awards
2026 Oscar Race Updates: ‘Sinners’ Breaks Records and More
The 2026 Oscar race is underway as Sinners breaks nomination records and the Best Picture and acting categories remain wide open. Here’s the latest awards season update.

The 2026 Oscar race is heating up, and this year’s nominations have brought both historic milestones and a fiercely competitive field. Here’s what you need to know about the frontrunners, surprises, and standout achievements in this year’s Academy Awards.
🎬 ‘Sinners’ Makes History
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is leading the pack with a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, more than any other film in history, including Titanic and La La Land. The film received nods in major categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. Read more about ‘Sinners’.
🌟 Historic Individual Achievements
- Ruth E. Carter became the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history with a nomination for Sinners in Costume Design. Learn more
- Emma Stone earned her seventh Oscar nomination for Bugonia, making her the youngest performer to reach this milestone at 37. See details
🏆 Best Picture Contenders
While Sinners leads in nominations, the Best Picture race includes multiple strong films:
- One Battle After Another – 13 nominations and strong awards season momentum. More info
- Marty Supreme – Major contender, especially for Timothée Chalamet in Best Actor. Check predictions
- Hamnet, Frankenstein, Sentimental Value, Bugonia – Also strong contenders throughout predictions. Read more
🎖️ Precursors & Predictions
Awards from critics groups and guilds have set the stage for the Oscars, often predicting momentum:
- Best Picture: Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Hamnet are frontrunners. Full predictions
- Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet (*Marty Supreme*) is leading, with strong competition from Leonardo DiCaprio and others. See odds
- Supporting Categories: Competitive fields may bring surprises. Variety predictions
📅 Dates & Viewing
The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Conan O’Brien is returning as host. The ceremony will air on ABC and stream on Hulu. Learn more.
🔍 Key Takeaways
- Sinners leads the race with historic nominations.
- Best Picture and acting races remain highly competitive.
- Historic milestones for Ruth E. Carter and Emma Stone highlight the season.
- Keep an eye on precursor awards and critics’ picks—they often indicate the likely winners.
Stay tuned to STM Daily News for live Oscar updates, winner announcements, and expert analysis as the 2026 Academy Awards approach.
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animation
Ariel Award-Winning Animated Short ‘SHIMMER’ Makes Its Digital Debut on Short of the Week
Ariel Award-winning animated short SHIMMER by director Andrés Palma premieres on Short of the Week. A stunning exploration of fatherhood and regret created with Unreal Engine 5. Watch now.
Last Updated on December 9, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Ariel Award-Winning Animated Short ‘SHIMMER’ Makes Its Digital Debut on Short of the Week
A haunting tale of fatherhood, obsession, and redemption comes to life through groundbreaking animation technology The world of independent animation just got a stunning new addition. Director Andrés Palma’s SHIMMER, an Ariel Award-winning animated short film, premiered December 8th on Short of the Week, the premier destination for curated short film content reaching millions of viewers worldwide.A Father’s Dream, A Daughter’s Pain
Set against a desolate shoreline littered with the skeletal remains of forgotten shipwrecks, SHIMMER tells the emotionally charged story of Ricardo, a father whose single-minded obsession with building a towering lighthouse blinds him to the emotional wreckage he’s creating within his own family. As he chases what he believes will be salvation, his eldest daughter Lucía grows increasingly resentful—until her choices force Ricardo to face the devastating consequences of his dreams. “Every project that matters to me comes from a place of unresolved emotion,” Palma explains. “Art is how I process pain and transform it into something meaningful. I trust the audience will resonate with that.” This isn’t just animation—it’s personal healing rendered in light and shadow.Gizmodo Premieres Award-Winning Animated Short ShimmerLink to related article: https://stmdailynews.com/gizmodo-premieres-award-winning-animated-short-shimmer/
Technical Brilliance Meets Emotional Depth
Short of the Week’s managing editor Rob Munday didn’t hold back in his praise: “A genuinely compelling, high-quality piece of 3D animation, marked by beautiful design work, strong character rigging, and impressive world-building. There’s tremendous potential here – it’s an exciting calling card for its creators.” What sets SHIMMER apart technically is its innovative use of Unreal Engine 5, blending retro-futuristic aesthetics with cutting-edge visual design. The film’s most striking visual element—ethereal fish that shimmer across the night sky—was created using the Niagara particle system, merging procedural motion with hand-crafted animation cycles to achieve something that feels both organic and otherworldly.A Collaborative Vision
