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The stars were out on both coasts for the 2025 Writers Guild Awards on Saturday (February 15).

The annual awards show honors outstanding writing in film, television, streaming, news, radio, and promotional categories.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story star Nicholas Alexander Chavez was in attendance at the New York ceremony, held at Edison Ballroom, where he took the stage to present.

Joining him in NYC included Ilana Glazer, Bowen Yang, J Smith Cameron, Roy Wood Jr, Busy Philipps, Jelani Alladin, Julio Torres, Celine Song, Sandra Oh, Jesse Eisenberg and Michael Cyril Creighton.

On the West Coast, stars like Kiernan Shipka and Erin Foster were among those attending the LA ceremony at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

Keep reading to find out more…

Also at the LA event included Megan Park, Justine Lupe, Ernie Hudson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lisa Ann Walter, Adele Lim, Joel Kim Booster, Utkarsh Ambudkar and his wife Naomi,...

The 77th annual Writers Guild Awards were handed out on Saturday in concurrent ceremonies at the Edison Ballroom in New York and Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

Shōgun took home the prize for Best New Series, beating out fellow first-time nominees such as English Teacher, Nobody Wants This, Fallout and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The Hulu series also won for Best Drama and Episodic Drama, while Max’s Hacks took home the trophy for Best Comedy, and HBO’s The Penguin won for Limited Series.

More from TVLinePaleyFest 2025: Agatha All Along, Matlock, Hacks, Cobra Kai and More Join LineupWriters Guild Awards 2025: Evil,...

Anora kept up its impressive run to the Oscars on Saturday, adding the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Original Screenplay to its considerable haul. The win for the the Sean Baker film came a week after Anora swept the Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America top prizes, cementing itself as the frontrunner heading into the Academy Awards on March 2.

RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes‘ script forNickel Boys, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, scored for Best Adapted Screenplay at the WGA Awards, which honor the best writing in movies, television, news, and radio.

The key WGA categories of Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Screenplay are seen as a bellwether for the impending Academy Awards, though the nominees rarely match up. Scripts produced outside the guild’s collective bargaining agreement or written by a non-union member are deemed ineligible. This year, six...

Sean Baker’s Anora, written by Baker, and Nickel Boys, written by RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes, took the top film prizes at the 77th annual Writers Guild Awards tonight, for Original Screenplay and Adapted Screenplay, respectively. The awards were handed out in concurrent ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York. See the full winners list below.

On the TV side, it was a big night for HBO/Max, which won the Comedy Series award (Hacks), Limited Series (The Penguin), Comedy/Variety Series and Specials and TV & Streaming Movie categories, as well as for Disney/FX’s Shōgun, which topped the Drama & New Series fields.

Anora is coming off a string of wins, including top honors from Directors Guild and Producers Guild, putting it in frontrunner status for the Academy Awards. It’s nominated for six Oscars including Best Picture as well as Directing and Original Screenplay for Baker.

Ross...

With last year’s ceremony taking place in the shadow of the 2023 strikes and this year’s function in the aftermath of the Southern California wildfires, the 2025 WGA Awards have a lot of work to do when it comes to lifting the spirits of the entertainment industry. Thankfully, good writing always has.

As is tradition, events for the east and west coast branches of the Writer’s Guild are held concurrently today at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles and the Edison Ballroom in New York City. LA’s affair is hosted by actor/comedian Joel Kim Booster and kicks off at 4:30pm Pt. For those who want to tune in at home, you can watch the west coast soiree via livestream at that time.

While under normal circumstances, tonight’s results wouldn’t necessarily carry much water when it comes to the Oscars, this year’s awards race...

The Writers Guild of America West and Writers Guild of America East have chimed in with their selection of the best writing among television and film offerings of 2024. The 2025 WGA Awards nomination announcement was delayed a week due to the devastating fires that hit Los Angeles and scorched more than 40,000 acres. The guild currently plans to stick with its Saturday, February 15th date for the awards ceremony.

Ceremonies will take place in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton and in New York City as the Edison Ballroom.

WGA Awards 2025 Nominees

Original Screenplay

A Real Pain, Written by Jesse Eisenberg; Searchlight Pictures

Anora, Written by Sean Baker; Neon

Challengers, Written by Justin Kuritzkes; Amazon MGM Studios

Civil War, Written by Alex Garland; A24

My Old Ass, Written by Megan Park; Amazon MGM Studios

Adapted Screenplay

A Complete Unknown, Screenplay by James Mangold and Jay Cocks, Based on the Book Dylan Goes Electric!

TV’s best scribes are getting their moment in the spotlight: The Writers Guild of America West (Wgaw) and Writers Guild of America East (Wgae) have announced nominations for the 2025 Writers Guild Awards ceremony, which is to be held Saturday, Feb. 15.

