ABC Debuts Midseason Trailers for Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy, 9-1-1, The Good Doctor, Station 19, and More

By Zach Johnson

In November, ABC announced its 2024 midseason premiere dates, featuring a robust lineup of high-stakes dramas, fan-favorite comedies, unparalleled unscripted series, and groundbreaking news hours—and today, the network released trailers for 10 of its midseason premieres.

The Conners and Not Dead Yet will debut Wednesday, February 7, followed by a special one-hour premiere of the Emmy® Award-winning Abbott Elementary. Will Trent, The Rookie, and The Good Doctor will return for new seasons on Tuesday, February 20, while television’s No. 1 broadcast drama, 9-1-1, will move to its new home Thursday, March 14, joining Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19. As previously announced, The Good Doctor and Station 19 will be concluding after seven seasons each.

Watch a playlist of trailers and teasers, below:

All of ABC’s midseason premieres are as follows (all times are ET/PT):

Wednesday, February 7
8 p.m.: The Conners
8:30 p.m.: Not Dead Yet
9 p.m. Abbott Elementary
10 p.m.: Judge Steve Harvey

Sunday, February 18
8 p.m.: American Idol
10 p.m. What Would You Do?

Tuesday, February 20
8 p.m.: Will Trent
9 p.m.: The Rookie
10 p.m.: The Good Doctor

Thursday, March 14
8 p.m.: 9-1-1
9 p.m.: Grey’s Anatomy
10 p.m.: Station 19

Stream episodes next day on Hulu.

Soar Into the Lunar New Year with These Dragon-Filled Disney Classics

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

With the beginning of Lunar New Year, which is the Year of the Dragon, just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than to fully immerse ourselves in the spirit of the dragon through these Disney fan favorites?

This streaming guide captures the essence of wisdom, courage, and mythical adventures, where beloved Disney dragons become the perfect companions for this joyous spring festival.

The Reluctant Dragon faces the camera sideways and has one of its legs curled up, as if sitting cross-legged while standing up. The photo’s background is yellow, and The Reluctant Dragon has a warm, happy expression. 

The Reluctant Dragon (1941)
This animated short introduces fans to a dragon who would much rather recite poetry than engage in the traditional dragon-like activities of destruction and mayhem. Celebrate individuality and the power of harmony with this heartwarming tale!

Maleficent in dragon form has cornered Prince Philip at the edge of a cliff. The dragon is breathing fire toward the prince, who is defending himself with a shield and sword. The background of the photo is of large flames. 

Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Sleeping Beauty features the evil fairy Maleficent in dragon form. This streaming list wouldn’t be complete without a nod to this animated classic featuring the notorious Disney Villain! For even more of the iconic dragon, be sure to watch the live-action films starring Oscar®-winner Angelina Jolie as the fire-breathing dragon in Maleficent (2014) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019).

Mushu and Cri-Kee are standing inside a woven surface that has been partially destroyed. Mushu has a scared and startled expression on his face, pointing to perhaps what caused the blow, while Cri-Kee looks at Mushu with confusion and slight anger.

Mulan (1998)
Mulan tells the inspiring tale of a legendary Chinese warrior determined to defy patriarchal norms. Her spirited sidekick, Mushu, is a small dragon that remains steadfast by Mulan’s side. This animated classic is an excellent way to start off the Lunar New Year, beautifully commemorating the strength that dragons symbolize in Chinese culture.

Dragon Narissa fills the screen in a close up shot. The background of the photo is the interior of a building, featuring a wooden ceiling and the top of five curtains.

Enchanted (2007)
The magical land of Andalasia collides with the bustling world of New York City in this hybrid animation-live action movie. As these two worlds intertwine, heroine Giselle must navigate a series of obstacles that arise when fantasy and reality merge. Among these challenges is contending with the dragon form of Queen Narissa, known as Dragon Narissa, an adversary nobody wishes to provoke.

Elliot and Peter are in a forest with towering trees. They are both facing each other, laying down, and looking at an electronic device they have placed on the soil. Peter is wearing a long-sleeve, green top and black bermuda shorts.

Pete’s Dragon (2016)
This fantasy adventure film introduces the world to Elliot: a protective, 24-foot-tall dragon who is the closest thing 6-year-old Pete has to family. An enchanting tale about friendship and companionship, this story reminds fans of all that is important and is perfect for celebrating this Lunar New Year. Want even more Elliot? Then be sure to watch the original 1977 Pete’s Dragon, the live-action/animated musical feature film that follows the friendship of the young orphan and his invisible pet dragon.

Raya and Sisu are in a wooden boat that is on water. They are sitting at the back end of the boat, and they are looking at each other, smiling. Raya wears a form-fitting, yellow tunic and a short-sleeve, brown jacket with detailing.

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Raya, a brilliant warrior, is determined to find the last remaining dragon in the fantasy world of Kumandra, Sisu. Legends say she’s a divine water being of unspeakable beauty and unstoppable magic… but what Raya finds instead is a funny, self-deprecating dragon who sees herself as the perennial “C-student” who will need to learn how to become the dragon of legend to help save the world with Raya.

