AJA Newsbites – May 24, 2026 - THE AsiaN

• Campaign Asia has opened nominations for the Agency of the Year Awards 2026 starting on 9 June. • The marketer-judged program recognizes excellence in leadership, brands, and agencies across 22 local markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

• The Suriya-starrer film *Karuppu* has earned Rs. 238 crore worldwide after its second weekend, with overseas collections surpassing USD 7 million. • While the Middle East market saw a significant 90% drop, the film maintained strong performance in Singapore and Malaysia, with the latter recording one of its best second weekends ever.

• India's TV broadcast industry is facing severe structural pressure in FY26 as viewers and advertisers migrate toward digital platforms. • Major broadcasters, including Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Sun TV Network, report declining advertising revenues, particularly from FMCG companies.

• Jon Favreau’s new film, *The Mandalorian and Grogu*, has set an unwanted franchise record by opening to the lowest box office numbers in *Star Wars* history. • Despite the poor commercial start, the film received critical praise from reviewers, including a four-star rating from *The Independent’s* Loughrey.

• ITV has cancelled its divisive police comedy sitcom after two seasons, confirming that there are currently no plans for a third series. • The decision follows a wave of complaints to the media regulator Ofcom, with some critics labeling the show as the "worst sitcom ever."

• The Eurovision Song Contest is commemorating its 70th anniversary by releasing two special celebratory videos. • The event traces its origins back to May 24, 1956, when seven broadcasters first gathered at the Teatro Kursaal in Lugano, Switzerland.

• Romanian director Cristian Mungiu won his second Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for the film ‘Fjord,’ marking the seventh year that Neon has taken the top prize. • Other notable winners included the films ‘Minotaur,’ ‘Fatherland,’ and ‘The Black Ball.’

• The Eurovision Song Contest has released a special tribute film to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the competition. • Directed by Vincenzo Vicari, the video features a singer performing on stage at the Teatro Kursaal in Lugano, Switzerland.

• Cristian Mungiu won the prestigious Palme d'Or for his film *Fjord* at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. • The jury, led by Park Chan-wook, awarded the Grand Prix to *Minotaur* and named Pawel Pawlikowski (*Fatherland*) and the duo Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo (*The Black Ball*) as best directors.

• Jon Favreau’s new film, *The Mandalorian and Grogu*, has set a negative franchise record by opening to the lowest box office numbers in *Star Wars* history. • Despite the poor commercial performance, the film received critical praise from some reviewers, including a four-star rating from The Independent’s Loughrey.

• Former BBC presenter Huw Edwards is reportedly planning to "state his case" in an upcoming series on Channel 4. • The move has drawn criticism from some, with one employee allegedly describing the potential project as a "desperate publicity stunt."