Showbiz
Catch the Best of Award-Winning and Box Office Hits Streaming on Showmax
Showmax is bringing an exciting lineup of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films this award season, featuring Oscar-nominated performances, Emmy-winning productions, and box-office smashes. Here are five must-watch titles you won’t want to miss.
1. Night Swim | Streaming from 6 February
From horror masterminds James Wan (The Conjuring) and Jason Blum (Get Out), Night Swim is a supernatural thriller that debuted at #1 at the US box office.
Ray Waller, a former baseball player forced into early retirement by illness, moves his family into a new home with a backyard pool—unaware of the sinister force lurking beneath the water’s surface.
Starring Wyatt Russell (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) and Oscar nominee Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin), Night Swim is packed with suspense. The Los Angeles Times calls it “deliciously sadistic.”
2. Despicable Me 4 | Streaming from 20 February
One of 2024’s biggest box-office hits, Despicable Me 4 sees Gru, Lucy, and their daughters welcome a new family member—Gru Jr.—while facing off against their latest nemesis, Maxime Le Mal.
With an all-star voice cast, including Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, and Sofia Vergara, this animated comedy is perfect for the whole family. The screenplay is co-written by The White Lotus creator Mike White.
3. Alex Edelman: Just For Us | Streaming from 19 February
Winner of the 2024 Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special, this HBO comedy special is based on Edelman’s Tony-nominated Broadway show.
Edelman hilariously recounts his experience infiltrating a white nationalist meeting, blending sharp wit with social commentary. The Washington Post calls it “perfection.”
4. She Came to Me | Streaming from 17 February
This romantic comedy stars Peter Dinklage, Anne Hathaway, and Marisa Tomei in a story about a composer, a psychiatrist, and a tugboat captain whose lives unexpectedly collide.
Written and directed by Sundance winner Rebecca Miller, the film also features Bruce Springsteen’s Addicted to Romance, nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
5. Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple | Streaming from 26 February
This HBO documentary, a Grammy nominee for Best Music Film, chronicles the life of rock legend Stevie Van Zandt—from performing with Bruce Springsteen to starring in The Sopranos.
With interviews from Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, and Bono, the film has a 90% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Guardian calls it “a sprawling biography of one of rock’s most likable veterans.”
Bonus: Award winning and Blockbuster Hits
The Color Purple
More than a film, The Color Purple is a powerful, music-filled experience. This latest adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows Celie, a Black woman overcoming hardship through sisterhood.
Directed by Blitz Bazawule (Black Is King), the film embraces its Broadway roots, blending stunning visuals with soul-stirring music. Fantasia Barrino shines in her film debut as Celie, earning BAFTA and Golden Globe nods. Danielle Brooks (OITNB) delivers an Oscar-nominated performance as Sofia, alongside Taraji P. Henson (Empire) as Shug Avery.
With an 81% Rotten Tomatoes rating and nine Black Reel Awards, including Outstanding Ensemble, The Color Purple is a must-watch. Streaming on Showmax this February.
Joker
Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, is a gripping psychological thriller that gives a new twist to the superhero genre. The film takes place in a troubled, crime-filled Gotham City and follows Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian who slowly loses his grip on reality and transforms into the notorious Joker.
Joaquin Phoenix delivers an unforgettable performance as Arthur Fleck, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The movie also received 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. With its eerie score and stunning visuals, Joker is a must-watch for those who love deep character stories and psychological drama.
With everything from new blockbusters to all-time classics, Showmax is packed with must-watch entertainment this February. What are you streaming first? Head to www.showmax.com/ng or download the Showmax app to sign up and start streaming.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Showmax has announced that it would shut down its streaming services on April 30, 2026, bringing an end to its current operations.
The company disclosed this in an email sent to its subscribers, outlining key dates and what users should expect in the coming weeks.
According to the notice, the streamer set March 31, 2026, as the deadline for users to renew subscriptions or redeem vouchers, adding that from April 1, 2026, new subscriptions and renewals will no longer be available.
