The Writers Guild of America (WGA) filed a lawsuit Tuesday to block Paramount Skydance's proposed takeover of Hollywood studio Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the $110 billion acquisition would violate federal antitrust law and harm writers.This latest hurdle comes a day after California and 11 other states launched separate suits to block the merger.&nbsp;With Tuesday's lawsuit, one of Hollywood's powerful labor unions hopes to undo the US Department of Justice's approval.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/us-doj-clears-path-for-paramount-s-historic-110-billion-warner-bros-discovery-takeover-1781326212355">No harm to American consumers: US DOJ clears path for Paramount's historic $110 Billion Warner Bros Discovery takeover</a>&nbsp;Many fear the merger will result in massive job cuts in an industry that has been under siege from consolidations and layoffs.&nbsp;"The proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger threatens the economic and creative health of the American entertainment industry," the WGA complaint said, adding the merger "would eliminate competition for buying film and television writing, resulting in suppressed compensation, worse deal terms, and reduced programming volume and diversity."&nbsp;The owners of Paramount Skydance, the Ellison family, are close to US President Donald Trump and the deal would give them control of CBS News and CNN, along with film studios Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros., and streaming platforms Paramount+ and HBO Max.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/mark-ruffalo-claims-he-is-on-paramount-s-banned-list-for-opposing-warner-bros-merger-1778991103134">Mark Ruffalo claims he is on Paramount's banned list for opposing Warner Bros merger</a>&nbsp;"With fewer competitors, the merged Paramount-Warner Bros. entity would have both the incentive and the ability to lower costs by suppressing writers' wages and reducing output. Writers will be paid less and have fewer employment opportunities," the Writers Guild said in its complaint.&nbsp;Paramount engaged in a bidding war against Netflix to land Warner Bros., and argues the deal will create a strong rival to Netflix, Amazon and Apple.&nbsp;To win support, the conglomerate has pledged to release at least 30 films a year that will remain in theaters for a minimum of 45 days.&nbsp;The US legal proceedings are being watched in the United Kingdom and European Union, where regulators have yet to approve the deal.

Paramount engaged in a bidding war against Netflix to land Warner Bros., and argues the deal will create a strong rival to Netflix, Amazon and Apple. To win support, the conglomerate has pledged to release at least 30 films a year that will remain in theaters for a minimum of 45 days.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) filed a lawsuit Tuesday to block Paramount Skydance's proposed takeover of Hollywood studio Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the $110 billion acquisition would violate federal antitrust law and harm writers. This latest hurdle comes a day after California and 11 other states launched separate suits to block the merger. With Tuesday's lawsuit, one of Hollywood's powerful labor unions hopes to undo the US Department of Justice's approval. Also read: No harm to American consumers: US DOJ clears path for Paramount's historic $110 Billion Warner Bros Discovery takeover Many fear the merger will result in massive job cuts in an industry that has been under siege from consolidations and layoffs. "The proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger threatens the economic and creative health of the American entertainment industry," the WGA complaint said, adding the merger "would eliminate competition for buying film and television writing, resulting in suppressed compensation, worse deal terms, and reduced programming volume and diversity." The owners of Paramount Skydance, the Ellison family, are close to US President Donald Trump and the deal would give them control of CBS News and CNN, along with film studios Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros., and streaming platforms Paramount+ and HBO Max. Also read: Mark Ruffalo claims he is on Paramount's banned list for opposing Warner Bros merger "With fewer competitors, the merged Paramount-Warner Bros. entity would have both the incentive and the ability to lower costs by suppressing writers' wages and reducing output. Writers will be paid less and have fewer employment opportunities," the Writers Guild said in its complaint. Paramount engaged in a bidding war against Netflix to land Warner Bros., and argues the deal will create a strong rival to Netflix, Amazon and Apple. To win support, the conglomerate has pledged to release at least 30 films a year that will remain in theaters for a minimum of 45 days. The US legal proceedings are being watched in the United Kingdom and European Union, where regulators have yet to approve the deal.

Paramount engaged in a bidding war against Netflix to land Warner Bros., and argues the deal will create a strong rival to Netflix, Amazon and Apple. To win support, the conglomerate has pledged to release at least 30 films a year that will remain in theaters for a minimum of 45 days.

Writers Guild sues to block US Paramount deal: 'Would eliminate competition, writers will be paid less'

Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister has urged his team to take inspiration from Diego Maradona as they seek to get the better of England in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday (Jul 15). The heavyweight showdown in Atlanta marks the renewal of a rivalry that peaked at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The late Maradona scored both of Argentina's goals in the quarter-final -- the infamous "Hand of God" opener and then a dazzling solo effort that is one of the greatest goals ever scored at a World Cup.

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Argentina went on to win the trophy, an achievement they matched in 2022, with Lionel Messi the inspiration and Mac Allister in the side."I don't know if it's just by chance or what but in the last few days I have started seeing videos of Diego, of the '86 game and other things that obviously help and make you want to watch them and remember them," Liverpool's Mac Allister told reporters on Tuesday.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-vs-england-world-cup-semifinal-lionel-scaloni-blunt-ultimatum-to-stars-messi-1784082539381">‘Tired or Not, I Don’t Care’: Scaloni issues blunt ultimatum to Argentina stars for World Cup semifinal</a>"Diego represents so much for the country and I hope we can do something similar to what they did in 1986," added the midfielder, whose father Carlos played alongside Maradona for Argentina and at Boca Juniors.The 27-year-old admitted Maradona's skills set him apart."He was able to perform things he carried inside him and it is practically impossible to do those things.... Maybe only Leo (Messi) could do that."Wednesday's game will be the first meeting of the nations at a World Cup since 2002, as Argentina aim to reach a second straight final, and a third in four tournaments.Mac Allister said England had not played with Premier League intensity so far at the 2026 tournament."I don't know if it's to do with the heat, the climate or something else," he said. "But obviously they are a great team who we greatly respect."I imagine tomorrow's game will be played with a lot of intensity and obviously plenty of jitters on both sides."

The heavyweight showdown in Atlanta marks the renewal of a rivalry that peaked at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The late Maradona scored both of Argentina's goals in the quarter-final.

Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister has urged his team to take inspiration from Diego Maradona as they seek to get the better of England in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday (Jul 15). The heavyweight showdown in Atlanta marks the renewal of a rivalry that peaked at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The late Maradona scored both of Argentina's goals in the quarter-final -- the infamous "Hand of God" opener and then a dazzling solo effort that is one of the greatest goals ever scored at a World Cup.

The heavyweight showdown in Atlanta marks the renewal of a rivalry that peaked at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The late Maradona scored both of Argentina's goals in the quarter-final.

FIFA 2026 | Mac Allistar hopes 'Argentina do what Maradona did in 1986' vs England in semis

France coach Didier Deschamps insisted he still sees Spain as World Cup favourites on Monday ahead of Les Bleus' blockbuster semi-final against the European champions. France take on Spain at the AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday (Jul 14) in a match widely seen as a collision of the best two teams in the tournament.While Deschamps' side have lit up the World Cup with a string of scintillating performances, Spain's campaign has built momentum gradually following a shock 0-0 draw against minnows Cape Verde in their opening game.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-suffers-major-blow-as-jude-bellingham-s-england-heroics-change-everything-1783995433295">Lionel Messi suffers major blow as Jude Bellingham's England heroics change everything</a>Deschamps, though, maintains that France -- beaten by Spain in their last two meetings -- will be the underdog on Tuesday."Forget about the first game against Cape Verde," Deschamps said of Spain's campaign. "Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites.

"I don't want to add extra pressure to (Spain coach) Luis (de la Fuente) and their team -- he knows very well that people are expecting great things of Spain."But Spain can attack well, and they can defend very well. They've only conceded one goal in the last six or seven matches."Spain coach De la Fuente meanwhile smiled when asked for his response to Deschamps' comments at an eve-of-game press conference."Since the beginning, I've always said that the fact that people say we're favourites or not doesn't mean anything," De la Fuente told reporters. "It doesn't. It's not decisive.""We are two great national teams facing each other, just as there are two great national teams facing each other in the other semi-final," De la Fuente added, stressing that his team was comfortable living with the pressure to succeed."Regardless of whether we're favorites or not, it doesn't mean create additional pressure," he said. "We have that pressure anyway. We want to do well for our country."Deschamps meanwhile believes Tuesday's game has all the makings of a classic."With the quality of the two teams offensively, I think we could think that is going to be a spectacular game," he said.Deschamps is also not overly concerned by the threat posed by Spain winger Lamine Yamal, who scored in La Roja's victories over France in the European Championship semi-final in 2024 and the UEFA Nations League last year."We know the strength of the opposing team. We have our own strengths," Deschamps said."Have I studied Yamal and his assets? Yes, he's one of the players that can really make a difference on the pitch."And all opponents should try to limit the strength of the other team, but we have many solutions."When it comes to a one-on-ones it could be tough. But having a one-on-one against some of my players is not an easy task either."Deschamps confirmed that France captain Kylian Mbappe, who left the quarter-final win over Morocco late in the second half after taking a knock, was "100 percent" fit for the semi-final.

While Deschamps' side have lit up the World Cup with a string of scintillating performances, Spain's campaign has built momentum gradually following a shock 0-0 draw against minnows Cape Verde in their opening game.

France coach Didier Deschamps insisted he still sees Spain as World Cup favourites on Monday ahead of Les Bleus' blockbuster semi-final against the European champions. France take on Spain at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday (Jul 14) in a match widely seen as a collision of the best two teams in the tournament. While Deschamps' side have lit up the World Cup with a string of scintillating performances, Spain's campaign has built momentum gradually following a shock 0-0 draw against minnows Cape Verde in their opening game. Also Read - Lionel Messi suffers major blow as Jude Bellingham's England heroics change everything Deschamps, though, maintains that France -- beaten by Spain in their last two meetings -- will be the underdog on Tuesday. "Forget about the first game against Cape Verde," Deschamps said of Spain's campaign. "Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites.

While Deschamps' side have lit up the World Cup with a string of scintillating performances, Spain's campaign has built momentum gradually following a shock 0-0 draw against minnows Cape Verde in their opening game.

FIFA 2026 | France coach Deschamps says Spain 'favorites' ahead of semi-final and Spain coach says 'doesn't mean anything'

Lamine Yamal is hoping to emulate Kylian Mbappe by winning the World Cup as a teenager, but first his Spain side will have to get the better of France and their superstar captain in Tuesday's semi-final.When Mbappe scored in France's win over Croatia in the deciding match of the 2018 tournament, he was just 19 years and 207 days old. He therefore became only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final after a 17-year-old Pele in 1958.Mbappe's love affair with the World Cup began then, while this is Yamal's first experience of the competition.He has already had his big breakthrough in a major tournament, however –- Yamal's stunning goal in the Euro 2024 semi-final against Mbappe's France helped Spain to a 2-1 victory.

