It was not just 'RRR' that was nominated in the Best Song category for 'Naatu Naatu'. In fact, two other films from India also got nods in their respective categories. The nomination for 'Naatu Naatu' was almost certain after its Golden Globe win earlier this month. Apart from SS Rajamouli's colonial India-set epic, The Elephant Whisperers, directed by, Kartiki Gonsalves also received a nomination in the Best Documentary Short category. To complete the hat-trick, Shaunak Sen's acclaimed All that Breathes was also awarded a nomination - in the Best Documentary Feature category.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/indian-film-rrrs-naatu-naatu-gets-oscar-nod-for-best-original-song-555596">Indian film RRR's Naatu Naatu gets Oscar nod for best original song</a> 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscar-2023-nominations-complete-list-555532">Oscar 2023 Nominations Complete List: 'Naatu Naatu', 'All That Breathes', 'Avatar: The Way of Water' and more</a> 
 
Elsewhere, Everything Everywhere All at Once emerged as the top contender with 11 nominations. All Quiet on the Western Front and The Banshees of Inisherin are tied at the second position with 9 nods.&nbsp;

The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, are widely considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry. However, winning an Oscar does not necessarily indicate that a film is of high quality. The Oscars are decided by the voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which is made up of a relatively small group of industry professionals. As such, the nominees and winners are often determined by factors such as industry politics, personal relationships, and even campaigning and lobbying by studios and filmmakers.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

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It was not just 'RRR' that was nominated in the Best Song category for 'Naatu Naatu'. In fact, two other films from India also got nods in their respective categories.

It was not just 'RRR' that was nominated in the Best Song category for 'Naatu Naatu'. In fact, two other films from India also got nods in their respective categories. The nomination for 'Naatu Naatu' was almost certain after its Golden Globe win earlier this month. Apart from SS Rajamouli's colonial India-set epic, The Elephant Whisperers, directed by, Kartiki Gonsalves also received a nomination in the Best Documentary Short category. To complete the hat-trick, Shaunak Sen's acclaimed All that Breathes was also awarded a nomination - in the Best Documentary Feature category. Also Read: Indian film RRR's Naatu Naatu gets Oscar nod for best original song Also Read: Oscar 2023 Nominations Complete List: 'Naatu Naatu', 'All That Breathes', 'Avatar: The Way of Water' and more Elsewhere, Everything Everywhere All at Once emerged as the top contender with 11 nominations. All Quiet on the Western Front and The Banshees of Inisherin are tied at the second position with 9 nods. The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, are widely considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry. However, winning an Oscar does not necessarily indicate that a film is of high quality. The Oscars are decided by the voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which is made up of a relatively small group of industry professionals. As such, the nominees and winners are often determined by factors such as industry politics, personal relationships, and even campaigning and lobbying by studios and filmmakers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Oscar nominations 2023: Hat-trick for Indian films as RRR, All That Breathes, Elephant Whisperers get nods

Oscars 2023: From Martin McDonagh to Steven Spielberg: Meet the Best Director nominees

Oscars is changing a few things for its upcoming edition. Oscars 2023 will have all 23 categories aired during the telecast.&nbsp;

Making the announcement, as per Variety, Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said, “I can confirm that all categories will be included in the live telecast.”

Last year, eight Oscar categories including original score, makeup and hairstyling, documentary short, film editing, production design, animated short, live action short and sound were not a part of the main telecast. It led to outrage across the film industry with people calling out The Academy for it.

Bill Kramer continued, “We are committed to having a show that celebrates the artisans, the arts and sciences and the collaborative nature of moviemaking. This is very much what the mission of the Academy is, and I am very hopeful that we can do a show that celebrates all components of moviemaking in an entertaining and engaging way.”

Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel will return for the third time to host the ceremony. Executive producers and showrunners Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner of White Cherry Entertainment will produce the Oscars.&nbsp;

The 95th Academy Awards will take place on March 12, 2023, live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Oscars is changing a few things for its upcoming edition. Oscars 2023 will have all 23 categories aired during the telecast. Making the announcement, as per Variety, Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said, “I can confirm that all categories will be included in the live telecast.

Oscars is changing a few things for its upcoming edition. Oscars 2023 will have all 23 categories aired during the telecast. Making the announcement, as per Variety, Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said, “I can confirm that all categories will be included in the live telecast.” Last year, eight Oscar categories including original score, makeup and hairstyling, documentary short, film editing, production design, animated short, live action short and sound were not a part of the main telecast. It led to outrage across the film industry with people calling out The Academy for it. Bill Kramer continued, “We are committed to having a show that celebrates the artisans, the arts and sciences and the collaborative nature of moviemaking. This is very much what the mission of the Academy is, and I am very hopeful that we can do a show that celebrates all components of moviemaking in an entertaining and engaging way.” Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel will return for the third time to host the ceremony. Executive producers and showrunners Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner of White Cherry Entertainment will produce the Oscars. The 95th Academy Awards will take place on March 12, 2023, live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

Oscars 2023: All categories to be awarded live on air

Did you know, Hollywood star Topher Grace once crashed an Oscar party? The 'Spider-Man 3' actor in an exclusive interview with WION's Entertainment Editor, Abira Dhar Rao, shared with us how it all happened.

WION Exclusive: Topher Grace talks about crashing the academy awards

Half a century ago, actor and activist Sacheen Littlefeather took the stage in a traditional buckskin dress at the Academy Awards show to decline an Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando, launching into a speech about the film industry's mistreatment of Native Americans.

She was booed off the stage of the 1973 ceremony after 60 seconds for the remarks, which drew attention to an Indigenous people's protest at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. She was then professionally boycotted by the film industry for decades.

On Saturday evening Littlefeather, now 75, was met with thunderous applause as she took the stage to reflect on her protest at an event in her honor at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.

"Well, I made it. It took 50 years," she said.

The event, "An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather" featured live Native American performances and was streamed on the museum's YouTube page.

Her friend Brando boycotted the 45th Oscars ceremony because of the stereotypes of Native Americans in films and television. The winner of best actor for portraying Vito Corleone in 'The Godfather'&nbsp;asked Littlefeather to attend in his place.

In addition to the boos, Littlefeather reminisced on Saturday, people made tomahawk chop gestures and mocked “Indian” whoops. ''Big John Wayne was ready to attack me. He had to be held back by six security guards," she said.

Saturday's program included the reading of an apology letter to Littlefeather for her treatment by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

"As you stood on the Oscars stage in 1973 to not accept the Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando, in recognition of the misrepresentation and mistreatment of Native American people by the film industry, you made a powerful statement that continues to remind us of the necessity of respect and the importance of human dignity," the letter says.

She responded, "I am accepting this apology not only for me alone, but an acknowledgement not only for me, but all of our (Native American) nation. Our nation needs to hear this apology."

Half a century ago, actor and activist Sacheen Littlefeather took the stage in a traditional buckskin dress at the Academy Awards show to decline an Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando, launching into a speech about the film industry's mistreatment of Native Americans.

Half a century ago, actor and activist Sacheen Littlefeather took the stage in a traditional buckskin dress at the Academy Awards show to decline an Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando, launching into a speech about the film industry's mistreatment of Native Americans. She was booed off the stage of the 1973 ceremony after 60 seconds for the remarks, which drew attention to an Indigenous people's protest at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. She was then professionally boycotted by the film industry for decades. On Saturday evening Littlefeather, now 75, was met with thunderous applause as she took the stage to reflect on her protest at an event in her honor at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. "Well, I made it. It took 50 years," she said. The event, "An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather" featured live Native American performances and was streamed on the museum's YouTube page. Her friend Brando boycotted the 45th Oscars ceremony because of the stereotypes of Native Americans in films and television. The winner of best actor for portraying Vito Corleone in 'The Godfather' asked Littlefeather to attend in his place. In addition to the boos, Littlefeather reminisced on Saturday, people made tomahawk chop gestures and mocked “Indian” whoops. ''Big John Wayne was ready to attack me. He had to be held back by six security guards," she said. Saturday's program included the reading of an apology letter to Littlefeather for her treatment by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "As you stood on the Oscars stage in 1973 to not accept the Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando, in recognition of the misrepresentation and mistreatment of Native American people by the film industry, you made a powerful statement that continues to remind us of the necessity of respect and the importance of human dignity," the letter says. She responded, "I am accepting this apology not only for me alone, but an acknowledgement not only for me, but all of our (Native American) nation. Our nation needs to hear this apology."

Native American actress and activist reflects on 1973 Academy Awards protest

As ‘Dune’ picks up the highest number of awards at Oscars 2022 so far, there’s one particular guy who we can’t not talk about – Namit Malhotra. A big win for him as the film won in the coveted Best Visual Effects category, India’s Namit can’t control his excitement.&nbsp;

Chairman and CEO of DNEG, the VFX pro behind Dune, previously spoke to publications on the Oscars nomination, “It’s a great feeling. It’s the first James Bond movie to get a nomination in this particular category in many, many years. Dune, on the other hand, is the new benchmark of visual effects in storytelling.”

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2022-live-hollywoods-biggest-night-is-here-466118">Check out Live Updates here.</a>

India's Namit Malhotra's&nbsp;DNEG received nominations in the Best Visual Effects category for its incredible work on director Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed film<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dune-kick-starts-its-winning-run-at-oscars-2022-466135"> ‘Dune’</a> and Daniel Craig-starrer ‘No Time to Die’. It won for Dune. The other films up for nominations were ‘Free Guy’, ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’, and ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’.

DNEG’s VFX work has previously won six Academy Awards for ‘Best Visual Effects’ - including Tenet (2021), First Man (2019), Blade Runner 2049 (2018), Ex Machina (2016), Interstellar (2015), and Inception (2011).

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2022-from-zendaya-to-billie-eilish-glamour-packed-oscars-red-carpet-466126" hreflang="en">From Zendaya to Billie Eilish: Celebs make a fashionable appearance at Oscars 2022 red carpet</a>

As ‘Dune’ picks up the highest number of awards at Oscars 2022 so far, there’s one particular guy who we can’t not talk about – Namit Malhotra. A big win for him as the film won in the coveted Best Visual Effects category, India’s Namit can’t control his excitement.

As ‘Dune’ picks up the highest number of awards at Oscars 2022 so far, there’s one particular guy who we can’t not talk about – Namit Malhotra. A big win for him as the film won in the coveted Best Visual Effects category, India’s Namit can’t control his excitement. Chairman and CEO of DNEG, the VFX pro behind Dune, previously spoke to publications on the Oscars nomination, “It’s a great feeling. It’s the first James Bond movie to get a nomination in this particular category in many, many years. Dune, on the other hand, is the new benchmark of visual effects in storytelling.” The Oscar for Best Cinematography goes to... #Oscars pic.twitter.com/CtNKYHlLnb — The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 28, 2022 × The Oscar for Best Visual Effects goes to... #Oscars pic.twitter.com/OGdWD84jcr — The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 28, 2022 × Check out Live Updates here. India's Namit Malhotra's DNEG received nominations in the Best Visual Effects category for its incredible work on director Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed film ‘Dune’ and Daniel Craig-starrer ‘No Time to Die’. It won for Dune. The other films up for nominations were ‘Free Guy’, ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’, and ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. DNEG’s VFX work has previously won six Academy Awards for ‘Best Visual Effects’ - including Tenet (2021), First Man (2019), Blade Runner 2049 (2018), Ex Machina (2016), Interstellar (2015), and Inception (2011). In Pics: From Zendaya to Billie Eilish: Celebs make a fashionable appearance at Oscars 2022 red carpet

Oscars 2022: Indian in spotlight as Namit Malhotra wins big for 'Dune'

The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, return to Hollywood on Sunday (March 27) as nominees from top contending films gather in a grand, futuristic, glittering ballroom for the movie industry's biggest night.&nbsp;

The Academy Awards are awards for artistic and technical merit in the film industry and are regarded by many as the most prestigious and significant awards in the entertainment industry worldwide.&nbsp;

The awards are international recognition of excellence in cinematic achievements and it is given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). The awards are given after being assessed by the Academy's voting membership.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sean-penn-calls-for-oscars-boycott-if-zelenskyy-not-invited-to-speak-vows-to-smelt-his-trophies-465873">Sean Penn calls for Oscars boycott if Zelenskyy not invited to speak, vows to 'smelt' his trophies</a>

But are the awards impacting the mental health of celebrities?

A report published by Daily Mail quoting Paracelsus Recovery says that out of the 60 performers who won either the Best Actor or Best Actress since 1992, 41 have suffered from mental health issues.&nbsp;

The analysis by Paracelsus Recovery, a clinic that has treated dozens of celebrities, shows that in the past 30 years, two-thirds of actors who have won Academy Awards, experienced disorders.&nbsp;

Depression, anxiety and substance abuse are apparently some of the common problems celebrities faced.&nbsp;

"Fame should come with a health warning," mentioned an analysis by Paracelsus Recovery as quoted by Daily Mail.&nbsp;

Psychotherapist Dr Paul Hokemeyer said, who is a leading expert on celebrity mental health as quoted by the media outlet said fame was often associated with "fear, pain and loneliness", and major success can lead to impostor syndrome.&nbsp;

Dr Hokemeyer said: "The level of success that Oscar-winning celebrities attain is beyond comprehension for about 99.9 per cent of the population."&nbsp;

"The drive, work and confluence of circumstances that it takes to get there are otherworldly. For this reason, once attained, the success feels empty and fraudulent. It feels undeserved," Dr Hokemeyer added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/this-year-futuristic-oscar-stage-will-be-covered-with-90000-swarovski-crystals-465787">This year's ‘futuristic’ Oscar stage will be covered with 90,000 Swarovski crystals!</a>

There are several examples for reference, for example, Daniel Day-Lewis, who has won the awards thrice, gave depression as the reason to quit acting in 2017.&nbsp;

Nicolas Cage talked about his alcohol abuse. He won the Best Actor award in 1996 for 'Leaving Las Vegas'.&nbsp;

Emma Stone won the award in 2017 for 'La La Land' and she has also mentioned mental health issues.&nbsp;

According to the research by Swiss and UK-based clinic Paracelsus Recovery, mental health issue rises to 68 per cent among Oscar winners. Meanwhile, data tells that ten per cent of the general population have a mental health problem.&nbsp;

The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, return to Hollywood on Sunday (March 27) as nominees from top contending films gather in a grand, futuristic, glittering ballroom for the movie industry's biggest night.

