byNetflix faced more competition than ever before in 2020, but the streamer is showing little sign of flagging, ending the year with an unprecedented nearly 204 million global subscribers.It turns out, the pandemic is a more powerful force than the threat of new rivals. Lockdowns around the world helped to significantly boost streaming sign-ups across the board, and Netflix benefitted from the industry’s overall boom, adding more than 36 million subscribers during the year. Though most of its new subscribers came during the first half of 2020, it added 8.51 million subscribers during the...…byNetflix faced more competition than ever before in 2020, but the streamer is showing little sign of flagging, ending the year with an unprecedented nearly 204 million global subscribers.It turns out, the pandemic is a more powerful force than the threat of new rivals. Lockdowns around the world helped to significantly boost streaming sign-ups across the board, and Netflix benefitted from the industry’s overall boom, adding more than 36 million subscribers during the year. Though most of its new subscribers came during the first half of 2020, it added 8.51 million subscribers during the...WW…

byThe Walt Disney Co. has disclosed the executive compensation for CEO Bob Chapek and executive chairman Bob Iger for the company's latest fiscal year, which ended on Oct. 3.It was a very unusual year, the first in which Chapek led the company, and with nearly every part of Disney's business impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The company says that "in light of the company's circumstances this year," all of its top executives would forgo their bonuses, in addition to the salary cuts announced last summer.Chapek, who was in late February, has been with the company since 1993 and...…byThe Walt Disney Co. has disclosed the executive compensation for CEO Bob Chapek and executive chairman Bob Iger for the company's latest fiscal year, which ended on Oct. 3.It was a very unusual year, the first in which Chapek led the company, and with nearly every part of Disney's business impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The company says that "in light of the company's circumstances this year," all of its top executives would forgo their bonuses, in addition to the salary cuts announced last summer.Chapek, who was in late February, has been with the company since 1993 and...WW…

byIn the past decade-and-a-half, Apple has built significant influence in the podcasting industry by letting creators reach its large audience of device owners without charging them a dime. But the company’s recent conversations with creative partners about introducing a subscription product to its podcasting business signals that its reign as a benevolent distributor might be coming to an end.The talks, first reported by The Information, have been ongoing since at least last fall, sources tell to The Hollywood Reporter, and ultimately could end up taking several different forms....…byIn the past decade-and-a-half, Apple has built significant influence in the podcasting industry by letting creators reach its large audience of device owners without charging them a dime. But the company’s recent conversations with creative partners about introducing a subscription product to its podcasting business signals that its reign as a benevolent distributor might be coming to an end.The talks, first reported by The Information, have been ongoing since at least last fall, sources tell to The Hollywood Reporter, and ultimately could end up taking several different forms....WW…

byCountry music icon Garth Brooks will perform at President-elect Joe Biden and inauguration on Wednesday. The Presidential Inaugural Committee revealed the Brooks performance in a press conference Monday."This is a great day in our household, this is not a political statement, this is a statement of unity," Brooks said Monday. "This is history, and it is an honor to get to serve."Brooks says he was asked to perform by Dr. Jill Biden last week and made the decision to do so Sunday night. Brooks will be part of the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, not the concert or parade...…byCountry music icon Garth Brooks will perform at President-elect Joe Biden and inauguration on Wednesday. The Presidential Inaugural Committee revealed the Brooks performance in a press conference Monday."This is a great day in our household, this is not a political statement, this is a statement of unity," Brooks said Monday. "This is history, and it is an honor to get to serve."Brooks says he was asked to perform by Dr. Jill Biden last week and made the decision to do so Sunday night. Brooks will be part of the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, not the concert or parade...WW…

