Oscars 2021: Leslie Odom Jr to Riz Ahmed, best dressed men who owned the red-carpet

It is guaranteed to be an Oscars like no other: broadcast live from a train station, honouring films few saw in movie theatres, and reuniting Hollywood's A-listers for the first time in more than a year due to Covid-19.

Chloe Zhao, whose drama 'Nomadland'&nbsp;about transient Americans roaming the West in vans is tipped to win the best picture and in the running for five more Oscars, is among the nominees set to emerge from long isolation on Sunday to take part in Tinseltown's biggest night.

"We want to see our friends! We have a lot of friends nominated this year, and we're really excited to see them," Zhao said of the 93rd Academy Awards.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-best-picture-winners-of-the-past-decade-379734">Oscars: Best picture winners of the past decade</a>

But while the nominees enjoy a much-needed catch-up, the usual high-wattage glamour of the stars parading in couture gowns and jewels will be more subdued, with organizers promising only a "teeny-tiny red carpet."

The guest list is strictly limited, with even studio execs forced to watch on television, and most of the Hollywood press corps will be absent -- something stars of a more nervous disposition are likely to welcome.

"I do think there's going to be some more freedom" for the attending nominees, Variety journalist Marc Malkin told AFP.&nbsp; But with stars reportedly told they can remove their masks while on camera, even as the pandemic rages worldwide, "there's going to be an awkwardness of 'how much are we supposed to be excited? Do we hug? Do we not hug?" he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-nominated-movies-that-you-can-watch-this-weekend-before-the-big-night-379495" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Nominated movies that you can watch this weekend before the big night</a>

&nbsp;'Up in the air' -

"Nomadland," which has swept most of the awards shows in the run-up to the Oscars, enters Sunday as one of the clearest best picture frontrunners in years.

Zhao is also tipped to become the second woman, and first of color, to win the golden statuette for best director. With movie theaters closed all year, and blockbuster content delayed,&nbsp;her film -- like rivals "Minari" and "Sound of Metal" -- captured the pandemic zeitgeist with its stunning portrait of the isolated margins of society.

Contenders like "Promising Young Woman" and "The Trial of the Chicago 7" tapped into themes of #MeToo and anti-racism protest that feel more relevant than ever, but those films are still outsiders for the night's final prize.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-5-most-memorable-moments-of-all-time-379431" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: 5 most memorable moments of all-time</a>

The acting races -- in which it is realistic that all four prizes could go to people of color, after years of #OscarsSoWhite complaints -- promise more tension.

Best actress in particular is "up in the air," according to Deadline awards columnist Pete Hammond -- all five contenders including "Nomadland" star Frances McDormand, Viola Davis ("Ma Rainey's Black Bottom") and Carey Mulligan ("Promising Young Woman") have won awards for their work.

The late Chadwick Boseman is tipped to win only the third posthumous acting Oscar in history for his lead role in "Ma Rainey," but one Academy voter told AFP that Anthony Hopkins' turn as a dementia sufferer in "The Father" could produce "a surprise."

Daniel Kaluuya is expected to win best supporting actor for "Judas and the Black Messiah," while South Korea's Youn Yuh-jung ("Minari") is the one to beat for supporting actress honors.

A win for "The Trial of the Chicago 7" or "Mank" would hand Netflix the first-ever streaming win for best picture -- "Sound of Metal" would do the same for rival Amazon.

While none of those outcomes are likely, Netflix is tipped to enjoy the most wins on the night thanks to technical categories and documentary "My Octopus Teacher."

&nbsp;'Opportunity' -

This year's Oscars are arriving later than the commuter trains at their Union Station venue -- producers say the live ceremony they have planned would have been "impossible" without a two-month delay.

In a nod to the past year's unique circumstances, the show will have a large physical footprint.&nbsp;

The presentation of honorary prizes and musical performances will take place at a Hollywood theater and the Academy's new film museum, while Europeans unable to travel will gather at "hubs" in London and Paris.

But the main business of handing out golden statuettes will take place at the 1930s-built station, distinctive for its Spanish colonial and Art Deco stylings.

The venue was chosen for its grand scale and outdoor courtyards, where white tents sheltering everything from Covid testing booths to catering were installed in recent days, to the bemusement of onlookers who had just come to catch a train.

The show's co-producer, Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh, has described the Covid-mandated changes as an "opportunity" for a show unlike "anything that's been done before."

The event will be shot to look more like a feature film than a television show. A-list presenters will include Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt. "Kudos to the Academy for at least trying to have some semblance of a live show, without Zoom," said Hammond.

But the lower profile of this year's nominees, pandemic-era screen fatigue and a downward trend mean the Oscars are likely to suffer the same low ratings of other recent awards shows.

"It would be a wonderful day for the Academy if it only drops 50 percent," he told AFP. "It's just the way it's going."

It is guaranteed to be an Oscars like no other: broadcast live from a train station, honouring films few saw in movie theatres, and reuniting Hollywood's A-listers for the first time in more than a year due to Covid-19.