That came four days before he turned 17. His birthday was the day before the final. Spain beat England, and Yamal was named young player of the tournament.This time his 19th birthday comes on the eve of the semi-final in Arlington.Such a young player with his best years to come. But he is clearly eager to leave a firm mark on this World Cup.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mistaken-identity-why-switzerland-s-breel-embolo-was-sent-off-against-argentina-fifa-var-rule-explained-1783889937939">'Mistaken identity': Why Switzerland's Breel Embolo was sent Off against Argentina — FIFA VAR rule explained</a>Perhaps too eager, having at one point been a doubt for the tournament after missing the end of the season with Barcelona due to a hamstring injury."I was afraid it might be serious and, above all, that even if it wasn't serious, I could suffer a setback and end up missing the World Cup," Yamal admitted in late May.<h2>Anxiety?</h2>After coming off the bench in Spain's opening 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, Yamal started against Saudi Arabia and scored before being replaced at half-time in a 4-0 victory.He has started every game since, without adding to that solitary goal -- that might be getting to him."I think Lamine needs to calm the anxiety he sometimes has because he wants to show how important a player he is for us," Spain captain Rodri said Sunday."Given he was able to show that level of maturity at that European Championship, when he is two years older you are not so impressed by what he is able to do," he added.With Yamal not as decisive, Spain have lacked the deadly verticality that made them so hard to stop at the Euros.France, meanwhile, have rediscovered a cutting edge that evaded them at the Euros, and have the most thrilling attack at this World Cup.Mbappe, now 27, is the talisman and seems intent on leaving a legacy as an all-time World Cup great.With eight goals here, he is level with Lionel Messi in the golden boot race and is one behind the Argentine's all-time World Cup record of 21 goals.<h2>Third straight final?</h2>Having won the trophy in 2018 and scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final, Mbappe has a third straight final in his sights.He can therefore match the achievement of the great Brazil full-back Cafu, who played in three in a row from 1994 to 2002. Pele and Diego Maradona each only graced two finals.His apparent obsession with the World Cup may explain why he missed a chunk of the second half of the season with Real Madrid. As he nursed injuries, some supporters questioned his commitment to their club."I know people talk about the stats. I watch the TV too. But my only focus is on helping the team and getting us back here on July 19," he said after beating Sweden in the last 32 at the MetLife Stadium, the venue for the final."I have won a World Cup and been a runner-up. This team has done neither of those things, but it is the team with the greatest potential," he added after defeating Morocco in the quarter-finals.Yamal and Mbappe are already icons in their home countries and beyond, two young men representing the modern face of multicultural Europe.Mbappe has the greater experience, has already won the World Cup and is confident speaking publicly in English –- those factors help make him one of the faces of this tournament in the US.The dazzling Yamal is still catching up off the field, but his record against Mbappe on the pitch is impressive.They have met frequently across the Clasico divide in the last two years -- so far Mbappe has eight defeats and just two wins in 10 games against Yamal with club and country.

When Mbappe scored in France's win over Croatia in the deciding match of the 2018 tournament, he was just 19 years and 207 days old. He therefore became only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final after a 17-ye

Lamine Yamal is hoping to emulate Kylian Mbappe by winning the World Cup as a teenager, but first his Spain side will have to get the better of France and their superstar captain in Tuesday's semi-final. When Mbappe scored in France's win over Croatia in the deciding match of the 2018 tournament, he was just 19 years and 207 days old. He therefore became only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final after a 17-year-old Pele in 1958. Mbappe's love affair with the World Cup began then, while this is Yamal's first experience of the competition. He has already had his big breakthrough in a major tournament, however –- Yamal's stunning goal in the Euro 2024 semi-final against Mbappe's France helped Spain to a 2-1 victory.

When Mbappe scored in France's win over Croatia in the deciding match of the 2018 tournament, he was just 19 years and 207 days old. He therefore became only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final after a 17-year-old Pele in 1958.

FIFA 2026 | Lamine Yamal aims to reprise Mbappe by winning World Cup as teenager

A long-awaited new bridge between Canada and the United States, threatened by President Donald Trump earlier this year, will open for public use in late July, officials said Friday."Today, Canada and Michigan have agreed to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27, with the support of the United States Government," Canada's Ministry of Infrastructure said in a statement, adding the bridge " will be a vital economic link between Canada and the US -- generating billions of dollars in economic activity for decades to come."The CAN$6.4 billion ($4.5 billion) bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, has been under construction since 2018.Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said last month the bridge's inauguration had been delayed indefinitely at the request of the United States due to "technical issues."In February, Trump threatened to fully block the bridge, insisting that the United States had been treated unfairly in its construction and that it should be "at least half" US-owned.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1-000-missiles-locked-and-loaded-trump-threatens-iran-amid-assassination-plot-fears-1783749255771">‘1,000 missiles locked and loaded’: Trump threatens Iran amid assassination plot fears</a>Trump on Saturday congratulated and thanked the Canadian government."I was able to cut a MUCH BETTER DEAL for America, and by so doing, will be allowing the new and spectacular Gordie Howe International Bridge, spanning Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, to open on July 27th, as scheduled," he wrote on his Truth Social platform."The original deal made was unacceptable to me! The new deal is great, and fair."According to a fact sheet issued by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, the bridge was financed entirely by Canada and will be jointly owned by Canada and the US state of Michigan.It is named after late Canadian-born National Hockey League great and Detroit Red Wings star Gordie Howe, in what was meant to be a symbol of unity between Canada and the United States.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

According to a fact sheet issued by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, the bridge was financed entirely by Canada and will be jointly owned by Canada and the US state of Michigan.

A long-awaited new bridge between Canada and the United States, threatened by President Donald Trump earlier this year, will open for public use in late July, officials said Friday. "Today, Canada and Michigan have agreed to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27, with the support of the United States Government," Canada's Ministry of Infrastructure said in a statement, adding the bridge " will be a vital economic link between Canada and the US -- generating billions of dollars in economic activity for decades to come." The CAN$6.4 billion ($4.5 billion) bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, has been under construction since 2018. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said last month the bridge's inauguration had been delayed indefinitely at the request of the United States due to "technical issues." In February, Trump threatened to fully block the bridge, insisting that the United States had been treated unfairly in its construction and that it should be "at least half" US-owned. Also read | ‘1,000 missiles locked and loaded’: Trump threatens Iran amid assassination plot fears Trump on Saturday congratulated and thanked the Canadian government. "I was able to cut a MUCH BETTER DEAL for America, and by so doing, will be allowing the new and spectacular Gordie Howe International Bridge, spanning Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, to open on July 27th, as scheduled," he wrote on his Truth Social platform. "The original deal made was unacceptable to me! The new deal is great, and fair." According to a fact sheet issued by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, the bridge was financed entirely by Canada and will be jointly owned by Canada and the US state of Michigan. It is named after late Canadian-born National Hockey League great and Detroit Red Wings star Gordie Howe, in what was meant to be a symbol of unity between Canada and the United States. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

According to a fact sheet issued by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, the bridge was financed entirely by Canada and will be jointly owned by Canada and the US state of Michigan.

