Entertainment

The nominations for the GAMMA music awards, recognizing excellence in the Latvian music industry, were announced on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The awards, which honor both established artists and behind-the-scenes professionals, will be presented at a ceremony on March 5th at the Xiaomi Arena in Riga. This year’s event promises a dynamic concert program featuring some of Latvia’s most popular acts.

GAMMA distinguishes itself from other Latvian music awards by incorporating data as a key factor in assessing quality and impact, alongside professional evaluations. More than 30 categories will be awarded, encompassing both performers and industry professionals. The nominations cover 21 categories, as confirmed by the awards committee.

Adding to the excitement, several prominent musicians will capture the stage during the awards ceremony. Notably, the iconic Latvian band Prāta Vētra will perform, alongside singer-songwriter Dons, and the group Bermudu Divstūris. They join previously announced performers Sudden Lights, Tautumeitas, Medību lauki, Kautkaili, and Deniss, creating a diverse and highly anticipated lineup. Organizers have also hinted at additional surprise performances to be revealed during the live event.

The announcement of the nominees took place on February 19th across Latvia’s major radio stations, generating significant buzz within the music community. The GAMMA jury completed its evaluation process, leading to the unveiling of the contenders for this year’s awards.

Expanding the Concert Program

The concert program has been expanded to include Prāta Vētra, Dons, Bermudu Divstūris, and Apvedceļš, according to reports from NRA.lv and Delfi. This addition builds upon an already impressive roster of artists set to perform at the Xiaomi Arena.

GAMMA aims to showcase the brightest achievements of the past season and highlight the most current work of Latvian artists. The organizers emphasize the importance of recognizing both well-known names and the dedicated professionals working behind the scenes.

A Novel Concept in Latvian Music Awards

GAMMA represents a new approach to music awards in Latvia, placing significant emphasis on data-driven analysis alongside traditional professional judgment. This methodology aims to provide a more comprehensive and objective assessment of musical merit and influence. As gammabalva.lv explains, the awards cover a broad spectrum of the music industry, acknowledging both on-stage talent and the crucial contributions of those working behind the scenes.

Tickets for the ceremony are available through the Biļešu Paradīzes ticket service. The event is expected to draw a large audience of Latvian music enthusiasts eager to celebrate the achievements of their favorite artists and industry professionals.

The GAMMA jury, led by Inese Saulāja-Dobele, has been refining its evaluation system to ensure accuracy and reliability. Saulāja-Dobele noted that the process will continue to evolve, remaining open to constructive feedback and ideas to enhance the significance of the awards within the Latvian music landscape.

As the March 5th ceremony approaches, anticipation is building for the announcement of the winners and the performances that will mark this celebration of Latvian music. The event promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar, showcasing the vibrancy and talent within the nation’s music industry.

Stay tuned for further updates on the GAMMA awards and the full list of nominees. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

In a move impacting digital access for residents of Europe and the United Kingdom, Yahoo! JAPAN officially ended services for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK on April 6, 2022. The decision, announced by the company, stemmed from difficulties in maintaining a consistent service environment within these regions. While the change initially occurred over two years ago, the implications continue to affect users accustomed to the platform’s unique offerings.

The discontinuation affects all Yahoo! JAPAN services accessed from within the EEA and the UK. However, access remains available for individuals physically located in Japan. This strategic shift underscores the increasing complexities of operating global online services and navigating regional regulations, particularly concerning data privacy. The company cited “operational difficulties in maintaining consistent service quality” as the primary driver behind the decision, according to reporting from Memesita.

While the majority of services were discontinued, some functionality within Yahoo! JAPAN Mail remained restrictedly available. Specific details regarding these limitations are available on the Yahoo! JAPAN website, though the information is currently presented in Japanese, as noted in a notice from Yahoo! JAPAN. Users in the affected regions who had automatic monthly subscriptions, such as Yahoo! Premium, were advised to cancel them.

What Services Were Affected?

The scope of the service withdrawal was broad, encompassing the full suite of Yahoo! JAPAN offerings. This included, but wasn’t limited to, access to Yahoo! JAPAN’s search engine, news portals, and various other online platforms. The change also impacted travelers, as access to Yahoo! JAPAN services became restricted the moment a user entered the EEA or UK, even if initially accessing the platform from Japan.

