Members of the screenwriters union have ratified a four-year agreement with Hollywood studios. Union leaders said Friday that 90% voted to approve the deal. This move ends a surprisingly smooth process compared with the prolonged strike of 2023. The agreement involves the Writers Guild of America West, Writers Guild of America East and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. It lasts for four years instead of the typical three Union leaders emphasized gains in health coverage and minimum pay hikes, especially for comedy and variety writers. Actors are still negotiating their new contract.

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This image released by Paramount+ shows Kemba in a scene from the documentary "As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial." (Paramount+ via AP)

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HBO Max, “Harry Potter,” “Top Gun,” CBS and CNN may all be placed under the control of the upstart Paramount Skydance soon. That’s because shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery approved an $81 billion sale of the company on Thursday. The deal, including debt, is valued at nearly $111 billion. While the megamerger faces ongoing regulatory review, it could vastly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape. It would further consolidate power in an industry already run by just a handful of major players. Paramount itself was acquired by Skydance just last year. Here’s what a Paramount-Warner combo could look like for streaming, movies, news and more.

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FILE - Maggie Gyllenhaal appears during a portrait session for the film "The Bride!" in London on Feb. 27, 2026. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)

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“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” and “Project Hail Mary” continue to lead the North American box office. The Mario sequel has topped the charts for three weekends, adding $35 million and reaching $747.5 million globally. “Project Hail Mary” dropped only 15% in its fifth weekend, earning $20.5 million domestically and bringing its worldwide total to $573.1 million. Meanwhile, “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” debuted in third place with $13.5 million. Despite mixed reviews, it has a worldwide total of $34 million. The overall box office is up 16% from last year, with more big releases expected soon.

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Eddie Murphy has received the American Film Institute's life achievement award at a star-studded ceremony. The event, held Saturday night at the Dolby Theatre, featured appearances from Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, and more. Murphy, known for his roles in "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Shrek" over a nearly 50-year career, expressed gratitude for his family and career. Spike Lee praised Murphy's cultural impact, while Chris Rock and others highlighted his influence across generations. The tribute, which will air on Netflix, also included performances by Jennifer Hudson.

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Nathalie Baye, a French actor known for her versatility and charm, has died at 77. French media reported she died Friday in Paris from a neurodegenerative disease. French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute, highlighting her impact on cinema. Baye starred in over 80 films, effortlessly moving between comedies and auteur films. She won two César Awards for Best Actress. She gained international recognition as Leonardo DiCaprio’s on-screen mother in "Catch Me If You Can." Her career spanned five decades, working with renowned directors and emerging filmmakers, leaving a lasting legacy in French cinema.

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FILE - Natalie Portman appears at the photocall for the film "Arco" at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France on May 16, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)