It is guaranteed to be an Oscars like no other: broadcast live from a train station, honouring films few saw in movie theatres, and reuniting Hollywood's A-listers for the first time in more than a year due to Covid-19. Chloe Zhao, whose drama 'Nomadland' about transient Americans roaming the West in vans is tipped to win the best picture and in the running for five more Oscars, is among the nominees set to emerge from long isolation on Sunday to take part in Tinseltown's biggest night. "We want to see our friends! We have a lot of friends nominated this year, and we're really excited to see them," Zhao said of the 93rd Academy Awards. Oscars: Best picture winners of the past decade But while the nominees enjoy a much-needed catch-up, the usual high-wattage glamour of the stars parading in couture gowns and jewels will be more subdued, with organizers promising only a "teeny-tiny red carpet." The guest list is strictly limited, with even studio execs forced to watch on television, and most of the Hollywood press corps will be absent -- something stars of a more nervous disposition are likely to welcome. "I do think there's going to be some more freedom" for the attending nominees, Variety journalist Marc Malkin told AFP. But with stars reportedly told they can remove their masks while on camera, even as the pandemic rages worldwide, "there's going to be an awkwardness of 'how much are we supposed to be excited? Do we hug? Do we not hug?" he added. Oscars 2021: Nominated movies that you can watch this weekend before the big night 'Up in the air' - "Nomadland," which has swept most of the awards shows in the run-up to the Oscars, enters Sunday as one of the clearest best picture frontrunners in years. Zhao is also tipped to become the second woman, and first of color, to win the golden statuette for best director. With movie theaters closed all year, and blockbuster content delayed, her film -- like rivals "Minari" and "Sound of Metal" -- captured the pandemic zeitgeist with its stunning portrait of the isolated margins of society. Contenders like "Promising Young Woman" and "The Trial of the Chicago 7" tapped into themes of #MeToo and anti-racism protest that feel more relevant than ever, but those films are still outsiders for the night's final prize. Oscars 2021: 5 most memorable moments of all-time The acting races -- in which it is realistic that all four prizes could go to people of color, after years of #OscarsSoWhite complaints -- promise more tension. Best actress in particular is "up in the air," according to Deadline awards columnist Pete Hammond -- all five contenders including "Nomadland" star Frances McDormand, Viola Davis ("Ma Rainey's Black Bottom") and Carey Mulligan ("Promising Young Woman") have won awards for their work. The late Chadwick Boseman is tipped to win only the third posthumous acting Oscar in history for his lead role in "Ma Rainey," but one Academy voter told AFP that Anthony Hopkins' turn as a dementia sufferer in "The Father" could produce "a surprise." Daniel Kaluuya is expected to win best supporting actor for "Judas and the Black Messiah," while South Korea's Youn Yuh-jung ("Minari") is the one to beat for supporting actress honors. A win for "The Trial of the Chicago 7" or "Mank" would hand Netflix the first-ever streaming win for best picture -- "Sound of Metal" would do the same for rival Amazon. While none of those outcomes are likely, Netflix is tipped to enjoy the most wins on the night thanks to technical categories and documentary "My Octopus Teacher." 'Opportunity' - This year's Oscars are arriving later than the commuter trains at their Union Station venue -- producers say the live ceremony they have planned would have been "impossible" without a two-month delay. In a nod to the past year's unique circumstances, the show will have a large physical footprint. The presentation of honorary prizes and musical performances will take place at a Hollywood theater and the Academy's new film museum, while Europeans unable to travel will gather at "hubs" in London and Paris. But the main business of handing out golden statuettes will take place at the 1930s-built station, distinctive for its Spanish colonial and Art Deco stylings. The venue was chosen for its grand scale and outdoor courtyards, where white tents sheltering everything from Covid testing booths to catering were installed in recent days, to the bemusement of onlookers who had just come to catch a train. The show's co-producer, Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh, has described the Covid-mandated changes as an "opportunity" for a show unlike "anything that's been done before." The event will be shot to look more like a feature film than a television show. A-list presenters will include Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt. "Kudos to the Academy for at least trying to have some semblance of a live show, without Zoom," said Hammond. But the lower profile of this year's nominees, pandemic-era screen fatigue and a downward trend mean the Oscars are likely to suffer the same low ratings of other recent awards shows. "It would be a wonderful day for the Academy if it only drops 50 percent," he told AFP. "It's just the way it's going."

Unique Oscars to reunite stars as 'Nomadland' seeks big prize

Oscars 2021: Probable winners in key categories

From Chadwick Boseman to Chloe Zhao: Oscar line-up is packed with firsts

Oscars 2021: Everything you need to know about the big night

Dramatic portrayals of people`s cruelty toward others are a theme in this year`s best international feature film Oscar race, with stories of genocide, corruption and bullying among entries from five countries that include two first-time nominees. 
 
Denmark`s comedy-drama "Another Round" is the outlier, with its tale of teachers who agree to drink a certain amount of alcohol every day in the hope it will get them out of a middle-aged rut. 
 
"Another Round" is seen as the front-runner to take the Oscar on Sunday, given that its director, Thomas Vinterberg, a co-founder of the Danish "Dogme 95" movement of low-budget naturalistic filmmaking, also snagged a surprise best director nod. Yet Vinterberg had his own tragedy to cope with when his teenage daughter died in a traffic accident just as filming began. Completing the movie became a way to honour her, star Mads Mikkelsen said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-nominated-movies-that-you-can-watch-this-weekend-before-the-big-night-379495" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Nominated movies that you can watch this weekend before the big night</a> 
 
"It is a film about reclaiming your life, it is never too late," Mikkelsen said. This year`s other entries are dark - but also convey a hopeful message. 
Romania got its first-ever Academy Award nomination with "Collective," about the aftermath of a deadly nightclub fire. "Collective" is also competing in the best documentary field. 
 
"Collective" follows journalist Catalin Tolontan, whose investigations revealed that badly burned victims were treated in improper hospital conditions, with inadequate cleaning products linked to many deaths.

&nbsp;

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Romanian director Alexander Nanau said the double nominations mean the 2015 fire and subsequent healthcare scandal "will not be forgotten."The&nbsp; Bosnian war drama "Quo Vadis, Aida?," about a woman`s desperate effort to save her husband and sons during the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, would be the second Bosnian film to take home an Oscar after "No Man`s Land" in 2002.

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The film, directed by Jasmila Zbanic, centers on Aida, a translator for the United Nations when the Bosnian Serb Army takes over the town during the Bosnian war. "Quo Vadis" is a Latin phrase meaning "Where are you going?" "This film was not made to divide and confront people but the opposite - to understand each other better," said Zbanic. 
 
"The Man Who Sold His Skin," the first Tunisian film to be nominated for an Academy Award, is a satirical drama about a Syrian refugee who agrees to become a living artwork in the hope of getting a European visa. 
 
Hong Kong`s entry "Better Days," about a bullied high school student facing daunting college-entry exams, was a major draw at the Chinese box office in 2019, grossing $230 million. 
 
But Hong Kong authorities have decided not to broadcast the Oscars ceremony on television for the first time since 1969 in a move which activists have linked to the nomination of another film - the documentary "Do Not Split" - about the city`s 2019 democracy protests. 
"Better Days," adapted from a popular novel, stars Zhou Dongyu as a high-school girl tormented by peers, who befriends a young criminal played by pop music star Jackson Yee. 
"The film carries a very positive message and (bullying is) something that needs to be discussed," director Derek Tsang said.

Dramatic portrayals of people`s cruelty toward others are a theme in this year`s best international feature film Oscar race, with stories of genocide, corruption and bullying among entries from five countries that include two first-time nominees.

