Hulu M&A Hunger Games
Julia Alexander, Puck News
The conversation surrounding Hulu has become oversimplified and binary, suggesting that either Disney buys Comcast’s third of the company, or Comcast buy’s Disney’s two-third’s stake. But that’s unreflective of the complex industrial phase that streaming has entered.
The Tom Cruise Oscar Failure
Matthew Belloni, Puck News
The “Top Gun” star’s absence is part of a larger problem for the Oscars—namely, nobody except Fan Bingbing wants to attend these days unless they’re actively flacking a project. But isn’t Cruise supposed to be the industry’s global ambassador?
Next Year’s Oscar Inclusion Rules Are Already Sparking Debate
Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter
While the standards are well-intentioned, some producers say gathering data is confusing and bumps up against privacy law: “How are we going to know who’s gay when it’s illegal to ask?”
Michelle Yeoh called out sexism in Hollywood. Will it help close the gender gap?
Vanessa Romo, NPR News
Ageism is real in Hollywood. And actresses, no matter how stunning, talented or charismatic, are consistently reminded that there is a silent yet deafening ticking clock on their careers.
Fat People Lose With Brendan Fraser’s Oscar Win
Victoria Edel, PopSugar
Brendan Fraser won best actor for his leading role in “The Whale” on March 12 at the Oscars, and I hated it. Fraser was awarded for a role where he puts on a fat suit and pretends to choke on fried chicken and sandwiches and pizza.
Is Crunchyroll the Right Specialty Streamer for the Moment?
Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter
When Sony purchased the service in 2020 for $1.18 billion, some said it overpaid for the niche outlet that specializes in Asian content. Now, as the global streaming giants downsize, the company’s bet on diversified revenue and a tiered subscription model is ahead of the curve.
Oprah Winfrey reflects on book club, announces 100th pick
Hillel Italie, The Associated Press
For her 100th book club pick, Oprah Winfrey relied on the same instincts she has drawn upon from the start: Does the story move her? Does she think about it for days after? In a work of fiction, do the characters seem real to her?
The Examined Life of Melanie Lynskey
Alexis Soloski, The New York Times
In series like “Yellowjackets,” the actor specializes in revealing the turbulent emotions of women who seem innocuous and mild on the surface.
Paris Hilton Is (Almost) Ready to Get Real
Alex Morris, Rolling Stone
She created a character to leave childhood traumas behind. Now, she wants us to see her true self — mostly.