The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, return to Hollywood on Sunday (March 27) as nominees from top contending films gather in a grand, futuristic, glittering ballroom for the movie industry's biggest night. The Academy Awards are awards for artistic and technical merit in the film industry and are regarded by many as the most prestigious and significant awards in the entertainment industry worldwide. The awards are international recognition of excellence in cinematic achievements and it is given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). The awards are given after being assessed by the Academy's voting membership. ALSO READ | Sean Penn calls for Oscars boycott if Zelenskyy not invited to speak, vows to 'smelt' his trophies But are the awards impacting the mental health of celebrities? A report published by Daily Mail quoting Paracelsus Recovery says that out of the 60 performers who won either the Best Actor or Best Actress since 1992, 41 have suffered from mental health issues. The analysis by Paracelsus Recovery, a clinic that has treated dozens of celebrities, shows that in the past 30 years, two-thirds of actors who have won Academy Awards, experienced disorders. Depression, anxiety and substance abuse are apparently some of the common problems celebrities faced. "Fame should come with a health warning," mentioned an analysis by Paracelsus Recovery as quoted by Daily Mail. Psychotherapist Dr Paul Hokemeyer said, who is a leading expert on celebrity mental health as quoted by the media outlet said fame was often associated with "fear, pain and loneliness", and major success can lead to impostor syndrome. Dr Hokemeyer said: "The level of success that Oscar-winning celebrities attain is beyond comprehension for about 99.9 per cent of the population." "The drive, work and confluence of circumstances that it takes to get there are otherworldly. For this reason, once attained, the success feels empty and fraudulent. It feels undeserved," Dr Hokemeyer added. ALSO READ | This year's ‘futuristic’ Oscar stage will be covered with 90,000 Swarovski crystals! There are several examples for reference, for example, Daniel Day-Lewis, who has won the awards thrice, gave depression as the reason to quit acting in 2017. Nicolas Cage talked about his alcohol abuse. He won the Best Actor award in 1996 for 'Leaving Las Vegas'. Emma Stone won the award in 2017 for 'La La Land' and she has also mentioned mental health issues. According to the research by Swiss and UK-based clinic Paracelsus Recovery, mental health issue rises to 68 per cent among Oscar winners. Meanwhile, data tells that ten per cent of the general population have a mental health problem.

'Fame should come with a health warning': Are Oscar winners more likely to suffer from mental health issues?

As the 2022 Oscars ceremony date approaches, here is all you need to know about the first in two years (since the pandemic) physical event.&nbsp;

Hollywood’s most anticipated ceremony will take place on March 27 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It will air according to Indian Standard Time beginning 5:30 am on Monday, March 28.&nbsp;

To tune into the 94th Academy Awards, viewers in India can track Academy’s official social media platforms for live updates and Star World to watch it live.&nbsp;

Viewers can also track Oscars 2022 live updates on WION website and our social media pages for a rounded coverage of the ceremony.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2022-9-interesting-facts-around-this-years-awards-ceremony-464958" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022: 9 interesting facts around this year's awards ceremony</a>

Meanwhile, Oscars Best Picture nominees are as follows: The Power of the Dog, Belfast, Don’t Look Up, CODA, Drive My Car, King Richard, Dune, Licorice Pizza, West Side Story and Nightmare Alley.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/beyonce-billie-eilish-to-perform-at-the-oscars-2022-stage-465010" hreflang="en">Beyonce, Billie Eilish to perform at the Oscars 2022 stage</a>

The nominees for the Best Actress award this year are Jessica Chastain for ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’, Olivia Colman for ‘The Lost Daughter’, Penélope Cruz for ‘Parallel Mothers’, Nicole Kidman for ‘Being the Ricardos’ and Kristen Stewart for ‘Spencer’.&nbsp;

The Best Actor Oscar nominees are Javier Bardem for ‘Being the Ricardos’, Benedict Cumberbatch for ‘The Power of the Dog’, Andrew Garfield for ‘tick, tick...BOOM’, Will Smith for ‘King Richard’ and Denzel Washington for ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-dune-to-dont-look-up-heres-how-you-can-watch-oscars-2022-nominated-movies-462620" hreflang="en">From 'Dune' to 'Don't Look Up': Where to watch this year’s Oscar-nominated movies online</a>

As the 2022 Oscars ceremony date approaches, here is all you need to know about the first in two years (since the pandemic) physical event. Hollywood’s most anticipated ceremony will take place on March 27 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

As the 2022 Oscars ceremony date approaches, here is all you need to know about the first in two years (since the pandemic) physical event. Hollywood’s most anticipated ceremony will take place on March 27 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It will air according to Indian Standard Time beginning 5:30 am on Monday, March 28. To tune into the 94th Academy Awards, viewers in India can track Academy’s official social media platforms for live updates and Star World to watch it live. Viewers can also track Oscars 2022 live updates on WION website and our social media pages for a rounded coverage of the ceremony. Oscars 2022: 9 interesting facts around this year's awards ceremony Meanwhile, Oscars Best Picture nominees are as follows: The Power of the Dog, Belfast, Don’t Look Up, CODA, Drive My Car, King Richard, Dune, Licorice Pizza, West Side Story and Nightmare Alley. Beyonce, Billie Eilish to perform at the Oscars 2022 stage The nominees for the Best Actress award this year are Jessica Chastain for ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’, Olivia Colman for ‘The Lost Daughter’, Penélope Cruz for ‘Parallel Mothers’, Nicole Kidman for ‘Being the Ricardos’ and Kristen Stewart for ‘Spencer’. The Best Actor Oscar nominees are Javier Bardem for ‘Being the Ricardos’, Benedict Cumberbatch for ‘The Power of the Dog’, Andrew Garfield for ‘tick, tick...BOOM’, Will Smith for ‘King Richard’ and Denzel Washington for ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’. From 'Dune' to 'Don't Look Up': Where to watch this year’s Oscar-nominated movies online

Oscars 2022: Everything you need to know about the event; when and where to stream

The Academy Awards to make some major changes for Oscars event 2022 with organisers unveiling that several awards will not be presented live this year.&nbsp;

Reported by several media outlets, this year’s Academy Awards event will be more streamlined than ever before and TV-friendly. It will cut short of eight categories that will be awarded off air and will then be edited for broadcast.&nbsp;

Academy President David Rubin said that keeping in tune with changing times, they will prioritise the demands of TV audiences and that "every awards category must be featured on the television broadcast, though eight awards will initially be presented in the Dolby Theatre in the hour before the live broadcast begins."&nbsp;

It was also informed that all the nominees in all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a>&nbsp;awards categories, will be identified on-air and the winners’ acceptance speeches will be aired live. The letter further stated that the flow of the show will not change for people watching the event from home.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscar-2022-attendees-not-required--to-provide-covid-19-vaccination-proof-451939" hreflang="en">Attendees not required to provide COVID-19 vaccination proof</a>

The categories that will be presented off-air are namely Documentary (Short Subject), Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Production Design, Short Film (Animated), Short Film (Live Action), and Sound. On the other hand, the categories that will be presented on-air include Actor in a Leading Role, Actor in a Supporting Role, Actress in a Leading Role, Actress in a Supporting Role, Animated Feature Film, Best Picture, Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing, Documentary (Feature), International Feature Film, Music (Original Song), Visual Effects, Writing (Adapted Screenplay), and Writing (Original Screenplay).

The Oscars was recently in the news as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the list of nominations for 2022. In the nominations, Kenneth Branagh made history as he received seven nominations in individual categories for ‘Belfast’.&nbsp;

The Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 27, 2022.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2022-amy-schumer-regina-hall-and-wanka-skyes-to-host-the-ceremony-453346" hreflang="en">Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanka Skyes to host the ceremony</a>

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/real-life-couples-penelope-cruz-javier-bardem-kirsten-dunst-jesse-plemons-create-oscar-history-451702" hreflang="en">Real-life couples Penelope Cruz- Javier Bardem, Kirsten Dunst- Jesse Plemons create Oscar history</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-interview-with-gangubai-alia-bhatt-455516/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Academy Awards to make some major changes for Oscars event 2022 with organisers unveiling that several awards will not be presented live this year. Reported by several media outlets, this year’s Academy Awards event will be more streamlined than ever before and TV-friendly.

The Academy Awards to make some major changes for Oscars event 2022 with organisers unveiling that several awards will not be presented live this year. Reported by several media outlets, this year’s Academy Awards event will be more streamlined than ever before and TV-friendly. It will cut short of eight categories that will be awarded off air and will then be edited for broadcast. Academy President David Rubin said that keeping in tune with changing times, they will prioritise the demands of TV audiences and that "every awards category must be featured on the television broadcast, though eight awards will initially be presented in the Dolby Theatre in the hour before the live broadcast begins." It was also informed that all the nominees in all Oscars awards categories, will be identified on-air and the winners’ acceptance speeches will be aired live. The letter further stated that the flow of the show will not change for people watching the event from home. Attendees not required to provide COVID-19 vaccination proof The categories that will be presented off-air are namely Documentary (Short Subject), Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Production Design, Short Film (Animated), Short Film (Live Action), and Sound. On the other hand, the categories that will be presented on-air include Actor in a Leading Role, Actor in a Supporting Role, Actress in a Leading Role, Actress in a Supporting Role, Animated Feature Film, Best Picture, Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing, Documentary (Feature), International Feature Film, Music (Original Song), Visual Effects, Writing (Adapted Screenplay), and Writing (Original Screenplay). The Oscars was recently in the news as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the list of nominations for 2022. In the nominations, Kenneth Branagh made history as he received seven nominations in individual categories for ‘Belfast’. The Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 27, 2022. Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanka Skyes to host the ceremony Also see: Real-life couples Penelope Cruz- Javier Bardem, Kirsten Dunst- Jesse Plemons create Oscar history

Oscars 2022: Major awards to not go live like before? Find out details inside

The United Kingdom has sent a documentary chronicling the efforts of activists working to end violence against women in Turkey as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. Titled ‘Dying to Divorce’, the docu-film is produced by Turkish and British filmmakers.

It took five years to make this project and was released in the UK cinemas last week.&nbsp;

Dying to Divorce follows the work of lawyer Ipek Bozkurt and activist Aysen Ece Kavas who meet women survivors of gender-based violence in order to help them and their families seek justice through a labyrinthian Turkish criminal system. Bozkurt and Kavas are part of the We Will Stop Femicides Platform, which tracks violence against women in Turkey.&nbsp;

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According to latest data cited in a report by Al Jazeera, in 2021 alone, men in Turkey have killed 285 women. This is on its way to exceed the number of last year -- 300.

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Currently, the filmmakers are waiting for the docu-film to get an Oscar nomination. The results will be out later this month. They will be announced the Oscars Academy.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom has sent a documentary chronicling the efforts of activists working to end violence against women in Turkey as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards.

The United Kingdom has sent a documentary chronicling the efforts of activists working to end violence against women in Turkey as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. Titled ‘Dying to Divorce’, the docu-film is produced by Turkish and British filmmakers. It took five years to make this project and was released in the UK cinemas last week. Dying to Divorce follows the work of lawyer Ipek Bozkurt and activist Aysen Ece Kavas who meet women survivors of gender-based violence in order to help them and their families seek justice through a labyrinthian Turkish criminal system. Bozkurt and Kavas are part of the We Will Stop Femicides Platform, which tracks violence against women in Turkey. Alec Baldwin says does not feel guilt over 'Rust' shooting death Exclusive: 'Money Heist' professor- On the last day, I couldn't stop crying According to latest data cited in a report by Al Jazeera, in 2021 alone, men in Turkey have killed 285 women. This is on its way to exceed the number of last year -- 300. Also read: 'Matrix Resurrections' NFT creates chaos among fans, website crashes over huge demand Currently, the filmmakers are waiting for the docu-film to get an Oscar nomination. The results will be out later this month. They will be announced the Oscars Academy.

Oscars: UK sends documentary on violence on Turkey women for nomination

Looks like Adele is still a hit with her fans. As she sat down for a tell-all with Oprah Winfrey, the British singer opened up about her equation with her alcoholic father and her divorce that set her back in terms of career and personal growth.&nbsp;

Aired on CBS, the Oprah interview with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/adele">Adele</a> garnered more viewers than Oscars and the figures speak for themselves on who’s more popular of the two! An average of 9.9 million viewers tuned in to watch Adele perform, and be interviewed by Oprah Winfrey. This while Academy Awards had 9.85 million viewers.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the interview was made by James Corden and Ben Winston's company Fulwell, &nbsp;that was also responsible for the Friends reunion special.

The two-hour special featured Adele’s first new material in six years, with an insider claiming CBS has paid 'at least $5million, but perhaps as much as $7million' to debut the interview.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-adele-opens-up-about-her-divorce--her-alcoholic-father-in-candid-oprah-interview-429439" hreflang="en">Adele opens up about her divorce &amp; her alcoholic father in candid Oprah interview</a>

During the personal chat with Winfrey, Adele admitted that her ex-husband Simon Konecki “saved her life” because he gave her “stability” after she found herself on a “self-destructive path.” She said, “I think Simon probably saved my life, to be honest with you. He came at such a moment, where the stability that him and Angelo have given me, no one else would ever have been able to give me. Especially at that time, I was so young and I just, I think I would have got a bit lost in all of it. I could have easily gone down some dodgy paths, you know? And sort of self-destructed from being overwhelmed by all of it. He came in and was stable. The most stable person I've ever had in my life up until that point. Even now, I trust him with my life.”

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Looks like Adele is still a hit with her fans. As she sat down for a tell-all with Oprah Winfrey, the British singer opened up about her equation with her alcoholic father and her divorce that set her back in terms of career and personal growth.

Looks like Adele is still a hit with her fans. As she sat down for a tell-all with Oprah Winfrey, the British singer opened up about her equation with her alcoholic father and her divorce that set her back in terms of career and personal growth. Aired on CBS, the Oprah interview with Adele garnered more viewers than Oscars and the figures speak for themselves on who’s more popular of the two! An average of 9.9 million viewers tuned in to watch Adele perform, and be interviewed by Oprah Winfrey. This while Academy Awards had 9.85 million viewers. Interestingly, the interview was made by James Corden and Ben Winston's company Fulwell, that was also responsible for the Friends reunion special. The two-hour special featured Adele’s first new material in six years, with an insider claiming CBS has paid 'at least $5million, but perhaps as much as $7million' to debut the interview. Adele opens up about her divorce & her alcoholic father in candid Oprah interview During the personal chat with Winfrey, Adele admitted that her ex-husband Simon Konecki “saved her life” because he gave her “stability” after she found herself on a “self-destructive path.” She said, “I think Simon probably saved my life, to be honest with you. He came at such a moment, where the stability that him and Angelo have given me, no one else would ever have been able to give me. Especially at that time, I was so young and I just, I think I would have got a bit lost in all of it. I could have easily gone down some dodgy paths, you know? And sort of self-destructed from being overwhelmed by all of it. He came in and was stable. The most stable person I've ever had in my life up until that point. Even now, I trust him with my life.” Also read: Disney to enter the world of metaverse, to bring revolutionary change in entertainment business Lady Gaga studied panthers for killer Gucci role

Adele more popular than Oscars? Oprah interview pulls in more viewers than awards night

Will Packer will produce the upcoming Academy Awards 2022 that are scheduled for March 27.

This will be the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscar</a> show to be produced by Will Packer. Will has previously produced several films and TV projects including ‘Straight Outta Compton’, ‘Ride Along’, ‘Girls Trip’, the Think Like a Man films and the television remake of ‘Roots’, for which he received an Emmy nomination.&nbsp;

“Will is a powerhouse producer who has enjoyed success across all movie genres!” Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement. “He’s already bringing a boundless energy and a focus on innovation to this year’s Oscars, to entertain the widest spectrum of fans. Many wonderful surprises ahead.”

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On the new job role, Will Packer said, “The power, the beauty, the romance of the imagery in movies has always attracted me. I’m fully embracing the challenge of bringing an ode to one of the most iconic mediums in the world to life. What an honor.”

Added Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, “There is no one better than Will Packer to celebrate our collective love for cinema. Will is a world-class hitmaker and the ideal producer to capture the prestige of the Oscars and deliver a powerful and moving event.”

