Hollywood
Seth MacFarlane and Charlize Theron learn ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’
MUMBAI: This summer, Universal Pictures India gears up to take audiences on a joyride with their latest offering ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West.’ From the makers of the acclaimed 2012 fantasy-comedy ‘Ted’, this sure-shot entertainer sees the multi-faceted Seth MacFarlane don the director’s hat once again as he stars alongside the likes of Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried, Neil Patrick Harris and Liam Neeson. An adaptation of MacFarlane’s novel by the same name, the western comedy movie will release across Indian theatres in June.
Set in the nineteenth century Arizona, ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ is the hysterical narrative of Albert (Seth MacFarlane), a sheep farmer whose lack of courage results in his withdrawal from a gunfight, thus losing his beloved girlfriend (Amanda Seyfried) who leaves him for another man. However, when a mysterious and beautiful woman (Charlize Theron) rides into town, she helps him discover his bravery and courage and they begin to fall in love. Albert begins to realize his true potential but when the woman’s husband (Liam Neeson), a notorious Outlaw arrives seeking revenge and demanding payback, the herder is forced to put his new found courage to test.
Interestingly, enough MacFarlane, who has created some of the most popular content on television and film today, while also expanding his career in music and philanthropy, turned author with the novel ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ on which the movie is based. Boasting a stellar star-cast, and bringing together the best in Hollywood, the movie promises to be nothing short of a laughter riot expecting to emulate the success of the makers’ previous outing ‘Ted’, which took the box office by storm.
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.
