WWE champion and Hollywood star John Cena is the latest addition to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-watch-fast--furious-9-new-trailer-youve-got-to-choose-between-vin-diesel-john-cena-377687">'Fast &amp; Furious</a>'&nbsp;world. He admits being aware he is getting the opportunity to be a part of a legacy body of work and adds that the franchise is not senseless action. 
 
In the upcoming ninth instalment of the franchise, the 43-year-old star will be seen playing the character of Jacob Toretto, brother of actor Vin Diesel's character Dominic Toretto. 
 
Talking about being the new addition to the family, Cena said: "I love the perspective of F9, of Dom (Dominic Toretto) having to face Jacob, his blood family. Someone that has been forgotten and long lost. I have to be equal to Dom or greater than Dom to be challenging, to let the viewer get to the edge of their seat and get knocked back in their chair." 
 
"But what I love about the franchise is that it is not senseless action for the sake of action. It will deliver," Cena told select media globally., during the trailer launch. 
 
Speaking about the upcoming instalment he said: "Now we get to dive into the concept of, yes, we can choose who we love and we can choose who we are close to, and call them family, even if they don't share our last name. We cannot run away from our past and choices." 
 
"Sooner or later, if we have any regrets, if we have any second thoughts and if we have any self-doubt we have to look into that glass and face it and that's what I love about the power and gravity of this," he said. 
 
"This movie delivers on so many fronts, the trailer leaves so much meat on the bone and that's what I am really excited about," Cena add ed. 
The wrestler-actor says he is aware that he is now a part of a film that has over 20 years of bodywork. 
 
"I don't lose sight of the perspective that I am getting the opportunity to be invited into a legacy body of work that is two decades-long and these people have devoted their lives and put their physical health on line to maintain a reputation that goes along with these movies fans around the world not only enjoyed but expected," Cena said. 
 
He added: "So, I knew before going in that I would be sized up but I also am a super deep fan of the franchise and I love what the movie stands for." 
 
Cena called it a "life changing opportunity". 
 
"I don't take that lightly and I didn't take my investment in work lightly. I think it shows with all of us. I think everyone realised that I am in it for 'Fast'. I really don't lose sight of the opportunity I have been given. I don't lose sight of the objective. The objectives to make 'Fast' a beast. I think we have all done that because collectively all have the same goal," he said.

WWE champion and Hollywood star John Cena is the latest addition to the 'Fast & Furious' world. He admits being aware he is getting the opportunity to be a part of a legacy body of work and adds that the franchise is not senseless action.

WWE champion and Hollywood star John Cena is the latest addition to the 'Fast & Furious' world. He admits being aware he is getting the opportunity to be a part of a legacy body of work and adds that the franchise is not senseless action. In the upcoming ninth instalment of the franchise, the 43-year-old star will be seen playing the character of Jacob Toretto, brother of actor Vin Diesel's character Dominic Toretto. Talking about being the new addition to the family, Cena said: "I love the perspective of F9, of Dom (Dominic Toretto) having to face Jacob, his blood family. Someone that has been forgotten and long lost. I have to be equal to Dom or greater than Dom to be challenging, to let the viewer get to the edge of their seat and get knocked back in their chair." "But what I love about the franchise is that it is not senseless action for the sake of action. It will deliver," Cena told select media globally., during the trailer launch. Speaking about the upcoming instalment he said: "Now we get to dive into the concept of, yes, we can choose who we love and we can choose who we are close to, and call them family, even if they don't share our last name. We cannot run away from our past and choices." "Sooner or later, if we have any regrets, if we have any second thoughts and if we have any self-doubt we have to look into that glass and face it and that's what I love about the power and gravity of this," he said. "This movie delivers on so many fronts, the trailer leaves so much meat on the bone and that's what I am really excited about," Cena add ed. The wrestler-actor says he is aware that he is now a part of a film that has over 20 years of bodywork. "I don't lose sight of the perspective that I am getting the opportunity to be invited into a legacy body of work that is two decades-long and these people have devoted their lives and put their physical health on line to maintain a reputation that goes along with these movies fans around the world not only enjoyed but expected," Cena said. He added: "So, I knew before going in that I would be sized up but I also am a super deep fan of the franchise and I love what the movie stands for." Cena called it a "life changing opportunity". "I don't take that lightly and I didn't take my investment in work lightly. I think it shows with all of us. I think everyone realised that I am in it for 'Fast'. I really don't lose sight of the opportunity I have been given. I don't lose sight of the objective. The objectives to make 'Fast' a beast. I think we have all done that because collectively all have the same goal," he said.

John Cena on 'Fast & Furious': 'It's not senseless action for sake of action'

Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg will make his small-screen directing debut with the upcoming series 'Families Like Ours'. The six-part series, which will be produced by Danish production outfit Zentropa, has been described as a "thought-provoking drama", reported Variety.

Vinterberg, who is currently nominated for best international feature Oscar for his movie 'Another Round', will also co-write the script with Bo Hr Hansen.

The two had previously collaborated for Vinterberg''s debut feature film, 'The Biggest Heroes'. "Families Like Ours" takes place in summertime Denmark where everything seems normal, but is about to be disrupted by a natural catastrophe.

After a flood slowly takes over the country, Denmark is gradually evacuated. People must bid farewell to what they love, what they know, and to who they are. In the coming years, Danes disperse in all directions: only houses, schools and empty streets are left.

Vinterberg has been co-developing the series with Zentropa for a year. It will be produced with support from the Danish Public Service funds.

'Families Like Ours'&nbsp;is slated to shoot in late 2021 or early 2022. The cast will be announced at a later stage.&nbsp;

Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg will make his small-screen directing debut with the upcoming series 'Families Like Ours'. The six-part series, which will be produced by Danish production outfit Zentropa, has been described as a "thought-provoking drama", reported Variety.

Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg will make his small-screen directing debut with the upcoming series 'Families Like Ours'. The six-part series, which will be produced by Danish production outfit Zentropa, has been described as a "thought-provoking drama", reported Variety. Vinterberg, who is currently nominated for best international feature Oscar for his movie 'Another Round', will also co-write the script with Bo Hr Hansen. The two had previously collaborated for Vinterberg''s debut feature film, 'The Biggest Heroes'. "Families Like Ours" takes place in summertime Denmark where everything seems normal, but is about to be disrupted by a natural catastrophe. After a flood slowly takes over the country, Denmark is gradually evacuated. People must bid farewell to what they love, what they know, and to who they are. In the coming years, Danes disperse in all directions: only houses, schools and empty streets are left. Vinterberg has been co-developing the series with Zentropa for a year. It will be produced with support from the Danish Public Service funds. 'Families Like Ours' is slated to shoot in late 2021 or early 2022. The cast will be announced at a later stage.

