Steve Pond's Blog, page 136

Jesse Armstrong HBO Movie ‘Mountainhead’ Gets Early Release on Max

Max will give audiences an early look at Jesse Armstrong’s new movie, “Mountainhead.”

The HBO original film, which was set to debut on May 31 at 8 p.m. ET/PT across HBO and Max, will now be available for viewers to watch earlier on Max, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PT/3:01 a.m. ET, the streamer announced Friday.

Even with the early Max debut, “Mountainhead” will still air on HBO at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, when it was originally scheduled.

“Mountainhead,” which marks Armstrong’s feature directorial debut, centers on a foursome of tech billionaires who get together against the backdrop of a rolling international crisis, per the official logline.

In “Mountainhead,” which wrapped production in Park City, Utah in early April, Steve Carell stars as Randall and Jason Schwartzman stars as Souper (Hugo Van Yalk) while Cory Michael Smith stars as Venis and Ramy Youssef stars as Jeff.  

In the trailer for the movie, it’s revealed that the international crisis might’ve been pushed along by one of the billionaires, as Venis’ generative AI company finds itself at the center of some tense global relations.

“I just want to say it’s not on you, Venis,” Schwartzman’s Hugo Van Yalk tells Smith’s Venis, who responds, “Obviously, it’s not on me. Why would you say that?”

The project marks Armstrong’s first project after HBO’s “Succession,” which ran for four seasons, with its fourth installment airing its series finale in May 2023. The series starred Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Macfadyen, J. Smith-Cameron, Hiam Abbass, Alexander Skarsgård and Justine Lupe.

Armstrong wrote and directed “Mountainhead,” and serves as an executive producer alongside EPs Frank Rich, Lucy Prebble, Jon Brown, Tony Roche, Will Tracy, Mark Mylod and Jill Footlick.

The post Jesse Armstrong HBO Movie ‘Mountainhead’ Gets Early Release on Max appeared first on TheWrap.

California Senate Launches Paramount-Trump Settlement Talks Investigation, Invites Bill Owens and Wendy McMahon to Testify

The California State Senate has launched an investigation into Paramount Global’s ongoing discussions with President Donald Trump to settle his $20 billion lawsuit against CBS.

In a Friday letter, the state’s lawmakers invited former “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens and former CBS News president Wendy McMahon to testify as part of the probe.

The chairs of the California Senate’s Energy, Utilities & Communications committee and Judiciary committee are seeking information from the pair on whether newsroom staff raised internal objections to the settlement or its motivations, whether any editorial decisions were impacted or overridden, whether internal counsel or leadership acknowledged the weakness of the lawsuit’s claims and whether anyone within the company indicated that the settlement may be “advantageous or necessary” in order to influence the regulatory approval of the pending $8 billion Skydance merger.

“Your recent resignations from CBS’s leadership, amid public reports of internal concern about the editorial and ethical implications of the proposed settlement, suggest that you may possess important, first-hand knowledge relevant to our legislative oversight responsibilities,” the joint letter from committee chairs Josh Becker and Thomas Umberg states. “If Paramount is entertaining a settlement primarily to secure favorable regulatory treatment, this raises deeply troubling implications not just for journalism, but for the rule of law and the integrity of corporate governance.”

The lawmakers argue that a settlement to clear regulatory approval of the Skydance deal could constitute a violation of federal anti-bribery laws, an infraction of California’s unfair competition law, a breach of fiduciary duties owed by Paramount board members to shareholders and the misuse of corporate funds vulnerable to shareholder derivative litigation.

“These issues go beyond internal policy,” the pair said. “They have real legal exposure for Paramount and its board of directors, including Ms. Shari Redstone, Ms. Barbara Byrne, Ms. Judith McHale, Ms. Linda Griego, and Ms. Susan Schuman.”

Becker and Umberg also said it could have a “potential chilling effect” on investigative and political journalism, signaling “politically motivated lawsuits can succeed when paired with regulatory threats.”

“It would damage public trust in CBS News and other California-based outlets, diminishing the state’s stature as a national leader in ethical journalism. Paramount’s capitulation would also undermine two essential pillars of a liberal democracy: a free press and an impartial, rule-of-law regulatory system,” the letter continues.

The pair noted that while the invite is a voluntary request, they retain full subpoena authority under California law should additional testimony or documentation become necessary during its investigation.

“We respectfully encourage you to participate in this important hearing,” the letter concluded. “Your cooperation will help safeguard the values you have each worked to uphold in your distinguished careers.”

Representatives for Paramount declined to comment on the letter.

Owens resigned from “60 Minutes” in April, telling staff in a memo that he lost the ability to make independent decisions. Meanwhile, McMahon resigned earlier this month, saying in a memo to staff that “it’s become clear the company and I do not agree on the path forward.” She described the tension between herself and Paramount as “challenging.” Though neither referenced the Trump lawsuit directly, both executives had previously expressed opposition to a settlement.

Trump’s lawsuit takes aim at the news program’s Oct. 7 interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris, which Trump has said was deceptively edited to make her look good.