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Shayla Cowan, chief of staff of Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, will serve as co-producer alongside Packer. Cowan manages and oversees all the operational activities of both companies, advises on marketing, communications and business strategies, and provides support on the development and production of the company’s films, television and digital programming.

As for Academy Awards 2022, there is no word yet on the host but after three hostless Oscar ceremonies, it might be a good idea to see a familiar face. The 94th Oscars will be held on March 27, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood &amp; Highland Center in Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

Will Packer will produce the upcoming Academy Awards 2022 that are scheduled for March 27. This will be the first Oscar show to be produced by Will Packer. Will has previously produced several films and TV projects including ‘Straight Outta Compton’, ‘Ride Along’, ‘Girls Trip’, the Think Like a Man films and the television remake of ‘Roots’, for which he received an Emmy nomination.

Will Packer will produce the upcoming Academy Awards 2022 that are scheduled for March 27. This will be the first Oscar show to be produced by Will Packer. Will has previously produced several films and TV projects including ‘Straight Outta Compton’, ‘Ride Along’, ‘Girls Trip’, the Think Like a Man films and the television remake of ‘Roots’, for which he received an Emmy nomination. “Will is a powerhouse producer who has enjoyed success across all movie genres!” Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement. “He’s already bringing a boundless energy and a focus on innovation to this year’s Oscars, to entertain the widest spectrum of fans. Many wonderful surprises ahead.” Also Read: 'Squid Game' star Jung Ho Yeon is the most followed Korean actress on Instagram On the new job role, Will Packer said, “The power, the beauty, the romance of the imagery in movies has always attracted me. I’m fully embracing the challenge of bringing an ode to one of the most iconic mediums in the world to life. What an honor.” Added Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, “There is no one better than Will Packer to celebrate our collective love for cinema. Will is a world-class hitmaker and the ideal producer to capture the prestige of the Oscars and deliver a powerful and moving event.” Also Read: Justin Bieber announces a new cannabis line, names it 'Peaches' Fans complain of Seinfeld losing its comic timing because of aspect ratio issue in move to Netflix Shayla Cowan, chief of staff of Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, will serve as co-producer alongside Packer. Cowan manages and oversees all the operational activities of both companies, advises on marketing, communications and business strategies, and provides support on the development and production of the company’s films, television and digital programming. As for Academy Awards 2022, there is no word yet on the host but after three hostless Oscar ceremonies, it might be a good idea to see a familiar face. The 94th Oscars will be held on March 27, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

Oscars: Will Packer set to produce 2022 Academy Awards

The drive to expand the number of film professionals who vote on the annual Oscar winners will slow down in 2021 after several years of rapid growth aimed at increasing diversity, the Film Academy said on Wednesday. 
 
In the past few years, some 800-950 actors, directors, cinematographer`s, producers and other film makers from around the world have been invited each year to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 
 
"This year`s growth in membership will be limited to roughly half that of recent years," the Academy said in a statement, adding that recent annual growth of 10% was straining its resources. 
 
Reducing the number of newcomers would allow the organization to better serve existing members, it said. 
 
The Academy said last year it had exceeded a goal it set in response to the #OscarsSoWhite scandal in 2016 of doubling the number of women and people of color in its ranks. 
 
On Wednesday, it said it was committed to a range of programs aimed at increasing "equity and inclusion in the stories told through film." 
 
This year`s Academy Awards, held in April, were the most diverse in years. Nine of the 20 acting nominations went to people of color. 
Chinese-born Chloe Zhao won for best director, Black British actor Daniel Kaluuya took the supporting actor Oscar and South Korea`s Youn Yuh-jung won in the supporting actress field. 
 
The names of new members invited to join the Academy are traditionally released in June. 
&nbsp;

The drive to expand the number of film professionals who vote on the annual Oscar winners will slow down in 2021 after several years of rapid growth aimed at increasing diversity, the Film Academy said on Wednesday.

The drive to expand the number of film professionals who vote on the annual Oscar winners will slow down in 2021 after several years of rapid growth aimed at increasing diversity, the Film Academy said on Wednesday. In the past few years, some 800-950 actors, directors, cinematographer`s, producers and other film makers from around the world have been invited each year to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "This year`s growth in membership will be limited to roughly half that of recent years," the Academy said in a statement, adding that recent annual growth of 10% was straining its resources. Reducing the number of newcomers would allow the organization to better serve existing members, it said. The Academy said last year it had exceeded a goal it set in response to the #OscarsSoWhite scandal in 2016 of doubling the number of women and people of color in its ranks. On Wednesday, it said it was committed to a range of programs aimed at increasing "equity and inclusion in the stories told through film." This year`s Academy Awards, held in April, were the most diverse in years. Nine of the 20 acting nominations went to people of color. Chinese-born Chloe Zhao won for best director, Black British actor Daniel Kaluuya took the supporting actor Oscar and South Korea`s Youn Yuh-jung won in the supporting actress field. The names of new members invited to join the Academy are traditionally released in June.

Oscar body slows down on adding new members, but reaffirms diversity goals

The 93rd Academy Awards won't make face masks a requirement during its live ceremony on April 25. 
 
According to Variety, the nominees, their guests, A-list presenters and other attendees won't have to cover their famous faces as cameras roll during the telecast this weekend. However, when those in attendance are not on camera, they will be asked to wear their face masks at all times, such as during commercial breaks.&nbsp;

Due to the theatrical nature of the live ceremony, masks won't be required for those shown on camera as the award show will be filmed like a movie, an Academy rep explained during a Monday morning Zoom meeting with nominees and publicists. 
 
Audience capacity will also be capped at 170 people with audience members being rotated in and out of the ceremony.&nbsp;

A third of the Oscars production budget has been allotted to COVID-19 safety protocols, according to The New York Times.

During a virtual press conference held by show producers Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher and Steven Soderbergh, the trio said that the impact of COVID-19 will be highlighted throughout the show and masks will "play a very important role" in the story that the ceremony is trying to convey.

The show's theme is 'Stories Matter,'&nbsp;and those invited will take part in interviews where they'll share their own personal stories to connect each of them at the ceremony.

On the topic of dress code, the producers previously told attendees to avoid casual attire.

The 93rd Academy Awards won't make face masks a requirement during its live ceremony on April 25. According to Variety, the nominees, their guests, A-list presenters and other attendees won't have to cover their famous faces as cameras roll during the telecast this weekend.

The 93rd Academy Awards won't make face masks a requirement during its live ceremony on April 25. According to Variety, the nominees, their guests, A-list presenters and other attendees won't have to cover their famous faces as cameras roll during the telecast this weekend. However, when those in attendance are not on camera, they will be asked to wear their face masks at all times, such as during commercial breaks. Due to the theatrical nature of the live ceremony, masks won't be required for those shown on camera as the award show will be filmed like a movie, an Academy rep explained during a Monday morning Zoom meeting with nominees and publicists. Audience capacity will also be capped at 170 people with audience members being rotated in and out of the ceremony. A third of the Oscars production budget has been allotted to COVID-19 safety protocols, according to The New York Times. During a virtual press conference held by show producers Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher and Steven Soderbergh, the trio said that the impact of COVID-19 will be highlighted throughout the show and masks will "play a very important role" in the story that the ceremony is trying to convey. The show's theme is 'Stories Matter,' and those invited will take part in interviews where they'll share their own personal stories to connect each of them at the ceremony. On the topic of dress code, the producers previously told attendees to avoid casual attire.

Oscars attendees won't be wearing face masks on camera

The Academy Awards, or Oscars, ceremony in April will be an in-person event that will air live from multiple locations, organizers said on Wednesday (February 10).

Oscars ceremony in April to be live, in person and from many locations

Director Steven Soderbergh will help produce what organizers on Tuesday called a re-envisioned Oscars awards show in April, but they did not say what form the ceremony would take. 
 
Soderbergh, a best director Oscar winner for "Traffic," will produce the April 25 televised ceremony along with Hollywood veterans Stacey Sher and Jesse Collins, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement. 
 
The annual ceremony, the highest honors in the movie industry, was pushed back two months because of the shutdown in movie production worldwide caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It is only the fourth time in the 93-year history of the Academy Awards that the scheduled date has been changed. 
 
“The upcoming Oscars is the perfect occasion for innovation and for re-envisioning the possibilities for the awards show," Academy President David Rubin and Chief Executive Dawn Hudson said in Tuesday`s statement. 
 
Television and movie awards shows since the pandemic resulted in massive business and activity restrictions have been a mixture of virtual, pre-recorded and live events, mostly without red carpets and audiences. 
 
Tuesday`s statement gave no details of how the 2021 Oscars would take place. The ceremony is usually held at the 3,400-seat Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, but Los Angeles is currently under a lockdown which prohibits mixing with other households and has forced restaurants and many other businesses to shut down in the face of a surge in coronavirus hospitalizations. 
 
“We`re thrilled and terrified in equal measure," Soderbergh, Collins and Sher said in the statement. "Because of the extraordinary situation we`re all in, there’s an opportunity to focus on the movies and the people who make them in a new way, and we hope to create a show that really FEELS like the movies we all love.” 
 
The Oscars will be televised live on ABC television on April 25, and in more than 225 countries worldwide.&nbsp;

Director Steven Soderbergh will help produce what organizers on Tuesday called a re-envisioned Oscars awards show in April, but they did not say what form the ceremony would take.

Director Steven Soderbergh will help produce what organizers on Tuesday called a re-envisioned Oscars awards show in April, but they did not say what form the ceremony would take. Soderbergh, a best director Oscar winner for "Traffic," will produce the April 25 televised ceremony along with Hollywood veterans Stacey Sher and Jesse Collins, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement. The annual ceremony, the highest honors in the movie industry, was pushed back two months because of the shutdown in movie production worldwide caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It is only the fourth time in the 93-year history of the Academy Awards that the scheduled date has been changed. “The upcoming Oscars is the perfect occasion for innovation and for re-envisioning the possibilities for the awards show," Academy President David Rubin and Chief Executive Dawn Hudson said in Tuesday`s statement. Television and movie awards shows since the pandemic resulted in massive business and activity restrictions have been a mixture of virtual, pre-recorded and live events, mostly without red carpets and audiences. Tuesday`s statement gave no details of how the 2021 Oscars would take place. The ceremony is usually held at the 3,400-seat Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, but Los Angeles is currently under a lockdown which prohibits mixing with other households and has forced restaurants and many other businesses to shut down in the face of a surge in coronavirus hospitalizations. “We`re thrilled and terrified in equal measure," Soderbergh, Collins and Sher said in the statement. "Because of the extraordinary situation we`re all in, there’s an opportunity to focus on the movies and the people who make them in a new way, and we hope to create a show that really FEELS like the movies we all love.” The Oscars will be televised live on ABC television on April 25, and in more than 225 countries worldwide.

Oscar organizers see April awards ceremony as innovation opportunity

Ireland has chosen its pick for Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film category and it is ‘Arracht’.

Tom Sullivan’s Irish-language feature ‘Arracht’ is set in 1845 on the eve of the Irish famine.&nbsp;

In the film, fisherman Colmán Sharkey takes in a stranger at the behest of a local priest. Patsy, a former soldier in the Napoleonic wars, arrives just ahead of “the blight” that eventually wipes out the country’s potato crop, leading to the death and displacement of millions. Patsy’s subsequent actions set Colmán on a path that will take him to the edge of survival, and sanity, until he encounters an abandoned young girl who gives him a reason to live. But Colmán cannot escape the darkness of his past.

The Oscar film stars Dónall Ó Héalai, alongside Dara Devaney, Michael McElhatton, and newcomer Saise Ní Chúinn. Read more Oscar related stories <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">here.</a>

The film world premiered at the 2019 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, and won two Irish Academy Awards at this year’s virtual IFTA ceremony.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-all-international-feature-films-submissions-so-far-340783" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far</a></h2>

On the Oscar entry, the film’s director, Tom Sullivan said, “I am overjoyed with the news that ‘Arracht’ has been chosen by the IFTA selection committee to represent Ireland in the Oscar’s best international film category. This is recognition of the team’s work and dedication and to be considered on this level is a huge honor and beyond exciting. It’s been a funny old year to be in the film business but the support ‘Arracht’ has received from everyone has really kept us going.”

The 93rd Academy Awards will take place on April 25, 2021.

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Ireland has chosen its pick for Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film category and it is ‘Arracht’. Tom Sullivan’s Irish-language feature ‘Arracht’ is set in 1845 on the eve of the Irish famine.

Ireland has chosen its pick for Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film category and it is ‘Arracht’. Tom Sullivan’s Irish-language feature ‘Arracht’ is set in 1845 on the eve of the Irish famine. In the film, fisherman Colmán Sharkey takes in a stranger at the behest of a local priest. Patsy, a former soldier in the Napoleonic wars, arrives just ahead of “the blight” that eventually wipes out the country’s potato crop, leading to the death and displacement of millions. Patsy’s subsequent actions set Colmán on a path that will take him to the edge of survival, and sanity, until he encounters an abandoned young girl who gives him a reason to live. But Colmán cannot escape the darkness of his past. The Oscar film stars Dónall Ó Héalai, alongside Dara Devaney, Michael McElhatton, and newcomer Saise Ní Chúinn. Read more Oscar related stories here. The film world premiered at the 2019 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, and won two Irish Academy Awards at this year’s virtual IFTA ceremony. Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far On the Oscar entry, the film’s director, Tom Sullivan said, “I am overjoyed with the news that ‘Arracht’ has been chosen by the IFTA selection committee to represent Ireland in the Oscar’s best international film category. This is recognition of the team’s work and dedication and to be considered on this level is a huge honor and beyond exciting. It’s been a funny old year to be in the film business but the support ‘Arracht’ has received from everyone has really kept us going.” The 93rd Academy Awards will take place on April 25, 2021. Fans accuse Jennifer Lopez of copying Beyonce during her performance at the AMAs

Ireland picks ‘Arracht’ for Oscars' International Feature Film category

All eyes this year will be on South Korean film industry as they swept the prestigious Academy Awards last year with ‘Parasite’ that not only amassed critical appreciation but raked up money on the worldwide box office.&nbsp;

For Oscars 2021, South Korea has picked Min-ho Woo’s political thriller ‘The Man Standing Next’ as its entry for the best international feature film category.&nbsp;

The film, ‘The Man Standing Next’ is set amid the country's military dictatorship period and centers on the inner circle of real-life South Korean president Park Chung-hee during the 40 days before his assassination in 1979.&nbsp;

It stars Lee Byung-hun as the Korean Central Intelligence Agency spy whose machinations ultimately led to a change of power in the country.&nbsp;

Actor Lee Byung-ho is said to be one of the few actors from the list of Korean stars who have crossed over to Hollywood in the recent years. He was seen in Paramount's G.I. Joe franchise as Storm Shadow and Antoine Fuqua's The Magnificent Seven remake, among other roles.

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‘The Man Standing Next’ was released in South Korea in late January.&nbsp;

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Interestingly, for decades, the South Korean film industry had been overlooked by the Oscars. Until 2019, no Korean film had ever been nominated in the best international feature film category, let alone any of the major categories.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2021-ceremony-gets-a-new-date-scheduled-for-april-25-306174" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021 ceremony gets a new date, scheduled for April 25</a>

All eyes this year will be on South Korean film industry as they swept the prestigious Academy Awards last year with ‘Parasite’ that not only amassed critical appreciation but raked up money on the worldwide box office.

