
(L-R) Greg Berlanti, Joshua Jackson, Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson attend the Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala Benefiting F Cancer at Barker Hangar on October 03, 2026
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In it its third edition, the Barbara Berlanti “Heroes Gala,” launched eight years ago by top TV producer Greg Berlanti in honor of his mom, who had died of cancer, hit close to home as the disease recently claimed one of the shows Berlanti has worked on, Dawson’s Creek.
Series creator Kevin Williamson received the Barbara Berlanti Hero Award at the event held Saturday Night at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica to raise money for F Cancer’s early detection, prevention, and psychosocial initiatives.
He was presented with the award by Dawson’s Creek star Joshua Jackson and TV writer-producer Julie Plec, who worked with frequent collaborator Williamson, Jackson and Berlanti on Dawson’s Creek, in recognition of his efforts around the one-time Dawson’s Creek table read to support Van Der Beek following his cholesterol cancer diagnosis and benefit F Cancer.
“In the days before we went on stage to do this reading to support James, his health took a turn, and Kevin opened up not only his heart for making sure that everybody was okay, but also his wallet to make sure that we were able to honor James and honor his family at this event in truly the most amazing way possible, to allow his children to be in a room filled with people there to celebrate their dad as they had seen him go through what he was going through with humility and grace and to see the love for him that existed outside of their family,” Jackson said as he and Plec, a 2022 Heroes Gala honoree, both choked up while talking about Van Der Beek.

(L-R) Greg Berlanti, Joshua Jackson, Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson attend the Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala Benefiting F Cancer at Barker Hangar on October 03, 2026
Chris Frawley/Getty Images
Williamson, who, like Berlanti, lost his mom to lung cancer, also fought back tears while remembering Van Der Beek’s journey on Dawson’t Creek, a series inspired by Williamson’s own coming-of-age.
“James Van Beek gave voice to my childhood, he was the soul of the show, and anyway, he was the ultimate upgrade,” Williamson said about the actor playing a character he had based on himself. “I had the great pleasure of knowing James over many years, I saw him go from a young kid to an extraordinary man — a husband, a father, and a friend.”
Williamson took a lighter note while recalling his and Van Der Beek’s dynamic early in the show’s run.
“James had a full character arc. He started out as a brat. He would get a script and he would call me, and he would be like, ‘Why do I have to say this word? Nobody knows what this word means.’ And I would say, ‘Well, don’t worry about it, the way you mumble, nobody is going to hear it anyway.’ That was our relationship — Dawson talking to Dawson.”
Van Der Beek’s death in February at the age of 48, “really knocked me over,” Williamson said. He called the September 2025 table read benefit “probably one of the most special nights of my life.”
“The only thing missing was James. He was meant to be there. We were holding down hope till the last second, the doctors just wouldn’t let him get on the plane, but he still showed up that night with his unshakable courage and his spirit,” Williamson said. “I think he’s here with us tonight. He’s going to be with us for always. He’s awesome, and so I can’t pretend I’m worthy of any award but I will accept it. I’ll accept it in memory of my mother. I will accept it in the memory of James Van Der Beek, and I will accept it for the entire Dawson’s Creek family.”
The Dawson’t Creek reunion also included Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s (Van De Beek) mom on the show. She walked the red carpet with Jackson.

(L-R) Mary-Margaret Humes and Joshua Jackson attend the Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala Benefiting F Cancer at Barker Hangar on October 03, 2026
Chris Frawley/Getty Images
The Emmy-winning The Pitt star Katherine LaNasa, who spoke about getting diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2023 while struggling to find work during the post-pandemic industry contraction, received the Inspirational Hero Award. It was presented to her by The Pitt creator/executive producer R. Scott Gemmill.
“Katherine is more than a survivor. She is a warrior,” Gemmill said. “I think her spirit — I’m pretty sure — was shaped from coming from a long line of tough, ballsy, smart, funny Southern women. I see that every day. Sometimes it’s a lot to deal with.”
Gemmill spoke of how LaNasa’s strength during her cancer battle has influenced her Emmy Award-winning portrayal of charge nurse David Dana Evans on The Pitt.
“That, along with her empathy and her grace, has shone new light on an entire profession, helping healthcare workers to be seen and heard from in a way that’s never happened to them,” Gemmill said.

