Entertainment News (09/15/26) – BusinessWorld Online

Filipiñanaselected for the Oscars

THE Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) has officially selected Filipiñana, directed by Rafael Manuel, as the Philippines’ entry for Best International Feature Film at the 99^th Academy Awards. It has also announced its support for the Oscar campaigns of short film Agapito,which previously got an Honorable Mention at the Toronto International Film Festival, in the short film category; and animated documentary 58^th,which just won Best Documentary at the recently concluded Manila International Film Festival,in the documentary category.Meanwhile, the Filipino-Australian film First Lightdirected by James J. Robinson and starring Ruby Ruiz has been selected as Australia’s entry for Best International Feature.

Disney+ presents Max vs 100

DISNEY+ has announced Max vs 100, a first-of-its-kind motorsport race created with Red Bull, which will stream live starting Sept. 17. The live event will see four-time Formula 1 World Champion and Red Bull athlete Max Verstappen attempt to overtake 100 drivers. Taking place at Silverstone, one of the sport’s most iconic circuits, 101 karts will line up on the grid at once for one of the biggest go-kart races the world has ever seen. The closed race will bring together Red Bull athletes and gaming talent, social media creators, streamers, media personalities, and surprise guests from around the world as they attempt to keep the lead on Verstappen.

Japanese Film Fest set for October

THE Japan Foundation, Manila has announced that the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) 2026 will run from Oct. 1 to Nov. 29 across six cities and eight venues in the Philippines: SM Manila, SM Megamall, and SM North EDSA in Metro Manila; SM Baguio, SM Cebu, SM Iloiloy, SM Lanang in Davao City, and SM CDO Downtown in Cagayan De Oro City. This year’s festival, themed “Shared Treasure, Shared Stories,” celebrates the 70^th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippine-Japan Diplomatic Relations and the 30^th Anniversary of The Japan Foundation, Manila. The festival will feature 16 films, including Lee Sang-il’s Kokuho as well as Cinema Kabuki presentations, special screenings, and talkback events.

Diggerto hit PHL cinemas this October

ACADEMY Award winner Tom Cruise is starring in Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s original film Digger, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures. It follows the most powerful man in the world, who embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he has unleashed destroys everything. Mr. Cruise stars in the title role, alongside Oscar winner Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons. It will be released in theaters and IMAX worldwide on Oct. 2.

James Reid releases 3^rd studio album

FILIPINO star James Reid has dropped his third studio album, Honey, I’m Home, released under Sony Music Entertainment. The new record treats home not as a sanctuary one spends a lifetime searching for, but as a feeling of being fully at peace with who you are and the people you choose. It draws from Mr. Reid’s appreciation for R&B and soul while expanding the template to incorporate funk, soft rock, yacht rock, and classic pop influences, with the help of music producer Luke April. It is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.

Ahn Hyo-seop stars inFinal Table

A SCRIPTED high-stakes culinary drama is set to premiere on Prime Video in October. Titled Final Table,it stars Korean star Ahn Hyo-seop as one of many Korean chefs who gather from all over the world to compete in “The Table: K-Chef 2026,” a contest to crown the finest Korean chef. It will be available to stream on Prime Video on Oct. 24 in the Philippines and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.