byCaptain America co-creator Jack Kirby's son is expressing his disgust over images from last week's Capitol Hill riot in which some of those involved wore the Marvel character's imagery.In a , Neal Kirby said he was “appalled and mortified” to see Trump supporters dressed in Captain America costumes and/or carrying the character's iconic shield on Jan. 6 as they ransacked the Capitol, killing one police officer while trying to stop Congress' certification of President-elect Joe Biden."Captain America has stood as a symbol and protector of our democracy and the rule of law for the past 79...…byCaptain America co-creator Jack Kirby's son is expressing his disgust over images from last week's Capitol Hill riot in which some of those involved wore the Marvel character's imagery.In a , Neal Kirby said he was “appalled and mortified” to see Trump supporters dressed in Captain America costumes and/or carrying the character's iconic shield on Jan. 6 as they ransacked the Capitol, killing one police officer while trying to stop Congress' certification of President-elect Joe Biden."Captain America has stood as a symbol and protector of our democracy and the rule of law for the past 79...WW…

XBy clicking “Accept,” you agree to the storing of first- and third-party cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing effortsAcceptRejectCookie SettingsThe Mandalorian closed out its second season on Disney+ by ascending to the top of Nielsen's streaming rankings.The Star Wars series became the first program on a streaming platform other than Netflix to claim the top spot (the rankings currently measure Amazon's Prime Video and Hulu in addition to Disney+ and Netflix). It drew 1.34 billion minutes of viewing time in the week of Dec....…XBy clicking “Accept,” you agree to the storing of first- and third-party cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing effortsAcceptRejectCookie SettingsThe Mandalorian closed out its second season on Disney+ by ascending to the top of Nielsen's streaming rankings.The Star Wars series became the first program on a streaming platform other than Netflix to claim the top spot (the rankings currently measure Amazon's Prime Video and Hulu in addition to Disney+ and Netflix). It drew 1.34 billion minutes of viewing time in the week of Dec....WW…

byLady Gaga will sing the national anthem during the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20.The inauguration committee unveiled on Twitter, early on Thursday, that the singer would perform "The Star-Spangled Banner," with Jennifer Lopez also set for a "musical performance," adding celebrity power to the swearing-in event. Amanda Gorman will give a poetry reading, the tweet said.Lady Gaga in 2016 also sang the anthem during the opening ceremony of Super Bowl 50, drawing rave reviews.She also played a role during Biden's campaign. For example, when the...…byLady Gaga will sing the national anthem during the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20.The inauguration committee unveiled on Twitter, early on Thursday, that the singer would perform "The Star-Spangled Banner," with Jennifer Lopez also set for a "musical performance," adding celebrity power to the swearing-in event. Amanda Gorman will give a poetry reading, the tweet said.Lady Gaga in 2016 also sang the anthem during the opening ceremony of Super Bowl 50, drawing rave reviews.She also played a role during Biden's campaign. For example, when the...WW…

byOne of television's most iconic duos are getting the feature film treatment.Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem are in talks to play television titans Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz — the creatives and stars behind beloved series I Love Lucy — for a film that is set to be directed by Aaron Sorkin, a follow-up to his work on Netflix's .Sorkin wrote the film that is set during one production week of I Love Lucy, when Lucy and Desi face a crisis that could end their careers and another that could end their marriage.Amazon Studios is behind the feature, titled Being the Ricardos, which will be...…byOne of television's most iconic duos are getting the feature film treatment.Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem are in talks to play television titans Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz — the creatives and stars behind beloved series I Love Lucy — for a film that is set to be directed by Aaron Sorkin, a follow-up to his work on Netflix's .Sorkin wrote the film that is set during one production week of I Love Lucy, when Lucy and Desi face a crisis that could end their careers and another that could end their marriage.Amazon Studios is behind the feature, titled Being the Ricardos, which will be...WW…