All eyes this year will be on South Korean film industry as they swept the prestigious Academy Awards last year with ‘Parasite’ that not only amassed critical appreciation but raked up money on the worldwide box office. For Oscars 2021, South Korea has picked Min-ho Woo’s political thriller ‘The Man Standing Next’ as its entry for the best international feature film category. The film, ‘The Man Standing Next’ is set amid the country's military dictatorship period and centers on the inner circle of real-life South Korean president Park Chung-hee during the 40 days before his assassination in 1979. It stars Lee Byung-hun as the Korean Central Intelligence Agency spy whose machinations ultimately led to a change of power in the country. Actor Lee Byung-ho is said to be one of the few actors from the list of Korean stars who have crossed over to Hollywood in the recent years. He was seen in Paramount's G.I. Joe franchise as Storm Shadow and Antoine Fuqua's The Magnificent Seven remake, among other roles. Oscars update eligibility rules to allow drive-in screenings ‘The Man Standing Next’ was released in South Korea in late January. Three Indian filmmakers make it to Oscars 2021 jury Interestingly, for decades, the South Korean film industry had been overlooked by the Oscars. Until 2019, no Korean film had ever been nominated in the best international feature film category, let alone any of the major categories. Oscars 2021 ceremony gets a new date, scheduled for April 25

Oscars 2021: South Korea selects 'The Man Standing Next' as official entry for International Feature category

The civil rights movie 'Selma'&nbsp;was made free for rental on Friday, a day after actor David Oyelowo said Oscar voters had deliberately snubbed the film in 2015. 
 
Oyelowo, who played Dr Martin Luther King Jr. in the movie, said members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences objected when 'Selma'&nbsp;cast members protested the death of a black American.

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When the cast of Selma wore "I Can't Breathe" shirts in memory of Eric Garner, Oscars voters complained they were "stirring shit." Sadly not surprised, given that 4 years later, those voters gave best picture to...Green Book. <a href="https://t.co/HNlQWovaVu">https://t.co/HNlQWovaVu</a>
— Marina Fang (@marinafang) <a href="https://twitter.com/marinafang/status/1268941792961007619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-joins-blacklivesmatter-protest-in-addition-to-2-million-fund-for-relief-303625" hreflang="en">Kanye West joins #BlackLivesMatter protest in addition to $2 million fund for relief</a>

''Remember at the premiere of 'Selma'&nbsp;us wearing ' I&nbsp; Can’t Breathe' T-shirts in protest," said Oyelowo, referring to the death in New York of Eric Garner after being held in a police chokehold. Garner died in July 2014; 'Selma'&nbsp;premiered in December 2014.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oprah-winfrey-to-host-two-night-town-hall-to-address-racism-in-america-303630" hreflang="en">Oprah Winfrey to host two-night town hall to address racism in America</a> 
 
"Members of the Academy called into the studio and our producers saying, ‘How dare they do that? Why are they stirring S-H-I-T?’ and ‘We are not going to vote for that film because we do not think it is their place to be doing that," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/george-floyds-funeral-kevin-hart-tiffany-haddish-and-other-celebrities-attend-the-service-303637" hreflang="en">George Floyd's funeral: Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish and other celebrities attend the service</a>

Oyelowo and director Ava DuVernay were overlooked in Oscar nominations in 2015, helping to spur the #OscarsSoWhite campaign demanding greater diversity in Hollywood. 'Selma'&nbsp;got just two nods and a win for best original song. 
 
The actor, who is British, was speaking in a virtual round table hosted by Screen Daily on Thursday about racism in the United States that was prompted by the death in May of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while pinned by a white police officer in Minneapolis.

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Happy to share: Paramount Pictures is offering SELMA for free rental on all US digital platforms for June, starting today. We’ve gotta understand where we’ve been to strategize where we’re going. History helps us create the blueprint. Onward. <a href="https://twitter.com/SelmaMovie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SelmaMovie</a>. <a href="https://t.co/mxhGpfQeIP">https://t.co/mxhGpfQeIP</a>
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) <a href="https://twitter.com/ava/status/1268935546849472512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"It’s part of why that film didn’t get everything that people think it should’ve got and it birthed #OscarsSoWhite,''&nbsp;added Oyelowo. ''They used their privilege to deny a film on the basis of what they valued in the world.''

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Ava &amp; David, we hear you. Unacceptable. We’re committed to progress. <a href="https://twitter.com/ava?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ava</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DavidOyelowo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DavidOyelowo</a> <a href="https://t.co/1LoriTfYva">https://t.co/1LoriTfYva</a>
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAcademy/status/1268756329264365568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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DuVernay re-tweeted the Screen Daily account, adding the comment 'True story.'

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True story. <a href="https://t.co/l7j8EUg3cC">https://t.co/l7j8EUg3cC</a>
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) <a href="https://twitter.com/ava/status/1268699010392395776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Academy replied on Twitter, "Ava &amp; David, we hear you. Unacceptable. We’re committed to progress." 
Movie studio Paramount Pictures declined to comment on Oyelowo's remarks. 
 
On Friday it announced that 'Selma'&nbsp;would be free for rental for the remainder of June, saying that had been planned earlier this week. "We hope this small gesture will encourage people throughout the country to examine our nation's history and reflect on the ways that racial injustice has infected our society," Paramount said in a statement.

The civil rights movie 'Selma' was made free for rental on Friday, a day after actor David Oyelowo said Oscar voters had deliberately snubbed the film in 2015. Oyelowo, who played Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

The civil rights movie 'Selma' was made free for rental on Friday, a day after actor David Oyelowo said Oscar voters had deliberately snubbed the film in 2015. Oyelowo, who played Dr Martin Luther King Jr. in the movie, said members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences objected when 'Selma' cast members protested the death of a black American. When the cast of Selma wore "I Can't Breathe" shirts in memory of Eric Garner, Oscars voters complained they were "stirring shit." Sadly not surprised, given that 4 years later, those voters gave best picture to...Green Book. https://t.co/HNlQWovaVu — Marina Fang (@marinafang) June 5, 2020 × Also read: Kanye West joins #BlackLivesMatter protest in addition to $2 million fund for relief ''Remember at the premiere of 'Selma' us wearing ' I Can’t Breathe' T-shirts in protest," said Oyelowo, referring to the death in New York of Eric Garner after being held in a police chokehold. Garner died in July 2014; 'Selma' premiered in December 2014. Also read: Oprah Winfrey to host two-night town hall to address racism in America "Members of the Academy called into the studio and our producers saying, ‘How dare they do that? Why are they stirring S-H-I-T?’ and ‘We are not going to vote for that film because we do not think it is their place to be doing that," he added. Also read: George Floyd's funeral: Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish and other celebrities attend the service Oyelowo and director Ava DuVernay were overlooked in Oscar nominations in 2015, helping to spur the #OscarsSoWhite campaign demanding greater diversity in Hollywood. 'Selma' got just two nods and a win for best original song. The actor, who is British, was speaking in a virtual round table hosted by Screen Daily on Thursday about racism in the United States that was prompted by the death in May of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while pinned by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Happy to share: Paramount Pictures is offering SELMA for free rental on all US digital platforms for June, starting today. We’ve gotta understand where we’ve been to strategize where we’re going. History helps us create the blueprint. Onward. @SelmaMovie. https://t.co/mxhGpfQeIP — Ava DuVernay (@ava) June 5, 2020 × "It’s part of why that film didn’t get everything that people think it should’ve got and it birthed #OscarsSoWhite,'' added Oyelowo. ''They used their privilege to deny a film on the basis of what they valued in the world.'' Ava & David, we hear you. Unacceptable. We’re committed to progress. @ava #DavidOyelowo https://t.co/1LoriTfYva — The Academy (@TheAcademy) June 5, 2020 × DuVernay re-tweeted the Screen Daily account, adding the comment 'True story.' True story. https://t.co/l7j8EUg3cC — Ava DuVernay (@ava) June 5, 2020 × The Academy replied on Twitter, "Ava & David, we hear you. Unacceptable. We’re committed to progress." Movie studio Paramount Pictures declined to comment on Oyelowo's remarks. On Friday it announced that 'Selma' would be free for rental for the remainder of June, saying that had been planned earlier this week. "We hope this small gesture will encourage people throughout the country to examine our nation's history and reflect on the ways that racial injustice has infected our society," Paramount said in a statement.

'Selma' snubbed at 2015 Oscars after cast protested police violence, actor David Oyelowo says

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we're already told it has won some major awards?

These were some of the questions on my mind when I sat down to watch 'Parasite'. It's not the first time that a film that's not in the English language has raised so much curiosity. But it's different this time around.

I watched it weeks before the Oscars. But even then the expectations were tremendous. The film had already swept the awards circuit. Winning the Palme d'Or- the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

And it had been nominated for a total of 6 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.&nbsp;

And yet by the time I was done watching it, I had no idea what just hit me. One of the most unique films I had&nbsp;seen to date. One that cannot be slotted in any genre.

If at all there is one, then it can be named after its filmmaker - Bong Joon Ho.

Before 'Parasite', he made a film called 'Okja'. An action-adventure movie about a girl who's best friend is a genetically modified pig, which is nearly the size of an elephant, and an evil multinational corporation wants to get its hands on the pig at any cost.

Yeah, he is that weird. But in a way that delights our senses while watching his movies. I'll give you this for a synopsis of 'Parasite' - poor &amp; jobless family befriends rich family to work in their household and tries to act wealthy. Things turn messy. That's all you need to know.

But in the times of the Internet, you would search and read far more. But seriously - don't. In fact, don't be friends with people who tell you the story of this film before you go watch it.

My friends just ooh-ed and aah-ed after watching it not telling me even a single real word. And thank God for that!&nbsp;It was a wallop of movie experience!

'Parasite' does everything, you're laughing hard with dark humour one moment and then suddenly you're gasping hard and biting your nails with tension. And when it's done, it won't leave you for the next 2-3 days - at least.

I couldn't stop reading about it and watching analytical videos online. There's so much subtext, that it's like a mini-crash course in Korean culture and history.

FYI the film is set in current times in the South Korean capital city of Seoul. And you don't need to know anything about the country or the city to get the film in the first go.

But you would find it extremely rewarding to read about it. And then watch it again.

Many say its not the best film that South Korea has produced.

That might be true because that's how high the standards are in the country's film industry. But it is a film that has the ability to strike a chord and engage almost anybody.

It has something at its core that's extremely relevant to the whole wide world. The unbridgeable gap of wealth inequality in society.

The economic class divide that has widened so much, that the upper socio-economic strata is too isolated from that of the lower ones.

And there are no easy resolutions to it.&nbsp;

Don't worry, the film is the polar opposite of a boring sermon on the topic. It thrills you and fills you with an insatiable urge to know what's gonna happen next.

Starting out as a black comedy, it morphs into a pulsating thriller with a finish that's not for the faint-hearted.

Nearly all your guesses about the twists and turns of the film will be wrong. Don't bother. All the film needs is a genuinely open-minded viewer who wants to be entertained. And as a bonus, it gives you something to think about as well.

I had predicted that it will win the Best Picture at the Oscars. And then thought that was just my heart talking. My brain kept telling me that it would be '1917' winning it.

But then - as one of the worst cliches in the world goes - the heart wants what it wants. And it was the heart all the way on Oscar night.

Mine, the film's and I'm guessing that of the Oscar jury as well. I just couldn't believe my luck!

'Parasite' was the toast of Oscars 2020, winning Best Picture and Best Director too, apart from Best Original Screenplay.

The Best Foreign-Language Film award was renamed just this year as Best International Feature. And 'Parasite' picked up that award too.

That was a big message from the Oscars. What is a 'foreign language' film? What's foreign to one is local to another.

My advice - don't go watch 'Parasite' now, thinking of it as this history-making film of the year. That's just putting too much pressure.

Nearly no film in this world can match up to those expectations. It's just one of those things that have been building up for a while actually. I'd say more than 20 years.

Films that are not in the English language have been hitting the high notes at the Oscars.

From Italian film 'Life Is Beautiful' in 1999, which was nominated for 7 Oscars and won 3, including the Best Actor. But didn't win Best Picture despite being nominated for it.

Silent film 'The Artist' swept the Oscars in 2012 with 10 nominations and 5 awards, including Best Picture.

And just last year black &amp; white Mexican film 'Roma' was nominated for 10 Oscars. It won 3 including Best Director.

However, it failed to win the Best Picture Award.

But that could be attributed to the fact that it was Netflix-produced. To put it mildly, the Oscars have been less enthusiastic to give awards to online players' movies.

South Korean films over the last 2 decades have been some of the best in the world. Not surprisingly it was one of them that was the 'chosen one' to make history.

And when asked about it, the film's director Bong Joon Ho's reaction was&nbsp;- "We were just making a movie".

'Parasite' is like a slap on the conscience of the upper-middle class and the upper class of society. You'll know it when you see it. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we're already told it has won some major awards?

