Searchlight Signs First-Look Deal With Cate Blanchett's Dirty Films

Variety

by varietybrentlang

February 23, 2026

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Searchlight Pictures has inked a first-look deal with Dirty Films, a production company led by Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett and her partners Andrew Upton and Coco Francini. Under the agreement, Searchlight will collaborate on developing and producing feature films and television series for streaming platforms, marking a significant partnership between two influential players in the entertainment industry. This collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to fostering distinctive storytelling and supporting innovative filmmakers. Dirty Films has long been known for its bold and artistically driven projects. Founded by Blanchett, Upton, and Francini, the company has produced critically acclaimed films like *Paradise Road*, which marked Blanchett's international feature debut under Searchlight. The deal with Searchlight, a specialty studio celebrated for films such as Guillermo del Toro’s *Nightmare Alley* and Richard Eyre’s *Notes on a Scandal*, aligns with Dirty Films’ mission to champion unique voices and ambitious narratives. Matthew Greenfield of Searchlight Pictures praised the partnership, highlighting how it reflects their shared passion for filmmaker-driven cinema. The collaboration also builds on an already fruitful relationship between Blanchett and Searchlight. Blanchett has appeared in several Searchlight films, including *Blue Jasmine*, *Carol*, and *Tár*, earning her two Academy Awards along the way. This new deal will allow both companies to expand their creative horizons, with plans to produce feature films and TV series that push boundaries and engage global audiences. Recent projects from Dirty Films include *Peaches* and *Alpha Gang*, while Searchlight has been involved in notable productions

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Originally published on Variety on 2/23/2026