(L-R) R. Scott Gemmill and Katherine LaNasa attend the Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala Benefiting F Cancer at Barker Hangar on October 03, 2026
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He referenced one of LaNasa’s most memorable storylines on the HBO Max medical drama.
She portrayed a sexual assault nurse examiner last year with such honesty and rawness for Tina Ivlev, who is also here, that it affected so many people’s lives,” Gemmill said. “But also affected policy to the point where Allegheny General Hospital is now getting $20,000 more to train additional sexual assault nurse examiners, and those men and women will go on to change people’s lives in such a positive way. That’s just because she was willing to use what she went through and tap into it and give it to others, and that is a hero. That is an inspiration. That is impact. That is change. That is overcoming adversity, using your gift to help others. And that is my friend and my muse, Katherine LaNasa.”

(L-R) Greg Berlanti, Octavia Spencer, Brunson Green and Robbie Rogers attend the Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala Benefiting F Cancer at Barker Hangar on October 03, 2026
Photo by Chris Frawley/Getty Images
Actress-producer Octavia Spencer presented the Memorial Hero Award to trailblazing former NBA player Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete to compete in one of America’s top professional sports leagues, who died of glioblastoma in May. The honor was accepted by Collins’ husband, Brunson Green.
Among those who attended the gala, co-chaired by Berlanti and Robbie Rogers, were LaNasa’s The Pitt co-stars Noah Wyle, Patrick Ball an Shawn Hatosy, and top executives at The Pitt studio Warner Bros. Television, where Berlanti is based under an overall deal, and platform HBO Max including Casey Bloys, Sarah Aubrey, Joey Chavez, Clancy Collins White, and Brett Paul. (Both companies sponsored the event.)
Other notable guests included Paramount TV Studios President Matt Thunell, former longtime head of Warner Bros. TV Peter Roth, Danielle Panabaker, LaNasa’s usband Grant Show, Jim Rash, who emceed the auction, Lisa Ann Walter, Matthew Lillard and Sarah Shah.
Most of them took to the dance floor when Seal closed out the night by performing some of his biggest hits.
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George Cheeks, who has a shiny new role in the Skydance corporation, called the first day of the combined Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery the “start of a new chapter”.
In a memo to staff, Cheeks, who is now Co-Chair and Chief Content Officer, Skydance TV, teased the strategy of the new division that now includes CBS, Warner Bros. Television Studios, CBS Studios and Paramount Television Studios, CBS News, CBS Sports, TNT Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports.
“By bringing together Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, we’ve assembled a remarkable collection of television brands, networks and studios, backed by some of the most talented teams in the industry,” he wrote.
Cheeks did not particularly go into detail on the new structure and his direct reports in the note, but Deadline revealed a few days ago that Channing Dungey, who was Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros Television Group and US Networks, will now also oversee the Paramount cable networks such as MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET as well as VH1, Paramount Network, TV Land, CMT, Pop TV and Logo TV.
The former NBCUniversal exec, who is also in charge of CBS Studios, run by David Stapf, and Skydance TV, run by Matt Thunell, called the Skydance Television group an “unmatched mix of networks, studios, platforms and programming genres.”
He said that the TV studios, which will remain separate, for now, at least, will continue to “create franchises, premium originals and unscripted hits that entertain viewers of all ages and interests”.
He also lauded CBS, which he said “remains a cornerstone”. He praised the sports operations, which will now be run by CBS Sports boss David Berson, with TNT Sports chief Luis Silberwasser exiting.
Cheeks also called CBS News, run by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, “one of the most important brands in journalism, delivering national and worldwide news across broadcast, streaming and digital”.
The cable side now features more than 50 channels. “There are too many standout shows to name individually, but one thing is clear: the breadth and quality of programming across this group is unrivaled, spanning some of the most watched, most acclaimed and most award-winning in the industry,” he added.
Cheeks admitted that staff is eager to hear more about the leadership, structure and strategy and said that more details will be shared soon.
“This is a moment of transition. With that comes uncertainty. The stress of this is not lost on me. Expect to hear more on our structure and priorities in the weeks ahead,” he wrote. “The work ahead is significant, and so is the opportunity. I am energized by the possibilities. Together, we’ll build on our collective strengths to create an even stronger future.”