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Gets Juiced Up for Season 2

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Lunella Lafayette is no ordinary 13-year-old. In Season 1 of Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Lunella, part-time Super Hero and science aficionado with perfect grades, emerged as the savior of New York City’s Lower East Side, fending off various enemies with her partner, Devil Dinosaur. While she maintains close ties with her family, only one family member knows her secret identity, knowledge that led to revelations unearthing Lunella’s past and the origins of her Super Hero persona.

Coming February 2 to Disney Channel and Disney XD—with episodes appearing the next day on Disney+—Season 2 of Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur plunges viewers into uncharted territory, exploring a captivating mix of secrets, history, and new adversaries. This animated series not only boasts an engaging storyline but also captivates viewers with its exceptional music and vibrant graphic design.

D23 was lucky enough to speak with executive producer Steve Loter and co-executive producer Rodney Clouden about Lunella’s new adventures. (Warning: This article includes spoilers for Season 1 of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.)

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club: Season 1 ended on an absolute cliffhanger. What can you tell us about what viewers can expect from Season 2?
Steve Loter (SL): Season 2 is a roller coaster. Lunella is dealing with a lot. She’s dealing with the fact that she is now an established Super Hero. So, villains are leveling up against her. She has this inner conflict, trying to manage life with her family and life as a Super Hero patrolling the streets. Even her friendships are strained. You could say that it’s a big growth season, but you know what? There’s still plenty of music and comedy too.

D23: Speaking of music, how does the team select songs for this series? It’s such an important aspect of the show. What do you hope the audience will gain from the amazing soundtrack you’ve chosen?
Rodney Clouden (RC): We wanted to continue what Season 1 gave the audience but to also step it up a little bit to help propel the storytelling. The soundtrack was something that we wanted to level up. One of the songs in the first episode of Season 2 is “Juice It Up.” We filled in the driving beat of the song and wanted to take the audience on an emotional journey.

The mysterious The Beyonder has assumed the form of a moped with Moon Girl hanging tightly to the seat as they speed to another dimension.

D23: Color is also a crucial aspect of the show. Could you elaborate on how you’re leveling up the color in Season 2 and how it contributes to the show’s storytelling?
SL: Chris Whittier, Jose Lopez, and our amazing art team are just absolutely incredible. We treat each episode as a mini movie. We do color scripts and a lot of different palettes, color changes, and shifts depending on mood and tone of the scene. It’s very theatrical. We want to ensure that everything feels like an experience on its own when you’re watching the episode.
RC: Yes. It’s not just color for the sake of color. There is a reason why each color exists; it sets a mood, emotion, or tone for that particular scene. So, it’s not just like “Oh, it’s dark.” It’s green, moody, bright, or sunny for a specific reason. There’s a lot of effort that’s put into it and into the storytelling arc and movement of each scene.

D23: One of my favorite aspects of the show is Lunella and Casey’s partnership. Can you give fans a bit of insight into how you decided to develop this duo, and how each character complements the other?
SL: Casey is a perfect best friend for Lunella because they’re so different and they complement each other. Lunella started out being somewhat introverted at the top of Season 1, and Casey’s very extroverted, but together they form the perfect version of each other as friends. As Season 2 goes on, we introduce some new characters to that friendship circle. Kid Kree in particular is a really great character. We have a Super Hero team-up too with a character named Turbo. So, it’s interesting to see the friendship dynamic that comes through in this circle.

D23: How do Devil Dinosaur’s personality, strengths, and weaknesses complement Lunella’s?
RC: Well, you know what they say: “Opposites attract.” Lunella and Devil Dinosaur also work in tandem because they have this sort of “mind meld,” as you saw in the first season. They are in tune because they’ve learned what the other person needs and how the other person is going to react, and they know what they must do to support each other.

D23: Going back to cliffhangers, it was also revealed in Season 1 that Lunella’s grandmother, Mimi, whom Lunella grew up idolizing, is the original Moon Girl. How does this plot twist inform Season 2 and what can fans expect from this storyline?
SL: It has some big impacts. I mean, the difference is that, now, there’s two people holding a big secret in the Lafayette family, and the double lives are starting to collide. On the positive side, I think it’s great for Lunella to have someone that she can talk to about Super Hero life, and Mimi is an incredible scientist. They’re going to do some amazing stuff together not just technologically, but also emotionally.

D23: I love how the show celebrates women in STEM. How did you approach this specific topic in Season 2?
RC: I think it’s a continuous process. Lunella herself, a Black girl who is into STEM, is someone you don’t often see in the media. We wanted to lean into that, but also to give big props to the female scientists that exist in the world. So, we referenced, for example, Gladys West, who invented [models that led to the development of] GPS. We throw those [names] in every now and then to maybe prompt the audience to Google them and wonder, “Who is this person the show is referring to?” We also wanted Lunella to be an aspirational character who is relatable—someone who is doing great things in STEM and in her regular life.

Moon Girl, in her multicolor Super Hero costume, stands in front of a colorful text that reads “Juiced Up.”