‘New deal is great’: Trump announces US-Canada bridge to open on July 27

Norway coach Stale Solbakken said the showdown between Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will go a long way to deciding his side's World Cup quarter-final against England on Saturday.Haaland has struck seven times in his first four appearances at a major tournament to fire Norway to the last eight for the first time on their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-fa-investigates-suspected-cyberattack-after-controversial-fifa-world-cup-win-against-egypt-1783715129494">Hacked? Argentina FA investigates shocking emails after dramatic win over Egypt</a>Kane is just one goal behind the Manchester City striker for the tournament after taking his World Cup tally to 14 as he has helped England reach a third consecutive quarter-final."I think it's Norway versus England but I don't think it is a secret that Kane is the match winner number one for England and Haaland is the match winner number one for us," Solbakken said at his pre-match press conference in Miami.

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Solbakken's counterpart Thomas Tuchel was recruited by the English Football Association to get a talented generation of players over the line after a series of narrow misses at major tournaments under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.By contrast, Norway are in their first major tournament of any kind for 26 years and have exceeded expectations, most notably in stunning 2-1 win against Brazil thanks to Haaland's late double in the last 16."Every game has been the most important (in history) for Norwegian football, especially in the knockout rounds, so this is the third time it is the most important game," added Solbakken. "I feel the players are in a relaxed but competitive mood."I think England has more pressure than us, but we also put pressure on our performance. When the game has started I don't think the players think so much about the pressure when it's eleven versus eleven."Norway's progress has caught the imagination at home and across the Atlantic in the United States.Their fans' Viking row celebration has become one of the iconic images of the tournament, while Haaland's status as a global star has soared thanks to his goalscoring prowess on the pitch and jovial personality off it."I think the whole of Norway is looking forward to tomorrow. We've had some great nights in this World Cup before and it brings the country together," said Solbakken."Maybe this will never come back to Norway because I think we will qualify more. Every time (now) we have a possibility to go through to a European Championship or a World Cup. But now it's 26 years since we had it last time."The match in south Florida could be impacted by brutal heat and humidity that is forecast around the 5:00 pm local time (2100 GMT) kick-off.Miami is currently under a heat advisory from the US National Weather Service with "feels like" temperatures rising beyond 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit)."We have trained very lightly. We haven't done much hard work. We are with the tactical sessions, but in a lower tempo and not trained for long periods. So it's all about being fresh tomorrow," said Solbakken, whose side have trained in Miami for the past three days.The two countries, he said, would have to get “used to the same conditions.”

Haaland has struck seven times in his first four appearances at a major tournament to fire Norway to the last eight for the first time on their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken said the showdown between Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will go a long way to deciding his side's World Cup quarter-final against England on Saturday. Haaland has struck seven times in his first four appearances at a major tournament to fire Norway to the last eight for the first time on their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Also Read - Hacked? Argentina FA investigates shocking emails after dramatic win over Egypt Kane is just one goal behind the Manchester City striker for the tournament after taking his World Cup tally to 14 as he has helped England reach a third consecutive quarter-final. "I think it's Norway versus England but I don't think it is a secret that Kane is the match winner number one for England and Haaland is the match winner number one for us," Solbakken said at his pre-match press conference in Miami.

Haaland has struck seven times in his first four appearances at a major tournament to fire Norway to the last eight for the first time on their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.

FIFA 2026 | 'It is Haaland vs Kane,' says Norway coach Stale Solbakken ahead of QF

A lanky businessman ventures into a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and savours his meal alone.&nbsp;It's a mundane premise for a TV show, yet Japan's "The Solitary Gourmet" draws a cult-like following around Asia, captivating millions of viewers with its simplicity, nostalgia and deeply quirky Japanese feel.&nbsp;Combining culinary discovery with the showcase of local heritage, the show centres on fictional entrepreneur Goro Inogashira, who drives around in his Mini, using brief business meetings as a pretext for his gastronomic wanderings. On a shoot for an episode of the latest season, which AFP visited, actor Yutaka Matsushige studies the menu at a tuna restaurant where the camera crew has set up, asks the owner for her recommendations, then suggests a rewrite of the script.&nbsp;"The atmosphere of a restaurant, the welcome from the owners... all of that creates a story that Goro immerses himself in, and you immediately feel the life experience and history of the person behind the stove," Matsushige told AFP.&nbsp;"When we talk with them, they sometimes suggest dishes that weren't planned, and we add them in during the shoot," he said.&nbsp;The 63-year-old actor has been playing Inogashira, invariably dressed in a suit and tie, on screen since 2012.&nbsp;The character is also the star of the eponymous manga by Jiro Taniguchi and Masayuki Kusumi on which the show is based.<h2>Nostalgia in a bowl of soup</h2>That original work "is less a story in the traditional sense than wanderings through unfamiliar regions where you simply stop to eat", Matsushige said.&nbsp;"I wanted viewers to almost feel like they were watching a documentary," explained the actor, who over the course of his career has worked with a clutch of prominent Japanese filmmakers such as Takashi Miike, Kiyoshi Kurosawa and Takeshi Kitano. During the show, Goro's internal musings about other diners at the restaurant as he nods approvingly at the food, peppered with close-ups of the dish, make for a distinctly Japanese experience.&nbsp;Broadcast late at night in Japan, the series had at first very modest ratings before gradually finding its audience, including in Taiwan and South Korea, where some episodes were filmed. A Mandarin remake shot in Taiwan was also released.&nbsp;Despite the success of the manga in Europe, the series is only available on YouTube.Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol, sentenced in February to life in prison for insurrection, declared in 2023 that he was a devoted fan.&nbsp;For Matsushige, this success stems from the work's uniqueness.&nbsp;"Nowadays, people expect TV series to be easy to follow and spectacular," he said."The expression of subtle nuances, like the nostalgia you feel while drinking a bowl of soup, is being lost."&nbsp;With this show, "we wanted everyone to be able to have their own interpretation... I'd like the series to evoke abroad a sensibility closer to Yasujiro Ozu's films", which capture the subtle nuances of everyday life, than to the more grand and spectacular films of Akira Kurosawa.&nbsp;A film adaptation, written and directed by Matsushige and partially shot in France, was released in Japan last year.<h2>Lifetime of experience&nbsp;</h2>The series also aims to support the family-run restaurants that host the shoots, which are never too chic or trendy, so as not to clash with Goro's character, noted producer Shiori Kojima.&nbsp;But often the eateries brought into the spotlight subsequently see long lines forming at their doors.&nbsp;Kenji Kamagata, 71, who has run his tuna restaurant for nearly three decades, admits he had previously refused any television appearance for that reason, changing his mind only because he is a "huge fan" of Matsushige.&nbsp;The actor says he takes his family to dine in the restaurants where he has filmed, but always before the episode airs.&nbsp;"Many traditional restaurants are gradually being replaced by chains," but those featured in the series "are often run by elderly people who are keeping their know-how alive," said Matsushige.&nbsp;"You understand that the katsudon (a bowl of rice topped with breaded pork cutlet) is the fruit of an entire lifetime of experience.&nbsp;"That's what makes the dish so delicious."

