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Yorgos Lanthimos earns four Oscar nominations for ‘Bugonia’

The Greek Herald
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Yorgos Lanthimos earns four Oscar nominations for ‘Bugonia’

Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos has earned four nominations at the 98th Academy Awards for his latest film, Bugonia, reaffirming his position as one of the most internationally recognised figures in contemporary cinema.

The nominations were announced on Thursday, 22 January 2026, by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with the awards ceremony set to take place on 15 March 2026.

Bugonia received nominations in four key artistic categories, including Best Picture. Emma Stone was nominated for Best Actress for her performance in the film, while Bugonia also secured nominations for Original Score and Adapted Screenplay.

While the focus for Greek audiences remained on Lanthimos’ success, this year’s nominations were led by Sinners, which dominated the field with 16 nominations across major and technical categories, including Best Picture and Best Director.

One Battle After Another followed with 12 nominations, earning recognition across all major categories as well as key technical fields such as editing, sound, score, adapted screenplay, cinematography and casting.

The nominations were announced live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles by actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman.

This year also marked the introduction of a new Academy Award category for Best Casting. The Academy has also confirmed that a Best Stunt Design award will be introduced at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028, recognising films released in 2027.

Dendias reaffirms Greece’s right to expand territorial waters

The Greek Herald
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Dendias reaffirms Greece’s right to expand territorial waters

Defence Minister Nikos Dendias has reaffirmed that Greece retains the sovereign and unilateral right to expand its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles, describing the issue as a core matter of national sovereignty under international law.

Speaking in an interview with OPEN TV, Dendias said Greece remains open to dialogue with Turkey, provided discussions take place strictly within the framework of international law and without pressure or threats.

He stressed that Greece is not weak and will not negotiate under coercion, adding that any decision to extend territorial waters would be based on an assessment of national interest. Dendias also rejected Turkey’s long-standing casus belli, declared by the Turkish parliament in 1995 in response to a potential Greek expansion, stating that it cannot form the basis of dialogue between the two countries.

The Defence Minister’s comments followed accusations from Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party, whose deputy leader and defence spokesperson, Yanki Bahcioglu, claimed that Greece is violating international law.

Bahcioglu said Turkey’s position on territorial waters has remained official state policy since 1995, warning that references to a possible expansion in the Aegean undermine good neighbourly relations and threaten Turkey’s sovereign rights.

Two dead as severe flooding and storms hit Greece

The Greek Herald
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Two dead as severe flooding and storms hit Greece

Severe flooding and extreme weather conditions swept across large parts of Greece on Wednesday, 21 January, causing widespread damage, major disruption to infrastructure, and leaving two people dead. The hardest-hit areas were in Attica, where torrential rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems and turned roads into rivers.

Authorities confirmed that a 56-year-old woman was killed on Wednesday in Ano Glyfada after being swept away by fast-moving floodwaters and trapped beneath a vehicle while attempting to cross a road. In a separate incident the same day in Astros Kynourias, a 53-year-old coast guard officer lost his life while on duty after a powerful wave knocked him over as he worked to secure boats at a pier.

By Thursday, emergency services were continuing efforts to clear debris and reopen roads blocked by rocks, mud and floodwater, while firefighters assisted motorists and residents trapped in inundated homes.

Athens public transport operator OASA announced emergency measures and temporary changes to bus services, with several routes modified or partially suspended to ensure passenger safety.

The fire brigade reported a surge in emergency calls across Attica, receiving hundreds of requests for assistance. Firefighters were required to intervene in at least 11 cases to rescue residents trapped in flooded homes in Glyfada, Paiania and Vari, while a further 364 calls related to flooding inside residences.

In total, the Fire Brigade’s Operations Centre received more than 910 calls for assistance across the Attica region, including 318 requests to pump out floodwaters, 32 calls to remove fallen trees, 61 requests to relocate people to safety, and 10 incidents involving the removal of hazardous objects.