CBS News has maintained that Trump’s accusations of deceitful editing were false, explaining that the promo shown on “Face the Nation” used a longer section of Harris’ answer. It also turned over the transcript and camera footage from the interview to the FCC as part of the agency’s investigation into allegations of “news distortion.” In a March filing to dismiss the Trump suit, CBS called it “an affront to the First Amendment” and “without basis in law or fact.”

In a Wednesday legal filing asking the court to deny Paramount’s motion to dismiss, Trump’s attorneys claimed that the interview caused him “mental anguish and confusion.” They also said that “viewers withheld attention from President Trump and Truth Social,” his social media platform, due to the “false advertising and tampering” tied to the Harris interview, resulting in a decrease in value for Trump Media and Technology Group and his other media holdings.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump recently shot down Paramount’s offer to settle the lawsuit for $15 million, with the president aiming to get at least $25 million and an apology.

In addition to the California State Senate, Democratic senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden issued a similar warning to Redstone earlier this month.

The Paramount-Skydance merger, which is subject to regulatory approval from the FCC due to a required transfer of broadcast licenses of Paramount’s 28 owned-and-operated local TV stations, recently triggered its first automatic 90-day extension after failing to close by April 7.

FCC chairman Brendan Carr has argued that the settlement talks with Trump are unrelated to the agency’s review of the Skydance deal. But he has warned that “all options remain on the table” in the agency’s ongoing investigation into alleged “news distortion,” including potentially revoking CBS’ broadcast license if the network is found to have violated the agency’s public interest standard.

He has also previously threatened to block M&A for companies who embrace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and is reportedly seeking concessions in the Paramount-Skydance deal.

Paramount’s settlement talks come as Disney previously paid $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit Donald Trump brought against ABC News and star anchor George Stephanopoulos. Meta also paid $25 million to settle Trump’s lawsuit about being kicked off Facebook and Instagram after the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Semafor was the first to report the letter from the California Senate.

The post California Senate Launches Paramount-Trump Settlement Talks Investigation, Invites Bill Owens and Wendy McMahon to Testify appeared first on TheWrap.

National Legal and Policy Center Proposes Replacing Comcast’s Brian Roberts With Independent Chairman

The National Legal and Policy Center is proposing the appointment of an independent chair at Comcast to reduce Brian Roberts’ influence at the media giant.

“One person occupying both the Chair and CEO roles at the same time infuses that leader with an inordinate amount of insufficiently checked power,” the conservative-leaning lobbying firm wrote in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday. “Shareholders should vote to separate the Chair and CEO positions to restore accountability to the C-Suite, and appropriate oversight responsibilities to a stronger, more accountable Board of Directors.”

Additionally, NLPC is asking Comcast shareholders to vote against the company’s slate of board nominees at its annual meeting on June 18.

The proposal comes as President Donald Trump has publicly lashed out at Roberts, calling for him to be investigated after NBC News White House reporter Peter Alexander asked about the Pentagon’s decision to accept and use a Qatari-gifted jet as a Air Force One’s aircraft. Comcast and and its unit NBCUniversal have also faced scrutiny from the FCC, which launched an investigation into its DEI policies.

In its latest proxy statement, Comcast asked shareholders to vote against the “inflexible” proposal, arguing that it wouldn’t enhance independence or the company’s performance and could constrain its board of directors in exercising fiduciary duties.

“Currently, our Board believes that we and our shareholders are best served by having Mr. Roberts serve as Chairman and CEO – working together
with a strong Lead Independent Director. Mr. Roberts serves as an effective bridge between the Board and management and provides critical leadership for carrying out our strategic initiatives and confronting our challenges,” the company added. “Adopting a policy that mandates the separation of the offices of Chairman and CEO would not serve to augment this fiduciary duty.”

Comcast noted that the governance committee and board regularly review the leadership structure and that only one of its director nominees is no independent and that all board-level committees are chaired and composed entirely of independent directors. It also said that separating the roles of chairman and CEO are “minority practices” among S&P 100 companies.

The NLPC argued that the idea that Comcast’s lead independent director Edward Breen offers any counterbalance or restraint to Roberts’ influence is “laughable,” citing the latter’s 33% share of the company’s voting rights. It also cited the Spencer Stuart Board Index, which found that 59% of S&P 500 companies had separate CEOs and board chairs in 2022, compared to 51% in 2017.

“Mr. Breen beneficially holds by far the least amount of Comcast shares among directors who have served on the Board longer than five years,” they said. “Only Thomas Baltimore, Louise Brady, and Wonya Lucas – each of whom joined the Board in March 2023 or later – retain fewer shares than Mr. Breen. One would think a 10-year Lead Independent Director would keep more “skin in the game” if he cared about being effective.”

Additionally, NLPC took aim at Comcast’s DEI policies, its relationship with China’s Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co. to build Universal Studios Beijing and blamed Roberts for the “downward trajectory” of NBCUniversal’s TV networks.