Recall that Canal+, which now owns MultiChoice, a pay-TV firm, earlier this month announced its decision to discontinue the streaming service due to its unsustainable operations.
MultiChoice launched Showmax across Africa 10 years ago in August 2015 to compete with the advent of streamers like Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon’s Prime Video, Disney+ and others, but it faced some challenges and couldn’t hit its target.
Even after it relaunched in partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal in 2024, it kept haemorrhaging cash without a viable return. Canal+ is looking to cut a combined €400 million by 2030, which will affect content.
NBCUniversal has a 30 per cent stake in Showmax as a joint venture. In its last annual results before the Canal+ takeover, MultiChoice revealed that Showmax’s trading losses had worsened by 88 per cent while revenue significantly declined.
With the winding-down plan now in full flow, Showmax informed subscribers that existing users can continue watching content until their subscriptions expire or until the end of April 2026.
“31 March 2026: Last day to renew your Showmax subscription or redeem vouchers,” the email stated.
It further reassured subscribers that there would be no immediate disruption for active users, noting that they can keep streaming content as usual within the transition period.
“No stress, you can keep watching as usual until your subscription ends, or until the end of April 2026, whichever comes first,” the company said.
The platform also hinted at a transition plan, stating that more details would be shared on how users can continue enjoying its content through other channels, particularly via DStv Stream.
“We’ll soon share how you can keep enjoying Showmax Originals and more on DStv Stream… So, ‘be on the lookout,” the email added.
MultiChoice has already started rebranding Showmax Originals as Africa Magic, M-Net, kykNET and Mzansi Magic Originals, with original series that will transition to these various DStv linear TV channels on the MultiChoice pay-TV platform.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The popular Nigerian telenovela, Wura, is making a return to the screens on Monday, March 31, 2026, for the fourth season.
The programme will be aired exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7), Business Post gathered.
It will air every weeknight at 8 pm on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8) and at 8:30 pm on Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7).
Directed by Mr Rogers Ofime, Season 4 raises the stakes as Wura’s carefully built empire begins to crack under the weight of secrets, betrayal, and relentless pressure from every side. As alliances shift and loyalties are tested, the Adeleke dynasty stands on the brink of collapse.
A statement disclosed that the new season continues to follow the story of Wura Amoo Adeleke, the ruthless matriarch played by Scarlet Gomez, as she fights to survive the fallout from Season 3’s explosive ending.
Haunted by guilt and surrounded by enemies, Wura must protect her empire while her own family turns against her.
Wura Season 4 features an ensemble cast, including Ray Adeka, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ego Iheanacho, Modesinuola Ogundiwin and many more.
“Season 4 is about consequences. Everything Wura has done, every choice she’s made, is coming home to roost. This season, we’re not holding back,” Mr Ofime said.
Also commenting, the Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice, Ms Atinuke Babatunde, said, “Wura represents the calibre of bold, compelling storytelling that Africa Magic was built to showcase.
“Bringing this powerhouse series to our platform is a statement about our commitment to premium African content. We’re proud to bring Wura to millions of viewers across the continent.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The 98th edition of the celebrated Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards, known as the Oscars, was held on Sunday, March 15.
The ceremony was hosted by actor and comedian, Conan O’Brien.
Here is the compiled list of winners at the showpiece.