It's a mundane premise for a TV show,  yet The Solitary Gourmet draws a cult-like following around Asia, captivating millions of viewers with its simplicity, nostalgia and deeply quirky Japanese feel.

A lanky businessman ventures into a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and savours his meal alone. It's a mundane premise for a TV show, yet Japan's "The Solitary Gourmet" draws a cult-like following around Asia, captivating millions of viewers with its simplicity, nostalgia and deeply quirky Japanese feel. Combining culinary discovery with the showcase of local heritage, the show centres on fictional entrepreneur Goro Inogashira, who drives around in his Mini, using brief business meetings as a pretext for his gastronomic wanderings. On a shoot for an episode of the latest season, which AFP visited, actor Yutaka Matsushige studies the menu at a tuna restaurant where the camera crew has set up, asks the owner for her recommendations, then suggests a rewrite of the script. "The atmosphere of a restaurant, the welcome from the owners... all of that creates a story that Goro immerses himself in, and you immediately feel the life experience and history of the person behind the stove," Matsushige told AFP. "When we talk with them, they sometimes suggest dishes that weren't planned, and we add them in during the shoot," he said. The 63-year-old actor has been playing Inogashira, invariably dressed in a suit and tie, on screen since 2012. The character is also the star of the eponymous manga by Jiro Taniguchi and Masayuki Kusumi on which the show is based. Nostalgia in a bowl of soup That original work "is less a story in the traditional sense than wanderings through unfamiliar regions where you simply stop to eat", Matsushige said. "I wanted viewers to almost feel like they were watching a documentary," explained the actor, who over the course of his career has worked with a clutch of prominent Japanese filmmakers such as Takashi Miike, Kiyoshi Kurosawa and Takeshi Kitano. During the show, Goro's internal musings about other diners at the restaurant as he nods approvingly at the food, peppered with close-ups of the dish, make for a distinctly Japanese experience. Broadcast late at night in Japan, the series had at first very modest ratings before gradually finding its audience, including in Taiwan and South Korea, where some episodes were filmed. A Mandarin remake shot in Taiwan was also released. Despite the success of the manga in Europe, the series is only available on YouTube. Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol, sentenced in February to life in prison for insurrection, declared in 2023 that he was a devoted fan. For Matsushige, this success stems from the work's uniqueness. "Nowadays, people expect TV series to be easy to follow and spectacular," he said. "The expression of subtle nuances, like the nostalgia you feel while drinking a bowl of soup, is being lost." With this show, "we wanted everyone to be able to have their own interpretation... I'd like the series to evoke abroad a sensibility closer to Yasujiro Ozu's films", which capture the subtle nuances of everyday life, than to the more grand and spectacular films of Akira Kurosawa. A film adaptation, written and directed by Matsushige and partially shot in France, was released in Japan last year. Lifetime of experience The series also aims to support the family-run restaurants that host the shoots, which are never too chic or trendy, so as not to clash with Goro's character, noted producer Shiori Kojima. But often the eateries brought into the spotlight subsequently see long lines forming at their doors. Kenji Kamagata, 71, who has run his tuna restaurant for nearly three decades, admits he had previously refused any television appearance for that reason, changing his mind only because he is a "huge fan" of Matsushige. The actor says he takes his family to dine in the restaurants where he has filmed, but always before the episode airs. "Many traditional restaurants are gradually being replaced by chains," but those featured in the series "are often run by elderly people who are keeping their know-how alive," said Matsushige. "You understand that the katsudon (a bowl of rice topped with breaded pork cutlet) is the fruit of an entire lifetime of experience. "That's what makes the dish so delicious."

It's a mundane premise for a TV show, &nbsp;yet The Solitary Gourmet draws a cult-like following around Asia, captivating millions of viewers with its simplicity, nostalgia and deeply quirky Japanese feel.

Table for one: how Japan's 'Solitary Gourmet' became a TV hit

Coach Rudi Garcia said "everyone" expects his Belgium team to be eliminated by Spain in Friday's World Cup quarter-final, but backed his side to pull off a famous victory. European champions Spain enter the match in Los Angeles as strong favorites, having not conceded a goal all tournament.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mbappe-dembele-fire-france-into-fifa-world-cup-2026-semifinals-beat-morocco-2-0-1783634367156">Mbappe, Dembele fire France into FIFA World Cup 2026 semis, beat Morocco 2-0</a>Belgium have had a more testing time of it, only narrowly topping their group after two draws with Egypt and Iran, and requiring a late comeback to dispatch Senegal.But at a press conference Thursday, Garcia appeared to relish being dubbed the "underdog."

"Everyone is already talking about us going home. But we think that we can do it," said the coach."We think we can pull it off, and we're going to do everything we can to get to the semis."Belgium did find their feet in Monday's round-of-16 clash, thrashing the United States 4-1 to end the hopes of the World Cup co-hosts.Garcia pointed out that Belgium are among the tournament's top scorers, behind only France and Argentina with 13 goals. The Belgians' 107 shots are second only to France, who have played a game more.Asked if he was concerned a predominantly American crowd in Los Angeles could be hostile as a result of Belgium's victory over the US, Garcia said it was the least of his concerns."We just beat the US, obviously, and again at a stadium where everyone was against us. So I don't think the conditions will be any more difficult tomorrow," said the coach.He added: "It's not the fans that score the goals. We're going to focus on what we can do. We've got enough on our plate with the Spanish squad that is a wonderful footballing team."And even if we're the underdog for tomorrow, we're going to do everything we can to give them a run for their money."Belgium's veteran striker Romelu Lukaku echoed his manager's words, telling journalists that "if you manage to get this far, then you're not going to play a game just to go home.""I think we also have the necessary talent. Tomorrow we need to play the perfect game," said Lukaku.