“MSNBC and many other of Comcast’s cable television networks have been so devalued under Mr. Roberts’s stewardship that the Board has decided to spin them off into another separate, publicly-traded company,” it continued. “Because NBC can still generate profitability from sports broadcast rights, and Bravo still holds some value due to programming quality that can be monetized, they will remain under Comcast’s control. However, it remains to be seen how the divestiture of MSNBC and CNBC from standard-bearer NBC, Peacock streaming and parent Comcast – all five of which enjoy the identity of the iconic rainbow-peacock logo – will retain viability.”

Lastly, NLPC claimed that Comcast shares’ performance have been “lethargic” relative to its competitors. Shares of the company have fallen 12.7% in the past five years, 11% in the past year, 7.6% year to date and 20% in the past six months.

“It’s clear Mr. Roberts and his family business need major adjustments,” the organization concluded. “We are certain that he won’t do the honorable thing and take the Company private at a fair price to shareholders, so the next-best thing is a vote to show that his inordinate power compared to his equity is wholly inappropriate and ineffective. Asking for an independent chair policy would send a message.”

Other proposals that will be voted on during the meeting include ratifying the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as its independent auditors, an advisory vote on executive compensation and consideration of adding a “CEO pay ratio factor” in executive compensation.

The post National Legal and Policy Center Proposes Replacing Comcast’s Brian Roberts With Independent Chairman appeared first on TheWrap.

The 7 Best Romance Movies Streaming on Netflix Right Now

Listen, you don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to have your strings pulled on. We’re here to list all the romance movies on Netflix that will have you ready to snuggle up under your boo.

This list includes ultimate classics, vampire-wolf-human love triangles and one title you’ll need to watch before it leaves the streamer this month. After Netflix dropped its hit teen love series “Forever,” TheWrap thought it’d be best if we share some romantic cinematic goodies as well.

Here’s our list of the seven romance movies that will leave you swooning.

Greta Lee and Teo Yoo in “Past Lives” (Credit: A24)“Past Lives”

One of the sweetest love tales to hit Netflix screens after its theatrical run was Celine Song’s “Past Lives.” Starring Greta Lee and Teo Yoo, the film follows the journey of two childhood friends, Nora and Hae Sung, who end up spending 24 years of their lives separately despite sharing a deeper connection. However, destiny brings them back together for one week, which forces them to face their compartmentalized feelings.

“Crazy, Stupid, Love” (Warner Bros.)“Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011)

Let’s be honest, we love a good Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling team-up, Glenn Ficarra and John Requa’s “Crazy, Stupid, Love” gives us all the feels and comedic relief. After Cal Weaver (Steve Carell), a successful accountant who has it all, is dropped by his cheating wife, he’s taken on by playboy Jacob Palmer (Gosling). While Jacob attempts to get Cal back into his groove with dating, he runs into Jessica Palmer (Stone), who ends up challenging the ladies man’s bachelor lifestyle.

Columbia Pictures“50 First Dates” (2004)

One thing Adam Sandler does a great job at is giving audiences a film that will make you laugh, cry, and leave you with a thought-provoking message that expands your view on life. His romantic comedy “50 First Dates” is now different. The heartwarming story is centered on womanizer Henry Roth. While on the hunt for his next affair, he meets Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore), a woman who suffers from short-term memory loss and can’t remember what happened the day before. As Henry’s feelings for Lucy grow deeper, her family and friends become more skeptical of Henry’s intentions. Now, he’ll have to convince her loved ones that he truly desires her heart.

Universal“The Best Man Holiday”

Yeah, there’s a lot of laughs, joy and love, but get ready to break out the tissue box because this movie is a total tear-jerker.

The sequel to Malcolm D. Lee’s “Best Man” franchise takes place nearly 15 years after college friends Lance (Morris Chestnut), Harper (Taye Diggs), Candace (Regina Hall), Quentin (Terrence Howard), Robyn (Sanaa Lathan), Jordan (Nia Long), Murch (Harold Perrineau) and Mia (Monica Calhoun) were all together. This time around, the crew battles some of their past disputes, but the group soon learns their petty drama will have to take a backseat to one of their friends’ more serious issues. While the film focuses on several couples’ love stories, those who know, you know that the “Best Man” film franchise is a go-to if you want to feel all lovey-dovey.

“Pride and Prejudice” (Focus Features)“Pride and Prejudice” (2005)

Now, this title you’ll have to be quick about watching because it’s leaving Netflix June 1. The film adaptation of English author Jane Austen’s novel of the same name is just as much of a beloved classic as its literary counterpart. Joe Wright steers the story of Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). After pressure from her parents to marry, Elizabeth is introduced to the good-looking and wealthy Darcy. But while their meet-cute leads to a passionate connection, Darcy’s overly conservative personality could be putting a damper on their potential relationship.

“The Holiday” (Universal Pictures)“The Holiday” (2006)

Nancy Meyers wrote, produced and directed the whimsical romantic comedy “The Holiday.” Cameron Diaz stars as Amanda, a California resident who’s been having troubles in the love department. In an effort to switch up her surroundings, she decides to swap homes with Englishwoman Iris (Kate Winslet), who’s also dealing with relationship woes. But as fate would have it, the pair luck up on finding their mates, but will the connections be able to overcome the long distance?

