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

The list of nominees for the 95th Oscar awards is finally out! On Tuesday, Riz Ahmed and Allison Williams made the much-awaited announcement live from&nbsp;Beverly Hills, California. To shine the spotlight on great artists and celebrate the art of filmmaking, Academy Award is all set to return in March!

'Top Gun: Maverick', 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', 'Tar',&nbsp;'Everything Everywhere All at Once', 'Elvis', and 'The Whale' featured heavily in the nominations. Check out the full list of contenders for all 23 categories&nbsp;below!

<h2>Oscar 2023 Full Nomination List!</h2>

Actress in a supporting role

<ul>
	<li>Angela Bassett&nbsp;from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'</li>
	<li>Hong Chau from 'The Whale'</li>
	<li>Kerry Condon from 'The Banshees of Inisherin'</li>
	<li>Jamie Lee Curtis from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'</li>
	<li>Stephanie Hsu&nbsp;from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'</li>
</ul>

Costume design

<ul>
	<li>'Babylon'</li>
	<li>'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'</li>
	<li>'Elvis'</li>
	<li>'Everything Everywhere All at Once'</li>
	<li>'Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris'</li>
</ul>

Sound

<ul>
	<li>'All Quiet on the Western Front'&nbsp;</li>
	<li>'Avatar: The Way of Water'&nbsp;</li>
	<li>'The Batman'&nbsp;</li>
	<li>'Elvis'</li>
	<li>'Top Gun: Maverick'</li>
</ul>

Music (original score)

<ul>
	<li>'All Quiet on the Western Front'</li>
	<li>'Babylon'</li>
	<li>'The Banshees of Inisherin'</li>
	<li>'Everything Everywhere All at Once'</li>
	<li>'The Fabelmans'</li>
</ul>

Writing (Adapted screenplay)

<ul>
	<li>'All Quiet on the Western Front'</li>
	<li>'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'</li>
	<li>'Living'</li>
	<li>'Top Gun: Maverick'</li>
	<li>'Women Talking'</li>
</ul>

Writing (Original screenplay)

<ul>
	<li>'The Banshees of Inisherin'</li>
	<li>'Everything Everywhere All at Once'</li>
	<li>'The Fabelmans'</li>
	<li>'Tár'</li>
	<li>'Triangle of Sadness'</li>
</ul>

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>

Live-action short film

<ul>
	<li>'An Irish Goodbye'</li>
	<li>'Ivalu'</li>
	<li>'Le Pupille'</li>
	<li>'Night Ride'</li>
	<li>'The Red Suitcase'</li>
</ul>

Animated short film

<ul>
	<li>'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse'</li>
	<li>'The Flying Sailor'</li>
	<li>'Ice Merchants'</li>
	<li>'My Year of Dicks'</li>
	<li>'An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It'</li>
</ul>

Actor in a supporting role

<ul>
	<li>Brendan Gleeson from 'The Banshees of Inisherin'</li>
	<li>Brian Tyree Henry from 'Causeway'</li>
	<li>Judd Hirsch from 'The Fabelmans'</li>
	<li>Barry Keoghan&nbsp;from 'The Banshees of Inisherin'</li>
	<li>Ke Huy Quan&nbsp;from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'</li>
</ul>

Music (original song)

<ul>
	<li>'Applause'&nbsp;from 'Tell It like a Woman'</li>
	<li>'Hold My Hand' from 'Top Gun: Maverick'</li>
	<li>'Lift Me Up'&nbsp;from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'</li>
	<li>'Naatu Naatu'&nbsp;from 'RRR'</li>
	<li>'This Is a Life' from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'</li>
</ul>

Documentary feature

<ul>
	<li>'All That Breathes'</li>
	<li>'All the Beauty and the Bloodshed'</li>
	<li>'Fire of Love'</li>
	<li>'A House Made of Splinters'</li>
	<li>'Navalny'</li>
</ul>

Documentary short film

<ul>
	<li>'The Elephant Whisperers'</li>
	<li>'Haulout'</li>
	<li>'How Do You Measure a Year?'</li>
	<li>'The Martha Mitchell Effect'</li>
	<li>'Stranger at the Gate'</li>
</ul>

Animated feature film

<ul>
	<li>'Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio'</li>
	<li>'Marcel the Shell With Shoes On'</li>
	<li>'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish'</li>
	<li>'The Sea Beast'</li>
	<li>'Turning Red'</li>
</ul>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-the-whale-star-brendan-fraser-calls-out-bias-against-obese-people-and-stands-for-body-positivity-555129">'The Whale' star Brendan Fraser calls out bias against obese people and stands for body positivity</a>

Makeup and hairstyling

<ul>
	<li>'All Quiet on the Western Front'</li>
	<li>'The Batman'</li>
	<li>'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'</li>
	<li>'Elvis'</li>
	<li>'The Whale'</li>
</ul>

Production design

<ul>
	<li>'All Quiet on the Western Front'</li>
	<li>'Avatar: The Way of Water'</li>
	<li>'Babylon'</li>
	<li>'Elvis'</li>
	<li>'The Fabelmans'</li>
</ul>

Film editing

<ul>
	<li>'The Banshees of Inisherin'</li>
	<li>'Elvis'</li>
	<li>'Everything Everywhere All at Once'</li>
	<li>'Tár'</li>
	<li>'Top Gun: Maverick'</li>
</ul>

Cinematography

<ul>
	<li>'All Quiet on the Western Front'</li>
	<li>'Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths'</li>
	<li>'Elvis'</li>
	<li>'Empire of Light'</li>
	<li>'Tár'</li>
</ul>

Visual effects

<ul>
	<li>'All Quiet on the Western Front'</li>
	<li>'Avatar: The Way of Water'</li>
	<li>'The Batman'</li>
	<li>'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'</li>
	<li>'Top Gun: Maverick'</li>
</ul>

Actor in a leading role

<ul>
	<li>Austin Butler&nbsp;from 'Elvis'</li>
	<li>Colin Farrell from 'The Banshees of Inisherin'</li>
	<li>Brendan Fraser from 'The Whale'</li>
	<li>Paul Mescal from 'Aftersun'</li>
	<li>Bill Nighy from 'Living'</li>
</ul>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-james-cameron-becomes-first-director-to-have-three-2-billion-movies-post-avatar-2-success-555216">James Cameron becomes first director to have three $2 billion movies post Avatar 2 success</a>

Actress in a leading role

<ul>
	<li>Cate Blanchett from 'Tár'</li>
	<li>Ana de Armas from 'Blonde'</li>
	<li>Andrea Riseborough from 'To Leslie'</li>
	<li>Michelle Williams from 'The Fabelmans'</li>
	<li>Michelle Yeoh from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'</li>
</ul>

Directing

<ul>
	<li>Todd Field from 'Tár'</li>
	<li>Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'</li>
	<li>Martin McDonagh from 'The Banshees of Inisherin'</li>
	<li>Ruben Ostlund from 'Triangle of Sadness'</li>
	<li>Steven Spielberg from 'The Fabelmans'</li>
</ul>

Best picture

<ul>
	<li>'All Quiet on the Western Front'</li>
	<li>'Avatar: The Way of Water'</li>
	<li>'The Banshees of Inisherin'</li>
	<li>'Elvis'</li>
	<li>'Everything Everywhere All at Once'</li>
	<li>'The Fabelmans'</li>
	<li>'Tár'</li>
	<li>'Top Gun: Maverick'</li>
	<li>'Triangle of Sadness'</li>
	<li>'Women Talking'</li>
</ul>

(List Updated live)

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscar-nominations-could-give-blockbusters-a-boost-this-tuesday-555417">Oscar nominations could give blockbusters a boost this Tuesday</a>

The 2023 Academy Awards is scheduled for March 12. Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood has been chosen as the venue for the prestigious award ceremony, which will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide. According to reports, Jimmy Kimmel will return as host for the third time and will entertain the viewers with his quirky jokes and one-liners.

Fun fact:&nbsp;The first Oscar award ceremony was organised in 1929. And, the trophy's design was discussed for the first time in 1927. After a lot of debate and discussion,&nbsp;the sculpture made by sculptor George Stanley was selected for the Academy Awards.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The list of nominees for the 95th Oscar awards is finally out! On Tuesday, Riz Ahmed and Allison Williams made the much-awaited announcement live from Beverly Hills, California.

The list of nominees for the 95th Oscar awards is finally out! On Tuesday, Riz Ahmed and Allison Williams made the much-awaited announcement live from Beverly Hills, California. To shine the spotlight on great artists and celebrate the art of filmmaking, Academy Award is all set to return in March! 'Top Gun: Maverick', 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', 'Tar', 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', 'Elvis', and 'The Whale' featured heavily in the nominations. Check out the full list of contenders for all 23 categories below! Oscar 2023 Full Nomination List! Actress in a supporting role Angela Bassett from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Hong Chau from 'The Whale' Kerry Condon from 'The Banshees of Inisherin' Jamie Lee Curtis from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Stephanie Hsu from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Costume design 'Babylon' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' 'Elvis' 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' 'Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris' Sound 'All Quiet on the Western Front' 'Avatar: The Way of Water' 'The Batman' 'Elvis' 'Top Gun: Maverick' Music (original score) 'All Quiet on the Western Front' 'Babylon' 'The Banshees of Inisherin' 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' 'The Fabelmans' Writing (Adapted screenplay) 'All Quiet on the Western Front' 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery' 'Living' 'Top Gun: Maverick' 'Women Talking' Writing (Original screenplay) 'The Banshees of Inisherin' 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' 'The Fabelmans' 'Tár' 'Triangle of Sadness' Also read: Indian film RRR's Naatu Naatu gets Oscar nod for best original song Live-action short film 'An Irish Goodbye' 'Ivalu' 'Le Pupille' 'Night Ride' 'The Red Suitcase' Animated short film 'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse' 'The Flying Sailor' 'Ice Merchants' 'My Year of Dicks' 'An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It' Actor in a supporting role Brendan Gleeson from 'The Banshees of Inisherin' Brian Tyree Henry from 'Causeway' Judd Hirsch from 'The Fabelmans' Barry Keoghan from 'The Banshees of Inisherin' Ke Huy Quan from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Music (original song) 'Applause' from 'Tell It like a Woman' 'Hold My Hand' from 'Top Gun: Maverick' 'Lift Me Up' from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' 'Naatu Naatu' from 'RRR' 'This Is a Life' from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Documentary feature 'All That Breathes' 'All the Beauty and the Bloodshed' 'Fire of Love' 'A House Made of Splinters' 'Navalny' Documentary short film 'The Elephant Whisperers' 'Haulout' 'How Do You Measure a Year?' 'The Martha Mitchell Effect' 'Stranger at the Gate' Animated feature film 'Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio' 'Marcel the Shell With Shoes On' 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' 'The Sea Beast' 'Turning Red' Also read: 'The Whale' star Brendan Fraser calls out bias against obese people and stands for body positivity Makeup and hairstyling 'All Quiet on the Western Front' 'The Batman' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' 'Elvis' 'The Whale' Production design 'All Quiet on the Western Front' 'Avatar: The Way of Water' 'Babylon' 'Elvis' 'The Fabelmans' Film editing 'The Banshees of Inisherin' 'Elvis' 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' 'Tár' 'Top Gun: Maverick' Cinematography 'All Quiet on the Western Front' 'Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths' 'Elvis' 'Empire of Light' 'Tár' Visual effects 'All Quiet on the Western Front' 'Avatar: The Way of Water' 'The Batman' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' 'Top Gun: Maverick' Actor in a leading role Austin Butler from 'Elvis' Colin Farrell from 'The Banshees of Inisherin' Brendan Fraser from 'The Whale' Paul Mescal from 'Aftersun' Bill Nighy from 'Living' Also read: James Cameron becomes first director to have three $2 billion movies post Avatar 2 success Actress in a leading role Cate Blanchett from 'Tár' Ana de Armas from 'Blonde' Andrea Riseborough from 'To Leslie' Michelle Williams from 'The Fabelmans' Michelle Yeoh from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Directing Todd Field from 'Tár' Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Martin McDonagh from 'The Banshees of Inisherin' Ruben Ostlund from 'Triangle of Sadness' Steven Spielberg from 'The Fabelmans' Best picture 'All Quiet on the Western Front' 'Avatar: The Way of Water' 'The Banshees of Inisherin' 'Elvis' 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' 'The Fabelmans' 'Tár' 'Top Gun: Maverick' 'Triangle of Sadness' 'Women Talking' (List Updated live) Also read: Oscar nominations could give blockbusters a boost this Tuesday The 2023 Academy Awards is scheduled for March 12. Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood has been chosen as the venue for the prestigious award ceremony, which will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide. According to reports, Jimmy Kimmel will return as host for the third time and will entertain the viewers with his quirky jokes and one-liners. Fun fact: The first Oscar award ceremony was organised in 1929. And, the trophy's design was discussed for the first time in 1927. After a lot of debate and discussion, the sculpture made by sculptor George Stanley was selected for the Academy Awards. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Oscar 2023 Nominations Complete List: 'Naatu Naatu', 'All That Breathes', 'Avatar: The Way of Water' and more

Hollywood’s awards season has found an unlikely underdog in 'RRR'.&nbsp;SS Rajamouli’s three-hour maximalist action epic is one of India’s most expensive and top-grossing films of all time. It pairs two of the country’s biggest stars, N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan, and topped Netflix streaming charts over the summer.