Marking Palma’s directorial debut, SHIMMER benefits from powerhouse executive producers including celebrated Mexican animator Jorge R. Gutiérrez (The Book of Life, Maya and the Three) and Andrés Buzo. The film was developed through a groundbreaking collaboration between professionals and students at Mexico City’s Escena Animation Studio, the project-based learning arm of Escena Animation School. The creative team includes associate producer Karla Vazquez, co-writer Santiago Maza Stern, and composer Alex Otaola—a collective effort that proves the power of mentorship and collaborative storytelling.Why This Matters for Independent Animation
SHIMMER represents more than just another festival darling. It’s proof that independent creators with vision, backed by the right collaborators and technology, can produce work that rivals major studio productions. The film is currently being considered for FYC (For Your Consideration) in the Best Animated Short Film category—and based on its technical achievement and emotional resonance, it’s easy to see why. For audiences hungry for animation that dares to explore complex emotional territory while pushing visual boundaries, SHIMMER delivers on both fronts. It’s a meditation on the cost of obsession, the weight of parental expectations, and the possibility of redemption—all wrapped in visuals that haunt long after the credits roll.Watch Now
SHIMMER is now streaming exclusively on Short of the Week at ShortOfTheWeek.com/2025/12/08/shimmer For more information about the film and its creators:- Official Film Website: ShimmerShort.com
- Director’s Website: AndresPalma.com
- Follow the journey: @ShimmerShort, @Andres.Palma.c, @EscuelaEscena
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Entertainment
Get Ready for the Premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3!
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 will premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival from June 4-15. The series continues crew adventures aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, exploring new themes and characters.
Last Updated on May 5, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Premeire:
Exciting news for Star Trek enthusiasts! According to an official announcement originally published on startrek.com, the third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is set to premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. This much-anticipated event will take place from June 4 to 15 in New York City, showcasing a lineup filled with both new and returning television programs, as well as independent episodic series.
Festival Highlights
The Tribeca Festival is renowned for its world premieres and exclusive panels featuring cast members from major networks and streaming platforms. Following the premiere screening of Season 3, attendees can look forward to an engaging conversation with key cast members, including Anson Mount (Captain Pike), Ethan Peck (Spock), Celia Rose Gooding (Uhura), Babs Olusanmokun (Benga), Carol Kane, and the creative minds behind the series, executive producers Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, and Henry Alonso Myers.
What to Expect in Season 3
As we dive into Season 3, we reconnect with the beloved crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, still commanded by Captain Pike. This new season picks up from the intense conclusion of Season 2, where the crew faced a harrowing encounter with the Gorn. However, as they navigate through uncharted territories, new life and civilizations await them, alongside a villain who will truly test their grit and resolve.
Strange New Worlds promises to infuse an exciting twist into the classic Star Trek narrative, elevating both beloved and new characters to new heights. Viewers can look forward to a range of thrilling adventures that explore themes of faith, duty, romance, comedy, and mystery—delivering genres never before seen in the Star Trek universe.
A Talented Ensemble Cast
The series boasts an impressive cast, including Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun, and Martin Quinn. Additionally, fans can expect appearances from guest stars such as Rhys Darby, Patton Oswalt, Cillian O’Sullivan, Melanie Scrofano, and Carol Kane, with special guest star Paul Wesley also joining the adventure.
Ticket Information
For those eager to witness the premiere, single tickets will be available for Tribeca members starting April 24, with sales opening to the general public on April 29. Be sure to visit TribecaFilm.com to learn more about the festival programming and secure your tickets. Memberships and festival passes are also available for a more immersive experience.
Where to Watch
After its premiere at the Tribeca Festival, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will stream exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., U.K., and various regions across Latin America, Europe, and Asia. In Canada, the series will also be accessible on Paramount+, while it will stream on SkyShowtime in several other European markets.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the premiere date! For the latest news, follow @StarTrek on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. The adventure is about to continue—engage!
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Related Link:
https://www.startrek.com/news/strange-new-worlds-season-3-tribeca-2025-premiere
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Entertainment
Hollywood’s Biggest Night Gets the Ultimate Toast: Tequila Don Julio’s Oscars®-Worthy Cocktails
Tequila Don Julio returns to the Oscars® on March 2, 2025, showcasing signature cocktails while pledging $500,000 for fire relief efforts, combining celebration with community support and artistic ventures.