Dramatic portrayals of people`s cruelty toward others are a theme in this year`s best international feature film Oscar race, with stories of genocide, corruption and bullying among entries from five countries that include two first-time nominees. Denmark`s comedy-drama "Another Round" is the outlier, with its tale of teachers who agree to drink a certain amount of alcohol every day in the hope it will get them out of a middle-aged rut. "Another Round" is seen as the front-runner to take the Oscar on Sunday, given that its director, Thomas Vinterberg, a co-founder of the Danish "Dogme 95" movement of low-budget naturalistic filmmaking, also snagged a surprise best director nod. Yet Vinterberg had his own tragedy to cope with when his teenage daughter died in a traffic accident just as filming began. Completing the movie became a way to honour her, star Mads Mikkelsen said. Oscars 2021: Nominated movies that you can watch this weekend before the big night "It is a film about reclaiming your life, it is never too late," Mikkelsen said. This year`s other entries are dark - but also convey a hopeful message. Romania got its first-ever Academy Award nomination with "Collective," about the aftermath of a deadly nightclub fire. "Collective" is also competing in the best documentary field. "Collective" follows journalist Catalin Tolontan, whose investigations revealed that badly burned victims were treated in improper hospital conditions, with inadequate cleaning products linked to many deaths. Oscars 2021: Here's a look back at posthumous Oscar winners Romanian director Alexander Nanau said the double nominations mean the 2015 fire and subsequent healthcare scandal "will not be forgotten."The Bosnian war drama "Quo Vadis, Aida?," about a woman`s desperate effort to save her husband and sons during the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, would be the second Bosnian film to take home an Oscar after "No Man`s Land" in 2002. Oscars 2021: 5 most memorable moments of all-time The film, directed by Jasmila Zbanic, centers on Aida, a translator for the United Nations when the Bosnian Serb Army takes over the town during the Bosnian war. "Quo Vadis" is a Latin phrase meaning "Where are you going?" "This film was not made to divide and confront people but the opposite - to understand each other better," said Zbanic. "The Man Who Sold His Skin," the first Tunisian film to be nominated for an Academy Award, is a satirical drama about a Syrian refugee who agrees to become a living artwork in the hope of getting a European visa. Hong Kong`s entry "Better Days," about a bullied high school student facing daunting college-entry exams, was a major draw at the Chinese box office in 2019, grossing $230 million. But Hong Kong authorities have decided not to broadcast the Oscars ceremony on television for the first time since 1969 in a move which activists have linked to the nomination of another film - the documentary "Do Not Split" - about the city`s 2019 democracy protests. "Better Days," adapted from a popular novel, stars Zhou Dongyu as a high-school girl tormented by peers, who befriends a young criminal played by pop music star Jackson Yee. "The film carries a very positive message and (bullying is) something that needs to be discussed," director Derek Tsang said.

International Oscar field highlights humanity's darker side

The ballots are all in!

Millions of television viewers around the globe will tune in Sunday to watch the Oscars, the glitziest night in showbiz, but most don't know how the winners are chosen. Answer: more than 9,300 people in the entertainment industry select honorees. The number is a record high. But who are they and how did they get to become voters?

Here is a look at the complex, sometimes confounding process that leads to the winners of the 23 Academy Awards:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-best-picture-winners-of-the-past-decade-379734" hreflang="en">Oscars: Best picture winners of the past decade</a>

&nbsp;Who votes? -&nbsp;

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles currently has 9,362 voting members.

Academy membership is divided into 17 branches -- actors, directors, producers, costume designers and so on -- and candidates must be active or otherwise have "achieved distinction" in the industry.

Applicants must be sponsored by two Academy members representing their branch. Oscar winners and nominees are automatically considered for membership and don't need sponsors.

Applications are reviewed once a year by the Academy's Board of Governors, which has the final say on who joins the elite group. Members used to enjoy voting rights for life but since 2016, "voting status" has been limited to 10 years, and is renewable, to avoid having voters who are no longer active in the business.

Lifetime voting rights only come after three 10-year terms. Those not active become "emeritus" members who cannot vote.

&nbsp;

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&nbsp;Who are the Academy members? -&nbsp;

For a long time, the Academy did not reveal its voting roll, though nothing prevents a member from saying he or she can cast a ballot.

At the time of the #OscarsSoWhite uproar in 2015 and 2016, about the lack of nominees of color, the Academy revealed that of its 6,000 members, 93 percent were white and 76 percent were men. The median age was 63. The Academy announced it would double the number of women and minority members by 2020 to foster a more diverse environment.

Last summer, the organization announced it had met that goal. The Academy is now one-third female and 19 per cent "underrepresented minorities." The group has also vastly boosted its foreign membership. Now, more than 2,100 are not Americans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-5-most-memorable-moments-of-all-time-379431" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: 5 most memorable moments of all-time</a>

How are the nominees chosen? -&nbsp;

Members of each of the 17 branches pick the nominees in their area of expertise. The actors' branch -- the largest voting group -- submits nominations for the acting categories, directors submit nominations for best director and so on.

Nominations for certain awards, like for best international film and best-animated feature, are chosen by special committees. The entire membership votes to choose the nominees for the best picture.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-heres-a-look-back-at-posthumous-oscar-winners-379235" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Here's a look back at posthumous Oscar winners</a>

How are the winners chosen? -

All voting members choose the winners. In 22 of 23 categories, the person with the most votes is the winner.

But when it comes to the coveted best picture award, the Oscar voters have since 2009 used a complicated preferential ballot system in which they rank the films from most favourite to least favourite.&nbsp;

Anywhere from five to 10 nominees can be chosen: this year, eight films are in contention. If one film garners more than 50 per cent of the vote outright, it automatically wins.

Otherwise, the count unfolds in rounds -- the film that received the lowest number of first-place votes is eliminated and those votes given to it are then allocated to the voters' second choice. The process of elimination continues until there is one film left with more than 50 per cent of the vote.

"The idea of the preferential ballot is to reflect the wishes of the greatest number of voters," explained Ric Robertson, who was the Academy's chief operating officer in 2009 when the process changed.

"Otherwise you might end up with a movie that, say, 25 per cent of the people love and the rest can't stand," he told the Los Angeles Times.

"This way, hopefully, you have a winner that most people can live with."

The ballots are all in! Millions of television viewers around the globe will tune in Sunday to watch the Oscars, the glitziest night in showbiz, but most don't know how the winners are chosen.