The most severe impacts were recorded in Glyfada, Vari, Voula and Vouliagmeni, while overflowing streams in Aspropyrgos and Rafina forced nearby residents to evacuate as a precaution.

According to Meteo.gr meteorological stations, rainfall totals exceeded 115 millimetres in areas such as Vyronas, Halandri and Ambelokipi by 7.30pm on Wednesday, while Papagou recorded more than 146 millimetres.

Heavy rain also caused major disruptions to public transport, with police imposing emergency traffic measures and interruptions reported on metro and tram services. Several roads across Attica remained closed on Thursday morning, including sections in Nea Makri, the coastal road in Oropos and Anixi Road in Athens.

Meanwhile, a tanker at the Perama shipyard that had begun listing after water entered its hull due to rough seas was fully stabilised on Thursday morning.

Meteorologists warned that further severe weather was forecast for Thursday, mainly affecting the Aegean, with strong south-easterly winds expected to reach 8 to 10 on the Beaufort scale.

Injuries derail Kyrgios and Kokkinakis in Australian Open doubles exit

The Greek Herald
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Injuries derail Kyrgios and Kokkinakis in Australian Open doubles exit

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have been eliminated from the men’s doubles at the Australian Open, with injuries again playing a decisive role in their campaign.

The 2022 champions were edged out in a dramatic three-set encounter by fellow Australians Marc Polmans and Jason Kubler, who claimed a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(4) victory in front of a packed crowd at Kia Arena.

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis appeared on track to extend their run after securing a break early in the deciding set, but momentum shifted as physical issues began to hamper both players during the latter stages of the match, which extended beyond two hours.

Kokkinakis showed visible discomfort while serving midway through the third set and required a medical timeout to receive treatment on his shoulder. Although he was able to continue, Kyrgios also began to struggle, with his heavily bandaged knee causing increasing concern as the contest moved towards a tie-break.

Despite their physical limitations, the duo worked hard to lift the crowd, producing several highlight-reel shots that had the arena buzzing. However, a disputed volley early in the tie-break — which was ruled to have crossed the net illegally – handed Polmans and Kubler a crucial mini-break.

From there, Polmans and Kubler maintained their composure, capitalising on a rise in unforced errors from their opponents to race out to a commanding lead and close out the match.

As is often the case in Kyrgios matches, the encounter was not without its fiery moments, with the 28-year-old receiving a code violation and exchanging words with both the umpire and a spectator. Nevertheless, Polmans and Kubler remained focused to secure a notable all-Australian victory.

Kyrgios, who had already withdrawn from the singles draw due to injury, is expected to return to action in the mixed doubles, where he is scheduled to partner Leylah Fernandez later in the tournament.

Kayla Itsines reflects on her biggest regret after $400m Sweat Sale

The Greek Herald
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Kayla Itsines reflects on her biggest regret after $400m Sweat Sale

Sweat co-founder Kayla Itsines has drawn widespread attention after an interview in New York in which she reflected on her biggest business regret following the sale of her fitness company, according to The Advertiser.

The Adelaide-born fitness entrepreneur, now based in Queensland, was approached by US influencer James Dumoulin while attending a retail conference. Dumoulin is known for his street interviews with high-profile millionaires, and the encounter was later shared on Instagram, where it has attracted millions of views.

In the video, Itsines revealed she was already a fan of Dumoulin’s work. “I follow you. I’ve seen all your stuff,” she said. She went on to discuss how she became a multi-millionaire at just 22 after selling Sweat in a deal valued at $400 million.

Reflecting on the sale, Itsines admitted she would approach it differently if given the chance. “I think I did it wrong. I think when you’re selling a company you want to be able to sell the company that doesn’t have you attached to it,” she said. She added that remaining closely tied to the business made the transition difficult rather than freeing.

“If I could do anything and do it all over again is I would remove myself as part of the company. You want to sell it and be able to relax. But for me it wasn’t relaxing,” she said.