It’s been showered with praise from the likes of J.J. Abrams and Jessica Chastain. It won the best original song at the Golden Globes for the exuberant “Naatu Naatu” and has five Critics Choice Awards nominations, including for best picture.

But the Academy Awards generally shun foreign films and over-the-top action movies in key categories. And “ RRR” can’t win the international feature film Oscar because India submitted Pan Nalin’s much quieter “Chhello Show” instead. A nomination for best picture at the Oscars remains a long shot.

To give their film a final push, Rama Rao Jr. and Charan travelled to Los Angeles to walk the Globes grey carpet, mingle with the likes of Cate Blanchett at parties, and attend packed screenings for potential awards voters, including one at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood that featured a riotous dance party during the “Naatu Naatu” scene.

They sat down with The Associated Press for a joint interview to talk about their real-life bond, Rajamouli’s discussions of a sequel, and building bridges between the world’s film industries.

Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.

AP: The movie was a big success when it opened in India but it’s been a slow burn in terms of Western audiences catching on through word-of-mouth and watching it on Netflix. How have you experienced that?

RAMA RAO JR.: You really don’t get to know what’s actually happening in the audience’s mind when people are watching movies on Netflix. But our breakthrough was when we saw Mr Rajamouli have a screening at the TCL (in September). And the response — he got a standing ovation. I think that was the opening for how we started knowing that the West has taken “RRR” into their hearts. And I wish we both were there. But I think that was our first breakthrough — and social media.

CHARAN: It’s so satisfying to see every reaction. Everything we performed for has been appreciated. And the reactions were just priceless. Yeah, it was like a slow burn. But nevertheless, this is like another feather in the hat for us.

AP: Ram Charan, you were in production during at least part of that time on your next movie. How were you sort of staying in touch with your “RRR” brothers?

CHARAN: The “RRR” journey started in 2018, and this is 2023 now, and we are still in touch. I think we just took a consensual break that we needed time away from each other because we were so into each other.

RAMA RAO JR.: We were so into each other. Like in each other.

AP: Rajamouli’s talking about a sequel, but you guys are both probably booked up?

CHARAN: No. We’d clear the calendar.

RAMA RAO JR.: We’ll clear the calendar. But unfortunately, we have no idea about it. We have no clue about “RRR 2” until he spoke about it. So if you interview him, you should actually get the clarity from him so that we know when it’s starting, so that we can keep our calendar free.

AP: Was it something that had been discussed when the movie wrapped?

CHARAN: No. Nothing. We heard it for the first time when he was talking to you guys. I mean, we’re not kidding about this. We never spoke about it.

RAMA RAO JR.: And he never tells us anything.

CHARAN: Yeah, everything is a surprise.

RAMA RAO JR.: I would say it’s a bad thing. I hate surprises. Maybe Charan likes them.

CHARAN: He knows we clear the calendars whenever he calls us. He takes us for granted on that. (Laughs)

AP: The political message of the film and the timing of its release, how important is that to you?

CHARAN: I personally feel it was more about the brotherhood than the nationalism or the patriotism in the film. It was in the background. Obviously, it’s the era that we have selected, the director has chosen had the sense of nationalism running under the water, like under the carpet. But what you actually see is a full-fledged fictional story.

RAMA RAO JR.: Bromance.

CHARAN: Bromance derived from two historic characters, legends. But the end of the day, we’re not playing a part of history. It is Mr Rajamouli’s interpretation and his fictional thoughts and writing with his father.

RAMA RAO JR.: Rajamouli as such, I really don’t think he makes movies because he wants to send out a message. For him, it’s just storytelling and it’s about making entertainment … To tell this story, he’s picked up a time frame when India was being ruled by the British Empire. Yeah, simple. So other than that, there was no message to it. But yes, it was more about two friends — their egos, their understanding of the world, each other, how they grew together, how they were apart, and how they came together. How they went off, separated, and how they got back together and grew strength individually in their lives.

AP: And how much does that sort of “get together, push apart, come back together,” mirror your own real-life relationship between the two of you?

RAMA RAO JR.: I think we never acted in the movie. I think we are that.

CHARAN: Yeah, but we never had such bad misunderstanding and separation where we were fighting. But yeah, we are very close. The characters we played have been very close. On all the good, good parts of the movie, it’s pretty much what we also share in real life.

AP: What are the goals in terms of being in Hollywood? Do you want to star in, say, a Quentin Tarantino movie?

CHARAN: Absolutely. I mean, it’s always there. As I said, it was not part of our goal to come to LA, but we landed here. So we are taking it as it goes. And of course, we want to experience the great directors of LA and Hollywood, and I want them to also experience us as actors and share some cultural ideas and stories between the East and the West. I would love to explore it, of course. And (Tarantino) is one of my favourite directors.

RAMA RAO JR.: We come from families which have been in the business for a very long time, but for both of us, our entry into films was never planned. It was just very accidental. And accidentally, we are here today, talking about films in L.A. So, yeah, we are actors who I think with “RRR” we have crossed the boundaries of those imaginary lines of Eastern film industry, Western film industry. I think we’ve somewhat erased that. And it’s a big good crossover. There’s so much talent here. There’s so much talent there. I think everybody should come together. “Avatar 2” is doing phenomenal numbers down in India. So did the 'Avengers: Endgame'.&nbsp;So I think it’s high time we all have to collaborate and start making films for global audiences.

CHARAN: We are waiting for the day when all the “woods” get burned and there’s one global cinema.

AP: Was it weird that the way that most viewers experienced the film was through the Hindi version on Netflix?

CHARAN: But fortunately, we dubbed all the languages. It was actually us.

RAMA RAO JR.: So Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, whatever — it was our voice. So we were happy about that. But yes, I would say maybe it should have been out in Telugu as well. That’s now, that’s me being, being very, very, very emotional about being a Telugu person. But other than that, “RRR” resembles India and whatever language it is, I’m happy that it’s reached out to the audiences.

AP: What have your family members said about this weird journey that you’re on with “RRR”?

CHARAN: I think they are happier than us.

RAMA RAO JR.: I wish my grandfather was alive to see this happen. Of course, he’s not there anymore. But the family has been very supportive, and excited. Everybody’s excited. Who wouldn’t be?

Hollywood’s awards season has found an unlikely underdog in 'RRR'. SS Rajamouli’s three-hour maximalist action epic is one of India’s most expensive and top-grossing films of all time.

Hollywood’s awards season has found an unlikely underdog in 'RRR'. SS Rajamouli’s three-hour maximalist action epic is one of India’s most expensive and top-grossing films of all time. It pairs two of the country’s biggest stars, N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan, and topped Netflix streaming charts over the summer. It’s been showered with praise from the likes of J.J. Abrams and Jessica Chastain. It won the best original song at the Golden Globes for the exuberant “Naatu Naatu” and has five Critics Choice Awards nominations, including for best picture. But the Academy Awards generally shun foreign films and over-the-top action movies in key categories. And “ RRR” can’t win the international feature film Oscar because India submitted Pan Nalin’s much quieter “Chhello Show” instead. A nomination for best picture at the Oscars remains a long shot. To give their film a final push, Rama Rao Jr. and Charan travelled to Los Angeles to walk the Globes grey carpet, mingle with the likes of Cate Blanchett at parties, and attend packed screenings for potential awards voters, including one at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood that featured a riotous dance party during the “Naatu Naatu” scene. They sat down with The Associated Press for a joint interview to talk about their real-life bond, Rajamouli’s discussions of a sequel, and building bridges between the world’s film industries. Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity. AP: The movie was a big success when it opened in India but it’s been a slow burn in terms of Western audiences catching on through word-of-mouth and watching it on Netflix. How have you experienced that? RAMA RAO JR.: You really don’t get to know what’s actually happening in the audience’s mind when people are watching movies on Netflix. But our breakthrough was when we saw Mr Rajamouli have a screening at the TCL (in September). And the response — he got a standing ovation. I think that was the opening for how we started knowing that the West has taken “RRR” into their hearts. And I wish we both were there. But I think that was our first breakthrough — and social media. CHARAN: It’s so satisfying to see every reaction. Everything we performed for has been appreciated. And the reactions were just priceless. Yeah, it was like a slow burn. But nevertheless, this is like another feather in the hat for us. AP: Ram Charan, you were in production during at least part of that time on your next movie. How were you sort of staying in touch with your “RRR” brothers? CHARAN: The “RRR” journey started in 2018, and this is 2023 now, and we are still in touch. I think we just took a consensual break that we needed time away from each other because we were so into each other. RAMA RAO JR.: We were so into each other. Like in each other. AP: Rajamouli’s talking about a sequel, but you guys are both probably booked up? CHARAN: No. We’d clear the calendar. RAMA RAO JR.: We’ll clear the calendar. But unfortunately, we have no idea about it. We have no clue about “RRR 2” until he spoke about it. So if you interview him, you should actually get the clarity from him so that we know when it’s starting, so that we can keep our calendar free. AP: Was it something that had been discussed when the movie wrapped? CHARAN: No. Nothing. We heard it for the first time when he was talking to you guys. I mean, we’re not kidding about this. We never spoke about it. RAMA RAO JR.: And he never tells us anything. CHARAN: Yeah, everything is a surprise. RAMA RAO JR.: I would say it’s a bad thing. I hate surprises. Maybe Charan likes them. CHARAN: He knows we clear the calendars whenever he calls us. He takes us for granted on that. (Laughs) AP: The political message of the film and the timing of its release, how important is that to you? CHARAN: I personally feel it was more about the brotherhood than the nationalism or the patriotism in the film. It was in the background. Obviously, it’s the era that we have selected, the director has chosen had the sense of nationalism running under the water, like under the carpet. But what you actually see is a full-fledged fictional story. RAMA RAO JR.: Bromance. CHARAN: Bromance derived from two historic characters, legends. But the end of the day, we’re not playing a part of history. It is Mr Rajamouli’s interpretation and his fictional thoughts and writing with his father. RAMA RAO JR.: Rajamouli as such, I really don’t think he makes movies because he wants to send out a message. For him, it’s just storytelling and it’s about making entertainment … To tell this story, he’s picked up a time frame when India was being ruled by the British Empire. Yeah, simple. So other than that, there was no message to it. But yes, it was more about two friends — their egos, their understanding of the world, each other, how they grew together, how they were apart, and how they came together. How they went off, separated, and how they got back together and grew strength individually in their lives. AP: And how much does that sort of “get together, push apart, come back together,” mirror your own real-life relationship between the two of you? RAMA RAO JR.: I think we never acted in the movie. I think we are that. CHARAN: Yeah, but we never had such bad misunderstanding and separation where we were fighting. But yeah, we are very close. The characters we played have been very close. On all the good, good parts of the movie, it’s pretty much what we also share in real life. AP: What are the goals in terms of being in Hollywood? Do you want to star in, say, a Quentin Tarantino movie? CHARAN: Absolutely. I mean, it’s always there. As I said, it was not part of our goal to come to LA, but we landed here. So we are taking it as it goes. And of course, we want to experience the great directors of LA and Hollywood, and I want them to also experience us as actors and share some cultural ideas and stories between the East and the West. I would love to explore it, of course. And (Tarantino) is one of my favourite directors. RAMA RAO JR.: We come from families which have been in the business for a very long time, but for both of us, our entry into films was never planned. It was just very accidental. And accidentally, we are here today, talking about films in L.A. So, yeah, we are actors who I think with “RRR” we have crossed the boundaries of those imaginary lines of Eastern film industry, Western film industry. I think we’ve somewhat erased that. And it’s a big good crossover. There’s so much talent here. There’s so much talent there. I think everybody should come together. “Avatar 2” is doing phenomenal numbers down in India. So did the 'Avengers: Endgame'. So I think it’s high time we all have to collaborate and start making films for global audiences. CHARAN: We are waiting for the day when all the “woods” get burned and there’s one global cinema. AP: Was it weird that the way that most viewers experienced the film was through the Hindi version on Netflix? CHARAN: But fortunately, we dubbed all the languages. It was actually us. RAMA RAO JR.: So Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, whatever — it was our voice. So we were happy about that. But yes, I would say maybe it should have been out in Telugu as well. That’s now, that’s me being, being very, very, very emotional about being a Telugu person. But other than that, “RRR” resembles India and whatever language it is, I’m happy that it’s reached out to the audiences. AP: What have your family members said about this weird journey that you’re on with “RRR”? CHARAN: I think they are happier than us. RAMA RAO JR.: I wish my grandfather was alive to see this happen. Of course, he’s not there anymore. But the family has been very supportive, and excited. Everybody’s excited. Who wouldn’t be?

