-studded event. Whether it’s the unveiling of this year’s nominees or the electric atmosphere of the live broadcast, the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards are shaping up to be a must-see event for television enthusiasts around the world.

    Alan Cumming’s appointment as host brings a fresh, playful energy to the BAFTA Television Awards, setting the stage for a memorable evening of celebration and entertainment.

  • Karla Sofia Gascón to Attend Oscars Amid Controversy

    Karla Sofia Gascón to Attend Oscars Amid Controversy

    Karla Sofia Gascón, the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar, is set to attend the 95th Academy Awards on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Sources confirm that Netflix will cover the costs for Gascón, who is nominated for Best Actress for her performance in the Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez.

    While details of her attendance are still being finalized, it remains unclear whether Gascón will walk the red carpet, participate in interviews, or sit with her co-stars Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and director Jacques Audiard.

    Ahead of the Oscars, Gascón is also scheduled to attend the César Awards in Paris on February 28.

    The 2023 awards season for Gascón, however, has been clouded by controversy. The actress came under intense scrutiny after social media posts on X (formerly Twitter) surfaced, in which she made inflammatory comments about Muslims, George Floyd, and diversity at the Oscars. In response to the backlash, Gascón skipped several major award events, including the Critics Choice Awards, the BAFTA Film Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, despite being nominated at each.

    In the aftermath, Gascón issued an apology, acknowledging the harm caused by her past social media activity. “I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt,” she said in a statement to Variety. “As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well, and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”

    On February 1, Gascón participated in a nearly hour-long interview with CNN en Español, where she stated that she would no longer comment publicly on the controversy.

    Gascón’s Oscar nomination is a historic achievement, making her the first openly trans actor to be recognized in the Best Actress category. She previously made history as the first transgender woman to win the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, a recognition she shared with Saldaña, Gomez, and Adriana Paz. Gascón was also the first trans woman nominated for acting at the Golden Globes. She is represented by UTA.