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we're already told it has won some major awards? These were some of the questions on my mind when I sat down to watch 'Parasite'. It's not the first time that a film that's not in the English language has raised so much curiosity. But it's different this time around. I watched it weeks before the Oscars. But even then the expectations were tremendous. The film had already swept the awards circuit. Winning the Palme d'Or- the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. And it had been nominated for a total of 6 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. And yet by the time I was done watching it, I had no idea what just hit me. One of the most unique films I had seen to date. One that cannot be slotted in any genre. If at all there is one, then it can be named after its filmmaker - Bong Joon Ho. Before 'Parasite', he made a film called 'Okja'. An action-adventure movie about a girl who's best friend is a genetically modified pig, which is nearly the size of an elephant, and an evil multinational corporation wants to get its hands on the pig at any cost. Yeah, he is that weird. But in a way that delights our senses while watching his movies. I'll give you this for a synopsis of 'Parasite' - poor & jobless family befriends rich family to work in their household and tries to act wealthy. Things turn messy. That's all you need to know. But in the times of the Internet, you would search and read far more. But seriously - don't. In fact, don't be friends with people who tell you the story of this film before you go watch it. My friends just ooh-ed and aah-ed after watching it not telling me even a single real word. And thank God for that! It was a wallop of movie experience! 'Parasite' does everything, you're laughing hard with dark humour one moment and then suddenly you're gasping hard and biting your nails with tension. And when it's done, it won't leave you for the next 2-3 days - at least. I couldn't stop reading about it and watching analytical videos online. There's so much subtext, that it's like a mini-crash course in Korean culture and history. FYI the film is set in current times in the South Korean capital city of Seoul. And you don't need to know anything about the country or the city to get the film in the first go. But you would find it extremely rewarding to read about it. And then watch it again. Many say its not the best film that South Korea has produced. That might be true because that's how high the standards are in the country's film industry. But it is a film that has the ability to strike a chord and engage almost anybody. It has something at its core that's extremely relevant to the whole wide world. The unbridgeable gap of wealth inequality in society. The economic class divide that has widened so much, that the upper socio-economic strata is too isolated from that of the lower ones. And there are no easy resolutions to it. Don't worry, the film is the polar opposite of a boring sermon on the topic. It thrills you and fills you with an insatiable urge to know what's gonna happen next. Starting out as a black comedy, it morphs into a pulsating thriller with a finish that's not for the faint-hearted. Nearly all your guesses about the twists and turns of the film will be wrong. Don't bother. All the film needs is a genuinely open-minded viewer who wants to be entertained. And as a bonus, it gives you something to think about as well. I had predicted that it will win the Best Picture at the Oscars. And then thought that was just my heart talking. My brain kept telling me that it would be '1917' winning it. But then - as one of the worst cliches in the world goes - the heart wants what it wants. And it was the heart all the way on Oscar night. Mine, the film's and I'm guessing that of the Oscar jury as well. I just couldn't believe my luck! 'Parasite' was the toast of Oscars 2020, winning Best Picture and Best Director too, apart from Best Original Screenplay. The Best Foreign-Language Film award was renamed just this year as Best International Feature. And 'Parasite' picked up that award too. That was a big message from the Oscars. What is a 'foreign language' film? What's foreign to one is local to another. My advice - don't go watch 'Parasite' now, thinking of it as this history-making film of the year. That's just putting too much pressure. Nearly no film in this world can match up to those expectations. It's just one of those things that have been building up for a while actually. I'd say more than 20 years. Films that are not in the English language have been hitting the high notes at the Oscars. From Italian film 'Life Is Beautiful' in 1999, which was nominated for 7 Oscars and won 3, including the Best Actor. But didn't win Best Picture despite being nominated for it. Silent film 'The Artist' swept the Oscars in 2012 with 10 nominations and 5 awards, including Best Picture. And just last year black & white Mexican film 'Roma' was nominated for 10 Oscars. It won 3 including Best Director. However, it failed to win the Best Picture Award. But that could be attributed to the fact that it was Netflix-produced. To put it mildly, the Oscars have been less enthusiastic to give awards to online players' movies. South Korean films over the last 2 decades have been some of the best in the world. Not surprisingly it was one of them that was the 'chosen one' to make history. And when asked about it, the film's director Bong Joon Ho's reaction was - "We were just making a movie". 'Parasite' is like a slap on the conscience of the upper-middle class and the upper class of society. You'll know it when you see it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'Parasite' is like a slap on the conscience of privileged ones

Hollywood's awards season comes to a close Sunday at the Oscars, with war epic '1917' battling &nbsp;South Korean thriller 'Parasite' for glory as a row swirls over the lack of minorities on the night's star-studded nominee list. 
 
A lavish, spiral stage featuring 40,000 crystals at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre will be the glittering setting as the 24 golden statuettes are handed out on Tinseltown's biggest night. 
 
Nominees and actors arrived on the red carpet under overcast skies, including South Korea's Bong Joon-ho, the director of 'Parasite,' and the young stars of '1917.' 
 
Sam Mendes's innovative and personal World War I film swept up trophies in the build-up to Sunday, and is the frontrunner for multiple prizes including best picture. 
 
But the movie about two soldiers crossing no-man's-land -- filmed to appear like one continuous shot -- could find itself in a pitched battle with a movie determined to make history of its own.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-brad-pitt-to-billy-porter-here-is-what-to-watch-at-2020-oscars-279582" hreflang="en">From Brad Pitt to Billy Porter, here is who to watch out for at Oscars 2020</a> 
 
'Parasite,' about a poor South Korean family infiltrating a wealthy household, looks to be a shoo-in for best international feature -- but could win much more. 
 
"The big top prizes are coming down between 'Parasite' and '1917'," Variety senior film editor Marc Malkin told AFP. "Either one winning would be pretty great." 
 
The unique ballot system for best picture -- which involves voters ranking films -- makes the race somewhat tough to predict. 
 
But it could benefit 'Parasite,' a film that appears impossible to dislike, and whose charismatic director Bong, 50, has gained cult status at Hollywood's many awards season galas and soirees. 
 
"Every other movie, people say 'I liked it, but...'" said Malkin. "With 'Parasite,' it's 'I love Parasite.' Period. The end." 
 
He added: "Bong's enthusiasm and his joy are completely infectious." 
 
Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood' remains an outside shot, while Martin Scorsese's lavish crime epic 'The Irishman' appears to have slipped out of contention. 
 
- Kirk and Kobe -&nbsp; 
 
The event's luxury and glamour will contrast with the grief enveloping Los Angeles over the recent deaths of Golden Age film legend Kirk Douglas and Oscar-winning basketball star Kobe Bryant. 
 
Veteran director Spike Lee arrived in a purple jacket with lapels bearing the number 24, worn by the Lakers icon who was killed in a helicopter crash two weeks ago. 
 
"Tribute. Honor. Homage. We all miss him," said Lee. 
 
Both Bryant and Douglas have been added to a hastily re-edited "in memoriam" montage honoring those Hollywood lost this year, with Billie Eilish expected to provide a moving musical accompaniment. 
 
The record Grammy-winning singer, who will soon voice the new James Bond theme, is one of several high-profile musical guests on a night when all five nominated songs will be performed. 
 
Elton John, tipped to win for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from 'Rocketman,' will feature, as will Cynthia Erivo -- the only non-white acting nominee, who also sang and wrote the theme to anti-slavery biopic 'Harriet.' 
 
No female directors were nominated this year. 
 
"Who is going to address the complete shutout...? I imagine someone will do that," Malkin said. 
 
Irish maestro Eimear Noone will become the first woman to conduct the Oscars orchestra, but diversity among guest hosts and performers is unlikely to assuage anger over this year's nominations. 
 
"I wouldn't call it #OscarsSoWhite but I'd say it's #OscarsAsUsual," Deadline awards columnist Pete Hammond told AFP. 
 
"It looks like the Oscars could have been 30 years ago." 
 
- 'No scenario' - 
 
The Oscars in the acting categories -- usually a subject of agonizing deliberation for industry pundits -- appear settled, with the same four stars sweeping up rave reviews and prizes all season. 
 
Joaquin Phoenix and Renee Zellweger are believed to be far ahead of the competition for best actor and best actress. 
 
Phoenix underwent a striking transformation to portray the title comic book supervillain in 'Joker' -- as did Zellweger to play legendary Hollywood diva Judy Garland in 'Judy.' 
 
"I just don't see where there's wiggle room when it comes to the acting categories," said Malkin. 
 
Tinseltown favorites Brad Pitt and Laura Dern have their fingertips on the supporting acting prizes, for their work as a laid-back stuntman ('Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood') and a cutthroat divorce lawyer ('Marriage Story'). 
 
Asked if she had a speech ready, Dern said "you have to surrender." 
 
"I understand why people prepare, and I think that's probably a way smarter choice. Hopefully, you get inspired in the moment and speak from your heart," she told ABC. 
 
More fiercely contested will be the awards for best screenplay, editing and visual effects, with movies from Nazi satire "Jojo Rabbit" to period drama 'Little Women' and even superhero epic "Avengers: Endgame" all in the mix. 
 
The ceremony will go on without a host for a second consecutive time, after last year's batch of bright guest presenters caused a trend-bucking uplift in TV ratings. 
 
The gala begins at 5 pm in Los Angeles (0100 GMT Monday).

Hollywood's awards season comes to a close Sunday at the Oscars, with war epic '1917' battling South Korean thriller 'Parasite' for glory as a row swirls over the lack of minorities on the night's star-studded nominee list.

Hollywood's awards season comes to a close Sunday at the Oscars, with war epic '1917' battling South Korean thriller 'Parasite' for glory as a row swirls over the lack of minorities on the night's star-studded nominee list. A lavish, spiral stage featuring 40,000 crystals at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre will be the glittering setting as the 24 golden statuettes are handed out on Tinseltown's biggest night. Nominees and actors arrived on the red carpet under overcast skies, including South Korea's Bong Joon-ho, the director of 'Parasite,' and the young stars of '1917.' Sam Mendes's innovative and personal World War I film swept up trophies in the build-up to Sunday, and is the frontrunner for multiple prizes including best picture. But the movie about two soldiers crossing no-man's-land -- filmed to appear like one continuous shot -- could find itself in a pitched battle with a movie determined to make history of its own. From Brad Pitt to Billy Porter, here is who to watch out for at Oscars 2020 'Parasite,' about a poor South Korean family infiltrating a wealthy household, looks to be a shoo-in for best international feature -- but could win much more. "The big top prizes are coming down between 'Parasite' and '1917'," Variety senior film editor Marc Malkin told AFP. "Either one winning would be pretty great." The unique ballot system for best picture -- which involves voters ranking films -- makes the race somewhat tough to predict. But it could benefit 'Parasite,' a film that appears impossible to dislike, and whose charismatic director Bong, 50, has gained cult status at Hollywood's many awards season galas and soirees. "Every other movie, people say 'I liked it, but...'" said Malkin. "With 'Parasite,' it's 'I love Parasite.' Period. The end." He added: "Bong's enthusiasm and his joy are completely infectious." Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood' remains an outside shot, while Martin Scorsese's lavish crime epic 'The Irishman' appears to have slipped out of contention. - Kirk and Kobe - The event's luxury and glamour will contrast with the grief enveloping Los Angeles over the recent deaths of Golden Age film legend Kirk Douglas and Oscar-winning basketball star Kobe Bryant. Veteran director Spike Lee arrived in a purple jacket with lapels bearing the number 24, worn by the Lakers icon who was killed in a helicopter crash two weeks ago. "Tribute. Honor. Homage. We all miss him," said Lee. Both Bryant and Douglas have been added to a hastily re-edited "in memoriam" montage honoring those Hollywood lost this year, with Billie Eilish expected to provide a moving musical accompaniment. The record Grammy-winning singer, who will soon voice the new James Bond theme, is one of several high-profile musical guests on a night when all five nominated songs will be performed. Elton John, tipped to win for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from 'Rocketman,' will feature, as will Cynthia Erivo -- the only non-white acting nominee, who also sang and wrote the theme to anti-slavery biopic 'Harriet.' No female directors were nominated this year. "Who is going to address the complete shutout...? I imagine someone will do that," Malkin said. Irish maestro Eimear Noone will become the first woman to conduct the Oscars orchestra, but diversity among guest hosts and performers is unlikely to assuage anger over this year's nominations. "I wouldn't call it #OscarsSoWhite but I'd say it's #OscarsAsUsual," Deadline awards columnist Pete Hammond told AFP. "It looks like the Oscars could have been 30 years ago." - 'No scenario' - The Oscars in the acting categories -- usually a subject of agonizing deliberation for industry pundits -- appear settled, with the same four stars sweeping up rave reviews and prizes all season. Joaquin Phoenix and Renee Zellweger are believed to be far ahead of the competition for best actor and best actress. Phoenix underwent a striking transformation to portray the title comic book supervillain in 'Joker' -- as did Zellweger to play legendary Hollywood diva Judy Garland in 'Judy.' "I just don't see where there's wiggle room when it comes to the acting categories," said Malkin. Tinseltown favorites Brad Pitt and Laura Dern have their fingertips on the supporting acting prizes, for their work as a laid-back stuntman ('Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood') and a cutthroat divorce lawyer ('Marriage Story'). Asked if she had a speech ready, Dern said "you have to surrender." "I understand why people prepare, and I think that's probably a way smarter choice. Hopefully, you get inspired in the moment and speak from your heart," she told ABC. More fiercely contested will be the awards for best screenplay, editing and visual effects, with movies from Nazi satire "Jojo Rabbit" to period drama 'Little Women' and even superhero epic "Avengers: Endgame" all in the mix. The ceremony will go on without a host for a second consecutive time, after last year's batch of bright guest presenters caused a trend-bucking uplift in TV ratings. The gala begins at 5 pm in Los Angeles (0100 GMT Monday).

Oscars battle set to begin amid crystals and controversy

Brad Pitt had an eventful Oscars 2020 as he took home his first Oscar for acting for his role in ‘Once Upon A Time in Hollywood’. His was the first Oscar awarded.

As he came on stage to accept his Oscar, Brad Pitt made a few jokes and a special mention of his kids that he shares with ex-wife Angelina Jolie. He adopted a few kids with the Hollywood actress and have biological ones too.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-oscars-2020-the-complete-list-of-winners-for-the-92nd-academy-awards-279700">See full list of winners here</a>

In his Oscar speech, Brad Pitt took a dig at Donal Trump’s impeachment trial, "They told me I only had 45 seconds up here, which is 45 seconds more than the Senate gave John Bolton this week. 'm thinking maybe Quentin (Tarantino) does a movie about it and in the end the adults do the right thing."

John Bolton was Donal Trump’s former national security adviser as he offered to testify if the Senate was to subpoena him. Portions of his unpublished book manuscript, released days before the Senate was to vote on allowing witnesses, included Bolton's words that Trump ordered him to help pressure Ukraine to investigate Trump's Democratic rivals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-oscars-2020-bong-joon-hos-pays-tribute-to-martin-scorsese-in-his-best-director-winning-speech-279737">Watch: Bong Joon-ho pays fitting tribute to Martin Scorsese in his winning speech at Oscars</a>

Brad continued in his speech and dedicated his Oscar to his kids: “My kids, who colour everything I do – I adore you” before paying tribute to Tarantino, whom he described as “an original … one of a kind. The film industry would be a much drier place without you.”&nbsp;

Watch him speak:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a> Moment: Brad Pitt wins Best Supporting Actor for <a href="https://twitter.com/OnceInHollywood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OnceInHollywood</a> <a href="https://t.co/TSGjMB3v8P">pic.twitter.com/TSGjMB3v8P</a>
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAcademy/status/1226680327835242497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also gave a shout-out to his parents, to stunt people, and to his co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, on whose coattails he said he was “happy to ride … the view’s fantastic”.

Brad Pitt played stuntman Cliff Booth in Quentin Tarantino's ‘Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood’.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2020-red-carpet-brad-pitt-natalie-portman-billy-porter-pump-up-the-fashion-279675">In Pictures:&nbsp;Oscars 2020 red carpet: Brad Pitt, Natalie Portman, Billy Porter pump up the fashion</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2020-from-ruffles-to-tacky-shimmer-heres-our-worst-dressed-celebs-list-279757">Oscars 2020: From ruffles to tacky shimmer, here's our worst dressed celebs list</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2020-scroll-through-to-see-the-best-dressed-celebrities-279777">Scarlett Johansson, Charlize Theron top our Best Dressed Celebs list</a>

Brad Pitt had an eventful Oscars 2020 as he took home his first Oscar for acting for his role in ‘Once Upon A Time in Hollywood’. His was the first Oscar awarded.

