The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards is taking place tonight, marking the official start of the 2026 awards season. The star-studded ceremony is set to be held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Comic host Chelsea Handler returns for her fourth consecutive year to guide the proceedings, blending humour with excitement as some of the biggest films and TV shows of 2025 compete for top honours.
The Critics Choice Awards, presented annually by the Critics Choice Association, honour the best achievements in film and television from the previous year. Known for its diverse voting body of critics, the event often foreshadows trends and potential winners in subsequent awards; including the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
Leading Nominees This Year
Before tonight’s gala, several titles emerged as front-runners based on nominations:
Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s period horror drama, leads all films with 17 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and multiple acting categories.
One Battle After Another, the action epic by Paul Thomas Anderson, follows closely with 14 nominations, also in major categories like Best Picture and Best Actor.
Netflix’s limited series Adolescence is the most-nominated television project, highlighted in the show’s TV category lineup.
Other films in contention include Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value, among others, spanning genres from drama to fantasy and international cinema.
The ceremony is being broadcast live on E! and USA Network, with red carpet coverage and pre-show specials earlier in the evening. International viewers may also follow live streams on network apps and platforms supporting E! and USA Network feeds.
You can also get updates and follow the show via our Film social media handle on Facebook/X
Tonight’s show begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (approximate local U.S. time), with the red carpet arriving hours earlier as celebrities showcase their fashion on the Barker Hangar carpet.
The global film industry had a spectacular year in 2025, grossing a record $33.5 billion at the box office; an impressive 10% increase from 2024. From blockbuster sequels to nostalgic reboots, audiences flocked back to theaters, proving that big-screen storytelling is far from dead.
But what made 2025 stand out? Was it the rise of animation, the dominance of franchises, or the power of international markets? Let’s break it down.
Top 10 Films of 2025
Here’s a detailed look at the highest-grossing films globally in 2025 and what made them resonate with audiences.
Ne Zha 2 — $2.15B (China)
China leads the way in animation. Ne Zha 2 topped the global box office with $2.15 billion, demonstrating the country’s growing influence in film. This sequel blended rich Chinese mythology with breathtaking visuals, appealing not just domestically but also internationally.
The film proves that China is no longer just a market for Hollywood, it’s a creative powerhouse, exporting stories with global appeal.
Zootopia 2 — $1.46B (USA/Disney)
Disney knows how to craft stories that hit home. Zootopia 2 combined humor, heart, and a clever social message, earning $1.46 billion worldwide. The sequel appealed to both children and adults, proving that animated films can carry meaning while still being wildly entertaining.
Lilo & Stitch — $1.03B (USA/Disney)
Nostalgia sells, and Disney tapped into it perfectly. The reboot of Lilo & Stitch earned over $1 billion, reminding audiences of the warmth of Hawaiian-themed adventures while introducing these characters to a new generation.
For studios, this shows that smart reboots done with care and creativity can be both commercially successful and culturally resonant.
Minecraft — $958M (USA/WB)
Video games on the big screen continue to thrive. Minecraft, based on the world-famous game, earned $958 million, highlighting the power of interactive IPs in cinemas.
The movie’s visuals were a spectacle, translating the game’s iconic blocky universe into a cinematic experience that fans and newcomers could enjoy alike.
Jurassic World — $869M (USA/NBC)
Dinosaurs never go out of style. The latest Jurassic World installment delivered familiar thrills with modern CGI, earning $869 million worldwide. The film proved that franchises with proven formulas sci-fi, adventure, and awe-inspiring creatures can still dominate the box office.
Avatar — $851M (USA/Disney)
James Cameron’s Avatar remains a powerhouse. Despite being more than a decade old, the franchise continues to impress with cutting-edge visuals and immersive storytelling, grossing $851 million.
Cameron’s dedication to technological innovation ensures that Avatar isn’t just a film; it’s an experience, and audiences are clearly willing to pay for it.
Demon Slayer — $795M (Japan/Sony)
Anime is officially global. Demon Slayer earned $795 million, proving that Japanese animation isn’t niche; it’s mainstream.
