The global toy trend that took social media by storm is set to make its Hollywood debut. Pop Mart, the Chinese company behind the viral Labubu series, is partnering with Sony Pictures Entertainment to develop a feature film based on the franchise. The movie is currently in early development, focusing on planning and writing, with no release date announced yet.
The project will be a hybrid of live action and CGI, translating the mischievous Labubu characters from toy shelves to the big screen. Paul King, director of family hits like Paddington and Wonka, is set to helm the project and co-write the screenplay with award-winning playwright Steven Levenson. Pop Mart’s founder, Kasing Lung, will serve as executive producer, ensuring that the film stays true to the original vision of the Labubu universe.
Labubu originated in 2015 as a line of collectible plush and vinyl toys created by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-based illustrator. The toys feature playful “ugly-cute” monsters with wide eyes, pointy ears, and toothy grins. Sold mostly in blind boxes, where buyers don’t know which figure they’ll get until they open it, the surprise element has made collecting addictive and fueled a global craze.
Though Labubu has been around for years, its popularity skyrocketed in 2024 and 2025, particularly in Asia and mostly through social media. The character became a viral phenomenon across TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms. Celebrity exposure also played a role; Notably, BLACKPINK’s Lisa was photographed with a Labubu keychain, sparking waves of posts and videos showcasing the toy worldwide.
Forward to 2026, the frenzy around Labubu is no longer just online. Rare figures often sell for premium prices in the resale market, and the toy has inspired exhibitions, parades, and themed events in multiple countries. Its mix of humor, design charm, and collectible appeal has made it a recognizable cultural icon for Gen Z and collectors alike.
The 98th Academy Awards took place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrating the best films and performances of the past year.
The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, saw One Battle After Another emerge as the biggest winner of the night, taking home multiple awards including Best Picture and Best Director.
The film’s director Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director and also claimed the award for Adapted Screenplay, marking the film’s dominance at this year’s ceremony.
Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his performance in Sinners, while Jessie Buckley took home Best Actress for her role in Hamnet.
Below is the complete list of winners from the 2026 Oscars.
Full Winners List – Oscars 2026
Major Categories
Best Picture: One Battle After Another Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan — Sinners Best Actress: Jessie Buckley — Hamnet Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn — One Battle After Another Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan — Weapons
— Streamdorm | Film & TV News (@Streamdorm_) March 16, 2026
Screenplay
Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler — Sinners Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
Technical Categories
Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw — Sinners Best Film Editing: Andy Jurgensen — One Battle After Another Best Production Design: Frankenstein — Tamara Deverell & Shane Vieau Best Costume Design: Kate Hawley — Frankenstein Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Frankenstein Best Sound: F1 Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
Music
Best Original Score: Ludwig Göransson — Sinners Best Original Song: “Golden” — KPop Demon Hunters
Animation
Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters Best Animated Short Film: The Girl Who Cried Pearls
Documentary
Best Documentary Feature: Mr. Nobody Against Putin Best Documentary Short: All the Empty Rooms
Short Film
Best Live-Action Short Film: The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva
International Film
Best International Feature Film: Sentimental Value (Norway)
New Category
Best Casting: Cassandra Kulukundis — One Battle After Another
Pop superstar Billie Eilish is preparing to take a major step into the film industry as she lines up her feature acting debut in a new adaptation of The Bell Jar, the classic novel by Sylvia Plath.
The project, which began drawing industry attention this week, will be written and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sarah Polley, known for the critically acclaimed film “Women Talking.”
According to early reports, Billie Eilish is attached to play Esther Greenwood, the central character of the novel. The story follows a young woman navigating life during a prestigious internship in New York while grappling with mental health struggles and the pressure of societal expectations.
First published in 1963, The Bell Jar is widely regarded as one of the most influential novels exploring identity, ambition, and psychological struggle. The semi-autobiographical story mirrors aspects of Plath’s own life and has remained a major story for generations of readers.
In the upcoming adaptation, Polley will both write and direct the project, bringing her distinctive storytelling approach to the material. Her previous film, Women Talking, earned widespread praise and won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film will be produced by Plan B Entertainment, the production company founded by Brad Pitt, alongside StudioCanal.
U.S. distribution will be handled by Focus Features. As of now, the rest of the cast and the production timeline have not been announced.
