As the New Hampshire primary approaches, voters in the Granite State have been voicing their opinions on the key candidates. Republican Carole Roberge expressed her support for Nikki Haley, citing her dislike for former President Donald Trump as a factor in her decision. On the Democratic side, retired teacher Debbie Beaudoin plans to write in President Joe Biden's name. Biden opted out of the primary due to a dispute over South Carolina's primary calendar position. Supporters of Biden, including Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, have been advocating for write-in votes. Some younger voters in New Hampshire feel disconnected from the candidates, citing concerns about issues such as jobs, the cost of living, student debt, and climate change. They hope to find a candidate who is relatable and capable of effective communication. As polls open on Tuesday, it remains to be seen whether the voters of New Hampshire will deliver any surprises in this pivotal primary election.

Former President Donald Trump's past comments on cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, are raising doubts about his support for the crypto industry if he were to be reelected in 2025. During his campaign event in New Hampshire, Trump pledged to block the creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC), arguing that it would give the government "absolute control over your money." However, his previous remarks on Bitcoin have been less favorable, as he referred to it as a "scam" competing against the dollar.

This raises questions about what a second Trump administration would mean for the crypto sector. While some in the industry see his opposition to a CBDC as a positive stance for private stablecoins, Trump's own Commodity Futures Trading Commission chair, Christopher Giancarlo, supports a Fed-issued digital currency. Giancarlo has argued that a digital dollar could increase accessibility to virtual currencies like Bitcoin.

The crypto community, which spans across political affiliations, has been critical of President Joe Biden's approach to digital assets, from proposed taxes on cryptocurrency miners to the appointment of Gary Gensler as the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, some crypto boosters are turning to the possibility of a second Trump administration for more favorable policies.

However, Trump's mixed messaging on crypto and his past skepticism towards Bitcoin raise concerns about the level of support he would provide to the crypto industry in the future. As the 2025 election approaches, candidates' positions on cryptocurrencies and CBDCs are becoming significant factors in appealing to voters.

Netflix's transition from a premium growth stock is acknowledged, but the focus shifts to its robust free cash flow generation potential. At a forward free cash flow valuation of 23x, Netflix appears attractively priced, leveraging its dominant position as a streaming provider. Recent strategic moves, including the WWE partnership and a heightened emphasis on advertising, contribute to positive near-term prospects. With a robust slate of content, a growing subscriber base, and an expanding presence in diverse markets, Netflix seems poised for positive momentum in the coming quarters.

However, Netflix also faces near-term challenges. The intensifying competition in the streaming industry poses a threat, with new entrants continually vying for market share. Furthermore, the maturation of the streaming landscape has led to heightened content acquisition costs and increased competition for exclusive rights. Sustaining subscriber and revenue growth becomes crucial as the average revenue per member benefits from paid sharing begin to diminish. Despite these challenges, Netflix's stock remains stable within a bullish area, and a breakout above resistance levels could lead to further gains.

Film enthusiasts in the Philippines are in for a treat as they can now enjoy live broadcasts and on-demand streaming of premier Hollywood awards shows. Lionsgate Play, powered by PLDT Home, is offering exclusive access to popular awards shows such as the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Critics' Choice.

Viewers can look forward to witnessing exceptional productions like Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Killers of the Flower Moon at the 2024 awards shows. The 81st Golden Globe Awards recently took place, with Oppenheimer winning Best Motion Picture and Cillian Murphy receiving the Best Actor award. The ceremony is available for on-demand streaming on Lionsgate Play.

Next up is the Critics' Choice Awards, hosted by Chelsea Handler, where Barbie leads with 18 nominations. Notable contenders include Emma Stone's Poor Things, Past Lives, Disney's Loki, and Netflix's The Crown.

Concluding the January awards lineup is the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards. Leading with 14 nominations, Succession is a standout show, alongside The Bear, Ted Lasso, Barry, House of the Dragon, and more. The Emmys will air on January 16 and will be available for on-demand streaming.

Film lovers in the Philippines now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the excitement of Hollywood's most prestigious awards shows, thanks to Lionsgate Play and PLDT Home.

Philadelphia native Da'Vine Joy Randolph has received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "The Holdovers." Randolph, who attended Hershey High School and graduated from Temple University, has already won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for her performance in the film. "The Holdovers" tells the story of three unlikely companions spending Christmas break together at a New England boarding school in 1970, with Randolph playing the grieving mother of a son who was drafted for the Vietnam War. Critics have praised Randolph's work in the film, and she is considered a frontrunner for the Oscar. Her fellow nominees in the category include Emily Blunt, Danielle Brooks, America Ferrera, and Jodie Foster. The 96th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 10, and will air on ABC.

Sources:

- Patrick Berkery, "Philadelphia native Da'Vine Joy Randolph earns Oscar nomination for 'The Holdovers'," January 23, 2024

- Author, "Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Colman Domingo and Bradley Cooper receive Oscar nominations," January 23, 2024

- WPVI, "3 Philadelphia-area stars will be vying for a shot at Oscar gold," January 24, 2024

Lily Gladstone has made history by becoming the first Native American woman to be nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. Gladstone's nomination comes as recognition for her role as Mollie Burkhart in Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon." This is not the first time Gladstone has made history, as she recently became the first Indigenous woman to win a Best Actress award at the Golden Globes. In her acceptance speech, she highlighted the significance of her victory and the lack of representation for indigenous communities in Hollywood.

If Gladstone wins at the Oscars, she will become the first indigenous actress to win in this category. However, she will face tough competition, including Carey Mulligan, Sandra Huller, Emma Stone, and Annette Bening.

"Killers of the Flower Moon" has received critical acclaim for Gladstone's performance, with Rolling Stone calling it a standout. The film, based on a true story, explores the murders of Osage Nation members for their oil rights in the 1920s.

Gladstone's historic nomination at the Oscars reflects a positive shift towards more diverse and inclusive recognition in the film industry.