David Fincher featured in Academy Museum’s 2026 spring programs. [Image Source: THEFINCHERANALYST]
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has revealed its spring lineup for 2026, featuring appearances from notable figures including David Fincher, Bong Joon Ho, and Jessica Alba. This series of events, held at the Los Angeles-based museum, will present film screenings, educational workshops, and public discussions that celebrate cinematic history while engaging industry professionals and audiences alike. The David Fincher Academy Museum spotlight will be a key attraction, underscoring the museum’s commitment to honoring visionary filmmakers.
Highlights Include Bong Joon Ho Weekend and Marilyn Monroe Exhibition
The upcoming schedule offers a rich variety of experiences, including a special weekend focused on Bong Joon Ho alongside David Fincher. Attendees can also attend a screening of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, an event timed to coincide with the launch of the Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Iconexhibition. Additionally, the annual Careers in Film Summit will bring Academy members and other industry figures together to share insights, adding significant value to the spring program.
Other distinguished guests joining the slate include Ben Burtt, Mandy Moore, Dennis Muren, Nia Vardalos, and Billy Dee Williams, among numerous other filmmakers, artists, and professionals contributing to the diverse lineup of activities. These events will simultaneously honor film history and encourage the next generation of storytellers.
Programs Designed to Appeal to a Wide Audience
Amy Homma, the Director and President of the Academy Museum and Academy Collection, expressed enthusiasm about the spring lineup, stating,
Image of: David Fincher
“We are thrilled to offer visitors an exciting lineup of programming this spring that celebrates the history of film while championing future filmmakers,”
Amy Homma, Director and President of the Academy Museum and Academy Collection. She added,
“From unique screenings accompanied by conversations with some of the most prolific filmmakers, to family-friendly workshops, and exciting new exhibitions, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
These programs will be ticketed separately, with reservations available online through the museum’s official website.
Expanding Storytelling: Felicia Pride Acquires Greene Sisters Trilogy
Among related developments outside the museum, award-winning filmmaker and television writer Felicia Pride, known for her work on Bel-Air, is set to adapt Kristina Forest’s romantic novel trilogy – The Neighbor Favor, The Partner Plot, and The Love Lyric. Through her independent company, Honey Chile Entertainment, Pride will develop film and television rights to these interconnected stories, which explore the lives of three accomplished sisters balancing career, family, and love.
Forest commented on the acquisition, saying,
“I’ve been a fan of Felicia Pride’s work for years, and we share the same mission of creating life-affirming art featuring Black women,”
Kristina Forest, author. She added,
“I’m so thrilled that Honey Chile has optioned ‘The Greene Sisters’ series and I’m excited for all that’s to come.”
Pride will write and produce the first film adaptation and act as producer on the subsequent installments.
Further articulating the company’s mission, Pride said,
“At Honey Chile, we’ve always centered the audience and the power of Black storytelling,”
Felicia Pride, filmmaker and producer. She continued,
“Kristina is such a smart writer whose work completely draws you into her worlds. Her ‘Greene Sisters’ trilogy captures romance, ambition, and partnership in ways that feel aspirational and deeply familiar.”
This acquisition reflects Honey Chile’s dedication to amplifying stories by, for, and about Black women over 40, marking a significant expansion of their creative portfolio.
Price, another Honey Chile executive, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment by stating,
“As we mark five years in operation, our commitment to telling layered, culturally resonant stories, the kind born in our living rooms, hair salons, and girls’ trips — has never been stronger,”
Price, Honey Chile executive.
“We’re excited for this next chapter.”
New Crime Thriller ‘Once a Week for Life’ Secures Distribution
Stonecutter Media recently acquired the North American rights to the crime thriller Once a Week for Life, which is scheduled to premiere on March 19 in New York City. The film will then roll out in selected theaters before moving to digital and cable platforms in the United States and Canada starting April 14.
The story centers on Adam Galanis, a Navy SEAL veteran and NYPD Lieutenant struggling with PTSD and addiction, who leads a joint NYPD–U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. When a covert operation fails and triggers a violent conflict involving the Castellazzo crime family and political powers within City Hall, Galanis faces a harrowing choice between adhering to his moral code or embracing survival through darker means.
The cast includes John Kapelos (The Shape of Water), Diana Durango (Escape at Dannemora), Daniel Roebuck (The Fugitive), Dikran Tulaine (The Blacklist), and other prominent performers. George Zouvelos, who wrote, directed, stars in, and produces the film along with Nicholas Levis, set the story in New York City.
