Emma Thompson, the Oscar-winning British actress, screenwriter, and producer, was celebrated in grand style at the 78th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland between August 7 and 10, 2025. The veteran performer, whose career spans more than four decades, received the coveted Leopard Club Award on the festival’s iconic Piazza Grande. The honor, reserved for individuals whose body of work has left a lasting mark on cinema, recognized Thompson’s unparalleled achievements—she remains the only person in history to have won Academy Awards for both acting, in Howards End (1993), and screenwriting, for Sense and Sensibility (1996).
The festival’s artistic director praised Thompson’s unique ability to continually reinvent herself, captivating audiences with performances that blend emotional depth, wit, and humanity. In a speech that drew applause from the crowd, he noted that her career has been defined by an unyielding commitment to storytelling and an ability to surprise viewers time and again.
Thompson’s appearance at Locarno was not solely about accolades. She also attended the world premiere of her new thriller, The Dead of Winter, directed by Brian Kirk. In addition to playing the lead role, she served as an executive producer. The film follows the harrowing story of a widowed fisherwoman in northern Minnesota who discovers a kidnapped teenage girl during a brutal snowstorm, setting off a tense and emotional chain of events. The premiere on Piazza Grande was a highlight of the festival, bringing together cinema lovers and industry professionals from around the globe.
Adding a personal touch to the evening, Thompson was joined by her daughter, Gaia Wise, on the red carpet. The pair posed for photographs, delighting fans with their warmth and closeness. In a lighthearted moment during the event, Thompson shared a humorous anecdote about an unexpected phone call she once received from Donald Trump in the late 1990s, on the very day her divorce was finalized. Trump, she recounted, invited her to dinner—a proposition she politely declined, thinking at first it must be a prank. The story brought laughter from the audience and underscored Thompson’s trademark charm and quick wit.
While Locarno celebrated the enduring artistry of Emma Thompson, the entertainment world was buzzing with star-studded events across continents. In Cleveland, Machine Gun Kelly took to the stage for a hometown performance that energized thousands of fans. In San Francisco, Doja Cat delivered a high-energy set that left audiences raving. Meanwhile, Kid Cudi brought his unique blend of rap and melody to Budapest’s Sziget Festival, captivating an international crowd.
New York City was a focal point for celebrity sightings as well. Selena Gomez teamed up with singer Becky G to unveil Rare Beauty’s latest fragrance, drawing media attention and fans eager to sample the new scent. Justin and Hailey Bieber were seen enjoying a stylish date night in the city, while the annual Power of Young Hollywood event drew an array of A-list attendees. Stars including Rihanna, Tom Holland, and Doja Cat turned heads with show-stopping fashion choices, adding a touch of glamour to the week’s festivities.
Music icons were also in motion, with Earth, Wind & Fire performing a crowd-pleasing set that blended timeless hits with infectious stage energy, and Shakira thrilling fans with her signature mix of dance, passion, and powerhouse vocals. Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish made headlines for her charitable contributions to communities affected by wildfires, showing that celebrity influence can extend far beyond red carpets. Elsewhere, fan-favorite appearances from the Jonas Brothers and Jennifer Aniston brought joy to crowds in New York and beyond.
The convergence of these events—from the refined elegance of Locarno’s film tributes to the electric energy of music festivals and celebrity gatherings—illustrated the dynamic scope of today’s entertainment landscape. It was a week that honored artistic legacy, showcased new creative endeavors, and reminded audiences of the power of performance to unite people across cultures and continents. Emma Thompson’s recognition at Locarno served as both a celebration of her past achievements and a testament to her ongoing contributions to the art of storytelling, proving that true talent remains timeless.