December 02, 2025

Another day, another round of offers for all or part of Warner Bros. Discovery. The second round is in, with bids from Paramount Skydance, Netflix and Comcast. The catch? Paramount is backed in part by the sovereign wealth funds of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and there is a question if the move would pass the threshold for approval by CFIUS, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Read more in Todd Spangler's report below.

From the business of film to the art itself, the New York Film Critics Circle voted today and named “One Battle After Another” the best film of the year. Other big winners included “The Secret Agent," Rose Byrne and Amy Madigan. Check out Clayton Davis' full winners list below.

-- William Earl

Paramount Skydance’s Latest Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery Backed by Three Middle Eastern Wealth Funds

Paramount’s latest all-cash offer is still mostly backed by the Ellison family (that is, Oracle co-founder and billionaire Larry Ellison) and includes financing from RedBird Capital, Apollo Global Management and others.

Warner Bros’ action epic “One Battle After Another” was named the best film of the year by the New York Film Critics Circle, who gathered in Manhattan on Tuesday to deliberate on the best films and performances of 2025.

Read More

Daily Variety Podcast

On today’s episode, Variety’s Brian Steinberg details a deal between TelevisaUnivision and JCPenney to produce microdramas and microdrama branded content. And Chris Willman discusses the unique pleasures of standing in line with fellow music lovers on Record Store Day, Black Friday Edition.

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Radial Entertainment Taps Jeff Shultz, Former Paramount Streaming Exec, as CEO (EXCLUSIVE)

Mariah Carey, Chappell Roan, Post Malone Among 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' Performers

Sarah Paulson on Those 'All's Fair' Reviews, Prepping to Play Aileen Wuornos and Finally Betting on Herself: 'I'm Looking to Be a Little More Fearless'

Rosé, Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar Lead Apple Music's Global Year-End Chart

Diddy Jurors Reveal Reasons Behind Mixed Verdict in Netflix Doc: Cassie 'Wanted to Be With Him,' and Domestic Violence Wasn't One of the Charges

'Avatar: Fire and Ash' First Reactions Call James Cameron's Third Chapter an 'Ultimate Cinematic Spectacle' That 'Pushes Technical Boundaries in Unimaginable Ways'

Jon Stewart Slams Trump's Immigration Crackdown in Wake of National Guard Shooting: 'He Does Not View You as Individuals'

Supreme Court Grapples With Internet Providers' Duty to Stop Piracy

Guillermo del Toro Says 'F--- AI' While Accepting 'Frankenstein' Gotham Award: Human Artistry 'Shines on Every Single Frame of This Film'

Events Calendar

Monday

Nov. 24

Gotham Awards
New York
Awards.thegotham.org

Tuesday

Nov. 25

New York Film Critics Circle awards announced
Nyfcc.com

Wednesday

Nov. 26

National Board of Review awards announced
Nationalboardofreview.org

Sun Valley Film Festival through Dec. 7
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sunvalleyfilmfestival.org

Thursday

Nov. 27

Red Sea Film Festival through Dec. 13
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Redseafilmfest.com

Friday

Nov. 28

Saturday

Nov. 29

Sunday

Nov. 30

Los Angeles Film Critics awards announced
Lafca.net

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