Hollywood shared a little bit of its big night with the people of Ukraine on Sunday, using text on a screen to ask the world for financial contributions for those suffering from the Russian assault. 
 
But rather than turn the Oscars ceremony into a megaphone for messages about Ukraine, the show`s directors opted for a silent message that did not mention Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine 31 days ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2022-how-celebritie-showed-their-support-for-ukraine-466185" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022: Benedict Cumberbatch, Jason Momoa &amp; other stars show support for Ukraine</a> 
 
"We`d like to have a moment of silence to show our support for the people of Ukraine currently facing invasion, conflict and prejudice within their own borders," read the message posted on screen just before a commercial break. 
 
The message said millions of families needed food, medical care, clean water and emergency services and asked viewers for humanitarian aid. 
"We ask you to support Ukraine in any way you are able," read the silent message, adding the hashtag #StandWithUkraine. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin calls the war a "special military operation" that Moscow says is aimed at demilitarizing and "denazifying" its neighbor. Ukraine and its Western allies call this a pretext for unprovoked invasion. 
 
Before the show, there were suggestions that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy might make an appearance through video link, as he has done in parliaments around the world. 
 
Zelenskiy has been urging the West to give Ukraine tanks, planes and missiles to help fend off Russian forces and to impose a no-fly zone. 
Just before the Oscar plea for aid, Ukrainian-born actress Mila Kunis made a veiled reference to the trouble in her native land. 
 
"Recent global events have left many of us feeling gutted. Yet when you witness the strength and dignity of those facing such devastation, it`s impossible to not be moved by their resilience. One cannot help but be in awe of those who find strength to keep fighting through unimaginable darkness," Kunis said, setting up a nominee for best song. 
 
Kunis, 38, was born in the Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi and immigrated to the United States at age 7. She has been active in raising money for Ukraine. 
 
On March 20, Zelenskiy praised Kunis and her husband, actor Ashton Kutcher, on Twitter, saying they were "among the first to respond to our grief" and had raised $35 million for Ukrainian causes. 
 
"Grateful for their support. Impressed by their determination. They inspire the world. #StandWithUkraine," Zelenskiy tweeted. 
In another understated moment, actor Jason Momoa wore a handkerchief in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

Hollywood shared a little bit of its big night with the people of Ukraine on Sunday, using text on a screen to ask the world for financial contributions for those suffering from the Russian assault.

Hollywood shared a little bit of its big night with the people of Ukraine on Sunday, using text on a screen to ask the world for financial contributions for those suffering from the Russian assault. But rather than turn the Oscars ceremony into a megaphone for messages about Ukraine, the show`s directors opted for a silent message that did not mention Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine 31 days ago. Oscars 2022: Benedict Cumberbatch, Jason Momoa & other stars show support for Ukraine "We`d like to have a moment of silence to show our support for the people of Ukraine currently facing invasion, conflict and prejudice within their own borders," read the message posted on screen just before a commercial break. The message said millions of families needed food, medical care, clean water and emergency services and asked viewers for humanitarian aid. "We ask you to support Ukraine in any way you are able," read the silent message, adding the hashtag #StandWithUkraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin calls the war a "special military operation" that Moscow says is aimed at demilitarizing and "denazifying" its neighbor. Ukraine and its Western allies call this a pretext for unprovoked invasion. Before the show, there were suggestions that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy might make an appearance through video link, as he has done in parliaments around the world. Zelenskiy has been urging the West to give Ukraine tanks, planes and missiles to help fend off Russian forces and to impose a no-fly zone. Just before the Oscar plea for aid, Ukrainian-born actress Mila Kunis made a veiled reference to the trouble in her native land. "Recent global events have left many of us feeling gutted. Yet when you witness the strength and dignity of those facing such devastation, it`s impossible to not be moved by their resilience. One cannot help but be in awe of those who find strength to keep fighting through unimaginable darkness," Kunis said, setting up a nominee for best song. Kunis, 38, was born in the Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi and immigrated to the United States at age 7. She has been active in raising money for Ukraine. On March 20, Zelenskiy praised Kunis and her husband, actor Ashton Kutcher, on Twitter, saying they were "among the first to respond to our grief" and had raised $35 million for Ukrainian causes. "Grateful for their support. Impressed by their determination. They inspire the world. #StandWithUkraine," Zelenskiy tweeted. In another understated moment, actor Jason Momoa wore a handkerchief in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

Ukraine receives silent salute at Oscars ceremony

From Zendaya to Billie Eilish: Celebs make a fashionable appearance at Oscars 2022 red carpet

Samuel L Jackson wants Oscar voters to know that he should have an Academy Award under his belt at this point in his career. 
 
As per Variety, Jackson has only received one Oscar nomination: best supporting actor in 1995 for his role in Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction'. 
 
"I should have won that one," Jackson recently told an outlet about his 'Pulp Fiction' Oscar nomination. 
 
Jackson was nominated that year against Martin Landau ('Ed Wood'), Chazz Palminteri ('Bullets Over Broadway'), Paul Scofield ('Quiz Show') and Gary Sinise ('Forrest Gump'). Landau was awarded the Oscar. 
 
Jackson said he missed out on another Oscar for 'Jungle Fever', for which he wasn't even nominated. Two cast members from 'Bugsy' broke into the race that year to Jackson`s disbelief. 
 