The TV nominees include a number of first-timers, including the final season of Paramount+’s supernatural drama Evil, HBO’s Batman spinoff The Penguin and freshman series like Prime Video’s Fallout and FX’s Shōgun. Of course, usual suspects like Hacks, The Bear and Abbott Elementary are all present and accounted for as well.

More from TVLineSAG Awards 2025: Nobody Wants This Duo,...

While Hollywood continues to reel from the devastating L.A. wildfires, the WGA is honoring some of the film industry’s best and brightest by announcing the 77th annual Writers Guild Awards nominees. The yearly celebration of excellence in film, TV, new media, news, radio, and promotional writing is always a highlight of the year, as the event brings attention to many hard-working individuals across a broad spectrum of entertainment.

Anora, A Real Pain, Challengers, Civil War, and My Old Ass are among the films nominated for the Original Screenplay category, while shows like The Boys, The Diplomat, Fallout, Mr. & Mr.s Smith, and Shōgun compete for Drama Series excellence.

The WGA plans to announce the winners on February 15 in New York at the Edison Ballroom and in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton.

Here are the nominees for the 77th annual Writers Guild Awards:

Screenplay

Original Screenplay

A Real Pain,...

Hit Man and My Old Ass join awards heavyweights Anora, A Real Pain and Dune: Part Two in the Writers Guild of America (WGA) nominations announced on Wednesday after being delayed due to the ongoing LA wildfires.

Scroll down for nominations

Challengers and Civil War are included in the original screenplay category, while Wicked, Nickel Boys and A Complete Unknown are in contention for adapted screenplay.

Vying for documentary honours are Jim Henson: Idea Man, Kiss The Future, Martha, and War Game.

Eligibility rules excluded The Brutalist, Conclave,Emilia Perez,All We Imagine As Light,Hard Truths, andThe Outrun.

The...

Anora, A Complete Unknown, Challengers, Hit Man, and Wicked are among the 2025 Writers Guild of America Awards nominees.

In Best Original Screenplay, Anora and Challengers are up against A Real Pain, Civil War, and My Old Ass. The Best Adapted Screenplay lineup features A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two, Hit Man, Nickel Boys, and Wicked.

The nominations were announced Wednesday, a week after the guild postponed its scheduled Jan. 9 announcement due to the Los Angeles wildfires.

As previously reported, dozens of scripts — including several top Oscar hopefuls — were ineligible for consideration this year. A screenplay is ineligible if it’s produced outside of the WGA’s collective bargaining agreement or written by a non-union member.

The ineligible adapted scripts were Golden Globe champ Conclave (by Peter Straughan), Emilia Pérez (by Jacques Audiard), I’m Still Here (by Walter Salles), Inside Out 2 (by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein with a...

Despite having to postpone its announcement due to the turmoil currently being faced in Los Angeles as a result of the Southern California wildfires, the Writers Guild of America has now released its nominations for the 2025 WGA Awards.

The Writers Guild of America West (Wgaw) and Writers Guild of America East (Wgae) have revealed nominations for outstanding achievement in screenwriting, television, new media, news, radio/audio, and promotional writing for work released in 2024.

Screenplays for “A Real Pain,” “Anora,” “Challengers,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Wicked,” and “Nickel Boys” were all featured among the nominees. Surprise nods include Glen Powell and Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man,” Alex Garland’s “Civil War,” and Megan Park’s “My Old Ass,” boosting their chances as Oscar voting wraps up.

For those confused as to why some films aren’t represented amongst the nominations, “All We Imagine As Light,” “The Brutalist,” “A Different Man,” “Dídi,” “Hard Truths,...

Anora, Challengers, A Complete Unknown, Nickel Boys and Wicked are among the feature film screenplay nominees for the 77th annual Writers Guild Awards, which revealed its nominees Wednesday to honor the year’s best in film, TV, new media, news, radio and promotional writing.

Winners will be announced February 15 during concurrent ceremonies in New York at the Edison Ballroom and Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton.

Today’s nomination comes after the WGA delayed its announcements from last week due to the impact of the devastating wildfires across Los Angeles last week. Several groups delayed their noms announcements in order to extend voting deadlines including the Oscars.

Last year’s WGA Awards saw The Holdovers and American Fiction win the top film awards at the strike-delayed ceremony, which came after the Oscars were handed out and Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction won the Academy Award for Adapted Screenplay.

Here’s...

The 2025 Writers Guild Awards nominations have finally been revealed.

The original screenplay nominees are A Real Pain, Anora, Challengers, Civil War and My Old Ass. The adapted screenplay nominees are A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two, Hit Man, Nickel Boys and Wicked.

