InFrame

Andrew Scott’s Queer Screen Roles—and a Viral Jockstrap Throwback—Put Him Back in the LGBTQ+ Spotlight

Andrew Scott of 'Elsinore' poses in the Getty Images Portrait Studio presented by IMDb and IMDbPro at InterContinental Toronto Centre on September 12, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for IMDb)

by Chris Tremblay Sep 25

3 MIN READ

Andrew Scott has become the focus of a new wave of queer internet attention—not because of a newly released photo shoot, but because LGBTQ+ media revisited an earlier set of images while the actor promotes two new projects with explicitly queer themes. In a September 2026 article, "Instinct Magazine" described Scott’s 2024 Diaries99 shoot as featuring sheer mesh, leather trousers, a leather harness and jeans worn low enough to reveal what appeared to be jockstraps.

The images were framed by LGBTQ+ outlets as a “thirst trap”—social-media content designed to attract attention through glamour, flirtation or sexual appeal. The coverage used playful language, but the underlying news event was a renewed burst of online interest in Scott as he returned to queer cultural conversation through his film and television work. The photo shoot itself is not new, and no evidence reviewed for this article establishes that Scott released a new jockstrap image during the three-week period beginning September 4th.

"Out" separately reported on the images, describing Scott in a harness, shirtless, and wearing trousers low enough for a jockstrap to be visible. The publication’s account confirms the basic visual details reported by "Instinct Magazine", while also placing the images within renewed interest in Scott’s public profile.

Neither publication reported that Scott had made a public statement specifically about the jockstrap images. The images should therefore be understood as a fashion and celebrity-media story, rather than evidence of any new personal disclosure by the actor. Scott is a gay actor, but coverage of his appearance should not be treated as a substitute for his own words about his identity or private life.

The wider context is explicitly queer

The renewed attention coincides with Scott’s role in "Elsinore", a drama about Ian Charleson, the Scottish actor who played Hamlet at London’s National Theatre in 1989 while living with AIDS. Scott portrays Charleson during the final months of his life and his preparation for the production.

The film’s subject connects the online thirst-trap conversation to a significant chapter in LGBTQ+ cultural history. Charleson was a gay actor who publicly disclosed that he had AIDS, and his death in 1990 occurred during a period when AIDS-related stigma and misinformation profoundly affected gay men and other communities. The sources reviewed here specifically confirm the film’s focus on Charleson’s life with AIDS, but do not independently establish every historical detail about his public advocacy or personal experience.

The Guardian described Scott’s performance as a portrayal of Charleson and noted Scott’s connection to openly gay representation, including his appearance in the 2014 film "Pride". The review characterized "Elsinore" as an AIDS drama and called attention to the historical and emotional dimensions of the role.

The film also received attention at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. According to "Instinct Magazine", "Elsinore" won the International People’s Choice Award at the festival. The publication embedded a post from the official Toronto International Film Festival account, Instagram: @tiff_net, discussing Scott and Charleson after the film’s Canadian premiere.

A second viral moment

Scott was also discussed online because of a clip from A24’s forthcoming series "It Gets Worse". The clip, circulated on X by Queer Frames on September 9, 2026, features Scott delivering the sexually explicit line, “You’re just a hole. You’re just a hole for daddy.” "Instinct Magazine" embedded the post and presented it as a separate viral moment from the older Diaries99 images.

The clip’s circulation illustrates how celebrity attention can move between formal entertainment promotion and queer social-media culture. Scott’s recent work spans a historical AIDS drama, a project associated with queer cinema, and a deliberately provocative comedy or dramatic series moment. Those projects have given online audiences several different ways to discuss him at once: as an established actor, a gay public figure, a performer in queer narratives and the subject of flirtatious fan attention.

PinkNews covered Scott’s “daddy” moment on September 8th, describing the online reaction to the clip from "It Gets Worse". Its report provides independent confirmation that the scene was being discussed by LGBTQ+ media during the relevant period.