"My wife and I went to see 'Bugsy'" Jackson said. "Damn! They got nominated and I didn't? I guess Black folk usually win for doing despicable shit on screen. Like Denzel (Washington) for being a horrible cop in 'Training Day.' All the great stuff he did in uplifting roles like 'Malcolm X?' No -- we`ll give it to this motherf---er. So maybe I should have won one. But Oscars don't move the comma on your cheque -- it`s about getting asses in seats and I've done a good job of doing that." 
 
The actor suggested that any year`s highest-grossing movie should be awarded an Oscar. 
 
"They should have an Oscar for the most popular movie. Because that`s what the business is about," Jackson said, adding the Oscars "should" award 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' this year for grossing USD 1.8 billion and counting worldwide. 
 
"It did what movies did forever -- it got people to a big dark room." 
 
"All movies are valid," Jackson said. "Some go to the cinema to be moved dearly. Some like superheroes. If somebody has more butts on seats it just means your audience is not as broad. There are people who have had successful careers but nobody can recite one line of their parts. I`m the guy who says shit that`s on a T-shirt." 
 
Jackson will receive his Honorary Oscar at the 2022 Governors Awards on March 25, two days before the Oscars telecast.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Samuel L Jackson wants Oscar voters to know that he should have an Academy Award under his belt at this point in his career. As per Variety, Jackson has only received one Oscar nomination: best supporting actor in 1995 for his role in Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction'.

Samuel L Jackson wants Oscar voters to know that he should have an Academy Award under his belt at this point in his career. As per Variety, Jackson has only received one Oscar nomination: best supporting actor in 1995 for his role in Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction'. "I should have won that one," Jackson recently told an outlet about his 'Pulp Fiction' Oscar nomination. Jackson was nominated that year against Martin Landau ('Ed Wood'), Chazz Palminteri ('Bullets Over Broadway'), Paul Scofield ('Quiz Show') and Gary Sinise ('Forrest Gump'). Landau was awarded the Oscar. Jackson said he missed out on another Oscar for 'Jungle Fever', for which he wasn't even nominated. Two cast members from 'Bugsy' broke into the race that year to Jackson`s disbelief. "My wife and I went to see 'Bugsy'" Jackson said. "Damn! They got nominated and I didn't? I guess Black folk usually win for doing despicable shit on screen. Like Denzel (Washington) for being a horrible cop in 'Training Day.' All the great stuff he did in uplifting roles like 'Malcolm X?' No -- we`ll give it to this motherf---er. So maybe I should have won one. But Oscars don't move the comma on your cheque -- it`s about getting asses in seats and I've done a good job of doing that." The actor suggested that any year`s highest-grossing movie should be awarded an Oscar. "They should have an Oscar for the most popular movie. Because that`s what the business is about," Jackson said, adding the Oscars "should" award 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' this year for grossing USD 1.8 billion and counting worldwide. "It did what movies did forever -- it got people to a big dark room." "All movies are valid," Jackson said. "Some go to the cinema to be moved dearly. Some like superheroes. If somebody has more butts on seats it just means your audience is not as broad. There are people who have had successful careers but nobody can recite one line of their parts. I`m the guy who says shit that`s on a T-shirt." Jackson will receive his Honorary Oscar at the 2022 Governors Awards on March 25, two days before the Oscars telecast.

Samuel L Jackson says 'Oscars don't move the comma on your cheque'

The &nbsp;OIC (Optimistic &nbsp;Indian &nbsp;Critics) &nbsp;brigade had its eyes set on the Tamil film 'Koozhangal'. We were hoping(against hope) that this one would get us the Oscar for the Best International film. &nbsp;Forget about making it into the shortlist. We didn’t even get beyond Round One.

Why do we get snubbed repeatedly at international awards? &nbsp;Are we sending the wrong films? In &nbsp;2020 many felt&nbsp; &nbsp;'Jallikattu' the Malayalam film that went to the Oscars would &nbsp;“crack it”.It’s a cracked film for sure. Variety called it a “bonkers” &nbsp;film. Sure enough, there is an element of madness in the storytelling and in the way the characters erupt in a &nbsp;sea of anarchy at the bullish provocation. As a bull goes on a rampage in a &nbsp;village, the locals go off in the deep end with their own personal agenda, settling scores in an unsettling wave of self-interest. As the fractured community goes into toxic gear, it’s hard to tell which is more rampageous, &nbsp;the bull or the local community.

&nbsp;OIC (Optimistic Indian Critics) &nbsp; &nbsp;felt if &nbsp;Bong Joon Ho’s Korean film 'Parasite' could win the Oscar for Best Picture why couldn’t 'Jallikattu' crack it in the &nbsp;Best International film category? &nbsp;Firstly I don’t know how Parasite managed the miracle. &nbsp;It is an overrated and deeply flawed film leaving many questions on class differences unanswered. Secondly, Parasite had a massive marketing campaign in operation for the Oscars. &nbsp;The&nbsp; 'Jallikattu' team barely had ticket fare to fly to LA for the Oscars.

In &nbsp;2018 &nbsp;Rima Das’ Assamese film&nbsp; 'Village Rockstars' missed the Oscar. Like 'Koozhangal' it peddled the Great Indian Poverty for &nbsp;Western audiences. &nbsp;For long stretches, nothing happens in this film about an impoverished little girl in Assam who dreams of owning her own guitar. &nbsp;Inert silences are considered a huge asset in films that glorify the Great Indian Poverty for a certain section of the Western audience that sees India and Indian cinema in two ways: either there is too much singing and dancing or there is too little to eat and to hope for. Village Rockstars falls into the latter category. It fits in rather snugly with the western audiences’ perception of an impoverished India.

