Cast & Crew Blog

This Week's Handful of Must-See Headlines

Written by Cast&Crew | 06/05/2026

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Movie Theaters

Academy Launches Global Cinema Recognition Program
The Academy is introducing the Marquee Theatre List, a Michelin Guide-style recognition of 50 cinemas worldwide—25 in the US and 25 internationally—celebrating outstanding moviegoing experiences, with the inaugural selections set to be unveiled in spring 2027 during the Academy’s centenary year.

AI

Hasbro Launches AI Studio for Licensed Character Experiences
Hasbro is launching a new AI studio called Sixth Wall that will offer authorized, guardrailed versions of its characters, including original voice performances, for interactive experiences, giving IP owners greater control over how their properties are used in AI powered platforms.

Advertising

Sports Remains Upfront Market’s Bright Spot
Sports programming is dominating the 2026 TV upfront market as the only category still commanding price increases, while advertisers trim budgets and push for lower rates on entertainment and streaming inventory, where supply continues to outpace demand.

Streaming

Ad Supported Streaming Continues To Grow
Ad supported subscriptions now account for 48% of all US SVOD plans, up from 39% two years ago, with ad tiers driving 59% of new signups as streamers increasingly embrace the dual revenue model that once fueled cable television.

Filmmaking

Scorsese Joins AI Company as Adviser
Martin Scorsese has joined German AI firm Black Forest Labs as an adviser, becoming one of the highest-profile filmmakers to embrace AI tools and joining directors such as James Cameron and Steven Soderbergh, even as filmmakers including Guillermo del Toro and Christopher Nolan remain skeptical of the technology.

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