Hollywood has cut back dramatically on diversity programs this year under MAGA pressure, but there’s a little bit of something for almost everyone in the latest round of California tax incentives for the big screen.

Among the 28 projects announced Wednesday, there’s a Snoop Dogg biopic via Universal, a Gina Rodriguez-directed feature, a Glen Powell-produced film, and multiple Oscar winner Ang Lee‘s much anticipated return with Gold Mountain. (The Fifth Season-produced Lee film was previously called Old Gold Mountain but is referred to as simply Gold Mountain on the incentive info from the state today).

In total, $116.2 million was awarded in the latest film round, with state bean counters estimating the investment in the home of Hollywood will spawn $562 million in what is termed “economic activity” across California. Today’s 28 projects are the second feature awards round since Gavin Newsom made official the Film and TV program’s mega-expansion to $750 million annually earlier this year. 

“Big love to the California Film Commission and Gov. Newsom for holdin’ it down with that tax credit,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement this morning as the feature film allocations were made public. “Y’all making it possible for us to tell my story right here where it all began. California raised me, inspired me, and now helpin’ bring this biopic to life in 2026. Much respect – that’s real teamwork, ya dig…” 

In many ways, the Snoop flick, which will star Outer Banks‘ Jonathan Davis and be directed by Craig Brewer, is a no-brainer for the CFC-run program — the hip hop icon is literally a California success story from top to blunt to bottom, if you know what I mean? Which may be why the Universal Pictures entry topped this allocation round with a just over $17 million incentive award.

Here’s the full list, with incentive awards and more:

Among other awarded projects, the untitled Sony movie from Powell ($9.9 million in credits), the Rodriguez-helmed Guerrero ($4.4 million in credits) and Lee’s Gold Mountain ($7.6 million in credits) display the scope of independent and distinctly “non-independent” films that make up the mix of this round.

Put together, the more than two dozen projects in the jobs-centric program are anticipated to employ “4,837 cast and crew, along with 22,614 background performers (measured in days worked),” according to the CFC. On the ground, that adds up to 831 shooting days across the Golden State, with many like Gold Mountain filming outside the hub of L.A. (which pumps up the base tax credit of 35% even more).

“California’s film and television industry isn’t just an economic engine — it’s part of who we are,” noted Newsom in full pitch mode this morning.

“For more than a century, the world’s most iconic stories have been imagined, produced, and shared from right here, powered by unmatched talent, creativity, and innovation,” the governor and potential 2028 POTUS candidate added. “This latest round of tax credit awards builds on that legacy while delivering real results across the state: good-paying jobs, stronger local economies, and thriving small businesses. It’s a clear signal that California remains the global home of storytelling — yesterday, today, and for generations to come.”

Speaking of to come, the next application period for TV projects seeking California credits will begin January 26, 2026. As always, the process is all online, with a notification turnaround of six weeks to two months in most cases. Or as Snoopy once kinda said, keep your mind on your money and your potential taxpayers’ money on your mind.