Summit Entertainment“Twilight” (2008)

Look, sure…it’s totally a vampire movie. But let’s be honest, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) have officially gone down in history as one of the most iconic on-screen couples. When a high school student, Bella, moves to Washington state from Arizona, she meets a quiet and mysterious Edward, who quickly sweeps her off her feet. The more she gets to know Edward, the more accepting she becomes of him and his dangerous lineage.

The post The 7 Best Romance Movies Streaming on Netflix Right Now appeared first on TheWrap.

Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Sued for Over $300,000 in Unpaid Costume Fees

Kevin Costner’s “Horizon” film and the production company he produces it under are being sued for failed costume rental payments.

On Wednesday, the United Costume Corporation filed a breach of contract lawsuit against his “Horizon” series. The suit is seeking roughly $350,000 in unpaid costume rental fees that accumulated between “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1” and it’s unreleased sequel.

The suit includes an invoice for “Chapter 1” costumes coming to $58,000. A second to the tune of $285,000 came through for rentals the next year, with United Costume signing a deal with production to provide costume for “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” as well. Both invoices remain unpaid.

This latest legal suit came just days after a stunt performer also sued both Costner and the “Horizon” production over an unscripted rape scene. Deyn LaBella claimed she was tasked with performing a violent rape scene without notice or consent and without the intimacy coordinator required by union rules present. She also alleged she faced retaliation for reporting the event by not being called back for additional work on “Horizon” or through the stunt coordinator, whom she had worked with previously.

“On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism. What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry,” LaBella said in a statement.

In a statement provided to TheWrap, attorneys for Costner said that LaBella’s accusations have “absolutely no merit.”

“As a stunt performer on ‘Horizon 2,’ the scene in question was explained to Ms. LaBella, and after she performed the rehearsal in character with another actor, she gave her Stunt Coordinator supervisor a ‘thumbs up’ and indicated her willingness to then shoot the scene, if needed (which she was not),” the statement read.

The new legal trouble represents the latest piling on for the beleaguered passion project for Costner. The first film in the planned four-part saga premiered in mid-2024 with plans for “Chapter 2” to drop a mere 7 weeks later. A middling box office performance led to the decision hold the sequel to allow an audience to percolate.

The post Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Sued for Over $300,000 in Unpaid Costume Fees appeared first on TheWrap.

How Is ‘Cobra Kai’ Connected To ‘Karate Kid: Legends’?

With the release of “Karate Kid: Legends,” fans of the Netflix series “Cobra Kai” wondered how – or even if – the show would connect to the new film.

“Cobra Kai” – which followed original “Karate Kid” villain Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) attempts to rehabilitate both his life and old dojo – wrapped its six-season run at the beginning of 2025. Much of the run revolved around Johnny and Daniel (Ralph Macchio) growing from rivals to close friends.

“Karate Kid: Legends” brought back Macchio’s Daniel and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han to train kung fu prodigy Li (Ben Wang) to fight in a major tournament in New York. “Cobra Kai” took place largely in The Valley of Southern California which had many fans worried that there would be no connection between the new film and the show they loved.

Fear not. There is a fun connection between the two and here’s how it goes.

How does “Karate Kid: Legends” connect to “Cobra Kai?”

It seems like the film is going to play out without a single reference to the beloved Netflix series but a post-credit scene saves the day. Mr. Han has a pizza from Victor’s delivered from New York all the way to Miyagi’s dojo in Los Angeles. Daniel answers the door and reads a message from Han saying that if he ever needs help in the future to give a call.

Then he hands the pizza off to Johnny Lawrence who is hanging out at the dojo as well. Johnny takes it grudgingly saying that New York Pizza doesn’t hold a candle to the legendary pizza of Encino. He then starts to riff on the idea they could open a West Coast chains of pizzerias called Miyagi-Dough which Daniel brushes off despite the many karate-based catch phrases Johnny also throws out as the film cuts to credits.

How does this build off the “Cobra Kai” ending?

The “Karate Kid: Legends” post-credit scene cements the ending of “Cobra Kai.” The series ended with Johnny and Daniel not only considering the other their best friend but also finding the balance in working together.

Instead of working in the same dojo, Johnny ran Cobra Kai and coached their offensive “Strike First” approach to karate while Daniel handled the Miyagi-do dojo where he taught his sensei’s defensive style of combat. The two shared students so all their kids learned both methods and when best to implement them.

The post How Is ‘Cobra Kai’ Connected To ‘Karate Kid: Legends’? appeared first on TheWrap.

Broadway Artists Call for Patti LuPone to Be Disinvited From Tony Awards Over Audra McDonald, Kecia Lewis Comments

Patti LuPone is facing more fallout from a recent interview in the New Yorker in which she dissed fellow Broadway star, and former friend, Audra McDonald and referred to Kecia Lewis as a “bitch.”