Its success is a combination of beautiful visuals, compelling storytelling, and a loyal fanbase. For the global market, it signals that cultural export through animation is a major growth area.
How to Train Your Dragon (HTTYD) — $636M (USA/NBC)
DreamWorks ended the year on a high note. The How to Train Your Dragon finale earned $636 million, delivering heartfelt storytelling and jaw-dropping animation.
Franchise longevity is key here; HTTYD proves that even after multiple installments, emotional resonance and world-building keep fans returning to theaters.
F1 Movie — $632M (USA/Apple)
Apple’s foray into cinema paid off. The F1 Movie brought the thrill of racing to the big screen, earning $632 million. Beyond adrenaline-pumping action, the film tapped into global motorsport fandom, showing that films based on sports and real-life events can be highly lucrative.
Superman — $617M (USA/WB)
The superhero genre isn’t slowing down. Superman grossed $617 million, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling. Even after decades, iconic characters remain a safe bet for studios, proving that familiarity and fan loyalty are major box office drivers.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
With $33.5 billion in global revenue, 2025 confirms that cinema is far from dying. Audiences are clearly hungry for cinematic experiences that feel bigger than life, whether that’s dragons, superheroes, or mythical heroes like Ne Zha.
The upcoming year will likely continue these trends, with more sequels, ambitious animations, and international collaborations shaping the box office landscape. For moviegoers and industry watchers alike, 2026 promises to be just as exciting.
If you’ve been waiting to binge the Johnson family all in one place, your wait is almost over. Disney’s hit sitcom Black‑ish, created by Kenya Barris, is coming to Netflix US for the first time, starting Saturday, January 31, 2026. Fans can finally stream all eight seasons, totaling 176 episodes, without switching between multiple platforms.
The series, which aired from 2014 to 2022, follows Andre “Dre” Johnson and his family as they navigate life, identity, and culture with humor and heart. Praised for its clever writing and socially conscious storylines, Black‑ish has earned Emmy nominations and a devoted fanbase.
Previously, US viewers had to rely on Hulu or Disney+ to watch the series. Bringing Black‑ish to Netflix makes it more accessible to millions of new viewers, while giving longtime fans a convenient way to binge their favorite episodes. It’s a prime example of streaming platforms expanding their libraries with proven hits to attract audiences.
Created by Kenya Barris, Black‑ish stars Anthony Anderson as Dre and Tracee Ellis Ross as his wife, Rainbow. Together, they raise four children while juggling careers, family dynamics, and cultural identity. The show blends humor with social commentary, addressing issues like race, privilege, and generational differences.
Its influence has been significant, inspiring spin-offs like Grown‑ish and Mixed‑ish, and establishing itself as a culturally important sitcom that resonates with viewers across generations.
Starting January 31, 2026, all eight seasons of Black‑ish will be available to stream on Netflix US.
In 2025, streaming platforms are spending film-franchise money on TV shows, blurring the line between episodic storytelling and blockbuster filmmaking. Budgets that once belonged only to major Hollywood movies are now being poured into single TV seasons.
Based on reported total season budgets, these are the three most expensive TV shows of 2025.
1. Stranger Things (Season 5) — $400 Million
Netflix has gone all out for the final chapter of Stranger Things.
With a reported budget of $400 million, Season 5 stands as the most expensive single season of television ever produced. It is less a traditional TV season and more a cinematic event broken into episodes.
Where the money went
Movie-length episodes instead of standard runtimes
Heavy visual effects and large-scale action scenes
Significantly increased cast salaries
Extensive set construction and long post-production
Netflix is clearly treating the final season as a global spectacle, designed to dominate pop culture and close one of its biggest franchises on the highest possible note.
2. Star Wars: Andor (Season 1) — $291 Million
At $291 million, Andor became one of the most expensive Star Wars projects ever made and it achieved that without relying heavily on flashy spectacle.
Instead, the series focused on realism.
What drove the high budget
Large-scale practical sets instead of green screens
Real-world filming locations across multiple countries
A long and complex production schedule
A sizable ensemble cast and cinematic crew
Unlike other Star Wars shows, Andor chose grounded storytelling and political depth. That creative choice came with a price tag and Disney was willing to pay it.