'Another Round' director Thomas Vinterberg to direct series 'Families Like Ours'

Garrett Bradley`s award-winning documentary 'Time'&nbsp;may be about incarceration, but, according to the director, it`s really a love story. 
 
The Oscar-nominated film follows Fox Rich over several decades as she fights for her jailed husband Rob, serving a 60-year sentence for a bank robbery the couple carried out in the 1990s, to be released from prison in Louisiana.&nbsp; 
 
"I went into the project with the intention of ... extending the conversation around incarceration from a woman`s point of view, from a family`s point of view," Bradley told Reuters in an interview from California. 
 
"I would say that `Time` is first and foremost a love story that`s rooted in Fox Rich, the family matriarch who dedicates... 21 years of her life and her family`s life to re-uniting her family." 
 
Following a previous film on the same theme, Bradley began filming "Time" with Rich and her sons in 2017 with the aim of releasing a 13-minute short. 
On the last day, Rich, who served a three-and-a-half-year sentence for the robbery, gave her more than 100 hours of her own footage to use. 
 
The result is old video diaries woven in with recent material, in which Rich is seen caring for her family over the years without her husband around. 
"I like to think that there isn`t anything in the film that doesn`t speak to love and to unity and self-definition," Bradley said. 
 
"If there is anything that people take away from the film ... I would ask that it be forgiveness because I think that forgiveness is something that everybody can relate to."&nbsp; 
 
Bradley said she believed there was nothing to be gained from having people behind bars their entire life, and hoped her film shone a light on the issue. 
The film has won several awards including best director for Bradley in the U.S. documentary category at the Sundance Film Festival last year. It is in the running for an Oscar for best documentary feature.

Garrett Bradley`s award-winning documentary 'Time' may be about incarceration, but, according to the director, it`s really a love story. The Oscar-nominated film follows Fox Rich over several decades as she fights for her jailed husband Rob, serving a 60-year sentence for a bank robbery the couple carried out in the 1990s, to be released from prison in Louisiana.

Garrett Bradley`s award-winning documentary 'Time' may be about incarceration, but, according to the director, it`s really a love story. The Oscar-nominated film follows Fox Rich over several decades as she fights for her jailed husband Rob, serving a 60-year sentence for a bank robbery the couple carried out in the 1990s, to be released from prison in Louisiana. "I went into the project with the intention of ... extending the conversation around incarceration from a woman`s point of view, from a family`s point of view," Bradley told Reuters in an interview from California. "I would say that `Time` is first and foremost a love story that`s rooted in Fox Rich, the family matriarch who dedicates... 21 years of her life and her family`s life to re-uniting her family." Following a previous film on the same theme, Bradley began filming "Time" with Rich and her sons in 2017 with the aim of releasing a 13-minute short. On the last day, Rich, who served a three-and-a-half-year sentence for the robbery, gave her more than 100 hours of her own footage to use. The result is old video diaries woven in with recent material, in which Rich is seen caring for her family over the years without her husband around. "I like to think that there isn`t anything in the film that doesn`t speak to love and to unity and self-definition," Bradley said. "If there is anything that people take away from the film ... I would ask that it be forgiveness because I think that forgiveness is something that everybody can relate to." Bradley said she believed there was nothing to be gained from having people behind bars their entire life, and hoped her film shone a light on the issue. The film has won several awards including best director for Bradley in the U.S. documentary category at the Sundance Film Festival last year. It is in the running for an Oscar for best documentary feature.

Love story 'Time' takes incarceration fight to the Oscars

Romanian director Alexander Nanau says a double Oscar nomination for his documentary Collective&nbsp;means a tragic 2015 nightclub fire and subsequent healthcare scandal at the heart of the film "will not be forgotten". 
 
Sixty-five people died after fireworks used during a concert at The Collective nightclub in Bucharest ignited non-fireproofed insulation foam, triggering a stampede. 
 
The film follows journalist Catalin Tolontan, whose investigations revealed badly burned victims who were taken to hospital and treated in improper conditions, with inadequate cleaning products linked to many of their deaths. Many of the survivors contracted infections in the hospital which are still affecting their recovery.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-minari-nomadland-heres-how-to-watch-all-best-film-nominees-in-india-376284" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India</a> 
 
The fire sparked nationwide protests against corruption and lack of accountability in Romania, which has one of the European Union’s least developed healthcare systems. 
 
The Colectiv club owners and local officials were put on trial, while Tolontan`s investigations also led to a more general case about the use of diluted disinfectants in Romanian hospitals. Both trials resulted in prison sentences being handed out in 2019 but they were not final and have been appealed. 
 
"For us it was most of all a satisfaction to know that the story will not be forgotten because the Oscars really bring an attention to the film that is unprecedented, basically for any film that gets nominated," Nanau told Reuters.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-the-most-shocking-outfits-on-the-red-carpet-over-the-years-277841" hreflang="en">Oscars: The most shocking outfits on the red carpet over the years</a> 
 
"Collective" is in the running for best international feature film and best documentary feature at the Oscars. Nanau said one grieving father had posted a letter to his deceased son on social media on the day the nominations were revealed. 
 
"We couldn`t find the ways to help you back then, but at least we are happy now that this story will not be forgotten and most of all, that other people can learn from what we went through," Nanau said, quoting the letter. 
 
"Hopefully all we want for other people is not to go through the same things and understand how power works, how manipulation works." 
Nanau said he planned to travel to Los Angeles for the April 25 ceremony. "We are in constant contact with the production team ... The whole ceremony will be treated as a film set ... and I think that should make it safe, it should be fine."

Romanian director Alexander Nanau says a double Oscar nomination for his documentary Collective means a tragic 2015 nightclub fire and subsequent healthcare scandal at the heart of the film "will not be forgotten".

Romanian director Alexander Nanau says a double Oscar nomination for his documentary Collective means a tragic 2015 nightclub fire and subsequent healthcare scandal at the heart of the film "will not be forgotten". Sixty-five people died after fireworks used during a concert at The Collective nightclub in Bucharest ignited non-fireproofed insulation foam, triggering a stampede. The film follows journalist Catalin Tolontan, whose investigations revealed badly burned victims who were taken to hospital and treated in improper conditions, with inadequate cleaning products linked to many of their deaths. Many of the survivors contracted infections in the hospital which are still affecting their recovery. Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India The fire sparked nationwide protests against corruption and lack of accountability in Romania, which has one of the European Union’s least developed healthcare systems. The Colectiv club owners and local officials were put on trial, while Tolontan`s investigations also led to a more general case about the use of diluted disinfectants in Romanian hospitals. Both trials resulted in prison sentences being handed out in 2019 but they were not final and have been appealed. "For us it was most of all a satisfaction to know that the story will not be forgotten because the Oscars really bring an attention to the film that is unprecedented, basically for any film that gets nominated," Nanau told Reuters. Oscars: The most shocking outfits on the red carpet over the years "Collective" is in the running for best international feature film and best documentary feature at the Oscars. Nanau said one grieving father had posted a letter to his deceased son on social media on the day the nominations were revealed. "We couldn`t find the ways to help you back then, but at least we are happy now that this story will not be forgotten and most of all, that other people can learn from what we went through," Nanau said, quoting the letter. "Hopefully all we want for other people is not to go through the same things and understand how power works, how manipulation works." Nanau said he planned to travel to Los Angeles for the April 25 ceremony. "We are in constant contact with the production team ... The whole ceremony will be treated as a film set ... and I think that should make it safe, it should be fine."