Itsines also highlighted the importance of diversifying income streams. “The first thing that ever made me money that I was so excited that I bought was a petrol station,” she said, explaining how rental income offered stability beyond digital platforms.

“Like just, diversifying your wealth because one day the internet might shut off and it’ll all be gone,” she said.

After the interview, Itsines praised Dumoulin online, describing him as “the most kind gentle soul” who quickly makes people feel at ease.

Source: The Advertiser

Near-death experience led Katrina Flokis to life as spiritual healer

The Greek Herald
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Near-death experience led Katrina Flokis to life as spiritual healer

Psychic medium and spiritual healer Katrina Flokis says speaking to The Daily Telegraph, a near-death experience during childbirth more than three decades ago transformed her life and revealed what she describes as a spiritual gift.

Now known as “The Lightworker,” Flokis counts celebrities including Margot Robbie, Rita Ora, Joel Edgerton and television host Samantha Armytage among her clients. Demand for private readings is high, with waiting lists stretching for months.

Flokis says her abilities emerged after suffering serious complications while giving birth to her son 33 years ago, when her heart stopped for a minute and a half. “When I was revived and walked back, I could see energy around everyone in the operating theatre,” she says. Doctors initially dismissed the experience, but she later began having vivid dreams that appeared to predict real-world events.

At the time, long before spirituality gained mainstream popularity, Flokis believed something was wrong. “I actually thought I was going through postnatal depression… But I guess I just stuck to it and I just started trusting myself.”

Despite her growing reputation, Flokis still works in a senior corporate role at an international healthcare company. Over time, she says she has learned to manage her abilities “like… a light switch,” allowing her to balance work, family life and spiritual practice.

She says her role is not to tell people how to live, but to help them make informed decisions using all available tools. “It’s very humbling but for me, a soul is a soul,” she says.

While the spiritual services industry continues to grow – alongside concerns about fraud – Flokis says she welcomes sceptics. “Some people believe, some don’t. And that’s the beauty of free will,” she says.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Rising costs drive Greeks to cheaper holiday options abroad

The Greek Herald
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Rising costs drive Greeks to cheaper holiday options abroad

Rising prices at home are prompting more Greeks to spend their holidays abroad, where travel and accommodation often prove more affordable, according to an article by Ilias Bellos in ekathimerini.com

Konstantinos and his wife, both private sector employees, compared the cost of a one-week holiday on the Aegean island of Tinos with a week in Prague or Copenhagen. They found that flights and accommodation in Northern Europe were significantly cheaper, and chose to travel there instead.

A similar decision was made by another working couple with above-average income. Planning a family holiday with their two children, they calculated that a trip to Tenerife would cost around €1,000 less than vacationing on Corfu. Such examples are increasingly common, as overseas travel is often seen as better value than the traditional domestic “sun and sea” getaway.

Bank of Greece data underline this trend. In 2024, Greeks spent €2.8 billion on trips abroad, compared with €2.2 billion on domestic holidays. In the first half of 2025 alone, spending on foreign travel reached €1.677 billion, nearly 25% more than the €1.344 billion spent within Greece.

While middle-class incomes have improved, strong foreign demand and upgrades to tourist infrastructure have pushed accommodation prices in many Greek destinations to record levels. According to a study by the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE), departures for holidays abroad rose by 8% in 2024 to 6.7 million, while spending increased by 15%.

The study also notes a shift toward destinations such as France, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, away from nearby countries like Bulgaria and Turkey. Although Greeks are choosing pricier destinations, they often remain cheaper than holidays at home, with travel demand now spread more evenly throughout the year.

Source: ekathimerini.com

Tsitsipas edged out by Machac in four-set Australian Open battle

The Greek Herald
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Tsitsipas edged out by Machac in four-set Australian Open battle

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Australian Open campaign came to an end on Thursday after a hard-fought second-round loss to in-form Czech opponent Tomas Machac.