Top awards contenders The Brutalist, Conclave, Emilia Pérez, Sing Sing and The Substance were not eligible for the WGA Awards’ adapted or original screenplay nominations.

On the TV side, Fallout, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Shogun and The Simpsons all lead with three nominations each, followed by two nominations apiece for The Bear, Bob’s Burgers, English Teacher and Hacks.

The guild was originally set to announce this year’s nominees on Thursday, Jan. 9, but the announcement was delayed twice amid the wildfires that have burned large areas of Los Angeles. The WGA originally set Monday as its new announcement date before again delaying the news “until further notice.” The...

A lot of great movies, actors, and screenplays fall through the cracks during awards season as the Oscars race typically narrows to a handful of expected nominees. That's why it's fun to see what earns attention with some of the other more niche awards bodies. The Writers Guild of America...

Last month we held our annual Film Independent Forum at the DGA complex here in LA. Not only was there great networking opportunities like Industry Connect, screenings like Will & Harper and a 10th anniversary showing of The Babadook, but there were great panels where industry insiders shared their thoughts on the present and future of the art and business of independent filmmaking.

Today we’d like to share with you just some of these conversations. The topics range from the state of indie financing, to adapting stories for our climate impacted future, to taking meetings in your local laundromat. This year also had a special global emphasis, which is especially timely in an era where the next Oscar winner or streaming hit could come from anywhere and be made anywhere.

So many talented people shared their experiences navigating making movies, selling movies and sharing movies across the globe. Take...

Yes, the Film Independent Forum is back, happily in person again, and with a new global twist. With so much going over the two days, we wanted to highlight some of the panels and events we missed in our last post on the Forum.

Of course, there will still be the great screenings, networking and workshops that the Forum is known for. September 27 & 28, in person at the DGA in Los Angeles. Tickets are still available.

Keynote By Hiro Murai Moderated By Daniel Kwan

What: In case you missed it, our keynote speaker this year is Hiro Murai. With a very distinct voice and visual style, Hiro Murai has established himself as one of the most innovative artists working today. In particular, Murai’s ten-year artistic collaboration with Childish Gambino produced one of the most acclaimed shows of the century, Atlanta; garnered him a Grammy Award for the music video for...

“Hacks,” “Fellow Travelers,” “Black Cake” and Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” were among the big winners on Thursday as Humanitas revealed its 2024 Humanitas Prize recipients. The ceremony, held at Avalon Hollywood, revealed honors in nine juried categories, including TV, film and documentary fields.

“We actually got something friends,” “Origin” filmmaker Ava DuVernay said in accepting the award for drama feature — which had been previously snubbed through last year’s Oscars season. “We went through that whole awards gauntlet, and then this popped up in the summer, and I thought, ‘wow, they’re kind of off kilter for the award season!’ Because they don’t care about that… they’re doing something different. This award show that is about doing something with this medium that matters. Yes, entertainment matters, but we have such a powerful voice, such a powerful platform. So I commend everyone that’s trying to say something.”

Max’s “Hacks” Season 3 episode “Yes,...

Shogun season 2 gets a new update from Hiroyuki Sanada, revealing the story timeline and a potential filming start window. Based on the historical novel by James Clavell, Shogun premiered on FX earlier this year, chronicling a real period in Japanese history as Sanada's Yoshii Toranaga ascends to power with the help of European John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis). After season 1 was a hit both critically and in terms of viewership, Shogun season 2 is now confirmed to be on the way.

During a recent interview with THR, Sanada comments on where the story will go in Shogun season 2, revealing that it will take place before the "peaceful era" of Toranaga's rule. He also shares that he expects filming to start at some point next year, echoing a similar statement shared by FX box John Landgraf earlier this year. Check out Sanada's comments below:

There are so many famous episodes in Japan.

John Landgraf revealed filming for Shogun season 2 will likely begin in 2025, with production lasting around 180-200 days. The long production time for Shogun season 1 resulted in an epic and memorable show. Season 2's storyline is still under wraps, with the potential focus on the military conflict hinted at in season 1's finale.

FX chairman John Landgraf reveals a filming start window for Shogun season 2, and gives an indication of how long it will take to complete. Landgraf and FX had an unexpected hit on their hands with Shogun season 1, an adaptation of James Clavells classic novel about medieval Japan. Though the first season covered all the material contained in Clavells book, FX has announced that Shogun season 2 is happening, with Hiroyuki Sanada returning as the ever-scheming Lord Toranaga.

The second season of Shogun does not yet have a premiere date, but Landgraf himself just gave an update on when filming may begin,...

