Cineaste Magazine

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Vincent Pastore, known for playing mobsters in film and TV, most notably Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos, has died. He was 80. The veteran actor was found dead in his Bronx residence today, Aug. 1, by a neighbor after he had not been heard from for the past three days. The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated. Read More: deadline.com/2026/08/vincen… (Photo: Scott Gries/Getty)

Glen Hansard was so much more than just the guy from ‘Once.’ He was a rock star, synthesizer and serenader, a busker and bard, a jazzman and a mystic, a hushed folk whisperer and showbiz soul belter. Read our tribute to the late Irish singer-songwriter: rollingstone.com/music/music-fe…

I had the wonderful opportunity to write about another Michael Powell film for @Cineaste_Mag - in this case, Powell AND Pressburger and, following THE EDGE OF THE WORLD two years ago, I KNOW WHERE I'M GOING! cineaste.com

Chuck Russell, Director of 'The Mask,' Dies at 74 variety.com/2026/film/news…

This quote is 65 years old and our seats remain just as comfy and dreamy as ever.

Screenwriter William Wisher, who often collaborated with James Cameron, died at his home on July 14 at the age of 71. Wisher's family acknowledged his impact on the industry while reflecting on his dedication to family and friends. Read more: mrf.lu/2TLFS

Akihiro Miwa, Actor and Singer With Gender-Fluid Glamour, Dies at 91 nytimes.com/2026/07/16/mov… via @NYTimes

Brenda Fricker, Oscar-Winning Actress in ‘My Left Foot,’ Dies at 81 hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-n…

John Carpenter has released a statement on the passing of Sam Neill: "I'm heartbroken to hear about Sam. We made two movies together, and every day on set was better because he was there.  "He was one of the finest actors I've ever worked with and brought intelligence, wit, and absolute commitment to every scene, making every moment feel real.  "Beyond the talent, he was a true gentleman. Over the years, I was lucky to call him a friend and I always admired his generosity, curiosity, and quiet sense of humor. "The world has lost a remarkable actor, father, farmer, and friend.  Thank you, Sam, for your extraordinary work, kindness, and the memories.  "Keep laughing at the madness of it for all for us, wherever you are."

Nansun Shi, Hong Kong film producer of ‘A Better Tomorrow’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in China’, passes away at 75 A producer, executive, and longtime champion of filmmakers, Shi played a major role in shaping the golden era of Hong Kong film. Read more: cityonfire.com/nansun-shi-hon… Watch interviews and Trailers to some of her most memorable productions: cityonfire.com/nansun-shi-hon… Visit City on Fire (cityonfire.com) for Asian and martial arts film news, reviews and 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray releases. #CityOnFire Visit The Goodie Emporium (goodieemporium.com) if you're on the hunt for import 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray movies. #goodieemporium

Isabelle Adjani shares a heartfelt tribute to the late Sam Neill in an Instagram post: “In memory of Sam Neill, my generous co-star in Possession, a man of kindness and understatedly elegant talent. Here are a few photos from the set of Zulawski’s film, along with fond memories of the Cannes Film Festival, where I walked arm-in-arm with him to present Possession, the cult classic it has since become. I am deeply saddened... I truly thought I would see him again soon.”

Sam Neil. Kind, wise, impish, graceful, warm. The last time I saw him I took the opportunity to tell him he was an inspiration to me. Rest in Peace Sam.

Nicole Kidman pays tribute to her "Dead Calm" co-star Sam Neill: “Sam was one of the greats, a joy to be around. We met when I was just 18 and he took me under his wing and we stayed friends for life. He was charming, kind, funny and intelligent. He will be greatly missed, and my heart goes out to his family.” variety.com/2026/film/news…

RIP Sam Neill (1947-2026) Sam Neill on why "The Piano" (1993) is an important movie in Cinema history: "I don’t think I can overestimate how important 'The Piano' (1993) is for me in hindsight. It sits on my funny old CV like a medal on my chest. It wasn’t my film. It was Jane Campion's. I wasn’t the star of the film. That was Holly Hunter. But there is honour to be found in the second fiddle. Or fourth. No one notices you much, you don’t get nominated for things. But you served. I was there in an important feminist film. I was there on the front line in an important New Zealand film. Neither of these labels does the film justice. It’s a work of art. And look, that tiny little figure in the fabric— see down there on the right—that’s me. It’s a film that will always have a place in cinema history. And I served in it." ("Did I Ever Tell You This: A Memoir", Sam Neill, 2023)

Sam Neill co-directed this, one of the best films about national cinema

RIP.

Antoinette Bower, ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Twilight Zone’ and ‘Prom Night’ Actress, Dies at 93 hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ant…

Jia Zhang-ke on Tony Rayns' passing. Rayns did English subtitles for every single one of Jia's feature films

Tony wrote for Sight and Sound for more than 50 years. You can find a selection of this writing online, including interviews with Edward Yang, Krzysztof Kieślowski, Wong Kar Wai, Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Bong Joon Ho: bfi.org.uk/profile/tony-r…

RIP Tony Rayns (1948—2026)