Power of Oscars keeps Romanian 'Collective' tragedy in people's minds, says director

Actress Carey Mulligan, who plays the protagonist Cassie Thomas in 'Promising Young Woman', says she is fortunate to have landed the Oscar-nominated role, although the 35-year-old actress wishes such a role came her way when she was younger.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-minari-nomadland-heres-how-to-watch-all-best-film-nominees-in-india-376284" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India</a> 
 
"I just felt very lucky to work on this as an actor. This is the kind of story I wish had come out when I was 18. What was sort of so immediately obvious to me reading the script, was how regrettably commonplace so much of this was," Mulligan said in an interview to Metro Newspaper, reports femalefirst.co.uk. 
 
In the black comedy thriller, her character, Cassie seeks to avenge the rape of her best friend.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-nominations-the-first-timers-snubs-surprises-370841" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021 nominations: The first timers, snubs, surprises</a> 
 
"Of course, it's important to have a broader understanding, but really, it felt like such a tragically familiar story. There are countless examples of things like this happening to people that you know, people you love, and every woman has a connection to somebody who's been through something close to this," said the actress.

Actress Carey Mulligan, who plays the protagonist Cassie Thomas in 'Promising Young Woman', says she is fortunate to have landed the Oscar-nominated role, although the 35-year-old actress wishes such a role came her way when she was younger.

Actress Carey Mulligan, who plays the protagonist Cassie Thomas in 'Promising Young Woman', says she is fortunate to have landed the Oscar-nominated role, although the 35-year-old actress wishes such a role came her way when she was younger. Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India "I just felt very lucky to work on this as an actor. This is the kind of story I wish had come out when I was 18. What was sort of so immediately obvious to me reading the script, was how regrettably commonplace so much of this was," Mulligan said in an interview to Metro Newspaper, reports femalefirst.co.uk. In the black comedy thriller, her character, Cassie seeks to avenge the rape of her best friend. Oscars 2021 nominations: The first timers, snubs, surprises "Of course, it's important to have a broader understanding, but really, it felt like such a tragically familiar story. There are countless examples of things like this happening to people that you know, people you love, and every woman has a connection to somebody who's been through something close to this," said the actress.

Carey Mulligan 'lucky' to be part of 'Promising Young Woman'

The makers of Amazon Prime Video`s `The Wilds` announced that the second season of the series went on floors on Wednesday. 
 
Confirming the news that they have begun filming, makers took to their Instagram handle and shared a BTS picture from the sets of the series."We`re back baby. 
 
The Wilds Season 2, Day 1 of production," the caption read.`The Wilds` follows a group of young girls who become stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes. The first season consisted of 10 episodes, which released on the streamer on December 11, last year. 
 
`The Wilds` was created by Sarah Streicher and stars Rachel Griffiths (Gretchen Klein), Sophia Taylor Ali (Fatin Jadmani), Shannon Berry (Dot Campbell), Sarah Pidgeon (Leah Rilke), Erana James (Toni Shalifoe), Jenna Clause (Martha Blackburn), David Sullivan (Daniel Faber), Troy Winbush (Dean Young), Helena Howard (Nora Reid), Reign Edwards (Rachel Reid) and Mia Healey (Shelby Goodkind). 
 
The series is co-produced by Amazon Studios and ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios. Streicher also serves as executive producer on the series alongside Amy B. Harris, Jamie Tarses, and Dylan Clark.

The makers of Amazon Prime Video`s `The Wilds` announced that the second season of the series went on floors on Wednesday. Confirming the news that they have begun filming, makers took to their Instagram handle and shared a BTS picture from the sets of the series.

The makers of Amazon Prime Video`s `The Wilds` announced that the second season of the series went on floors on Wednesday. Confirming the news that they have begun filming, makers took to their Instagram handle and shared a BTS picture from the sets of the series."We`re back baby. The Wilds Season 2, Day 1 of production," the caption read.`The Wilds` follows a group of young girls who become stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes. The first season consisted of 10 episodes, which released on the streamer on December 11, last year. `The Wilds` was created by Sarah Streicher and stars Rachel Griffiths (Gretchen Klein), Sophia Taylor Ali (Fatin Jadmani), Shannon Berry (Dot Campbell), Sarah Pidgeon (Leah Rilke), Erana James (Toni Shalifoe), Jenna Clause (Martha Blackburn), David Sullivan (Daniel Faber), Troy Winbush (Dean Young), Helena Howard (Nora Reid), Reign Edwards (Rachel Reid) and Mia Healey (Shelby Goodkind). The series is co-produced by Amazon Studios and ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios. Streicher also serves as executive producer on the series alongside Amy B. Harris, Jamie Tarses, and Dylan Clark.

Amazon Prime Video's 'The Wilds' season 2 goes on floors

The Oscars are the glitziest night of the year in Hollywood and millions across the globe tune in, but they threaten to be a dud in China after the nomination of a Hong Kong protest documentary.

Beijing-born filmmaker Chloe Zhao, who is touted to win big for her acclaimed American road movie "Nomadland", has also faced criticism back home after some questioned her loyalty to China.

The country has spent years "pining for Hollywood accolades", according to entertainment magazine Variety, and state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) has shown the awards live or on a delay since 2003. Online platforms in China, the world's fastest-growing movie market, have also streamed the Oscars in the past.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-minari-nomadland-heres-how-to-watch-all-best-film-nominees-in-india-376284" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India</a>

But Bloomberg News reported last month that the ruling Communist Party's propaganda department has ordered state-controlled media to play down the 93rd Academy Awards and also not show them live on April 25. In Hong Kong, where Beijing is greatly tightening its grasp, the Oscars will not be televised for the first time in more than half a century, with broadcaster TVB saying it was "purely a commercial decision".

Chinese state media has taken aim at the Oscars in recent weeks and in particular "Do Not Split", about Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests.

Just days after its nomination in the short documentary category, the state-run Global Times made clear China's disdain, saying the film "lacks artistry and is full of biased political stances". "Such movies, if they win awards, will hurt the feelings of Chinese audiences," said the newspaper, warning: "This will also dent the Oscars' reputation among Chinese moviegoers."