The 2024 Best Drama Writing Emmy category is the second time in four years that none of the nominees from the prior year are eligible, giving us a whole new slate of programs competing for six slots (out of 134 total submissions on the ballot). All of last year’s nominated shows — “Better Call Saul” (“Point and Shoot” by Gordon Smith and “Saul Gone” by Peter Gould), “Bad Sisters”, “Andor” (“One Way Out” by Beau Willimon), “The Last of Us”, “The White Lotus” (“Arrivederci” by Mike White), and the winner “Succession” (“Connor’s Wedding” by Jesse Armstrong) — are not on this year’s Emmy ballot, as they either concluded or didn’t air any new episodes.

Despite the open category, the submissions reflected in most of our likely contenders played it strategically safe with one or two entries from most shows. The only exception is “Shōgun,” which went for half of its debut season,...

Humanitas has announced nominations for the 2024 Humanitas Prize in nine juried categories, including TV, film and documentary fields. Noms in the comedy field include “Hacks,” “The Simpsons,” “Girls5eva” and “Act Your Age,” while drama entrants include “The Crown,” “The Morning Show,” “Station 19” and “Black Cake.”

“For fifty years, The Humanitas Prizes have recognized writers who explore the human condition in a nuanced, meaningful way, with stories that entertain and uplift audiences,” said Humanitas executive director Michelle Franke. “The Humanitas Prizes champion work that enhances the lives of viewers, even if these projects are not always rewarded by the marketplace.”

Humanitas has tapped actors/writers June Diane Raphael and Paul Scheer as host of this year’s Humanitas Prizes event, which will take place on Thursday, September 12 (three days before the Emmy Awards) at Avalon Hollywood. The 2024 New Voices Fellowship, David and Lynn Angell College Comedy Award and Carol Mendelsohn...

Moeka Hoshi trusts creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo for an exciting season 2 and 3 of Shgun. She is excited as a fellow fan to see what is in store for the future of the show. Her return as Usami Fuji is uncertain, but she is focused on her overall enjoyment of the series.

Shgun actor Moeka Hoshi comments on whether she will return as Fuji in season 2 and 3 of the acclaimed FX show. After a successful run on FX earlier in 2024, Shgun has officially been renewed by the network for two more seasons. The challenge ahead for co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo is to craft stories that expand beyond the scope of James Clavells original novel, which was fully covered by season 1. Its yet to be seen how Shgun season 2 will build upon Clavells story, and how many surviving characters will return.

One character not yet confirmed for season 2 is fan-favorite Usami Fuji,...

Screen Rant presents the latest episode of The Big Score, which dives into the music of Shgun. Shgun's composers, Leopold Ross, Atticus Ross, and Nick Chuba, masterfully blend traditional Japanese instruments and modern techniques for a unique score in FX's mini-series. Collaborating with Taro Ishida, the composers skillfully adapt traditional Japanese music elements while creating immersive soundscapes.

The latest episode of Hollywood Records The Big Score series explores the music of Shgun, and Screen Rant has a first look. Shgun is a record-breaking adaptation of James Clavells 1975 novel of the same name, and tells the story of John Blackthorne, an English man who washes up on the shores of Japan, only to find himself a pawn in the far-reaching schemes of the powerful lord Yoshii Toranaga. The series stars Cosmo Jarvis as Blackthorne, Hiroyuki Sanada as Toranaga, and Anna Sawai as Mariko.

Screen Rant is happy to present a...

“Shōgun” is officially in the drama race for the Primetime Emmys.

FX has confirmed that the once limited or anthology series heavyweight has been officially submitted and accepted in the drama categories, where it will compete against Netflix’s “The Crown,” Apple’s “The Morning Show” and Prime Video’s “Fallout.” In addition, the network has shared exclusively with Variety the complete list of 40 Emmy submissions, which includes six submissions for directing, four for writing, and two eligible guest actors. HBO’s “Game of Thrones” currently holds the record for most nominations in a single year with 32. Could FX break the monumental record?

Following the announcement that FX, Hulu, and the estate of James Clavell — who authored the novel — are working on developing more seasons of the critically acclaimed series, “Shōgun” is now officially eligible to compete in the drama races after being commissioned as limited. The move puts the...

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Shgun episode 10.

Showrunners Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo praise the rawness of the performances from Cosmo Jarvis and Moeka Hoshi in Shgun episode 10's boat scene. Blackthorne dropping Marriko's cross into the ocean and Fuji pouring her family's ashes are against both characters' beliefs, but the moment was more about them as individuals and their bond. Shgun delivered a satisfying conclusion to its large cast of characters.

Shgun creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo explain John Blackthorne's boat scene with Fuji in the finale. Adapting the events of James Clavell's 1975 novel of the same name, FX's Shgun concluded its 10-episode run this past week, bringing closure to the story of Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and his journey in feudal Japan. The touching finale features a final scene between Jarvis' character Fuji (Moeka Hoshi) in a rowboat, with the former dropping Marriko's cross into the ocean...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Shōgun Episode 10

According to Hiroyuki Sanada, Shgun season 2 is uncertain, as the miniseries has already finished the source material. However, even though the story is fictionalized, real history leaves room for continuation. While season 2 may not happen, the series creators and cast have delivered a gripping and well-acted story that (possibly) ends on a high note.