Best Picture
Bugonia
F1: The Movie
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another – WINNER
The Secret Agent
Sentimental Value
Sinners
Train Dreams
Best Actor
Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme
Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
Michael B. Jordan, Sinners – WINNER
Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent
Best Actress
Jessie Buckley, Hamnet – WINNER
Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value
Emma Stone, Bugonia
Best Supporting Actor
Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another
Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
Delroy Lindo, Sinners
Sean Penn, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value
Best Supporting Actress
Elle Fanning, Sentimental Value
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value
Amy Madigan, Weapons – WINNER
Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another
Best Director
Chloé Zhao, Hamnet
Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value
Ryan Coogler, Sinners
Original Screenplay
Robert Kaplow, Blue Moon
Jafar Panahi, It Was Just an Accident
Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Eskil Vogt & Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value
Ryan Coogler, Sinners – WINNER
Adapted Screenplay
Will Tracy, Bugonia
Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein
Chloé Zhao & Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar, Train Dreams
Animated Feature
Arco
Elio
Kpop Demon Hunters – WINNER
Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
Zootopia 2
Documentary Feature
The Alabama Solution
Come See Me in the Good Light
Cutting Through Rocks
Mr Nobody Against Putin – WINNER
The Perfect Neighbor
International Feature
The Secret Agent, Brazil
It Was Just an Accident, France
Sentimental Value, Norway – WINNER
Sirāt, Spain
The Voice of Hind Rajab, Tunisia
Best Editing
Stephen Mirrione, F1: The Movie
Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Olivier Bugge Coutté, Sentimental Value
Michael P. Shawver, Sinners
Cinematography
Dan Laustsen, Frankenstein
Darius Khondji, Marty Supreme
Michael Bauman, One Battle After Another
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners – WINNER
Adolpho Veloso, Train Dreams
Original Score
Jerskin Fendrix, Bugonia
Alexandre Desplat, Frankenstein
Max Richter, Hamnet
Jonny Greenwood, One Battle After Another
Ludwig Göransson, Sinners – WINNER
Best Casting
Nina Gold, Hamnet
Jennifer Venditti, Marty Supreme
Cassandra Kulukundis, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Gabriel Domingues, The Secret Agent
Francine Maisler, Sinners
Best Production Design
Frankenstein – WINNER
Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau
Hamnet
Production Design: Fiona Crombie; Set Decoration: Alice Felton
Marty Supreme
Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis
One Battle After Another
Production Design: Florencia Martin; Set Decoration: Anthony Carlino
Sinners
Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Monique Champagne
Best Costume Design
Deborah L. Scott, Avatar: Fire and Ash
Kate Hawley, Frankenstein – WINNER
Malgosia Turzanska, Hamnet
Miyako Bellizzi, Marty Supreme
Ruth E. Carter, Sinners
Best Visual Effects
Avatar: Fire and Ash – WINNER
F1: The Movie
Jurassic World Rebirth
The Lost Bus
Sinners
Best Sound
F1: The Movie – WINNER
Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, & Juan Peralta
Frankenstein
Greg Chapman, Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira, Christian Cooke, & Brad Zoern.
One Battle After Another
José Antonio García, Christopher Scarabosio, & Tony Villaflor.
Sinners
Chris Welcker, Benjamin A. Burtt, Felipe Pacheco, Brandon Proctor, & Steve Boeddeker.
Sirât
Amanda Villavieja, Laia Casanovas, & Yasmina Praderas.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Frankenstein – WINNER
Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, & Cliona Furey
Kokuho
Kyoko Toyokawa, Naomi Hibino, & Tadashi Nishimatsu
Sinners
Ken Diaz, Mike Fontaine, & Shunika Terry
The Smashing Machine
Kazu Hiro, Glen Griffin, & Bjoern Rehbein
The Ugly Stepsister
Thomas Foldberg & Anne Cathrine Sauerberg
Best Original Song
Dear Me
from Diane Warren: Relentless; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
Golden – WINNER
from KPop Demon Hunters; Music and Lyric by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon, and Teddy Park
I Lied to You
from Sinners; Music and Lyric by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Goransson
Sweet Dreams of Joy
from Viva Verdi!; Music and Lyric by Nicholas Pike
Train Dreams
from Train Dreams; Music by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner; Lyric by Nick Cave
Best Live-Action Short
Butcher’s Stain
A Friend of Dorothy
Jane Austen’s Period Drama
The Singers – WINNER (TIE)
Two People Exchanging Saliva – WINNER (TIE)
Best Documentary Short
All the Empty Rooms – WINNER
Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud
Children No More: “Were and Are Gone”
The Devil Is Busy
Perfectly A Strangeness
Best Animated Short
Butterfly
Forevergreen
The Girl Who Cried Pearls – WINNER
Retirement Plan
The Three Sisters.
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