D23: One of my favorite episodes of Season 1 was “Skip This Ad…olescence,” where Lunella uses gadgets to bypass all her chores. How do you balance the typical struggles that a teenager goes through with the scientific battles that Lunella specifically experiences?
SL: Every time we approach a story, we approach it by asking, “What is the relatable human emotion here?” That episode is about impatience. After we’ve done that, we pull in the technology or the mythology or the science-fiction nature of what it means to tell that story. The thing is, those types of stories have been told over and over again, so it’s up to you to clothe it in a way that is authentic. You want to be able to tell that story … in a way that it becomes complementary to the storytelling. You want to maintain that you’re telling a very relatable human story.
RC: For this show, it was also important to tell these stories in a way that is visually interesting and comedic, which is not how you’d typically come across these stories.

D23: In Season 1, Casey boosted Lunella’s confidence and urged her to just have fun. Is there a specific aspect of their relationship that Season 2 focuses on?
SL: Oh, absolutely. In Season 1, with Lunella being an introvert and Casey being an extrovert, they made a perfect pairing. In Season 2, their friendship grows and gets stronger, but it’s also strained at certain points in time. In particular, Casey becomes more involved in Lunella’s “Super Hero-ing” world. There’s an episode where Casey redoes Lunella’s lab in Casey fashion, which is not Lunella’s style. The friendship comes to a head at certain points, but, at the end, they’re still really great for each other. They love each other very much, so they’ll always see through the conflict. We wanted to show conflict but also resolution, because that’s relatable. I think it’s useful for our audience to be able to see how you can grow from an experience.
RC: Exactly. Female friendship is an important aspect of the show, and showing the ups and downs of it is something we wanted to include. It was important to emphasize how the two characters talk to each other, how they express themselves, how they feel, and how there’s a way to make things up and resolve conflict.  

D23: Black identity is such an important part of the series. How did the creative team approach celebrating Black identity, and how have young fans responded to this aspect of the series?
RC: I’m not really on social media that much, but from what I’ve seen, people love to see themselves represented. They love thinking that on the show, there’s someone who reminds them of their cousin, to think, “Oh, that person looks just like me.”

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Documentary Special to Debut January 30 on Disney+

By Zach Johnson

Has there ever been a better time to be a Percy Jackson fan?!

Disney+ just announced that immediately following the season finale of the smash hit Disney+ Original series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, fans can watch a new original documentary special, A Hero’s Journey: The Making of Percy Jackson and the Olympians! Featuring the series’ breakout stars, acclaimed author Rick Riordan, and the creative team, the 50-minute documentary will premiere Wednesday, January 30, on Disney+, giving Percy Jackson fans an exclusive look at the production of one of TV’s hottest new shows.

In the documentary special, fans will see stars Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri go on a quest of their own while bringing to life the beloved characters from Riordan’s award-winning book series. Alongside a passionate cast and creative team, A Hero’s Journey: The Making of Percy Jackson and the Olympians will follow the trio of young stars on the set of the Disney+ Original series as they step into worlds fit for gods; battle unforgettable creatures; and perform legendary feats—all while going to school, of course.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which garnered over 26 million views for its first episode*, will conclude its epic eight-episode season at 6 p.m. PT on Wednesday, January 30, exclusively on Disney+. Can’t wait until then? Take D23’s quiz inspired by Greek mythology, then watch Scobell, Jeffries, and Simhadri play Camp Half-Blood Superlatives.

*According to internal data, the first episode garnered 26.2 million views in its first three weeks streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. A view is defined as total stream time divided by runtime.

Disneyland Paris Unveils the Reimagined Disneyland Hotel, the Ultimate 5-Star Destination

By Zach Johnson

Today, Disneyland Paris reopens the Disneyland Hotel after a multiyear transformation, inviting guests from around the world to immerse themselves in royal Disney stories combined with unparalleled hospitality, fine dining, and uniquely Disney entertainment.

“The reopening of Disneyland Hotel marks a new milestone in the transformation of Disneyland Paris, extending our legacy as a leader in the European tourism industry with a unique blend of storytelling and service excellence, not to mention our exceptional capacity to welcome families,” says Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris. “We are thrilled to unveil this a one-of-a-kind five-star property celebrating beloved Disney royalty, which represents one of the most immersive hotels in Europe today.”

The grand lobby at Disneyland Paris’ Disneyland Hotel features a sparkling chandelier, a stylish table, elegant sofas, and an ornate rug, among other luxurious details.

Located at the entrance to Disneyland Park, the royal experience at Disneyland Hotel begins the moment guests enter the grand lobby, where a Royal Greeter welcomes them into a majestic library, and Story Keepers are keen to point out hidden details within the enchanted setting. Also in the lobby, La Troupe Royale Disney, accompanied by Disney Princesses, treats guests to surprise theatrical performances. The lobby also includes a chandelier made of Bohemian crystal, which represents Sleeping Beauty Castle. And on display in the wood and marble mezzanine are 15 exclusive dioramas that depict how Walt Disney and his artists would deepen the art of storytelling through use of the multiplane camera.

The Frozen Signature Suite has a chandelier hanging above a round table. The room has a silvery blue color scheme. Sleeping Beauty Castle is seen through the window.