India's 'RRR' an unlikely underdog in Hollywood awards race

Jennifer Lawrence is taking her words back. The Oscar-winning actor recently faced backlash after claiming that she was the first female action hero in cinema after she starred in 'The Hunger Games.' 
 
During her appearance on Variety's Actors on Actors, the&nbsp;32-year-old actress told Viola Davis, "I remember when I was doing Hunger Games, nobody had ever put a woman in the lead of an action movie, because it wouldn’t work, we were told. Girls and boys can both identify with a male lead, but boys cannot identify with a female lead."

She added, "And it just makes me so happy every single time I see a movie come out that just blows through every one of those beliefs, and proves that it is just a lie to keep certain people out of the movies. To keep certain people in the same positions that they've always been in."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-emancipation-movie-review-self-important-and-ponderous-will-smiths-oscar-bait-is-dead-on-arrival-541578">'Emancipation' movie review: Self-important and ponderous, Will Smith's Oscar bait is dead on arrival</a>

Her comment was quick to draw backlash from movie buffs who were quick to name other female actors who have played the lead role in many high-budget action films. 
 
Clearing the air, Jennifer said in her recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter that people have taken her answer in a different context. 
 
"That’s certainly not what I meant to say at all. I know that I am not the only woman who has ever led an action film. What I meant to emphasize was how good it feels. And I meant that with Viola — to blow past these old myths that you hear about. about the chatter that you would hear around that kind of thing. But it was my blunder and it came out wrong. I had nerves talking to a living legend."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-first-look-out-rani-mukerjis-new-film-to-release-on-this-date-541539">'Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway' first look out! Rani Mukerji's new film to release on this date</a> 
 
Concluding her answer, Jennifer said, "One time I was quoted as saying that Donald Trump was responsible for hurricanes. I felt that one was ridiculous, that it was so stupid I didn’t need to comment. But this one, I was like, "I think I want to clarify." 
 
Jennifer is currently promoting her upcoming film, 'Causeway.'

Jennifer Lawrence is taking her words back. The Oscar-winning actor recently faced backlash after claiming that she was the first female action hero in cinema after she starred in 'The Hunger Games.

Jennifer Lawrence is taking her words back. The Oscar-winning actor recently faced backlash after claiming that she was the first female action hero in cinema after she starred in 'The Hunger Games.' During her appearance on Variety's Actors on Actors, the 32-year-old actress told Viola Davis, "I remember when I was doing Hunger Games, nobody had ever put a woman in the lead of an action movie, because it wouldn’t work, we were told. Girls and boys can both identify with a male lead, but boys cannot identify with a female lead." She added, "And it just makes me so happy every single time I see a movie come out that just blows through every one of those beliefs, and proves that it is just a lie to keep certain people out of the movies. To keep certain people in the same positions that they've always been in." 'Emancipation' movie review: Self-important and ponderous, Will Smith's Oscar bait is dead on arrival Her comment was quick to draw backlash from movie buffs who were quick to name other female actors who have played the lead role in many high-budget action films. Clearing the air, Jennifer said in her recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter that people have taken her answer in a different context. "That’s certainly not what I meant to say at all. I know that I am not the only woman who has ever led an action film. What I meant to emphasize was how good it feels. And I meant that with Viola — to blow past these old myths that you hear about. about the chatter that you would hear around that kind of thing. But it was my blunder and it came out wrong. I had nerves talking to a living legend." 'Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway' first look out! Rani Mukerji's new film to release on this date Concluding her answer, Jennifer said, "One time I was quoted as saying that Donald Trump was responsible for hurricanes. I felt that one was ridiculous, that it was so stupid I didn’t need to comment. But this one, I was like, "I think I want to clarify." Jennifer is currently promoting her upcoming film, 'Causeway.'

Jennifer Lawrence on her female-led action film comment: ‘It came out wrong'

Director Euzhan Palcy made a rocking return as she was honoured with an Oscar for lifetime achievement at the Academy’s Governors awards this year. The first Black woman to direct a film for a major Hollywood studio, Euzhan made her inroads after she was introduced by Viola Davis and was praised by Ava DuVernay.&nbsp;

Euzhan’s breakthrough film was ‘Sugar Cane Alley’, about field workers in colonial Martinique. She became the first Black and first female director to win a Silver Lion at the Venice film festival (in 1983) and the first to win a César award, France’s Oscar.

‘A Dry White Season’ was her second big feature, a drama set in South Africa during apartheid, showing the radicalisation of a suburban white father after he starts to seek justice for his Black gardener and his son. It was the first film directed by a Black woman funded by a major Hollywood studio, and when he got out of prison Nelson Mandela asked to meet with her.

Accepting the award, she said, “Black and female is bankable. I was so tired of being told I was a pioneer. I was so tired of hearing praise for being the first of too many firsts.”

The 13th annual Governors awards took place last weekend and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences took this opportunity to honour someone who had contributed a lot to the entertainment industry.

This year’s lifetime award winners included songwriter Diane Warren, who had been an Academy Award nominee for best original song 13 times since 1987 for songs such as ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’, and ‘I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing’, but never took home the Oscar, and Australian director Peter Weir, who directed ‘Witness’, ‘Dead Poets Society’, ‘The Truman Show’ and ‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, ‘Back to the Future’ star Michael J Fox received a humanitarian award for his decades of advocacy and fundraising for research into Parkinson’s disease.

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Director Euzhan Palcy made a rocking return as she was honoured with an Oscar for lifetime achievement at the Academy’s Governors awards this year. The first Black woman to direct a film for a major Hollywood studio, Euzhan made her inroads after she was introduced by Viola Davis and was praised by Ava DuVernay.

Director Euzhan Palcy made a rocking return as she was honoured with an Oscar for lifetime achievement at the Academy’s Governors awards this year. The first Black woman to direct a film for a major Hollywood studio, Euzhan made her inroads after she was introduced by Viola Davis and was praised by Ava DuVernay. Euzhan’s breakthrough film was ‘Sugar Cane Alley’, about field workers in colonial Martinique. She became the first Black and first female director to win a Silver Lion at the Venice film festival (in 1983) and the first to win a César award, France’s Oscar. ‘A Dry White Season’ was her second big feature, a drama set in South Africa during apartheid, showing the radicalisation of a suburban white father after he starts to seek justice for his Black gardener and his son. It was the first film directed by a Black woman funded by a major Hollywood studio, and when he got out of prison Nelson Mandela asked to meet with her. Accepting the award, she said, “Black and female is bankable. I was so tired of being told I was a pioneer. I was so tired of hearing praise for being the first of too many firsts.” The 13th annual Governors awards took place last weekend and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences took this opportunity to honour someone who had contributed a lot to the entertainment industry. This year’s lifetime award winners included songwriter Diane Warren, who had been an Academy Award nominee for best original song 13 times since 1987 for songs such as ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’, and ‘I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing’, but never took home the Oscar, and Australian director Peter Weir, who directed ‘Witness’, ‘Dead Poets Society’, ‘The Truman Show’ and ‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’. Meanwhile, ‘Back to the Future’ star Michael J Fox received a humanitarian award for his decades of advocacy and fundraising for research into Parkinson’s disease.

Director Euzhan Palcy gets Oscar for lifetime achievement: Black and female is bankable now

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

`Don`t Worry Darling` star Harry Styles was soft-spoken while accepting an award for one of his first major movie roles at this year`s Toronto International Film Festival. 
 
According to Variety, Styles, a man of relatively few words, and the cast of `My Policeman` received the ensemble award at the festival`s Tribute Awards on Sunday night."Thank you so much to everyone here, on behalf of all of us, for this wonderful, wonderful award," said Styles, who stars in the romantic drama as a closeted police officer. "We all loved working on this film so much. And we hope you enjoy it."Styles then hastily exited the Fairmont Royal York, where the annual gala is held while carrying the train of his co-star Emma Corin`s long, black dress. 
 
However, there were enough other A-listers to make the three-hour party lively. Even though the festival is still going on, Toronto conducted its fourth annual tribute awards, honouring stars including Michelle Yeoh, Sam Mendes, Brendan Fraser, and Oscar-winning composer Hildur Gunadottir of `Joker,` `Women Talking,` and `Tar.`Buffy Sainte-Marie, an Oscar-winning composer who received another award that evening, remarked about the need of casting Indigenous people in Indigenous roles. 
 
Sainte-Marie declared, "It`s more significant than just fooling white people." "These individuals will see your movies with their complete civilizations present. Could "The Sopranos" have been cast without Italians? "Fraser then reconnected with Yeoh, his co-star from `The Mummy 3,` while Colman and Mendes presided over a table near the front of the room as fans approached them to express their admiration for their work. 
 
Fraser started the awards season on an emotional note, breaking down in tears during the Venice world premiere of `The Whale,` which was followed by Sunday night`s gala. His portrayal of a 600-pound gay guy in a wheelchair is anticipated to propel him to the front of the race for this year`s best actor Oscar. His performance was equally embraced at TIFF (though the standing ovation was slightly shorter). 
 
At Sunday`s ceremony, Fraser again appeared to be visually emotional as Aronofsky introduced him by saying, "We need more people like Brendan Fraser, the man and the actor."For Fraser, 'The Whale'&nbsp;marks a career resurgence as his first major film role in years. He thanked the fans ("It`s the audience that gives cinema life," he says) for "keeping me in the job that I love." 
 
"Art is about taking a risk, and you should know that [Aronofsky and screenwriter Samuel D. Hunter] took a chance on me, and I will be forever grateful to them," he said. "The Whale'&nbsp;is a redemption story." With his trophy in hand, Fraser remarked, "This is new for me. Normally, I`m the guy at the podium who hands these things out." 
 
'My Policeman'&nbsp;is set in the 1950s and sees Harry star as policeman Tom, who falls in love with a schoolteacher in Brighton. However, he soon begins a same-sex romance with a museum curator despite homosexuality being illegal at the time.

`Don`t Worry Darling` star Harry Styles was soft-spoken while accepting an award for one of his first major movie roles at this year`s Toronto International Film Festival.