The chances of Shōgun season 2 garner an uncertain answer from Hiroyuki Sanada, who plays Lord Yoshii Toranaga. The final installment of FX's historical drama offered a sense of closure for Toranaga and John Blackthrone (Cosmo Jarvis), while confirming the fate of Toda Mariko and offering resolution for several supporting characters. But even as it pointed toward an end, with Lady Ochiba (Fumi Nikaido) offering Toranaga a lifeline, there are paths for the critically acclaimed series to explore in a potential second installment.

In an interview with Screen Rant's Grant Hermanns,...

Plans feel inevitable when they come together as neatly as Toranaga’s (Hiroyuki Sanada) play for power over the throne of Japan. But the team behind Toranaga — and the rest of the characters on FX’s now complete miniseries “Shogun” — had to work just as hard as the warlord to finesse an ending that feels as right as this one does.

Episode 10, “A Dream of a Dream,” was a huge combined effort for editors Aika Miyake and Maria Gonzales, who each worked on three other episodes in addition to their shared credit on the finale. There were the normal challenges of assembling an edit, from placing incomplete VFX shots meant to convey the scale of Osaka to temp sound and score that will hopefully convey the loneliness of Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) missing Mariko’s (Anna Sawai) funeral. That’s a lot for any editor to hold in their mind — in...

This article contains spoilers from Shōgun season 1, episode 10.

Shgun co-creator explains the final shot in the finale, with Blackthorne and Buntaro finally overcoming their intense feud. Buntaro helps Blackthorne to recover his damaged ship in the finale's final moments.

Shōgun co-creator Justin Marks and staff writer Emily Yoshida explain the final scene featuring John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and his interaction with Toda "Buntaro" Hirokatsu (Shinnosuke Abe). Despite their hostility towards each other throughout the series, much of which was rooted in their feelings for Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), the rivals appear to end the series on a positive note.

As explained by Marks and Yoshida in FX's official podcast breakdown of the finale, the closing moments of the finale see Blackthorne with a new purpose and a fresh start, part of which is his newfound relationship with Buntaro. Read Marks and Yoshida's comments below:

Marks: As Blackthorne stood on...

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Shōgun episode 9.

Co-creator Rachel Kondo and star Anna Sawai highlight the importance of complicated dynamic between Mariko and Ochiba in Shgun episode 9 and the show more generally. Using poetry, Mariko foreshadows her own sacrifice by stressing that death is what makes life beautiful and gives it meaning. There is historical basis in Mariko's poem, as it was left behind by the character's real-life inspiration, Hosokawa Gracia.

Shōgun co-creator Rachel Kondo and Mariko actor Anna Sawai explain the meaning of Mariko's poem, touching on the character's relationship with Ochiba. Co-created by Justin Marks, the acclaimed FX historical drama, which adapts the 1975 novel by James Clavell, is now nearing its conclusion. Episode 9, "Crimson Sky," sees Mariko and Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) head to Osaka Castle where she reunites with childhood friend Ochiba (Fumi Nikaido) before ultimately sacrificing herself in the service of Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada).

In a recent...

The following contains spoilers for Shogun episode 9.

Mariko's fate in Shogun episode 9 took a shocking turn as she seemingly chose an honorable death. Will Toranaga be surprised by Mariko's death? Anna Sawai discusses Toranaga's reaction. Despite Mariko's sacrifice, Toranaga will likely continue with his intricate plan in the season finale.

Shogun star Anna Sawai explains how Lord Toranaga will react to Lady Mariko's shocking episode 9 fate. Sent by Lord Toranaga on an important mission to Osaka, Mariko in episode 9 finally comes face-to-face with Ishido and Lady Ochiba, revealing her true role in Toranaga’s intricate plan. Things take a shocking twist, however, when Mariko is cornered along with Blackthorne, Yabushige and Toranaga’s wives, and seemingly chooses an honorable death by sacrificing herself to save the others.

Shogun episode 9’s ending cliffhanger left the door open a crack on Mariko surviving, but it seems that she finally got the death she was longing for,...

Warning! Major spoilers ahead for Shōgun episode 9.

Anna Sawai explains that Mariko chooses to sacrifice her life in Shgun episode 9 in service to Lord Toranaga. Mariko experiences "clarity" in her final moments as she fights for a cause greater than herself. Sawai is happy with how Mariko's arc played out.