Belgium have had a more testing time of it, only narrowly topping their group after two draws with Egypt and Iran, and requiring a late comeback to dispatch Senegal.

Coach Rudi Garcia said "everyone" expects his Belgium team to be eliminated by Spain in Friday's World Cup quarter-final, but backed his side to pull off a famous victory. European champions Spain enter the match in Los Angeles as strong favorites, having not conceded a goal all tournament. Also Read - Mbappe, Dembele fire France into FIFA World Cup 2026 semis, beat Morocco 2-0 Belgium have had a more testing time of it, only narrowly topping their group after two draws with Egypt and Iran, and requiring a late comeback to dispatch Senegal. But at a press conference Thursday, Garcia appeared to relish being dubbed the "underdog."

Belgium have had a more testing time of it, only narrowly topping their group after two draws with Egypt and Iran, and requiring a late comeback to dispatch Senegal.

FIFA 2026 | Coach Rudi Garcia says everyone 'expects' Belgium to lose against Spain

In the heart of old Baghdad, legendary movie theatres stand abandoned and shrouded in dust, bearing witness to Iraq's once-vibrant cultural scene.&nbsp;A few kilometres away, director Ali al-Bayati oversees his camera operators as they adjust their lenses for a scene in his upcoming horror film, which he hopes to showcase internationally as a new generation of Iraqi filmmakers drives an industry comeback.&nbsp;Momentum is building, bolstered by recent international recognition for the Iraqi film "The President's Cake", which captures life under crippling sanctions during Saddam Hussein's rule.&nbsp;"Reviving the cinema sector in Iraq is not easy, but it is not impossible either," Bayati told AFP.&nbsp;For decades, Iraq's cultural and cinematic scenes flourished.&nbsp;Film production in Iraq began in the 1940s -- notably with titles co-produced with Egypt -- reaching its peak in the 1950s.&nbsp;Among the most celebrated productions of that era was Kameran Hosni's film "Said Effendi" (1956), a work recently restored as part of the Iraqi Cinematheque project supported by France, and screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025.&nbsp;But then everything changed.&nbsp;With Saddam Hussein's rise to power in the 1970s, cinema became a propaganda tool.&nbsp;This was followed by decades of war, sectarian strife and jihadist insurgency after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Hussein, ultimately snuffing out the golden age of Iraqi cinema.&nbsp;Baghdad's old movie theatres that once drew film enthusiasts are now barely standing, with their faded walls, old doors and broken signs.&nbsp;Dilapidated shops crowd the entrance to the Granada Cinema, with clothes hanging directly on the street. Other theatres have been repurposed as warehouses, with a few old movie posters still clinging to their walls.<h2>The old and the new&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;In recent years, a fragile stability has begun to revive Iraqis' appetite for entertainment and returned focus to Baghdad's cultural scene.&nbsp;Authorities seized the opportunity last year, launching an initiative to support 58 film projects.&nbsp;But the funding pool is just four million dollars, an amount that would fund only a single project in other countries, said Wareth Kwaish of the government-led initiative.&nbsp;Authorities are also working to recover Iraq's historic cinema archive in the country and abroad.&nbsp;And Baghdad has signed cinematic cooperation agreements with France to support its film industry.&nbsp;Still, the industry remains short on funding and support, making every production a gamble.&nbsp;Filmmakers rely on small grants, said Bayati, who hopes to market his movie in the US and European countries and is among those who benefited from government funding.&nbsp;The key for him is gaining the trust of Iraqi audiences to "generate revenues that would lead to sustainability in work and production", he said.&nbsp;Most Iraqi moviegoers today frequent multi-screen theatres in shopping malls where Hollywood and Egyptian movies dominate the screens, rather than the classic venues.&nbsp;Syrian filmmaker Abdulhadi al-Rakeb, who made a documentary about Iraq's old movie theatres, said their closure has led to "the disappearance of a culture of watching films in theatres and, as a result, a decline in the very idea of filmmaking".<h2>‘Cautiously optimistic’</h2>&nbsp;Recently, "The President's Cake", the Iraqi film that won a prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival last year, finally started screening in Iraq.&nbsp;The movie follows the story of a young girl selected to bake a cake for Saddam's birthday at a time when sanctions made it almost impossible to find the ingredients.&nbsp;Although the movie was shot in Iraq, the production faced many challenges.&nbsp;Director Hasan Hadi said a shortage of experienced Iraqi film crews forced him to bring in European professionals.&nbsp;"The local crew were not aware of international standards," and the foreign crew were unfamiliar with the local cultural context, which created "more problems for us", he said.&nbsp;According to Hadi, the lack of local crews is one of several reasons Iraqi filmmakers have been unable to work in their own country.&nbsp;He believes the sector needs workshops to develop local talent, increased funding and better overall organisation.&nbsp;"I am cautiously optimistic," Hadi said.&nbsp;“There are more people who want to tell their stories and make films, but not enough resources.”

Driven by a fragile stability, a new generation of Iraqi filmmakers is working to revive the country’s once-flourishing cinema sector, which peaked in the 1950s but was devastated by decades of propaganda, war, and political unrest.