A pre-pubescent girl Dhunu (Banita Das) wishes to own a guitar and form a musical band. It isn’t very clear where and how Dhunu’s yearnings sprouted into a veritable passion. Or how and why she wants to play rock music and own a rock band. The aspirational peg gives the debutant director a peg to pan her inquisitive camera across long stretches of silently stirring paddy fields and shots of adolescents running across middle hinterlands.

The film looks and feels like Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali, one of the three Indian films so far which have been shortlisted in the &nbsp;Oscars’ Best Foreign Language film category(the other two being Mother India and Lagaan). But it lacks the vision and lyricism of Ray‘s exposition on rural poverty. Director Reema Das seems to use the theme of Indian Poverty as a peg for her aspirational story.

In 2016 &nbsp;the Marathi film Court directed by Mahesh Tamhane headed to LA for the Oscars after being selected by a jury headed by Amol Palekar and returned home empty-handed. Last year the Tamil film Visaranaai was similarly snubbed at the Oscars.

Ketan Mehta who headed the jury for the selection of &nbsp;India’s official entry into the &nbsp;Oscars in 2017 says, “We’ve to understand that selection of a film is only a part of the process towards winning the Oscar. Marketing the film in the US, pitching it to the Oscar jury in Los Angeles is very important.”

Here is where Indian entries get thwarted and expelled from the Oscars race.

The legendary filmmaker Shahji Karun who headed the jury this year for the selection of our Oscar entry told me, “If you look at the movies that we are going to compete with at the Oscars, it’s like on the level of the Olympics. We should know what we are up against. Looking at the festivals across the world which win awards, they all have one common thread of humanism in them. The idea of the human heart triumphing over all obstacles. That quality is common to all cultures. &nbsp;We wanted to select a &nbsp;film that celebrated humanism. If &nbsp;we &nbsp;selected political films or a film on a specific cultural &nbsp;event, they could easily be bypassed(at the Oscars) if they don’t match &nbsp;with the political ideologies of &nbsp;the people viewing the &nbsp;film at the Oscars.”

In 2019 &nbsp;a &nbsp;‘period’ Indian film unlike&nbsp; 'Lagaan', 'Devdas' or 'Baahubali', entitled &nbsp;Period End &nbsp;Of Sentence had won the &nbsp;Oscar in the &nbsp;Best &nbsp;Short Documentary category. But is this really a reason for us to rejoice after the repeated rebuffs we've been subjected to at the Oscars? And why must poverty still be the benchmark for international attention? Has nothing changed since Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali? &nbsp;Every time the Academy Awards deign to look at us it is always for films that highlight the squalor and deprivation at the grassroots level. Just take a &nbsp;look at the films from or about &nbsp;India that have received attention at the &nbsp;Oscars: &nbsp;Mehboob &nbsp;Khan's Mother India, Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay, &nbsp;Deepa Mehta's Water, &nbsp;Danny Boyle's Slumdog &nbsp;Millionaire...

What do we see in common here? Poverty, of course. Though this film about menstrual hardships in rural India is not technically an Indian film—its director &nbsp;Rayka Zehtabchi is an Iranian-American and its producer Melissa Burton is American-- &nbsp;Period &nbsp;End Of Sentence is about empowering the rural Indian women, and its co-producer Guneet Monga is an Indian.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;&nbsp;

The OIC (Optimistic Indian Critics) brigade had its eyes set on the Tamil film 'Koozhangal'. We were hoping(against hope) that this one would get us the Oscar for the Best International film.