On Friday, an open letter signed by more than 500 artists called her out for “deeply inappropriate and unacceptable public comments.” Among the names who signed it were “Elsbeth” star Wendell Pierce, Rachel Hilson, a co-lead in the new HBO Max series “Duster” and Susan Kelechi Watson of “This is Us” and “The Residence.”

The letter, which was shared by Playbill, stated that its purpose was not to “shame or isolate,” but to call for “accountability, justice, and respect — rooted in love for the art form and for the people who make it possible.”

The missive specifically called out LuPone’s remark about Lewis, who won at this year’s Tony Awards for 2024’s production of the musical “Hell’s Kitchen.” In the article LuPone said Lewis was mistaken to call herself a Broadway veteran and that she “didn’t know what the f–k” she was talking about. She then referred to her as a bitch. “[Referring to] a Black woman and a 40-year veteran of the American stage—as a ‘bitch.’ This language is not only degrading and misogynistic—it is a blatant act of racialized disrespect.”

It described LuPone’s comments not just as bullying and harassment but as “emblematic of the microaggressions and abuse that people in this industry have endured for far too long, too often without consequence.”

LuPone was also chided for “publicly attack[ing] a woman who has contributed to this art form with such excellence, leadership and grace—and to discredit the legacy of Audra McDonald, the most nominated and awarded performer in Tony Award history—is not simply a personal offense. It is a public affront to the values of collaboration, equity and mutual respect that our theater community claims to uphold.” In the same New Yorker article she also made comments about McDonald saying, “She’s not a friend.”

“Let us be clear: this is about more than one person,” the Broadway letter continued. “It is about a culture. A pattern. A persistent failure to hold people accountable for violent, disrespectful or harmful behavior—especially when they are powerful or well-known … No artist, producer, director, or leader—regardless of legacy or celebrity—should be allowed to weaponize their platform to belittle, threaten or devalue others without consequence. Period.”

The signees additionally called for American Theatre Wing to disinvite LuPone from the next Tony Awards.

You can read a PDF of the full letter here.

“Gypsy” starring McDonald is currently playing at the Majestic Theatre in New York City. She earned a record-making 11th Tony Award nomination for her performance.

For her part, McDonald told Gayle King earlier this week she had no idea why LuPone was so mad at her. “If there’s a rift between us, I don’t know what it is. That’s something you’d have to ask Patti about. I have not seen her in about 11 years just because we’ve been busy just with life. So I don’t know what rift she’s talking about, but you would have to ask her.”

TheWrap has reached out to LuPone’s reps for comment.

The post Broadway Artists Call for Patti LuPone to Be Disinvited From Tony Awards Over Audra McDonald, Kecia Lewis Comments appeared first on TheWrap.

Golden Trailer Awards Winners List: ’28 Years Later’ Takes Home Top Prize

The 25th annual Golden Trailer Awards honored the year’s best teasers across film, television and digital media Thursday at the Orpheum Theatre. 

Sony Pictures and Buddha Jones’ “28 Years Later” trailer took home the Best of Show award, the night’s top honor. The trailer also received two other awards for Most Original Trailer and Best Voice Over. 

Apple TV+’s “Severance” dominated in the entertainment categories with five awards, and the “Wicked” team led the film categories with four wins. Disney came out as the top studio, earning 26 awards across categories and mediums. 

This year the awards show handed out 114 different awards, but only the top 19 were presented live at the Orpheum. The categories spanned across television, film, digital media, advertisements, TV spots, graphic design and posters. 

AV Agency was awarded Agency of the Year for their work in the field, making them the most-honored agency with nine wins at the 25th Annual GTAs. The agency are back-to-back winners of this award just added last year. 

James “Murr” Murray hosted the awards show that honored the best in movie marketing. Founders and sisters Monica and Evelyn Brady executive produced the show. 

Read the full list of winners below:

Televised Awards

Best Action

Ballerina “Trigger”, Lionsgate, AV Squad

Best Animation/Family

How To Train Your Dragon “Beasts”, Universal, Buddha Jones

Best Comedy

Friendship, “Gorgeous”, A24, GrandSon

Best Documentary (Feature Film) Bio Pic of an Individual

Jim Henson: Idea Man “Trailer”, Disney+, Buddha Jones

Best Documentary (Feature Film) Subject

Blink, National Geographic, Motive Creative

Best Drama

The Brutalist – Build, A24, Mark Woollen & Associates

Best Fantasy/Adventure

Wicked “Wickedness,” Universal Pictures, Trailer Park Group

Best Horror

Sinners “Magic”, Warner Bros. Pictures, AV Squad

Best Independent Trailer

Anora, “Love Story”, NEON, GrandSon

Best Music

Mickey 17 “Life”, Warner Bros. Pictures, JAX

Best Thriller

Black Bag, “Loyalty”, Focus Features, Wild Card Creative Group

Best Video Game Trailer

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, “Zombies Reveal Trailer”, Activision, Aspect

Most Original Trailer

28 Years Later “Days”, Sony, Buddha Jones

Best Summer 2025 Blockbuster Trailer

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning “Certainty”, Paramount Pictures, AV Squad