"Elsinore" is scheduled to open in United States theaters on November 20, 2026 in a limited release before expanding during the Thanksgiving period and through December. The United Kingdom and Ireland release is scheduled for January 29, 2027, according to "Instinct Magazine".

George Michael VMAs Tribute Draws Backlash Over Lack of Out LGBTQ+ Performers

Singer George Michael poses at the "George Michael: A Different Story" Photocall during the 55th annual Berlinale International Film Festival on February 16, 2005 in Berlin, Germany. Photo Credit: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

by Chris Tremblay Sep 25

2 MIN READ

A planned George Michael tribute at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards has triggered backlash from fans who say the lineup should include openly LGBTQ+ performers. MTV and CBS announced on September 22 that RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims would perform in honor of Michael during the ceremony.

It's Officially Dolly Parton Day, With Parades, Pink Lights and Book Drives

Dolly Parton performs during halftime in the game between the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.Photo Credit: Ron Jenkins/Getty Image

by Kimberlee Kruesi Sep 25

3 MIN READ

Pour yourself a cup of ambition. It’s Dolly Parton Day.

Across the world, communities are dedicating Friday to honoring the beloved country singer. The day is falling on Sept. 25, a wink at Parton’s hit song “9 to 5.”

Parton, who died of cancer last month at age 80, built an impressive legacy over the decades as a singer-songwriter, actor, philanthropist and entrepreneur — leaving big and small ways to honor the icon.

So whether it’s dusting off your rhinestones, donating a book or throwing back a pink-themed cocktail, here’s how you can celebrate Dolly Parton Day.

Join a celebration

In the U.S., a growing number of state and local leaders are establishing Sept. 25 as an annual Dolly Parton Day from California to the borough of Manhattan in New York City. The proclamations highlight Parton’s successful career and stress her lifelong commitment to promoting literacy.

In Nashville — where Parton had lived since she was 18 — the city will honor the singer with pink lights and posters and give away stickers, buttons and bookmarks. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines announced that it would hold a Parton-inspired karaoke Friday for travelers and employees. Tennessee state and local officials are currently in the process of renaming the airport after Parton.

“Dolly Parton’s impact on Nashville will be felt for generations, through the music she has given us, the people she has helped and the example she continues to set,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell in a statement. “She has shown us that caring for a community means showing up for one another.”

Over in New Orleans, the marching group Krewe of Dolly will lead a parade through the city’s French Quarter to honor Parton.

And in San Francisco, organizers are planning a public event in the heart of the city, called “Dolly Day,” designed to be a celebration of life that will include “singing loud, dressing up, and being a little kinder than usual in her honor.”

Donate a book to Imagination Library

For those chained to their actual 9 to 5 job on Friday, sneaking away for an event may be challenging. Instead, you can channel Parton’s giving spirit.

Parton made it her mission to improve literacy through her Imagination Library book giveaway program. The program has quickly expanded, resulting in more than a million books sent out each month to children in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.

The Imagination Library is encouraging the public to give directly to their local Imagination Library Partner on Dolly Parton Day, or help establish a new program in their community.

Don’t know where to start? The Dollywood Foundation is directing people to ImaginationLibrary.com, where a ZIP code search can find nearby programs.

“For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart,” said Jeff Conyers, president of The Dollywood Foundation, in a statement. “She believed deeply in helping people, especially children, and she always felt if you are in a position to help, you should help.”

Get inspired by Parton's style and songs

The Queen of Country was known for her over-the-top style, proudly wearing sequins with big hair and plenty of fringe in her signature color pink.

Parton especially adored butterflies, singing that “love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh.”

Dig into your closet and throw on something extra flashy, shiny or sparkly. Feeling adventurous? Some tattoo artists are offering Dolly-inspired tattoos on Friday, but a butterfly clip will also work.

Of course, there's no easier way to celebrate Parton than by playing one of her many, many albums throughout the day.

Known for her hits “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Parton's catalog runs deep, and there's room to discover new favorites.

It was Parton’s wish that her songs would have a lasting impact, and that in turn, she would be remembered for trying to make the world a better place.