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SPOILER ALERT! This post contains details from Tuesday night’s episode of Dancing with the Stars.
We’re officially a month into Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, and the contestants are starting to feel the pressure of the competition.
After Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart were eliminated last week (which shook the remaining couples awake as they were definitely not the worst ones by a mile), the competitors are all taking on Mariah Carey in Week 4.
Reality star Ciara Miller with Brandon Armstrong. The reality star really wanted to earn some 7s for her jazz routine to “Emotions” and prove she’s meant to last in this competition. Carrie Ann Inaba called it her “best dance so far, my dear.” Get those 7s, girl! SCORE: 21 out of 30
Paralympian Ezra Frech with Daniella Karagach. These two came out swinging with another fiery performance, this time dancing a rumba to “Anytime You Need a Friend.” Derek Hough was thoroughly impressed: “It was seriously sophisticated. It was.” SCORE: 24 out of 30
Actor Harry Shum Jr. with Jenna Johnson. They’re looking for another set of solid scores from the judges for their tango to “It’s Like That.” This week, Jenna goes on the Grey’s Anatomy set with her celeb partner to practice in between takes. Fun fact: Harry danced in the original music video for this song, too. “A red hot tango from a man on a mission! Sharp as a knife. So intense. I mean, it gave me whiplash!” Bruno Tonioli says. Bonus points for the Glee reunion with former DWTS champ Amber Riley back in the ballroom to sing for this one. SCORE: 24 out of 30
Actress Jenna Dewan with Val Chmerkovskiy. Jenna is frustrated by her feedback from the judges, but she wants to take their critiques seriously. This week, she wants to focus on showing a softer and slower side to her dancing with a rumba to “My All.” Watch out Season 35, Jenna Dewan found her groove! All Derek Hough could do was stand up and clap. “All I have to say is: There she is.” SCORE: 24 out of 30
Reality star Tyler Cameron with Sharna Burgess. Tyler managed to skate by last week thanks to Taylor’s elimination, but he seems to know he needs to kick things into high gear if he wants to make it any further in the competition. This week, he and Sharna danced a foxtrot to “#Beautiful.” Color, well, nearly everyone surprised! The man can move! “The improvement is incredible. You should be proud of yourself,” Bruno tells him. SCORE: 21 out of 30
Reality star Maura Higgins with Mark Ballas. The Traitors duo is finding their groove, and Maura is settling into her clear natural affinity for dance. This week, they are taking on a waltz to “If It’s Over.” She’s already danced in frame, but now she wants to improve and go for higher scores. “I feel like right now the world needs that kind of beauty!” Carrie Ann exclaimed. SCORE: 25 out of 30 (a 9 from Carrie Ann! Maura falling to the ground in disbelief says it all.)
Late-night sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez with Whitney Carson. These two took a trip to New York City for rehearsals this week, since Guillermo is there for his day job. They are dancing a samba to “Obsessed.” As Witney says, “nothing can really prepare you for the samba.” He’s really trying, though. And hey, the steps he did (few as there were) were in time! “Listen, that wasn’t quite a samba, but it was 100% Guillermo,” Derek says. SCORE: 15 out of 30
Savannah Bananas midfielder Jackson Olson with Emma Slater. Jackson took a little break from rehearsals this week to celebrate his birthday, but he’s still putting his all into coming back strong after some lukewarm feedback from the judges in Week 3. He’s performing a waltz to “Without You.” There must be something in the air this week, because he looked like a completely different dancer. “I can see you almost for the first time,” Bruno tells him. SCORE: 21 out of 30
Actress Tatyana Ali with Jan Ravnik. The Fresh Prince star is living ut a childhood dream dancing to Mariah Carey. And she’s got the in-the-know pro this week, because Jan has toured with the pop star. They’re doing a jazz dance to “Fantasy.” After last week, can anyone be surprised that she kills it? Carrie Ann wanted her to have more energy for a jazz routine. Derek and Bruno agree. “But overall, I just love seeing what you’re doing,” Derek says. SCORE: 20 out of 30
Comedian and podcaster Connor Wood with Rylee Arnold. Rylee, Connor isn’t sure if you’ve noticed, but you tend to include grinding choreography in all of your routines. Well, the tradition continues this week, because they’re dancing a rumba to “Touch My Body.” I mean, what’s a girl to do? Unfortunately, the hips were not moving, but he did do a nice worm. “There’s a lot of moments where you’re playing it safe,” Derek says. Bruno loved it. “Frisky!” SCORE: 19 out of 30
Actress Julia Stiles with Ezra Sosa. Julia is riding high after receiving her highest scores last week. She’s really got to impress this week with a Viennese waltz to “Vision of Love” if she wants to keep the positive momentum going. “For me, that was a breakthrough,” Carrie Ann said. Well, ok then! SCORE: 21 out of 30
Olympian Amber Glenn with Pasha Pashkov. It’s a lot of pressure to close out the night, especially as the couple who walked away with the first 8s of the season and tied at the top of the leaderboard last week. This time, they’re dancing a rumba to “Hero.” Pasha calls the dance “the ultimate test” of their synchronicity as a couple. Turns out, they didn’t need to worry at all. “You never lost the ability to fill the room,” Bruno says. SCORE: 23 out of 30
Who goes home?