Best Teaser

M3gan 2.0 “The Icon”, Universal Pictures, Inside Job

Best Comedy (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

The Studio, “Movies”, Apple TV+, Wild Card Creative Group

Best Drama (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

Severance Season 2 RTO Teaser, Apple TV+, TRANSIT

Agency of the Year

AV Squad

Best of Show

28 Years Later “Days”, Sony, Buddha Jones

Non-Show Awards

Best Independent Trailer Ultra Low (for film budget shot under 3.1 million)

Sew Torn, The Playmaker Munich, Good Hands

Golden Fleece

Megalopolis – Now, American Zoetrope, Mark Woollen & Associates

Best Voice Over (The Don LaFontaine Award)

28 Years Later “Days”, Sony, Buddha Jones

Best Sound Editing

Sinners “Seen”, Warner Bros. Pictures, AV Squad

Best Original Score

One Battle After Another: ‘Rise & Shine’, Warner Bros., Major Major

Best Motion/Title Graphics

The Alto Knights, Trailer “War”, Warner Bros. Discovery, BOND

Best Faith Based Trailer

Rule Breaker, Angel Studio, Trailer Park Group

Best Romance

A Nice Indian Boy Trailer, Blue Harbor Entertainment, Major Major/Stampede Studios

Trashiest Trailer

HOW TO KILL MONSTERS, Believe, Dark Sky Films, Hungry Monster Entertainment

International Trailers

Best Foreign Action

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, Well Go USA Entertainment, Sequence Creative

Best Foreign Animation/Family

Flow, Journey, Curzon, Silk Factory

Best Foreign Comedy

THE FISHERMAN, Luu Vision Media, THE FILM AGENCY

Best Foreign Documentary

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, Banger Films + NFB, StageNameCreative

Best Foreign Drama

NUREMBERG, TNT4 CHANNEL, TNT4 CHANNEL

Best Foreign Horror

The Radleys | Bloodline, Sky UK, Trailer Park Group

Best Foreign Independent Trailer

Broken Bird, Catalyst Studio, Good Hands

Best Foreign Music

Emilia Pérez, Bingo, Netflix, Big Picture Entertainment

Best Foreign Thriller

Ad Vitam, ‘Last Chance’, Netflix, Ignition Creative London

Most Original Foreign Trailer

Kneecap, Redband, Curzon, Silk Factory

Best Foreign Teaser

Deti Peremen, NMG Studio – START Studio, Trailermakers

TV SPOTS FOR FEATURE FILMS

Best Action TV Spot

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning “Crackle”, Paramount Pictures, AV Squad

Best Animation/Family TV Spot

The Wild Robot “Academy Love”, Universal Pictures, Inside Job

Best Comedy TV Spot

Deadpool & Wolverine “Ready”, The Walt Disney Studios, AV Squad

Best Documentary TV spot

Endurance, National Geographic, Mark Woollen & Associates

Best Drama TV Spot

A Complete Unknown, “Icon”, Searchlight Pictures, Wild Card Creative Group

Best Fantasy Adventure TV Spot

Wicked | Get Ready, Universal Pictures, Trailer Park Group

Best Foreign TV Spot

MASTERFULLY CRAFTED MOVIES, TNT4 CHANNEL, TNT4 CHANNEL

Best Graphics in a TV Spot

Deadpool and Wolverine, Come Again, The Walt Disney Studios, Tiny Hero

Best Horror TV Spot

The Monkey, “Shit”, Neon, Requiem

Best Independent TV Spot

Anora “Fun Review Safe”, Universal Pictures, Inside Job

Best Music TV Spot

Blink, National Geographic, Motive Creative

Best Romance TV Spot

Anora “One Question”, NEON, AV Squad

Best Sound Editing in a TV spot

Hit Man | Breath, Netflix, Trailer Park Group

Best Thriller TV Spot

Sinners, Ready, Warner Bros., Create Advertising Group

Most Original TV Spot

MASTERFULLY CRAFTED MOVIES, TNT4 CHANNEL, TNT4 CHANNEL

Trailers for TV/Streaming Series

Best Action (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

Senna, “Forever”, Netflix, GrandSon

Best Animation/Family (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy, Epic Story, Disney+, Silk Factory

Best Documentary (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

Surviving Black Hawk Down, “Courage”, Netflix, Wild Card Creative Group

Best Fantasy Adventure (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

House of the Dragon Season 2, Official Trailer, HBO MAX, Intermission Film

Best Foreign (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

The Sticky, Heist, Amazon MGM Studios, Screenland Creative

Best Graphics in a (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power S2, Prime, BOND

Best Horror/Thriller (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

Severance S2, “Welcome Back”, Apple TV+, Wild Card Creative Group

Best Music (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

Severance Season 2 RTO Teaser, Apple TV+, TRANSIT

Best Original Score (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

The Madness – “Escape”, Netflix, MOCEAN

Best Sound Editing in a (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

Senna, “Forever”, Netflix, GrandSon

Best Voice Over in a (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

A Real Bug’s Life, National Geographic, Ultrabland

Most Original (Trailer/Teaser) – TV/Streaming Series

Severance Season 2 RTO Teaser, Apple TV+, TRANSIT

Best OTO (One Time Only) Special

Presenting the 2025 Best Picture Nominees, The Academy of Motion Pictures and Science, REBEL

