The entertainment world is abuzz with major developments in music and film, from Raye’s Mercury Prize win to the search for Daniel Craig’s successor as James Bond entering its final stage. Meanwhile, actor Ryan Gosling is teasing a musical comeback with his duo Dead Man’s Bones, nearly two decades after the release of their debut album. The New Times rounds up the showbiz stories making headlines this weekend. Raye wins 2026 Mercury Prize British singer Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second studio album, This Music May Contain Hope, taking home the £25,000 prize at a ceremony held in Newcastle, England, on Thursday, October 22. She beat 11 other shortlisted acts, including Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean, Florence + the Machine and Dave, to claim one of British music’s most prestigious honours. Spanning 73 minutes, the album blends jazz, soul, funk and orchestral pop, exploring themes of hope, love and the challenges of everyday life. Raye becomes the 35th winner of the Mercury Prize, adding to a growing list of accolades that includes her success at the 2024 Brit Awards. James Bond casting enters final stage The search for Daniel Craig’s successor as James Bond has reportedly entered its final stage, with Amazon MGM Studios preparing screen tests for the next actor to take on the iconic role of 007. Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor and Jack Lowden are among at least four actors reportedly being considered. The screen tests are expected to assess candidates’ stunt abilities, screen presence and dialogue delivery. The upcoming 26th Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay. An official casting announcement is expected before the end of 2026, although the studio has yet to confirm its choice. Ryan Gosling teases music comeback after 17 years Dead Man’s Bones, the musical duo formed by actor Ryan Gosling and screenwriter Zach Shields, have teased a new release scheduled for October 27. The release would mark the duo’s first major musical offering since their self-titled debut album in 2009. Known for their haunting sound and collaborations with a children’s choir, Dead Man’s Bones are making their return just ahead of Halloween, bringing renewed attention to a lesser-known side of Gosling’s artistic career.