The Greek star was defeated 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(5) in a tightly contested match that lasted three hours and eight minutes, with the outcome ultimately decided by fine margins and two decisive tie-breaks.

Tsitsipas had warned ahead of the match that he was expecting a tough battle against Machac, who entered the encounter in strong form following his recent title win in Adelaide. That assessment proved accurate, as the contest unfolded into a physical and tactical duel on Margaret Court Arena.

Machac struck first, taking the opening set, before Tsitsipas responded with greater intensity to claim the second and level the match. From there, neither player was able to gain a clear upper hand, with both the third and fourth sets pushed to tie-breaks.

While Tsitsipas remained a constant threat, he was unable to convert key opportunities at crucial moments. Machac, by contrast, displayed greater composure under pressure, closing out both tie-breaks to secure the biggest win of his Australian Open campaign to date.

The match was not without concern for the Greek, who appeared to struggle physically during the later stages. A medical timeout was called as Tsitsipas showed signs of discomfort in his lower body, though he continued to compete and push his opponent until the final point.

The victory extends Machac’s winning streak to seven matches and propels the 25-year-old into the third round, where he will face fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti, who earlier defeated fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego.

For Tsitsipas, the loss marks another early Grand Slam exit during a challenging period in his career. Despite signs of renewed fight and intensity compared to last season, questions around his physical durability and consistency remain as he looks to regain momentum in 2026.

Greek government launches app to tackle illegal use of public spaces

The Greek Herald
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Greek government launches app to tackle illegal use of public spaces

The government has announced the launch of a new mobile application this fall that will allow citizens to report the illegal occupation of public spaces by businesses, according to an article by Giorgos Lialios in ekathimerini.com.

The app, named MyStreet, will enable users to verify whether tables, chairs or other structures placed in squares, pedestrian zones or similar areas exceed the space officially leased to businesses. Inspired by the MyCoast platform used to monitor beach concessions, MyStreet will feature a digital map displaying all legally approved public space permits.

Users will be able to zoom in on specific locations to view the exact boundaries of authorized use. If violations are detected – such as exceeding permitted space or installing unauthorized structures – they can submit reports directly through the app.

Complaints may be filed anonymously or via TaxisNet credentials. Registered users can provide contact details, track the progress of their complaint or withdraw it if needed. Unlike MyCoast, however, MyStreet will only accept reports from mobile devices physically located near the reported violation.

Municipal authorities, which are responsible for leasing public spaces, will handle all complaints. Notifications will be sent through the Public Space Use Permits Registry on the Gov.gr platform, allowing municipalities to prioritize cases based on their frequency, seriousness and whether reports are named or anonymous.

The Ministry of Digital Governance will oversee data management. The app will be developed by Novoville Ltd at a cost of €72,900, with annual maintenance estimated at €37,200, following a joint ministerial decision.

Legislated in March, the initiative aims to curb unlawful use of public areas by cafes, bars, restaurants and similar businesses. Traditional written complaints to municipalities will remain available.

Source: ekathimerini.com

The Greek Herald addresses allegations linked to Cyprus Community of NSW Federal Court proceedings

The Greek Herald
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The Greek Herald addresses allegations linked to Cyprus Community of NSW Federal Court proceedings

The Greek Herald has been made aware of a letter circulated in recent days to members of Cyprus Community Club of NSW Limited, claiming to have been prepared by lawyers acting for Dr Costas Costa at XD Law, in connection with current Federal Court proceedings.

The letter outlines matters relating to Dr Costa’s application in the Federal Court, including his challenge to the voluntary administration of Cyprus Community of N.S.W. (Holdings) Limited. It further asserts that misinformation is being deliberately spread in relation to the proceedings and makes claims about media reporting, including references to The Greek Herald.

In that communication, Dr Costa claims that this publication has a conflict of interest and has accepted payment in exchange for favourable or advertorial-style coverage. Such claims imply that The Greek Herald’s reporting is influenced by commercial arrangements rather than independent journalistic judgment.