The ballots are all in! Millions of television viewers around the globe will tune in Sunday to watch the Oscars, the glitziest night in showbiz, but most don't know how the winners are chosen. Answer: more than 9,300 people in the entertainment industry select honorees. The number is a record high. But who are they and how did they get to become voters? Here is a look at the complex, sometimes confounding process that leads to the winners of the 23 Academy Awards: Oscars: Best picture winners of the past decade Who votes? - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles currently has 9,362 voting members. Academy membership is divided into 17 branches -- actors, directors, producers, costume designers and so on -- and candidates must be active or otherwise have "achieved distinction" in the industry. Applicants must be sponsored by two Academy members representing their branch. Oscar winners and nominees are automatically considered for membership and don't need sponsors. Applications are reviewed once a year by the Academy's Board of Governors, which has the final say on who joins the elite group. Members used to enjoy voting rights for life but since 2016, "voting status" has been limited to 10 years, and is renewable, to avoid having voters who are no longer active in the business. Lifetime voting rights only come after three 10-year terms. Those not active become "emeritus" members who cannot vote. Oscars 2021: Nominated movies that you can watch this weekend before the big night Who are the Academy members? - For a long time, the Academy did not reveal its voting roll, though nothing prevents a member from saying he or she can cast a ballot. At the time of the #OscarsSoWhite uproar in 2015 and 2016, about the lack of nominees of color, the Academy revealed that of its 6,000 members, 93 percent were white and 76 percent were men. The median age was 63. The Academy announced it would double the number of women and minority members by 2020 to foster a more diverse environment. Last summer, the organization announced it had met that goal. The Academy is now one-third female and 19 per cent "underrepresented minorities." The group has also vastly boosted its foreign membership. Now, more than 2,100 are not Americans. Oscars 2021: 5 most memorable moments of all-time How are the nominees chosen? - Members of each of the 17 branches pick the nominees in their area of expertise. The actors' branch -- the largest voting group -- submits nominations for the acting categories, directors submit nominations for best director and so on. Nominations for certain awards, like for best international film and best-animated feature, are chosen by special committees. The entire membership votes to choose the nominees for the best picture. Oscars 2021: Here's a look back at posthumous Oscar winners How are the winners chosen? - All voting members choose the winners. In 22 of 23 categories, the person with the most votes is the winner. But when it comes to the coveted best picture award, the Oscar voters have since 2009 used a complicated preferential ballot system in which they rank the films from most favourite to least favourite. Anywhere from five to 10 nominees can be chosen: this year, eight films are in contention. If one film garners more than 50 per cent of the vote outright, it automatically wins. Otherwise, the count unfolds in rounds -- the film that received the lowest number of first-place votes is eliminated and those votes given to it are then allocated to the voters' second choice. The process of elimination continues until there is one film left with more than 50 per cent of the vote. "The idea of the preferential ballot is to reflect the wishes of the greatest number of voters," explained Ric Robertson, who was the Academy's chief operating officer in 2009 when the process changed. "Otherwise you might end up with a movie that, say, 25 per cent of the people love and the rest can't stand," he told the Los Angeles Times. "This way, hopefully, you have a winner that most people can live with."

Who votes for the Oscars, and how does it work?

With Oscars 2021 just around the corner, here’s a little scoop for the Academy Awards watchers.&nbsp;

We know what’s inside the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars </a>goodie bag this year. For the 19th year in a row, attendees will be given over-the-top goodie bags, also known as “Everyone Wins” nominee gift bags.

Created by the company Distinctive Assets, the bag will contain a range of items like Postmates Don’t Cookbook with a QR code that sends foods from local restaurants, a four-night stay at Golden Spa, a plastic surgery procedure at Art Lipo and personalised investment advice from a venture capitalist. It will also include personal training sessions with a celebrity trainer, a three-night stay at Pater Noster Lighthouse, and a Peta emergency hammer to save dogs trapped in hot cars, according to Vogue.

The Oscar nominees will also be given Cozy Earth loungewear made from sustainably sourced silk and bamboo, Loci sneakers made from repurposed plastic, a Ryst Mask face mask which is also a wristband, socks from London Sock Company, and an anti-racism children’s book Change-Maker Village.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-heres-a-look-back-at-posthumous-oscar-winners-379235" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Here's a look back at posthumous Oscar winners</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-attendees-wont-be-wearing-face-masks-on-camera-378754" hreflang="en">Oscars attendees won't be wearing face masks on camera</a>

With Oscars 2021 just around the corner, here’s a little scoop for the Academy Awards watchers. We know what’s inside the Oscars goodie bag this year. For the 19th year in a row, attendees will be given over-the-top goodie bags, also known as “Everyone Wins” nominee gift bags.

With Oscars 2021 just around the corner, here’s a little scoop for the Academy Awards watchers. We know what’s inside the Oscars goodie bag this year. For the 19th year in a row, attendees will be given over-the-top goodie bags, also known as “Everyone Wins” nominee gift bags. Created by the company Distinctive Assets, the bag will contain a range of items like Postmates Don’t Cookbook with a QR code that sends foods from local restaurants, a four-night stay at Golden Spa, a plastic surgery procedure at Art Lipo and personalised investment advice from a venture capitalist. It will also include personal training sessions with a celebrity trainer, a three-night stay at Pater Noster Lighthouse, and a Peta emergency hammer to save dogs trapped in hot cars, according to Vogue. The Oscar nominees will also be given Cozy Earth loungewear made from sustainably sourced silk and bamboo, Loci sneakers made from repurposed plastic, a Ryst Mask face mask which is also a wristband, socks from London Sock Company, and an anti-racism children’s book Change-Maker Village. Oscars 2021: Here's a look back at posthumous Oscar winners Oscars attendees won't be wearing face masks on camera

This is what's inside Oscars 2021 goodie bags

The Oscars on Sunday will mirror the movie industry they honor: transformed by the pandemic, forced to experiment with new venues and formats, and likely to be dominated by "Nomadland."

The crowning event of Hollywood's awards season was delayed by two months, and will mainly be held at Los Angeles' Union Station, chosen for the social distancing its enormity allows in the age of Covid-19.

In a nod to the past year's unique circumstances, the 93rd Academy Awards will have a large footprint -- the presentation of honorary prizes and musical performances will take place at a Hollywood theater and the Academy's new film museum, while Europeans unable to travel will gather at "hubs" in London and Paris.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood-loves-a-reboot-now-oscars-show-gets-its-turn-amid-pandemic-calls-for-diversity-379259" hreflang="en">Hollywood loves a reboot - now Oscars show gets its turn amid pandemic, calls for diversity</a>

But the main business of handing out golden statuettes will take place at the station -- with one particular film expected to depart with a handful including best picture, the night's final award. "I can't imagine that 'Nomadland' does not win the big prize. I can't imagine that Chloe Zhao doesn't win for director," Variety journalist Marc Malkin told AFP.

"But I always say about this year -- this year has been so weird. You just never know."