“I hope that a lot of my songs may last that long. And I hope I’ll be remembered as somebody that tried to do some good in the world and left, you know, a few good things,” she told The Associated Press in 2024.

Ryan Murphy Finishes Script for Potential Glee Revival

Creator/writer Ryan Murphy (C) poses in the press room with the cast of "Glee" with the award for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy for "Glee" at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 17, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

by Chris Tremblay Sep 24

3 MIN READ

Ryan Murphy has finished a script for a potential "Glee" revival, giving the long-discussed project its clearest public update to date.

Murphy disclosed the development to "Entertainment Tonight" on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the New York City premiere of the 13th season of "American Horror Story".

“Funny you ask, because I just finished the script an hour ago,” Murphy told "Entertainment Tonight".

The writer and producer said the script was written with Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, the co-creators who worked with Murphy on the original series.

“Brad, Ian and I, who wrote all the first two seasons, have written something,” Murphy said.

The existence of a script does not mean that a new series has been ordered. "Deadline" reported that the proposed project, from 20th Television, had not been set up at a platform as of Sept. 24.

Murphy also indicated that the script remains at an early stage of development.

“Nobody’s read it, so I don’t know, we’ll see,” Murphy said.

Original Cast Members Have Been Contacted

Murphy said he had been in touch with approximately 10 members of the original "Glee" cast about the possibility of returning.

According to Murphy, the cast members he contacted asked questions about the proposed continuation but were enthusiastic about the idea.

“It’s very sweet, and they all had a lot of questions, but they all were very enthusiastic about the idea,” Murphy said.

That response does not represent formal casting confirmation. The actors have not read the completed script, and no returning cast members have been officially announced for a new production.

Murphy said he wanted to write additional material before presenting the story to the cast.

“I vowed to myself that I wanted to write a couple of them to see what people think, particularly the cast, because we were very close when we were making it,” Murphy said.

His comments leave open several questions, including whether the proposed project would be ordered, where it would be released, and which performers might participate.

A New Incarnation of the Musical Series

The reported project is being described as a reboot, revival, or new incarnation rather than a confirmed continuation with an announced format.

Murphy had previously discussed revisiting the "Glee" universe, saying in July that the idea had “come back around.”

The July report said Falchuk had also previously raised the possibility of rebooting the series.

The latest announcement marks a change from earlier discussions because Murphy now says that a script has been completed.

However, no story details have been released. Murphy has not publicly identified the characters involved, described the setting, or explained whether the proposed project would follow the original characters or introduce a new group of performers.

The Original Series’ Legacy

The original "Glee" was a Fox musical comedy-drama that ran for six seasons from 2009 to 2015.

The series centered on the members of a high-school show choir and combined musical performances with storylines about friendship, identity, relationships, family, bullying, disability, sexuality, and belonging.

Its ensemble included performers such as Lea Michele, Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Amber Riley, Heather Morris, Kevin McHale and Naya Rivera.

The program also became closely associated with LGBTQ+ representation through characters including Kurt Hummel, played by openly gay actor Chris Colfer, and Santana Lopez, played by Naya Rivera.

Any future production would therefore enter a television landscape in which audiences and performers may closely examine how LGBTQ+ characters and storylines are represented. The available reports do not state whether the proposed script includes transgender characters, queer characters, or any specific LGBTQ+ storylines.

What Happens Next

For now, Murphy’s announcement establishes only that he, Falchuk and Brennan have completed one script for a possible "Glee" reboot.

The script has not been publicly released, the original cast has not read it, a platform has not been identified, and no production schedule has been announced.

Murphy’s next stated step is to write more material and assess the response, particularly from cast members who worked on the original series.

Until those development steps occur, the project remains a potential revival rather than an officially commissioned television series.

First-Look Images Reveal Frodo’s Return in Andy Serkis’ The Hunt for Gollum

This photo is one of a slideshow of "first look" stills posted by @lordoftherings on Instagram

by Chris Tremblay Sep 24

5 MIN READ

Warner Bros. has released 10 first-look images from "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum", the upcoming Middle-earth film directed by and starring Andy Serkis.