The OIC (Optimistic Indian Critics) brigade had its eyes set on the Tamil film 'Koozhangal'. We were hoping(against hope) that this one would get us the Oscar for the Best International film. Forget about making it into the shortlist. We didn’t even get beyond Round One. Why do we get snubbed repeatedly at international awards? Are we sending the wrong films? In 2020 many felt 'Jallikattu' the Malayalam film that went to the Oscars would “crack it”.It’s a cracked film for sure. Variety called it a “bonkers” film. Sure enough, there is an element of madness in the storytelling and in the way the characters erupt in a sea of anarchy at the bullish provocation. As a bull goes on a rampage in a village, the locals go off in the deep end with their own personal agenda, settling scores in an unsettling wave of self-interest. As the fractured community goes into toxic gear, it’s hard to tell which is more rampageous, the bull or the local community. OIC (Optimistic Indian Critics) felt if Bong Joon Ho’s Korean film 'Parasite' could win the Oscar for Best Picture why couldn’t 'Jallikattu' crack it in the Best International film category? Firstly I don’t know how Parasite managed the miracle. It is an overrated and deeply flawed film leaving many questions on class differences unanswered. Secondly, Parasite had a massive marketing campaign in operation for the Oscars. The 'Jallikattu' team barely had ticket fare to fly to LA for the Oscars. In 2018 Rima Das’ Assamese film 'Village Rockstars' missed the Oscar. Like 'Koozhangal' it peddled the Great Indian Poverty for Western audiences. For long stretches, nothing happens in this film about an impoverished little girl in Assam who dreams of owning her own guitar. Inert silences are considered a huge asset in films that glorify the Great Indian Poverty for a certain section of the Western audience that sees India and Indian cinema in two ways: either there is too much singing and dancing or there is too little to eat and to hope for. Village Rockstars falls into the latter category. It fits in rather snugly with the western audiences’ perception of an impoverished India. A pre-pubescent girl Dhunu (Banita Das) wishes to own a guitar and form a musical band. It isn’t very clear where and how Dhunu’s yearnings sprouted into a veritable passion. Or how and why she wants to play rock music and own a rock band. The aspirational peg gives the debutant director a peg to pan her inquisitive camera across long stretches of silently stirring paddy fields and shots of adolescents running across middle hinterlands. The film looks and feels like Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali, one of the three Indian films so far which have been shortlisted in the Oscars’ Best Foreign Language film category(the other two being Mother India and Lagaan). But it lacks the vision and lyricism of Ray‘s exposition on rural poverty. Director Reema Das seems to use the theme of Indian Poverty as a peg for her aspirational story. In 2016 the Marathi film Court directed by Mahesh Tamhane headed to LA for the Oscars after being selected by a jury headed by Amol Palekar and returned home empty-handed. Last year the Tamil film Visaranaai was similarly snubbed at the Oscars. Ketan Mehta who headed the jury for the selection of India’s official entry into the Oscars in 2017 says, “We’ve to understand that selection of a film is only a part of the process towards winning the Oscar. Marketing the film in the US, pitching it to the Oscar jury in Los Angeles is very important.” Here is where Indian entries get thwarted and expelled from the Oscars race. The legendary filmmaker Shahji Karun who headed the jury this year for the selection of our Oscar entry told me, “If you look at the movies that we are going to compete with at the Oscars, it’s like on the level of the Olympics. We should know what we are up against. Looking at the festivals across the world which win awards, they all have one common thread of humanism in them. The idea of the human heart triumphing over all obstacles. That quality is common to all cultures. We wanted to select a film that celebrated humanism. If we selected political films or a film on a specific cultural event, they could easily be bypassed(at the Oscars) if they don’t match with the political ideologies of the people viewing the film at the Oscars.” In 2019 a ‘period’ Indian film unlike 'Lagaan', 'Devdas' or 'Baahubali', entitled Period End Of Sentence had won the Oscar in the Best Short Documentary category. But is this really a reason for us to rejoice after the repeated rebuffs we've been subjected to at the Oscars? And why must poverty still be the benchmark for international attention? Has nothing changed since Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali? Every time the Academy Awards deign to look at us it is always for films that highlight the squalor and deprivation at the grassroots level. Just take a look at the films from or about India that have received attention at the Oscars: Mehboob Khan's Mother India, Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay, Deepa Mehta's Water, Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire... What do we see in common here? Poverty, of course. Though this film about menstrual hardships in rural India is not technically an Indian film—its director Rayka Zehtabchi is an Iranian-American and its producer Melissa Burton is American-- Period End Of Sentence is about empowering the rural Indian women, and its co-producer Guneet Monga is an Indian. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion| Snubbed by the Oscars again; when will we ever learn?

This year's Oscars audience plummeted by more than half to a record low 9.85 million viewers, broadcaster ABC said on Monday -- a staggering if widely expected drop for a ceremony that many viewers found short on humour and star power.

The whopping 58 percent tumble from last year's previous 23.6 million nadirs had been anticipated for Hollywood's biggest night after other award shows held during the pandemic also suffered precipitous declines. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-complete-list-of-winners-380269">Oscars 2021: Complete list of winners</a>

With movie theatres shut for most of the year, many viewers had not seen or even heard of nominees such as Chloe Zhao's 'Nomadland,'&nbsp;which was the night's big winner with three prizes but which has taken just over $2 million at the domestic box office.

Several blockbuster films whose stars could have drawn interest at this year's Oscars saw their release dates shunted to next year due to the pandemic, from Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" and the mega-budget sci-fi "Dune" to an array of popular superhero titles.&nbsp;

That exodus left an unfamiliar crop of nominees competing at Sunday's ceremony, with Daniel Kaluuya and Youn Yuh-jung winning the supporting acting Oscars a year after Brad Pitt and Laura Dern prevailed. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oh-my-god-hes-so-heavy-and-hes-so-cold-memorable-quotes-from-the-2021-oscars-380463" hreflang="en">'Oh my God, he's so heavy and he's so cold': Memorable quotes from the 2021 Oscars</a>

One big name who did win -- but was in bed sleeping some 5,000 miles away in Wales -- was Anthony Hopkins, who was unexpectedly named best actor for 'The Father'&nbsp;in what was the night's final prize.

The Oscars typically end with the best picture, but producers decided to reorganize the categories and the lack of an acceptance speech at the show's grand finale was criticized by many viewers as anti-climactic.

"At 83 years of age, I did not expect to get this award, I really didn't," said Hopkins in a video posted to his Instagram page from Wales on Monday morning.

"I want to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman who was taken from us far too early," he added, referring to the late 'Black Panther'&nbsp;star who had been expected to win the best actor for his final role in 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.'

This year's Oscars audience plummeted by more than half to a record low 9.85 million viewers, broadcaster ABC said on Monday -- a staggering if widely expected drop for a ceremony that many viewers found short on humour and star power.