Despite the widespread discontinuation, Yahoo! JAPAN did maintain limited access to a few key services. These included Yahoo! Mail (with restricted functionality), Yahoo! Card, and ebookjapan. However, even these services came with caveats, and users were encouraged to review the specific limitations imposed on each platform.

Regulatory Hurdles and Data Privacy

The decision to withdraw services from the EEA and the UK likely involved navigating complex regulatory hurdles and the costs associated with maintaining compliance with European data privacy laws. As Archyde reported, Yahoo! JAPAN determined that providing ongoing service in these regions would be “difficult,” without providing specific details about the challenges faced. This situation highlights the growing importance of understanding and adapting to regional regulations for companies operating global online services.

The move by Yahoo! JAPAN also has implications for SEO professionals, who must now adjust their strategies to account for shifting digital landscapes and regional service availability. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and this case serves as a reminder of the need for adaptability and a thorough understanding of international regulations.

Looking Ahead

The discontinuation of Yahoo! JAPAN services in the EEA and the UK remains in effect as of February 2026. While the company has not indicated any plans to reinstate full services, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by global tech companies in navigating complex international regulations. Users in the affected regions will need to seek alternative platforms and services to meet their online needs.

What are your thoughts on this shift in digital access? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below.

Michelle Yeoh, the celebrated Malaysian actress who captivated audiences with her groundbreaking performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony, held on February 16, 2024, recognizes Yeoh’s significant contributions to the film industry and her inspiring journey to becoming a global icon. This milestone arrives shortly after her historic Oscar win, solidifying her place in cinematic history.

Yeoh’s star is located at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, a prestigious address that now bears the name of an actress who has consistently broken barriers throughout her decades-long career. The Walk of Fame honor celebrates not only her recent successes but also her extensive body of operate, encompassing action films, dramas, and comedies. The event drew a large crowd of fans and industry peers eager to celebrate her achievements.

A Career Defined by Versatility and Resilience

Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, Yeoh initially pursued a career in ballet before transitioning to acting in the early 1980s. She quickly rose to prominence in Hong Kong action cinema, becoming known for her incredible martial arts skills and captivating screen presence. Her early roles in films like “Yes, Madam!” and “Police Story 3: Supercop” established her as a leading action star. She later successfully transitioned to Hollywood, appearing in films such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000) and “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005), demonstrating her versatility as an actress.

However, it was her role as Evelyn Quan Wang in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” that brought Yeoh widespread critical acclaim and unprecedented recognition. The film, released in March 2022, garnered numerous awards, including seven Oscars at the 95th Academy Awards, where Yeoh made history as the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress award. In her acceptance speech, Yeoh delivered a powerful message of hope and possibility, dedicating her win to mothers and to all those who dream big. As she stated in her speech, “What we have is proof that dreams do come true.”

The Impact of “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” resonated with audiences and critics alike for its innovative storytelling, stunning visuals, and deeply emotional core. The film explores themes of family, identity, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Michelle Yeoh’s performance was lauded for its nuance, vulnerability, and sheer brilliance. The film’s success has been credited with opening doors for more diverse representation in Hollywood and inspiring a recent generation of filmmakers and actors. The film earned approximately $143.4 million at the box office worldwide, according to Wikipedia, demonstrating its broad appeal.

The film also received widespread recognition from various awards bodies, including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the British Academy Film Awards, and the Golden Globes. IMDb lists a comprehensive collection of awards received by the film and its cast and crew.

What’s Next for Michelle Yeoh?

With a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an Oscar under her belt, Michelle Yeoh is poised for even greater success in the years to come. She is currently involved in several upcoming projects, including a role in the Disney+ series “American Born Chinese,” and is expected to continue to champion diverse and compelling stories. Her influence extends beyond her acting roles, as she actively advocates for greater representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. Yeoh’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and filmmakers around the world, proving that with talent, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible.

The honor on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a testament to Michelle Yeoh’s enduring legacy and her profound impact on the world of cinema. Share your thoughts on this well-deserved recognition in the comments below, and be sure to spread the word!