Film News Today — July 20, 2026

The world of film is abuzz with exciting news and updates. Acclaimed director James Gray is set to receive a prestigious career award at the Locarno Film Festival, a testament to his enduring impact on the industry. Meanwhile, new releases are making waves at the box office, with Na Hong Jin's 'Hope' dominating in Korea and 'Kung Fu Soccer' continuing its reign in China, despite a strong debut from animated film 'All Wishes Come True'.

In other news, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has sparked interest with his praise for 'The Odyssey', calling it a masterpiece, and naming Christopher Nolan as the best working director today. On the production front, the cinematographer of HBO's 'Harry Potter' series has opened up about the challenges of working with the show's young stars and their strict shooting schedules. And in a fun twist, 'Guardians of the Galaxy' director James Gunn had planned a cameo for 'Big Brother 28' star Rick Devens in his upcoming film 'Man of Tomorrow', but unfortunately, it didn't work out.

Today's signal:
• James Gray to Be Honored With Locarno Film Festival Career Award (variety.com)
• Korea Box Office: Na Hong Jin’s ‘Hope’ Rules With 66% Market Share (variety.com)
• China Box Office: ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ Maintains Dominance as Animated ‘All Wishes Come True’ Debuts in Second (variety.com)
• Ben Shapiro Calls ‘The Odyssey’ a ‘Masterpiece’ Despite Conservative Outrage: Christopher Nolan Is the ‘Best Working Director Today’ (variety.com)
• HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Cinematographer Says It’s ‘Brutal’ Working Around the Young Stars’ Strict Shooting Schedules: ‘Have to Pre-Shoot All the Scenes While They’re in Class’ (variety.com)
• James Gunn Gave ‘Big Brother 28’ Star Rick Devens a Cameo in ‘Man of Tomorrow’ but He ‘Had to Cancel’ (variety.com)