This year's Oscars audience plummeted by more than half to a record low 9.85 million viewers, broadcaster ABC said on Monday -- a staggering if widely expected drop for a ceremony that many viewers found short on humour and star power. The whopping 58 percent tumble from last year's previous 23.6 million nadirs had been anticipated for Hollywood's biggest night after other award shows held during the pandemic also suffered precipitous declines. Oscars 2021: Complete list of winners With movie theatres shut for most of the year, many viewers had not seen or even heard of nominees such as Chloe Zhao's 'Nomadland,' which was the night's big winner with three prizes but which has taken just over $2 million at the domestic box office. Several blockbuster films whose stars could have drawn interest at this year's Oscars saw their release dates shunted to next year due to the pandemic, from Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" and the mega-budget sci-fi "Dune" to an array of popular superhero titles. That exodus left an unfamiliar crop of nominees competing at Sunday's ceremony, with Daniel Kaluuya and Youn Yuh-jung winning the supporting acting Oscars a year after Brad Pitt and Laura Dern prevailed. 'Oh my God, he's so heavy and he's so cold': Memorable quotes from the 2021 Oscars One big name who did win -- but was in bed sleeping some 5,000 miles away in Wales -- was Anthony Hopkins, who was unexpectedly named best actor for 'The Father' in what was the night's final prize. The Oscars typically end with the best picture, but producers decided to reorganize the categories and the lack of an acceptance speech at the show's grand finale was criticized by many viewers as anti-climactic. "At 83 years of age, I did not expect to get this award, I really didn't," said Hopkins in a video posted to his Instagram page from Wales on Monday morning. "I want to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman who was taken from us far too early," he added, referring to the late 'Black Panther' star who had been expected to win the best actor for his final role in 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.'

No golden numbers: Oscars audience halved in massive ratings drop

It was the night of a lifetime for Chloe Zhao, as the 'Nomadland' director created history for being the first woman of colour and only the second woman in the 93 years of Academy history to bag the Best Director trophy. Not only that, the film also took home the biggest award of the night - Best Film. Frances McDorman also won the Oscar for Best Actress for the nomadic drama.&nbsp; 
 
Zhao's film about transient Americans roaming the West in vans was tipped to be one of the top winners overall on a night when Tinseltown A-listers reunited for the first time in more than a year.

"What a crazy, once-in-a-lifetime journey we went on together," said Zhao to her crew and cast, including the real-life "nomads" who played fictionalised versions of themselves in the movie and were in attendance in Los Angeles. 
 
Anthony Hopkins won&nbsp;the best actor Oscar for 'The Father', in a nod to the early predictions by various analysts.&nbsp; Hopkins won the award over posthumously nominated Chadwick Boseman, and the first Muslim actor to be nominated in the category - Riz Ahmed.

The unorthodox Oscars ceremony, which was moved from a Hollywood theatre to a glammed-up downtown train station to abide by strict Covid-19 protocols,&nbsp;began with a movie-style opening credits sequence, as actor-director Regina King strode into the venue clutching a gold statuette.

Beijing-born Zhao's best director win makes her the first woman of colour ever honoured in the category, and the second female after Kathryn Bigelow, who broke the glass ceiling in 2010 when she won the prize for "The Hurt Locker."&nbsp;

With movie theatres closed all year, and blockbuster content delayed, Zhao's film captured the pandemic zeitgeist with its stunning portrait of the isolated margins of society and has swept most of the awards shows in the run-up to the Oscars. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/check-out-oscars-2021-live-news-updates-93rd-academy-award-nominees-red-carpet-oscars-2021-live-news-full-winners-list-oscars-full-nomination-list-nomadland-helmer-chloe-zhao-becomes-first-woman-of-colour-to-win-best-director-380238" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021 Live: 'Nomadland' wins Best Film as director Zhao makes history</a>

The directing award was presented by last year's winner Bong Joon-ho, whose South Korean movie "Parasite" became the first film not in the English language to win best picture. He spoke from Seoul via videolink in Korean, with a translator, finishing with a few words in English.

But "Nomadland" lost out early in the gala for best adapted screenplay to "The Father," adapted from his own stage production by French playwright Florian Zeller, who added to the international flavour by accepting from Paris. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-complete-list-of-winners-380269">Oscars 2021: Complete list of winners</a> 
 
"Promising Young Woman," won best original screenplay, the night's first award.

Emerald Fennell, who was seven months pregnant when she shot the #MeToo revenge thriller, thanked her son who "did not arrive until a couple of weeks after shooting, thank God, because I was crossing my legs."

Fellow Brit Daniel Kaluuya won best supporting actor for his portrayal of slain 1960s Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in "Judas and the Black Messiah." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-daniel-kaluuya-wins-supporting-award-for-judas-and-the-black-messiah-380264" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Daniel Kaluuya wins for 'Judas and the Black Messiah'</a>

References to racism and police violence were threaded throughout the show's speeches, starting with King's opening comments, in which she mentioned the conviction of a former police officer for the murder of African American man George Floyd.

"If things had gone differently this past week in Minneapolis, I may have traded in my heels for marching boots," she said.

<h5><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-chloe-zhao-emerald-fennel-ann-roth-women-create-history-on-sunday-380286" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Chloe Zhao, Emerald Fennel, Ann Roth; women create history</a></h5>

This year's 93rd Oscars arrived at their Union Station venue two months late due to the pandemic -- organisers have said it would have been "impossible" without the delay.

Before the show, stars paused briefly for pictures and socially distanced interviews on what organisers called a "teeny-tiny red carpet," where actresses Carey Mulligan and Andra Day dazzled fashion fans in Oscars gold.

The pre-show featured a performance of best song nominee "Husavik" from the tiny Icelandic port of the same name, complete with a choir of children singing in woolly sweaters and a backdrop of fishing boats. Other musical performances came from the Academy's new film museum.

An honorary award for the Motion Picture and Television Fund, which has supported struggling actors and crew particularly during the pandemic, was awarded at the Oscars' traditional Hollywood theatre base.

But the bulk of the awards handed out at the 1930s-built Union Station, chosen for its grand scale and outdoor courtyards, where white tents sheltering everything from Covid testing booths to catering were installed.