Shōgun star Anna Sawai explains why Mariko makes the shocking decision she does during the episode 9 ending. After eight previous episodes adapting James Clavell's 1975 novel of the same name, Shōgun episode 9 sees Mariko and Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) trapped in Osaka and under attacked by shinobi. The episode ends with Mariko, unwilling to be captured, sacrificing herself in service of Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada).

In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Sawai breaks down why Mariko chooses death in Shōgun episode 9. Check out her comment below:

“But it's funny, because I had seen the whole thing, and I knew that...

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Shōgun episode 8.

The following article contains discussion of suicide.

Shgun's depiction of seppuku in the show is somewhat exaggerated. The term "seppuku" likely wouldn't have been used by figures in the time period the show depicts. Seppuku is more commonly associated with major treason when a person was likely going to be executed anyway.

A historian analyzes the accuracy of Shōgun's depiction of seppuku. Loosely based on real events and serving as an adaptation of a novel by James Clavell, Shōgun follows Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) as they become unlikely allies in a larger struggle for power in feudal Japan. The show doesn't shy away from depicting violence on screen, including seppuku, a form of ritual suicide in which a disgraced warrior will disembowel themselves before then being beheaded.

In a recent interview with Time, Princeton University professor Thomas...

A trailer for Shgun episode 9 has been released, teasing the enactment of Toranaga's "Crimson Sky" plan. The trailer reveals that Mariko taking control of Osaka will be a central plot point in the new episode. Episode 9 is the penultimate episode Shgun.

Shōgun episode 9, "Crimson Sky," is shown off in a new trailer, teasing Mariko taking charge in Osaka. Based on James Clavell's Shōgun novel, the FX historical drama premiered in February, earning positive reviews from both audiences and critics. The series, which will feature 10 episodes in total, continues to ramp up the tension each week as Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) faces off against his political rivals in feudal Japan.

Following the surprising Shōgun episode 8 ending, FX Networks has released the first trailer for episode 9, the show's penultimate. Check it out below:

More to come...

Source: FX Networks

Shogun 8/10

Shogun is an FX original mini-series set in 17th Century Japan.

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Shōgun episode 8.

Director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour reveals that the idea for the final lines in Shgun episode 8 were Hiroyuki Sanada's idea. The moment at Nagakado's grave adds clarity to Toranaga's plan and helps establish that he's "lost everything." Toranaga is now more committed to Crimson Sky than ever before.

Shōgun episode 8 director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour breaks down the final scenes of the shocking episode. Based on a novel of the same name by James Clavell, Shōgun follows the struggle for power in feudal Japan after the death of the Taikō. The latest episode picks up after the death of Lord Toranaga's (Hiroyuki Sanada) son, and features another surprise demise, with Hiromatsu (Tokuma Nishioka) committing seppuku after a disagreement with his lord. The episode ends with Toranaga thanking both his son and Hiromatsu for giving him more time to enact his plan.

During a recent appearance on FX's Shōgun: The Official Podcast,...

The following contains spoilers for Shogun episode 7

Toranaga faces a major setback after betrayal at the hands of his brother, leaving his plan to attack Osaka uncertain and his fate in question. The shocking twist of Nagakado's accidental death raises the stakes for Toranaga, forcing him to consider surrender or survival. As Toranaga grieves for his son and contemplates his next move, the future of his grand plans hangs in the balance.

The series creator discusses the dramatic Shogun episode 7 ending and how it will affect Toranaga and his grand plans. The latest episode of FX's acclaimed period-set drama series ended with a shocking twist. After Toranaga was betrayed by his brother Saeki, leading to his army becoming surrounded, Toranaga's ever-eager son Nagakado attempted to attack the traitor at the tea house, with help from Kiku, but accidentally died in the process when tripping over a rock.

This tragic...

HBO has released the official trailer for its seven-episode limited series The Sympathizer, which will premiere on Sunday, April 14 (9:00-10:00 p.m. Et/Pt). In addition to premiering on HBO, the series will be available to stream on Max.

Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Sympathizer is an espionage thriller and cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his new life as a refugee in Los Angeles, where he learns that his spying days aren’t over.

Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar co-showrun and executive produce the show, which comes from A24.

The series stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Emmy winner Sandra Oh, and Academy Award nominee Robert Downey Jr., who plays multiple roles.

Robert Downey Jr. may newly be wearing the title of Oscar winner, but the “Oppenheimer” star is shedding all semblance of self for Park Chan-wook’s “The Sympathizer.”

Downey is a chameleon in multiple roles for the HBO seven-episode limited series, co-showrun by Park and Don McKellar who both executive produce. “The Sympathizer” is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name and is at once an espionage thriller and cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy (Hoa Xuande) during the final days of the Vietnam War. As he starts his new life as a refugee in Los Angeles he learns that his spying days aren’t over.

