Film News Today — October 4, 2026
Paul Rudd Says He Stopped Bringing His Phone to Film Sets Because He’s ‘Addicted Like Everybody Else’: ‘They’re Facilitating Our Own Destruction’ and more — today's film signal.
The world of film is abuzz with diverse voices and perspectives, from the sets of Hollywood blockbusters to the stages of international film festivals. Actor Paul Rudd recently spoke out about the perils of smartphone addiction, revealing that he no longer brings his phone to film sets in an effort to stay focused and present. This theme of mindfulness and intention is echoed in the work of filmmakers like Guillermo Del Toro, who is defending his latest project, 'Digger', as a daring and cinematically complex film that pushes boundaries.
Meanwhile, industry insiders like Tony Gilroy are sounding the alarm about the potential consequences of major mergers and acquisitions, warning that the pursuit of venture capital could ultimately harm the film business. On a more celebratory note, the Zurich Film Festival has announced 'Flesh and Fuel' as its top prize winner, while the São Paulo Film Festival will honor Olga Rabinovich with its inaugural Encounters Award. And in a thought-provoking interview, acclaimed director Asghar Farhadi critiqued films like 'Argo' for perpetuating the American white savior myth, sparking important conversations about representation and cultural sensitivity in cinema.
Today's signal:
• Paul Rudd Says He Stopped Bringing His Phone to Film Sets Because He’s ‘Addicted Like Everybody Else’: ‘They’re Facilitating Our Own Destruction’ (variety.com)
• Guillermo Del Toro Defends ‘Digger,’ Calls the Film ‘Daring, Bold and Cinematically Complex’ (variety.com)
• Tony Gilroy Says Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Will ‘Destroy’ a ‘Healthy and Beautiful Business’ in ‘The Name of Venture Capital’: ‘It’s Tragic’ (variety.com)
• Pierre Le Gall’s Passionate Love Story ‘Flesh and Fuel’ Named Best Film at Zurich Film Festival (variety.com)
• Asghar Farhadi Says Films Like ‘Argo’ Perpetuate American White Savior Myth: ‘Who Asked You To Come and Save Us?’ (variety.com)
• Projeto Paradiso Founder Olga Rabinovich to Receive Inaugural Encounters Award at the São Paulo Film Festival (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)