"We're here, isn't it crazy?" said best actor nominee and "Sound of Metal" star Riz Ahmed. "Human beings in the flesh!" 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

It was the night of a lifetime for Chloe Zhao, as the 'Nomadland' director created history for being the first woman of colour and only the second woman in the 93 years of Academy history to bag the Best Director trophy.

It was the night of a lifetime for Chloe Zhao, as the 'Nomadland' director created history for being the first woman of colour and only the second woman in the 93 years of Academy history to bag the Best Director trophy. Not only that, the film also took home the biggest award of the night - Best Film. Frances McDorman also won the Oscar for Best Actress for the nomadic drama. Zhao's film about transient Americans roaming the West in vans was tipped to be one of the top winners overall on a night when Tinseltown A-listers reunited for the first time in more than a year. "What a crazy, once-in-a-lifetime journey we went on together," said Zhao to her crew and cast, including the real-life "nomads" who played fictionalised versions of themselves in the movie and were in attendance in Los Angeles. Anthony Hopkins won the best actor Oscar for 'The Father', in a nod to the early predictions by various analysts. Hopkins won the award over posthumously nominated Chadwick Boseman, and the first Muslim actor to be nominated in the category - Riz Ahmed. The unorthodox Oscars ceremony, which was moved from a Hollywood theatre to a glammed-up downtown train station to abide by strict Covid-19 protocols, began with a movie-style opening credits sequence, as actor-director Regina King strode into the venue clutching a gold statuette. Beijing-born Zhao's best director win makes her the first woman of colour ever honoured in the category, and the second female after Kathryn Bigelow, who broke the glass ceiling in 2010 when she won the prize for "The Hurt Locker." With movie theatres closed all year, and blockbuster content delayed, Zhao's film captured the pandemic zeitgeist with its stunning portrait of the isolated margins of society and has swept most of the awards shows in the run-up to the Oscars. Oscars 2021 Live: 'Nomadland' wins Best Film as director Zhao makes history The directing award was presented by last year's winner Bong Joon-ho, whose South Korean movie "Parasite" became the first film not in the English language to win best picture. He spoke from Seoul via videolink in Korean, with a translator, finishing with a few words in English. But "Nomadland" lost out early in the gala for best adapted screenplay to "The Father," adapted from his own stage production by French playwright Florian Zeller, who added to the international flavour by accepting from Paris. Oscars 2021: Complete list of winners "Promising Young Woman," won best original screenplay, the night's first award. Emerald Fennell, who was seven months pregnant when she shot the #MeToo revenge thriller, thanked her son who "did not arrive until a couple of weeks after shooting, thank God, because I was crossing my legs." Fellow Brit Daniel Kaluuya won best supporting actor for his portrayal of slain 1960s Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in "Judas and the Black Messiah." Oscars 2021: Daniel Kaluuya wins for 'Judas and the Black Messiah' References to racism and police violence were threaded throughout the show's speeches, starting with King's opening comments, in which she mentioned the conviction of a former police officer for the murder of African American man George Floyd. "If things had gone differently this past week in Minneapolis, I may have traded in my heels for marching boots," she said. Oscars 2021: Chloe Zhao, Emerald Fennel, Ann Roth; women create history This year's 93rd Oscars arrived at their Union Station venue two months late due to the pandemic -- organisers have said it would have been "impossible" without the delay. Before the show, stars paused briefly for pictures and socially distanced interviews on what organisers called a "teeny-tiny red carpet," where actresses Carey Mulligan and Andra Day dazzled fashion fans in Oscars gold. The pre-show featured a performance of best song nominee "Husavik" from the tiny Icelandic port of the same name, complete with a choir of children singing in woolly sweaters and a backdrop of fishing boats. Other musical performances came from the Academy's new film museum. An honorary award for the Motion Picture and Television Fund, which has supported struggling actors and crew particularly during the pandemic, was awarded at the Oscars' traditional Hollywood theatre base. But the bulk of the awards handed out at the 1930s-built Union Station, chosen for its grand scale and outdoor courtyards, where white tents sheltering everything from Covid testing booths to catering were installed. "We're here, isn't it crazy?" said best actor nominee and "Sound of Metal" star Riz Ahmed. "Human beings in the flesh!" (With inputs from agencies)

Oscars 2021: 'Nomadland' becomes the big winner of a historic night

British actor Daniel Kaluuya on Sunday won his first Oscar for his supporting role as the late Black Panther activist Fred Hampton in the drama, "Judas and the Black Messiah." 
 
Kaluuya, 32, emerged as front-runner for the Academy Award after also winning at the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and British BAFTA ceremonies. 
 
Born in London to Ugandan parents, Kaluuya describes himself as a working-class kid who got his first big break in the entertainment industry as a teen actor and writer on the young adult British TV series, "Skins." 
 
He first came to international attention in the 2017 surprise hit black comedy horror movie "Get Out," which brought him a lead actor Oscar nomination. 
 
In "Judas and the Black Messiah," he plays Black revolutionary leader Hampton, who was shot dead by Chicago police in 1969 at the age of 21. 
 
Kaluuya paid tribute to Hampton as he held his Oscar on stage. 
 
"What a man," Kaluuya said. "How blessed we are that we lived in a lifetime that he existed. Thank you for your life." 
The film was made with the blessing and participation of Hampton`s son, Fred Hampton Jr. Kaluuya has said his aim was to honor Hampton`s legacy. 
 
Kaluuya worked in British television and theater before landing small roles in movies such as "Johnny English Reborn" and thriller "Sicario." 
 
