Netflix-Warner Bros. fusion, IDA Documentary Awards, international Oscar race, Red Sea Film Festival...

Netflix’s landmark $83 billion takeover of Warner Bros. has sent shockwaves through the global film industry, with particularly acute concerns in France, where Warner Bros. is a pillar of the local box office. Variety reports that French exhibitors are bracing for significant changes to the traditional theatrical model, citing France’s stringent regulations and the country's status as Netflix’s strongest international market. Deadline underscores the deal’s dominance as a talking point at the Red Sea Film Festival, highlighting the tension between streaming and cinema, while Variety captures director Bong Joon Ho’s optimism that the cinematic experience will endure despite industry upheavals. Deadline Variety Variety

The IDA Documentary Awards crowned National Geographic’s "The Tale of Silyan" as Best Feature Documentary, significantly enhancing its prospects in the upcoming Oscars. Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter note that other key winners, such as "Apocalypse in the Tropics" and "Seeds," also saw their Oscar visibility rise. With the documentary field increasingly competitive, these accolades are likely to shape awards narratives in the months ahead. Deadline Hollywood Reporter

A record field of 86 countries is competing for the Best International Feature Film Oscar, with an unprecedented number of debut features and first-time entrants. Deadline spotlights the diversity, citing Chile’s "The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingos" and Hong Kong’s "The Last Dance" as standouts. The coverage also highlights the thematic range, from political drama to personal memoir, as films like Italy’s "Familia" and Poland’s "Franz" adapt national histories and icons for the screen. Deadline Deadline Deadline Deadline

The Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia is drawing attention for its commitment to Asian, African, and Arab cinema. The Hollywood Reporter interviews program head Fionnuala Halligan, who emphasizes the festival’s "strange" and respectful programming approach, while Variety documents a lively opening night with Juliette Binoche and cross-cultural tributes from jury head Sean Baker, positioning the festival as a nexus for emerging cinematic voices. Hollywood Reporter Variety

At Variety’s Hitmakers event in Hollywood, Tyler, the Creator received the Innovator of the Decade award, reflecting on his creative evolution over the last 15 years. Variety details Tyler’s address, which highlighted his genre-blurring artistry and enduring influence on contemporary music and youth culture. Variety

Timothée Chalamet made a memorable appearance with director Josh Safdie at Brazil’s CCXP festival, dancing to “Crank That” and engaging fans with a custom flag. The Hollywood Reporter describes the visit as part of a broader trend of Hollywood stars fostering international fan engagement at major conventions, underscoring Brazil’s growing importance in global pop culture circuits. Hollywood Reporter

Mystery Pier Books in West Hollywood has become a magnet for celebrity bibliophiles, with rare first editions fetching up to $30,000. The Hollywood Reporter explores how the shop’s clientele, including prominent filmmakers and actors, reflects a deepening appreciation for literary heritage amid Hollywood’s digital age. Hollywood Reporter

Amid the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger, James Cameron used the Paris premiere of "Avatar: Fire and Ash" as a platform to celebrate France’s enduring moviegoing culture and to critique generative AI in filmmaking. Variety reports Cameron’s assertion that actors cannot be replaced by technology, while Bong Joon Ho, at the Marrakech Film Festival, argued that the cinema experience is resilient, even as streaming platforms reshape the landscape. Variety Variety

Hulu has unveiled first-look images of "The Testaments," the highly anticipated sequel to "The Handmaid’s Tale," set for an April 2026 premiere. The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline highlight the introduction of new cast members and a storyline centering on the daughter of Elisabeth Moss’ June, promising to expand Margaret Atwood’s dystopian universe for a new era. Hollywood Reporter Deadline

Season 2 of Hulu’s drama "Paradise" will debut in February 2025, with the announcement made during Brazil’s CCXP. Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline note that the series’ international unveiling and focus on Sterling K. Brown’s character signal streaming services’ growing investment in global event programming and audience engagement. Variety Hollywood Reporter Deadline