- 'Total lock' -

Zhao's elegiac road movie about older Americans roaming the West in vans after the global financial crisis won top film festival prizes last fall and has dominated this year's elongated and largely virtual awards season.

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The 39-year-old Beijing-born director is "a total lock -- they're going to vote for her even if they haven't seen the movie," said Deadline awards columnist Pete Hammond.&nbsp;

"Right now, she's very respected and much beloved in the directing community," one Academy voter, who asked not to be named, told AFP. If any film can rival "Nomadland," it may be "The Trial of the Chicago 7," which won the top prize from Hollywood's actors guild.

That would hand Netflix the industry's biggest accolade for the first time, in a year of shuttered movie theaters that was ruled by streaming.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-nominees-who-broke-records-and-can-make-history-with-their-win-378635" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Nominees who broke records and can make history with their win</a>

"It's not inconceivable, but I don't get the vibe out there for it right now where it's going to pull this off," said Hammond, pointing to #MeToo revenge thriller "Promising Young Woman" and immigrant drama "Minari" as dark horses.

- Hopkins 'lurking' -

"Nomadland" star Frances McDormand, a two-time Oscar winner who anchors a film in which several real-life "nomads" play versions of themselves, is nominated once again this year.

But that category is "up in the air" and "could go any which way," said Hammond, noting that all five contenders including Viola Davis ("Ma Rainey's Black Bottom") and Carey Mulligan ("Promising Young Woman") have won major awards in the run-up to the Oscars.

Davis's co-star Chadwick Boseman, who died last year from cancer before the release of his tragic final performance as a trumpet player haunted by racist atrocities, is tipped to win the third-ever posthumous acting Oscar.

"I would probably put my money on Chadwick, but there could be a surprise," said the Academy voter.

"Anthony Hopkins is lurking in the background," the voter added, referring to the Oscar-winner's shattering performance as a dementia sufferer in "The Father." Daniel Kaluuya is expected to win best supporting actor for "Judas and the Black Messiah," while South Korean actress Youn Yuh-jung's popularity has grown with her "endearing" recent acceptance speeches for other supporting actress awards for her work in "Minari," said Malkin.

It is realistically possible that all four acting prizes -- and director -- could go to people of color, while Netflix is expected to scoop the most prizes of the night, including for best documentary for "My Octopus Teacher."

&nbsp;'Opportunity' -

The ceremony will be pared back -- producers have spoken of a guest list so strict that even Hollywood's most powerful studio executives won't be allowed in, and a "teeny-tiny" red carpet that could pose some challenges.&nbsp;

"The few interviews that (the) talent are doing at the Oscars, they're doing from seven feet away," said Malkin. "That's just awkward... how do you do that? How do you make it fun?"

But the show's co-producer, Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh, has described the Covid-mandated changes as an "opportunity" for a show unlike "anything that's been done before."

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-minari-nomadland-heres-how-to-watch-all-best-film-nominees-in-india-376284" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India</a>

The ceremony will have "the aesthetic of a film as opposed to a TV show," including movie-like "over-the-shoulder shots from within the audience" and high-resolution, widescreen formats, he said. Stars have been asked to dress to the nines -- and reportedly can remove their masks when cameras are rolling. A-list presenters include Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt.

"Kudos to the Academy for at least trying to have some semblance of a live show, without Zoom," said Hammond. But the lower profile of this year's nominees and pandemic-era screen fatigue mean the Oscars are all but certain to suffer the same precipitous ratings drop of other awards shows.

"It would be a wonderful day for the Academy if it only drops 50 percent," he told AFP. "It's just the way it's going."

The Oscars on Sunday will mirror the movie industry they honor: transformed by the pandemic, forced to experiment with new venues and formats, and likely to be dominated by "Nomadland.

The Oscars on Sunday will mirror the movie industry they honor: transformed by the pandemic, forced to experiment with new venues and formats, and likely to be dominated by "Nomadland." The crowning event of Hollywood's awards season was delayed by two months, and will mainly be held at Los Angeles' Union Station, chosen for the social distancing its enormity allows in the age of Covid-19. In a nod to the past year's unique circumstances, the 93rd Academy Awards will have a large footprint -- the presentation of honorary prizes and musical performances will take place at a Hollywood theater and the Academy's new film museum, while Europeans unable to travel will gather at "hubs" in London and Paris. Hollywood loves a reboot - now Oscars show gets its turn amid pandemic, calls for diversity But the main business of handing out golden statuettes will take place at the station -- with one particular film expected to depart with a handful including best picture, the night's final award. "I can't imagine that 'Nomadland' does not win the big prize. I can't imagine that Chloe Zhao doesn't win for director," Variety journalist Marc Malkin told AFP. "But I always say about this year -- this year has been so weird. You just never know." - 'Total lock' - Zhao's elegiac road movie about older Americans roaming the West in vans after the global financial crisis won top film festival prizes last fall and has dominated this year's elongated and largely virtual awards season. Oscars 2021: Here's a look back at posthumous Oscar winners The 39-year-old Beijing-born director is "a total lock -- they're going to vote for her even if they haven't seen the movie," said Deadline awards columnist Pete Hammond. "Right now, she's very respected and much beloved in the directing community," one Academy voter, who asked not to be named, told AFP. If any film can rival "Nomadland," it may be "The Trial of the Chicago 7," which won the top prize from Hollywood's actors guild. That would hand Netflix the industry's biggest accolade for the first time, in a year of shuttered movie theaters that was ruled by streaming. Oscars 2021: Nominees who broke records and can make history with their win "It's not inconceivable, but I don't get the vibe out there for it right now where it's going to pull this off," said Hammond, pointing to #MeToo revenge thriller "Promising Young Woman" and immigrant drama "Minari" as dark horses. - Hopkins 'lurking' - "Nomadland" star Frances McDormand, a two-time Oscar winner who anchors a film in which several real-life "nomads" play versions of themselves, is nominated once again this year. But that category is "up in the air" and "could go any which way," said Hammond, noting that all five contenders including Viola Davis ("Ma Rainey's Black Bottom") and Carey Mulligan ("Promising Young Woman") have won major awards in the run-up to the Oscars. Davis's co-star Chadwick Boseman, who died last year from cancer before the release of his tragic final performance as a trumpet player haunted by racist atrocities, is tipped to win the third-ever posthumous acting Oscar. "I would probably put my money on Chadwick, but there could be a surprise," said the Academy voter. "Anthony Hopkins is lurking in the background," the voter added, referring to the Oscar-winner's shattering performance as a dementia sufferer in "The Father." Daniel Kaluuya is expected to win best supporting actor for "Judas and the Black Messiah," while South Korean actress Youn Yuh-jung's popularity has grown with her "endearing" recent acceptance speeches for other supporting actress awards for her work in "Minari," said Malkin. It is realistically possible that all four acting prizes -- and director -- could go to people of color, while Netflix is expected to scoop the most prizes of the night, including for best documentary for "My Octopus Teacher." 'Opportunity' - The ceremony will be pared back -- producers have spoken of a guest list so strict that even Hollywood's most powerful studio executives won't be allowed in, and a "teeny-tiny" red carpet that could pose some challenges. "The few interviews that (the) talent are doing at the Oscars, they're doing from seven feet away," said Malkin. "That's just awkward... how do you do that? How do you make it fun?" But the show's co-producer, Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh, has described the Covid-mandated changes as an "opportunity" for a show unlike "anything that's been done before." Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India The ceremony will have "the aesthetic of a film as opposed to a TV show," including movie-like "over-the-shoulder shots from within the audience" and high-resolution, widescreen formats, he said. Stars have been asked to dress to the nines -- and reportedly can remove their masks when cameras are rolling. A-list presenters include Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt. "Kudos to the Academy for at least trying to have some semblance of a live show, without Zoom," said Hammond. But the lower profile of this year's nominees and pandemic-era screen fatigue mean the Oscars are all but certain to suffer the same precipitous ratings drop of other awards shows. "It would be a wonderful day for the Academy if it only drops 50 percent," he told AFP. "It's just the way it's going."

