Hollywood
Takahata gets Honorary award at Annecy Animation FilmFest in France
NEW DELHI: Renowned animator Isao Takahata has been given the honorary award at the Annecy Festival in France to celebrate his career and contribution to animation.
An acclaimed filmmaker has created a number of master works including Grave of the Fireflies, Pompoko and My Neighbours the Yamadas.
Along with Hayao Miyazaki and the Tokuma Shoten company, he also founded studio Ghibli, producer of international successes as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and The Wind Rises.
Festival Artistic Director Marcel Jean said at the conclusion earlier this week: “Filmmaker of an exceptional scale, Mr Takahata is also a great humanist whose work has become a reference for those who believe in the greatness of animation as a cinematic art form.”
His latest film, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, was screened in his presence at the Festival opening ceremony.
The Haras Theatre in quaint centre ville Annecy was a buzz as the final prizes and special mentions were announced to a full house of festival goers and industry insiders.
The other award winners were:
1. Award for originality and humour Kod fotografa
Director: Vatroslav MIMICA
Country: Croatia
2. Award for originality and humour
Krava na mjesecu
Director: Dusan VUKOTIC
Country: Croatia
3. Grand Prix
Lev a pÃsnicka
Director: Bretislav POJAR
Country: Czech Republic
4. International Critics’ Award
Moonbird
Director: John HUBLEY, Faith ELLIOT
Country: United States
5. Award for social interest and graphic research
O misto na slunci
Director: Frantisek VYSTRCIL
Country: Czech Republic
6. Award for musical score and sound effects
Osvetnik
Director: Dusan VUKOTIC
Country: Croatia
7. Children’s film Award
Petya i krasnaya shapochka
Director: Boris STEPANTSEV
Country: Russia
8. Award for its humanitarian theme and graphical research
Pozor!
Director: Jiri BRDECKA
Country: Czech Republic
9. Award for aesthetic research
Prelude pour voix, orchestre et caméra
Director: ARCADY
Country: France
10. Award for poetry and popular art
Vlyublennoe oblako
Director: Roman KATCHANOV, Anatole KARANOVITCH
Country: Russia
Hollywood
David Zaslav could net up to $887m as Warner Bros Discovery sells up
Media mogul strikes gold as Paramount Skydance deal triggers massive windfall
NEW YORK: While the average office worker might hope for a nice clock and a round of applause upon leaving, David Zaslav is looking at a slightly more substantial parting gift. The chief executive officer of Warner Bros Discovery is positioned to receive a windfall of up to $887 million following the company’s blockbuster $110 billion sale to Paramount Skydance.
In a twist of corporate fate that feels scripted for the big screen, the deal marks the finale of a high-stakes bidding war. It comes after Netflix, once the frontrunner, decided to exit stage left and abandon its pursuit of the HBO Max parent company.
While most people receive a standard final paycheck, the filing released on Monday suggests Zaslav’s exit package is built a little differently. If the deal closes as expected in the third quarter of 2026, the numbers break down like this:
The cash out: A severance package of $34.2 million, covering his salary and bonuses.
The equity: $115.8 million in vested shares he already owns.
The future fortune: A massive $517.2 million in unvested share awards, essentially “future stock” that turns into real money the moment the ink dries on the merger.
Perhaps the most eye-catching figure is the $335 million earmarked for tax reimbursements. However, this particular pot of gold has an expiration date.
The company noted that these reimbursements are tied to specific tax-code rules that significantly decline as time passes. If the deal hits a snag and drags into 2027, that tax payout drops to zero. With hundreds of millions on the line, the chief executive officer likely has every incentive to ensure the closing process moves at double-speed.
