Warner

The merger will still require governmental approval and could be delayed by a lawsuit seeking to block itShareholders of Warner Bros Discovery voted “overwhelmingly” to approve the company’s $110bn merger with Paramount Skydance, the parent company of CBS News, on Thursday.But shareholders voted against generous proposed compensation packages for WBD executives, including a $550m payout to the outgoing chief executive, David Zaslav. Continue reading...

Merger will ‘prioritise the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good’, letter statesJoaquin Phoenix, Ben Stiller, Mark Ruffalo, Yorgos Lanthimos and Kristen Stewart are among more than 1,000 film and TV industry professionals who have signed an open letter protesting against Paramount’s pending acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, the parent group that owns HBO, HBO Max, CNN, TBS and Food Network, as well as the Warner Bros TV and film studios.“We are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritise the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good,” states the letter, which was published on Monday on BlocktheMerger.com. Continue reading...

One of the best-paid executives in Hollywood has already made $113m after selling shares in WBD this monthBusiness live – latest updatesDavid Zaslav, the chief executive of Warner Bros Discovery, is in line for a $700m (£525m) payday from the $110bn sale of the Hollywood studio to Paramount Skydance.Zaslav could receive $34.2m in cash severance payments, $115.8m in vested stock and $517.2m in unvested share awards once the deal is complete, according to a filing from Warner Bros Discovery on Monday. Continue reading...

Warner Bros.' 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners' are favored to dominate the 2026 Oscars on March 15, positioning the studio for major wins amid a potential $110 billion takeover by Paramount and Skydance. Industry buzz highlights the films' strong precursor awards performance, with 'Sinners' eyed for record-breaking achievements in multiple categories. This comes as Hollywood navigates AI disruptions and layoffs, making Warner Bros.' success a rare bright spot. Post-Oscars, merger outcomes could reshape the studio's future slate.

Paramount and Skydance are advancing $110 billion merger discussions to acquire Warner Bros., intensifying uncertainty as the studio's 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another' eye Oscars glory on March 15, 2026. The deal could consolidate Hollywood power but risks job cuts amid ongoing layoffs. Stakeholders await regulatory approval, which may influence awards campaigning. If finalized, it promises a transformed landscape for 2026-2027 releases.

Warner Bros' films *One Battle After Another* and *Sinners* are favored for major wins at the 2026 Oscars this weekend, positioning the studio for success despite looming takeover plans. The proposed $110 billion Paramount-Skydance merger, subject to regulatory reviews, threatens Hollywood stability by consolidating two legacy studios and risking job losses. Teamsters president Sean M. O'Brien warned, 'This merger threatens the livelihoods of workers who built these studios.' Industry figures like JJ Abrams describe the atmosphere as 'shaky and unsettled,' with attention now turning post-ceremony.