Best Promo for a TV Network

ATV+ , Alive Cutdown, Apple TV +, Create Advertising Group

TV Spots for TV/Streaming Series

Best Action TV Spot – TV/Streaming Series

Arcane S2, Reckoning, Netflix, Tiny Hero

Best Animation/Family TV Spot – TV/Streaming Series

The Fairly Odd Parents: A Whole New World, Netflix, Netflix Creative Studio

Best Comedy TV Spot – TV/Streaming Series

The Studio, “Thank You”, Apple TV+, Wild Card Creative Group

Best Documentary TV Spot – TV/Streaming Series

David Blaine: Do Not Attempt, National Geographic, Ultrabland

Best Drama TV Spot – TV/Streaming Series

Shōgun, ‘Outstanding’, Disney+, Ignition Creative London

Best Horror/Thriller TV Spot – TV/Streaming Series

Squid Game S2 | PHENOMENON, Netflix, Trailer Park Group

Best Music TV Spot – TV/Streaming Series

Arcane S2, Reckoning, Netflix, Tiny Hero

Most Original TV Spot – TV/Streaming Series

Fallout, “Wasteland Review”, Amazon MGM Studios, Aspect

Digital

Best Digital | Action

Daredevil: Born Again, Seeing Red, Disney +, Create Advertising Group

Best Digital | Animation/Family

Inside Out 2, Get Ready, The Walt Disney Studios, Tiny Hero

Best Digital | Comedy

Deadpool & Wolverine – “Dawn of Popcorn”, Walt Disney Studios, MOCEAN

Best Digital | Drama

Out Of My Mind Disney+ “Beautiful” Trailer, Disney Branded Television

Best Digital | Fantasy Adventure

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes :30 “Apes Home”, Disney, REBEL

Best Digital | Horror/Thriller

Severance Season 2: Digital Campaign, Apple TV+, Leroy & Rose

Innovative Advertising for Feature Film

Most Innovative Advertising for a Feature Film

Wicked “Poetry in Emotion”, Universal Pictures, Inside Job

Best Action/Thriller TrailerByte (Feature Film)

Twisters, Tornado Alarm, Warner Bros. Discovery, Tiny Hero

Best Animation TrailerByte (Feature Film)

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Protect, Disney +, Create Advertising Group

Best Comedy/Drama TrailerByte (Feature Film)

A Minecraft Movie “You Died”, Warner Bros. Pictures, AV Squad

Best Horror/Thriller TrailerByte (Feature Film)

The Monkey, ‘Terrify’, Black Bear, Ignition Creative London

Best Viral Campaign for a Feature Film

Wicked Campaign, Universal, REBEL

Best BTS/EPK for a Feature Film (Under 2minutes)

Fly Me to the Moon — Lance Vespertine Explains It All, Apple +, Rubber Sole Creative

Best BTS/EPK for a Feature Film (Over 2minutes)

F1, “BTS”, Warner Bros., Wild Card Creative Group

Innovative Advertising for TV/Streaming Series

Most Innovative Advertising for a TV/Streaming Series

Black Mirror – Nubbin Entertainment – 30 Spot, Netflix, ZEALOT

Best Action/Thriller TrailerByte (TV/Streaming Series)

Fallout, ‘Doom Scrolling’, Prime Video, Ignition Creative London

Best Comedy/Drama TrailerByte (TV/Streaming Series)

The Greatest Hits, Spotify Playlist, Searchlight Pictures, Tiny Hero

Best Viral Campaign (TV/Streaming Series)

Only Murders in the Building Season 4 Social Teaser Campaign, Hulu Originals

Best BTS/EPK for a TV/Streaming Series (Under 2minutes)

Slow Horses — Who Meets Their Demise in Season 4?, Apple TV+, Intermission Film

Best BTS/EPK for a TV/Streaming Series (Over 2minutes)

The Penguin: Becoming The Penguin, HBO, Marketing AV

POSTERS

Best Action Poster

The Crow – Murder of Crows Poster, Lionsgate, AV Print

Best Animation/Family Poster

Moana 2: D23 Specialty Poster, Walt Disney Studios Creative Advertising, Leroy & Rose

Best Billboard (for Feature Film or TV/Streaming Series)

Abbott Elementary Season 4 Diorama Billboard, ABC

Best Comedy Poster

A REAL PAIN, Searchlight, Intermission Film

Best Documentary Poster

Jim Henson: Idea Man Key Art, Disney Branded Television

Best Drama Poster

Back to Black – Watercolor Poster, Focus Features, AV Print

Best Foreign Poster

The Poet, Central Partnership/Kinoslovo, Good Thursday

Best Horror Poster

Azrael – Payoff Poster, IFC Films, MOCEAN

Best Independent Poster

Killer of Men, “In His Head”, Quiver Distribution, Champ & Pepper

Best International Poster

The Monkey, Black Bear, Ignition Creative London

Best Teaser Poster

Death of a Unicorn – Teaser Poster, A24, AV Print

Best Thriller Poster

Blink Twice One Sheet, MGM Amazon, 27×40

Best Wildposts (Teaser Campaign)