Although Billie Eilish is primarily known for her global music career, she has had a small acting role before. In 2023, she appeared in the television series “Swarm,” created by Donald Glover. However, The Bell Jar would mark her first time leading a major feature film.
The casting has attracted significant attention partly because the novel’s themes closely mirror issues Billie Eilish has spoken about publicly, including mental health, body image, and the pressures of fame.
Billie Eilish already has strong ties to the film industry through her music. She has won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song, first for the theme from “No Time to Die” and later for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie. The wins made her the youngest person to secure two Oscars in that category.
Beyond The Bell Jar, the singer is also involved in another film project. She is co-directing a concert documentary titled “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour” (Live in 3D) with acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron, known for directing the blockbuster Avatar. The film is scheduled to be released on May 8, 2026 through Paramount Pictures.
Hoppers is the latest original animated film from Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures, and it has quickly become one of the most talked about family movies of early 2026.
The film was released in theaters on March 6, 2026, and it represents another attempt by Pixar to bring fresh, original storytelling back to the big screen after several years dominated by sequels and franchise films.The movie is directed by Daniel Chong, known for creating the animated series We Bare Bears, with a screenplay written by Jesse Andrews.
The story centers on Mabel Tanaka, a curious and determined 19 year old animal lover voiced by Piper Curda. When scientists invent a new technology called “Hoppers,” which allows human consciousness to be transferred into lifelike robotic animals, Mabel decides to try the experiment herself. Using the technology, she becomes a robotic beaver in order to communicate with animals in their own environment.
What begins as a simple mission driven by curiosity soon turns into something much larger when she learns that human activity may threaten the animals’ habitat. As the danger grows, Mabel works together with a group of animals to protect their world and expose the threat.
The film features a strong voice cast that includes Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Dave Franco, and Kathy Najimy. One of the most surprising roles comes from Meryl Streep, who voices the powerful and mysterious Insect Queen. Their performances add humor and personality to the film’s colorful world.
Critics and fans of Pixar have responded positively to the movie. On Rotten Tomatoes the film holds a strong approval rating, with many reviewers praising its energetic humor, imaginative concept, and detailed animation. Some critics have even described it as one of Pixar’s funniest films in years. Audiences have also reacted well, giving the film an “A” grade on CinemaScore, which suggests strong word of mouth among viewers.
At the box office, the film has opened with solid numbers. It earned about $46 million in the United States during its opening weekend and reached around $88 million worldwide shortly after release.
The film reportedly cost about $150 million to produce, and early projections suggest that if the positive reception continues, it could reach 500 million dollars globally.
The film’s mix of comedy, adventure, and emotional storytelling fits well with Pixar’s tradition of family entertainment. At the same time, the story also touches on themes such as environmental responsibility, empathy toward animals, and the importance of cooperation.With its colorful animation, energetic humor, and imaginative idea of humans experiencing the world through animals, Hoppers appears to be a strong start for Pixar in 2026 and a key statement that original animated stories can still attract large audiences in theaters.
The 14th annual Queerties Awards celebrated the best in LGBTQ+ entertainment, media, and pop culture with a ceremony held on March 10, 2026, in Los Angeles. Organized by Queerty, the fan-voted awards recognize standout achievements across film, television, music, social media, and cultural impact.
Each year, the Queerties highlight creators, performers, and projects that shape LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment. The 2026 ceremony was hosted by drag star and media personality Trixie Mattel, bringing together a wide mix of actors, musicians, influencers, and activists.
Among the biggest winners of the night was Cynthia Erivo, who took home Film Performance for her role in Wicked: For Good. The star also won the Read category, making her one of the evening’s most celebrated figures.
Music icon Lady Gaga won the Anthem award for her song Abracadabra, while actor Jonathan Bailey took home the Badass honor.
In television, the romantic drama series Heated Rivalry emerged as a major winner, claiming Best TV Drama, while the comedy series Hacks won Best TV Comedy. Meanwhile, Bella Ramsey was recognized for TV Performance for their role in The Last of Us.
Beyond traditional film and TV categories, the Queerties also celebrate social media creators, podcasters, and influential figures across LGBTQ+ culture.