3. Severance (Season 2) — $200 Million
On the surface, Severance doesn’t look like a $200 million show.
There are no massive battle scenes, no fantasy worlds, and no obvious spectacle. Yet Apple TV+ reportedly spent around $200 million on Season 2, placing it among the costliest TV seasons of the year.
Why Season 2 cost so much
Long production delays and scheduling challenges
Expanded world-building beyond the office setting
High-end production design and meticulous set detail
Apple’s commitment to prestige television
Despite its minimalist tone, Severance is carefully constructed and precision at that level is expensive.
These budgets point to a larger industry shift.
In 2025:
TV seasons cost as much as blockbuster movies
Episodes are structured like feature films
Streaming platforms prioritize cultural impact over cost-cutting
The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, MICHAEL, has officially been scheduled to premiere on April 24, 2026, in theaters worldwide, including IMAX screenings. The film has been in development for several years and has generated significant interest from fans and media outlets.
About the Film
MICHAEL is a biographical musical drama directed by Antoine Fuqua. The film traces the life and career of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his rise as a global superstar.
The screenplay was written by John Logan, and production is handled by Graham King, known for producing high-profile biopics including Bohemian Rhapsody. The film promises to showcase Jackson’s iconic performances, music, and personal journey.
Cast
The movie stars:
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, the pop legend’s nephew.
Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father.
Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother.
Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson’s longtime lawyer.
Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael Jackson.
Supporting roles include Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, and Kendrick Sampson.
Michael Jackson Jaafar Jackson
Trailer and Public Reaction
The official trailer for MICHAEL dropped in November 2025 and became one of the most viewed biopic trailers, reaching over 116 million views within 24 hours. Fans praised Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal, highlighting his performance and resemblance to the late singer.
Distribution
United States: Lionsgate
International: Universal Pictures
The release date was moved several times due to post-production work and reshoots. April 24, 2026, is now confirmed as the official premiere date.
With its April 24, 2026 premiere, the MICHAEL biopic is set to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year.
Tron: Ares; the latest chapter in Disney’s iconic sci-fi franchise is finally coming home. After its theatrical release in October 2025, the movie will begin streaming on Disney+ on January 7, 2026, giving fans and curious viewers alike a chance to experience the high-tech adventure from their living rooms.
Tron: Ares is the third major live-action film in the Tron franchise, following:
Tron (1982)
Tron: Legacy (2010)
In this movie, an advanced digital program named Ares is sent from the digital world (known as the Grid) into the real world on a dangerous mission. This marks a first direct encounter between humans and artificial intelligence beings in the Tron universe; a theme that mirrors ongoing real-world conversations about AI and technology.
Directed by Joachim Rønning, the film blends high-stakes sci-fi action with visual spectacle and cutting-edge effects.
Cast and Crew
Tron: Ares features a mix of returning talent and exciting new faces:
Jared Leto as Ares, the rogue program
Greta Lee
Evan Peters
Hasan Minhaj
Jodie Turner-Smith
Arturo Castro
Cameron Monaghan
Gillian Anderson
Jeff Bridges reprising his legacy role from Tron: Legacy
Streaming Release Date
Tron: Ares will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+ starting January 7, 2026 i.e less than three months after its theatrical debut.
Release Timeline Recap
Here’s how the Tron: Ares home release schedule plays out:
Digital purchase and rental: December 2, 2025
Blu-ray & 4K UHD: January 6, 2026
Disney+ streaming: January 7, 2026
Tron: Ares had a challenging box office run, grossing under expectations worldwide, despite its high profile and big budget.
With AI and machine learning more topical than ever, Tron: Ares taps into ideas about what it means when artificial intelligence crosses into human reality.
After nearly a decade of supernatural thrills, 80s nostalgia, and unforgettable characters, Stranger Things is finally coming to an end. The final episode of Season 5 premieres tomorrow, December 31, 2025, at 2 AM WAT on Netflix, closing the story that has captivated audiences worldwide.