In the heart of old Baghdad, legendary movie theatres stand abandoned and shrouded in dust, bearing witness to Iraq's once-vibrant cultural scene. A few kilometres away, director Ali al-Bayati oversees his camera operators as they adjust their lenses for a scene in his upcoming horror film, which he hopes to showcase internationally as a new generation of Iraqi filmmakers drives an industry comeback. Momentum is building, bolstered by recent international recognition for the Iraqi film "The President's Cake", which captures life under crippling sanctions during Saddam Hussein's rule. "Reviving the cinema sector in Iraq is not easy, but it is not impossible either," Bayati told AFP. For decades, Iraq's cultural and cinematic scenes flourished. Film production in Iraq began in the 1940s -- notably with titles co-produced with Egypt -- reaching its peak in the 1950s. Among the most celebrated productions of that era was Kameran Hosni's film "Said Effendi" (1956), a work recently restored as part of the Iraqi Cinematheque project supported by France, and screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025. But then everything changed. With Saddam Hussein's rise to power in the 1970s, cinema became a propaganda tool. This was followed by decades of war, sectarian strife and jihadist insurgency after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Hussein, ultimately snuffing out the golden age of Iraqi cinema. Baghdad's old movie theatres that once drew film enthusiasts are now barely standing, with their faded walls, old doors and broken signs. Dilapidated shops crowd the entrance to the Granada Cinema, with clothes hanging directly on the street. Other theatres have been repurposed as warehouses, with a few old movie posters still clinging to their walls. The old and the new In recent years, a fragile stability has begun to revive Iraqis' appetite for entertainment and returned focus to Baghdad's cultural scene. Authorities seized the opportunity last year, launching an initiative to support 58 film projects. But the funding pool is just four million dollars, an amount that would fund only a single project in other countries, said Wareth Kwaish of the government-led initiative. Authorities are also working to recover Iraq's historic cinema archive in the country and abroad. And Baghdad has signed cinematic cooperation agreements with France to support its film industry. Still, the industry remains short on funding and support, making every production a gamble. Filmmakers rely on small grants, said Bayati, who hopes to market his movie in the US and European countries and is among those who benefited from government funding. The key for him is gaining the trust of Iraqi audiences to "generate revenues that would lead to sustainability in work and production", he said. Most Iraqi moviegoers today frequent multi-screen theatres in shopping malls where Hollywood and Egyptian movies dominate the screens, rather than the classic venues. Syrian filmmaker Abdulhadi al-Rakeb, who made a documentary about Iraq's old movie theatres, said their closure has led to "the disappearance of a culture of watching films in theatres and, as a result, a decline in the very idea of filmmaking". ‘Cautiously optimistic’ Recently, "The President's Cake", the Iraqi film that won a prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival last year, finally started screening in Iraq. The movie follows the story of a young girl selected to bake a cake for Saddam's birthday at a time when sanctions made it almost impossible to find the ingredients. Although the movie was shot in Iraq, the production faced many challenges. Director Hasan Hadi said a shortage of experienced Iraqi film crews forced him to bring in European professionals. "The local crew were not aware of international standards," and the foreign crew were unfamiliar with the local cultural context, which created "more problems for us", he said. According to Hadi, the lack of local crews is one of several reasons Iraqi filmmakers have been unable to work in their own country. He believes the sector needs workshops to develop local talent, increased funding and better overall organisation. "I am cautiously optimistic," Hadi said. “There are more people who want to tell their stories and make films, but not enough resources.”

Driven by a fragile stability, a new generation of Iraqi filmmakers is working to revive the country’s once-flourishing cinema sector, which peaked in the 1950s but was devastated by decades of propaganda, war, and political unrest.

'Not easy, but not impossible': Iraq's film industry sees slow revival

Paramount Skydance said Wednesday it was hoping the EU would approve its $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, after it submitted a proposal to address related competition concerns.&nbsp;"We can confirm that today we have submitted a remedy to the European Commission," the US media conglomerate told AFP, without specifying what measures it had suggested.&nbsp;Paramount Skydance said it was "confident that this remedy directly and comprehensively addresses any concerns" raised by Brussels and supports "the path for timely clearance."&nbsp;The commission, the European Union's antitrust watchdog, has given itself until July 22 to decide on the acquisition, which has already been approved by the US Justice Department.&nbsp;It declined to comment on the content of the Paramount Skydance proposals, which according to US media includes an offer to pull out from a film distribution joint venture with Universal Pictures.&nbsp;Hollywood is uneasy about the takeover deal, which has been largely financed by one of President Donald Trump's closest billionaire allies.&nbsp;Hundreds of actors and directors have signed a letter opposing the merger, warning it will choke production in an industry already battered by years of consolidation and cost-cutting.&nbsp;The combined company would control a sprawling roster of assets, including CNN, Warner Bros. Pictures and the HBO Max streaming service.&nbsp;The deal is also awaiting approval in Britain, where the government announced Tuesday it may launch a more extensive review to ensure that media diversity is preserved.

Hundreds of actors and directors have signed a letter opposing the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros, warning it will choke production in an industry already battered by years of consolidation and cost-cutting.

Paramount Skydance said Wednesday it was hoping the EU would approve its $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, after it submitted a proposal to address related competition concerns. "We can confirm that today we have submitted a remedy to the European Commission," the US media conglomerate told AFP, without specifying what measures it had suggested. Paramount Skydance said it was "confident that this remedy directly and comprehensively addresses any concerns" raised by Brussels and supports "the path for timely clearance." The commission, the European Union's antitrust watchdog, has given itself until July 22 to decide on the acquisition, which has already been approved by the US Justice Department. It declined to comment on the content of the Paramount Skydance proposals, which according to US media includes an offer to pull out from a film distribution joint venture with Universal Pictures. Hollywood is uneasy about the takeover deal, which has been largely financed by one of President Donald Trump's closest billionaire allies. Hundreds of actors and directors have signed a letter opposing the merger, warning it will choke production in an industry already battered by years of consolidation and cost-cutting. The combined company would control a sprawling roster of assets, including CNN, Warner Bros. Pictures and the HBO Max streaming service. The deal is also awaiting approval in Britain, where the government announced Tuesday it may launch a more extensive review to ensure that media diversity is preserved.

Hundreds of actors and directors have signed a letter opposing the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros, warning it will choke production in an industry already battered by years of consolidation and cost-cutting.

