December and early January closed out the year with momentum and opened the door to what’s next. From standout productions to bold creative wins, our clients capped the year strong and set the tone for an exciting one ahead.
As 2026 gets rolling, Cast & Crew is proud to keep supporting the teams behind the work with the tools and expertise that help projects move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re developing your next project or bringing a long-planned concept across the finish line, Cast & Crew is here with the tools and guidance to make production smoother at every step. See how we’ll support your next project.
We are proud to see the incredible work of our clients recognized across this year’s awards season. At Cast & Crew and Sargent-Disc, we’re honored to support these projects behind the scenes, partnering with the teams who bring ambitious stories to life across film, television, and streaming. The following highlights reflect the creativity, craft, and collaboration we are privileged to support from production through release.
At the awards
Our clients continue to earn recognition during this year's awards season, with notable wins and nominations at major ceremonies.
Golden Globe Awards winners (1/11/2026)
- Hamnet – Best Motion Picture – Drama; Best Performance in a Motion Picture Drama – Actress (Jessie Buckley)
- Hacks – Best Performance in a Television Series Musical or Comedy – Actress (Jean Smart)
Critics’ Choice Awards winners (1/2/2026)
- Hamnet – Best Actress (Jessie Buckley)
- Frankenstein – Best Supporting Actor (Jacob Elordi); Best Production Design; Best Costume Design; Best Hair and Makeup
- Avatar: Fire and Ash – Best Visual Effects
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Best Stunt Design
- The Naked Gun – Best Comedy
- Severance – Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Tramell Tillman)
- Hacks – Best Actress in a Comedy Series (Jean Smart)
- Abbott Elementary – Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Janelle James)
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver – Best Variety Series
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! – Best Talk Show
- South Park – Best Animated Series
- All Her Fault – Best Actress in a Limited Series (Sarah Snook)
- Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – Best Made-for-Television Movie
Current buzzworthy projects
Across December and into January, our clients delivered a strong lineup of high-profile projects spanning major studios and streaming platforms.
- Oh. What. Fun. (Amazon MGM, December 3)
- The Abandons (Netflix, December 4)
- Jay Kelly (Netflix, December 5)
- Atropia (December 12)
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix, December 12)
- Fallout Season 2 (Amazon / MGM, December 17)
- Avatar: Fire and Ash (20th Century Studios, December 19)
- Father Mother Sister Brother (December 24)
- Stranger Things Season 5 Part 2 + Series Finale
(Netflix, December 25 and December 31)
- Primate (Paramount Skydance, January 9)
- The Rip (Netflix, January 16)
- Mercy (Amazon MGM, January 23)
- Wonder Man Season 1 (Marvel, January 27)
- Wrecking Crew (Amazon MGM, January 28)
- Send Help (20th Century, January 30)
Congratulations to several of our clients on their nominations for Business Manager of the Year at the CMA Touring Awards. Presented by CMA World and the CMA Country Music Association, these awards celebrate the touring professionals whose expertise and leadership help power one of America’s most iconic live entertainment industries.
Checks & Balances closed out 2025 with strong momentum across Broadway and live theatre, providing payroll support for a diverse slate of both new and returning productions.
Current buzzworthy projects
- Every Brilliant Thing
- Cats: The Jellicle Ball
- Schmigadoon!
- The Lost Boys
- Dog Day Afternoon
- Proof
- Death of a Salesman
- Giant
- Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
- Purple Rain
- All Out
Checks & Balances is also pleased to begin new partnerships with the long running Broadway hits & Juliet and Hadestown, and to welcome The Fear of 13 for the spring season.
Our Commercials teams closed out the year with a diverse mix of brand, media, and international production wins, highlighting continued growth and momentum across the advertising space.
Current buzzworthy projects
Chagee LLC
A fast growing modern tea house brand with multiple Los Angeles locations, including
Century City
Coffee Robot
A commercial production company working with brands such as Nestlé and Credit One
Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles
“Brian Cox Goes to College,” a spot produced by O-Positive, won the 2025 Emmy Award for Outstanding Commercial
Unwell Agency, LLC
The media company behind Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper joined our client roster, expanding our reach within creator-led production and digital media
Looking ahead
As 2026 begins, awards season momentum continues to build, with major nominations and ceremonies still to come. The year ahead brings new opportunities across film, television, live events, and experiential work as production schedules ramp up and creative ambitions grow.
We’re energized by the partnerships we’ve built and the trust our clients place in us to support their most important projects. From navigating complex compliance to streamlining workflows and providing hands-on support during critical production moments, we're ready to help bring your boldest ideas to life.
Thank you for making 2025 a year of remarkable collaboration. Here's to a successful awards season and an innovative year ahead.
FAQ
Q: What are some of our clients’ wins from this awards season?
A: Clients earned major recognition at the Golden Globe Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards, with wins across film, television, and streaming including Hamnet, Hacks, Frankenstein, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Severance, Abbott Elementary, and more.
Q: What film, television, and streaming projects generated buzz in December and January?
A: Highlights include releases such as Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Fallout Season 2, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Stranger Things Season 5 Part 2 and series finale, The Rip, Mercy, and Wrecking Crew, spanning major studios and streaming platforms.
Q: What live entertainment and Broadway productions stood out this season?
A: Checks & Balances supported a wide slate of Broadway and live theatre projects including Every Brilliant Thing, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Schmigadoon!, Death of a Salesman, Purple Rain, and All Out, while also beginning new partnerships with & Juliet, Hadestown, and welcoming The Fear of 13 for the spring season.
Q: What recognition did clients receive in Sports and Live Entertainment?
A: Several clients received nominations for Business Manager of the Year at the CMA Touring Awards, honoring the professionals who help sustain and power country music touring.
Q: What advertising and branded content work is featured this month?
A: The Commercials teams supported a diverse mix of brand and media projects, including work with Unwell Agency, Chagee LLC, Coffee Robot, and the Creative Arts Emmy Awards spot “Brian Cox Goes to College.”
Q: How does Cast & Crew support clients across these sectors?
A: Cast & Crew and Sargent-Disc provide payroll, compliance, and production services that help teams navigate complex requirements, streamline workflows, and stay focused on delivering creative work from prep through release.
Q: What can clients expect looking ahead to 2026?
A: Continued awards season momentum, expanding production schedules, and new opportunities across film, television, live events, advertising, and experiential work, supported by trusted partnerships and hands-on expertise.