A Strategic Finale Release
Season 5 was released in parts throughout the holiday season:
Volume 1 (Episodes 1–4): November 26, 2025
Volume 2 (Episodes 5–7): December 25, 2025
Final Episode (Episode 8): December 31, 2025, 2 AM WAT
Feature-Length Farewell
The finale, officially titled “The Rightside Up”, runs approximately 2 hours and 8 minutes, giving the creators ample space to wrap up character arcs, resolve lingering mysteries, and deliver an emotional, action-packed conclusion.
Let’s Take A Quick Look At The Series Recap
Since its debut on Netflix in 2016, Stranger Things has become a global phenomenon. Created by the Duffer Brothers, the show blends supernatural horror, 1980s nostalgia, and heartfelt coming-of-age stories, following a group of friends in Hawkins, Indiana, whose ordinary lives are upended by strange events from the Upside Down.
Story Highlights
The disappearance of Will Byers in the first season and the arrival of Eleven, a girl with psychokinetic powers.
The rise of supernatural threats, from the Demogorgon to Vecna, which put Hawkins and its residents in danger.
The growth of the main characters; Mike, Eleven, Dustin, Lucas, and others, as they navigated friendship, adolescence, love, and personal loss.
The town of Hawkins evolving from a quiet midwestern town to the center of world-altering paranormal events.
Each season intensified the suspense while deepening character relationships, combining horror, humor, and heart to create a uniquely immersive viewing experience.
Achievements and Impact
Stranger Things has left a permanent mark on television:
Awards & Recognition: Multiple Emmy nominations and wins in acting, visual effects, and sound design.
Global Reach: Streaming in over 190 countries, the show has set a benchmark for international success in streaming entertainment.
Cultural Influence: From Halloween costumes to merchandise, academic discussions, and references in music and games, Hawkins has become a cultural icon.
Music & Nostalgia: The 80s soundtrack revived interest in retro music while defining the series’ signature atmospheric identity.
As the series closes its doors, it leaves behind a story of friendship, resilience, and courage, a mix of heart, horror, and humor that has captivated generations. Its influence on television, streaming culture, and fandom is undeniable.
From its thrilling opening episodes to its emotionally charged finale, Stranger Things will be remembered as a defining show of the streaming era, one that transformed Netflix originals and set new standards for global storytelling.
British actor, producer and philanthropist Idris Elba has been awarded a knighthood by King Charles III in the 2026 New Year Honours list, marking one of the highest recognitions in the United Kingdom. The actor, 53, will officially carry the title Sir Idris Elba.
The New Year Honours list is an annual tradition in the UK where the monarch recognises individuals for outstanding contributions to society, arts, science, charity, and public service. This year, more than 1,150 people were acknowledged across various fields.
Among the honourees:
Idris Elba: knighted for services to young people and community empowerment.
Olympic ice dance legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean: awarded damehood and knighthood respectively.
Actress Cynthia Erivo: appointed MBE for her contributions to music and drama.
Elba is widely known for his acclaimed acting in series like Luther and The Wire, and films ranging from the Marvel and DC universes to biographical dramas. But his knighthood recognizes much more than his on-screen work.
The honour was granted in recognition of his extensive charity work, especially efforts supporting young people across the UK and beyond:
He co-founded the Elba Hope Foundation with his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, which provides grants to organisations focused on youth empowerment, education and community development.
Elba has long campaigned against knife crime and youth violence, using his platform to advocate for practical support and opportunities for young people.
In a statement, Elba said he accepted the honour “on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation.”
This milestone adds to Elba’s already distinguished career and highlights the potential for artists to leverage fame for community upliftment and real-world impact.
After more than a quarter-century of almost nonstop episodes, the ONE PIECE anime has reached the end of what many fans are calling “Season 1.” The long-running series concluded its current run with over 1,155 episodes and has officially closed its weekly broadcast era, ushering in a brand-new seasonal format set to begin in April 2026.
Launched in October 1999, ONE PIECE has been a Sunday staple for anime fans around the world. For 26 years, the show delivered fresh episodes nearly every week, becoming one of the most enduring and beloved anime series in history. This uninterrupted run spanning more than 1,000 episodes is now ending as the anime finishes the Egghead Island arc in late December 2025.