Brad Pitt had an eventful Oscars 2020 as he took home his first Oscar for acting for his role in ‘Once Upon A Time in Hollywood’. His was the first Oscar awarded. As he came on stage to accept his Oscar, Brad Pitt made a few jokes and a special mention of his kids that he shares with ex-wife Angelina Jolie. He adopted a few kids with the Hollywood actress and have biological ones too. See full list of winners here In his Oscar speech, Brad Pitt took a dig at Donal Trump’s impeachment trial, "They told me I only had 45 seconds up here, which is 45 seconds more than the Senate gave John Bolton this week. 'm thinking maybe Quentin (Tarantino) does a movie about it and in the end the adults do the right thing." John Bolton was Donal Trump’s former national security adviser as he offered to testify if the Senate was to subpoena him. Portions of his unpublished book manuscript, released days before the Senate was to vote on allowing witnesses, included Bolton's words that Trump ordered him to help pressure Ukraine to investigate Trump's Democratic rivals. Watch: Bong Joon-ho pays fitting tribute to Martin Scorsese in his winning speech at Oscars Brad continued in his speech and dedicated his Oscar to his kids: “My kids, who colour everything I do – I adore you” before paying tribute to Tarantino, whom he described as “an original … one of a kind. The film industry would be a much drier place without you.” Watch him speak: #Oscars Moment: Brad Pitt wins Best Supporting Actor for @OnceInHollywood pic.twitter.com/TSGjMB3v8P — The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 10, 2020 × He also gave a shout-out to his parents, to stunt people, and to his co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, on whose coattails he said he was “happy to ride … the view’s fantastic”. Brad Pitt played stuntman Cliff Booth in Quentin Tarantino's ‘Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood’. In Pictures: Oscars 2020 red carpet: Brad Pitt, Natalie Portman, Billy Porter pump up the fashion Oscars 2020: From ruffles to tacky shimmer, here's our worst dressed celebs list Scarlett Johansson, Charlize Theron top our Best Dressed Celebs list

Brad Pitt's Oscar speech was about his kids, Tarantino and Trump's impeachment

The 92nd annual Oscars paid tributes to the two late legends - Kobe Bryant and Kirk Douglas - during the In Memoriam tribute on Sunday (local time) at the Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles.

During the In Memoriam tribute, this year`s Grammy winner Billie Eilish along with brother Finneas O`Connell performed a cover of The Beatles` `Yesterday.

The Academy had earlier announced a special performance from the Grammy winner and she had expressed her excitement of performing in the In Memoriam tribute on Instagram stories.

Late actor Douglas was a three-time Oscar nominee and received the lifetime achievement Oscar back in 1996.

The late basketball player, Bryant became an Oscar winner in 2018 when his short film `Dear Basketball` took home the best animated short film prize.During the red carpets of the Oscars 2020, American director Spike Lee paid tributes to late basketball player in a special way.

The `BlacKkKlansman` director arrived on the red carpet in a customised purple Gucci suit. The ensemble had gold trim and Bryant`s jersey number, 24, stitched on the lapels and the back of the suit. Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the nine people killed when a helicopter they were travelling in crashed amid foggy conditions and burst into flames in the hills above Calabasas last month.

Douglas, after a career spanning over six decades, passed away on February 5 at 103.

The 92nd annual Oscars paid tributes to the two late legends - Kobe Bryant and Kirk Douglas - during the In Memoriam tribute on Sunday (local time) at the Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles.

The 92nd annual Oscars paid tributes to the two late legends - Kobe Bryant and Kirk Douglas - during the In Memoriam tribute on Sunday (local time) at the Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles. During the In Memoriam tribute, this year`s Grammy winner Billie Eilish along with brother Finneas O`Connell performed a cover of The Beatles` `Yesterday. The Academy had earlier announced a special performance from the Grammy winner and she had expressed her excitement of performing in the In Memoriam tribute on Instagram stories. Late actor Douglas was a three-time Oscar nominee and received the lifetime achievement Oscar back in 1996. The late basketball player, Bryant became an Oscar winner in 2018 when his short film `Dear Basketball` took home the best animated short film prize.During the red carpets of the Oscars 2020, American director Spike Lee paid tributes to late basketball player in a special way. The `BlacKkKlansman` director arrived on the red carpet in a customised purple Gucci suit. The ensemble had gold trim and Bryant`s jersey number, 24, stitched on the lapels and the back of the suit. Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the nine people killed when a helicopter they were travelling in crashed amid foggy conditions and burst into flames in the hills above Calabasas last month. Douglas, after a career spanning over six decades, passed away on February 5 at 103.

Kobe Bryant, Kirk Douglas paid tribute at Academy Awards 2020 ceremony

An Oscar award is probably the nearest thing to a 'Holy Grail' for cinema.

But, did you know why an award given by the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts &amp; Sciences is called an Oscar?

I'm asking only because I didn't know it for a long time. And found out recently enough to be embarrassed about it.&nbsp;

&nbsp;An official who worked there thought the golden trophy looked like her Uncle Oscar.

That's all it took. And now it gets called that more than 'The Academy Award'.

In 2013, the Academy Awards were officially rebranded as The Oscars.

It is a fickle world I tell you. Some things stick just like that. Forever. And some things just don't. No matter what you do.

Don't ever expect to read too much into why things happen.

If you're wondering why I am on this seemingly meaningless rant. I'd say I have my reasons.

But then it's purely up to you to give in to believing it. Just like watching movies. The film has its own reasons to be made. It's whether you are able to suspend disbelief while watching it or not.

For those still interested and reading.

I'm ranting because I find it unfair to reduce a good year of many very good films and a few great ones to just the big winners on the Oscar night.

Oscars are the finale of the awards season. Not all of it. I don't think even Oscar nominees that don't end up winning an award get their due.

It's always about the films that win Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. Extend that to Best Supporting Actor and Actress at best.

That's it. An inordinately less number of films soak up all the attention.

And God forbid, if there's a year of one movie sweeping Oscars across categories. Literally everything that got nominated along with 'Titanic' sank.

Except that those kind of big sweeps are usually unquestioned. 11 Oscars. The only others are Ben-Hur and 'The Lord Of the Rings: The Return of The King'. With the latter being the only film to win everything it was nominated for.

But otherwise. The debate is always about whether these films were worth the jury creating instant global sensations out of them.

The common refrain invariably is, aren't all Oscar winners over-rated?

Well yes. Sometimes. Okay, quite a few times. But one thing you can be certain about. All the nominees are at the least, good films. At most, all-time classics.

And then there are films that were not even nominated for a single Oscar. And yet have done the rounds in the awards circuit this season. They even boast of box-office success or being released on Netflix. Films that have been watched and appreciated. And also have high rotten tomatoes score to boot.

I feel for them. Some of them make for great cult films.

Like this year's 'Dolemite Is My Name'. One of my personal favourites that made me laugh my guts out. 
 
<img alt="Dolemite Is My Name " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8ccb79-a85a-4fb8-9611-984b1fc16259" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/dolemite.jpg" />

Eddie Murphy in a biopic about a 1970s stand up comedian who made cult movies from the blaxploitation era. And is referred to as the godfather of rap.

Eddie was even nominated for the Best Actor Golden Globe in the Comedy/Musical category. But not at the Oscars.

A film made with great love and affection to its subject. 'Dolemite is My Name' is one of those movies where it feels like everyone involved had a ball working on it.

Most importantly for us, it's produced by and released on Netflix.

Then there are other films that even make for great family viewing.

Like this year's 'The Farwell'. A beautiful tale of a Chinese family uniting to say their last goodbye to the grandmother who is about to pass away. Except that they don't want her to know about it. And so they pretend that they've all come home together for a wedding. 
 
<img alt="The Farewell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbe95ff4-755c-48ed-baeb-0a465b3a1306" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/farewell.jpg" />

This heartwarming tear-jerker is based on its woman director Lulu Wang's life experiences.

Lead star Awkwafina even won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical. And the film was a box office hit in America.

But both she and the film are a no show at the Oscars.

In fact, some of the non-nominated films can surprise you with things that you wouldn't have ever thought of.

Like comic legend Adam Sandler as the leading man in a seriously tense thriller with dark unsettling undertones.

Here's an actor whose name itself screams comedy, experimenting in the truest sense. And pulling it off. And ending up as one of the most under-rated performances. I feel for him. He was in the running for a Best Actor nomination.

'Uncut Gems' by Safdie brothers is about a charismatic Jewish-American diamond district jeweller, a gambling addict, navigating shady deals and dire consequences. 
 
<img alt="Uncut Gems" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2bfe4ba-c0ee-4cba-bfa6-97c7a2fd39c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/uncutgems.jpg" />

And it, unfortunately, becomes the almost undiscovered gem.

So let all the debates rage on about the winners.

The real joy is in watching these films that I'd like to call - The Dark Knights of the Oscars.

And then, of course, showing off how you've picked out the truly deserving ones. But please don't. I do not endorse that type of behaviour.

Watch them because they are so good, that they can take the snubbing from the Oscars. And still, make movie history of their own.

They exist in the shadows to show the world what light is. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

An Oscar award is probably the nearest thing to a 'Holy Grail' for cinema. But, did you know why an award given by the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is called an Oscar?

An Oscar award is probably the nearest thing to a 'Holy Grail' for cinema. But, did you know why an award given by the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is called an Oscar? I'm asking only because I didn't know it for a long time. And found out recently enough to be embarrassed about it. An official who worked there thought the golden trophy looked like her Uncle Oscar. That's all it took. And now it gets called that more than 'The Academy Award'. In 2013, the Academy Awards were officially rebranded as The Oscars. It is a fickle world I tell you. Some things stick just like that. Forever. And some things just don't. No matter what you do. Don't ever expect to read too much into why things happen. If you're wondering why I am on this seemingly meaningless rant. I'd say I have my reasons. But then it's purely up to you to give in to believing it. Just like watching movies. The film has its own reasons to be made. It's whether you are able to suspend disbelief while watching it or not. For those still interested and reading. I'm ranting because I find it unfair to reduce a good year of many very good films and a few great ones to just the big winners on the Oscar night. Oscars are the finale of the awards season. Not all of it. I don't think even Oscar nominees that don't end up winning an award get their due. It's always about the films that win Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. Extend that to Best Supporting Actor and Actress at best. That's it. An inordinately less number of films soak up all the attention. And God forbid, if there's a year of one movie sweeping Oscars across categories. Literally everything that got nominated along with 'Titanic' sank. Except that those kind of big sweeps are usually unquestioned. 11 Oscars. The only others are Ben-Hur and 'The Lord Of the Rings: The Return of The King'. With the latter being the only film to win everything it was nominated for. But otherwise. The debate is always about whether these films were worth the jury creating instant global sensations out of them. The common refrain invariably is, aren't all Oscar winners over-rated? Well yes. Sometimes. Okay, quite a few times. But one thing you can be certain about. All the nominees are at the least, good films. At most, all-time classics. And then there are films that were not even nominated for a single Oscar. And yet have done the rounds in the awards circuit this season. They even boast of box-office success or being released on Netflix. Films that have been watched and appreciated. And also have high rotten tomatoes score to boot. I feel for them. Some of them make for great cult films. Like this year's 'Dolemite Is My Name'. One of my personal favourites that made me laugh my guts out. Eddie Murphy in a biopic about a 1970s stand up comedian who made cult movies from the blaxploitation era. And is referred to as the godfather of rap. Eddie was even nominated for the Best Actor Golden Globe in the Comedy/Musical category. But not at the Oscars. A film made with great love and affection to its subject. 'Dolemite is My Name' is one of those movies where it feels like everyone involved had a ball working on it. Most importantly for us, it's produced by and released on Netflix. Then there are other films that even make for great family viewing. Like this year's 'The Farwell'. A beautiful tale of a Chinese family uniting to say their last goodbye to the grandmother who is about to pass away. Except that they don't want her to know about it. And so they pretend that they've all come home together for a wedding. This heartwarming tear-jerker is based on its woman director Lulu Wang's life experiences. Lead star Awkwafina even won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical. And the film was a box office hit in America. But both she and the film are a no show at the Oscars. In fact, some of the non-nominated films can surprise you with things that you wouldn't have ever thought of. Like comic legend Adam Sandler as the leading man in a seriously tense thriller with dark unsettling undertones. Here's an actor whose name itself screams comedy, experimenting in the truest sense. And pulling it off. And ending up as one of the most under-rated performances. I feel for him. He was in the running for a Best Actor nomination. 'Uncut Gems' by Safdie brothers is about a charismatic Jewish-American diamond district jeweller, a gambling addict, navigating shady deals and dire consequences. And it, unfortunately, becomes the almost undiscovered gem. So let all the debates rage on about the winners. The real joy is in watching these films that I'd like to call - The Dark Knights of the Oscars. And then, of course, showing off how you've picked out the truly deserving ones. But please don't. I do not endorse that type of behaviour. Watch them because they are so good, that they can take the snubbing from the Oscars. And still, make movie history of their own. They exist in the shadows to show the world what light is. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Oscars 2020: It's not always about the winners

Ever since the British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced its nominations list for this year, there have been talks about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bafta-gets-criticised-for-being-racist-after-no-non-white-actor-makes-it-to-nominations-list-272791">awards being racist </a>with no acting award honours being given to a non-white actor. In fact, one particular actor Margot Robbie was nominated twice in the same acting category against herself while no non-white actor was credited for their performance. This is in stark comparison with the Golden Globes 2020 as the 77th awards show celebrated diversity in a rather inclusive manner with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/77th-golden-globe-awards-sam-mendes-quentin-tarantino-joaquin-phoenix-win-top-honours-272448">many non-white actors</a> winning important awards at the ceremony. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/2020-golden-globes-awards-the-complete-list-of-winners-272377">Read the complete list of Golden Globes winners here.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/77th-golden-globes-australia-fires-abortion-rights-and-other-issues-that-dominated-awards-night-272537https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/77th-golden-globes-australia-fires-abortion-rights-and-other-issues-that-dominated-awards-night-272537">Also read: 77th Golden Globes: Australia fires, abortion rights and other issues that dominated awards night</a>

But this brings us to the topic of diversity and inclusivity in the Academy Awards that are scheduled for February 10 (Indian standard time) while the nominations of the Oscars 2020 will be revealed on January 13. Even though there’s time for the nominations list to be out, social media users are already speculating that Oscars too could go in the BAFTA route and limit big award categories to white actors and especially male artists in Best Director and other such categories. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bafta-2020-british-academy-of-film-and-television-arts-awards-the-complete-nominations-list-272705">Read the complete list of BAFTA 2020 nominations&nbsp;here.&nbsp;</a>

This is not a standalone issue as previously too #OscarsSoWhite has trended on the internet with users accusing the Academy of not highlight the work of women filmmakers with almost all time the Best Director list, not including even a single female director. Even in other categories, it is often seen that only white actors get preference and not non-white actors.&nbsp;

In this year’s example, BAFTA has missed out on Cynthia Erivo’s nomination for ‘Harriet’ while the actress picked up a Screen Actors Guild nomination. BAFTA 2020 also made no mention of Lupita Nyong’o who was amazing in horror film ‘Us’ or Awkwafina who won a Golden Globe for her performance in ‘The Farewell.’ There was no mention of ‘Hustlers’ star Jennifer Lopez also while her acting skills in the film were mentioned ever since the film released.&nbsp;

On the note of Oscars not being very kind to female filmmakers, the Academy has on several occasions missed out on great films and its directors from mentioning them in Best Director list. BAFTA definitely proved that it is sexist when it left Greta Gerwig who directed ‘Little Women’, Lulu Wang for ‘The Farewell’, Lorene Scafaria ‘Hustlers’ and Céline Sciamma for ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ among many others that could have made it to the list.

Ever since the British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced its nominations list for this year, there have been talks about the awards being racist with no acting award honours being given to a non-white actor.