`Don`t Worry Darling` star Harry Styles was soft-spoken while accepting an award for one of his first major movie roles at this year`s Toronto International Film Festival. According to Variety, Styles, a man of relatively few words, and the cast of `My Policeman` received the ensemble award at the festival`s Tribute Awards on Sunday night."Thank you so much to everyone here, on behalf of all of us, for this wonderful, wonderful award," said Styles, who stars in the romantic drama as a closeted police officer. "We all loved working on this film so much. And we hope you enjoy it."Styles then hastily exited the Fairmont Royal York, where the annual gala is held while carrying the train of his co-star Emma Corin`s long, black dress. However, there were enough other A-listers to make the three-hour party lively. Even though the festival is still going on, Toronto conducted its fourth annual tribute awards, honouring stars including Michelle Yeoh, Sam Mendes, Brendan Fraser, and Oscar-winning composer Hildur Gunadottir of `Joker,` `Women Talking,` and `Tar.`Buffy Sainte-Marie, an Oscar-winning composer who received another award that evening, remarked about the need of casting Indigenous people in Indigenous roles. Sainte-Marie declared, "It`s more significant than just fooling white people." "These individuals will see your movies with their complete civilizations present. Could "The Sopranos" have been cast without Italians? "Fraser then reconnected with Yeoh, his co-star from `The Mummy 3,` while Colman and Mendes presided over a table near the front of the room as fans approached them to express their admiration for their work. Fraser started the awards season on an emotional note, breaking down in tears during the Venice world premiere of `The Whale,` which was followed by Sunday night`s gala. His portrayal of a 600-pound gay guy in a wheelchair is anticipated to propel him to the front of the race for this year`s best actor Oscar. His performance was equally embraced at TIFF (though the standing ovation was slightly shorter). At Sunday`s ceremony, Fraser again appeared to be visually emotional as Aronofsky introduced him by saying, "We need more people like Brendan Fraser, the man and the actor."For Fraser, 'The Whale' marks a career resurgence as his first major film role in years. He thanked the fans ("It`s the audience that gives cinema life," he says) for "keeping me in the job that I love." "Art is about taking a risk, and you should know that [Aronofsky and screenwriter Samuel D. Hunter] took a chance on me, and I will be forever grateful to them," he said. "The Whale' is a redemption story." With his trophy in hand, Fraser remarked, "This is new for me. Normally, I`m the guy at the podium who hands these things out." 'My Policeman' is set in the 1950s and sees Harry star as policeman Tom, who falls in love with a schoolteacher in Brighton. However, he soon begins a same-sex romance with a museum curator despite homosexuality being illegal at the time.

Harry Styles accepts his first acting award of Oscar season

Jr NTR is counted among the finest actors of Indian cinema. His stint in 'RRR' hasn't just got recognition and love in India but across the world. And, the latest buzz about the star is that he has been listed in Variety magazine's Oscars Best Actors 2023 prediction list, which also includes Chris Evans and Adnan Sandler.

As per the latest reports, the Indian actor has been listed among the 'Unranked' possible contenders for the most coveted award. Other names on the list are Mark Rylance, Mehdi Bajestani, and Nicholas Hoult among others.

The first five 'Predicted Nominees' on the list are Hugh Jackman for 'The Son', Brendan Fraser for 'The Whale', Bill Nighy for 'Living', Daniel Cacho for 'Bardo' and Austin Butler for 'Elvis'.

Ahead of the fall festival circuit which is just in a few weeks, critics have already predicted that stars like Austin Butler from 'Elvis', Bill Nighy from 'Living' and Tom Cruise from 'Top Gun: Maverick' will be in the discussion.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-deaf-actor-troy-kotsur-gets-his-stolen-oscar-trophy-and-jeep-back-thanks-police-507037" hreflang="en">Deaf actor Troy Kotsur gets his stolen Oscar trophy and jeep back; thanks police</a>

It's no secret that the Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, is Hollywood’s most prestigious artistic award ceremony in the film industry.&nbsp;This year's Oscars will air live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 12, 2023. Last year, the delayed Oscars was scheduled for March 27, 2022.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Jr NTR is counted among the finest actors of Indian cinema. His stint in 'RRR' hasn't just got recognition and love in India but across the world. And, the latest buzz about the star is that he has been listed in Variety magazine's Oscars Best Actors 2023 prediction list, which also includes Chris Evans and Adnan Sandler.

Jr NTR is counted among the finest actors of Indian cinema. His stint in 'RRR' hasn't just got recognition and love in India but across the world. And, the latest buzz about the star is that he has been listed in Variety magazine's Oscars Best Actors 2023 prediction list, which also includes Chris Evans and Adnan Sandler. As per the latest reports, the Indian actor has been listed among the 'Unranked' possible contenders for the most coveted award. Other names on the list are Mark Rylance, Mehdi Bajestani, and Nicholas Hoult among others. The first five 'Predicted Nominees' on the list are Hugh Jackman for 'The Son', Brendan Fraser for 'The Whale', Bill Nighy for 'Living', Daniel Cacho for 'Bardo' and Austin Butler for 'Elvis'. Ahead of the fall festival circuit which is just in a few weeks, critics have already predicted that stars like Austin Butler from 'Elvis', Bill Nighy from 'Living' and Tom Cruise from 'Top Gun: Maverick' will be in the discussion. Also read: Deaf actor Troy Kotsur gets his stolen Oscar trophy and jeep back; thanks police It's no secret that the Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, is Hollywood’s most prestigious artistic award ceremony in the film industry. This year's Oscars will air live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 12, 2023. Last year, the delayed Oscars was scheduled for March 27, 2022.

Jr NTR makes it to the Oscars' Best Actors 2023 prediction list along with Chris Evans, Adam Sandler

Veteran star Tom Hanks won his first Oscar for best actor for essaying the role of a gay man with HIV in Jonathan Demme’s 1993 legal drama ‘Philadelphia’. 30 years apart, the actor now feels no&nbsp;straight actor would no longer be able to play the openly gay character today. In an interview with The New York Times, Hanks opened up about straight performers playing LGBTQ characters, Variety reported.

He said, "Let’s address ‘could a straight man do what I did in ‘Philadelphia’ now?’ No, and rightly so. The whole point of ‘Philadelphia’ was don’t be afraid. One of the reasons people weren’t afraid of that movie is that I was playing a gay man. We’re beyond that now, and I don’t think people would accept the inauthenticity of a straight guy playing a gay guy."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/amber-heard-says-she-still-loves-johnny-depp-have-no-bad-feelings-towards-him-at-all-488561">Amber Heard says she still loves Johnny Depp: Have no bad feelings towards him at all</a>

"It's not a crime, it's not boohoo, that someone would say we are going to demand more of a movie in the modern realm of authenticity. Do I sound like I’m preaching? I don’t mean to," he added.&nbsp;

Hanks won the Oscar and a Golden Globe for his performance in ‘Philadelphia’, for his portrayal of Andrew Beckett, who is a gay attorney diagnosed with AIDS and also faces discrimination at work. The next year, Hanks took his second Oscar award for playing the role of a disabled man in the 1994 classic ‘Forrest Gump.’

Hanks will next be seen in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’, in which he plays the role of Elvis Presley's manager&nbsp;Colonel Tom Parker. ‘Elvis’ will be out in theatres on June 24.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)

Veteran star Tom Hanks won his first Oscar for best actor for essaying the role of a gay man with HIV in Jonathan Demme’s 1993 legal drama ‘Philadelphia’. 30 years apart, the actor now feels no straight actor would no longer be able to play the openly gay character today.

Veteran star Tom Hanks won his first Oscar for best actor for essaying the role of a gay man with HIV in Jonathan Demme’s 1993 legal drama ‘Philadelphia’. 30 years apart, the actor now feels no straight actor would no longer be able to play the openly gay character today. In an interview with The New York Times, Hanks opened up about straight performers playing LGBTQ characters, Variety reported. He said, "Let’s address ‘could a straight man do what I did in ‘Philadelphia’ now?’ No, and rightly so. The whole point of ‘Philadelphia’ was don’t be afraid. One of the reasons people weren’t afraid of that movie is that I was playing a gay man. We’re beyond that now, and I don’t think people would accept the inauthenticity of a straight guy playing a gay guy." Also Read: Amber Heard says she still loves Johnny Depp: Have no bad feelings towards him at all "It's not a crime, it's not boohoo, that someone would say we are going to demand more of a movie in the modern realm of authenticity. Do I sound like I’m preaching? I don’t mean to," he added. Hanks won the Oscar and a Golden Globe for his performance in ‘Philadelphia’, for his portrayal of Andrew Beckett, who is a gay attorney diagnosed with AIDS and also faces discrimination at work. The next year, Hanks took his second Oscar award for playing the role of a disabled man in the 1994 classic ‘Forrest Gump.’ Hanks will next be seen in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’, in which he plays the role of Elvis Presley's manager Colonel Tom Parker. ‘Elvis’ will be out in theatres on June 24. (With agency inputs)

Tom Hanks says no straight actor would do a gay ‘Philadelphia’ role in modern times

Carter Pilcher, a veteran member of the Academy Awards &amp; BAFTA voting committees had recently visited India to attend the prestigious Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF). At the festival, Pilcher, who is known for his love of movies and also keeps a deep knowledge of short films and documentaries, gave a masterclass to all the moviegoers and filmmakers about how they can make an Oscar-worthy movie.&nbsp; 
 
India, one of the biggest producers of cinema worldwide is known to create films of various genres which are loved by the audience worldwide. Yet, when it comes to Oscars, Cannes and BAFTA, Indian films barely find a mention. So what is it that lacks in Indian cinema that doesn't make the cut?&nbsp; 
 
During an exclusive interview with WION, Carter shared his MIFF experience and tips for enthusiastic Indian filmmakers with OSCAR dreams and what they can do to make their movies recognised on the international platforms.&nbsp; 
 
Here are excerpts of the interview 
 
1. How was your MIFF experience? 
 
MIFF is a unique festival in Asia – it is one of the oldest and most extensive documentary festivals and also includes a very strong international and national short film program. &nbsp;There were many filmmakers here from across India and the world, and I particularly relished hearing about and seeing their films. 
 
2. At the film festival, you presented a master class on 'What does it take to qualify a film for the Academy Awards.' Tell us more about it.&nbsp; 
 
I was pleased to present a master class on “What it takes to qualify a film for the Academy Awards”, which is something -after 17 years of releasing each year’s Oscar-Nominated Short Film in theatres globally a few weeks before the Oscars- one becomes intimately familiar with! &nbsp;Short films are exceptionally relevant. &nbsp;The best directors and some of the best stories start in shorts. 
 
3. &nbsp;Any message for Indian filmmakers with OSCAR dreams? 
 
I think there are two key messages – one for filmmakers is to make sure that (especially in a short film) you make the best, most passionate story you can. &nbsp;The second was that it has been difficult for an Indian film to qualify since there are only two accredited festivals in India, but the Academy wants to see more of India’s greatest short films and we’re working closely with MIFF and other festivals to ensure more films get a chance to compete. 
 
4. What future does Indian cinema hold in the eyes international audience?&nbsp; 
 
This is an exciting time for Indian filmmaking, it is no longer dominated by the traditional Bollywood model, but real stories that transcend cultural borders are emerging. This is an amazing step forward. Over the next five years, these changes in the film culture should start producing some amazing new films. The world is waiting….! 
 
5. Any Indian movie you watched recently and loved? 
 
‘83’ – starring Ranveer Singh, which is about the 1983 World Cup Cricket Victory. &nbsp;It’s such fun, man overcomes all odds and it’s true. &nbsp;Plus, I enjoy Ranveer Singh and I think he brings real life to all his characters.&nbsp;

Carter Pilcher, a veteran member of the Academy Awards & BAFTA voting committees had recently visited India to attend the prestigious Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF).

Carter Pilcher, a veteran member of the Academy Awards & BAFTA voting committees had recently visited India to attend the prestigious Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF). At the festival, Pilcher, who is known for his love of movies and also keeps a deep knowledge of short films and documentaries, gave a masterclass to all the moviegoers and filmmakers about how they can make an Oscar-worthy movie. India, one of the biggest producers of cinema worldwide is known to create films of various genres which are loved by the audience worldwide. Yet, when it comes to Oscars, Cannes and BAFTA, Indian films barely find a mention. So what is it that lacks in Indian cinema that doesn't make the cut? During an exclusive interview with WION, Carter shared his MIFF experience and tips for enthusiastic Indian filmmakers with OSCAR dreams and what they can do to make their movies recognised on the international platforms. Here are excerpts of the interview 1. How was your MIFF experience? MIFF is a unique festival in Asia – it is one of the oldest and most extensive documentary festivals and also includes a very strong international and national short film program. There were many filmmakers here from across India and the world, and I particularly relished hearing about and seeing their films. 2. At the film festival, you presented a master class on 'What does it take to qualify a film for the Academy Awards.' Tell us more about it. I was pleased to present a master class on “What it takes to qualify a film for the Academy Awards”, which is something -after 17 years of releasing each year’s Oscar-Nominated Short Film in theatres globally a few weeks before the Oscars- one becomes intimately familiar with! Short films are exceptionally relevant. The best directors and some of the best stories start in shorts. 3. Any message for Indian filmmakers with OSCAR dreams? I think there are two key messages – one for filmmakers is to make sure that (especially in a short film) you make the best, most passionate story you can. The second was that it has been difficult for an Indian film to qualify since there are only two accredited festivals in India, but the Academy wants to see more of India’s greatest short films and we’re working closely with MIFF and other festivals to ensure more films get a chance to compete. 4. What future does Indian cinema hold in the eyes international audience? This is an exciting time for Indian filmmaking, it is no longer dominated by the traditional Bollywood model, but real stories that transcend cultural borders are emerging. This is an amazing step forward. Over the next five years, these changes in the film culture should start producing some amazing new films. The world is waiting….! 5. Any Indian movie you watched recently and loved? ‘83’ – starring Ranveer Singh, which is about the 1983 World Cup Cricket Victory. It’s such fun, man overcomes all odds and it’s true. Plus, I enjoy Ranveer Singh and I think he brings real life to all his characters.

