Movies
“Boong” wins BAFTA for Best Children’s and Family Film
Manipuri-language debut by Lakshmipriya Devi triumphs over Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and Zootopia 2 at 2026 awards.
MUMBAI: A little boy from Manipur just taught the BAFTAs a big lesson sometimes the smallest journeys pack the mightiest emotional punch. “Boong”, the tender Manipuri-language coming-of-age tale directed by Lakshmipriya Devi in her feature debut, clinched the BAFTA for Best Children’s and Family Film on 23 February 2026. The film beat out heavyweights including Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, animated sequel Zootopia 2, and the science-fantasy Arco to claim the prize.
The story follows young Boong (Gugun Kipgen), who believes reuniting his mother Mandakini (Bala Hijam) with his long-absent father Joykumar would be the perfect gift. When rumours swirl that his father has died after migrating to the border town of Moreh for work, Boong together with his loyal friend Raju (Angom Sanamatum) sets off on an innocent, determined quest for truth and a fresh start. What begins as a child’s simple wish unfolds into a heartfelt exploration of family, hope, and resilience.
Backed by actor-producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani via Excel Entertainment, and co-produced by Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures, “Boong” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 before a theatrical release in September that year. It later screened at the Warsaw International Film Festival, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, 55th International Film Festival of India, and Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
Lakshmipriya Devi, who previously served as first assistant director on films including Luck by Chance, Talaash, PK, and Mira Nair’s A Suitable Boy, brings a grounded yet lyrical touch to her debut. The win marks a proud milestone for Indian regional cinema on the global stage.
While the main BAFTA best film race features heavy-hitters like One Battle After Another, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Sinners, and Sentimental Value, and the British film category includes The Ballad of Wallis Island, Pillion, I Swear, and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, “Boong” stands out as the sole Indian contender to take home gold this year.
In a night where directing nods went to Paul Thomas Anderson, Josh Safdie, Ryan Coogler, Yorgos Lanthimos, Joachim Trier, and Chloé Zhao (who could become the first woman to win two BAFTA directing awards after Nomadland), “Boong” quietly proved that heartfelt storytelling from distant corners can resonate louder than any blockbuster budget.
For once, a six-year-old’s dream outshone Disney magic and the BAFTA stage just got a little more colourful.
Hollywood
Disney sells out ad slots for 98th Oscars broadcast
Strong demand for live events turns the Academy Awards into a global, multi-platform marketing moment
NEW YORK: Hollywood’s biggest night has also become one of advertising’s hottest tickets. Disney has sold out all advertising inventory for the 98th Oscars, underscoring the growing demand from brands eager to ride the cultural wave of major live events.
The sell-out marks the sixth consecutive live tentpole success for Disney Advertising. The streak includes last year’s 97th Oscars, the 59th Annual CMA Awards, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, signalling strong appetite among marketers for moments that bring audiences together in real time.
For advertisers, the Oscars are no longer just a single night of glitz and gold statues. Disney’s “Content Everywhere” strategy has expanded the awards show into a sprawling, multi-platform brand playground spanning linear television, streaming, social media and digital content.
“Live continues to be one of the most powerful ways for brands to connect with engaged audiences at scale, and the Oscars represent the very best of culture, creativity and community,” said Disney Advertising SVP, entertainment and streaming solutions John Campbell. He added that the company has reshaped the show’s commercial potential into a connected experience that stretches well beyond the broadcast.
Brands such as Mazda, Pfizer and Volkswagen of America are tapping into Disney’s wider ecosystem, appearing across original content segments including Know Your Movies on Hulu and Critically Acclaimed on Disney+. Partnerships also extend to social media through TikTok Pulse Premiere and to custom brand storytelling created by Disney CreativeWorks.
The result is what Disney calls the “Oscars Everywhere” approach. Rather than a few high-profile ad breaks, advertisers now find themselves woven through a series of moments before, during and after the ceremony.
These include On The Red Carpet at The Oscars, a live pre-show syndicated across major local markets and streamed nationwide, and the After the Oscars Show, which keeps the conversation going once the final award has been handed out.
This year’s sponsors include Rolex, returning for its ninth year, and Burger King, which joins the Oscars advertiser roster for the first time. Other brands in the mix include Disney Cruise Line, Dunkin’, Eli Lilly and Company, Eucerin, Intuit TurboTax, L’Oréal, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Miebo, Paris Baguette, Peacock, Starbucks, State Farm, Toyota and Verizon.
The 98th Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, reaching audiences in more than 200 territories worldwide.