Ever since the British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced its nominations list for this year, there have been talks about the awards being racist with no acting award honours being given to a non-white actor. In fact, one particular actor Margot Robbie was nominated twice in the same acting category against herself while no non-white actor was credited for their performance. This is in stark comparison with the Golden Globes 2020 as the 77th awards show celebrated diversity in a rather inclusive manner with many non-white actors winning important awards at the ceremony. Read the complete list of Golden Globes winners here. Also read: 77th Golden Globes: Australia fires, abortion rights and other issues that dominated awards night But this brings us to the topic of diversity and inclusivity in the Academy Awards that are scheduled for February 10 (Indian standard time) while the nominations of the Oscars 2020 will be revealed on January 13. Even though there’s time for the nominations list to be out, social media users are already speculating that Oscars too could go in the BAFTA route and limit big award categories to white actors and especially male artists in Best Director and other such categories. Read the complete list of BAFTA 2020 nominations here. This is not a standalone issue as previously too #OscarsSoWhite has trended on the internet with users accusing the Academy of not highlight the work of women filmmakers with almost all time the Best Director list, not including even a single female director. Even in other categories, it is often seen that only white actors get preference and not non-white actors. In this year’s example, BAFTA has missed out on Cynthia Erivo’s nomination for ‘Harriet’ while the actress picked up a Screen Actors Guild nomination. BAFTA 2020 also made no mention of Lupita Nyong’o who was amazing in horror film ‘Us’ or Awkwafina who won a Golden Globe for her performance in ‘The Farewell.’ There was no mention of ‘Hustlers’ star Jennifer Lopez also while her acting skills in the film were mentioned ever since the film released. On the note of Oscars not being very kind to female filmmakers, the Academy has on several occasions missed out on great films and its directors from mentioning them in Best Director list. BAFTA definitely proved that it is sexist when it left Greta Gerwig who directed ‘Little Women’, Lulu Wang for ‘The Farewell’, Lorene Scafaria ‘Hustlers’ and Céline Sciamma for ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ among many others that could have made it to the list.

Will Oscars 2020 follow BAFTA in excluding non-white actors, female directors from key nominations?

Oscars 2020 are approaching and what better time to remember the weirdest stuff related to the world’s most-watched awards show and also one of the most-coveted one. In one incident that is sure to catch your attention, Hollywood actress Salma Hayek almost had a fashion disaster but thanks to Renee Zellweger saving the day, she turned out quite like the princess she is!

Salma Hayek had a meltdown once in the year 2003 when a night before the Oscars that year, she had nothing to wear. When she tried out her Oscars dress a night prior, the dress came off as her “big butt” got in the way and dress started tearing off from the seams.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-oscars-2020-follow-bafta-in-leaving-non-white-actors-female-directors-from-key-nominations-273246">Also read: Will Oscars 2020 follow BAFTA in excluding non-white actors, female directors from key nominations?</a>

When she had no Oscars dress and was almost going to not attend as she would have had to turn up in a not-so-great ensemble, her good friend Renee came to her rescue and gave her one of her own dress. As Salma presented Renee the Best Actress award for her performance in 'Judy' at National Board of Review Awards, she narrated an interesting story from 2003. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-to-go-host-less-for-the-second-year-in-a-row-273073">Also read: Oscars to go host-less for the second year in a row</a>

Salma Hayek said, “The night before when my big butt exploded the seams of my Oscar dress and I had no dress for the Oscars. She ended up giving me one of her dresses that, thank God, was wide here [points to butt] and stretchy here [points to breasts]. That’s what I wore for that night.”

Salma was seen in a scintillating Carolina Herrera gown that had a lace bodice in black on top and a white skirt.&nbsp;

See her then photo:

<img alt="salma hayek" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="caf483b1-1300-4c43-840c-43fa42eb3954" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20%289%29.jpg" />

Salma was nominated at Oscars 2003 for her role as Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in ‘Frida’ while Renee Zellweger was nominated for her role in ‘Chicago’. The Academy Award, however, went to Nicole Kidman that year as she took home the coveted prize for her role in ‘The Hours’.&nbsp;

On another note, Salma Hayek made it to our list of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/golden-globe-2020-worst-dress-272476#cate-blanchett-272455">worst dressed celebs at the 77th Golden Globes. </a>

Oscars 2020 are approaching and what better time to remember the weirdest stuff related to the world’s most-watched awards show and also one of the most-coveted one.

Oscars 2020 are approaching and what better time to remember the weirdest stuff related to the world’s most-watched awards show and also one of the most-coveted one. In one incident that is sure to catch your attention, Hollywood actress Salma Hayek almost had a fashion disaster but thanks to Renee Zellweger saving the day, she turned out quite like the princess she is! Salma Hayek had a meltdown once in the year 2003 when a night before the Oscars that year, she had nothing to wear. When she tried out her Oscars dress a night prior, the dress came off as her “big butt” got in the way and dress started tearing off from the seams. Also read: Will Oscars 2020 follow BAFTA in excluding non-white actors, female directors from key nominations? When she had no Oscars dress and was almost going to not attend as she would have had to turn up in a not-so-great ensemble, her good friend Renee came to her rescue and gave her one of her own dress. As Salma presented Renee the Best Actress award for her performance in 'Judy' at National Board of Review Awards, she narrated an interesting story from 2003. Also read: Oscars to go host-less for the second year in a row Salma Hayek said, “The night before when my big butt exploded the seams of my Oscar dress and I had no dress for the Oscars. She ended up giving me one of her dresses that, thank God, was wide here [points to butt] and stretchy here [points to breasts]. That’s what I wore for that night.” Salma was seen in a scintillating Carolina Herrera gown that had a lace bodice in black on top and a white skirt. See her then photo: Salma was nominated at Oscars 2003 for her role as Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in ‘Frida’ while Renee Zellweger was nominated for her role in ‘Chicago’. The Academy Award, however, went to Nicole Kidman that year as she took home the coveted prize for her role in ‘The Hours’. On another note, Salma Hayek made it to our list of worst dressed celebs at the 77th Golden Globes.

Salma Hayek's 'big butt' would have led to a fashion disaster at Oscars 2003 if not for Renee Zellweger

You might feel that we are jumping the gun by already discussing whether Sam Mendes' directorial '1917' will take home the Best Picture even as the Academy is yet to announce Oscars 2020&nbsp;nominations list.&nbsp;

'1917' has been making the right kind of buzz at awards season this year starting with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/2020-golden-globes-awards-the-complete-list-of-winners-272377">77th Golden Globes that picked the war film as the Best Picture </a>while Sam Mendes took home the Best Director award. Not only that a, the film has won some love at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bafta-2020-british-academy-of-film-and-television-arts-awards-the-complete-nominations-list-272705">BAFTA 2020 </a>too where the film cemented its place in the Best Film category along with some other favourites this year like 'Joker', 'Parasite', 'Once Upon A Time in Hollywood', 'The Irishman' and others.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/make-up-artists-and-hair-stylists-guild-awards-bombshell-rocketman-pick-big-awards-273758">Also read:&nbsp;Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards: 'Bombshell', 'Rocketman' pick big awards</a>

Considering that these awards, that announced their lists prior to Oscars guide the road for films in The Academy Awards too, '1917' will most likely make it to the Oscars 2020 nominations. Once we know that the war film has made it to the list, our hunch says that the film is probable to even win the Best Film Oscars.&nbsp;

Our hot favourite Oscars&nbsp;prediction for Best Film is '1917' and if this comes true, it&nbsp;would become the first war movie after 'Hurt Locker' to win the coveted prize. 'Hurt Locker' won Best Picture Oscars in 2009. Before that, it was 'Wings' that released in&nbsp;1928.&nbsp;

According to our overall predictions, the war film '1917' is likely to get nominated in 10 categories --&nbsp;Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design, Best Score, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-oscars-2020-follow-bafta-in-leaving-non-white-actors-female-directors-from-key-nominations-273246">&nbsp;Will Oscars 2020 follow BAFTA in excluding non-white actors, female directors from key nominations?</a>

'1917' is a film based in the first World War and takes place in northern France. It's about two soldiers who have the task of delivering a mesage that would prevent their countrymen from walking into a trap.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-to-go-host-less-for-the-second-year-in-a-row-273073">Oscars to go host-less for the second year in a row</a>

Oscars 2020 will also probably shower some love in its nominations on January 13 on Taika Waititi's 'Jojo Rabbit' and Terrence Malick's 'A Hidden Life'. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/salma-hayeks-big-butt-would-have-led-to-a-fashion-disaster-at-oscars-2003-if-not-for-renee-zellweger-273466">Also read:&nbsp;Salma Hayek's 'big butt' would have led to a fashion disaster at Oscars 2003 if not for Renee Zellweger</a>

You might feel that we are jumping the gun by already discussing whether Sam Mendes' directorial '1917' will take home the Best Picture even as the Academy is yet to announce Oscars 2020 nominations list.

You might feel that we are jumping the gun by already discussing whether Sam Mendes' directorial '1917' will take home the Best Picture even as the Academy is yet to announce Oscars 2020 nominations list. '1917' has been making the right kind of buzz at awards season this year starting with the 77th Golden Globes that picked the war film as the Best Picture while Sam Mendes took home the Best Director award. Not only that a, the film has won some love at the BAFTA 2020 too where the film cemented its place in the Best Film category along with some other favourites this year like 'Joker', 'Parasite', 'Once Upon A Time in Hollywood', 'The Irishman' and others. Also read: Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards: 'Bombshell', 'Rocketman' pick big awards Considering that these awards, that announced their lists prior to Oscars guide the road for films in The Academy Awards too, '1917' will most likely make it to the Oscars 2020 nominations. Once we know that the war film has made it to the list, our hunch says that the film is probable to even win the Best Film Oscars. Our hot favourite Oscars prediction for Best Film is '1917' and if this comes true, it would become the first war movie after 'Hurt Locker' to win the coveted prize. 'Hurt Locker' won Best Picture Oscars in 2009. Before that, it was 'Wings' that released in 1928. According to our overall predictions, the war film '1917' is likely to get nominated in 10 categories -- Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design, Best Score, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects. Will Oscars 2020 follow BAFTA in excluding non-white actors, female directors from key nominations? '1917' is a film based in the first World War and takes place in northern France. It's about two soldiers who have the task of delivering a mesage that would prevent their countrymen from walking into a trap. Oscars to go host-less for the second year in a row Oscars 2020 will also probably shower some love in its nominations on January 13 on Taika Waititi's 'Jojo Rabbit' and Terrence Malick's 'A Hidden Life'. Also read: Salma Hayek's 'big butt' would have led to a fashion disaster at Oscars 2003 if not for Renee Zellweger

Oscars 2020 predictions: Will Sam Mendes' '1917' become first war film after 'Hurt Locker' to win Best Picture?

After the Oscars 2020 nominations were announced yesterday, Saoirse Ronan became the second youngest actress after Jennifer Lawrence for getting her fourth nomination.

The Academy Awards 2020 has Saoirse register her fourth nomination as she was listed for Greta Gerwig’s ‘Little Women’ that has been in the news for a long time now.

The actress won her nod for her portrayal of ‘Little Women’ lead character, an aspiring writer Jo March, the second-oldest daughter in a family of sisters as it depicts the time of Civil War. It is an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s 1869 novel that brings forth a story that has its modern-day relevance intact. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2020-parasite-makes-history-as-first-south-korean-film-to-get-best-picture-best-foreign-film-nods-274142">Also read: Oscars 2020: 'Parasite' makes history as first South Korean film to get Best Picture, Best Foreign Film nod</a>

As for the record, Hollywood actress Saoirse Ronan who remained in the news last year for her role in ‘Lady Bird’ lost her youngest actress record to Jennifer Lawrence who retained the top spot being four months younger than Saoirse at the time of her fourth nod. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2020-heres-the-full-list-of-nominees-274061">See the full Oscars 2020 nominations list here.</a>

Hollywood starlet Jennifer Lawrence got her fourth nod in the year 2015 for the film ‘Joy’.

Saoirse Ronan is competing in Best Actress category as she fights it out with Cynthia Erivo (Harriet), Scarlett Johansson (Marriage Story), Charlize Theron (Bombshell) and Renee Zellweger (Judy). <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/2020-oscars-nominations-best-actress-274038">Meet the actress nominees here.</a>

Before this year, Saoirse was nominated for the Best Actress category for ‘Brooklyn’ in 2016 and ‘Lady Bird’ in the year 2018.

Also see in pictures <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2020-best-director-nominee-273978">Oscars best director nominees </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/2020-oscars-nominations-best-actor-273985">best actor nominees here. </a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/salma-hayeks-big-butt-would-have-led-to-a-fashion-disaster-at-oscars-2003-if-not-for-renee-zellweger-273466">Salma Hayek's 'big butt' would have led to a fashion disaster at Oscars 2003 if not for Renee Zellweger</a>

After the Oscars 2020 nominations were announced yesterday, Saoirse Ronan became the second youngest actress after Jennifer Lawrence for getting her fourth nomination.

After the Oscars 2020 nominations were announced yesterday, Saoirse Ronan became the second youngest actress after Jennifer Lawrence for getting her fourth nomination. The Academy Awards 2020 has Saoirse register her fourth nomination as she was listed for Greta Gerwig’s ‘Little Women’ that has been in the news for a long time now. The actress won her nod for her portrayal of ‘Little Women’ lead character, an aspiring writer Jo March, the second-oldest daughter in a family of sisters as it depicts the time of Civil War. It is an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s 1869 novel that brings forth a story that has its modern-day relevance intact. Also read: Oscars 2020: 'Parasite' makes history as first South Korean film to get Best Picture, Best Foreign Film nod As for the record, Hollywood actress Saoirse Ronan who remained in the news last year for her role in ‘Lady Bird’ lost her youngest actress record to Jennifer Lawrence who retained the top spot being four months younger than Saoirse at the time of her fourth nod. See the full Oscars 2020 nominations list here. Hollywood starlet Jennifer Lawrence got her fourth nod in the year 2015 for the film ‘Joy’. Saoirse Ronan is competing in Best Actress category as she fights it out with Cynthia Erivo (Harriet), Scarlett Johansson (Marriage Story), Charlize Theron (Bombshell) and Renee Zellweger (Judy). Meet the actress nominees here. Before this year, Saoirse was nominated for the Best Actress category for ‘Brooklyn’ in 2016 and ‘Lady Bird’ in the year 2018. Also see in pictures Oscars best director nominees and best actor nominees here. Salma Hayek's 'big butt' would have led to a fashion disaster at Oscars 2003 if not for Renee Zellweger

Oscars 2020: Saoirse Ronan becomes 2nd youngest actress to get four nods

Jamie Foxx stayed out of the Oscars diversity debate at the London premiere of his new movie 'Just Mercy' on Wednesday (January 15).

The film, which tackles the subjects of wrongful convictions and racism, was snubbed by the Academy when nominations were revealed on Monday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/2020-oscars-nominations-7-snubs-that-took-everyone-by-surprise-274263">Read about 7 snubs this Oscars nomination.&nbsp;</a>

Asked about the lack of black nominees in top categories, Foxx said: "We don't start these movies to win awards. We're happy about the NAACP award, the SAG award, but all of that goes into the pot of making sure that 'Just Mercy' gets out there, and then there's also a level of respect for the people that are nominated. We don't want to cloud their moment. You know what I mean? It's like this is their time, they put the work in. However anybody feels about anything, let's let them enjoy their time."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/academy-member-stephen-king-receives-backlash-for-comment-on-lack-of-diversity-at-oscars-274405">Also read:&nbsp;Stephen King receives backlash for comment on lack of diversity in Oscar nominations</a>

The film's leading man and producer Michael B. Jordan had a similar response.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2020-heres-the-full-list-of-nominees-274061">See the full Oscars 2020 nominations list here.</a>

"I think honestly for awards, we don't make movies for that.....This is the nominees' moment, they work extremely hard on their films and we don't want to be a part of that dialogue, taking away from anything that they have going on. So any awards, any nominations that come our way when it comes to this movie, it just adds to the message, it adds to the movie that we are trying to make, the message that we are trying to say," he said.