Exclusive | Academy voter Carter Pilcher loves Ranveer Singh's acting, shares his Oscar mantra

Vangelis, the Greek composer whose rousing electronic theme music for the Oscar-winning 1981 film 'Chariots of Fire' became one of the most loved movie scores, has died at the age of 79.

The law firm representing the composer said he died late on Tuesday, without giving a cause of death.

In a post on Twitter, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Vangelis "a pioneer of the electronic sound."

"He began his long journey on the Chariots of Fire. From there he will always send us his notes," Mitsotakis wrote. 
'Ad astra, Vangelis' - Latin for 'to the stars' - tweeted NASA, saying Vangelis contributed scores to its explorations to Jupiter.

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Born Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou in 1943, the young Vangelis developed an early interest in music and experiments with sounds produced by banging pots and pans or fixing nails, glasses and other objects to the strings of his parents` piano.

He absorbed the tones of Greek folk songs and Orthodox Christian choral music, but he had no formal musical training, which he later said had helped save his sense of creativity.

After a start with local rock bands, Vangelis left for Paris at the age of 25, joining an exodus of young artists following a 1967 coup that installed a military junta in Greece.

Away from home, he was attracted by the then-new field of electronic synthesizers that allowed him to create the lush melodic colours that became his trademark sound.

Despite enjoying success in the European 'prog rock'&nbsp;scene of the early 1970s with Aphrodite`s Child, a band he formed with fellow Greek musician Demis Roussos, Vangelis was uncomfortable with the expectations of a commercial performing artist and largely retreated to the recording studio he created for himself in London.

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It was there that he wrote the score for 'Chariots of Fire', the story of the triumph of a group of British runners at the 1924 Olympic Games.

Unashamedly non-contemporary, its pulsating synthesizer beats and soaring melody made the slow-motion opening sequence of a group of athletes running along a beach a model for the way the cinema portrayed sport.

Vangelis once said the score, which earned him an Academy Award and topped the charts for weeks, was in part a tribute to his father, who had been a keen amateur runner. But he was also slightly dismissive of the enormous popularity it enjoyed.

"It`s only another piece of music," he told an interviewer.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dr-taylor-swift-singer-receives-honorary-doctorate-from-nyu-480312">Dr Taylor Swift! Singer receives honorary doctorate from NYU</a>

The success of 'Chariots of Fire' overshadowed his other scores, but he wrote the music for a number of major films including 'Missing', directed by his compatriot Costa-Gavras, and Ridley Scott`s futuristic thriller 'Blade Runner'.

He was a prolific composer over many decades, his work ranging from advertising music and film scores to elaborate symphonic-style compositions and 'Jon and Vangelis', his duo with Jon Anderson, lead singer of the prog rock group Yes.

But he remained wary of commercial success, once telling an interviewer he never saw music as just entertainment.

Vangelis, the Greek composer whose rousing electronic theme music for the Oscar-winning 1981 film 'Chariots of Fire' became one of the most loved movie scores, has died at the age of 79.

Vangelis, the Greek composer whose rousing electronic theme music for the Oscar-winning 1981 film 'Chariots of Fire' became one of the most loved movie scores, has died at the age of 79. The law firm representing the composer said he died late on Tuesday, without giving a cause of death. In a post on Twitter, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Vangelis "a pioneer of the electronic sound." "He began his long journey on the Chariots of Fire. From there he will always send us his notes," Mitsotakis wrote. 'Ad astra, Vangelis' - Latin for 'to the stars' - tweeted NASA, saying Vangelis contributed scores to its explorations to Jupiter. Also Read: Rapper Lil Nas X to receive honour at 2022 Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony Born Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou in 1943, the young Vangelis developed an early interest in music and experiments with sounds produced by banging pots and pans or fixing nails, glasses and other objects to the strings of his parents` piano. He absorbed the tones of Greek folk songs and Orthodox Christian choral music, but he had no formal musical training, which he later said had helped save his sense of creativity. After a start with local rock bands, Vangelis left for Paris at the age of 25, joining an exodus of young artists following a 1967 coup that installed a military junta in Greece. Away from home, he was attracted by the then-new field of electronic synthesizers that allowed him to create the lush melodic colours that became his trademark sound. Despite enjoying success in the European 'prog rock' scene of the early 1970s with Aphrodite`s Child, a band he formed with fellow Greek musician Demis Roussos, Vangelis was uncomfortable with the expectations of a commercial performing artist and largely retreated to the recording studio he created for himself in London. Also Read: Sylvester Stallone starrer series 'Tulsa King' to premiere in November It was there that he wrote the score for 'Chariots of Fire', the story of the triumph of a group of British runners at the 1924 Olympic Games. Unashamedly non-contemporary, its pulsating synthesizer beats and soaring melody made the slow-motion opening sequence of a group of athletes running along a beach a model for the way the cinema portrayed sport. Vangelis once said the score, which earned him an Academy Award and topped the charts for weeks, was in part a tribute to his father, who had been a keen amateur runner. But he was also slightly dismissive of the enormous popularity it enjoyed. "It`s only another piece of music," he told an interviewer. Also Read: Dr Taylor Swift! Singer receives honorary doctorate from NYU The success of 'Chariots of Fire' overshadowed his other scores, but he wrote the music for a number of major films including 'Missing', directed by his compatriot Costa-Gavras, and Ridley Scott`s futuristic thriller 'Blade Runner'. He was a prolific composer over many decades, his work ranging from advertising music and film scores to elaborate symphonic-style compositions and 'Jon and Vangelis', his duo with Jon Anderson, lead singer of the prog rock group Yes. But he remained wary of commercial success, once telling an interviewer he never saw music as just entertainment.

'Chariots of Fire' fame Greek composer Vangelis, dies at 79

'Flee', an Oscar-Nominated animated docudrama film is now available on Zee’s OTT platform ZEE5.

'Flee'&nbsp;is based on the true story of Amin Nawabi, an academic refugee in Denmark. Recounted mostly through animation, Amin opens up about his distressing past as a child refugee from Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-hunger-games-prequel-the-ballad-of-songbirds-and-snakes-gets-a-release-date-474830" hreflang="en">The Hunger Games prequel 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' gets a release date</a> 
 
It is a powerful yet heart-wrenching view of the plight of migrants during wartime. The Afghan refugee docudrama is a cinematic memoir that gives voice to the perils faced by migrants across the world. Popular British-Pakistani actor and rapper, Riz Ahmed has lent his voice in the English version of this 90 min animated documentary.&nbsp;

Directed by Danish filmmaker Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Flee&nbsp;created history by bagging 3 nominations at the 94th Academy Awards in the Best Documentary Feature, Best Animated Feature Film, and the Best International Feature Film categories. 
 
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ABnJGFlS1NU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> 
 
The docudrama has also bagged awards at the prestigious Annie Awards, British Independent Film Awards, Gold Derby Awards, and Sundance Film Festival, to name a few.

Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Director of ‘Flee'&nbsp;said, “Flee is a universal story. It is, of course, about the physical fight going from Afghanistan to Denmark, but it’s even more so about a person looking for a place in the world where he can be who he is, with everything that that entails. Being a refugee is not an identity, it is something that happens to a person but does not define them. Flee&nbsp;is ultimately about the true meaning of home, something everyone can relate to. Now through our partnership and being available on ZEE5 it will be able to reach a larger set of audiences.”

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India said, “At ZEE5, we are building a platform that empowers storytellers to tell stories which matter and Flee s one such global yet relatable story which must be told, and which must reach a wider audience. After making its mark at the 94th Academy Awards by bagging 3 nominations, FLEE will be available for Indian audience on ZEE5 and we are sure that this moving story will leave its mark on the viewers”.

Shailja Kejriwal, Chief Creative Officer, Special Projects, ZEEL, said, “I am driven by the most untold and freshest stories with perspectives we haven’t seen before. Flee&nbsp;is one such film. The film gives voice to the millions who suffer because of political chaos. The central character unveils the feeling of otherness, void, and trauma that migrants go through. I feel it is a creatively bold and gripping story about humankind. As a part of Zee Special Projects, we are delighted to share this story across a larger audience.’

'Flee', an Oscar-Nominated animated docudrama film is now available on Zee’s OTT platform ZEE5. 'Flee' is based on the true story of Amin Nawabi, an academic refugee in Denmark.

'Flee', an Oscar-Nominated animated docudrama film is now available on Zee’s OTT platform ZEE5. 'Flee' is based on the true story of Amin Nawabi, an academic refugee in Denmark. Recounted mostly through animation, Amin opens up about his distressing past as a child refugee from Afghanistan. The Hunger Games prequel 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' gets a release date It is a powerful yet heart-wrenching view of the plight of migrants during wartime. The Afghan refugee docudrama is a cinematic memoir that gives voice to the perils faced by migrants across the world. Popular British-Pakistani actor and rapper, Riz Ahmed has lent his voice in the English version of this 90 min animated documentary. Directed by Danish filmmaker Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Flee created history by bagging 3 nominations at the 94th Academy Awards in the Best Documentary Feature, Best Animated Feature Film, and the Best International Feature Film categories. The docudrama has also bagged awards at the prestigious Annie Awards, British Independent Film Awards, Gold Derby Awards, and Sundance Film Festival, to name a few. Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Director of ‘Flee' said, “Flee is a universal story. It is, of course, about the physical fight going from Afghanistan to Denmark, but it’s even more so about a person looking for a place in the world where he can be who he is, with everything that that entails. Being a refugee is not an identity, it is something that happens to a person but does not define them. Flee is ultimately about the true meaning of home, something everyone can relate to. Now through our partnership and being available on ZEE5 it will be able to reach a larger set of audiences.” Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India said, “At ZEE5, we are building a platform that empowers storytellers to tell stories which matter and Flee s one such global yet relatable story which must be told, and which must reach a wider audience. After making its mark at the 94th Academy Awards by bagging 3 nominations, FLEE will be available for Indian audience on ZEE5 and we are sure that this moving story will leave its mark on the viewers”. Shailja Kejriwal, Chief Creative Officer, Special Projects, ZEEL, said, “I am driven by the most untold and freshest stories with perspectives we haven’t seen before. Flee is one such film. The film gives voice to the millions who suffer because of political chaos. The central character unveils the feeling of otherness, void, and trauma that migrants go through. I feel it is a creatively bold and gripping story about humankind. As a part of Zee Special Projects, we are delighted to share this story across a larger audience.’

Oscar nominated docudrama ‘Flee’ available on Zee5

After Will Smith smacked Chris Rock on stage at Oscar Awards event, the academy has banned Will Smith. However, there's no clarity if Will Smith can be nominated for the Oscars until the ban is over.

Academy bans Will Smith: No clarity if Will Smith can be nominated for the Oscars

DNEG, bags Best Visual Effects Oscar at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony for their on-screen wizardry on Dune. The honour marks DNEG’s seventh Oscar for Best Visual Effects overall. WION speaks to Namit Malhotra, CEO of DNEG for more perspective.

Exclusive: 'Dune' wins Oscar for best visual effect; Namit Malhotra, CEO of DNEG speaks to WION

A slap stole the spotlight at this year's Oscars. Actor Will Smith hit Comedian Chris Rock after the latter joked about Smith's wife. Was the assault called for? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: Oscars: Will Smith slaps comedian Chris Rock

Oscars 2022: Benedict Cumberbatch, Jason Momoa & other celebrities show support for Ukraine

The Oscars are touted as Hollywood’s biggest night, and the annual gala generates ample buzz to keep film enthusiasts awake till the final night. The final countdown for the 94th Academy awards has begun and we have interesting trivia for you.&nbsp; 
 
Since 1927, the Academy Awards has given the prestigious golden trophy to actors, actresses, directors and has generated some remarkable moments that can never be forgotten. But aside from watching the show and your favourite celebrity walking the red carpet, how else can you celebrate Hollywood's biggest night of the year? By indulging in some interesting trivia with anyone who's an Oscar fan like you!