The images were shared through Warner Bros.’ TikTok account and present the first official visual material from the production beyond earlier promotional footage.

The lead image shows a figure identified as Elijah Wood’s Frodo Baggins approaching the round green door of Bag End, Frodo’s home in the Shire.

The figure is seen from behind rather than in a clear facial portrait, but multiple reports identify the character as Frodo and the performer as Wood.

The remaining images depict Hobbits in the Shire, pumpkins prepared for harvest, and the landscape in warm autumn light.

Other photographs show Andy Serkis working behind the camera and additional production material from the Shire.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Lord of the Rings (@lordoftherings)

Warner Bros. released the images shortly after Hobbit Day, observed on September 22.

The date corresponds to the birthdays of Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional calendar.

Story and Timeline

"The Hunt for Gollum" is being presented as a prequel to Jackson’s "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

The reported story occupies the period between Bilbo’s departure from the Shire after his 111th birthday and Frodo’s departure to begin the quest depicted in "The Fellowship of the Ring".

In Tolkien’s chronology, that interval lasts approximately 17 years.

Jackson’s first film compressed that passage of time into a small number of scenes, while the new film is positioned to dramatize events that take place before Frodo leaves home.

The film’s title indicates that Gollum’s movements and the search for him will be central to the story.

Reports have also connected the narrative to the search undertaken by Gandalf and Aragorn, an episode Gandalf recounts in Tolkien’s novel.

Returning Cast and Filmmakers

Serkis is directing the film and returning as Gollum, the role he played in Jackson’s "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films.

Wood is returning as Frodo, reprising the character he played throughout Jackson’s original trilogy.

Ian McKellen is also returning as Gandalf, according to reporting about the film’s cast and recent production material.

Jamie Dornan has been reported as playing Aragorn, the character previously portrayed by Viggo Mortensen in Jackson’s trilogy.

Lee Pace is reported to be returning as Thranduil, the Elven king he played in "The Hobbit" trilogy.

The reported cast also includes Anya Taylor-Joy as Seren, Leo Woodall as Halvard, and Kate Winslet as Marigol.

Peter Jackson is attached as a producer, while Howard Shore’s score is associated with the newly released image material.

Production and Release

The film is currently being shot in New Zealand, with production having begun in July 2026.

The first-look images are distinct from earlier unofficial or behind-the-scenes material circulated online during production.

Earlier footage showed Serkis preparing to perform as Gollum and included views of the New Zealand landscape, but the new photographs are the first substantial official look at the film’s Shire setting and returning characters.

Warner Bros. has scheduled "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" for theatrical release on December 17, 2027.

The release date places the film in the same month associated with Jackson’s original trilogy, whose three installments opened in consecutive Decembers from 2001 through 2003.

The newly released images do not show Gollum directly, and Warner Bros. has not released a full plot synopsis alongside the gallery.

Dolly Parton’s Estate Accuses Her Nephew of Threatening Violence and to Destroy His Aunt’s Legacy

Henry Bailey, 7, from Kentucky signs his name to a tribute sign to the late Dolly Parton before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Bristol, Tenn.Photo Credit: AP Photo/Wade Payne

by Hallie Golden Sep 23

2 MIN READ

Dolly Parton 's estate accused the country music icon’s nephew of threatening to commit violence and destroy his aunt’s legacy and business empire in court filings submitted Tuesday and asked a judge to keep him away from its employees and business dealings.

Court documents filed in Nashville offer the first signs of discord in a carefully managed estate process for one of the most beloved personalities in music and beyond.

Bryan Seaver, who owns a company that provided Parton’s security detail and was handpicked by the star to announce her death from cancer last month, did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press requesting comment.

In the temporary restraining order request filed by She’s Alive, the entity that manages and protects Parton’s professional property and business, and other court documents, it claims Seaver sent increasingly threatening messages over the last several weeks. She’s Alive is run by Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager.