byJessica Campbell, the actress who had a starring role in the dark cult comedy Election, has died, according to her cousin, Sarah Wessling. She was 38.Campbell died Dec. 29, 2020. Her cause of death is reportedly under investigation.Wessling created a in the name of Campbell's 10-year-old son, Oliver."A true adventurer in every sense of the word, Jessica packed a staggering amount of experiences into her tragically short lifetime," Wessling wrote on the crowdfunding site. "Traveling the world, acting, becoming a doctor, being mom to the coolest kid ever; these bucket list items wove the...…byJessica Campbell, the actress who had a starring role in the dark cult comedy Election, has died, according to her cousin, Sarah Wessling. She was 38.Campbell died Dec. 29, 2020. Her cause of death is reportedly under investigation.Wessling created a in the name of Campbell's 10-year-old son, Oliver."A true adventurer in every sense of the word, Jessica packed a staggering amount of experiences into her tragically short lifetime," Wessling wrote on the crowdfunding site. "Traveling the world, acting, becoming a doctor, being mom to the coolest kid ever; these bucket list items wove the...WW…

byAfter overtaking North America as the world's biggest box office last year, China's film market is off to a roaring start in 2021. The country's cinemas sold nearly $200 million worth of tickets over the New Year holiday, the strongest first weekend since record-keeping began in 2011.Driving much of the earnings was the Chinese blockbuster A Little Red Flower, a romantic drama about two young people battling cancer that has captured the hearts of Chinese filmgoers. The film, directed by the popular 37-year-old filmmaker Han Yan, opened to $80.3 million and generated rave word of mouth....…byAfter overtaking North America as the world's biggest box office last year, China's film market is off to a roaring start in 2021. The country's cinemas sold nearly $200 million worth of tickets over the New Year holiday, the strongest first weekend since record-keeping began in 2011.Driving much of the earnings was the Chinese blockbuster A Little Red Flower, a romantic drama about two young people battling cancer that has captured the hearts of Chinese filmgoers. The film, directed by the popular 37-year-old filmmaker Han Yan, opened to $80.3 million and generated rave word of mouth....WW…

byDave Creek, the lead character designer on Bob’s Burgers, died over the weekend in a skydiving accident, a spokesman for the Fox show confirmed. He was 42."Today we tragically lost our Lead Character designer and friend, Dave Creek," Simon Chong, a director on the animated Fox series tweeted late Thursday. "A wonderfully brilliant and talented man who I can guarantee designed your favorite character on Bob’s at some point. I’ll miss you, buddy x."Wendy Molyneux, a writer on the animated series, on Twitter called Creek "an adventurous funny outgoing amazing artist and one of the most...…byDave Creek, the lead character designer on Bob’s Burgers, died over the weekend in a skydiving accident, a spokesman for the Fox show confirmed. He was 42."Today we tragically lost our Lead Character designer and friend, Dave Creek," Simon Chong, a director on the animated Fox series tweeted late Thursday. "A wonderfully brilliant and talented man who I can guarantee designed your favorite character on Bob’s at some point. I’ll miss you, buddy x."Wendy Molyneux, a writer on the animated series, on Twitter called Creek "an adventurous funny outgoing amazing artist and one of the most...WW…

byRussell T. Davies, the British TV creator behind Queer as Folk, the BBC's Doctor Who revival and recent hit Years and Years, has discussed only casting gay actors in the role of gay male characters., Davies — whose latest show, HBO Max/Channel 4 It's A Sin is set during the 1980s AIDS epidemic — stressed that "authenticity" was a crucial factor."I’m not being woke about this… but I feel strongly that if I cast someone in a story, I am casting them to act as a lover, or an enemy, or someone on drugs or a criminal or a saint… they are not there to 'act gay' because 'acting gay' is a bunch...…byRussell T. Davies, the British TV creator behind Queer as Folk, the BBC's Doctor Who revival and recent hit Years and Years, has discussed only casting gay actors in the role of gay male characters., Davies — whose latest show, HBO Max/Channel 4 It's A Sin is set during the 1980s AIDS epidemic — stressed that "authenticity" was a crucial factor."I’m not being woke about this… but I feel strongly that if I cast someone in a story, I am casting them to act as a lover, or an enemy, or someone on drugs or a criminal or a saint… they are not there to 'act gay' because 'acting gay' is a bunch...WW…