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2022-five-things-to-watch-at-sundays-awards-ceremony-465505" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022: Five things to watch at this year's awards ceremony</a> 
 
Did you know in 94 years of the awards' history, only one man named Oscar has won the trophy? Ironically Oscar Hammerstein II is the only person named Oscar to ever win the Academy.&nbsp;He has been nominated twice for the award, and both the times he took the trophy home.&nbsp; 
 
Hammerstein first won in 1942 with composer Jerome Kern for the song 'The Last Time I Saw Paris' and snagged a second win not long after the first win,&nbsp;in 1946 for 'It Might As Well Be Spring'&nbsp;for the film 'State Fair'&nbsp;with his longtime collaborator Richard Rodgers, with whom Hammerstein delivered a string of Broadway musical mega-hits. 
 
He is best known for his collaborations with composer Richard Rodgers, as the duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, whose musicals include 'Oklahoma!', 'Carousel', 'South Pacific', 'The King and I', and 'The Sound of Music'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-oscars-five-memorable-moments-of-all-time-465396" hreflang="en">The Oscars: Political, controversial &amp; quirky moments from past years</a> 
 
In his career spanning 40 years, he has co-written over 850 songs, has helped bring the American musical to new maturity by popularizing musicals that focused on stories and character rather than the lighthearted entertainment that the musical had been known for beforehand. 
 
Interestingly,&nbsp;several other Oscars have picked up Oscar nominations over the years but haven't gotten lucky as Hammer, according to the&nbsp;official Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences database. Sound director Oscar Lagerstrom,&nbsp;Oscar Homolka,&nbsp;Oscar Millard,&nbsp;Oscar Brodney are some of the Oscars who have bagged nominations&nbsp;in the past.&nbsp;

The Oscars are touted as Hollywood’s biggest night, and the annual gala generates ample buzz to keep film enthusiasts awake till the final night. The final countdown for the 94th Academy awards has begun and we have interesting trivia for you.

The Oscars are touted as Hollywood’s biggest night, and the annual gala generates ample buzz to keep film enthusiasts awake till the final night. The final countdown for the 94th Academy awards has begun and we have interesting trivia for you. Since 1927, the Academy Awards has given the prestigious golden trophy to actors, actresses, directors and has generated some remarkable moments that can never be forgotten. But aside from watching the show and your favourite celebrity walking the red carpet, how else can you celebrate Hollywood's biggest night of the year? By indulging in some interesting trivia with anyone who's an Oscar fan like you! Oscars 2022: Five things to watch at this year's awards ceremony Did you know in 94 years of the awards' history, only one man named Oscar has won the trophy? Ironically Oscar Hammerstein II is the only person named Oscar to ever win the Academy. He has been nominated twice for the award, and both the times he took the trophy home. Hammerstein first won in 1942 with composer Jerome Kern for the song 'The Last Time I Saw Paris' and snagged a second win not long after the first win, in 1946 for 'It Might As Well Be Spring' for the film 'State Fair' with his longtime collaborator Richard Rodgers, with whom Hammerstein delivered a string of Broadway musical mega-hits. He is best known for his collaborations with composer Richard Rodgers, as the duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, whose musicals include 'Oklahoma!', 'Carousel', 'South Pacific', 'The King and I', and 'The Sound of Music'. The Oscars: Political, controversial & quirky moments from past years In his career spanning 40 years, he has co-written over 850 songs, has helped bring the American musical to new maturity by popularizing musicals that focused on stories and character rather than the lighthearted entertainment that the musical had been known for beforehand. Interestingly, several other Oscars have picked up Oscar nominations over the years but haven't gotten lucky as Hammer, according to the official Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences database. Sound director Oscar Lagerstrom, Oscar Homolka, Oscar Millard, Oscar Brodney are some of the Oscars who have bagged nominations in the past.

Did you know there's only one person named 'Oscar' who has won an Oscar?

Beyonce kicked off Oscar's 2022 night! 
 
The 40-year-old musician started the star-studded night&nbsp;with an energetic performance that was a tribute to the biopic 'King Richard', one of the night's biggest nominees.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2022-ariana-debose-wins-best-supporting-actress-for-west-side-story-466134" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022: Ariana DeBose wins best supporting actress for 'West Side Story'</a>

She performed 'Be Alive,' her Oscar-nominated track, &nbsp;from Venus and Serena Williams' hometown tennis courts in Compton, California, that is miles away from Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre, where the ceremony is going on.&nbsp;

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the biggest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beyonce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#beyonce</a> <a href="https://t.co/kgoOvGQBdu">pic.twitter.com/kgoOvGQBdu</a>
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"Couldn't wipe this Black off if I tried (Black off if I tried)," Beyoncé sings in the chorus. "That’s why I lift my hеad with pride / Now we're sitting on top of thе world again, huh."&nbsp; 
 
Clad in a tennis-ball green and yellow ensemble, like always she was just looking stunning.

<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> 
 
For the unversed, this is Beyoncé's first Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. The other nominees are Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'Dos Oruguitas' from 
Encanto; Van Morrison's 'Down to Joy' from Belfast; Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell from 'No Time to Die'; and Diane Warren's 'Somehow You Do' from Four Good Days.&nbsp;

Beyonce kicked off Oscar's 2022 night! The 40-year-old musician started the star-studded night with an energetic performance that was a tribute to the biopic 'King Richard', one of the night's biggest nominees.

Beyonce kicked off Oscar's 2022 night! The 40-year-old musician started the star-studded night with an energetic performance that was a tribute to the biopic 'King Richard', one of the night's biggest nominees. Oscars 2022: Ariana DeBose wins best supporting actress for 'West Side Story' She performed 'Be Alive,' her Oscar-nominated track, from Venus and Serena Williams' hometown tennis courts in Compton, California, that is miles away from Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre, where the ceremony is going on. the biggest #Oscar #beyonce pic.twitter.com/kgoOvGQBdu — victor com c (@vitulucena) March 28, 2022 × "Couldn't wipe this Black off if I tried (Black off if I tried)," Beyoncé sings in the chorus. "That’s why I lift my hеad with pride / Now we're sitting on top of thе world again, huh." Clad in a tennis-ball green and yellow ensemble, like always she was just looking stunning. From Zendaya to Billie Eilish: Celebs make a fashionable appearance at Oscars 2022 red carpet For the unversed, this is Beyoncé's first Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. The other nominees are Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'Dos Oruguitas' from Encanto; Van Morrison's 'Down to Joy' from Belfast; Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell from 'No Time to Die'; and Diane Warren's 'Somehow You Do' from Four Good Days.

Beyonce kicks off Oscars with a powerful performance from Venus & Serena Williams' hometown court

Oscars 2022: From 'CODA' to Will Smith: Meet the big winners of the night

We are just hours away from Hollywood's biggest night and like every year this year also one thing is confirmed, i.e Oscars gift bag, that nominees will walk home with. 
 
Whether they win top awards at The Academy Awards scheduled for March 27&nbsp;or not, nominees of the main categories– the 25 actors and directors nominated for the Best Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, and Best Director categories – will receive a bag full of swanky gifts item, worth $140,000 dollars, a $65,000 drop from the value of the gifts provided in last year’s Gift Bag.

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The bag is curated by LA-based marketing firm Distinctive Assets. 
 
This year’s expensive gift bags had been made keeping in mind the Oscars 2022 theme - ‘ wellness, eco-friendliness and diversity’. 
 
There are roughly 52 items ranging from Opopop popcorn, cookies to a four-night spa getaway at California resort Golden Door—to more practical, like a $9 plant- and mineral-based stain remover or a $14 detangling hairbrush.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2022-nominees-who-broke-records-and-can-make-history-with-their-win-465775" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022: Nominees who broke records and can make history with their win</a> 
 
The most expensive element in the bag is the stay at Turin Castle in Scotland which includes butler service, scotch tasting and a bagpipe ceremony upon arrival. 
 
“We are humbled to be commemorating two decades of curating a specialty gift bag that has become a global pop culture phenomenon. The companies we feature have amazing products and services while also embracing diversity, inclusion, health, and philanthropy…” says Lash Fary, founder of Distinctive Assets.

We are just hours away from Hollywood's biggest night and like every year this year also one thing is confirmed, i.e Oscars gift bag, that nominees will walk home with.

We are just hours away from Hollywood's biggest night and like every year this year also one thing is confirmed, i.e Oscars gift bag, that nominees will walk home with. Whether they win top awards at The Academy Awards scheduled for March 27 or not, nominees of the main categories– the 25 actors and directors nominated for the Best Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, and Best Director categories – will receive a bag full of swanky gifts item, worth $140,000 dollars, a $65,000 drop from the value of the gifts provided in last year’s Gift Bag. Oscars back in Hollywood as 'CODA' seeks top prize The bag is curated by LA-based marketing firm Distinctive Assets. This year’s expensive gift bags had been made keeping in mind the Oscars 2022 theme - ‘ wellness, eco-friendliness and diversity’. There are roughly 52 items ranging from Opopop popcorn, cookies to a four-night spa getaway at California resort Golden Door—to more practical, like a $9 plant- and mineral-based stain remover or a $14 detangling hairbrush. Oscars 2022: Nominees who broke records and can make history with their win The most expensive element in the bag is the stay at Turin Castle in Scotland which includes butler service, scotch tasting and a bagpipe ceremony upon arrival. “We are humbled to be commemorating two decades of curating a specialty gift bag that has become a global pop culture phenomenon. The companies we feature have amazing products and services while also embracing diversity, inclusion, health, and philanthropy…” says Lash Fary, founder of Distinctive Assets.

Oscars 2022: Find out what's inside $140,000 gift bag of nominees this year

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;

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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?

Will Smith, Kristen Stewart and other Academy Awards contenders gathered on Monday to celebrate at the annual Oscar nominees` luncheon, one of the film industry`s largest gatherings since the COVID-19 pandemic limited the Hollywood awards circuit. 
 
Benedict Cumberbatch, Jessica Chastain, Steven Spielberg and Bradley Cooper also joined the crowd in a packed ballroom at the Fairmont Century Plaza hotel in Los Angeles. Stars mingled with sound mixers, costume designers and other behind-the-scenes workers in contention for this year`s Oscars, which will be awarded in a live ceremony on March 27.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-alia-bhatt-to-make-hollywood-debut-with-gal-gadot-read-inside-for-details-460073" hreflang="en">Alia Bhatt to make Hollywood debut with Gal Gadot; read inside for details</a> 
 
"This is a year like no other," said Will Packer, producer of this year's Oscars telecast. "If there`s ever a time to be grateful for and revel in an occasion that allows us to be in the same room, ladies and gentleman, this is the year." 
 
In 2021, the nominees luncheon was scrapped and the Oscars ceremony was held in front of a small audience at a train station in downtown Los Angeles. 
 
This year, organizers are planning for a big crowd at the show`s long-time home of the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. 
 
Dark Western 'The Power of the Dog'&nbsp;leads the field of contenders with 12 nominations, followed by sci-fi epic 'Dune.'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-bill-cosby-is-a-free-man-as-us-supreme-court-declines-to-review-his-case-460014" hreflang="en">Bill Cosby is a free man as US Supreme Court declines to review his case</a> 
 
At Monday`s luncheon, Packer gave nominees advice on how to give a memorable acceptance speech. He urged them to be concise and to skip the tradition of thanking agents, managers or other representatives. 
 
"Frankly the audience doesn`t care," Packer said. "You know what they do care about? They care about you, your journey, your passion ... Talk about that."

Will Smith, Kristen Stewart and other Academy Awards contenders gathered on Monday to celebrate at the annual Oscar nominees` luncheon, one of the film industry`s largest gatherings since the COVID-19 pandemic limited the Hollywood awards circuit.