Toei Animation; the studio behind ONE PIECE has announced a major overhaul of the anime’s production schedule. Here’s what fans should expect:
Seasonal Format
Instead of year-round weekly episodes, ONE PIECE will adopt a seasonal release structure starting in April 2026. Under this new format:
The anime will air around 26 episodes per year.
Episodes will be split into two separate blocks (called “cours”) each year.
There will be planned breaks between seasons to allow for better pacing and animation quality.
The anime will go on a three-month break from January to March 2026 after the finale of the Egghead Arc. It will then return with fresh episodes beginning in April 2026.
Elbaph Arc Kicks Things Off
The first chapter of this new season will be the highly anticipated Elbaph Arc, starting on April 5, 2026. The Elbaph Arc follows the Straw Hat Pirates as they enter the land of giants, setting the stage for some of the most epic adventures yet.
This shift isn’t just a scheduling update; it’s a creative decision. For years, fans and critics have pointed out issues with ONE PIECE’s pacing, where extended storylines sometimes felt too slow compared to the original manga. The seasonal format is intended to give the production team more time for quality animation and tighter storytelling.
When Avatar: Fire and Ash hit cinemas in December 2025, it didn’t just join a franchise, it sparked a moment the film world has been watching for years. On the surface, it’s about box office numbers and blockbuster milestones. But for James Cameron, this is another chapter in a career built on risk, innovation, and redefining what cinema can do.
In this article, we unpack how Fire and Ash could make Cameron the first director in history to have four consecutive films gross over $1 billion worldwide, and why that potential achievement rests on decades of creative and technological breakthroughs.
In its opening weekend, Avatar: Fire and Ash brought in approximately $345 million globally, with a strong international showing and $88 million in the U.S. and Canada. While this domestic figure trails behind Avatar: The Way of Water, the overall performance, especially overseas puts the film on track to possibly join its predecessors in the billion-dollar club.
In markets like India, Fire and Ash has already become one of the top Hollywood films of the year, ranking among the 11th highest-grossing Hollywood films ever in that territory.
If Fire and Ash ultimately crosses $1 billion worldwide, Cameron will achieve something no other director ever has: four consecutive films over $1 billion – following Titanic, Avatar (2009), and Avatar: The Way of Water.
James Cameron wasn’t born with a silver spoon, he built his reputation. Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1954, he didn’t start in film school but in physics and art. A viewing of Star Wars inspired him to pursue movies, a decision that would eventually reshape Hollywood blockbusters.
Before the box office megahits, Cameron’s early films included sci-fi cult classics like The Terminator and Aliens, films that showcased his knack for tension, technology, and world-building long before Pixar and Marvel dominated culture.
James Cameron
Historical Milestones
Cameron’s history with cinematic milestones is staggering:
Titanic (1997)
One of the first films ever to cross $1 billion worldwide.
Won 11 Academy Awards, tying the record for most wins in Oscar history.
Held the title of highest-grossing film for over a decade.
Avatar (2009)
Became the highest-grossing film in history, surpassing Titanic.
First film to exceed $2 billion at the global box office.
Broke new ground in 3D and motion-capture filmmaking.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Also crossed the $2 billion mark.
Pushed the boundaries of underwater performance capture, an insanely complex technical challenge.
Those three alone make Cameron one of the most commercially successful directors ever. Add Fire and Ash, and you could be looking at a record four-film billion-dollar streak, a feat unmatched by Spielberg, Nolan, or Jackson.
Cameron doesn’t just make movies, he invents tools to make them. Every one of his major films includes innovation:
Deep-sea robotics and documentary technology, inspired by his own passion for ocean exploration he has even made record-setting solo dives into the Mariana Trench.
Groundbreaking 3D and motion-capture in Avatar, techniques now widely used across Hollywood.
The Next Chapters: Avatar 4 & 5
Cameron has already hinted that Avatars 4 and 5 depend partly on how Fire and Ash performs. If this third film cements its commercial success, those future projects – years in planning are more likely to go forward.