The First Omen – Woman, Baby, Satan, Disney Home Entertainment, The Refinery

Most Original Poster

Sinners – Fortnite Poster, Warner Bros., AV Print

Best Motion Poster

Inside Out 2, The Walt Disney Studios, Tiny Hero

Best Comedy Poster (for a TV/streaming series)

The Studio, Apple TV+, GrandSon

Best Documentary/Reality Poster (for a TV/streaming series)

DRIVE TO SURVIVE, Netflix, Intermission Film

Best Drama/Action Poster (for a TV/streaming series)

The Last of Us | S2 teaser, Max Originals Marketing, BLT Communications

Best Horror/Thriller Poster (for a TV/streaming series)

Squid Game Season 2, Stair Maze Vertical, Netflix, The Refinery

Best Wildposts (for a TV/streaming series)

Only Murders in the Building S4 – Character Banners, Hulu, The Refinery

The post Golden Trailer Awards Winners List: ’28 Years Later’ Takes Home Top Prize appeared first on TheWrap.

Jimmy Kimmel Jokes Elon Musk Left Trump for His Real Job, ‘Destroying Companies and Inseminating Every Woman in Sight | Video

Jimmy Kimmel was “happy to share some good news from Washington for a change” during his monologue on Thursday’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” — Elon Musk stepping away from his role in the Trump administration.

“We got a message from Elon Musk, an important message, it said, ‘as my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,'” Kimmel explained. “Hey, you know what, spending, that’s great, we’re just happy your time as a special government employee has come to an end.”

“We’re thankful. We are glad you’re gone,” he added.

“Elon had a remarkable 130-day stint in government. He came, he chainsawed, we bled, he left,” Kimmel continued, referencing Musk’s appearance at CPAC earlier this year.

“When he started, he promised to save us a trillion dollars. Now he says DOGE will probably only save about 160 billion dollars. whereas most everyone else says he probably cost us hundreds of billions of dollars,” Kimmel went on. “Officials from the IRS alone estimate his cuts to that agency will result in a minimum of $500 billion in uncollected taxes this year.”

“But here’s the thing, politics isn’t about money, it’s not about success, it’s not about failure, it’s about the lives of the civil servants you destroy along the way. That’s what’s most important,” the ABC host joked. “And Elon promised that DOGE’s work will go on… similar to how the Empire continued killing Ewoks after The Emperor died.”

“Now that he’s out of Washington, Elon can return to his primary job, which is destroying companies and inseminating every woman in sight.”

Watch the whole monologue below:

The post Jimmy Kimmel Jokes Elon Musk Left Trump for His Real Job, ‘Destroying Companies and Inseminating Every Woman in Sight | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

Kash Doll Joins ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Season 3 in Recurring Role

Rapper Kash Doll has joined “Reasonable Doubt” for its third season as a recurring guest star.

The Detroit-born musician will take on the role of Nisha, the close friend and assistant to Wendy (Rumer Willis), whom she is bound to by “a deeply personal loyalty,” per Hulu-Onyx Collective’s description of the character.

Kash Doll is latest addition to the “Reasonable Doubt” cast. Earlier this month, the series shared the news that Morris Chestnut would be returning the legal drama. And along with him comes several newbies to the show, including Brandee Evans (“P-Valley”), Rumer Willis (“Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood”), Richard Brooks (“Law & Order”), Keith Arthur Bolden (“Till”), April Parker Jones (“The Other Black Girl”) and Kyle Bary (“Ginny & Georgia”).

Back in March, TheWrap reported that “Power Book IV: Force” star Joseph Sikora would also be coming into the fold as a series regular alongside Emayatzy Corinealdi, McKinley Freeman, Tim Jo and Angela Grovey.

Here’s Onyx’s description of the upcoming season: “After a tumultuous season of fighting to save her best friend from a life sentence while healing from her own deadly affair, Jax Stewart has finally earned some peace in her life … even if she sees it all as a little boring. So, when a former child star finds himself in a heap of trouble, Jax seizes the opportunity to spice up her daily routine. But when her client’s personal life turns out to have all the drama and danger of a Hollywood movie and Jax’s own professional future comes under threat from a charismatic associate at her firm, can Jax clear her client’s name without losing the personal and professional successes she’s worked so hard for?”

“Reasonable Doubt” is created, written and executive produced by Raamla Mohamed. Kerry Washington executive-produces alongside Pilar Savone for Simpson Street, Larry Wilmore via Wilmore Films, Anton Cropper and Lena Cordina. Shawn Holley, Jon Leshay, Tamara Gregory, Erika Harrison and Zahir McGhee serve as co-executive producers. The series hails from Onyx Collective and is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios. 

The post Kash Doll Joins ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Season 3 in Recurring Role appeared first on TheWrap.