“The Sympathizer” cast also includes Sandra Oh, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, and Alan Trong. The series is a co-production between A24 and HBO,...

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the movies, TV shows, and live sports that will be available on the Max streaming service in April. The Max April 2024 lineup includes the HBO original limited series The Sympathizer, the Max original unscripted series Conan O’Brien Must Go, and the HBO original comedy special Alex Edelman: Just for Us.

The April schedule also includes the HBO original documentary series The Jinx – Part Two and The Synanon Fix, the HBO original documentaries Brandy Hellville & The Cult Of Fast Fashion and An American Bombing: The Road to April 19th, season four of HBO original We’re Here, And A24’s The Zone of Interest.

Sports fans will be able to watch live games from the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship and studio coverage airing on TBS, TNT, and truTV. The coverage will include the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Semifinals and the 2024 Men’s National Championship.

America’s deep, dark history of exploiting other countries and their cultures is so embedded in the fabric of its society that even though it has progressed, it’s still battling the remnants of those unethical values. Maegan Houang, who is no stranger to Dn’s pages, tackles the USA’s exploitation of Asian immigrants specifically in her latest short Astonishing Little Feet by looking at its genesis. She takes real-life figure, Afong Moy, the first documented Chinese woman to come to the United States, and portrays an encounter she has with the men who have separated her from her family. It’s a subtle, visually fascinating depiction of the early seeds of cultural exploitation, the fruits of which are still being felt today. Dn joined Houang once again to learn more about her short, talking through its journey from being a potential VR project, the challenges of sourcing the finances to get it made,...

FX's Shgun has earned a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The show is based on the James Clavell novel of the same name and follows political upheaval in 17th-century Japan. The prestige drama is receiving Game of Thrones-level hype.

Shōgun has accomplished a rare Rotten Tomatoes achievement. The upcoming FX historical drama is based on the 1975 James Clavell novel of the same name and follows political upheaval in 17th-century Japan after the English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) is shipwrecked on the nation's shores and becomes entangled in the lives of daimyo Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada​​​​​​​) and samurai Toda Mariko​​​​​​​ (Anna Sawai). This new version of the iconic story was co-created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks.

Rotten Tomatoes has calculated an official critic score for the new Shōgun show. Now that 17 different critics have weighed in, the title has earned a perfect 100% score. While its score...

Oscar frontrunner Robert Downey Jr. stars alongside newcomer Hoa Xuande as well as Emmy nominee Sandra Oh, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, and Alan Trong – and then also Downey, Downey, and Downey again – in the new series “The Sympathizer.” The limited event from acclaimed director Park Chan-wook (“Oldboy”) and Don McKellar debuts on HBO beginning April 14.

About the Downey of it all: The “Oppenheimer” star, who is widely expected to win his first Oscar for the film during the Academy Awards on March 10, plays four roles in “The Sympathizer,” with each distinct character representing a form of American imperialism.

“I was astounded by how quickly he was able to come up with a very different performance—he’d do a different improv for each and every take,” Park told Vanity Fair in an interview published Thursday to coincide with the new...

HBO has released a new trailer and set a premiere date for The Sympathizer — a date will allow the show to just make it under the wire for Emmy eligibility.

The limited series, based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is part spy thriller and part satire. It follows the Captain (Hoa Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy through the final days of the Vietnam War and in his new life as a refugee in Los Angeles, where he learns that his spying days aren’t over. It’s scheduled to premiere April 14, which would put its seventh and last episode on May 26, a few days before the eligibility window for the 2024 Emmys closes.

Ordered to series in July 2021, The Sympathizer is a co-production of HBO, A24 and Rhombus Media, in association with Moho Film and Cinetic Media. Don McKellar (Sensitive Skin, Last Night) and Park Chan-wook (Oldboy...

Syfy has announced its spring and summer slate of television series, including “Chucky” and “Reginald the Vampire.”

The network revealed the dates during NBCUniversal’s portion of the TV Critics Assn. winter press tour in Pasadena. The second half of Season 3 of “Chucky” will premiere April 10 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt. Season 2 of “Reginald the Vampire” will premiere May 8 at 10 p.m. and Season 2 of “The Ark” will arrive in the summer. Additionally, the horror drama “SurrealEstate” has been renewed for Season 3.

In Season 3 of “Chucky,” the murderous doll finds himself in the White House. Meanwhile, “Reginald the Vampire” follows a man who “finally got his life together when he was turned into a vampire.”

“The Ark” is set “100 years in the future when planetary colonization missions have begun as a necessity to help secure the survival of the human race. The first of these missions on a spacecraft known...

Screen Rant offers a BTS first look clip from FX's Shgun. The show follows the character John Blackthorne, played by Cosmo Jarvis, as he becomes a samurai and gets caught up in political conflicts. The BTS first look clip showcases the stunning sets, locations, and costumes, highlighting the ambition and grand scope of the show.