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-the-most-shocking-outfits-on-the-red-carpet-over-the-years-277841" hreflang="en">Oscars: The most shocking outfits on the red carpet over the years</a>

Another Global Times piece saw a Beijing-based film critic say that "the Oscars have lost their purity in the pursuit of the art of film and are more close to a political stand".

Anders Hammer, who made "Do Not Split", told AFP that he was delighted by the reaction. "Beijing has helped us a lot," said the Norwegian. "The main aim of making a documentary is not to win the Oscar but to bring attention to the critical situation in Hong Kong. "We have received so much more attention."

- Boycott threat -

The director Zhao, who looks set to be a central figure at the Oscars, has also found herself in hot water in China. The 39-year-old's "Nomadland" -- which peers into the soul of America -- has six nominations including best picture, best director and best actress for Frances McDormand.

The movie has already hoovered up an array of awards, including at the Golden Globes for best drama film and best director. Zhao was the first female director to win best drama and state media hailed her as "the pride of China".

But that soon gave way to a nationalist backlash after social media users dug up old interviews in which she appeared to criticise the land of her birth. Chinese film authorities had approved her film for domestic release on April 23 but that now appears to be in doubt.

'Chloe Zhao's Oscar nominations for 'Nomadland' may not earn her forgiveness in China," the Global Times said in a headline, citing "experts". One said Chinese movie-goers might even boycott the film. On Douban, a popular online platform where films are rated and reviewed, the Oscar nominations and winners for every year since 1929 are listed. But not this year's.

"Do Not Split" does however get a mention in a message board on the platform, with one user writing: "Is this the best the Oscars can do?" Another called its nomination "disgusting".

The Oscars are the glitziest night of the year in Hollywood and millions across the globe tune in, but they threaten to be a dud in China after the nomination of a Hong Kong protest documentary.

The Oscars are the glitziest night of the year in Hollywood and millions across the globe tune in, but they threaten to be a dud in China after the nomination of a Hong Kong protest documentary. Beijing-born filmmaker Chloe Zhao, who is touted to win big for her acclaimed American road movie "Nomadland", has also faced criticism back home after some questioned her loyalty to China. The country has spent years "pining for Hollywood accolades", according to entertainment magazine Variety, and state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) has shown the awards live or on a delay since 2003. Online platforms in China, the world's fastest-growing movie market, have also streamed the Oscars in the past. Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India But Bloomberg News reported last month that the ruling Communist Party's propaganda department has ordered state-controlled media to play down the 93rd Academy Awards and also not show them live on April 25. In Hong Kong, where Beijing is greatly tightening its grasp, the Oscars will not be televised for the first time in more than half a century, with broadcaster TVB saying it was "purely a commercial decision". Chinese state media has taken aim at the Oscars in recent weeks and in particular "Do Not Split", about Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests. Just days after its nomination in the short documentary category, the state-run Global Times made clear China's disdain, saying the film "lacks artistry and is full of biased political stances". "Such movies, if they win awards, will hurt the feelings of Chinese audiences," said the newspaper, warning: "This will also dent the Oscars' reputation among Chinese moviegoers." Oscars: The most shocking outfits on the red carpet over the years Another Global Times piece saw a Beijing-based film critic say that "the Oscars have lost their purity in the pursuit of the art of film and are more close to a political stand". Anders Hammer, who made "Do Not Split", told AFP that he was delighted by the reaction. "Beijing has helped us a lot," said the Norwegian. "The main aim of making a documentary is not to win the Oscar but to bring attention to the critical situation in Hong Kong. "We have received so much more attention." - Boycott threat - The director Zhao, who looks set to be a central figure at the Oscars, has also found herself in hot water in China. The 39-year-old's "Nomadland" -- which peers into the soul of America -- has six nominations including best picture, best director and best actress for Frances McDormand. The movie has already hoovered up an array of awards, including at the Golden Globes for best drama film and best director. Zhao was the first female director to win best drama and state media hailed her as "the pride of China". But that soon gave way to a nationalist backlash after social media users dug up old interviews in which she appeared to criticise the land of her birth. Chinese film authorities had approved her film for domestic release on April 23 but that now appears to be in doubt. 'Chloe Zhao's Oscar nominations for 'Nomadland' may not earn her forgiveness in China," the Global Times said in a headline, citing "experts". One said Chinese movie-goers might even boycott the film. On Douban, a popular online platform where films are rated and reviewed, the Oscar nominations and winners for every year since 1929 are listed. But not this year's. "Do Not Split" does however get a mention in a message board on the platform, with one user writing: "Is this the best the Oscars can do?" Another called its nomination "disgusting".

Oscars set to flop in China as Hollywood, politics collide

Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni, who won an Oscar for 'Life is Beautiful', will be honoured with a career award at this year's Venice Film Festival, organisers said Thursday.&nbsp;

Known for his irreverent, clownish antics, but also for his public readings of Dante's "Divine Comedy", the 68-year-old Tuscan is one of Italy's most popular film stars.&nbsp;He has directed nine movies and acted in dozens more.&nbsp;

"My heart is full of joy and gratitude. It is an immense Honor to receive such an important recognition of my work," Benigni said in a statement released by the Venice festival.&nbsp;

Festival director Alberto Barbera paid tribute to Benigni's "exuberance and impetuosity, his generous way with the public, and the passionate joyfulness that is perhaps the most original hallmark of his opus".

As well as starring in and directing "Life is Beautiful", a Holocaust tragi-comedy that won Oscars for best actor, best musical score and best foreign language film in 1999, Benigni worked with several cinema big-hitters.

These include directors Federico Fellini, Woody Allen, Blake Edwards, and Bernardo Bertolucci. His wife, the actress Nicoletta Braschi, has been the female lead in all his movies since 1987.

The Venice Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the world, rivalling Cannes and Berlin, and the oldest. Its 78th edition is scheduled for September 1-11, 2021.

Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni, who won an Oscar for 'Life is Beautiful', will be honoured with a career award at this year's Venice Film Festival, organisers said Thursday.

Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni, who won an Oscar for 'Life is Beautiful', will be honoured with a career award at this year's Venice Film Festival, organisers said Thursday. Known for his irreverent, clownish antics, but also for his public readings of Dante's "Divine Comedy", the 68-year-old Tuscan is one of Italy's most popular film stars. He has directed nine movies and acted in dozens more. "My heart is full of joy and gratitude. It is an immense Honor to receive such an important recognition of my work," Benigni said in a statement released by the Venice festival. Festival director Alberto Barbera paid tribute to Benigni's "exuberance and impetuosity, his generous way with the public, and the passionate joyfulness that is perhaps the most original hallmark of his opus". As well as starring in and directing "Life is Beautiful", a Holocaust tragi-comedy that won Oscars for best actor, best musical score and best foreign language film in 1999, Benigni worked with several cinema big-hitters. These include directors Federico Fellini, Woody Allen, Blake Edwards, and Bernardo Bertolucci. His wife, the actress Nicoletta Braschi, has been the female lead in all his movies since 1987. The Venice Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the world, rivalling Cannes and Berlin, and the oldest. Its 78th edition is scheduled for September 1-11, 2021.

