Venice News Today — September 16, 2026
Markus Lehmusruusu’s Finnish Oscar Entry ‘The Squirrel’ Earns Aki Kaurismäki’s Stamp of Approval: ‘He Said It’s Like ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ but Better Because It’s Full of Humanism’ and more — today's venice signal.
The entertainment world is buzzing with exciting updates and surprising developments. In film, Markus Lehmusruusu's 'The Squirrel' is generating significant attention as Finland's Oscar entry, with acclaimed director Aki Kaurismäki praising the movie's humanist approach, drawing comparisons to Stanley Kubrick's iconic '2001: A Space Odyssey'. Meanwhile, in television, late-night host Stephen Colbert expressed contentment with his current role, dismissing any notion that he misses traditional late-night TV. However, concerns are rising about the state of local production, particularly with the relocation of 'American Idol' from Los Angeles to Atlanta.
The world of television and film is also grappling with controversy and recognition. The judge in Steven Tyler's sexual assault case unexpectedly recused herself just two weeks before trial, sparking curiosity and concern. In a related note, an Emmy's in memoriam snub has sparked outrage, with Chuck Norris' co-star from 'Walker, Texas Ranger' speaking out about the oversight, calling it a 'tragic' and 'terrible mistake'. On a lighter note, Josh Holloway is set to star in a live-action prequel to the popular video game 'Ace Combat 8', sharing insights into the four-episode 'Hour Zero' storyline behind the new game. These stories highlight the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
Today's signal:
• Markus Lehmusruusu’s Finnish Oscar Entry ‘The Squirrel’ Earns Aki Kaurismäki’s Stamp of Approval: ‘He Said It’s Like ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ but Better Because It’s Full of Humanism’ (variety.com)
• Does Stephen Colbert Miss Late Night TV?: ‘Nope!’ (variety.com)
• As ‘American Idol’ Leaves Los Angeles for Atlanta, More Concerns Emerge About the State of Local Production (variety.com)
• Steven Tyler Sexual Assault Case Judge Mysteriously Recuses Herself Two Weeks Before Trial (rollingstone.com)
• Chuck Norris’ ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Co-Star Calls Emmys In Memoriam Snub a ‘Tragic’ and ‘Terrible Mistake’: ‘It Hurt My Feelings’ (variety.com)
• ‘Ace Combat 8’ Live-Action Prequel Star Josh Holloway on Revealing Four-Episode ‘Hour Zero’ Story Behind Bandai Namco Franchise’s New Game (variety.com)