Film Industry Press Tour (Jan. 7) Netflix Crushes Paramount’s $50B Bid— L. Ellison’s LBO Falls Short

Warner Bros. Discovery has officially turned down Paramount’s latest revised takeover bid, calling it inferior to their existing agreement with Netflix. The board emphasized that the Netflix deal offers greater value while reducing financial risks and uncertainties. Paramount’s offer, backed personally by Larry Ellison, would have marked the largest leveraged buyout ever recorded, but WBD insists it falls short in both structure and security. Shareholders are being urged to stand by the Netflix merger, which the company believes delivers the strongest long-term outcome for investors and stakeholders alike.

In the United Kingdom, Timothée Chalamet’s latest film Marty Supreme has soared past all expectations to become A24’s highest-grossing release in the region. Directed by Josh Safdie, the quirky table tennis dramedy has captured audiences with its offbeat charm and Chalamet’s signature intensity. The film’s unconventional press tour, full of wild antics and candid moments, helped fuel its momentum. It has now surpassed the previous record holder, Civil War, proving that audiences are eager for bold, character-driven stories with a touch of unpredictability.

Documentary filmmakers who made the Oscar shortlists are now entering a tense new phase as nomination voting begins this Monday. The brief celebration of their achievement has given way to anxious anticipation as they await the final nominee announcements. The Doc Talk Podcast brings together creators from three standout films to discuss the pressure, the politics, and the passion behind their work. With the Academy’s deadline looming, these artists share what it means to be on the cusp of recognition and how they’re coping with the uncertainty.

Ali Cook’s Oscar-shortlisted short film The Pearl Comb offers a haunting glimpse into 1893 Cornwall, where beauty masks a deeper decay. Contrary to the myth that greener pastures lie elsewhere, this tale reveals the dark cost of prosperity in a seaside community. Starring Beatie Edney as a fisherman’s wife, the story unfolds with eerie grace, blending folklore and tragedy. The film’s atmospheric visuals and emotional depth have earned it critical acclaim, making it a standout among this year’s Oscar contenders.

The Animation Guild has secured major victories with recent unionization votes at Netflix Animation Studios, DreamWorks Animation remote teams, and NBCUniversal’s Ted series staff. These wins mark a significant step forward in Hollywood’s ongoing labor negotiations as the industry braces for sweeping new contracts in the coming months. The guild’s success reflects growing momentum among animation workers seeking better pay, benefits, and working conditions. These victories could set the tone for broader union efforts across the entertainment landscape.

David Harbour has stepped away from Tony Gilroy’s upcoming drama Behemoth, leaving the Searchlight Pictures project in search of a new lead. The actor’s departure comes as the film prepares for production, and insiders suggest scheduling conflicts may have played a role. Gilroy, known for his sharp writing and complex characters, will now need to find a replacement who can match the intensity and gravitas the role demands. Fans are eager to see who will step into the spotlight for this highly anticipated project.

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