'Life is Beautiful' director Roberto Benigni to receive Venice cinema career award

Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Bieber opened up about the ups and downs of his marriage, in a recent interview.

According to People magazine, the 27-year-old pop star, who graced the cover of GQ`s May issue, recounted low points in his life that were caused by his own personal struggles and how his wife, Hailey Baldwin, helped him out of during those dark moments. 
 
Describing himself to the outlet as someone who was always "compelled" to get married, Bieber said, "I just felt like that was my calling. Just to get married and have babies and do that whole thing." 
 
As for babies for himself and Baldwin, the `Love Yourself` crooner said, "Not this second, but we will eventually." However, Bieber went on to share how his own personal demons caused a strain in his marriage to the love of his life. 
 
The 'Pacher' singer said, "The first year of marriage was really tough because there was a lot going back to the trauma. There was just a lack of trust. There were all these things that you don`t want to admit to the person that you`re with because it`s scary. You don't want to scare them off by saying, `I`m scared.`" 
 
The hitmaker and Baldwin tied the knot in September 2018 at a New York City courthouse, just two months after getting engaged in the Bahamas that July. " They went ahead and did it without listening to anyone," a source close to the couple told People magazine at the time. 
 
On September 30, 2019, the couple hosted a larger second wedding ceremony in front of family and friends. Bieber and Baldwin, who wore a custom off-white gown, exchanged vows and Tiffany wedding bands as the sunset at the Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina. Looking at his marriage now, Bieber said he and Baldwin are "just creating these moments for us as a couple, as a family, that we`re building these memories.''

He added, "And it`s beautiful that we have that to look forward to. Before, I didn`t have that to look forward to in my life. My home life was unstable. I didn`t have a significant other. I didn`t have someone to love. I didn`t have someone to pour into."The musician also credits his faith as another important factor in dealing with his struggles. 
 
Bieber said, "He is grace. I came to a place where I just was like, `God, if you`re real, I need you to help me, because I can`t do this on my own. Like, I`m struggling so hard. Every decision I make is out of my own selfish ego.`"The Grammy-winning singer said, "So I`m just like, `What is it that you want from me? You put all these desires in my heart for me to sing and perform and to make music--where are these coming from?"He added, "Why is this in my heart? What`s the point? What is the point of everything? What is the point of me being on this planet?`"On the work front, the singer had released his sixth studio album titled `Justice` on March 19. Bieber also released a deluxe version of the album on March 26, which features an extra six songs. 
 
Before `Justice`, Bieber had released `Changes` on February 14 last year, featuring singles `Yummy`, `Intentions`, and `Forever`. The album was nominated for the best pop vocal album at the Grammys and served as his return to music since releasing `Purpose` in 2015.&nbsp;

Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Bieber opened up about the ups and downs of his marriage, in a recent interview. According to People magazine, the 27-year-old pop star, who graced the cover of GQ`s May issue, recounted low points in his life that were caused by his own personal struggles and how his wife, Hailey Baldwin, helped him out of during those dark moments.

Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Bieber opened up about the ups and downs of his marriage, in a recent interview. According to People magazine, the 27-year-old pop star, who graced the cover of GQ`s May issue, recounted low points in his life that were caused by his own personal struggles and how his wife, Hailey Baldwin, helped him out of during those dark moments. Describing himself to the outlet as someone who was always "compelled" to get married, Bieber said, "I just felt like that was my calling. Just to get married and have babies and do that whole thing." As for babies for himself and Baldwin, the `Love Yourself` crooner said, "Not this second, but we will eventually." However, Bieber went on to share how his own personal demons caused a strain in his marriage to the love of his life. The 'Pacher' singer said, "The first year of marriage was really tough because there was a lot going back to the trauma. There was just a lack of trust. There were all these things that you don`t want to admit to the person that you`re with because it`s scary. You don't want to scare them off by saying, `I`m scared.`" The hitmaker and Baldwin tied the knot in September 2018 at a New York City courthouse, just two months after getting engaged in the Bahamas that July. " They went ahead and did it without listening to anyone," a source close to the couple told People magazine at the time. On September 30, 2019, the couple hosted a larger second wedding ceremony in front of family and friends. Bieber and Baldwin, who wore a custom off-white gown, exchanged vows and Tiffany wedding bands as the sunset at the Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina. Looking at his marriage now, Bieber said he and Baldwin are "just creating these moments for us as a couple, as a family, that we`re building these memories.'' He added, "And it`s beautiful that we have that to look forward to. Before, I didn`t have that to look forward to in my life. My home life was unstable. I didn`t have a significant other. I didn`t have someone to love. I didn`t have someone to pour into."The musician also credits his faith as another important factor in dealing with his struggles. Bieber said, "He is grace. I came to a place where I just was like, `God, if you`re real, I need you to help me, because I can`t do this on my own. Like, I`m struggling so hard. Every decision I make is out of my own selfish ego.`"The Grammy-winning singer said, "So I`m just like, `What is it that you want from me? You put all these desires in my heart for me to sing and perform and to make music--where are these coming from?"He added, "Why is this in my heart? What`s the point? What is the point of everything? What is the point of me being on this planet?`"On the work front, the singer had released his sixth studio album titled `Justice` on March 19. Bieber also released a deluxe version of the album on March 26, which features an extra six songs. Before `Justice`, Bieber had released `Changes` on February 14 last year, featuring singles `Yummy`, `Intentions`, and `Forever`. The album was nominated for the best pop vocal album at the Grammys and served as his return to music since releasing `Purpose` in 2015.

Justin Bieber terms first year of marriage to Hailey Baldwin as 'really tough'

'Godzilla vs. Kong'&nbsp;stormed to the top of the domestic box office, picking up $13.4 million in its second weekend of release. That brings the monster mashup`s stateside haul to $69.5 million, an impressive gross considering it comes in the midst of a global pandemic.

The Legendary and Warner Bros. release`s robust commercial performance has been all the more notable because it comes as COVID restrictions are in place, limiting capacity in theatres, and also as the film is available on HBO Max. The film dropped 58 per cent compared to its opening weekend gross of $32.2 million. Warner Bros. is releasing its entire 2021 slate on HBO Max at the same time they debut in theatres as a concession to coronavirus and a way to bolster the streaming service.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/godzilla-vs-kong-is-officially-the-highest-grossing-movie-since-the-pandemic-began-376776">Godzilla vs Kong is officially the highest-grossing movie since the pandemic began</a> 
 
'Godzilla vs. Kong' is now the top-grossing film of the pandemic era, bypassing Christopher Nolan`s "Tenet," which earned $58.4 million. The impenetrable "Tenet" still far outranks "Godzilla vs. Kong" when it comes to sheer narrative confusion. 
 