Regal Residences

The Disneyland Hotel includes 487 rooms and suites that feature stylish, sophisticated interiors infused with the tradition of Disney storytelling, modern comfort, and luxurious amenities. From dream-inspiring artwork to subtle accents in the décor, guests enjoy an atmosphere that recounts unforgettable moments from royal Disney stories in great detail.

In a Deluxe Room at Disneyland Paris’ Disneyland Hotel, two beds are illuminated by purple light, creating a cozy atmosphere. Framed pictures from Moana hang on the wall.

The relaxing, elegant Superior Room features exclusive art depicting iconic moments from one of 11 Walt Disney Animation Studios films: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Cinderella (1950), Sleeping Beauty (1959), The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), The Princess and the Frog (2009), Tangled (2010), Frozen(2013), Moana (2016), or Raya and the Last Dragon (2021). The Deluxe Room takes guests one step further with new artworks that showcase scenes from those same films, which magically come to life with a special enchantment. For a magical bedtime experience, marvel at an illuminated animated canopy above the bed. Guests staying in a Deluxe Room also enjoy dedicated check-in and concierge services, as well as special access to the Deluxe Lounge.

The Cinderella Signature Suite features bed adorned with pillows and a neatly folded blanket. A canopy above the headboard depicts a scene from the film Cinderella.

The Castle Club is a hotel-within-a-hotel that offers guests exclusive benefits and enhanced magic. Located on the top two floors, the Castle Club features a private elevator and a dedicated check-in area, among other amenities. Guests staying in the Castle Club—there are 41 Castle Club rooms, 16 Signature Suites, one Princely Suite, and one Royal Suite—have access to the Castle Club Lounge, featuring breakfast with Disney Princess characters.

The 16 Signature Suites include the following:

  • 3 Cinderella Signature Suites
  • 3 Frozen Signature Suites
  • 3 Sleeping Beauty Signature Suites
  • 4 Rapunzel Signature Suites
  • 3 Beauty and the Beast Signature Suites

The Princely Suite features a luxurious bed with a baroque canopy and furnishings.

Guests in the Princely Suite step inside the live-action retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Inside, they discover lavish baroque décor. From the bedroom to the “lounge-turned-ballroom” and bathroom, every detail of this spacious residence is enchanted by a tale as old as time with its chandeliers, fireplace, and glittering rose adorning the headboard. The Royal Suite transports guests to Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace from Frozen. A shimmering ice chandelier elevates the room’s elegant silver and blue décor. The unique suite also has a balcony that overlooks Disneyland Park, with a breathtaking view of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Belle and The Beast greet guests at La Table de Lumière restaurant.

Finest Fare

At Disneyland Hotel, guests can indulge in a variety of fine-dining dishes inspired by the finest offerings of French cuisine and from around the world. Its restaurants, bar, and lounges are steeped in the same powerful storytelling enjoyed in other parts of the hotel.

Inspired by the opulence of vast reception rooms found in every castle, The Royal Banquet invites guests to attend a royal feast amidst a gallery of paintings portraying numerous Disney royal families, such as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland (1951), Prince John from Robin Hood (1973), and Kronk from The Emperor’s New Groove (2000). Guests choose from dishes influenced by the diverse cultures that inspired many beloved Disney stories—and for those with hearty appetites, a sumptuous oyster and seafood bar and meat carving stand is available, filled with premium products. Children are in for a special treat with a variety of offerings, including a personalized dessert they can customize themselves. The Royal Banquet gives guests the chance to meet and dine at lunch and/or dinner with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends, each decked out in their finest royal attire.

At La Table de Lumière, guests enjoy table service dinner in a space paying homage to the Beauty and the Beastballroom scene, which itself was inspired by the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles Castle. Elegant mirrors and crystal add sparkle to an elegant atmosphere replete with distinguished tableware, from rose-emblazoned china to thorn-themed napkin rings. The menu features French fine dining that uses local, gourmet delicacies, and also includes seafood such as sole fished off the coast of France and European lobster with white cabbage remoulade. Additionally, a large selection of wine and champagne pairs perfectly with the dishes created by the hotel’s chefs. Dessert includes delicacies that pay tribute to royal Disney stories, with a celebration cake inspired by Belle’s rose marking special occasions. At Table de Lumière, guests can dine in the company of royal Disney couples.

At Fleur de Lys Bar, guests can take in a spectacular view of Fantasia Gardens in a fleur-de-lys-themed setting cast in regal shades of blue and silver. The menu features flower-themed signature cocktails and a large selection of quality wines. Guests can also purchase an exclusive premium afternoon tea offer, a snacking offer, or a champagne experience serving premium products and exclusive Disneyland Hotel Cuvée, produced by the Maison Pierre Mignon, a five-generation family champagne producer located near Epernay, France.

The Deluxe Lounge shows a table with two chairs that overlooks Disneyland Park.