As the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s biggest night draws near, anticipation fills the air. This year, on March 2, 2025, the Oscars® will once again illuminate the entertainment industry, and Tequila Don Julio is ready to help celebrate in style. Returning for the eighth consecutive year as a proud partner of the Governors Ball—the official after-party of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—Tequila Don Julio is set to dazzle with a cocktail experience that pays homage to both film and culture.
Crafting an Exquisite Cocktail Experience
In collaboration with globally acclaimed mixologist Charles Joly and the acclaimed Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City, Tequila Don Julio has curated a stunning lineup of signature cocktails that draw inspiration from the rich, vibrant flavors of Modern Mexico. Each cocktail promises to elevate the evening, ensuring that every sip is as memorable as the moments celebrated on stage.
“Each cocktail gets the star-studded treatment with Tequila Don Julio at the foundation,” says Joly. “It’s an incredible honor for us to show up with celebratory cocktails made just for that night.” With this level of thoughtfulness, Tequila Don Julio is ready to impress not just the stars walking the red carpet, but also those tuning in from home.
A Toast to Resilience
This year’s festivities carry an added layer of significance, as Tequila Don Julio has pledged $500,000 to support Los Angeles fire relief efforts. In the wake of the devastating wildfires that have impacted the community, the brand is stepping up to lend a helping hand, emphasizing their commitment to the city that has been a second home for them.
Tequila Don Julio is partnering with affected Mexican artists to auction unique artwork pieces via Charitybuzz.com, with proceeds directed towards the Another Round Another Rally’s Disaster Relief Fund. This endeavor not only supports the artistic community but also provides essential relief to hospitality workers affected by the wildfires.
Icons in a Glass
The cocktail selection debuting at the Governors Ball includes an impressive array of concoctions, designed to impress even the most discerning palates. Here are a couple of standout creations:
Golden Age Gimlet
By Handshake Speakeasy
This refreshing cocktail features:
- 1 ½ oz Tequila Don Julio Blanco
- 1 ½ oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz Vanilla Syrup
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake thoroughly, and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an olive.
The Clear Winner
By Charles Joly
A delightful mix that brings out the best in Tequila Don Julio Reposado:
- 1 ½ oz Tequila Don Julio Reposado
- ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
- 1 oz Tamarind Syrup
- 1 ½ oz Hibiscus Tea
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into a Collins glass over a large format ice cube. Garnish with a citrus slice.
Celebrating with Responsibility
As Hollywood’s brightest stars gather for a night filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt speeches, Tequila Don Julio encourages everyone—both in-person and at home—to celebrate responsibly. With innovative cocktails and a commitment to community support, Tequila Don Julio is not just raising glasses; they are raising hopes for a brighter future in Los Angeles.
In a industry where celebration often goes hand-in-hand with giving back, Tequila Don Julio is a refreshing reminder that one can enjoy the good times while also uplifting those in need. So, as you gear up for Oscars® night, why not mix up a signature cocktail, toast to the resilience of the community, and enjoy the magic of cinema with a twist of Mexico?
For updates on the auction and cocktail recipes, follow @donjuliotequila on social media. Here’s to Hollywood’s biggest night—you won’t want to miss a moment! Cheers! 🥂
ABOUT TEQUILA DON JULIO
Founded on the pioneering agricultural principles of Don Julio González and his personal pursuit of perfection, Tequila Don Julio revolutionized the tequila industry and set the standard for ultra-premium tequila. The original luxury tequila of choice in Mexico, Tequila Don Julio uses only the highest caliber, fully matured and ripened Blue Agave that has been hand-selected from the rich, clay soils of the Los Altos region of the state of Jalisco. The Tequila Don Julio portfolio includes Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Tequila Don Julio Reposado, Tequila Don Julio Añejo, Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino, Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel, Tequila Don Julio 1942, and Tequila Don Julio Ultima Reserva. For more information on Tequila Don Julio, please visit www.DonJulio.com.
**Amount donated excludes credit card fees and auctioneer’s fees. Minimum bid for each artwork, $5,000. No bid accepted/no donation made if auction reserve price is not met. Must be 21+ with valid credit card to place bid. Auction dates: 2/25/2025 -3/11/2025. Auctioneer: CharityBuzz, LLC, 437 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Donation made to Another Round Another Rally, https://AnotherRoundAnotherRally.org, 1 N 1st Street Suite 7245, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Winning bids may not be tax deductible.
SOURCE Tequila Don Julio
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
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