Hollywood set for pandemic-era Oscars, with 'Nomadland' out front

Oscars 2021: Nominated movies that you can watch this weekend before the big night

This year, the Oscars will feature a best picture contender about a drummer with hearing loss, a nominated documentary exploring a hippie camp for disabled youths, and a nod for the first film ever to star a deaf-blind actor.

It's a step forward for disability representation in Hollywood, nominated filmmakers told AFP -- but one that must be built on to prevent progress slipping away from our screens yet again.&nbsp; 
 
<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjvxpndwonwAhVRbSsKHa7rAAQQxfQBMAB6BAgDEAM" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-show-reinvented-as-a-movie-with-masks-and-longer-speeches-378346" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-show-reinvented-as-a-movie-with-masks-and-longer-speeches-378346&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjvxpndwonwAhVRbSsKHa7rAAQQxfQBMAB6BAgDEAM">Oscars show reinvented as a movie, with masks and longer speeches</a>

Until now, Tinseltown producers "haven't done a very good job -- but they know that, we're making them aware of that," said "Sound of Metal" supporting actor nominee Paul Raci, who was raised by deaf parents.

"I'm one of the guys who has got to be in the forefront of not dropping the ball... keeping them aware of all the deaf artists that we have, all the disabled artists, all the genius that's out there, all the untold stories," Raci told AFP.

The wariness is understandable. This is a road Hollywood has attempted to travel down before.

In 1948, Jane Wyman, a hearing actress, won an Oscar for playing a deaf-mute woman in "Johnny Belinda" -- a miscasting Raci likens to "nails on a chalkboard." 
 
<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjvxpndwonwAhVRbSsKHa7rAAQQxfQBMAJ6BAgDEA0" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/power-of-oscars-keeps-romanian-collective-tragedy-in-peoples-minds-says-director-377992" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/power-of-oscars-keeps-romanian-collective-tragedy-in-peoples-minds-says-director-377992&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjvxpndwonwAhVRbSsKHa7rAAQQxfQBMAJ6BAgDEA0">Power of Oscars keeps Romanian `Collective` tragedy in people`s minds, says director</a>

Real progress came in 1987 when Marlee Matlin, who is deaf, won the Academy Award for best actress for "Children of a Lesser God."&nbsp;

But until recently, that has remained a stark exception to the norm, even as Hollywood has made leaps and bounds in inclusive content involving Black and LGBTQ filmmakers and themes.&nbsp;

"Oftentimes, the disability community brings up the rear as far as underrepresented communities getting the spotlight," said Doug Roland, director of the Oscar-nominated short film "Feeling Through."

Roland is able-bodied, but his short film was inspired by a late-night encounter he had with a deafblind man who needed help crossing a New York street.&nbsp;

He cast first-time actor Robert Tarango -- the first deafblind person with a leading role in any movie, according to filmmakers.

Matlin herself came on board as an executive producer, and the film is now on an Oscar shortlist of five.

"That conversation has really started to shift in a very significant way to the disability community, and there's louder voices being heard," said Roland.

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Subhuman' -</h2>

&nbsp;

But disability representation is such an uphill battle in entertainment because biases are "very deep and hard to identify," with those holding them often not even aware of their prejudice, according to Roland.

The community is "often seen as 'less than' in a way that's more severe than other communities," or even "almost as subhuman," he told AFP.

"That's something that has maybe stifled people really listening or leaning in or taking it seriously."

Raci, who plays an addiction counselor who lost his hearing late in life in "Sound of Metal," agreed that "people are afraid of the unknown, or they're threatened."

"Deafness is a hidden disability -- there's no sign in anybody that says 'I'm deaf'," he told AFP.

Another obstacle for actors with disabilities is physical access to film sets and locations, which are not always equipped for a wide range of people such as wheelchair users or the blind.

This month, A-listers including Amy Poehler and Naomie Harris signed an open letter to top movie studios urging them to hire permanent disability officers, who would help seek opportunities for disabled talent and ensure more inclusive hiring.

In a bid to change Hollywood's course, actor Nic Novicki in 2013 launched a film competition requiring at least one crew or cast member with a disability, which has now become the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.

"When I started it... we were very underrepresented -- much more so than now," said Novicki, who has a form of dwarfism, and was tired of being offered typecast roles where disability was "the storyline."

"If you look at the Academy Awards this year, the proof is in the pudding," he added, pointing also to Oscar-nominated documentary "Crip Camp."

- 'Tipping point' -

The film, from Barack and Michelle Obama's production company, begins at a 1970s New York summer camp for disabled youths, before charting their outsized role in the US disability rights movement.

"That's one of the most inclusive and beautiful films I can remember," said Novicki, praising its co-director James Lebrecht, a lifelong wheelchair user born with spina bifida.

With roughly a quarter of the planet's population suffering some disability, the "largest minority population in the world" remains vastly under-represented, even at this year's Oscars, said Novicki.

But "I think we're at that tipping point, honestly... just getting more and more in the mindset of everybody in the entertainment industry," he said.