He won acclaim for playing a man who lives surrounded by screens in the surreal TV series "Black Mirror" before being cast in "Get Out" as a Black man who goes to visit his white girlfriend`s wealthy parents. 
 
That led to a part in the 2018 superhero movie, "Black Panther" and a starring role in the independent film "Queen &amp;&nbsp;Slim."

British actor Daniel Kaluuya on Sunday won his first Oscar for his supporting role as the late Black Panther activist Fred Hampton in the drama, "Judas and the Black Messiah.

British actor Daniel Kaluuya on Sunday won his first Oscar for his supporting role as the late Black Panther activist Fred Hampton in the drama, "Judas and the Black Messiah." Kaluuya, 32, emerged as front-runner for the Academy Award after also winning at the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and British BAFTA ceremonies. Born in London to Ugandan parents, Kaluuya describes himself as a working-class kid who got his first big break in the entertainment industry as a teen actor and writer on the young adult British TV series, "Skins." He first came to international attention in the 2017 surprise hit black comedy horror movie "Get Out," which brought him a lead actor Oscar nomination. In "Judas and the Black Messiah," he plays Black revolutionary leader Hampton, who was shot dead by Chicago police in 1969 at the age of 21. Kaluuya paid tribute to Hampton as he held his Oscar on stage. "What a man," Kaluuya said. "How blessed we are that we lived in a lifetime that he existed. Thank you for your life." The film was made with the blessing and participation of Hampton`s son, Fred Hampton Jr. Kaluuya has said his aim was to honor Hampton`s legacy. Kaluuya worked in British television and theater before landing small roles in movies such as "Johnny English Reborn" and thriller "Sicario." He won acclaim for playing a man who lives surrounded by screens in the surreal TV series "Black Mirror" before being cast in "Get Out" as a Black man who goes to visit his white girlfriend`s wealthy parents. That led to a part in the 2018 superhero movie, "Black Panther" and a starring role in the independent film "Queen & Slim."

Oscars 2021: Daniel Kaluuya wins supporting award for 'Judas and the Black Messiah'

Imagine watching a film called 'Little Women' at the cinema theatre and you are literally the only man in the hall.

I strangely got reminded of the time in my childhood, when I was the lone Kamal Haasan fan stuck in a movie theatre full of Rajnikanth fans.

Is this what has become of this world now? That&nbsp;guys just refuse to show up for films like 'Little Women'?

Or is it that the women refused to take the men along? That this was a strictly girls-only kind of movie. Mainly because they didn't want the men to ruin what they grew up with reading.

Mind you this film is based on a classic American novel that was part of school syllabus for many in India.

And it's not the first screen adaption. It's the latest. But could just be its best yet.

Critics have raved about it. It has a rotten tomatoes score of 95 per cent.

Now, why wasn't there any semblance of gender parity in the audience for this film? I'm hoping it was just the one show that I went for.

The fact that this film's woman director Greta Gerwig wasn't nominated raked up the issue of the lack of exactly that at the Oscars.

All of this year's Best Director Oscar nominees were male.

Speaking of which, it was nominated for 6 Oscars,&nbsp;including Best Film, Best-Adapted Screenplay and Best Background Score. And won the award for Best Costume Design.

Chronicling&nbsp;the 'growing up' of the 4 March sisters - Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth - during the times of the Civil war in America,&nbsp;the film is masterful in bringing out the source material's eternal relevance and striking an emotional chord with today's audience.

The leading women of 'Little Women' are stellar.

Saoirse Ronan playing Jo March got nominated for Best Actress. The 25 years and a few more months old is the second youngest ever with 4 to her credit.&nbsp;While Ronan has not won yet, Jennifer Lawrence, the youngest 4-time oscar nominee by merely months, has already&nbsp;won the&nbsp;Best Actress trophy once for her performance in 'Silver Linings Playbook'.

The big change from book to film is the character of Amy March, which has been given new vigour with newcomer Florence Pugh's breakout performance. And she too got herself a Supporting Actress nomination. But she didn't win.

Laura Dern who plays the mother of the March sisters in this film won for her superb divorce lawyer act in another film - 'Marriage Story'. She is fantastic as the mother in this one too. What a year she has had.

And the legendary Meryl Streep does a splendid cameo as the rich aunt who's only advice to the March sisters is to marry rich.

Not because she's evil or anything, but because that was considered the only logical thing to do for women at the time. America too was as sexist as any other place in the world. Some say it still is.

I wonder what it must have been like for regular middle-class guys in the late 1800s. And how much is it different now?

Incidentally, there was an advertisement for 'Elite Matrimony' that played first before the film began.

There was a collective groan when the movie&nbsp;abruptly stopped after an hour to honour the age-old Indian tradition of taking a compulsory 10-minute break in between, that is referred to as Interval or Intermission.

The popcorn&nbsp;doesn't&nbsp;sell itself, does it? Also, profit margins are better on that.

The women's loo got crowded real quick. I had no such issues being the only entrant at my end of the facilities. The look that the cleaning guy gave me was as if I was out at the wrong time doing something shady.&nbsp;

So I got back quickly. Only to watch the damn 'Elite Matrimony' ad have its second run. Yeah, that played more number of times than the actual movie people came for. Irony died a mini death.

At one point in the movie, the aunt tells one of the March sisters not to marry like their mother who fell for an ordinary army man. And that's brushed off almost like 'oh please!'.

Filmmaker Greta Gerwig's sweeping costume drama has lofty ideals. Both as a film and in the characters central to it.&nbsp;

With excellent cinematography and a beautiful music score, the film makes for fine viewing for both men and women. And all the genders in between.