The competition is getting tough, so there’s not very many weeks that Guillermo can keep getting away with this, but somehow Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong go home on Tuesday night.
Next week is Super Bowl Night. Stay tuned to see what that means.
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Paramount Pictures Co-Chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein sent out a Day 1 memo to the troops at the Paramount and Warner Bros. Motion Picture units.
Among the priorities, we understand, is keeping legacies of both studios alive. In the memo, Goldberg and Greenstein say they see themselves as “stewards of two of the most storied studios in Hollywood history.”
They also explained that the companies’ respective film divisions will operate independently.
“We have organized our film divisions around the movies themselves. Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures will continue to build and release their slate of films separately, under those brands. This means that each Warner Bros. Pictures or Paramount Pictures film you see will carry its respective logo. They are the cornerstone labels and will remain the homes for our largest commercial and filmmaker-driven projects. DC Studios, New Line Cinema and Paramount Primal will continue as distinct labels with specific mandates. Our animation and specialty labels, including Republic Pictures and Warner Bros. Clockwork, will also operate independently.”
A more immediate priority for the duo — who have been working on getting the Paramount motion picture unit into financially reasonable shape — is getting under the hood of Warner Bros.
Here is the full text of their memo:
Dear teammates,
Today marks Day One of a new chapter, and we are proud to share it with all of you. It’s an immense privilege to make movies, and an even greater honor to do so as the stewards of two of the most storied studios in Hollywood history. We take that responsibility seriously and have enormous respect for the people, work and relationships that have made these studios what they are today.
At the heart of that legacy is a simple belief that movies are best seen together, on a big screen. A century later, that human connection is still alive. Going to the movies is a communal tradition, where a story becomes a moment we carry together. That tradition is thriving, and David Ellison is making one of the biggest investments in its future. We believe in it, and we are all in.
Our mission is to build on these studios’ legacies as homes for the greatest filmmakers and storytellers. We will embrace their vision, back it with the best marketing and distribution in the business, and keep creating cultural moments that shape generations. That means taking bold swings, alongside crowd-pleasers, with a steady willingness to push boundaries.
We have organized our film divisions around the movies themselves. Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures will continue to build and release their slate of films separately, under those brands. This means that each Warner Bros. Pictures or Paramount Pictures film you see will carry its respective logo. They are the cornerstone labels and will remain the homes for our largest commercial and filmmaker-driven projects. DC Studios, New Line Cinema and Paramount Primal will continue as distinct labels with specific mandates. Our animation and specialty labels, including Republic Pictures and Warner Bros. Clockwork, will also operate independently.
We won’t pretend a combination of this size comes without change. We know you will have questions, and we will respond to as many as we can, though we won’t be able to answer everything today. In the months ahead, we will spend time with the teams across both studios, listening, learning and sharing updates along the way. Your experience and perspective will be essential in shaping what comes next. What we can say with confidence is that our purpose is simple, and it starts with the work in front of us.
Our collective job is to give teams and filmmakers the support they need to do their best work, and to make movies that entertain and endure. The opportunity ahead of us is extraordinary, and we look forward to building on everything you have accomplished.
Together, we are going to build something special.
Long live the movies,
Dana & Josh
The missive comes just hours after Skydance co-CEO David Ellison sent his own memo.
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