iWorld
Disney+ Hotstar wins the ‘Best OTT Platform of the Year’ at Sixth Critics’ Choice Awards 2024
Mumbai: Film Critics Guild and Group M Motion Entertainment, in collaboration with Vistas Media Capital, announced the winners of the Critics’ Choice Awards 2024. Disney+ Hotstar emerged as the unparalleled star of the Sixth Critics’ Choice Awards 2024, securing the prestigious Best OTT Platform of the Year title, firmly establishing its status as the powerhouse of entertainment. This recognition underscores the platform’s commitment to delivering high-quality content and pushing the boundaries of entertainment.
Adding to the win, Hotstar Specials’ Koffee with Karan Season 8 captured hearts with its unprecedented vulnerability, banter, and memorable moments, earning the title of Best Unscripted Show. Koffee with Karan has been a fan favorite and this win solidifies its place as a standout in the genre. The cinematic masterpiece, 12th Fail by Vidhu Vinod Chopra shined, securing the esteemed title of Best Feature Film. and it is the most-watched film of 2023 for Disney+ Hotstar.
Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star head – content, Gaurav Banerjee said, “We take great pride in Disney+ Hotstar’s rich repertoire, and it brings us immense joy to witness the platform consistently delivers compelling shows and engaging stories. The Critics Choice Award Win is a significant achievement, underscoring our commitment to delivering high-quality storytelling.”
Karan Johar, on Koffee with Karan Season 8’s win,”Koffee with Karan is more than just a show to me; it’s a deep personal connection, and I’m genuinely thrilled to have found a fantastic partner in Disney+ Hotstar. What makes Koffee with Karan truly unique is its distinctiveness, the genuine and organic charm it exudes, and its originality that sets it apart from everything else. The Critics Choice Awards acknowledging these qualities fills me with immense pride. Moments like these are inspiring me to continue bringing more engaging episodes of Koffee with Karan to our audiences.”
Acclaimed director and producer, Vidhu Vinod Chopra said “We are incredibly grateful to witness the immense love our film is receiving from people everywhere, not just in theatres but online on streaming and internationally as well. Within just three days, 12th Fail was the most-watched film on Disney+ Hotstar. As a Writer-Director nothing makes you happier than witnessing your film made with the right intention being so well received and appreciated. I thank the universe for 12th Fail.“
Gaming
Nodwin Gaming partners with Runestone for esports data and integrity solutions
South Asian esports leader joins forces with Czech tech firm to enhance tournament operations.
MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming has just levelled up its game by bringing in a specialist to keep the scoreboard honest and the fans fully engaged. The leading South Asian esports and gaming company has announced a strategic partnership with Runestone, a Prague-headquartered esports technology firm specialising in real-time data and engagement solutions for tournament organisers and publishers.
The collaboration aims to strengthen competitive integrity, improve operational oversight, and deliver more interactive viewing experiences across Nodwin’s properties. It will initially focus on the Nodwin Clutch Series for Counter-Strike 2, a Tier 2 tournament that provides emerging teams with consistent competitive opportunities and helps build the talent pipeline.
The latest edition of the series recently concluded with Big defeating ECSTATIC 2–1 in the grand final of the $50,000 online event.
Nodwin Gaming chief business officer at MENA and global head of data monetization Teemu Koski said, “Integrity and transparency are fundamental to sustainable esports ecosystems, especially in Tier 2 competition where the next generation of talent emerges. Runestone’s expertise complements our experience in building scalable esports IPs.”
Runestone head of partnerships Michael Schwartz added, “Nodwin Gaming has built one of the most dynamic esports ecosystems across emerging markets. We’re thrilled to collaborate on supporting tournaments with greater transparency, deeper fan interaction, and scalable tools.”
Both companies are exploring opportunities to extend the partnership across additional titles, including mobile-first competitive ecosystems, and to develop new products for publishers, tournament operators, and event promoters.
In the rapidly growing world of esports, where fair play and fan excitement are equally crucial, Nodwin Gaming and Runestone are teaming up to ensure every match is not only competitive but also transparent and engaging. This alliance could well become a game-changer for Tier 2 tournaments across South Asia and beyond.