The Deluxe Lounge welcomes guests staying in Deluxe Rooms to enjoy a stunning view of Fantasia Gardens and peaceful buffet breakfasts, complimentary tea time, and salty snacks. The Castle Club Lounge—reserved for guests staying in Castle Club rooms and suites—delivers a breathtaking view of Sleeping Beauty Castle. It has refined, bright décor inspired by several Disney castle interiors and elegant engravings designed by the Walt Disney Imagineering Paris teams, which were handmade using ancestral techniques. It offers a gourmet breakfast buffet topped with an à-la-carte menu, complimentary teatime with a selection of hot and cold beverages, and sweet and savory snack options, all served in delicate tableware specially created by Limoges porcelain manufacturer Maison Haviland. Cherished Disney Princesses, from Merida to Moana, crown the daily breakfast experience.

Relaxation and Revelry

At the Royal Kids Club, children become a part of their favorite Disney royal stories. The club is designed as a magical library where Cast Members welcome the children as they take part in exciting interactive and augmented reality experiences. Children and their families are also able to book A Disney Royal Encounter to pose alongside a Disney Princess such as Snow White or Jasmine, capturing charming memories in a stylish setting.

At My Royal Dream inside Disneyland Paris’ Disneyland Hotel, a Cast Member, a child, and an adult woman each admire a powder blue Cinderella costume in a display case.

My Royal Dream makes even the youngest guests’ dreams come true as Cast Members act as personal stylists, transforming young girls and boys into elegant princesses or shining princes through the magic of makeup, hair, nails, costumes, and accessories. These paid services have different packages for children and adults, with costumes only available for those ages 3 to 14. This pampering experience ends with a professional portrait session, including a high-quality photo print and frames, for a magical souvenir that lasts a lifetime.

Disneyland Hotel also features the first-ever Disneyland Hotel Spa by Clarins. Beauty therapists, in four double treatment rooms, provide classic and signature treatments designed to enjoy alone, to share as a couple, or to experience with children. Guests are also invited to relax at the Crystal Pool, featuring a main pool, a kids’ paddling pool, and a hot tub. Swimmers can enjoy a leisurely dip beneath the glass and metal roof that echoes the Laeken Royal Greenhouses in Brussels before stretching out on the exterior sun deck.

For guests looking to stay active during their stay, the Health Club provide the latest in smart fitness equipment from the leading sports machine brand Technogym. Open 24/7, the space also includes a wellness program through a partnership with the wellness technology company Three Sages. A digital entertainment system provides guests with access to yoga and mindfulness practices to unwind and reset after a fun day in the parks.

Majestic Merchandise

The Royal Collection Boutique has been entirely redesigned in golden tones with references subtly concealed in carefully crafted details such as Disney Princesses emblems painted on elegant medallions. Guests are sure to find the perfect souvenir within a range of Disneyland Hotel exclusive products. Special Disney collaborations, as well as select core and Disneyland Paris lifestyle products crafted with the whole family in mind, also make for treasured gifts. Disneyland Paris teamed up with renowned French brands, including high-end fashion house Julien Fournié and Limoges porcelain manufacturer Bernardaud. Disneyland Paris is collaborating with Billieblush to introduce a lively and vibrant mini collection, only available in the Disneyland Hotel beginning in March 2024.

For more details on the Disneyland Hotel, visit the Disneyland Paris website.

The Walt Disney Company Earns 20 Oscar® Nominations

By Zach Johnson

Zazie Beetz and Jack Quaid announced nominations for the 96th Oscars® today, with films from across The Walt Disney Company combining to earn 20 Academy Award® nominations. Congratulations to the team at Walt Disney Studios, including 20th Century Studios, Lucasfilm Ltd., Marvel Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Searchlight Pictures, as well as Disney Branded Television, Disney+, Hulu, and National Geographic Documentary Films!

As previously announced, Jimmy Kimmel will return to host the show for the fourth time. Raj Kapoor will serve as showrunner and executive producer, with Molly McNearney and Katy Mullan serving as executive producers. Hamish Hamilton will direct the telecast for the fourth time.

The Oscars ceremony will be held at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. It will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide. The Oscars will air live on Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, following a 30-minute pre-show on ABC. The Oscars will also be rebroadcast in the Pacific Time zone in primetime following the live presentation. Following The Oscars, ABC will air an original episode of the hit Emmy® Award-winning comedy Abbott Elementary.

Here is a complete list of The Walt Disney Company’s nominations:

In a scene from Searchlight Pictures' Poor Things, a well-dressed Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, stands in a bustling outdoor market and looks up towards the sky.

Poor Things | Searchlight Pictures
11 Nominations

  • Best Picture – Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Emma Stone (Producers)
  • Best Directing – Yorgos Lanthimos
  • Best Actress in a Leading Role – Emma Stone
  • Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Mark Ruffalo
  • Best Costume Design – Holly Waddington
  • Best Makeup and Hairstyling – Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier, and Josh Weston
  • Best Music (Original Score) – Jerskin Fendrix
  • Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) – Screenplay by Tony McNamara
  • Best Cinematography – Robbie Ryan
  • Best Film Editing – Yorgos Mavropsaridis
  • Best Production Design – James Price and Shona Heath (Production Design), Zsuzsa Mihalek (Set Decoration)

The Creator | 20th Century Studios
2 Nominations

  • Best Sound – Ian Voigt, Erik Aadahl, Ethan Van der Ryn, Tom Ozanich, and Dean Zupancic
  • Best Visual Effects – Jay Cooper, Ian Comley, Andrew Roberts, and Neil Corbould

In a scene from National Geographic Documentary Films' Bobi Wine: The People's President, musician and politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, holds a megaphone in one hand and holds an umbrella in the other to shield himself from the sun.