Full List of Winners — 2026 Queerties Awards
Major Awards
Badass: Jonathan Bailey
Anthem: Abracadabra — Lady Gaga
Read: Cynthia Erivo
Film Performance: Cynthia Erivo — Wicked: For Good
The 2026 edition of the Saturn Awards celebrated the best achievements in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and genre entertainment across film and television. The ceremony, presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, took place on March 8, 2026, in Los Angeles.
This year’s ceremony was dominated by Avatar: Fire and Ash, which emerged as the biggest winner of the night with five awards. The film, directed by James Cameron, won Best Science Fiction Film and several major craft and acting categories.
On the television side, the sci-fi series Pluribus led the winners with multiple awards, including Best Science Fiction Television Series.
Below is the full list of winners from the 2026 Saturn Awards.
Full Winners List – 2026 Saturn Awards
Film Categories
Best Science Fiction Film: Avatar: Fire and Ash Best Fantasy Film: How to Train Your Dragon Best Horror Film: Frankenstein Best Action / Adventure Film: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Best Thriller Film: Sinners Best Animated Film: Inside Out 2 Best International Film: Godzilla Minus One Best Film Adaptation: The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Film Acting Categories
Best Actor in a Film: Sam Worthington — Avatar: Fire and Ash Best Actress in a Film: Zoe Saldaña — Avatar: Fire and Ash Best Supporting Actor in a Film: Stephen Lang — Avatar: Fire and Ash Best Supporting Actress in a Film: Sigourney Weaver — Dust Bunny Best Younger Performer in a Film: Jack Champion — Avatar: Fire and Ash
Film Craft Categories
Best Film Direction: James Cameron — Avatar: Fire and Ash Best Film Screenwriting: Ryan Coogler — Sinners Best Film Music: Simon Franglen — Avatar: Fire and Ash Best Production Design: Avatar: Fire and Ash Best Film Editing: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Best Visual / Special Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
Television Categories
Best Science Fiction Television Series: Pluribus Best Fantasy Television Series: The Wheel of Time Best Horror Television Series: The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Best Action / Thriller Television Series: Dexter: Resurrection Best Adventure Television Series: Andor Best New Genre Television Series: It: Welcome to Derry
Television Acting Categories
Best Actor on Television: Diego Luna — Andor Best Actress on Television: Rosamund Pike — The Wheel of Time Best Supporting Actor on Television: Ewan McGregor — Andor Best Supporting Actress on Television: Melissa McBride — The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
Special Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award: William Shatner Dan Curtis Legacy Award: Aliens (accepted by James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd)
Wuthering Heights Becomes an Unexpected Box Office Hit in Early 2026
The new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights has turned into one of the early box office surprises of 2026. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the movie was released by Warner Bros. on February 13, 2026, just before Valentine’s Day weekend. Since then, the gothic romance has earned close to 200 million dollars worldwide, despite having a production budget of about 80 million dollars.
The film stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. Their performances helped attract strong interest from audiences curious to see a new take on the famous love story. The movie opened strongly during the Presidents’ Day weekend period in the United States, earning around 83 million dollars globally in its first extended weekend. About 37 to 40 million dollars came from the domestic market, while roughly 42 to 45 million dollars came from international territories.
The opening made it the biggest worldwide launch of the year at the time and continued a streak of strong releases for Warner Bros. Within its first week in theaters, the film had already crossed the 100 million dollar mark worldwide, meaning it recovered its production budget very quickly. This happened even though the movie faced mixed reviews and debate before release over its casting choices, costume design, and the more mature tone used in this version of the story.
International markets have played a major role in the film’s success. Around 63 percent of its total earnings have come from outside the United States. The United Kingdom has been one of the strongest markets, bringing in more than 22 million dollars. Other strong territories include Italy and Australia, where audiences responded well to the dramatic romance and visual style of the film.
By the end of February, the film had already passed 150 million dollars globally. As of early March, it is approaching or crossing the 200 million dollar mark. In the United States and Canada, the film has earned around 74 to 75 million dollars so far, placing it among the highest earning films of the year.
The second weekend saw a noticeable drop at the domestic box office. The film moved to second place after the release of GOAT, earning about 14.2 million dollars that weekend. Even with that decline, the movie continued performing well internationally and maintained steady ticket sales.