Last week, “She’s Alive” terminated Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services, saying his "terrorizing conduct made their continued retention untenable,” according to court documents.

The court documents showcase a series of text messages and emails She's Alive says were sent by Seaver starting just before Parton's death. The messages begin with threats to destroy the brand, and then after her death, depict Seaver reveling in his newfound fame and calling himself an “international arms dealer."

In one message written on Sept. 1 and included in the court documents, he said: “I’m going to set up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly’s brand partnerships and telling the violations these people have done on us. It’s going to be great. Or f——— pay me.”

Seaver also claimed that he worked for private military contractors overseas during the Iraq War and used that experience as part of these threats, according to the complaint.

The messages have resulted in Parton’s trusts and estates attorney leaving and employees of She’s Alive resigning, according to the court documents. The entity has also had to hire private security for its employees, including at their homes, the documents state.

The restraining order is meant to stop Seaver from talking with or being within 1,000 feet (304.8 meters) of She’s Alive employees, attorneys and business partners. It also is meant to keep him from interfering with its business relationships.

Parton wrote hundreds of songs, including classics like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” that earned a total of more than 100 million worldwide sales and more than 1 billion online streams.

Madonna to Open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards

Photo Credit: Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

by Chris Tremblay Sep 22

2 MIN READ

Madonna will open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with a live performance, CBS and MTV announced on September 16.

Lionel Richie Undergoes Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation and Cancels Three Tour Dates

Music legend and Acrisure brand ambassador Lionel Richie headlines the Acrisure Amphitheater Opening Concert on May 15, 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Acrisure Amphitheater)

by Chris Tremblay Sep 22

3 MIN READ

Lionel Richie underwent a procedure to treat atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, his representative confirmed on September 22, 2026.

“The doctor said everything went perfectly,” Richie’s representative said in a statement, adding that the singer is “doing great” but will take some time off before returning to the stage.

The representative described the treatment as a “common procedure for Atrial fibrillation ,” but did not publicly provide additional medical details about Richie’s diagnosis, the specific technique used, or his expected recovery timetable.

TMZ reported that the procedure was an AFib ablation, a minimally invasive treatment that uses a catheter to address electrical signals associated with an irregular heart rhythm.

Richie’s representative did not characterize the treatment as open-heart surgery, and reports described it as non-emergency care.

Impact on the Tour

The health update led Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire to cancel the next three performances on their joint Sing a Song All Night Long Tour.

The canceled concert in San Francisco was scheduled for September 26 at Chase Center.

The tour’s Chicago performance was scheduled for September 30 at the United Center.

The third canceled show was scheduled for October 2 at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Variety reported that Richie’s next listed concerts were a three-night engagement at the Encore Theater in Las Vegas beginning October 14, although the report said those performances remained scheduled at the time of publication.

The available reports did not establish whether the canceled performances would be rescheduled or specify the refund arrangements for ticket holders.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation, commonly called AFib, is an irregular heart rhythm that begins in the heart’s upper chambers, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

During AFib, the heart’s upper chambers do not beat in a regular rhythm, which can affect how blood moves through the heart.

The condition can be treated in several ways, depending on a patient’s circumstances, including medication, electrical cardioversion, and catheter ablation.

Catheter ablation uses thin tubes inserted through a blood vessel and guided toward the heart, where physicians treat tissue involved in abnormal electrical signaling.

Depending on the ablation method, energy is used to create small areas of treated tissue that interrupt or isolate electrical pathways associated with the irregular rhythm.

The exact form of ablation reportedly performed on Richie has not been independently detailed in a statement from his medical team.

Medical guidance on AFib treatment is individualized, and a description of a procedure as common or minimally invasive does not provide enough information to assess an individual patient’s health outlook.

Recent Hospitalization Reports

Richie’s latest procedure followed reports that he had been hospitalized while on tour.

Earlier in September, People reported that Richie had returned home to Los Angeles after a hospital stay and was “doing great.”