Bobi Wine: The People’s President | National Geographic Documentary Films
1 Nomination

  • Best Documentary Feature Film – Moses Bwayo, Christopher Sharp, and John Battsek

In a scene from Pixar Animation Studios' Elemental, Wade, a go-with-the-flow Water person, and Ember, a hot-tempered Fire person, prepare to touch each other's hands.

Elemental | Pixar Animation Studios
1 Nomination

  • Best Animated Feature Film – Peter Sohn and Denise Ream

In a scene from Searchlight Pictures' Flamin' Hot, Lucky Montañez, played by Hunter Jones, Richard Montañez, played by Jesse Garcia, and Steven Montañez, played by Brice Gonzalez, sit on a park bench. They are each eating a cob of corn covered in spices.

Flamin’ Hot | Searchlight Pictures, Hulu, and Disney+
1 Nomination

  • Best Music (Original Song) – “The Fire Inside,” Music and Lyric by Diane Warren

In a scene from Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the green-skinned, purple-haired Ravager known as Gamora, played by Zoe Saldaña, stands inside a spaceship.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 | Marvel Studios
1 Nomination

  • Best Visual Effects – Stephane Ceretti, Alexis Wajsbrot, Guy Williams, and Theo Bialek

In a scene from Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford, wears his signature hat and leather jacket. His face is obscured by shadows.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny | Lucasfilm Ltd.
1 Nomination

  • Best Music (Original Score) – John Williams

In a scene from Searchlight Pictures' The Last Repair Shop, young aspiring musician Porche Brinker plays the violin. She laughs so hard she's thrown her head back.

The Last Repair Shop | Searchlight Pictures
1 Nomination

  • Best Documentary Short Film – Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers

In a scene from Disney Branded Television's Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó, director Sean Wang's two grandmothers—Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó—embrace each other and share a laugh.

Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó | Disney Branded Television and Disney+
1 Nomination

  • Best Documentary Short Film – Sean Wang and Sam Davis

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in February 2024

By Zach Johnson

Disney+ has us ex-stream­-ly excited for the month ahead!

Throughout the month of February, subscribers can enjoy all-new episodes of National Geographic’s award-winning anthology series GENIUS: MLK/X; Marvel Studios’ cosmic adventure film The Marvels; Lucasfilm Animation’s final season of Star Wars: The Bad Batch; and so much more! And, on Wednesday, February 28, Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Pan-African comic book entertainment company Kugali will debut the highly anticipated series Iwájú, set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. The coming-of-age story will follow Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they uncover secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds.

All the titles coming to Disney+ in February are listed below:

Evelyn, played by Mallori Johnson, and Malcolm X, played by Aaron Pierre, dance at a jazz club in National Geographic's GENIUS: MLK/X.

Friday, February 2
Genius: MLK/X (Season 4) (Episodes 1 and 2)
Pixar’s Self (Short Premiere)

Saturday, February 3
Marvel’s Marvel Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Season 2) (New Episodes)

Friday, February 5
Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold

Wednesday, February 7
Assembled: The Making of The Marvels (Premiere)
The Marvels (Premiere)

Clad in their Spidey suits, Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy, and Miles Morales play instruments in Season 3 of Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends on Disney Junior.

Friday, February 9
Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends (Season 3) (New Episodes)
Genius: MLK/X (Season 4) (Episodes 3 and 4)

Tuesday, February 13
The Space Race

Wednesday, February 14
Life Below Zero: Next Generation (Season 6, 13 Episodes)
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (New Episodes)

Friday, February 16
Genius: MLK/X (Season 4) (Episodes 5 and 6)

Tuesday, February 20
Operation Arctic Cure

Wednesday, February 21
Pupstruction (Season 1, 3 Episodes)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3, Episodes 1-3: “Confined,” “Paths Unknown,” “Shadows of Tantiss”) (Premiere)

A chameleon with a yellow face and tail and a purple body presses a button, revealing Project Otin schematics in Walt Disney Animation Studios and Kugali's Iwájú.

Wednesday, February 28
Dino Ranch (Season 3, 11 Episodes)
Iwájú (Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)
Iwájú: A Day Ahead (Premiere)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3) (Episode 304: “A Different Approach”)

QUIZ: Tell Us What You Love About Percy Jackson and The Olympians and We’ll Tell You Which Rick Riordan Series To Read

If you’re like us, you’ve been avidly watching the Disney+ Original series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, based on the bestselling book series by Rick Riordan. Every week, we look forward to the adventures of Percy, his best friends Annabeth and Grover and finding out what happens next—so, when the season finale airs, what’s an aspiring Camp Half-Blood resident to do? Fortunately, Riordan has an ever-expanding universe of books to discover… but where to start first? We’re here to help you complete your quest: Tell us what you love about the Disney+ Original series, and we’ll tell you what book series to read first!

