Netflix extends deal for animation films with Universal Pictures

The deal should help Netflix keep the kids subscriber base hooked. (File/AFP)
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Updated 19 July 2021
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Netflix extends deal for animation films with Universal Pictures

  • Netflix extends its deal with Universal Pictures in the US for animated film franchises
  • Netflix currently streams movies including “Despicable Me” and “The Grinch” from Universal’s Illumination studios

Netflix Inc. and Comcast Corp’s Universal Pictures are extending a multi-year exclusive rights deal in the United States for animated film franchises such as “Minions” and “Puss in Boots,” the streaming giant said on Tuesday.
Netflix’s rights to stream these popular movies, which are made by Universal’s DreamWorks Animation studios, will begin after a four-month window on Peacock, Comcast’s in-house streaming service.
Netflix currently streams movies including “Despicable Me” and “The Grinch” from Universal’s Illumination studios.
The streaming company added it would license the rights to Universal’s full-animated and live-action slate of films about four years after their release as well as the rights to other select titles.
The deal should help Netflix keep the kids subscriber base hooked and comes at a time when studios such as Disney are holding back on selling rights to streamers to boost their own platforms.
Comcast last week said that Universal’s new movies would exclusively go to Peacock no later than four months after they debut in theaters.


Arab News wins 7 prizes at European Newspaper Awards, led by 50th anniversary coverage

Updated 27 February 2026
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Arab News wins 7 prizes at European Newspaper Awards, led by 50th anniversary coverage

  • Anniversary special coverage and film won four Awards of Excellence across multiple categories

LONDON: Arab News won seven prizes at the 27th European Newspaper Awards — four for its 50th anniversary coverage and three for other projects — bringing its total to 160 awards since the 2018 relaunch.

The anniversary coverage earned an Award of Excellence in “Supplement for special occasions and anniversary editions,” plus wins in “Multimedia storytelling” for its special web section and two in “Film” and “Animated films” for its documentary.

Additional honors went to the “Spotlight — 2024 in Review” and “Opinion — 2024” print series in the “Sectional front pages nationwide newspaper” category, and a “Visualization” prize for an image from “Opinion — 2024.”

Launched in 1999 by organizer Norbert Kupper, the awards celebrate print and digital innovation. This year’s contest drew newspapers from 22 countries and more than 3,000 entries across 20 categories, despite fewer print submissions due to rising editorial collaborations.

“It’s testament to the skill, versatility and collaboration between the creative and editorial teams at Arab News that the seven awards at this year’s ENAs spanned print, digital and film categories,” commented Omar Nashashibi, head of creative design at Arab News. “These wouldn’t be possible without the world-class contributors we partner with, and the leadership, vision and support of Editor-In-Chief Faisal J. Abbas.”

Creative Director Simon Khalil called the film wins especially meaningful. “This recognition means a great deal because this film was never just about marking an anniversary, it was about capturing a defining moment in the evolution of Arab News and the region it represents.

“Telling the story, and drama of the 2018 relaunch, the digital transformation, and the courage to become ‘The Voice of a Changing Region’ was both a responsibility and a privilege.”

Past highlights include the “King Charles III Coronation” special coverage, “Kingdom vs. Captagon” investigation and FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 special edition.

See more award-winning projects at arabnews.com/greatesthits.