Recognition for Emerging Filmmakers at Slamdance Festival
The Slamdance Film Festival honored up-and-coming talents across multiple categories during its 2026 Sparky Awards ceremony, held on February 25 at the Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles. This year’s festival showcased 141 films, including 50 world premieres, with jury and audience awards recognizing narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated work from international auteurs.
Notable winners include Yuqing Lai’s Whisperings Of The Moon for the narrative feature grand jury prize and David Maler’s Zumeca, which claimed the breakouts feature prize. The documentary feature award went to Silver, directed by Natalia Koniarz.
Additional recipients were J. Snow’s You Look Fine (Unstoppable feature), Shane Hillier’s Everhand (Unstoppable short), Victoria Blade’s Vicky Wakes Up (Episodes prize), and Xavier Demoulin’s Beaks (Narrative Shorts prize). The experimental short category was won by Suse Itzel’s I Would Have Liked To Make A Different Film, while Busy Bodies by Kate Renshaw-Lewis took home the animated shorts prize. The Special Jury Prize was awarded to Dead Grandma by Rachel Kempf and Nick Toti, and the George Starks Spirit of Slamdance honor went to Jalen Wilson-Nelen for Puke Bitch.
Angela Canó received the festival’s Outstanding Acting Award for her performance in Zumeca. Audience favorites included Elijah Davis, Allison A. Waite, and Tyler Ocasio Holmes’ Three Colors: Pan-African (narrative feature), Sveinn Ingimundarson and S.D. Saltarelli’s Kings of Venice (documentary feature), and Snow’s You Look Fine (Unstoppable).
The extensive lineup represented over 50 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Iceland, Iran, Palestine, Spain, and Vietnam, emphasizing Slamdance’s global scope and support for diverse cinematic voices.
BTS ‘Arirang’ World Tour Concerts to Be Screened Worldwide
Fans of BTS can look forward to in-theater screenings of the group’s Arirang world tour, scheduled for April 11 and April 18 in cinemas worldwide. These events will offer immersive, full-length broadcasts of the Goyang and Japanshows, featuring the tour’s innovative 360-degree stage design.
The Arirang series marks BTS’s first major tour since 2022’s Permission To Dance On Stage, hitting 34 cities with 82 total performances. Screenings will be available in over 3,800 theaters across 80-plus countries, with additional dates planned to be announced later, expanding fans’ access to this global phenomenon.
Annual Taurus World Stunt Awards Spotlight Industry’s Top Stunt Artists
The 25th Taurus World Stunt Awards took place on February 25 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, honoring outstanding stunt work in action films from major studios and streaming services. Films recognized this year included titles from Disney, Warner Bros., Amazon MGM Studios, Lionsgate, Paramount, Apple TV+, and Netflix.
The ceremony featured a dramatic opening with nominee Jon Devore parachuting from a helicopter to the red carpet, symbolizing the daring nature of stunt performers. Eight competitive award categories encompassed best fight sequences, high work, stunt rigging, vehicle stunts, specialty stunts, and coordination/second unit direction.
Among the winners were “Forbidden City” for Best Fight, “Jurassic World: Rebirth” for Best High Work, and “Back in Action” for both Best Work with a Vehicle and Best Stunt Coordination/Second Unit Direction. Crystal Hooks took home Best Overall Stunt by a Stunt Woman for “Eenie Meanie,” while Paul Whitecotton won the Hardest Hit for “The Accountant 2.” The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Debbie Evans.
For the first time, the newly created ICON Award was presented to Arnold Schwarzenegger in recognition of his enduring influence on the action genre and stunt community. Schwarzenegger’s appearance was met with a standing ovation, reflecting his stature and lasting impact.
The Taurus World Stunt Awards are unique in being voted on exclusively by current and former stunt professionals, making them the only honors dedicated solely to this specialized group within the film industry. The awards also support the Taurus World Stunt Awards Foundation, which provides aid to stunt performers injured on the job, underscoring the organization’s commitment to its community.
Looking Ahead: What the Academy Museum’s Spring Slate Represents
The 2026 spring schedule at the Academy Museum underscores the institution’s role as a central hub for film lovers and creators, blending homage to cinematic legends with platforms for emerging voices. The inclusion of David Fincher and Bong Joon Ho highlights the museum’s dedication to showcasing artists who have profoundly shaped modern storytelling. Meanwhile, the diverse program offerings, including educational initiatives and family-friendly events, illustrate a broad approach to engagement.
This slate not only celebrates the art form’s past and present achievements but also positions the Academy Museum as a vital space for dialogue around the future of filmmaking, making it a must-visit destination for cinephiles and industry professionals throughout the spring season.