"It can't be all these able-bodied people, that's not how it works," agreed Raci.

"It's about time to start paying attention to that, and this, and that -- everything."

This year, the Oscars will feature a best picture contender about a drummer with hearing loss, a nominated documentary exploring a hippie camp for disabled youths, and a nod for the first film ever to star a deaf-blind actor.

This year, the Oscars will feature a best picture contender about a drummer with hearing loss, a nominated documentary exploring a hippie camp for disabled youths, and a nod for the first film ever to star a deaf-blind actor. It's a step forward for disability representation in Hollywood, nominated filmmakers told AFP -- but one that must be built on to prevent progress slipping away from our screens yet again. Oscars show reinvented as a movie, with masks and longer speeches Until now, Tinseltown producers "haven't done a very good job -- but they know that, we're making them aware of that," said "Sound of Metal" supporting actor nominee Paul Raci, who was raised by deaf parents. "I'm one of the guys who has got to be in the forefront of not dropping the ball... keeping them aware of all the deaf artists that we have, all the disabled artists, all the genius that's out there, all the untold stories," Raci told AFP. The wariness is understandable. This is a road Hollywood has attempted to travel down before. In 1948, Jane Wyman, a hearing actress, won an Oscar for playing a deaf-mute woman in "Johnny Belinda" -- a miscasting Raci likens to "nails on a chalkboard." Power of Oscars keeps Romanian `Collective` tragedy in people`s minds, says director Real progress came in 1987 when Marlee Matlin, who is deaf, won the Academy Award for best actress for "Children of a Lesser God." But until recently, that has remained a stark exception to the norm, even as Hollywood has made leaps and bounds in inclusive content involving Black and LGBTQ filmmakers and themes. "Oftentimes, the disability community brings up the rear as far as underrepresented communities getting the spotlight," said Doug Roland, director of the Oscar-nominated short film "Feeling Through." Roland is able-bodied, but his short film was inspired by a late-night encounter he had with a deafblind man who needed help crossing a New York street. He cast first-time actor Robert Tarango -- the first deafblind person with a leading role in any movie, according to filmmakers. Matlin herself came on board as an executive producer, and the film is now on an Oscar shortlist of five. "That conversation has really started to shift in a very significant way to the disability community, and there's louder voices being heard," said Roland. - 'Subhuman' - But disability representation is such an uphill battle in entertainment because biases are "very deep and hard to identify," with those holding them often not even aware of their prejudice, according to Roland. The community is "often seen as 'less than' in a way that's more severe than other communities," or even "almost as subhuman," he told AFP. "That's something that has maybe stifled people really listening or leaning in or taking it seriously." Raci, who plays an addiction counselor who lost his hearing late in life in "Sound of Metal," agreed that "people are afraid of the unknown, or they're threatened." "Deafness is a hidden disability -- there's no sign in anybody that says 'I'm deaf'," he told AFP. Another obstacle for actors with disabilities is physical access to film sets and locations, which are not always equipped for a wide range of people such as wheelchair users or the blind. This month, A-listers including Amy Poehler and Naomie Harris signed an open letter to top movie studios urging them to hire permanent disability officers, who would help seek opportunities for disabled talent and ensure more inclusive hiring. In a bid to change Hollywood's course, actor Nic Novicki in 2013 launched a film competition requiring at least one crew or cast member with a disability, which has now become the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. "When I started it... we were very underrepresented -- much more so than now," said Novicki, who has a form of dwarfism, and was tired of being offered typecast roles where disability was "the storyline." "If you look at the Academy Awards this year, the proof is in the pudding," he added, pointing also to Oscar-nominated documentary "Crip Camp." - 'Tipping point' - The film, from Barack and Michelle Obama's production company, begins at a 1970s New York summer camp for disabled youths, before charting their outsized role in the US disability rights movement. "That's one of the most inclusive and beautiful films I can remember," said Novicki, praising its co-director James Lebrecht, a lifelong wheelchair user born with spina bifida. With roughly a quarter of the planet's population suffering some disability, the "largest minority population in the world" remains vastly under-represented, even at this year's Oscars, said Novicki. But "I think we're at that tipping point, honestly... just getting more and more in the mindset of everybody in the entertainment industry," he said. "It can't be all these able-bodied people, that's not how it works," agreed Raci. "It's about time to start paying attention to that, and this, and that -- everything."

'Tipping point': Oscars filmmakers hail disability progress

Oscars 2021: 5 most memorable moments of all-time

In just a year the small Icelandic village of Husavik has shot to fame as the setting of the kitsch musical comedy "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" -- and now it dreams of winning an Oscar.

The song "Husavik - My Home Town", a ballad from the movie sung by Swedish pop singer Molly Sanden, has been nominated for an Academy Award for best original song.

In the quiet little harbour town near the Arctic Circle, the 2,300 residents are in a tizzy ahead of Sunday's Oscars festivities, which will feature a performance of the tune by Sanden recorded in the village itself.

"The atmosphere is filled with excitement," town mayor Kristjan Thor Magnusson told AFP.

"People are anxiously waiting."

With just days to go, Husavik's main road has been painted red so that residents can also experience the feeling of walking the red carpet, like Hollywood's biggest stars will do in Los Angeles on Sunday.

- Welcome publicity -

The town has until now been known for its whale watching tours, drawing tourists almost guaranteed of seeing one of the massive creatures.

But that's all changed now.

"The Story of Fire Saga" is about two musicians, played by Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams, who end up representing Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest after all of the country's music stars perish in a boating inferno.

The ballad, with lyrics about the town's "gentle people", whales and Northern Lights, is the climax of the movie, performed by McAdams' character to Sanden's tracks. &nbsp;

While the movie didn't win the praise of critics, the song has most certainly won the hearts of Husavik locals.

"It's become the town's anthem since the movie came out," Magnusson said. &nbsp;

"People all over the place can relate to that type of feeling, of either being homesick or loving your hometown."

The town even launched a whimsical online campaign in early March, "An Oskar for Husavik", in the hopes of seeing the town honoured with an Academy Award.

But Husavik's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> dream doesn't look set to come true.

"Speak Now" from "One Night in Miami", written and sung by Leslie Odom Jr, is widely predicted to win on Sunday.

Husavik isn't giving up hope just yet though.

"I think we can win," says Icelandic actor Sigurdur Illugason, who has lived in the village for 40 years and who plays the role of Oskar Oskarsson in two of the campaign videos with more than 90,000 views on YouTube.

