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Michael Idato

Michael Idato

Michael Idato is the culture editor-at-large of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Eurovision bound: Australian singer Delta Goodrem.

‘This could be a winner’: Delta Goodrem’s Eurovision campaign wows Norway

After a masterclass performance in Norway, Delta Goodrem has vaulted into the top five, as the hunt for Australia’s first Eurovision gold intensifies.

  • Michael Idato

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Catherina Laga’aia as Moana.

‘The real deal’: Aussie performer Catherine Laga’aia dazzles in new Moana trailer

The 19-year-old is making her movie debut in the live action remake of Disney’s much loved animation.

  • Michael Idato

Here Today, gone tomorrow? The gospel according to Karl

Breakfast TV budgie smuggler Karl Stefanovic is recasting himself as a culture warrior. Is his new podcast the evolution of a digital brand, or an exit strategy?

  • Michael Idato
Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Denis Villeneuve, Anya Taylor-Joy and Javier Bardem at the Dune: Part Three trailer screening.

The messiah arrives: Denis Villeneuve reveals first look at Dune 3

At an exclusive LA screening of the new trailer, the filmmaker promised a “dense” and “action-packed” conclusion to the Dune trilogy.

  • Michael Idato
Say hello to Sarah, Willow and Marcus, three of the “stars” of Flex: The Series.

The new reality TV show that makes MAFS look like MasterChef Australia

The “vertical TV” revolution is moving from phone soaps featuring billionaire brides to Sydney’s sunny Eastern suburbs.

  • Michael Idato
Autumn Durald Arkapaw accepts the award for cinematography.

Australia’s Oscar hopes dashed but a history-making night for women

It was one loss after another for Australia’s five nominees while Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as both the first woman and first woman of colour to win the best cinematography category.

  • Michael Idato
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Oscars 2026

Oscars 2026 as it happened: One Battle After Another dominates, Anne Hathaway teases Devil Wears Prada sequel

There was no joy for the Australian nominees at this year’s Academy Awards, but big strides were made for gender equality.

  • Michael Idato, Karl Quinn, Nell Geraets, Damien Woolnough, Lauren Ironmonger, Kayla Olaya and Garry Maddox
Timothée Chalamet with his Golden Globe. Will he win the Oscar? At this point, who knows?

Could a careless sound bite derail Timothee Chalamet’s Oscar bid?

Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet’s disparaging remarks about ballet and opera have turned his Oscar dream into a PR nightmare.

  • Michael Idato
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has returned to her influencer roots with her new curated online store.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex confirmed to appear on Her Best Life podcast

The Duchess of Sussex will headline a three-day weekend retreat hosted by an Australian podcast – but those who want to attend will have to fork out at least $2699.

  • Michael Idato
Showrunner Liz Sarnoff (left) Jamie Lee Curtis, author Patricia Cornwall and Nicole Kidman in New York on Monday for an event on Scarpetta.

‘I’m holding it steady’: In the third act of her career, Nicole Kidman is digging into her grief and loss

Adapted from Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling crime series, Scarpetta lands in the deeply personal wake of Kidman’s divorce from Keith Urban and the death of her mother.

  • Michael Idato