Will Smith, Kristen Stewart and other Academy Awards contenders gathered on Monday to celebrate at the annual Oscar nominees` luncheon, one of the film industry`s largest gatherings since the COVID-19 pandemic limited the Hollywood awards circuit. Benedict Cumberbatch, Jessica Chastain, Steven Spielberg and Bradley Cooper also joined the crowd in a packed ballroom at the Fairmont Century Plaza hotel in Los Angeles. Stars mingled with sound mixers, costume designers and other behind-the-scenes workers in contention for this year`s Oscars, which will be awarded in a live ceremony on March 27. Alia Bhatt to make Hollywood debut with Gal Gadot; read inside for details "This is a year like no other," said Will Packer, producer of this year's Oscars telecast. "If there`s ever a time to be grateful for and revel in an occasion that allows us to be in the same room, ladies and gentleman, this is the year." In 2021, the nominees luncheon was scrapped and the Oscars ceremony was held in front of a small audience at a train station in downtown Los Angeles. This year, organizers are planning for a big crowd at the show`s long-time home of the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Dark Western 'The Power of the Dog' leads the field of contenders with 12 nominations, followed by sci-fi epic 'Dune.' Bill Cosby is a free man as US Supreme Court declines to review his case At Monday`s luncheon, Packer gave nominees advice on how to give a memorable acceptance speech. He urged them to be concise and to skip the tradition of thanking agents, managers or other representatives. "Frankly the audience doesn`t care," Packer said. "You know what they do care about? They care about you, your journey, your passion ... Talk about that."

Oscar nominees celebrate 'year like no other' ahead of ceremony

More than 20 years after fleeing the war in Afghanistan, this refugee confronts his traumatic past in an animated documentary. Mariam Wardak brings you the behind-the-scenes story of how this Oscar-tipped piece was made.

South Asia Diary: Afghan refugee's tale gets Oscar nod

Oscar nominations 2022 predictions: Who will be in, who will get snubbed

British actor and rapper Riz Ahmed and director Aneil Karia take viewers on a disturbing dystopian journey in their short film 'The Long Goodbye', inspired by personal fears about rising intolerance and discrimination in the world. 
 
Set in suburban Britain, the film follows a south Asian family as its members prepare for a wedding. Their world is turned upside down when a group of white armed men violently bursts into their home. 
 
"I understand that for a lot of people, they can watch a film like this and say: ‘...you`re trying to make a political statement’, but I think it`s really a position of privilege to be able to look at someone like this and say: ‘Oh, that`s political. That`s something that just lives in the headlines," Ahmed told Reuters in an interview. 
 
"For many of us, this is very personal. Smaller versions of this really impinge on daily lives ... The bigger nightmare that this film portrays is one that really keeps us up at night." 
 
The 12-minute film shares it name with the 2020 album by Ahmed, who was born in London to Pakistani parents. The record also addresses racism. 
"The larger concept of the film is ... something that plays on our minds and I think plays on the minds of millions of people around the world who may feel like they are in danger in the context of the rising tide of intolerance we`re seeing around the world," he said. 
 
Karia said he and Ahmed, the first Muslim to get a best actor Oscar nomination, embarked on the project after some heartfelt talks. 
 
“We began a series of conversations about how we felt in that particular moment in life and what it was that was charging us both creatively and as human beings," he said. 
"And through two or three kind of long conversations, we began to find this idea and start owning it." 
 
'The Long Goodbye' was named in the Oscar shortlist for the best live action short film category. Official nominations will be announced on Feb 8.

British actor and rapper Riz Ahmed and director Aneil Karia take viewers on a disturbing dystopian journey in their short film 'The Long Goodbye', inspired by personal fears about rising intolerance and discrimination in the world.

British actor and rapper Riz Ahmed and director Aneil Karia take viewers on a disturbing dystopian journey in their short film 'The Long Goodbye', inspired by personal fears about rising intolerance and discrimination in the world. Set in suburban Britain, the film follows a south Asian family as its members prepare for a wedding. Their world is turned upside down when a group of white armed men violently bursts into their home. "I understand that for a lot of people, they can watch a film like this and say: ‘...you`re trying to make a political statement’, but I think it`s really a position of privilege to be able to look at someone like this and say: ‘Oh, that`s political. That`s something that just lives in the headlines," Ahmed told Reuters in an interview. "For many of us, this is very personal. Smaller versions of this really impinge on daily lives ... The bigger nightmare that this film portrays is one that really keeps us up at night." The 12-minute film shares it name with the 2020 album by Ahmed, who was born in London to Pakistani parents. The record also addresses racism. "The larger concept of the film is ... something that plays on our minds and I think plays on the minds of millions of people around the world who may feel like they are in danger in the context of the rising tide of intolerance we`re seeing around the world," he said. Karia said he and Ahmed, the first Muslim to get a best actor Oscar nomination, embarked on the project after some heartfelt talks. “We began a series of conversations about how we felt in that particular moment in life and what it was that was charging us both creatively and as human beings," he said. "And through two or three kind of long conversations, we began to find this idea and start owning it." 'The Long Goodbye' was named in the Oscar shortlist for the best live action short film category. Official nominations will be announced on Feb 8.

Riz Ahmed brings personal fears to screen in 'The Long Goodbye'

Filmmaker Jessica Kingdon travelled to 51 locations across China on a quest to document everyday scenes showing the country's economic progress and the growing class divide. 
 
The result is 'Ascension', her debut feature which has been shortlisted for the Oscars and which Kingdon hopes will get audiences reflecting on the universal aspects of consumerism. 
 
An impressionistic fly-on-the-wall documentary featuring no interviews or narration, 'Ascension'&nbsp;takes viewers on a visual journey through the Chinese social classes. Structured in three parts around the themes of labour, consumerism and wealth, the film juxtapositions the lives of its subjects.

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Starting off with scenes of hordes of workers looking for low-wage jobs, Kingdon takes viewers to assembly lines, private bodyguard and butler schools, and a crammed waterpark. 
 
She captures former U.S. President Donald Trump's "Keep America Great" merchandise in mass production at one factory and workers at another chatting away as they assemble high-end sex dolls. 
 
"The intention is really to create space for an audience to experience the images and sounds without passing judgement, but rather experiencing it and sitting with it, rather than trying to make sense of it and categorise it," the New York-based filmmaker told Reuters. 
 
Kingdon, who is Chinese-American, was inspired to make 'Ascension'&nbsp;after shooting her 2017 short film "Commodity City" in the world`s largest wholesale market in Yiwu, China, and witnessing its excesses of materialism.

&nbsp;

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Setting out to shoot a trilogy related to the cycle of production, consumption and waste, her plans changed when the camera started rolling. 
"Originally it was going to be more environmentally driven, but as I was shooting, it became more about the quest for upward mobility and a study of materialism and a study of China`s economy," Kingdon said. 
 
Filming in over 50 locations was essential to connect the dots of the economies powering the world`s supply chains and consumer lifestyles, she said. 
 
"The film in some ways is a kind of fever dream where it`s one thing leads to the other leads to the other, it kind of snowballs," she said. 
Steering clear of political commentary was paramount, said Kingdon, adding that through its China and "factory of the world" setting, she hopes "Ascension" will encourage audiences elsewhere to think about the industrial systems and consumption in their countries.

Filmmaker Jessica Kingdon travelled to 51 locations across China on a quest to document everyday scenes showing the country's economic progress and the growing class divide.

Filmmaker Jessica Kingdon travelled to 51 locations across China on a quest to document everyday scenes showing the country's economic progress and the growing class divide. The result is 'Ascension', her debut feature which has been shortlisted for the Oscars and which Kingdon hopes will get audiences reflecting on the universal aspects of consumerism. An impressionistic fly-on-the-wall documentary featuring no interviews or narration, 'Ascension' takes viewers on a visual journey through the Chinese social classes. Structured in three parts around the themes of labour, consumerism and wealth, the film juxtapositions the lives of its subjects. Emma Watson will 'return' for another Harry Potter reunion in 20 years Starting off with scenes of hordes of workers looking for low-wage jobs, Kingdon takes viewers to assembly lines, private bodyguard and butler schools, and a crammed waterpark. She captures former U.S. President Donald Trump's "Keep America Great" merchandise in mass production at one factory and workers at another chatting away as they assemble high-end sex dolls. "The intention is really to create space for an audience to experience the images and sounds without passing judgement, but rather experiencing it and sitting with it, rather than trying to make sense of it and categorise it," the New York-based filmmaker told Reuters. Kingdon, who is Chinese-American, was inspired to make 'Ascension' after shooting her 2017 short film "Commodity City" in the world`s largest wholesale market in Yiwu, China, and witnessing its excesses of materialism. From 'RRR' to 'Jersey': Bollywood films postponed again due to COVID-19 Setting out to shoot a trilogy related to the cycle of production, consumption and waste, her plans changed when the camera started rolling. "Originally it was going to be more environmentally driven, but as I was shooting, it became more about the quest for upward mobility and a study of materialism and a study of China`s economy," Kingdon said. Filming in over 50 locations was essential to connect the dots of the economies powering the world`s supply chains and consumer lifestyles, she said. "The film in some ways is a kind of fever dream where it`s one thing leads to the other leads to the other, it kind of snowballs," she said. Steering clear of political commentary was paramount, said Kingdon, adding that through its China and "factory of the world" setting, she hopes "Ascension" will encourage audiences elsewhere to think about the industrial systems and consumption in their countries.

Oscar-shortlisted 'Ascension' captures chase of the 'Chinese Dream'

Sidney Poitier, Hollywood's first big Black movie star, has died at the age of 94. He rose to national fame with a series of revolutionary roles in the 1950s and 1960s.

Poitier's death was confirmed by Eugene Torchon-Newry, acting director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Poitier, who held dual US and Bahamian nationality, was "an icon, a hero, a mentor, a fighter, a national treasure," Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said on his official Facebook page. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-jodie-turner-smith-says-hollywood-must-move-beyond-tokenism-for-black-people-397747">Also read | Jodie Turner-Smith says Hollywood must move beyond tokenism for Black people</a>

Poitier rose to the pinnacle of his profession despite coming from a poor family in the Bahamas and softening his heavy island accent at a time when important opportunities for Black performers were scarce.

He won an Academy Award for "Lilies of the Field" in 1963. "He starred as an itinerant labourer who assists a group of white nuns in the construction of a chapel in the film.&nbsp;

As Americans grappled with the societal upheavals produced by the civil rights movement, several of his best-known films examined racial tensions.

In 1967 alone, he played a Philadelphia cop facing discrimination in small-town Mississippi in "In the Heat of the Night" and a doctor in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" who wins over his white fiancée's suspicious parents.

His characters, despite being filled with repressed rage, responded to injustice with quiet resolve.&nbsp;

One of his most well-known films is 'To Sir, with Love,' a British drama in which Poitier plays a teacher at a London inner-city school who transforms the lives of his rowdy children.

Poitier received critical acclaim for his performance as a black man who falls in love with a blind white adolescent in the 1965 drama "A Patch of Blue."

A Raisin in the Sun (1961), The Defiant Ones (1958), and Edge of the City (1960) are among his other notable works from 1957.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sidney Poitier, Hollywood's first big Black movie star, has died at the age of 94. He rose to national fame with a series of revolutionary roles in the 1950s and 1960s.

Sidney Poitier, Hollywood's first big Black movie star, has died at the age of 94. He rose to national fame with a series of revolutionary roles in the 1950s and 1960s. Poitier's death was confirmed by Eugene Torchon-Newry, acting director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Poitier, who held dual US and Bahamian nationality, was "an icon, a hero, a mentor, a fighter, a national treasure," Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said on his official Facebook page. Also read | Jodie Turner-Smith says Hollywood must move beyond tokenism for Black people Poitier rose to the pinnacle of his profession despite coming from a poor family in the Bahamas and softening his heavy island accent at a time when important opportunities for Black performers were scarce. He won an Academy Award for "Lilies of the Field" in 1963. "He starred as an itinerant labourer who assists a group of white nuns in the construction of a chapel in the film. As Americans grappled with the societal upheavals produced by the civil rights movement, several of his best-known films examined racial tensions. In 1967 alone, he played a Philadelphia cop facing discrimination in small-town Mississippi in "In the Heat of the Night" and a doctor in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" who wins over his white fiancée's suspicious parents. His characters, despite being filled with repressed rage, responded to injustice with quiet resolve. One of his most well-known films is 'To Sir, with Love,' a British drama in which Poitier plays a teacher at a London inner-city school who transforms the lives of his rowdy children. Poitier received critical acclaim for his performance as a black man who falls in love with a blind white adolescent in the 1965 drama "A Patch of Blue." A Raisin in the Sun (1961), The Defiant Ones (1958), and Edge of the City (1960) are among his other notable works from 1957. (With inputs from agencies)

Sidney Poitier, first black actor to win best actor Oscar, dies aged 94

Christoph Waltz who won Oscars for his roles in ‘Inglorious Basterds’ and ‘Django Unchained’ is set to star and executive produce The Consultant from Amazon Prime Video.&nbsp;

The dark comedy workplace thriller will explore the relationship between a boss and an employee, seeing how far they will go to get ahead of each other and survive in this race. It is inspired by Bentley Little’s 2015 novel, a satire that is centered around Mr. Patoff, a bow-tie wearing consultant who comes to the rescue of CompWare after a prominent merger falls through and soon seemingly starts running the company.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-dhamaka-review-kartik-aaryan-features-in-a-chaotic-thriller-430461">'Dhamaka' review: Kartik Aaryan features in a chaotic thriller</a>

It comes from Tony Basgallop, Matt Shakman, MGM Television and Amazon Studios. Tony has created the series and will serve as showrunner. Matt will direct.