byMichael Apted, the acclaimed British director behind the revolutionary series of decades-spanning Seven Up documentaries and features including Coal Miner's Daughter, Nell and The World Is Not Enough, has died. He was 79.Roy Ashton at the Gersh Agency confirmed Apted's death to The Hollywood Reporter. A spokesperson for the DGA said he died Thursday night in Los Angeles. No cause of death was immediately available.Apted made his feature directorial debut with the war saga The Triple Echo (1972), starring Glenda Jackson and Oliver Reed, and his résumé also included Continental...…byMichael Apted, the acclaimed British director behind the revolutionary series of decades-spanning Seven Up documentaries and features including Coal Miner's Daughter, Nell and The World Is Not Enough, has died. He was 79.Roy Ashton at the Gersh Agency confirmed Apted's death to The Hollywood Reporter. A spokesperson for the DGA said he died Thursday night in Los Angeles. No cause of death was immediately available.Apted made his feature directorial debut with the war saga The Triple Echo (1972), starring Glenda Jackson and Oliver Reed, and his résumé also included Continental...WW…

byVice President-elect Kamala Harris has landed on the of Vogue magazine, but her team says there's a problem: the shot of the country's soon-to-be No. 2 leader isn't what both sides had agreed upon, her team says.Instead of the powder blue power suit Harris wore for her cover shoot, the first African American woman elected vice president is instead seen in more casual attire and wearing Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers, which she sometimes wore on the campaign trail.Harris' team was unaware that the cover photo had been switched until images leaked late Saturday, according to a person...…byVice President-elect Kamala Harris has landed on the of Vogue magazine, but her team says there's a problem: the shot of the country's soon-to-be No. 2 leader isn't what both sides had agreed upon, her team says.Instead of the powder blue power suit Harris wore for her cover shoot, the first African American woman elected vice president is instead seen in more casual attire and wearing Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers, which she sometimes wore on the campaign trail.Harris' team was unaware that the cover photo had been switched until images leaked late Saturday, according to a person...WW…

byArnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday morning released a deeply personal video in which he compared the violent riot that took place on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C to the rise of Nazi Germany.The movie star and former governor of California noted in the lengthy video message that he was born in Austria two years after the end of Word War II, but his family faced the repercussions from his father, who as a Nazi. Schwarzenegger said he grew up among the impact of Kristallnacht, which he described as "a night of rampage against the Jews carried out in 1938 by the Nazi equivalent of the Proud...…byArnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday morning released a deeply personal video in which he compared the violent riot that took place on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C to the rise of Nazi Germany.The movie star and former governor of California noted in the lengthy video message that he was born in Austria two years after the end of Word War II, but his family faced the repercussions from his father, who as a Nazi. Schwarzenegger said he grew up among the impact of Kristallnacht, which he described as "a night of rampage against the Jews carried out in 1938 by the Nazi equivalent of the Proud...WW…

byBack in the now-halcyon days of October 2019, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled a revamped streaming service so that its members — an increasingly far-flung group, as more and more international filmmakers have been recruited to join — would have easy access to Oscar contenders without having to search out official screenings or even venture into actual movie theaters. The so-called Academy Screening Room, available to members via the Academy's own website as well as an app for fourth-generation Apple TV devices, was up and running.Of course the Academy still paid...…byBack in the now-halcyon days of October 2019, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled a revamped streaming service so that its members — an increasingly far-flung group, as more and more international filmmakers have been recruited to join — would have easy access to Oscar contenders without having to search out official screenings or even venture into actual movie theaters. The so-called Academy Screening Room, available to members via the Academy's own website as well as an app for fourth-generation Apple TV devices, was up and running.Of course the Academy still paid...WW…

