Madrid Showbiz Latest News and Updates

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Taskovski Films Sales has picked up documentary “My Sextortion Diary,” directed and produced by Patricia Franquesa. The film, which explores Franquesa’s reaction to an attempted digital blackmail that occurred in 2019, will have its world premiere at SXSW. Variety debuts the trailer, below.

A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was found dead in a home in East Belfast.

Rafael Nadal finds himself in a difficult position with his tennis. The beloved Spanish player is coming off of a destabilizing loss in Rome that’s making him reconsider playing in one of his favorite tournaments, the French Open, also known as the Roland Garros. Rafa Nadal is supported by his family at his first Madrid Open matchRafa Nadal’s emotional goodbye at the Madrid OpenEarlier last week, Nadal lost against Hubert Hurkacz in Rome.

Jamie Lang Spanish public broadcaster RTVE held its fifth annual RTVE Showcase late last week in Madrid. Eight of the network’s top shows were profiled for international buyers, and several panels debated the current state of affairs in Spain’s TV production industry. Professionals from around the world tuned into this year’s Showcase, which had the overriding theme of international co-production.

EXCLUSIVE: VMI Releasing, the North American distribution arm of VMI Worldwide, has picked up North American rights to Spanish filmmaker Fernando Trueba’s latest pic Haunted Heart, starring Matt Dillon. 

Annika Pham Tagged as the new co-production showcase “like all those European markets but hotter,” ECAM Forum, launched by Madrid Film School ECAM, has unveiled the first 10 projects in development and eight in post-production, to be pitched to international decision-makers between June 10-13, in the Spanish capital. Famed for its standout talent development program ECAM Incubator, the Madrid Film School has set a high bar for its inaugural Forum, which aims to broaden the reach of Spanish productions and co-productions (shorts, features, series) and build bridges between Spain and the global industry.First case in point: the heavyweight industry names in the selection committees, which reflect the ambitions of coordinator Alberto Valverde and his team, to frame ECAM Forum as a must-attend industry event.

We’re one step closer to finding out what happened to Ana Maria Knezevich.

Loreen, who won Eurovision in both 2012 and 2023, has announced a UK and European tour for next year.The artist’s biggest jaunt across the continent to date will kick off in the Netherlands on February 15 with 20 stops across Europe. She will later head to Birmingham on March 17 before playing a headline show at London’s iconic Eventim Apollo on March 19 before continuing on to Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow.

EXCLUSIVE: Stillking Films, the production services company behind titles like Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things has teamed up with production house Twentyfour Seven to launch the Málaga-based production outfit Ánima Stillking.

Madrid might be the capital – and most populous – city of Spain, but as we discovered on a short weekend trip, it may also be one of the most relaxed.The Spaniards, for the most part, embrace a laid-back approach to enjoying life and so when in Spain, why not live like the locals? From strolling through one of the capital’s 200-plus green spaces and soaking up the sun with sangria on a sun-basked roof terrace to trying traditional tapas hot spots and museum hopping, this is a city where you can lap up Spanish culture for days yet still leave wanting more. If you're looking for a city break where you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture, without watching the clock magnetic Madrid has it all.

María Celeste Arrarás recently celebrated her youngest children’s graduation from Florida International University. However, she is now in mourning after announcing the sudden passing of her partner, Raúl. According to the journalist, he suffered a heart attack while exercising.Miss USA Cheslie Kryst publishes first memoir after her death at 30OJ Simpson dead at 76 following cancer battleVanessa Bryant pays heartfelt tribute to late daughter Gianna Bryant on what would be her 18th birthdayMaría Celeste shared the sad news on her social media, stating that this was her most painful post ever made.

Rafael Nadal is closing a significant part of his life. The beloved tennis player lost against Jiri Lehecka in the Madrid Open, playing in what may likely be his last match in the Spanish tournament. Following the match, Nadal shared some words with the audience, saying goodbye and thanking them for their support.

Gerard Pique and Clara Chia looked hip and happy after a recent trip. The couple was photographed touching down at the airport in Barcelona, Spain, on April 21, after celebrating her 25th birthday.Pique and Chia wore sunglasses upon arrival and shared a smile with the paparazzi.

Amber Heard was recently spotted taking a leisurely stroll through Madrid — a city she moved to after her 2022 riveting trial against her ex-husband Johnny Depp — accompanied by her daughter Oonagh Paige and a close friend with their toddler. The sighting offered a glimpse into the actress’s life, showcasing a serene moment amidst her once-busy schedule.Heard, known for her roles in films such as “Aquaman,” appeared remarkably relaxed and content as she navigated the streets of the Spanish capital.

Fontaines D.C. have announced a surprise intimate gig in New York set to take place next week.The Dublin band – comprised of Grian Chatten, Tom Coll, Conor Curley, Conor Deegan III and Carlos O’Connell – took to their official social media to announce their one-night-only gig on May 8 at Brooklyn’s Warsaw venue.