Universal`s "Nobody," an action thriller that attempts to give "Better Call Saul`s" Bob Odenkirk the full Liam Neeson, middle-aged ass-kicker treatment, came in second, with $2.6 million. The film`s domestic total now stands at $15.6 million after three weeks of release. 
 
Sony`s "The Unholy" appears poised to capture third place with roughly $2.4 million, pushing its total to $6.7 million. The horror film follows a young hearing-impaired girl who can hear and speak after a supposed visitation from the Virgin Mary. The good news doesn`t last long, however, as terrifying events accompany the apparent miracle. 
 
Disney`s "Raya and the Last Dragon" was in fourth place with $2.1 million, pushing the animated feature`s North American gross to $35.2 million. "Raya" is also available to rent on Disney Plus. 
 
Lionsgate and AGC Studios` "Voyagers," a riff on "Lord of the Flies" that transports the mayhem of adolescent sexuality and bad behavior to outer space, grossed $1.3 million to round out the top five. Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp, and Fionn Whitehead lead the youthful cast of space exploring miscreants. 
Some Oscar contenders padded their grosses, with A24`s "Minari" adding $118,000 to its haul to push its total to $2.3 million, while Focus Features` "Promising Young Woman" netted $55,000 to bring its ticket sales to $7.2 million. Both films are up for best picture at this year`s Academy Awards. 
&nbsp;

'Godzilla vs. Kong' stormed to the top of the domestic box office, picking up $13.4 million in its second weekend of release. That brings the monster mashup`s stateside haul to $69.

'Godzilla vs. Kong' stormed to the top of the domestic box office, picking up $13.4 million in its second weekend of release. That brings the monster mashup`s stateside haul to $69.5 million, an impressive gross considering it comes in the midst of a global pandemic. The Legendary and Warner Bros. release`s robust commercial performance has been all the more notable because it comes as COVID restrictions are in place, limiting capacity in theatres, and also as the film is available on HBO Max. The film dropped 58 per cent compared to its opening weekend gross of $32.2 million. Warner Bros. is releasing its entire 2021 slate on HBO Max at the same time they debut in theatres as a concession to coronavirus and a way to bolster the streaming service. Godzilla vs Kong is officially the highest-grossing movie since the pandemic began 'Godzilla vs. Kong' is now the top-grossing film of the pandemic era, bypassing Christopher Nolan`s "Tenet," which earned $58.4 million. The impenetrable "Tenet" still far outranks "Godzilla vs. Kong" when it comes to sheer narrative confusion. Universal`s "Nobody," an action thriller that attempts to give "Better Call Saul`s" Bob Odenkirk the full Liam Neeson, middle-aged ass-kicker treatment, came in second, with $2.6 million. The film`s domestic total now stands at $15.6 million after three weeks of release. Sony`s "The Unholy" appears poised to capture third place with roughly $2.4 million, pushing its total to $6.7 million. The horror film follows a young hearing-impaired girl who can hear and speak after a supposed visitation from the Virgin Mary. The good news doesn`t last long, however, as terrifying events accompany the apparent miracle. Disney`s "Raya and the Last Dragon" was in fourth place with $2.1 million, pushing the animated feature`s North American gross to $35.2 million. "Raya" is also available to rent on Disney Plus. Lionsgate and AGC Studios` "Voyagers," a riff on "Lord of the Flies" that transports the mayhem of adolescent sexuality and bad behavior to outer space, grossed $1.3 million to round out the top five. Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp, and Fionn Whitehead lead the youthful cast of space exploring miscreants. Some Oscar contenders padded their grosses, with A24`s "Minari" adding $118,000 to its haul to push its total to $2.3 million, while Focus Features` "Promising Young Woman" netted $55,000 to bring its ticket sales to $7.2 million. Both films are up for best picture at this year`s Academy Awards.

Box Office: 'Godzilla vs. Kong' roars to $13.4 million in second weekend

Chloe Zhao's 'Nomadland'&nbsp;won this year's top Hollywood directing award Saturday -- the final major guild ceremony before the Oscars, and an important late bellwether in Tinseltown's pandemic-delayed and mainly virtual award season.&nbsp;

Zhao spent her entire victory speech praising her fellow nominees, who must now be wondering what they can do to catch up with her critically adored and awards-dominating US road movie before the Academy Awards on April 25.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-minari-nomadland-heres-how-to-watch-all-best-film-nominees-in-india-376284" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India</a>

"I want to thank you guys for teaching me so much, and for showing your support -- you have made this journey so much more special," the 39-year-old director, previously best known for the indie movie "The Rider," told rival directors via video call.

Those filmmakers included David Fincher ("Mank"), Emerald Fennell ("Promising Young Woman") and Lee Isaac Chung ("Minari") -- who will also vie for the best director Oscar.

But Zhao -- who becomes only the second woman to ever win the top Directors Guild of America prize, after Kathryn Bigelow for 2008's "The Hurt Locker" -- is entrenched as the strong favourite.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-the-most-shocking-outfits-on-the-red-carpet-over-the-years-277841" hreflang="en">Oscars: The most shocking outfits on the red carpet over the years</a>

While the DGA last year plumped for Sam Mendes ("1917") over Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho ("Parasite"), they have correctly predicted the victor the previous six years running. 'Nomadland',&nbsp;a semi-fictional drama, follows a community of older van-dwelling Americans left behind by the Great Recession, who forge a new, transient life off the grid in the American West.

Beijing-born Zhao said she hopes audiences can "experience the lives of people that they may consider 'the other'" and so "walk away feeling a little bit less alone." She described directing as an outlet and a remedy for her own experience of "very intense loneliness in my life."

- Real-world celebrations - 
 
"Sound of Metal," an Oscar best picture nominee about a heavy metal drummer who goes deaf, won the DGA's first-time director award.

Darius Marder thanked the deaf community for "inviting us in, sharing your culture, with us, with the movie, with the screen." Best documentary went to "The Truffle Hunters," which follows a group of elderly Italians and their loyal dogs as they pursue the centuries-old tradition of seeking culinary delicacies in the forest.

The DGAs also honor television. The final season of "Homeland" took the drama series prize -- in a sign of changing times, Lesli Linka Glatter dialed in from a real-world celebration with "my whole, completely vaccinated director team."

'The Flight Attendant'&nbsp;took best comedy series, while "The Queen's Gambit" continued its award season sweep in limited series.

Although lower key than the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild awards, the DGAs are longer-running, and its 18,000 voters including the industry's top directors offer prestigious recognition. DGA President Thomas Schlamme opened the virtual award show from the guild's state-of-the-art Hollywood theater.

He later jokingly thanked the "home-field advantage" as he won an award for last year's "West Wing" reunion special to boost turnout in the US election.