byDuring an upcoming episode of KCRW's The Business weekly podcast, George Clooney commented briefly on the recent riots that took place at U.S. Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.Referencing the way that pro-Trump supporters conducted themselves at the scene, Clooney told podcast host Kim Masters — who is The Hollywood Reporter's Editor-at-Large —"It's devastating to watch the people's house being desecrated in that way."The Midnight Sky actor and director added, "But it is also a tremendous overreach in a way — everybody kept waiting for, what's the one thing, the straw that breaks the...…byDuring an upcoming episode of KCRW's The Business weekly podcast, George Clooney commented briefly on the recent riots that took place at U.S. Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.Referencing the way that pro-Trump supporters conducted themselves at the scene, Clooney told podcast host Kim Masters — who is The Hollywood Reporter's Editor-at-Large —"It's devastating to watch the people's house being desecrated in that way."The Midnight Sky actor and director added, "But it is also a tremendous overreach in a way — everybody kept waiting for, what's the one thing, the straw that breaks the...WW…

In June of 2018, then Disney CEO Bob Iger summoned Pete Docter from the Pixar Animation Studios campus in Emeryville, California, to Disney's corporate headquarters in Burbank — a building fronted by 19-foot sculptures of characters from Snow White — for a conversation that would seem to be a career pinnacle for any modern animator. For Docter, however, the moment was fraught. "I go down there into that giant building with the dwarves on it and push the elevator button," Docter says. "I had a suspicion of what he wanted to talk about, and it just hit me. I will be honest, there was a little...…In June of 2018, then Disney CEO Bob Iger summoned Pete Docter from the Pixar Animation Studios campus in Emeryville, California, to Disney's corporate headquarters in Burbank — a building fronted by 19-foot sculptures of characters from Snow White — for a conversation that would seem to be a career pinnacle for any modern animator. For Docter, however, the moment was fraught. "I go down there into that giant building with the dwarves on it and push the elevator button," Docter says. "I had a suspicion of what he wanted to talk about, and it just hit me. I will be honest, there was a little...WW…

Though the actress directed a video for Rainey Qualley, which features her sister Margaret Qualley and LaBeouf, the actor submitted his own cut and requested his version be used instead.On Oct. 23, actress and singer Rainey Qualley, aka Rainsford, announced on that she and a team of collaborators made a “short choreographed film” starring her sister Margaret Qualley opposite Shia LaBeouf.The NSFW music video was for her single, “Love Me Like You Hate Me,” and it featured the two actors — now rumored to be dating in real life — performing as a couple as they engage in series of scenes from...…Though the actress directed a video for Rainey Qualley, which features her sister Margaret Qualley and LaBeouf, the actor submitted his own cut and requested his version be used instead.On Oct. 23, actress and singer Rainey Qualley, aka Rainsford, announced on that she and a team of collaborators made a “short choreographed film” starring her sister Margaret Qualley opposite Shia LaBeouf.The NSFW music video was for her single, “Love Me Like You Hate Me,” and it featured the two actors — now rumored to be dating in real life — performing as a couple as they engage in series of scenes from...WW…

byThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex are ringing in the new year on Spotify with a few friends.Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have released the first podcast through their multi-year deal with the audio streaming giant. The holiday special reflects on 2020 and offers hopes for the new year.A number of guests are joining the couple on the podcast, which they are producing via their Archewell Audio production company alongside Spotify-owned Gimlet. They include Stacey Abrams, José Andrés, Brené Brown, Deepak Chopra, James Corden, Elton John, Naomi Osaka and Tyler Perry. Others who appear...…byThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex are ringing in the new year on Spotify with a few friends.Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have released the first podcast through their multi-year deal with the audio streaming giant. The holiday special reflects on 2020 and offers hopes for the new year.A number of guests are joining the couple on the podcast, which they are producing via their Archewell Audio production company alongside Spotify-owned Gimlet. They include Stacey Abrams, José Andrés, Brené Brown, Deepak Chopra, James Corden, Elton John, Naomi Osaka and Tyler Perry. Others who appear...WW…