Reports at that time said Richie had been hospitalized in St. Louis after he was unable to complete a performance, while subsequent coverage said doctors were evaluating cardiac-related concerns.

The September 22 reports described the new hospitalization as another episode involving heart concerns and said it had interrupted the ongoing tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.

Some outlets characterized the latest hospitalization as Richie’s third in several months, but the publicly available statements from his representative did not provide a complete medical chronology.

For that reason, the number and timing of Richie’s hospitalizations should be treated as media-reported rather than as a comprehensive account issued by his physicians.

Statement on His Return

Richie’s representative said the singer plans to return to performing after taking time away to recover.

No further public medical statement from Richie or his doctors was included in the reports reviewed for this article.

The immediate confirmed consequences are that Richie is taking a temporary break from touring and that three dates with Earth, Wind & Fire have been canceled.

The status of later performances may change depending on Richie’s recovery and any updates from his representatives, medical team, tour organizers, or venues.

Hayden Panettiere Died From Accidental Overdose Involving Fentanyl, Coroner Says

FIle - Hayden Panettiere arrives at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party in Los Angeles on Sept. 20, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

by Jeffrey Collins Sep 22

3 MIN READ

Actor Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl, a coroner in South Carolina said Tuesday.

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive in an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on Aug. 16. Her on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach Hickerson were at the home.

According to a statement from the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, a combination of fentanyl and its chemical byproduct, as well as the anti-anxiety medication alprazolam, a muscle relaxer and a drug used to treat major depression and other serious mental health disorders, was found in Panettiere's system.

The office did not include further details from the autopsy report in its initial release.

Asked for comment on the coroner's report, Kasey Kitchen, a publicist for the family, told The Associated Press that “the investigation is still ongoing and the case is complex."

Greenville Police confirmed Tuesday that their investigation into Panettiere's death is continuing.

Paramedics responded to Panettiere's apartment last month after a 911 call and performed CPR and other advanced resuscitation efforts for more than 40 minutes before she was declared dead. An autopsy found no signs of trauma that could have contributed to her death, Greenville County Coroner Mike Ellis said in a statement.

The police report released after her death listed medications Panettiere was taking, but the drug names were redacted.

Panettiere’s early fame brought success and struggle

Panettiere soared to fame in the TV shows “Heroes” and “Nashville.” In her memoir “This Is Me,” released in May, Panettiere described lifelong scars from her early fame and acknowledged being addicted to alcohol and enduring postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, Kaya, with Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko in 2014.

She also endured family struggles and tragedy. Her parents’ marriage was strained and eventually ended. Her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, who was also an actor, died of a heart condition in 2023, at age 28.

Panettiere also talked about her long relationship with Brian Hickerson and allegations that the aspiring actor physically abused her.

He was charged in 2020 with multiple counts of felony abuse, and he pleaded no contest to two counts of injuring a spouse or partner and served a short time in jail due to the case. He was sentenced to four years of probation and anger management and Alcoholics Anonymous sessions.

Hickerson completed the terms and recently asked a judge to reduce his conviction to misdemeanors; that request was denied.

Panettiere was one of two children born to Skip Panettiere, a former New York City fire captain, and Lesley Vogel, a former soap opera star. She acted in commercials and soap operas, including as the ever-troubled Lizzie Spaulding on “Guiding Light.” In “This Is Me,” she wrote that the traumas her character endured, from being kidnapped to killing her mother’s boyfriend, led her to associate “catastrophe with adoration.”

She then played a cheerleader with supernatural powers in “Heroes,” which propelled her to fame in 2006.

By 2015, Panettiere was playing a brash country upstart opposite Connie Britton on “Nashville,” which aired on ABC for four seasons before being canceled and revived on CMT. She did her own singing in the show, which scored some hits on country charts, spawned U.S. tours and earned Panettiere two supporting actress Golden Globe nominations.

But she also said she was in a horrible cycle of using alcohol and drugs to battle depression and anxiety and had to find a way out of the darkness. She entered rehab while filming the show.