Chloe Zhao's 'Nomadland' won this year's top Hollywood directing award Saturday -- the final major guild ceremony before the Oscars, and an important late bellwether in Tinseltown's pandemic-delayed and mainly virtual award season.

Chloe Zhao's 'Nomadland' won this year's top Hollywood directing award Saturday -- the final major guild ceremony before the Oscars, and an important late bellwether in Tinseltown's pandemic-delayed and mainly virtual award season. Zhao spent her entire victory speech praising her fellow nominees, who must now be wondering what they can do to catch up with her critically adored and awards-dominating US road movie before the Academy Awards on April 25. Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India "I want to thank you guys for teaching me so much, and for showing your support -- you have made this journey so much more special," the 39-year-old director, previously best known for the indie movie "The Rider," told rival directors via video call. Those filmmakers included David Fincher ("Mank"), Emerald Fennell ("Promising Young Woman") and Lee Isaac Chung ("Minari") -- who will also vie for the best director Oscar. But Zhao -- who becomes only the second woman to ever win the top Directors Guild of America prize, after Kathryn Bigelow for 2008's "The Hurt Locker" -- is entrenched as the strong favourite. Oscars: The most shocking outfits on the red carpet over the years While the DGA last year plumped for Sam Mendes ("1917") over Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho ("Parasite"), they have correctly predicted the victor the previous six years running. 'Nomadland', a semi-fictional drama, follows a community of older van-dwelling Americans left behind by the Great Recession, who forge a new, transient life off the grid in the American West. Beijing-born Zhao said she hopes audiences can "experience the lives of people that they may consider 'the other'" and so "walk away feeling a little bit less alone." She described directing as an outlet and a remedy for her own experience of "very intense loneliness in my life." - Real-world celebrations - "Sound of Metal," an Oscar best picture nominee about a heavy metal drummer who goes deaf, won the DGA's first-time director award. Darius Marder thanked the deaf community for "inviting us in, sharing your culture, with us, with the movie, with the screen." Best documentary went to "The Truffle Hunters," which follows a group of elderly Italians and their loyal dogs as they pursue the centuries-old tradition of seeking culinary delicacies in the forest. The DGAs also honor television. The final season of "Homeland" took the drama series prize -- in a sign of changing times, Lesli Linka Glatter dialed in from a real-world celebration with "my whole, completely vaccinated director team." 'The Flight Attendant' took best comedy series, while "The Queen's Gambit" continued its award season sweep in limited series. Although lower key than the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild awards, the DGAs are longer-running, and its 18,000 voters including the industry's top directors offer prestigious recognition. DGA President Thomas Schlamme opened the virtual award show from the guild's state-of-the-art Hollywood theater. He later jokingly thanked the "home-field advantage" as he won an award for last year's "West Wing" reunion special to boost turnout in the US election.

Award-dominating 'Nomadland' wins top Hollywood director prize

The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, will take place next week, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday, announcing a stripped-back ceremony due to coronavirus restrictions, and a return for exiled royal Prince Harry but not his wife, Meghan.

The announcement came as the couple's eldest son, heir to the throne Prince Charles, 72, paid a heartfelt tribute to his "dear Papa", and said he and the royal family missed him "enormously".

"My dear Papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him, and from that point of view we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that," he added.

"It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time."

The Duke of Edinburgh - the 94-year-old queen's husband of 73 years -- died peacefully on Friday just two months short of his 100th birthday, triggering eight days of national mourning. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-what-happens-next-plans-for-prince-philips-funeral-376581" hreflang="en">What happens next? Plans for Prince Philip's funeral</a>

Royal officials said his funeral, which will be televised, will take place at 1400 GMT on Saturday, April 17 in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, west of London.

It will be preceded by a national minute's silence.&nbsp; Government guidelines restrict mourners to just 30 people and close attention has been paid to the pared-down guest list for the funeral, particularly whether the duke's grandson Harry would attend.

Palace officials confirmed he would but his American wife, Meghan, who is pregnant with their second child, had been advised against travelling from the United States on medical grounds.

The couple, who quit frontline royal duties last year, have launched a series of broadsides against the royals, including accusing them of racism, and of failing to treat Meghan's mental health. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will also not be attending the funeral because of Covid restrictions, Downing Street said.

"The Prime Minister has throughout wanted to act in accordance with what is best for the Royal household, and so to allow for as many family members as possible will not be attending the funeral on Saturday," a spokesperson said.&nbsp;

- Gun salutes - 
 
Gun salutes earlier echoed around the United Kingdom on Saturday as the armed forces paid solemn tribute to the duke. The coordinated 41-round volleys to the former Royal Navy commander were fired at a rate of one per minute from 12:00 (1100 GMT) in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as at naval bases, from warships at sea, and in the British territory Gibraltar.

Similar salutes -- the most according to military protocol -- were also held in Canberra and Wellington, as the Queen is head of state in Australia and New Zealand.

At the Tower of London, a crowd of more than 100 onlookers kept a respectful silence as they watched the Honourable Artillery Company fire shots on the banks of the River Thames.

One onlooker, Heather Utteridge, said she had come to show her respects "for a superhuman". "It's a great loss to not just the Queen, but actually to the country. He represented stability for all of our lives," the 65-year-old told AFP.

Alexander Beaten, 30, said the royal couple had been an integral part of British identity and culture. "We can disagree with the government... but the Queen and Prince Philip are just such a constant," he said.

Sporting events, including Premier League football matches, English county championship cricket and the Grand National horserace, held silences as part of worldwide tributes.

The death of the duke, the longest serving royal consort in British history, is a profound loss for the Queen, who once described him as her "strength and stay" throughout her long reign.

- Flags at half-mast - 
 
Flags were flying at half-mast on government buildings and will do so until the morning after his funeral. The well-rehearsed protocol for the duke's death -- codenamed "Forth Bridge" -- has been hastily revised because of the coronavirus pandemic, eliminating public events where crowds could gather.

Parliament will be recalled on Monday for lawmakers to pay tribute, but the duke will not lie in state, nor will there will be military processions. &nbsp;British television stations cleared their schedules for special broadcasts looking back on his life on Friday, although the BBC said it had received complaints about the blanket coverage.

Westminster Abbey, where the couple married in 1947, tolled its tenor bell 99 times on Friday, once for each year of the prince's life.

Philip had been ill for some time, and spent more than a month in hospital from February 16 being treated for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection. Despite looking frail on his release from hospital on March 16, hopes were raised for his recovery.

But the Queen announced Philip's death at Windsor Castle "with deep sorrow" on Friday.