Want to finish your quest yourself? Check out the full list of Rick Riordan books and series here!

Did you read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series before watching the show?

Who is your favorite character in the series so far?

What do you like the most about the series?

Which magic item in the series do you think is the coolest?

Which detail from the books were you most excited to see in the series?

Who do you think your Greek god parent would be?

Which mythology are you most interested in?

Tell Us What You Love About Percy Jackson and The Olympians and We’ll Tell You Which Rick Riordan Series To Read
You should read: Percy Jackson and the Olympians

You’re new to the universe of Rick Riordan’s books, so why not start at the very beginning? Percy Jackson and the Olympians is the series that started it all. The series follows the adventures of the demigod son of Poseidon and his friends on a quest of epic proportions. Since you already love watching Percy, Annabeth, and Grover meet gods, battle monsters, and more, keep the adventure going and read the books that inspired the Disney+ Original series!
You should read: The Heroes of Olympus

You’ve read the books that inspired the Disney+ Original series, so why not find out what happens next? The sequel series to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus introduces us to a new generation of demigods—including Roman demigods. Percy Jackson and his friends return in a new journey with heroes from both Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter that could be their most dangerous yet.
You should read: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

You know a thing or two about the adventures of Percy Jackson and his friends, and now you’re ready for something more—but maybe a little different. Why not follow the adventures of Annabeth’s cousin, Magnus Chase? Like his cousin, Magnus is a demigod. However, his origins come from an entirely different world—Norse mythology. Full of adventure and action, Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard follows Magnus as he meets the gods of Asgard and discovers his true identity.
You should read: The Kane Chronicles

You’ve read about the adventures of Percy and his friends and are ready for something new, with lots of magic, mystery, and a new world of gods and monsters to explore! Dive into the mythology of Ancient Egypt with siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, who discover they are descended from the most powerful magicians. Now, it’s up to them to use their powers to set things right.

Lanny Smoot to Be the First Disney Imagineer Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame

By Zach Johnson

Lanny Smoot, a Disney Research Fellow and longtime member of Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, is being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He is the first Disney Imagineer to receive this prestigious recognition and only the second individual from The Walt Disney Company to be inducted—the first being Walt Disney, honored posthumously in 2000 for the multiplane camera. Smoot and his fellow Class of 2024 inductees will be formally honored in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 9.

Upon learning of his induction, Smoot said, “I was honored and humbled at being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. With all of the inventing greats, however, I caught a true lump in my throat when I realized that I was only the second person at The Walt Disney Company being presented with this honor, and the first person was Walt Disney himself.”

For nearly three decades, Smoot has continued to push the boundaries of technology to bring to life awe-inspiring, one-of-a-kind experiences to Disney guests around the world. Throughout his illustrious career, he has worked as a theatrical technology creator, inventor, electrical engineer, scientist, and researcher, resulting in more than 100 patents—an incredibly rare feat that makes Smoot one of the most prolific Black inventors in American history, based on patents issued, according to Disney patent attorney Stuart Langley. Of that total, 74 of his patents were created during his 25 years at The Walt Disney Company.

“At Disney Experiences, we’re committed to world-class storytelling, creativity, and innovation in everything we do, and Lanny Smoot embodies every one of those ideals,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “As Disney’s most prolific inventor, Lanny continues to amaze all of us with his artistic ingenuity, technical expertise, and endless imagination.”

Imagineer Lanny Smoot stands on the HoloTile floor in the Disney Research lab.

Among his many accomplishments, Smoot is credited with giving Madame Leota her ability to “float” in the Séance Room at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park; crafting the state-of-the-art extendable lightsaber used by Disney Live Entertainment; inventing the Magic Playfloor interactive game experience on the Disney Cruise Line; producing the immersive Fortress Explorations adventure at Tokyo DisneySea; and designing the virtual and interactive koi ponds at the Crystal Lotus Restaurant at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.

When deciding which of his patents to highlight as part of his National Inventors Hall of Fame induction, Smoot selected “Where’s the Fire?” at Innoventions, previously featured at EPCOT. This interactive exhibit promoted fire prevention through engaging challenges; guests “shined” a special flashlight on the walls of a house and, through the magic of his technology, exposed hidden fire dangers and learned how to prevent them from happening.

Smoot is the recipient of many awards and honors, including three Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) for his work on the attractions Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Kim Possible: World Showcase Adventure, as well as the Ghost Post limited-time experience inspired by the Haunted Mansion. In 2020, Smoot’s expertise in theatrical technology earned him the esteemed title of TEA Master.

Smoot’s forward-thinking inventions have also empowered the theatrical community to create new entertainment, illusions, and magic. He is currently working on the HoloTile floor, the world’s first multi-person, omni-directional, modular, expandable, treadmill floor. It allows any number of people to have a shared virtual reality (VR) experience, walk an unlimited distance in any direction, and never collide or walk off its surface. The HoloTile floor can also be an insert in a theatrical stage, allowing performers to move and dance in new ways, or stage props and structures to move around or appear to set themselves up.

