Predictions for Best Picture and Director

On today’s show, we’re preparing for the Oscars by checking in on the state of the film industry. Marketplace’s Amy Scott sits down with Wall Street Journal entertainment reporter Ben Fritz to discuss what slumping ticket sales means for the future of movies, why the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger has Hollywood workers worried, and what it would take for the industry to make a comeback. Plus, movie watchers weigh in: subtitles on or off?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• A look at how the Oscar best picture nominees have fared at the box office from AP News
• "Disney’s Surprise Box-Office Champion is ‘Zootopia 2,’ Thanks to China" from The Wall Street Journal 
• "The Movie Theater Comeback That Wasn’t: Why 2025 Was Such a Dud for Struggling Cinemas" from Variety 
• "Teamsters Call on DOJ to Stop Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger: “We’ve Seen What Happens When Corporations Consolidate Power'" from The Hollywood Reporter
• "Paramount Wins, Everybody Loses" from Vulture 
• "Hollywood Jobs Are Disappearing" from “The Journal” 
• Amy’s documentary film: ”Saving Etting Street”

We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.