“I was the one who put myself in the first treatment center. I was drowning,” she said in a 2023 interview with Women’s Health magazine.

'La Bola Negra' Wins Tiff's People Choice Award, Putting It on Oscar Path

Director Javier Ambrossi, left, and Javier Calvo attend the premiere of "La Bola Negra" at the Princess of Wales Theatre during the Toronto International Film Festival on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in Toronto. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

by Jake Coyle Sep 20

2 MIN READ

“La Bola Negra,” the Spanish queer epic about the intertwined lives of three gay men, won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, confirming its status as a major Oscar contender.

TIFF's top award is voted on by festivalgoers, and it's become known as one of the most iron-clad Academy Awards predictors. Since 2012, all but one winner of the People's Choice Award has gone on to score a best-picture nomination at the Oscars. The lone exception was in 2024, when Mike Flanagan's Stephen King adaptation “The Life of Chuck” won the award. Last year, “Hamnet” won it and later landed eight Oscar nominations.

“La Bola Negra” is directed by the duo known as Los Javis — Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo. It was already a hit at the Cannes Film Festival, where “La Bola Negra” split the best director award with Paweł Pawlikowski for “Fatherland.”

Netflix acquired “La Bola Negra” out of Cannes and has launched a full awards campaign for the film. Netflix is also giving the film its longest theatrical release yet for the streamer. “La Bola Negra” opens in theaters Oct. 16 and begins streaming Dec. 2.

“This is a deeply personal film but it also carries a message of the importance and necessity of expressing who you are,” the Javis said in a statement Sunday. “Knowing that audiences connected with it and made it their own is the greatest gift we could receive.”

The first runner-up for the TIFF award was “I Play Rocky,” Peter Farrelly's comedy about the making of “Rocky.” Second runner-up was “Being Heumann,” Siân Heder's drama about disability rights pioneer Judy Heumann.

The festival also awards a People's Choice Award for international films. That went to “Elsinore,” starring Andrew Scott as Ian Charleson, the Scottish actor who performed “Hamlet” in London while suffering from AIDS. The first runner-up was “Possible Love,” Lee Chang-dong’s Korean drama about the trauma of mass layoffs. Second runner-up was “The Assassin(s),” a Korean procedural by Hur Jin-ho.

“Darlene Love: I Know Where I've Been,” a portrait of the 85-year-old vocalist, won TIFF's People's Choice Award for documentary. The festival's audience award for its Midnight Madness section went to “Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney,” a so-called “gonzo documentary” by Matthew Rankin about the former Canadian prime minister.

The 51st edition of TIFF draws to a close Sunday.

Andrew Scott’s Queer Screen Roles—and a Viral Jockstrap Throwback—Put Him Back in the LGBTQ+ Spotlight

The wider context is explicitly queer

A second viral moment

George Michael VMAs Tribute Draws Backlash Over Lack of Out LGBTQ+ Performers

Why Fans Are Objecting

It's Officially Dolly Parton Day, With Parades, Pink Lights and Book Drives

Join a celebration

Donate a book to Imagination Library

Get inspired by Parton's style and songs

Ryan Murphy Finishes Script for Potential Glee Revival

Original Cast Members Have Been Contacted

A New Incarnation of the Musical Series

The Original Series’ Legacy

What Happens Next

First-Look Images Reveal Frodo’s Return in Andy Serkis’ The Hunt for Gollum

Story and Timeline

Returning Cast and Filmmakers

Production and Release

Dolly Parton’s Estate Accuses Her Nephew of Threatening Violence and to Destroy His Aunt’s Legacy

Madonna to Open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards

A Return to a Defining Stage

Broadcast Details

Lionel Richie Undergoes Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation and Cancels Three Tour Dates

Impact on the Tour

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Recent Hospitalization Reports

Statement on His Return

Hayden Panettiere Died From Accidental Overdose Involving Fentanyl, Coroner Says

Panettiere’s early fame brought success and struggle

'La Bola Negra' Wins Tiff's People Choice Award, Putting It on Oscar Path

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