The Greek Herald rejects those claims. The publication has never accepted payment for editorial coverage of litigation or court proceedings involving the Cyprus Community of NSW, Cyprus Community of N.S.W. (Holdings) Limited, or any related entities. All reporting on these matters has been undertaken independently, based on court documents, verified sources and established reporting standards, and in the public interest.

As a community newspaper with a 100-year history, The Greek Herald has, under various leaderships of the Cyprus Community of NSW, carried advertising for cultural programs, educational initiatives and community events. Such advertising is clearly distinguished from editorial content and has never extended to the reporting of legal proceedings, court actions or factional disputes.

Member concerns and use of contact information

Since the circulation of the letter, The Greek Herald has been contacted by a number of community members expressing concern about both the content of the communication and the use of their personal contact details to distribute legal and campaign material of this nature. Members have questioned how their details were accessed and whether membership information should be used in this way.

The letter circulated to members includes an appeal for financial contributions to support Dr Costa’s legal action, directing recipients to an online fundraising platform and inviting donations to assist with legal costs associated with the Federal Court proceedings.

The Cyprus Community of NSW is investigating how members’ private contact details, including their places of residence, were accessed and used.

“While there are circumstances where membership information can be used appropriately, the Community does not accept unauthorised or improper use, including sending unsolicited communications,” the Community said. “Improper use of a public register is a serious matter.”

Under Australian law, access to a company’s register of members is subject to restrictions, and information obtained from the register may only be used for a proper purpose related to membership. Use of membership information for purposes such as fundraising, campaigning or soliciting donations may be considered improper. A person seeking access to the register is required to state their identity and purpose, and access may be refused where that purpose is improper. Providing false or misleading information to obtain access to a register, or misuse of members’ private contact details, can attract significant penalties, fines and civil liability.

The Greek Herald understands that the Community has no record of any application by Dr Costa to access the members’ register, and that it remains unclear how members’ private contact details were obtained or whether those details were accessed or shared without authorisation.

Legal advice is being sought, and the matter will be referred to the relevant authorities, the Community said.

Long-running litigation and public campaigns

As extensively reported by The Greek Herald over many years, the Cyprus Community dispute has been characterised by a prolonged pattern of litigation across multiple jurisdictions, accompanied by repeated public campaigns directed at members, stakeholders and media outlets.

The Greek Herald has reported in detail on Supreme Court proceedings, receivership and administration processes, creditor meetings and, most recently, the Federal Court application. That reporting has been widely relied upon by community members seeking to understand the legal, financial and governance implications of an increasingly complex dispute.

The litigation involving the Cyprus Community and related entities has carried significant financial consequences. The Greek Herald understands that litigation brought in 2025 by Cyprus Capital and individuals including Dr Costa and his sister, Ms Dorothy Bassil, resulted in an estimated $2.1 million in legal costs in that year alone, incurred by the Community in defending those proceedings, in addition to legal action initiated by the same parties in previous years, with further costs also incurred.

Impact on journalists and reporting

During the course of its coverage of the Cyprus Community matters, The Greek Herald journalists and staff have experienced sustained harassment in connection with their reporting, including hostile conduct at public meetings and ongoing email correspondence. As a result, some journalists have requested that their names not be attached to articles relating to the proceedings as a protective measure.

At a creditor meeting previously reported by The Greek Herald, an incident occurred involving a member of the publication’s team, witnessed by multiple attendees, underscoring ongoing concerns for staff safety when covering these matters.

The publication considers it important for readers to understand this context when assessing attempts to discredit or undermine independent reporting.

The Greek Herald stands by its recent article, “Fresh Federal Court Challenge Filed as Cyprus Community Legal Dispute Continues,” published on 16 January 2026, and by its broader coverage of the Cyprus Community dispute over an extended period.

The publication will continue to report on developments as matters progress, including court proceedings and issues of public and community significance.

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