Today, The Edinburgh News reports that Driving Lessons, the movie starring Rupert Grint and Julie Walters (Mrs. Weasley in Harry Potter), will be featured at the 60th Edinburgh International Film Festival, which begins on August 14th. The article doesn't state whether or not the starring actors will be in attendance. Thanks to Erika for the link!

This past weekend has been busy for JK Rowling. On Sunday, she read from Half-Blood Prince at the Queen's "Party at the Palace" celebration. The following day, she did a rare, live interview on UK talk show Richard & Judy. We've posted coverage from both appearances, which is summarised below:

Jo Rowling interview on Richard & Judy
- Video, transcript, screenshots.

JKR, Rupert, Emma and Matthew attend the Queen's 80th
- Video, photographs, screencaps, report #1, report #2, report #3.

James Walters, young Sirius Black, recently did an interview with HPFZ in which he discussed the OOTP set, how he landed the role, other cast members, filming, and director David Yates. Here's an excerpt:

HPFZ: Can you describe David Yates' filming style? For example, Chris, Alfonso and Mike all applied a unique spin to the films. Does David?

JW: Definitely. I've noticed through certain prefaces I've been allowed to watch that he's a really personal director. He's very calm with the actors, and during the audition process he made us feel really welcomed. He's subtle, easy to approach and still makes sure he fulfills his vision. Mike has a distinct style, which worked extremely well for the Goblet of Fire, which dealt with fantastic action scenes during the Triwizard Tournament. But David is the perfect choice for this film in particular, which is a lot more about emotion and for the first time, the real frustration we begin to see in Harry. He's the perfect choice, and I can't wait to begin the adventure.

You can see the interview in its entirety over at HPFZ.

The Queen's 80th birthday celebration at Buckingham Palace took place today and a report by CBBC Newsround states that JK Rowling was one of the first stars to arrive. Additionally, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Matthew Lewis were in attendance to see the show.

A video of the pre-recorded sketch, featuring Dan, Rupert, Emma and Matt, played during the "Queen's Handbag" performance can be seen here (screencaps here), thanks to reader Nick.

Some images from the event can be seen in our gallery. They include shots of the aforementioned HP cast members as well as JK Rowling reading Book 6 to fans.

At the event, Jo said of Book 7: "I am feeling sad as it is the last one. But so far, so good." Regarding the book's progress, she said: "I'm doing well I think. You can never really tell till you get near the end. I am not quite there yet."

Apparently, JK was "mobbed" by kids but said, unperturbed: "This is the bit I like. I like meeting them."

Update: Jo told The Times at the event that she "always believed children would come back to enjoying books - and that's not just down to me." Harry Potter would have been "a bit fazed" by the event, she said. "But he's quite cool, and I think he would have been impressed."

The Albus Dumbledore actor in the third, fourth, and fifth Harry Potter movies appeared today on British afternoon talk show Richard & Judy. If anyone managed to capture a video of the interview, please let us know.

Remember that JK Rowling will also be interviewed on this show on Monday, the day after her reading at the Queen's "Party At the Palace" celebration. We plan on having footage from both events. Stay tuned.

Helen McCrory will no longer play the part of Bellatrix Lestrange in the fifth Harry Potter movie as she is currently pregnant and will be heavily so by the time they film the Ministry scenes. She is set to be replaced by Helena Bonham Carter. Helena played the part of Charlie's mother in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Apple Brook, who's appeared in stage, TV and film productions for more than 25 years, will portray Care of Magical Creatures substitute teacher Professor Grubbly-Plank.

Finally, the younger versions of Sirius, Lupin, and Snape (who all appear in "Snape's Worst Memory") will be played by James Walters, James Utechin, and Alec Hopkins, respectively. Also, Jason Piper will "play" the part of Bane the Centaur. Whether or not he'll simply lend his voice for the role, we don't yet know.

Michael Gambon has donated a signed photo of himself as Dumbledore to the World Cancer Research Fund. WCRF is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of cancer through the promotion of healthy diet and nutrition, physical activity and weight management. They are spreading the news that 30-40% of cancers could be prevented by taking simple steps to improve lifestyle. You can bid for the photo here. Thanks to Catherine!

Several of the stars from Harry Potter films have been named to Netscape's list of 15 of the UK's finest. Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort) came in at #8 and Dan Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint were as one ranked ninth on the list. Clive Owen and Keira Knightley took the top two spots. Thanks, Jessica.

Several actors and actresses from the Harry Potter films have been nominated for the 60th annual Tony Awards. Nominees include:

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play

Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort), for Faith Healer

Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), for The History Boys

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play

Frances de la Tour (Madame Maxime), for The History Boys

Zoe Wanamaker (Madam Hooch), for Awake and Sing!

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical

Jim Dale (Narrator of US HP books), for The Threepenny Opera

The winners will be announced on June 11th on CBS. Thanks to all of those who e-mailed!

Rupert Grint, alongside his Driving Lessons on-screen mother (Laura Linney) and director Jeremy Brock, attended the premiere of the movie last night at the Tribeca Film Festival. Getty Images has a number of photos from the event online, some of which can be seen below:

- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

If you were at the premiere and happened to take some photos, please send them in.

UPDATE: Thanks to reader Stephanie, we have a summary of the questions asked and answers given at the movie screening:

Question: Do you relate to Ben (Rupert's character)?
Rupert: In some ways I do (laughs) - the bad dancing!

Question: How was your first on-screen kiss?
Rupert (totally blushing): Fifteen takes, that took! (Audience laughter) The girl was really helpful - I'll stop there. (More audience laughs).

Jeremy Brock (writer, director) said that Rupert is also like Ben, because he is intensely modest. Brock also said that he chose Rupert to play Ben (a character based on himself) because having seen Rupert in the Harry Potter movies, he thought that Rupert was extremely talented and under-used. Brock said that it took real talent for Rupert to play a character who bears witness to the events of his own life throughout the first half of the film and becomes someone who learns to express himself. He said that Rupert far exceeded his expectations.

Laura Linney said that she and Rupert were constantly cracking up during the filming and that there most be tons of unusable footage!

Rupert was also asked if he would like to do any other independent films, and he said that he would and enjoys doing different things. He also said that he couldn't say whether he enjoyed filming Driving Lessons or the HP films more because they are so different, especially because Driving Lessons was shot in about six weeks, whereas each HP movie takes nearly a year.

Also, Stephanie sent us the following pictures from the theater:

- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

VIDEO: YouTube.com has a short video of Rupert arriving at Tribeca. Thanks, Matt!