Netflix has deepened its global animation ambitions by forging a major new partnership with Mappa, the Tokyo studio behind Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen. This expanded alliance will yield multiple original projects, signaling Netflix’s commitment to Japanese animation as a cornerstone of its international content strategy. The deal arrives as Japanese content hit record viewing hours in late twenty-five, proving its global appeal.
Guillermo Del Toro brought his signature flair to Netflix’s Sundance party, treating guests to an impromptu mariachi concert inside a Park Avenue home. The Oscar-winning filmmaker’s performance delighted attendees including The Daniels, Elijah Wood, and producers Jonathan Wang and Janet Yang. Del Toro’s musical turn underscored his enduring love for genre storytelling and cultural celebration, even off the set.
The BAFTA Film Awards nominations for twenty-six have been unveiled, with One Battle After Another and Sinners leading the pack with fourteen and thirteen nods respectively. Warner Bros. dominated the field, benefiting from the dual powerhouse campaigns. The British Academy also embraced diversity, recognizing films like Hamnet and Wicked For Good, which were overlooked by the Oscars. This year’s list reflects a nuanced global perspective.
Chloé Zhao discussed her journey from indie darling to Marvel helmer and back again in a candid podcast interview. She revealed how she nearly passed on Hamnet, the film now earning her two Oscar nominations. Zhao’s reflections on identity, filmmaking, and creative risk highlight her evolution as a director who bridges cultures and genres with rare grace and ambition.
The Writers Guild Awards nominations mirror the BAFTA and Oscar buzz, with One Battle After Another, Sinners, Hamnet, and Marty Supreme all recognized for their screenplays. On television, Apple TV’s Pluribus leads with four nominations, showcasing the streaming giant’s growing influence in scripted drama. The guild’s picks reinforce the dominance of these films in the current awards season.
Zoey Deutch will portray Marla Messing in The 99’ers, a Netflix film chronicling the US Women’s National Soccer Team’s historic nineteen ninety-nine World Cup run. Directed by Nicole Kassell, the project highlights a pivotal moment in sports and gender equality. Deutch’s casting adds star power to a story that celebrates leadership, resilience, and the power of collective triumph.
The Dirty Dancing sequel has secured producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, known for The Hunger Games franchise. Kim Rosenstock will write the script, and Jennifer Grey returns to reprise her iconic role. While the original director has exited, the project retains its nostalgic core. Fans will be watching closely to see if this follow-up can capture the magic of the nineteen eighty-seven classic.
Artist View Entertainment will shop The Great Reset, an AI-generated film about a tech apocalypse, at the European Film Market. Directed by Daniel H. Torrado, the eighty-minute feature represents a bold experiment in artificial intelligence storytelling. Whether it will be embraced as innovation or dismissed as gimmick remains to be seen, but its presence at EFM signals growing industry curiosity about AI’s role in cinema.
Chase Infiniti earned a BAFTA nomination for Leading Actress after being snubbed by the Oscars, a redemption moment for the breakout star of One Battle After Another. Her nomination, coupled with a Rising Star nod, confirms her arrival as a force in international cinema. The British Academy’s recognition may help propel her into more leading roles across both indie and mainstream projects.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s seventh BAFTA nomination for Leading Actor ties him with legends like Daniel Day-Lewis and Michael Caine. His performance in One Battle After Another continues his streak of critically acclaimed roles. At fifty-one, DiCaprio remains a magnet for prestige projects, proving that his commitment to complex characters still resonates with voters and audiences alike.
Mia Goth and Andrew Scott will star in Fonda, the English-language debut of Oscar-winning director Justine Triet. The film, which also features Frank Dillane and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, marks a major step for Triet beyond her French-language roots. With a cast of rising and established talents, Fonda is poised to be one of the most anticipated international dramas of the year.
Charli xcx’s The Moment has become A24’s fastest-selling limited release after its Sundance premiere. Over fifty screenings sold out in key markets, a rare feat for an indie musical. The film’s buzz reflects A24’s knack for cultivating niche hits that resonate with passionate fanbases. Charli’s transition from …
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