Rafael Nadal has been one of the highlights of Madrid Open. This year marked his return to tennis courts and it’s been an up and down affair. Still, his performance in Madrid has been positive, winning his past three games, and receiving the love and support of the local crowd, including King Felipe, who stopped by to check out his most recent match.

CJ Sansom, author of the best-selling historical Shardlake novels, which have been adapted for TV by Disney+, has died aged 71. He passed away on April 27 after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012. 

Dissolution, Winter In Madrid and other best-selling novels, has died.His publisher confirmed that he had passed away aged 71, following a diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2012.This comes just before the release of Shardlake, which is the upcoming television adaptation of Dissolution, Sansom’s 2004 historical mystery novel. The series, which stars Sean Bean and Arthur Hughes, will premiere on Disney+ on May 1.

John Hopewell Chief International Correspondent In its latest expansive move, independent production house Nevision is opening offices in Barcelona, its first in Europe outside its London-based headquarters. The Barcelona operation is headed by seasoned publisher, author, journalist and producer Tim Parfitt who will work with Nevision founder James Cabourne to develop scripted series in Spanish for both local and global markets, Nevision announced last week in a written statement. First up are three projects, two with scribe-helmer Roger Guäl, who broke out with 2002’s “Smoking Room,” an acerbic take on office politics.

Getafe manager Jose Bordalas says the club have not made a concrete decision about whether they would like to retain Mason Greenwood for next season.

Enrique Iglesias’ large family has a new family member. This past April 24th, Iglesias’ younger sister, Ana Boyer, welcomed her third child with Fernando Verdasco. The child is named Martin and has his family incredibly excited.

Rafael Nadal is going through a difficult moment in his career and is counting with his family’s support. The tennis player has been plagued by injuries over the past few months, finding a groove in recent weeks. As he kicked off the Madrid Open, Nadal defeated his oponent and continues to prepare himself for Roland Garros.

Thania Garcia Música Mexicana artist Carin León has announced his international “Boca Chueca Tour,” slated for this fall. León will kickoff the trek later this year after making debut appearances at both Coachella and Stagecoach. The “Boca Chueca Tour” will hit major cities across North America and Europe, including a night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, two nights at the United Center in Chicago, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, and BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

Mickey Rourke, as his Little League coach. García also played tennis. These days, he’s passionate about golf, frequently competes in tournaments, and has achieved a 7 handicap.

Tom Brady and Novak Djokovic were joined by actor Andy Garcia, with the three taking photos together as they watched the El Clasico match from some of the best seats in the house.Tom Brady shares glimpse of his Miami mansion and lavish poolShakira shares ‘reason’ why people should watch El Clasico between Barcelona and Real MadridA post shared by Andy Garcia (@andygarcia)Garcia shared some photos on his Instagram, showing him, Brady and Djokovic smiling for the cameras. He also shared a video of the stands, showing people holding on to the giant Hala Madrid banner as they waved white flags in support of their team. The group was joined by Andres Garcia, Garcia’s son.

Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly battling it out to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba.

Manchester United's financial fair play position has received a boost this week after Borussia Dortmund's qualification for the Champions League semi-finals triggered another payment as part of Jadon Sancho's loan deal.

Manchester United are reportedly confident they can offload Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Kamasi Washington has announced a 2024 UK, Ireland and European headline tour – find all the details below.The LA jazz multi-instrumentalist will hit the road in Europe this autumn in support of his new studio album ‘Fearless Movement’, which is due for release on May 3 via Young (pre-order here).Kicking off in Rome on October 3, that leg also includes stop-offs in Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Porto, Bordeaux and Paris in the first half of the month.From there, Washington will head to the UK and Ireland for shows in Manchester, London, Cardiff, Gateshead, Leeds, Glasgow and Dublin.An additional run of European gigs is scheduled to take place between October 28 and November 17, including stops in Brussels, Warsaw, Krakow, Amsterdam, Berlin and Oslo.Tickets go on general sale at 10am BST this Friday (April 19) – you’ll be able to buy yours here (UK and Ireland) and here (Europe). Alternatively, fans can access a pre-sale at the same time tomorrow (Thursday, April 18) by pre-ordering ‘Fearless Movement’ here before 6pm BST today (17).You can see the full list of shows in the announcement post below.Europe, coming your way soon! Pre-order my album “Fearless Movement” from my web store before 6pm on Wednesday April 17th to receive pre-sale access to my Europe tour! Pre-sale opens at 10am (local times) on Thursday April 18th.

Rio Ferdinand believes Jadon Sancho is now proving a point to Manchester United after the player's fall-out with Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho is reportedly open to restarting his career at Old Trafford if Erik ten Hag is sacked.