Louisa May Alcott who wrote the novel also released a sequel to it called 'Little Men' - about Jo March and her husband dealing with the lives of the boys at their Plumfield Estate School. That was made into a movie in the 1930s. But not since.

Alcott then completed it as an unofficial trilogy with a third book called 'Jo's Boys'. About the same boys growing up and facing real-life adult issues. Which has never been made into a movie.

Unfortunately, the 2nd and 3rd books are not nearly as loved as the first one.

Alas, we could have had a new film version of 'Little Men' hitting movie theatres now.

Although, I wonder how many men would show up for even that. They would still be queueing up for the Nth iteration of a superhero videogame/movie. Don't ask me why I put the /. I can't tell the difference between the 2 these days anymore.

As I left the multiplex, I kept thinking about the episode from the iconic TV sitcom - 'Friends' - where Joey reads 'Little Women'. Because he has a bet with Rachel that she has to read 'The Shining' instead. And Rachel wins. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Imagine watching a film called 'Little Women' at the cinema theatre and you are literally the only man in the hall. I strangely got reminded of the time in my childhood, when I was the lone Kamal Haasan fan stuck in a movie theatre full of Rajnikanth fans.

Imagine watching a film called 'Little Women' at the cinema theatre and you are literally the only man in the hall. I strangely got reminded of the time in my childhood, when I was the lone Kamal Haasan fan stuck in a movie theatre full of Rajnikanth fans. Is this what has become of this world now? That guys just refuse to show up for films like 'Little Women'? Or is it that the women refused to take the men along? That this was a strictly girls-only kind of movie. Mainly because they didn't want the men to ruin what they grew up with reading. Mind you this film is based on a classic American novel that was part of school syllabus for many in India. And it's not the first screen adaption. It's the latest. But could just be its best yet. Critics have raved about it. It has a rotten tomatoes score of 95 per cent. Now, why wasn't there any semblance of gender parity in the audience for this film? I'm hoping it was just the one show that I went for. The fact that this film's woman director Greta Gerwig wasn't nominated raked up the issue of the lack of exactly that at the Oscars. All of this year's Best Director Oscar nominees were male. Speaking of which, it was nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Film, Best-Adapted Screenplay and Best Background Score. And won the award for Best Costume Design. Chronicling the 'growing up' of the 4 March sisters - Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth - during the times of the Civil war in America, the film is masterful in bringing out the source material's eternal relevance and striking an emotional chord with today's audience. The leading women of 'Little Women' are stellar. Saoirse Ronan playing Jo March got nominated for Best Actress. The 25 years and a few more months old is the second youngest ever with 4 to her credit. While Ronan has not won yet, Jennifer Lawrence, the youngest 4-time oscar nominee by merely months, has already won the Best Actress trophy once for her performance in 'Silver Linings Playbook'. The big change from book to film is the character of Amy March, which has been given new vigour with newcomer Florence Pugh's breakout performance. And she too got herself a Supporting Actress nomination. But she didn't win. Laura Dern who plays the mother of the March sisters in this film won for her superb divorce lawyer act in another film - 'Marriage Story'. She is fantastic as the mother in this one too. What a year she has had. And the legendary Meryl Streep does a splendid cameo as the rich aunt who's only advice to the March sisters is to marry rich. Not because she's evil or anything, but because that was considered the only logical thing to do for women at the time. America too was as sexist as any other place in the world. Some say it still is. I wonder what it must have been like for regular middle-class guys in the late 1800s. And how much is it different now? Incidentally, there was an advertisement for 'Elite Matrimony' that played first before the film began. There was a collective groan when the movie abruptly stopped after an hour to honour the age-old Indian tradition of taking a compulsory 10-minute break in between, that is referred to as Interval or Intermission. The popcorn doesn't sell itself, does it? Also, profit margins are better on that. The women's loo got crowded real quick. I had no such issues being the only entrant at my end of the facilities. The look that the cleaning guy gave me was as if I was out at the wrong time doing something shady. So I got back quickly. Only to watch the damn 'Elite Matrimony' ad have its second run. Yeah, that played more number of times than the actual movie people came for. Irony died a mini death. At one point in the movie, the aunt tells one of the March sisters not to marry like their mother who fell for an ordinary army man. And that's brushed off almost like 'oh please!'. Filmmaker Greta Gerwig's sweeping costume drama has lofty ideals. Both as a film and in the characters central to it. With excellent cinematography and a beautiful music score, the film makes for fine viewing for both men and women. And all the genders in between. Louisa May Alcott who wrote the novel also released a sequel to it called 'Little Men' - about Jo March and her husband dealing with the lives of the boys at their Plumfield Estate School. That was made into a movie in the 1930s. But not since. Alcott then completed it as an unofficial trilogy with a third book called 'Jo's Boys'. About the same boys growing up and facing real-life adult issues. Which has never been made into a movie. Unfortunately, the 2nd and 3rd books are not nearly as loved as the first one. Alas, we could have had a new film version of 'Little Men' hitting movie theatres now. Although, I wonder how many men would show up for even that. They would still be queueing up for the Nth iteration of a superhero videogame/movie. Don't ask me why I put the /. I can't tell the difference between the 2 these days anymore. As I left the multiplex, I kept thinking about the episode from the iconic TV sitcom - 'Friends' - where Joey reads 'Little Women'. Because he has a bet with Rachel that she has to read 'The Shining' instead. And Rachel wins. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

When a man loves 'Little Women'

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