With a production cost of around 80 million dollars and additional marketing expenses, the film is already considered profitable. Its performance also places Emerald Fennell among the highest grossing female directors for a single film in recent years.
The success of this adaptation shows that audiences are still interested in dramatic stories aimed at adults, even at a time when family films and large franchise movies dominate the box office. As new releases such as Hoppers arrive in theaters, Wuthering Heights continues its steady run and stands as one of the early theatrical success stories of 2026.
Nigerian cinema will once again take center stage in the United States as the Nollywood in Hollywood showcase returns to Los Angeles starting today, March 6 and 7, 2026, with three films selected for this year’s program: Stitches, When Nigeria Happens, and To Adaego With Love.
The announcement was made during a special screening of My Father’s Shadow at the USC Norris Theatre at the University of Southern California. The event gathered filmmakers, industry professionals, and members of the Nigerian diaspora to preview the upcoming showcase.
Founded in 2018 by Ose Oyamendan, Nollywood in Hollywood was created to introduce Nigerian films to American audiences while encouraging dialogue between filmmakers from both industries.
The 2026 Film Lineup
Stitches — March 6
The showcase will open with Stitches, directed by Shirley Frimpong-Manso. The film will premiere on March 6 at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica.
The romantic drama follows a talented fashion designer from a modest background whose sudden entry into high society exposes her to complicated relationships and long-hidden secrets.
When Nigeria Happens — March 7 (Afternoon)
On March 7, the afternoon screening will feature When Nigeria Happens, directed by Ema Edosio-Deelen, at the Norris Cinema Theatre.
Blending drama with contemporary dance, the film explores the lives of young performers navigating ambition, love, and social expectations in Lagos. Through movement and storytelling, it captures the resilience and creative spirit of a new generation of artists.
To Adaego With Love — March 7 (Evening)
The showcase will close with To Adaego With Love, directed by Nwamaka Chikezie.
Set in post-conflict Nigeria, the film tells the story of an unlikely relationship between a Northern soldier and an Igbo schoolteacher. The narrative explores themes of reconciliation, identity, and the emotional aftermath of conflict.
Since its launch, Nollywood in Hollywood has grown into an important platform for Nigerian filmmakers seeking international exposure. The event includes film screenings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to connect African creatives with industry professionals in the United States.
The 2026 edition is presented in collaboration with American Cinematheque, the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and O2A Media.
By showcasing diverse stories from across Nigeria, the program continues to highlight the evolving voice of Nollywood and its growing influence on the global film landscape.
There’s something about a good romance movie that keeps people coming back for more. Maybe it’s the excitement of watching two people slowly fall for each other, or the emotional moments that remind us how complicated love can be. Romance films also have a way of pulling you into their world, whether it’s through beautiful locations, unforgettable characters, or stories that feel surprisingly real.
One of the reasons people love watching romance movies on Netflix is the variety. Some stories are light and funny, perfect for when you want to relax and laugh. Others are emotional and dramatic, the kind that stay on your mind long after the movie ends. No matter what kind of mood you’re in, there’s usually a romance film that fits.
Here are five romance movies you should definitely check out.
Purple Hearts
This movie follows a struggling musician who agrees to marry a U.S. Marine for practical reasons. The arrangement is supposed to be simple and temporary, but things start to change as they spend more time together. What begins as a fake marriage slowly turns into something deeper and more complicated.
The movie stands out because of its emotional storytelling and strong chemistry between the two leads. The music also plays a big role in the story, adding another layer of feeling to the film. It’s the kind of romance that mixes love with real-life struggles, which makes the story feel more grounded and relatable.
Love at First Sight
This story begins with two strangers who meet on a flight from New York to London. They connect almost instantly, sharing conversations and moments that make it feel like they’ve known each other much longer than a few hours.
However, once they land, airport chaos separates them and they lose contact. The rest of the movie explores how fate, coincidence, and timing keep bringing their lives back into alignment. It’s a romantic story that focuses on the idea that sometimes the right person can appear when you least expect it.
My Oxford Year
In this story, an ambitious American student moves to Oxford to pursue her academic dreams. She arrives with a clear plan for her future and romance is definitely not part of it.
