• Top answer: Zendaya
• The runners-up: Bad Bunny, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jenna Ortega, Ryan Reynolds (tie)

The argument for Zendaya: “Give me all of the Zendaya stock, I think you'd still be buying low. She's the real deal on screen and off screen - exactly what companies/brands will want to continue investing in as her ambitions expand.”

The argument for Ryan Reynolds: “He’s the full package, movies, merchandise and booze!”

• Top answer: Apple TV+, HBO Max, Netflix (tie)
• Runner-up: Highest bidder

The argument for Apple: “They pay well and have established a track record for producing quality programs. Who doesn’t want to be associated with the most admired brand in the world?”

The argument for HBO: “HBO is still the gold standard and absolute first choice -- for budget, incredible marketing, the way they treat talent in front and behind camera. But the town is holding its collective breath post-merger.”

The argument for Netflix: “Until proven otherwise, only one platform can at least guarantee to put you in front of as many global eyeballs as possible.”

The argument for Lions Gate: “Sony does not want to sell. Lionsgate does.”

The argument for Paramount: “Only because Warner Bros. Discovery isn’t for sale yet.”

• Top answer: Disney
• The runners-up: Netflix, Apple

The argument for Disney: “Iger is back and they just have so much great stuff. While they have serious debt, they have less than others and assets that they can sell.”

The argument for Apple: “It has multiple revenue streams and can take bigger chances and diversify in a way other traditional media companies can't. Also, Tim Cook is a great CEO.”

The argument for Netflix: “Netflix is still undervalued as everyone sobers up about a business that is profitable. I would bet that it will have a great M&A moment in the next few years and my money will return well.”

• Top answer: Ryan Coogler
• The runners-up: Rian Johnson, Denis Villeneuve

The argument for Coogler: “His batting average so far is impeccable, and he is one of the most thoughtful filmmakers working today.”

The argument for Johnson: “Rian has a keen understanding of both elevated material and commercial instincts. He also isn't precious and is willing to be collaborative. And he has a track record of wanting to do multiple genres.”

• Top answer: No

The argument: “Consumer behavior has fundamentally changed. I can’t get my own kids to agree to go to Avatar 2 on the opening weekend with great seats I bought the day tickets went on sale.”

But… “There will be new models that emerge that create new windows and opportunities.”

• Top answer: Universal with a window of four to six weeks
• Runners-up: Warner Bros., Disney 

The argument for Universal: “Steadiest leadership, strongest commitment to theatrical with a very capable marketing engine.”

The argument for Warner Bros: “Warner Bros. is the only answer. Though they've fallen from grace, they still have one of the best teams in the game.”

The argument for Disney: “You get the benefit of theatrical plus one of the largest global streaming platforms next to Netflix.”

• Top answer: Weekly
• The runners-up: A few episodes at first and then weekly, batches 

The argument for weekly: “There's no greater feeling in TV than the conversation building around a show week to week.”

The argument for batches and then weekly: “You get the best of both worlds - viewers become committed after first 3 episodes yet the remaining weekly drop allows for the audience to build via water cooler conversation.”

The argument for batches: “Unless it’s HBO watercooler TV, the once-a-week model feels dated. Binging is a risky proposition since there’s much higher likelihood that people won’t stick with the show.”

• Top answer: Bob Iger
• The runners-up: Reed Hastings, John Landgraf

The argument for Iger: “He baaaack.”

• Top answer: Another big merger
• The runners-up: The movie business’ problems get worse, a writers’ strike, the return of comedy 

The merger candidates: Warner Bros. Discovery sells again. A gaming company and a studio merge. Epic Games does a big deal. Paramount finally trades. Disney sells Hulu to Comcast, which then shuts down Hulu.

The argument against the movie business: “Exhibitors don’t seem to be willing or able to upgrade their venues and Regal going bankrupt is just the beginning.”

The argument for comedies: “People are ready to laugh and escape and may need to if the recession is as bleak as predicted.”