FX’s limited historical drama series Shōgun is set to bring feudal Japan to life, and Screen Rant is here with a BTS first look clip to show how it was done. The historical drama series is an adaptation of James Clavell’s novel of the same name, which was released in 1975. It was created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, the latter of which is known for his work writing films like Top Gun: Maverick and 2016’s The Jungle Book.

Screen Rant is excited to debut a BTS first look clip detailing the story and creation of Shōgun.

Updated with Best Screenplay Award for Switch, written by Sara Robin: The 19th HollyShorts Film Festival has handed out its awards, including the Grand Prix Best Short Award to We Were Meant To, an honor that comes with a $60,000 prize from Panavision.

Tari Wariebi directed We Were Meant To, set in a reality where “Black men have wings and their first flight is a rite of passage.” The film stars Tim Johnson Jr. The Grand Prix Award qualifies the short for Oscar consideration. Also qualifying for the Oscars are Misan Harriman’s The After, which won Best Live Action Short, Rita Basulto’s Humo (Smoke), winner of the Best Animation Award, and Elisa Gambino’s Every Day After, winner of Best Documentary Short.

‘Humo’

The After stars David Oyelowo and Jessica Plummer. Animated winner Humo, meanwhile, “follows a boy called Daniel, who travels to a dark destination known as the smokehouse.

In a HollyShorts Film Festival awards ceremony that took place at midnight the day before a tropical storm was scheduled to his Los Angeles, Tari Wariebi’s “We Were Meant To” won a $60,000 prize and with the win qualified for the Academy Award in the Best Live Action Short category.

The awards were originally scheduled to be handed out on Sunday evening at the TLC Chinese Theatre, but they were moved to the unusual Saturday midnight slot as Hurricane Hilary approached.

“We Were Meant To,” set in a world where Black men can fly, won the Grand Prix for the best short in the 10-day festival, which began on Aug. 10 at the Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood. For the first time, the top film also received a $60,000 prize from Panasonic, in addition to the Oscar qualification.

Three other films also qualified for this year’s Oscars by winning awards at HollyShorts: Misan Harriman’s “The After,...

HBO has released the official teaser and a new photo for the original limited series The Sympathizer. Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar co-showrun and executive produce. The new footage introduces the cast led by Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Ky Duyen, and Sandra Oh and reveals star and executive producer Robert Downey Jr., who plays multiple roles. The teaser was shown today exclusively during Warner Bros. Discovery’s unveiling of the Max streaming service on the Warner Bros. lot in Los Angeles.

Logline: Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Sympathizer is an espionage thriller and cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his resulting exile in the United States.

Cast: Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Vy Le, Alan Trong, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, with Sandra Oh,...

HBO debuted the first trailer for “The Sympathizer,” a new limited series from acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook that the network will debut in 2024.

Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the show “is an espionage thriller and cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his resulting exile in the United States,” per a logline provided by HBO.

Hoa Xuande plays the lead role, with Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Ky Duyen, and Sandra Oh providing support. Robert Downey Jr., an executive producer on the project, plays multiple supporting parts in the project as teased in the trailer.

“Working with Robert — he’s such an amazing actor and such an energetic man and a joy to be around. It’s been really great to be working with him,” Park said in an interview last year with Variety.

You like one Robert Downey, Jr., yes, but what about several of them? That seems to have been the pitch behind "The Sympathizer," HBO Max's -- sorry, make that Max now, per Warner Bros. Discovery's new rebranding effort -- new limited series from acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook. The explosive story is based on author Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name and is led by "Cowboy Bepop" star Hoa Xuande as a North Vietnamese spy hiding in plain sight in the United States. Set during the waning days of the Vietnam War, the politically charged thriller promises to retain all the potency of the original novel. Oh, and Downey, Jr. shows up to portray several different characters in wildly different getups, representing various elements of U.S. bureaucracy.

As part of a special presentation earlier today, Warner Bros. Discovery unveiled the new...

Robert Downey Jr. is a master of disguise in the trailer for “The Sympathizer,” a new spy series coming in 2024 to HBO’s rebranded Max streaming service.

Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Sympathizer” stars Hoa Xuande (“Cowboy Bebop”) as a spy for North Vietnam who becomes embedded in L.A.’s refugee community. Headed by Park Chan-wook, who serves as co-showrunner, executive producer, writer and director, “The Sympathizer’s” official logline describes the show as “an espionage thriller and cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his resulting exile in the United States.”

Downey Jr., who is as an executive producer on the project alongside his wife Susan Downey, takes on several roles in the show. Each of Downey Jr.’s characters have their own distinct look, as depicted in the trailer,...