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<h5><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-watch-marry-me-trailer-as-jennifer-lopez-owen-wilson-get-caught-in-a-strange-love-story-430399" hreflang="en">Watch 'Marry Me' trailer as Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson star together</a></h5>

Tony Basgallop and Matt Shakman will exec produce alongside Waltz, Steve Stark, and Andrew Mittman. Kai Dolbashian is co-producer.

Christoph Waltz who won Oscars for his roles in ‘Inglorious Basterds’ and ‘Django Unchained’ is set to star and executive produce The Consultant from Amazon Prime Video.

Christoph Waltz who won Oscars for his roles in ‘Inglorious Basterds’ and ‘Django Unchained’ is set to star and executive produce The Consultant from Amazon Prime Video. The dark comedy workplace thriller will explore the relationship between a boss and an employee, seeing how far they will go to get ahead of each other and survive in this race. It is inspired by Bentley Little’s 2015 novel, a satire that is centered around Mr. Patoff, a bow-tie wearing consultant who comes to the rescue of CompWare after a prominent merger falls through and soon seemingly starts running the company. 'Dhamaka' review: Kartik Aaryan features in a chaotic thriller It comes from Tony Basgallop, Matt Shakman, MGM Television and Amazon Studios. Tony has created the series and will serve as showrunner. Matt will direct. Meet the Royal Prince of Titan: Marvel teases Harry Styles' new poster from Eternals Watch 'Marry Me' trailer as Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson star together Tony Basgallop and Matt Shakman will exec produce alongside Waltz, Steve Stark, and Andrew Mittman. Kai Dolbashian is co-producer.

Oscar-winning actor Christoph Waltz roped in for Amazon's 'The Consultant'

Kristen Stewert has been receiving a lot of appreciation&nbsp;for her performance as Diana in the upcoming movie 'Spencer' and looks like she&nbsp;may get her first Oscar nomination for her prolific performance in Pablo Larrain's directorial.&nbsp; 
 
Now, responding sarcastically to the buzz in an interview, Stewert revealed how she seemingly care less for the Academy nomination.&nbsp; 
Sharing her bold thoughts on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, the actress said, “I don’t give a shit.” 
 
“The Oscars are such a funny thing. There are so many incredible movies and performances that barely get seen. It definitely says something about where we’re at as a cumulative presence – what we’re looking at, what we care about. I really appreciate that something that I was involved in, has ignited such a large conversation. We don’t make movies to not connect with each other,” Stewart added.

The movie has received rave reviews after debuting at the Venice and Telluride Film Festivals.&nbsp; 
 
The movie tracks the princess over three days at Christmas when the royal family is assembled at Queen Elizabeth's private residence at Sandringham--one of Queen Elizabeth II's private residences in Norfolk, England. 
 
The official synopsis of Spencer reads, “The marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles has long since grown cold. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. But this year, things will be profoundly different. Spencer is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days.”

Kristen Stewert has been receiving a lot of appreciation for her performance as Diana in the upcoming movie 'Spencer' and looks like she may get her first Oscar nomination for her prolific performance in Pablo Larrain's directorial.

Kristen Stewert has been receiving a lot of appreciation for her performance as Diana in the upcoming movie 'Spencer' and looks like she may get her first Oscar nomination for her prolific performance in Pablo Larrain's directorial. Now, responding sarcastically to the buzz in an interview, Stewert revealed how she seemingly care less for the Academy nomination. Sharing her bold thoughts on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, the actress said, “I don’t give a shit.” “The Oscars are such a funny thing. There are so many incredible movies and performances that barely get seen. It definitely says something about where we’re at as a cumulative presence – what we’re looking at, what we care about. I really appreciate that something that I was involved in, has ignited such a large conversation. We don’t make movies to not connect with each other,” Stewart added. The movie has received rave reviews after debuting at the Venice and Telluride Film Festivals. The movie tracks the princess over three days at Christmas when the royal family is assembled at Queen Elizabeth's private residence at Sandringham--one of Queen Elizabeth II's private residences in Norfolk, England. The official synopsis of Spencer reads, “The marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles has long since grown cold. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. But this year, things will be profoundly different. Spencer is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days.”

Kristen Stewart reacts to Oscar buzz for her performance in 'Spencer': 'I don't give a s**t'

"King Richard" plots the improbable rise of Serena and Venus Williams, from training on crumbling, gang-riddled Compton tennis courts to becoming all-time sporting greats.

The movie could soon cap another unlikely journey, with former "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star Will Smith heavily tipped to win his first Oscar for best actor, as their larger-than-life father, coach and manager.

Smith "fell in love with Richard Williams" two decades ago, after watching him leap to 14-year-old daughter Venus's defense in an interview with an overly insistent journalist.

"The look of Venus's face... the image burned in my heart," he told an online press conference. "Because that's how I wanted my daughter to look when I showed up."

"I knew I wanted to show a father protecting a daughter like that to the world," said Smith, who signed on to star and produce in the Warner Bros film.

The film, which had its Los Angeles premiere Sunday during AFI Fest, focusses on how the Williams' unusual and tight-knit family in an impoverished and mainly Black neighborhood of the same city shaped their future success.

Richard Williams, a self-taught coach, famously wrote a 78-page plan to make Venus and Serena the top players in the world before they were even born, having learnt about the lucrative prize money on offer.

Venus -- whose seven Grand Slam titles would later be eclipsed by Serena's 23 -- occupies more of the screen time, having paved the way for her younger sister with early wins at junior tournaments.

"I love that Venus opened doors, and her sister just ran through," Saniyya Sidney, who plays Venus, told AFP.

"She's so humble, she doesn't even look at the status, or who's bigger... being given this opportunity to show the world exactly what Venus did, is so, so important."

Growing up seeing "girls that look like me are in a sport that is predominantly a white sport... means so much to me," said Sidney.

- 'Revolutionaries' -

The film follows Richard's efforts to find his daughters a professional coach at snooty Californian tennis clubs, and how he was initially met with rejection, ridicule and racism.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-shang-chi-changes-beef-to-veg-biryani-in-hindi-dub-upma-in-tamil-version-429558" hreflang="en">'Shang-Chi' changes beef to veg-biryani in Hindi dub, upma in Tamil version</a>

The Williams family would later boycott the prestigious Indian Wells tennis tournament in California for 14 years, after booing that Richard slammed as racist, and which Serena later likened to a "genteel lynch mob."

Serena, whose fiery temper has left her at loggerheads with officials on occasions, was banned from wearing a "Black Panther"-inspired black catsuit at the French Open in 2018.

"Every time they come on the court, they are these walking revolutionaries," Aunjanue Ellis, who plays their mother and fellow coach Oracene, told AFP.

"The tennis industry is still to this day trying to police how creative they are, trying to police their genius, and they haven't been able to do that."

- 'Lion' -

For Smith -- a father of three -- watching Richard Williams protect his daughters all those years ago helped to shape his performance.

Also read:&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 Oprah interview</a>

"It was like [Venus] had a lion. And she was so confident and so comfortable that her lion wasn't going to let anything happen to her," he recalled.

While Venus and Serena, plus two of their half-sisters, are involved with the film, Richard did not participate, and the film's largely positive portrayal also hints at marital infidelity.

Filmmakers initially planned to put Smith in full prosthetics to closely resemble Williams, but eventually relied on the two-time Oscar nominee's acting to transform audience perceptions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-rrr-and-gangubai-kathiawadi-wont-clash-as-sanjay-leela-bhansali-pushes-his-film-429459" hreflang="en">'RRR' &amp; 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' won't clash as Sanjay Leela Bhansali pushes film</a>

"He would just slide in to Richard Williams, which has all of that exuberance of Will Smith, but this whole other side of his character -- it was startling to see," said co-star Tony Goldwyn.

Smith is the current bookmakers' favorite to win best actor at February's Oscars, having missed out for his portrayal of boxer Muhammad Ali in "Ali," and in "The Pursuit of Happyness."

"King Richard" hits theaters next Friday.

"King Richard" plots the improbable rise of Serena and Venus Williams, from training on crumbling, gang-riddled Compton tennis courts to becoming all-time sporting greats.

"King Richard" plots the improbable rise of Serena and Venus Williams, from training on crumbling, gang-riddled Compton tennis courts to becoming all-time sporting greats. The movie could soon cap another unlikely journey, with former "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star Will Smith heavily tipped to win his first Oscar for best actor, as their larger-than-life father, coach and manager. Smith "fell in love with Richard Williams" two decades ago, after watching him leap to 14-year-old daughter Venus's defense in an interview with an overly insistent journalist. "The look of Venus's face... the image burned in my heart," he told an online press conference. "Because that's how I wanted my daughter to look when I showed up." "I knew I wanted to show a father protecting a daughter like that to the world," said Smith, who signed on to star and produce in the Warner Bros film. The film, which had its Los Angeles premiere Sunday during AFI Fest, focusses on how the Williams' unusual and tight-knit family in an impoverished and mainly Black neighborhood of the same city shaped their future success. Richard Williams, a self-taught coach, famously wrote a 78-page plan to make Venus and Serena the top players in the world before they were even born, having learnt about the lucrative prize money on offer. Venus -- whose seven Grand Slam titles would later be eclipsed by Serena's 23 -- occupies more of the screen time, having paved the way for her younger sister with early wins at junior tournaments. "I love that Venus opened doors, and her sister just ran through," Saniyya Sidney, who plays Venus, told AFP. "She's so humble, she doesn't even look at the status, or who's bigger... being given this opportunity to show the world exactly what Venus did, is so, so important." Growing up seeing "girls that look like me are in a sport that is predominantly a white sport... means so much to me," said Sidney. - 'Revolutionaries' - The film follows Richard's efforts to find his daughters a professional coach at snooty Californian tennis clubs, and how he was initially met with rejection, ridicule and racism. Also read: 'Shang-Chi' changes beef to veg-biryani in Hindi dub, upma in Tamil version The Williams family would later boycott the prestigious Indian Wells tennis tournament in California for 14 years, after booing that Richard slammed as racist, and which Serena later likened to a "genteel lynch mob." Serena, whose fiery temper has left her at loggerheads with officials on occasions, was banned from wearing a "Black Panther"-inspired black catsuit at the French Open in 2018. "Every time they come on the court, they are these walking revolutionaries," Aunjanue Ellis, who plays their mother and fellow coach Oracene, told AFP. "The tennis industry is still to this day trying to police how creative they are, trying to police their genius, and they haven't been able to do that." - 'Lion' - For Smith -- a father of three -- watching Richard Williams protect his daughters all those years ago helped to shape his performance. Also read: Adele opens up about her divorce & her alcoholic father in Oprah interview "It was like [Venus] had a lion. And she was so confident and so comfortable that her lion wasn't going to let anything happen to her," he recalled. While Venus and Serena, plus two of their half-sisters, are involved with the film, Richard did not participate, and the film's largely positive portrayal also hints at marital infidelity. Filmmakers initially planned to put Smith in full prosthetics to closely resemble Williams, but eventually relied on the two-time Oscar nominee's acting to transform audience perceptions. Also read: 'RRR' & 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' won't clash as Sanjay Leela Bhansali pushes film "He would just slide in to Richard Williams, which has all of that exuberance of Will Smith, but this whole other side of his character -- it was startling to see," said co-star Tony Goldwyn. Smith is the current bookmakers' favorite to win best actor at February's Oscars, having missed out for his portrayal of boxer Muhammad Ali in "Ali," and in "The Pursuit of Happyness." "King Richard" hits theaters next Friday.

Will Smith plays Venus and Serena's 'lion' in Oscar-tipped 'King Richard'

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