Prior to joining Disney, Smoot completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering at Columbia University.  Before Disney, he worked at Bell Laboratories, followed by Bell Communications Research. While at Bell, he received patents for his role in the early development of video-on-demand technology, video conferencing, and more.

Echo Star Alaqua Cox on Bringing the Groundbreaking Character to Life

By Alison Stateman

Echo lead Alaqua Cox (Maya Lopez) and co-star Chaske Spencer (Henry) celebrated the premiere of their Marvel Studios series on Tuesday, January 9, by participating in a lively discussion at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles.

The panel, moderated by Joe Horse Capture, VP of Native Collections and Ahmanson Curator at the museum, followed a screening of the first two episodes and the honorary bestowment of tribal blankets on both actors.

The series, currently streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, follows the introduction of Maya in Marvel Studios’ series Hawkeye (2021). Echo marks the first time Maya’s story has been told from an Indigenous perspective, with Indigenous writers and directors, and played by an Indigenous woman.

In Echo, after exacting her revenge on Kingpin aka Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio), Maya is pursued by Fisk’s criminal enterprise. When the journey brings her home, she must confront her own family and legacy. The gritty, five-episode series—the first produced under the Marvel Spotlight banner—is a self-contained story that follows Maya’s pursuit of power and revenge. But the heart of the action-packed series is a burgeoning antihero with roots in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Cox, who had never acted before her stint on Hawkeye, drew upon some of the commonalities she shared with Maya to prepare. (Cox is Menominee, and, like Maya, is deaf and an amputee.)

“I know she had a lot of childhood trauma growing up because of how she was raised by Kingpin—the horrible influence on her and the life of crime,” Cox said, referring to the Marvel villain, through an ASL interpreter. “And for me, I personally have my own childhood traumas, because I have gone through a lot of surgeries in my life because of my leg. So, we have similar childhood traumas, but in different ways, of course. I had a very loving and supportive family when, unfortunately, Maya did not have that luxury. I was able to use my trauma and her trauma and apply it to the character and bring her to life.” 

(From left to right) Alaqua Cox (Echo) and Chaske Spencer (Henry) excitedly sign a greeting as Cox joins Spencer on the stage for a Q&A panel on the Marvel Spotlight series Echo after a screening at the Autry Museum of the American West. Cox is dressed in a vibrant pink blouse and white pants. Spencer wears a denim-like jacket over a white shirt and textured brown pants.

Working with a mostly Indigenous cast and crew—including Navajo filmmaker and director Sydney Freeland (Reservation Dogs)—also provided both Cox and Spencer, a Lakota Sioux, with an invaluable sense of comfort.

Cox said, “When I went to Georgia [where the series was filmed], I did not know anybody. And then when I got on set, it was full of Indigenous people. I felt I was home and also like our ancestors are just so proud of us—because this is the first Marvel Indigenous [project], and it just felt so amazing to be a part of that.”

Spencer too was “grateful to be part of the journey because it’s not just me. There are several people behind me that have paved the way,” he said, citing celebrated Native American actors, including Graham Greene (1883), who plays Skully, Maya’s grandfather, in the Marvel series.

A poster outside the theater at the Autry Museum of the American West, announces the screening event and Q&A with Echo’s lead actress Alaqua Cox showcasing Echo, dressed in leather jacket and dark pants, her hair pulled back astride a motorcycle at the edge of railroad tracks. A vibrant sunset skey and the outline of Kingpin are in the foreground.

One of the most challenging parts of playing Maya, Cox said, were her scenes with Kingpin. “There’s a lot of emotion involved and he’s a very intense actor, so all that emotion became really complicated,” she shared. “Also, when Kingpin is talking to me without using sign language, I didn’t know when he was done saying his lines.”

The solution? “We tried using a vibration device that we called a buzzer. We put it in my shirt and the interpreter would have control of it. So when he was done with his lines, the interpreter would hit the buzzer and that would let me know when to say my line,” Cox shared, which drew laughs from the audience. “But it became distracting at times because I was trying to ignore the buzzer while we were doing the scenes. The most challenging part was ignoring the buzzer while keeping the emotional parts going.”

(From left to right) Chaske Spencer (Henry) and Alaqua Cox (Echo) sit on stage in plush armchairs facing the audience and smiling during a Q&A panel for the Marvel Studios series  Echo at the Autry Museum of the American West. Both actors are draped in tribal blankets.

The physicality of the role, however, was one of Cox’s favorite parts about playing Maya. She trained five days a week for around two hours each day before filming began, which she said helped her become the character. “I love doing a lot of physical activity. I grew up playing sports,” the actress shared. “The best part about the training [for the role] was that my personal trainer was deaf. Marvel was able to provide me with a one-on-one access to a personal trainer where I could use my own language. So, the process was much faster. Marvel listened. I wanted a deaf personal trainer and they got me one.

“It feels very inspiring to be part of the MCU,” she added with a smile. “I still can’t believe it myself. I need to pinch myself every once in a while.”