Their comments came after the Oscar nominations announcement on Monday (January 13) revealed that only one non-white performer was nominated in the acting categories.&nbsp;Meet&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/2020-oscars-nominations-best-actor-273985">best actor nominees here.</a>

Jordan plays real-life US&nbsp;civil rights attorney and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson in the film based on the latter's 2014 book 'Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.'&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2020-parasite-makes-history-as-first-south-korean-film-to-get-best-picture-best-foreign-film-nods-274142">Also read: Oscars 2020: 'Parasite' makes history as first South Korean film to get Best Picture, Best Foreign Film nod</a>

It tells the story of his fight to free wrongly accused Alabama death row inmate Walter McMillian, played by Foxx.

The film chronicles Stevenson's efforts to wade through the legal and political morass that put McMillian, convicted of the murder of a white female store clerk, on death row for six years in Alabama, and fight the racial bias that kept him, and others like him, there. He was eventually freed when his conviction was overturned by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals in 1993.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/salma-hayeks-big-butt-would-have-led-to-a-fashion-disaster-at-oscars-2003-if-not-for-renee-zellweger-273466">Salma Hayek's 'big butt' would have led to a fashion disaster at Oscars 2003 if not for Renee Zellweger</a>

Jamie Foxx stayed out of the Oscars diversity debate at the London premiere of his new movie 'Just Mercy' on Wednesday (January 15). The film, which tackles the subjects of wrongful convictions and racism, was snubbed by the Academy when nominations were revealed on Monday.

Jamie Foxx stayed out of the Oscars diversity debate at the London premiere of his new movie 'Just Mercy' on Wednesday (January 15). The film, which tackles the subjects of wrongful convictions and racism, was snubbed by the Academy when nominations were revealed on Monday. Read about 7 snubs this Oscars nomination. Asked about the lack of black nominees in top categories, Foxx said: "We don't start these movies to win awards. We're happy about the NAACP award, the SAG award, but all of that goes into the pot of making sure that 'Just Mercy' gets out there, and then there's also a level of respect for the people that are nominated. We don't want to cloud their moment. You know what I mean? It's like this is their time, they put the work in. However anybody feels about anything, let's let them enjoy their time." Also read: Stephen King receives backlash for comment on lack of diversity in Oscar nominations The film's leading man and producer Michael B. Jordan had a similar response. See the full Oscars 2020 nominations list here. "I think honestly for awards, we don't make movies for that.....This is the nominees' moment, they work extremely hard on their films and we don't want to be a part of that dialogue, taking away from anything that they have going on. So any awards, any nominations that come our way when it comes to this movie, it just adds to the message, it adds to the movie that we are trying to make, the message that we are trying to say," he said. Their comments came after the Oscar nominations announcement on Monday (January 13) revealed that only one non-white performer was nominated in the acting categories. Meet best actor nominees here. Jordan plays real-life US civil rights attorney and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson in the film based on the latter's 2014 book 'Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.' Also read: Oscars 2020: 'Parasite' makes history as first South Korean film to get Best Picture, Best Foreign Film nod It tells the story of his fight to free wrongly accused Alabama death row inmate Walter McMillian, played by Foxx. The film chronicles Stevenson's efforts to wade through the legal and political morass that put McMillian, convicted of the murder of a white female store clerk, on death row for six years in Alabama, and fight the racial bias that kept him, and others like him, there. He was eventually freed when his conviction was overturned by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals in 1993. Also read: Salma Hayek's 'big butt' would have led to a fashion disaster at Oscars 2003 if not for Renee Zellweger

Jamie Foxx on lack of diversity at Oscars: We don't start these movies to win awards

If there's one film that I would personally recommend that you must watch this Oscar season, then it would be a film called 'Honeyland'.

Mainly because almost nobody else is going to suggest it to you! It's a documentary set in North Macedonia. (Documentary? no... and where in God's name is North Macedonia??)

But I have my reasons.

First, in our extremely low-attention span times, you would be glad to know that the film is only 85 minutes long. One way or the other you won't regret it much.&nbsp;

Next, it's about honey. Hard to find people who hate it. If you do, please stop reading right now.

And last but definitely not the least, it's the first time in history that a film is nominated for a Best Documentary Feature Award, as well as, the Best International Feature Award.

'Honeyland' is a film that breaks barriers in terms of what even constitutes a movie. In technical terms, it is nominated in both the non-fiction and fiction categories of the awards.

In simple terms, a documentary is being nominated for a Best Film Award too. Now that's a rarity for any awards ceremony, leave alone the Oscars.

Flashback.

In 2004, Michael Moore’s documentary film "Fahrenheit 9/11" beat 18 other movies to win the coveted Palme d'Or - the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

And that was only the second documentary in history to do so at Cannes. The first one being 'The Silent World'. Co-directed by Jacques Cousteau and Louis Malle, it won the Palme d'Or in 1956.

Moore's documentary was a no-show at the Oscars though.

Not even slightly because it wasn't good enough, but because Moore decided to go in for a pay-per-view televising of the film. So that shut the film out from even the Best Documentary nomination.

Cut to now.

So all that means, you would be watching something very unique - brag alert here - its title might sound simple and straightforward. But that's only a decoy, even the story behind the making of it is fascinating.&nbsp;

Picture this:

A couple of Russian Documentary filmmakers, shooting in the remote countryside of North Macedonia. The plan is to shoot a short environmental documentary about a river. They don't know the local language which is not even the national language of this newly formed country that declared its independence in 1991.

And accidentally they discover beehives and the woman who tends to them. They didn’t speak Turkish -&nbsp;the preferred language of the film’s main subjects.

They would sleep in tents in the Protagonist's backyard for 3-4 days together. And that went on for over 3 years which means hundreds of hours of footage.

The filmmakers then spent nearly 4 months watching what they have shot after which they crunched into less than an hour and a half.

The visuals should tell you the story all by themselves. Honeyland started off with a bang at the awards circuit, winning at the Sundance Film Festival. And the rest as they all always say is history. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

If there's one film that I would personally recommend that you must watch this Oscar season, then it would be a film called 'Honeyland'. Mainly because almost nobody else is going to suggest it to you!

If there's one film that I would personally recommend that you must watch this Oscar season, then it would be a film called 'Honeyland'. Mainly because almost nobody else is going to suggest it to you! It's a documentary set in North Macedonia. (Documentary? no... and where in God's name is North Macedonia??) But I have my reasons. First, in our extremely low-attention span times, you would be glad to know that the film is only 85 minutes long. One way or the other you won't regret it much. Next, it's about honey. Hard to find people who hate it. If you do, please stop reading right now. And last but definitely not the least, it's the first time in history that a film is nominated for a Best Documentary Feature Award, as well as, the Best International Feature Award. 'Honeyland' is a film that breaks barriers in terms of what even constitutes a movie. In technical terms, it is nominated in both the non-fiction and fiction categories of the awards. In simple terms, a documentary is being nominated for a Best Film Award too. Now that's a rarity for any awards ceremony, leave alone the Oscars. Flashback. In 2004, Michael Moore’s documentary film "Fahrenheit 9/11" beat 18 other movies to win the coveted Palme d'Or - the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. And that was only the second documentary in history to do so at Cannes. The first one being 'The Silent World'. Co-directed by Jacques Cousteau and Louis Malle, it won the Palme d'Or in 1956. Moore's documentary was a no-show at the Oscars though. Not even slightly because it wasn't good enough, but because Moore decided to go in for a pay-per-view televising of the film. So that shut the film out from even the Best Documentary nomination. Cut to now. So all that means, you would be watching something very unique - brag alert here - its title might sound simple and straightforward. But that's only a decoy, even the story behind the making of it is fascinating. Picture this: A couple of Russian Documentary filmmakers, shooting in the remote countryside of North Macedonia. The plan is to shoot a short environmental documentary about a river. They don't know the local language which is not even the national language of this newly formed country that declared its independence in 1991. And accidentally they discover beehives and the woman who tends to them. They didn’t speak Turkish - the preferred language of the film’s main subjects. They would sleep in tents in the Protagonist's backyard for 3-4 days together. And that went on for over 3 years which means hundreds of hours of footage. The filmmakers then spent nearly 4 months watching what they have shot after which they crunched into less than an hour and a half. The visuals should tell you the story all by themselves. Honeyland started off with a bang at the awards circuit, winning at the Sundance Film Festival. And the rest as they all always say is history. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'Honeyland': One film that nobody will recommend, but you must watch

With the Oscars ceremony just around the corner, a lot is being discussed about diversity at the Academy Awards considering that the coveted awards show tries every year to be inclusive. When the full Oscars 2020 nominations list was announced on January 13, the same issue crept up with people also pointing out that no woman filmmaker has been nominated in the Best Director category.

In the midst of all this, author Stephen King, who is also an Academy member is being criticised for his remarks on the lack of diversity at the Oscars. Known for writing horror novels and also helping a screen adaptation of them (like in the case of ‘IT’), he took to Twitter to talk about how he selected names in different categories for this year’s Oscars. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2020-heres-the-full-list-of-nominees-274061">See the full Oscars 2020 nominations list here.</a>

He tweeted, “As a writer, I am allowed to nominate in just 3 categories: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Screenplay. For me, the diversity issue--as it applies to individual actors and directors, anyway--did not come up. That said…”

And continued, “...I would never consider diversity in matters of art. Only quality. It seems to me that to do otherwise would be wrong.” Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/salma-hayeks-big-butt-would-have-led-to-a-fashion-disaster-at-oscars-2003-if-not-for-renee-zellweger-273466">Salma Hayek's 'big butt' would have led to a fashion disaster at Oscars 2003 if not for Renee Zellweger</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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As a writer, I am allowed to nominate in just 3 categories: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Screenplay. For me, the diversity issue--as it applies to individual actors and directors, anyway--did not come up. That said...
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenKing/status/1217058366394130433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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...I would never consider diversity in matters of art. Only quality. It seems to me that to do otherwise would be wrong.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenKing/status/1217058848403599361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Soon after his tweets trended on the internet with many users criticising him for his ignorant thought process, Ava DuVernay, director of ‘When They See Us’, whose film ‘Selma’ was snubbed in the Best Director category despite getting a Best Picture nomination in 2015 replied to him saying, “When you wake up, meditate, stretch, reach for your phone to check on the world and see a tweet from someone you admire that is so backward and ignorant you want to go back to bed.” Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2020-parasite-makes-history-as-first-south-korean-film-to-get-best-picture-best-foreign-film-nods-274142">Also read: Oscars 2020: 'Parasite' makes history as first South Korean film to get Best Picture, Best Foreign Film nod</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscar-nominated-film-1917-has-been-backed-by-indias-reliance-entertainment-274189">Oscar nominated film '1917' has been backed by India's Reliance Entertainment</a>

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When you wake up, meditate, stretch, reach for your phone to check on the world and see a tweet from someone you admire that is so backward and ignorant you want to go back to bed. <a href="https://t.co/nPXOeAebkb">https://t.co/nPXOeAebkb</a>
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) <a href="https://twitter.com/ava/status/1217103032543932417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After his tweets invited a lot of backlash, Stephen King then tried to offer an explanation and tweeted, "The most important thing we can do as artists and creative people is make sure everyone has the same fair shot, regardless of sex, color, or orientation. Right now such people are badly under-represented, and not only in the arts."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The most important thing we can do as artists and creative people is make sure everyone has the same fair shot, regardless of sex, color, or orientation. Right now such people are badly under-represented, and not only in the arts.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenKing/status/1217098149963227137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2020-best-director-nominee-273978">Oscars 2020: Meet the nominees in the best director category</a></h2>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/2020-oscars-nominations-best-actor-273985">2020 Oscars: Meet the best actor nominees</a></h2>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/2020-oscars-nominations-best-actress-274038">2020 Oscars: Meet the best actress nominees</a></h2>

With the Oscars ceremony just around the corner, a lot is being discussed about diversity at the Academy Awards considering that the coveted awards show tries every year to be inclusive.

With the Oscars ceremony just around the corner, a lot is being discussed about diversity at the Academy Awards considering that the coveted awards show tries every year to be inclusive. When the full Oscars 2020 nominations list was announced on January 13, the same issue crept up with people also pointing out that no woman filmmaker has been nominated in the Best Director category. In the midst of all this, author Stephen King, who is also an Academy member is being criticised for his remarks on the lack of diversity at the Oscars. Known for writing horror novels and also helping a screen adaptation of them (like in the case of ‘IT’), he took to Twitter to talk about how he selected names in different categories for this year’s Oscars. See the full Oscars 2020 nominations list here. He tweeted, “As a writer, I am allowed to nominate in just 3 categories: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Screenplay. For me, the diversity issue--as it applies to individual actors and directors, anyway--did not come up. That said…” And continued, “...I would never consider diversity in matters of art. Only quality. It seems to me that to do otherwise would be wrong.” Also read: Salma Hayek's 'big butt' would have led to a fashion disaster at Oscars 2003 if not for Renee Zellweger As a writer, I am allowed to nominate in just 3 categories: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Screenplay. For me, the diversity issue--as it applies to individual actors and directors, anyway--did not come up. That said... — Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 14, 2020 × ...I would never consider diversity in matters of art. Only quality. It seems to me that to do otherwise would be wrong. — Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 14, 2020 × Soon after his tweets trended on the internet with many users criticising him for his ignorant thought process, Ava DuVernay, director of ‘When They See Us’, whose film ‘Selma’ was snubbed in the Best Director category despite getting a Best Picture nomination in 2015 replied to him saying, “When you wake up, meditate, stretch, reach for your phone to check on the world and see a tweet from someone you admire that is so backward and ignorant you want to go back to bed.” Also read: Also read: Oscars 2020: 'Parasite' makes history as first South Korean film to get Best Picture, Best Foreign Film nod Oscar nominated film '1917' has been backed by India's Reliance Entertainment When you wake up, meditate, stretch, reach for your phone to check on the world and see a tweet from someone you admire that is so backward and ignorant you want to go back to bed. https://t.co/nPXOeAebkb — Ava DuVernay (@ava) January 14, 2020 × After his tweets invited a lot of backlash, Stephen King then tried to offer an explanation and tweeted, "The most important thing we can do as artists and creative people is make sure everyone has the same fair shot, regardless of sex, color, or orientation. Right now such people are badly under-represented, and not only in the arts." The most important thing we can do as artists and creative people is make sure everyone has the same fair shot, regardless of sex, color, or orientation. Right now such people are badly under-represented, and not only in the arts. — Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 14, 2020 × Oscars 2020: Meet the nominees in the best director category 2020 Oscars: Meet the best actor nominees 2020 Oscars: Meet the best actress nominees

Stephen King receives backlash for comment on lack of diversity in Oscar nominations

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