Paramount offers EU remedies to greenlight Warner deal

American director Carl Rinsch, known for the 2013 film "47 Ronin," was sentenced Monday to 30 months in prison for defrauding Netflix of millions of dollars, prosecutors in New York announced.&nbsp;Rinsch was convicted last year of misspending $11 million paid to him by the streaming platform in 2020 to create a science fiction series called "White Horse."&nbsp;"Instead of using the money to make the show, Rinsch made risky bets on highly speculative stock options and cryptocurrency, and spent millions of dollars on luxury goods for himself," US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton said in a statement.&nbsp;Among the purchases Rinsch allegedly made were luxury clothing and furniture, a red Ferrari and five Rolls-Royces.&nbsp;In addition to the prison sentence, Rinsch, 48, was ordered to forfeit $11 million.His lawyers had pleaded for leniency from the judge overseeing the case, arguing that the misuse of funds happened "under the enormity of pressure" in his career and during an "incredibly contentious divorce."&nbsp;Although Netflix was never named by prosecutors, Rinsch was previously reported to be in a dispute with the company over a planned series initially titled "White Horse" and later renamed "Conquest."&nbsp;The show, according to court documents, was meant to focus on a scientist who creates a group of powerful clones "banished to a walled area in a Brazilian city, where they began developing advanced technology and came into conflict with humans and each other."Rinsch began his feature film directorial career with "47 Ronin," starring Keanu Reeves.&nbsp;Ahead of Rinsch's sentencing, Reeves wrote to the judge to ask for "leniency and mercy" for his former director, calling him an "exceptional artist" who was prone to "self-sabotage."

Carl Rinsch was convicted last year of misspending $11 million paid to him by the streaming platform in 2020 to create a science fiction series called White Horse.

American director Carl Rinsch, known for the 2013 film "47 Ronin," was sentenced Monday to 30 months in prison for defrauding Netflix of millions of dollars, prosecutors in New York announced. Rinsch was convicted last year of misspending $11 million paid to him by the streaming platform in 2020 to create a science fiction series called "White Horse." "Instead of using the money to make the show, Rinsch made risky bets on highly speculative stock options and cryptocurrency, and spent millions of dollars on luxury goods for himself," US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton said in a statement. Among the purchases Rinsch allegedly made were luxury clothing and furniture, a red Ferrari and five Rolls-Royces. In addition to the prison sentence, Rinsch, 48, was ordered to forfeit $11 million. His lawyers had pleaded for leniency from the judge overseeing the case, arguing that the misuse of funds happened "under the enormity of pressure" in his career and during an "incredibly contentious divorce." Although Netflix was never named by prosecutors, Rinsch was previously reported to be in a dispute with the company over a planned series initially titled "White Horse" and later renamed "Conquest." The show, according to court documents, was meant to focus on a scientist who creates a group of powerful clones "banished to a walled area in a Brazilian city, where they began developing advanced technology and came into conflict with humans and each other." Rinsch began his feature film directorial career with "47 Ronin," starring Keanu Reeves. Ahead of Rinsch's sentencing, Reeves wrote to the judge to ask for "leniency and mercy" for his former director, calling him an "exceptional artist" who was prone to "self-sabotage."

Carl Rinsch was convicted last year of misspending $11 million paid to him by the streaming platform in 2020 to create a science fiction series called White Horse.

US director sentenced to 30 months for defrauding Netflix

Tech giant Apple views movie theaters as allies in its fight to carve out a space for its platform in the competitive streaming sector, a top company executive told AFP.&nbsp;The firm, which launched Apple TV+ in 2019 without any third-party content, has won over critics in recent years, and is so far the only streaming platform to win the best picture Oscar, with "CODA" in 2022.&nbsp;It also shook up the box office with "F1: The Movie," the high-octane motor racing drama starring Brad Pitt, which grossed $634.1 million worldwide and earned the company another Academy Award this year, this time for best sound.&nbsp;After years of wariness between movie theaters and streaming services, Eddy Cue, the company's senior vice president of services and health, said Apple is committed to producing films for both platforms, allowing them to play out their theatrical runs based on audience demand rather than adhering to rigid release windows.&nbsp;"If a movie like 'F1' was on theatrical longer than 45 days (it was) because people wanted to watch it theatrically, they wanted to watch it in an IMAX theater," he told AFP.&nbsp;"Theatrical is a great experience, it's here to stay, and I think it's growing."&nbsp;While viewers might initially want to see a blockbuster on a big screen, they love the chance to rewatch it when it turns up on the streaming service, now rebranded as Apple TV.&nbsp;Cinema and streaming are "very complementary. I think they can both work together," Cue said.&nbsp;The company, headquartered in California, is gearing up to produce a sequel to "F1," with Cue saying the plot and script are currently in development.&nbsp;It "was the biggest sports movie of all time. It was Brad Pitt's biggest movie of all time, and I do think that people want to see another one," he said.&nbsp;Cue, who has been credited with revolutionizing Apple's services sector, was recognized this week as the Entertainment Person of the Year at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

After years of wariness between movie theaters and streaming services, Apple is committed to producing films for both platforms. The films will typically play out their theatrical runs based on audience demand before releasing on streaming app. 

Tech giant Apple views movie theaters as allies in its fight to carve out a space for its platform in the competitive streaming sector, a top company executive told AFP. The firm, which launched Apple TV+ in 2019 without any third-party content, has won over critics in recent years, and is so far the only streaming platform to win the best picture Oscar, with "CODA" in 2022. It also shook up the box office with "F1: The Movie," the high-octane motor racing drama starring Brad Pitt, which grossed $634.1 million worldwide and earned the company another Academy Award this year, this time for best sound. After years of wariness between movie theaters and streaming services, Eddy Cue, the company's senior vice president of services and health, said Apple is committed to producing films for both platforms, allowing them to play out their theatrical runs based on audience demand rather than adhering to rigid release windows. "If a movie like 'F1' was on theatrical longer than 45 days (it was) because people wanted to watch it theatrically, they wanted to watch it in an IMAX theater," he told AFP. "Theatrical is a great experience, it's here to stay, and I think it's growing." While viewers might initially want to see a blockbuster on a big screen, they love the chance to rewatch it when it turns up on the streaming service, now rebranded as Apple TV. Cinema and streaming are "very complementary. I think they can both work together," Cue said. The company, headquartered in California, is gearing up to produce a sequel to "F1," with Cue saying the plot and script are currently in development. It "was the biggest sports movie of all time. It was Brad Pitt's biggest movie of all time, and I do think that people want to see another one," he said. Cue, who has been credited with revolutionizing Apple's services sector, was recognized this week as the Entertainment Person of the Year at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

After years of wariness between movie theaters and streaming services, Apple is committed to producing films for both platforms. The films will typically play out their theatrical runs based on audience demand before releasing on streaming app.&nbsp;

Movie theaters are allies for streamers like us, Apple exec says

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