But life rarely follows a perfect plan. While studying in one of the most historic universities in the world, she meets a local man who slowly changes her perspective on love, life, and what truly matters. The movie balances romance with themes about ambition, personal growth, and the difficult choices people sometimes have to make.
La Dolce Villa
This film takes viewers to the beautiful landscapes of Italy. An American widower travels there to stop his daughter from making what he believes is a reckless decision, buying an old villa that needs a lot of work.
Instead of simply fixing the problem and leaving, he finds himself slowly drawn into the life of the small town. Along the way, he develops an unexpected connection with the town’s mayor. Between the scenic views, family tension, and charming romance, the movie delivers a warm and feel good story.
A Merry Little Ex-Mas
Holiday romance movies always have a special kind of charm, and this one focuses on a couple who once loved each other but eventually went their separate ways. When Christmas brings them back together, they are forced to confront the past and the reasons their relationship fell apart.
As they spend time together again, old emotions begin to surface. The movie explores whether people can truly change and if love deserves another chance after everything that has happened. It’s a story about forgiveness, growth, and the complicated nature of long-term relationships.
Why We Keep Watching Romance Movies
Romance movies continue to be popular because they deal with emotions that everyone understands. Love, heartbreak, hope, and connection are universal experiences, and these films show how different relationships can unfold in different ways.
Sometimes people watch romance movies because they want something comforting and familiar. Other times they want a story that makes them think about their own relationships and choices. Either way, romance films have a way of reminding viewers that love can be messy, unpredictable, and powerful at the same time.
And that is exactly why people keep coming back to them. No matter how many romance movies we watch, there is always another story waiting to make us laugh, cry, or believe in love just a little bit more.
If you love stories that mess with your head, twist your expectations, and make you think about characters long after the credits roll, this list has four great picks for you. Three are series you can binge, one is a movie that still holds up years later.
First up on the list is the series 56 Days. This is an American thriller that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in early 2026. The show is based on a novel and follows two people, Ciara and Oliver, who meet by chance and dive into a fast-burning, intense relationship.
The twist is that 56 days after they first meet, a dead body is found in their apartment. The story jumps back and forth in time, showing both the build-up of their relationship and the police investigation into the murder.
The series has eight episodes and is designed to be binge-watchable. It combines psychological tension with crime elements and dark romance, making you question how well you can really know someone. You can stream all episodes on Amazon Prime Video.
Next is His & Hers, a six-episode mystery thriller from Netflix. This series is adapted from a popular novel and stars Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal. It centers on a puzzling case that blurs the lines between truth and deception. As secrets unfold about what really happened in the past, relationships and motives are questioned.
The show is that kind of watch that keeps you guessing about each character’s role in the central mystery. It is a drama filled with psychological twists, and all episodes are available on Netflix.
Another excellent series to watch is We Were Liars. This is a psychological thriller available on Amazon Prime Video that first aired in mid-2025. It’s based on E. Lockhart’s bestselling novel and follows the chaotic life of Cadence Sinclair Eastman, a teenager from a wealthy family who returns to her family’s private island after a mysterious accident left her with memory loss.
As she tries to piece together what happened, the story reveals emotional secrets, complicated friendships, and family tension. The series plays with memory, guilt, and truth in a way that keeps you hooked. All eight episodes dropped at once on Prime Video, so it’s easy to binge.
Then there is Gone Girl, a movie that has become a modern classic of the psychological thriller genre. Directed by David Fincher and based on Gillian Flynn’s bestselling book, this film stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. It tells the story of Nick Dunne, whose wife Amy goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. What starts as a disappearance quickly turns into a media circus and a deep dive into secrets, lies, and manipulation.
The story plays with perception, truth, and character motives in a way that keeps you guessing until the very end. It is stylish, unsettling, and one of the most talked-about thrillers of the last decade. You can find Gone Girl on several streaming platforms, including YouTube TV, and you can rent or buy it on services like Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
All four of these titles explore different corners of the psychology thriller world. 56 Days and His & Hers lean more into crime and mystery with strong serialized narratives. We Were Liars adds emotional depth and family secrets to the mix. And Gone Girl remains a tightly wound standalone film that will keep your mind turning long after it ends.
Whether you like slow burn tension, character-driven mysteries, or full-on twist endings, these four picks have something that should pull you in and refuse to let you go until you know the whole story.
