Latest Entertainment News
SAG Awards Snub International Films, Oscars Embrace Global Talent
'Sentimental Value', a Norwegian family drama, earned a record nine Oscar nominations including four acting nods for Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning, despite being completely ignored by SAG-AFTRA voters. Brazilian drama 'The Secret Agent' starring Wagner Moura also secured four Oscar nods, including best picture, after a SAG shutout.
Critics label SAG's list 'America First', highlighting a stark contrast with the increasingly global Oscars.
DOJ Launches Review of Netflix's $82.7B Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition
The US Department of Justice is examining Netflix's proposed $82.7 billion buyout of Warner Bros. Discovery for potential anti-competitive effects, issuing civil subpoenas to other firms on Netflix's market practices. Regulators are assessing impacts on talent competition, contract terms, and prior mergers' influence on the industry.
The review also eyes rival Paramount Skydance bid, amid international scrutiny from UK and EU authorities.
Paramount Skydance Counters Netflix with Raised Warner Bros. Bid
Paramount Skydance upped its Warner Bros. Discovery takeover offer to $33 per share ($90 billion total), aiming to derail Netflix's $72 billion deal valuing WBD at $82.7 billion. Warner Bros. urged shareholders to reject Paramount's bid and proceed with Netflix.
Plans include merging HBO Max into Paramount+ if successful, mirroring Disney's Hulu-Disney+ strategy.
Milan Cortina Olympics Day 3: Canada Eyes Medals in Slopestyle Skiing
Canada's Meghan Oldham and Naomi Urness compete in women's slopestyle skiing finals at Livigno Snow Park, seeking a second medal after speedskating bronze. The women's hockey team faces Czechia following a 4-0 win over Switzerland, while figure skaters Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier enter ice dance rhythm event.
Mixed doubles curlers Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant lead Switzerland in their final match.
Netflix Faces Broader DOJ Probe into Business Practices During Merger Review
Beyond the Warner merger, DOJ investigates Netflix's competition with rivals, talent contracts, and exclusionary conduct via subpoenas to peers. Netflix claims it's standard merger review and no monopolization probe indicated.
Co-CEO Ted Sarandos faced Senate questions on acquisition's competitive impacts.
Hailey Bieber's Rhode Skincare Sells to E.l.f. Beauty for $1 Billion
Beverly Hills-based Rhode, Hailey Bieber's skincare brand, was acquired by E.l.f. Beauty for $1 billion in May 2025, part of California's blockbuster M&A wave. California led US deal volume with 1,388 transactions worth $173 billion last year.
Other deals included Butterfly Equity's $500M Health-Ade Kombucha buyout.
Paramount Skydance Signs Duffer Brothers for Multi-Year Deal Post-Netflix
Paramount announced a four-year movies, TV, and streaming deal with 'Stranger Things' creators Matt and Ross Duffer, starting after their Netflix contract ends in April 2026. The pact targets Paramount+ projects amid streaming shifts.
David Ellison prioritizes non-streaming films, announcing $2B cuts.
Warner Bros. Rejects Paramount Skydance Bid, Favors Netflix Acquisition
Warner Bros. Discovery's board dismissed Paramount Skydance's offer as inadequate for shareholders, opting for Netflix's deal pending regulatory nods. DOJ review could trigger a 10-day challenge window post-approval.
Trump vows non-intervention in the takeover battle.
Atar Capital Kicks Off 2026 with Rapid Fire Acquisitions and Exits
LA-based Atar Capital acquired DataMaster Online and sold Frontier Integrity Solutions early 2026, signaling bright M&A outlook. CEO Cyrus Nikou anticipates more deal activity amid California's media-entertainment boom.
JPMorgan survey shows over half of state leaders eyeing partnerships.
Oscars Signal Shift to Global Cinema, Challenging SAG's US-Centric Noms
Veteran consultants decry SAG's exclusion of international films like 'Sentimental Value' despite stars like Elle Fanning and Skarsgård, calling it xenophobic. 'The Secret Agent' also overlooked by SAG voters but Oscar-nominated.
Debate grows on whether Oscars' global tilt threatens traditional awards.
Entertainment M&A Heats Up with Netflix-WBD Deal Under Global Scrutiny
UK and EU regulators eye Netflix-WBD and Paramount bids for competitive effects, alongside US DOJ probe. California's 2025 deals totaled $173B, topping national volume.
Potential Warner split could reshape studios and streaming markets.