- 'Farewell, my beloved' - 
 
His death dominated the front pages of Britain's newspapers for the second day in a row on Sunday.&nbsp; "Charles: my dear papa was so very special", the Mail on Sunday said, carrying, like most of the papers, the first public remarks by the Prince of Wales following the death of his father. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/prince-philip-1921-2021-lesser-known-facts-about-queen-elizabeth-iis-husband-376445" hreflang="en">Prince Philip (1921-2021): Lesser-known facts about the Duke of Edinburgh</a>

The Sunday Telegraph splashed a picture of Charles and Philip giving each other a knowing smile in a 2016 photo on its front page alongside a picture of bouquets of flowers left at Windsor Castle.

The Sunday Mirror focused on the upcoming reunion of princes William and Harry at their grandfather's funeral following the pair's disagreements, with the headline "united in grief". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/prince-philip-duke-of-edinburgh-life-in-pictures-376334" hreflang="en">Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Life in pictures</a>

On Saturday, tributes poured in from home and abroad, with Johnson giving "thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip". Political and faith leaders from across the world also paid their respects, as did global royalty and Pope Francis.

- Flowers discouraged due to Covid - 
 
Philip retired from public duties in 2017 at the age of 96, declaring "I've done my bit". The couple had been living largely in isolation at Windsor because their age put them at heightened risk from Covid-19. He was last seen at a staged appearance at a military ceremony at Windsor in July, days after attending the wedding ceremony of his granddaughter Princess Beatrice.&nbsp;

On Saturday members of the public continued to pay their respects outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor, despite royal family requests not to gather at royal residences because of the restrictions.

Hundreds of flowers that had been laid outside the Queen's official residence in central London on Friday have been moved to Windsor, apparently to discourage further gathering.

An online book of condolences on the royal family's official website has been put in place rather than conventional public tributes.&nbsp;

The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, will take place next week, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday, announcing a stripped-back ceremony due to coronavirus restrictions, and a return for exiled royal Prince Harry but not his wife, Meghan.

The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, will take place next week, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday, announcing a stripped-back ceremony due to coronavirus restrictions, and a return for exiled royal Prince Harry but not his wife, Meghan. The announcement came as the couple's eldest son, heir to the throne Prince Charles, 72, paid a heartfelt tribute to his "dear Papa", and said he and the royal family missed him "enormously". "My dear Papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him, and from that point of view we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that," he added. "It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time." The Duke of Edinburgh - the 94-year-old queen's husband of 73 years -- died peacefully on Friday just two months short of his 100th birthday, triggering eight days of national mourning. What happens next? Plans for Prince Philip's funeral Royal officials said his funeral, which will be televised, will take place at 1400 GMT on Saturday, April 17 in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, west of London. It will be preceded by a national minute's silence. Government guidelines restrict mourners to just 30 people and close attention has been paid to the pared-down guest list for the funeral, particularly whether the duke's grandson Harry would attend. Palace officials confirmed he would but his American wife, Meghan, who is pregnant with their second child, had been advised against travelling from the United States on medical grounds. The couple, who quit frontline royal duties last year, have launched a series of broadsides against the royals, including accusing them of racism, and of failing to treat Meghan's mental health. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will also not be attending the funeral because of Covid restrictions, Downing Street said. "The Prime Minister has throughout wanted to act in accordance with what is best for the Royal household, and so to allow for as many family members as possible will not be attending the funeral on Saturday," a spokesperson said. - Gun salutes - Gun salutes earlier echoed around the United Kingdom on Saturday as the armed forces paid solemn tribute to the duke. The coordinated 41-round volleys to the former Royal Navy commander were fired at a rate of one per minute from 12:00 (1100 GMT) in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as at naval bases, from warships at sea, and in the British territory Gibraltar. Similar salutes -- the most according to military protocol -- were also held in Canberra and Wellington, as the Queen is head of state in Australia and New Zealand. At the Tower of London, a crowd of more than 100 onlookers kept a respectful silence as they watched the Honourable Artillery Company fire shots on the banks of the River Thames. One onlooker, Heather Utteridge, said she had come to show her respects "for a superhuman". "It's a great loss to not just the Queen, but actually to the country. He represented stability for all of our lives," the 65-year-old told AFP. Alexander Beaten, 30, said the royal couple had been an integral part of British identity and culture. "We can disagree with the government... but the Queen and Prince Philip are just such a constant," he said. Sporting events, including Premier League football matches, English county championship cricket and the Grand National horserace, held silences as part of worldwide tributes. The death of the duke, the longest serving royal consort in British history, is a profound loss for the Queen, who once described him as her "strength and stay" throughout her long reign. - Flags at half-mast - Flags were flying at half-mast on government buildings and will do so until the morning after his funeral. The well-rehearsed protocol for the duke's death -- codenamed "Forth Bridge" -- has been hastily revised because of the coronavirus pandemic, eliminating public events where crowds could gather. Parliament will be recalled on Monday for lawmakers to pay tribute, but the duke will not lie in state, nor will there will be military processions. British television stations cleared their schedules for special broadcasts looking back on his life on Friday, although the BBC said it had received complaints about the blanket coverage. Westminster Abbey, where the couple married in 1947, tolled its tenor bell 99 times on Friday, once for each year of the prince's life. Philip had been ill for some time, and spent more than a month in hospital from February 16 being treated for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection. Despite looking frail on his release from hospital on March 16, hopes were raised for his recovery. But the Queen announced Philip's death at Windsor Castle "with deep sorrow" on Friday. - 'Farewell, my beloved' - His death dominated the front pages of Britain's newspapers for the second day in a row on Sunday. "Charles: my dear papa was so very special", the Mail on Sunday said, carrying, like most of the papers, the first public remarks by the Prince of Wales following the death of his father. Prince Philip (1921-2021): Lesser-known facts about the Duke of Edinburgh The Sunday Telegraph splashed a picture of Charles and Philip giving each other a knowing smile in a 2016 photo on its front page alongside a picture of bouquets of flowers left at Windsor Castle. The Sunday Mirror focused on the upcoming reunion of princes William and Harry at their grandfather's funeral following the pair's disagreements, with the headline "united in grief". Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Life in pictures On Saturday, tributes poured in from home and abroad, with Johnson giving "thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip". Political and faith leaders from across the world also paid their respects, as did global royalty and Pope Francis. - Flowers discouraged due to Covid - Philip retired from public duties in 2017 at the age of 96, declaring "I've done my bit". The couple had been living largely in isolation at Windsor because their age put them at heightened risk from Covid-19. He was last seen at a staged appearance at a military ceremony at Windsor in July, days after attending the wedding ceremony of his granddaughter Princess Beatrice. On Saturday members of the public continued to pay their respects outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor, despite royal family requests not to gather at royal residences because of the restrictions. Hundreds of flowers that had been laid outside the Queen's official residence in central London on Friday have been moved to Windsor, apparently to discourage further gathering. An online book of condolences on the royal family's official website has been put in place rather than conventional public tributes.

Prince Harry will attend Prince Philip's funeral without Meghan Markle

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