"I'm trying to keep both feet on the ground: there is, of course, a chance to win but I'm not expecting it," says Hinrik Wohler, who's in charge of tourism for the town.

Still, he says all the media attention is welcome publicity.&nbsp;

"The exposure and everything around the movie and the Oscars have been so enormous for us that I can't be disappointed if we don't win."

In just a year the small Icelandic village of Husavik has shot to fame as the setting of the kitsch musical comedy "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" -- and now it dreams of winning an Oscar.

In just a year the small Icelandic village of Husavik has shot to fame as the setting of the kitsch musical comedy "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" -- and now it dreams of winning an Oscar. The song "Husavik - My Home Town", a ballad from the movie sung by Swedish pop singer Molly Sanden, has been nominated for an Academy Award for best original song. In the quiet little harbour town near the Arctic Circle, the 2,300 residents are in a tizzy ahead of Sunday's Oscars festivities, which will feature a performance of the tune by Sanden recorded in the village itself. "The atmosphere is filled with excitement," town mayor Kristjan Thor Magnusson told AFP. "People are anxiously waiting." With just days to go, Husavik's main road has been painted red so that residents can also experience the feeling of walking the red carpet, like Hollywood's biggest stars will do in Los Angeles on Sunday. - Welcome publicity - The town has until now been known for its whale watching tours, drawing tourists almost guaranteed of seeing one of the massive creatures. But that's all changed now. "The Story of Fire Saga" is about two musicians, played by Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams, who end up representing Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest after all of the country's music stars perish in a boating inferno. The ballad, with lyrics about the town's "gentle people", whales and Northern Lights, is the climax of the movie, performed by McAdams' character to Sanden's tracks. While the movie didn't win the praise of critics, the song has most certainly won the hearts of Husavik locals. "It's become the town's anthem since the movie came out," Magnusson said. "People all over the place can relate to that type of feeling, of either being homesick or loving your hometown." The town even launched a whimsical online campaign in early March, "An Oskar for Husavik", in the hopes of seeing the town honoured with an Academy Award. But Husavik's Oscars dream doesn't look set to come true. "Speak Now" from "One Night in Miami", written and sung by Leslie Odom Jr, is widely predicted to win on Sunday. Husavik isn't giving up hope just yet though. "I think we can win," says Icelandic actor Sigurdur Illugason, who has lived in the village for 40 years and who plays the role of Oskar Oskarsson in two of the campaign videos with more than 90,000 views on YouTube. "I'm trying to keep both feet on the ground: there is, of course, a chance to win but I'm not expecting it," says Hinrik Wohler, who's in charge of tourism for the town. Still, he says all the media attention is welcome publicity. "The exposure and everything around the movie and the Oscars have been so enormous for us that I can't be disappointed if we don't win."

Husavik, the Icelandic village dreaming of an Oscar

Actors of color are favorites in each category, and two female directors are nominated for the first time -- this year's Oscars could set new benchmarks for diversity, thanks to long-brewing industry changes as well as Covid-19's transformation of Hollywood, experts say.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has drastically reformed its membership in recent years, admitting large batches of new Oscars voters each year who better reflect society's diversity, after much criticism for its mainly white, male base.

"I think that this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> will be forever remembered as the one where changes in the voting body made six years ago in the wake of #OscarsSoWhite has delivered on a promise by the Academy to reform itself," Black US actor Dwayne Barnes ("Menace II Society") wrote in a column for industry site Deadline.

While it is difficult to draw a direct line from those changes to this year's nominations, the current Oscars race is startlingly different from those seen in previous years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-attendees-wont-be-wearing-face-masks-on-camera-378754" hreflang="en">Oscars attendees won't be wearing face masks on camera</a>

Last year, Cynthia Erivo was the sole non-white actor among 20 nominations, but this time the late Chadwick Boseman ("Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"), Black British actor Daniel Kaluuya ("Judas and the Black Messiah") and South Korean star Youn Yuh-Jung ("Minari") are the firm frontrunners for acting statuettes.

Boseman's co-star Viola Davis is among a crowded pack vying for best actress, while Beijing-born Chloe Zhao ("Nomadland") looks like a shoo-in for best director if she can fend off Emerald Fennell ("Promising Young Woman").

The #OscarsSoWhite campaign was launched in January 2015 on social media to denounce and draw attention to the overwhelming majority of white nominees rewarded year after year by the Academy.

At the time, the Academy's 6,000 members were 93 percent white and 76 percent male.

By this summer, the prestigious group had reached a goal of doubling the number of women and non-white members, reaching one-third female and 19 percent "underrepresented minorities."

"It took a few years to take hold, but there is every reason to hope that the change (in the crop of nominees) is... not a one-time occurrence," wrote Barnes.&nbsp;

- 'Perfect storm' -

As well as #OscarsSoWhite, the #MeToo movement spurred by the sexual assault revelations about disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has prompted calls for more female representation across all film professions.

The impacts of those campaigns have gathered steam over recent years, but in 2020 collided with a dramatic and unpredictable change -- Covid-19.

The coronavirus pandemic has closed movie theaters and delayed Oscar-tipped mega-productions, such as Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" and sci-fi blockbuster "Dune," both directed by white men.

"They really shook the tree, and this year for the first time, because Covid knocked out a lot of the big movies... that left sort of a bare field," said Sasha Stone, founder of the Awards Daily site, which has analyzed film awards since 1999.

The "pared down selection" of films in contention "happened to be movies by filmmakers of color and women," she said, noting that "nobody had to worry about opening weekend" box office numbers for films lacking star wattage.

"It turned into the perfect storm," she told AFP.

The meteoric rise of streaming platforms during pandemic lockdowns "is certainly a part of" the overall leap forward in representation, as television "has become much more diverse more quickly than film," said Darnell Hunt, a professor of social sciences focusing on race, media and culture at University of California, Los Angeles.

"The streamers really took off in terms of their audiences -- that certainly helped present to the Academy a much more diverse slate of films than they're used to seeing," added Hunt, who is lead author of UCLA's annual Hollywood Diversity Report.

- 'The salad' -

With California re-opening as vaccinations accelerate, Hollywood may return to a more familiar look next year, with a less diverse slate of nominees in coming years.

But Hunt says he does not expect a full return to "business as usual... like it was before the pandemic."

"The signs are pointing in the right direction," he told AFP, noting that in addition to membership changes, the Academy is bringing in eligibility criteria for best picture candidates involving minimum representation of minorities, women, and LGBTQ cast and filmmakers.

"I think all of those things collectively bode well," Hunt said.

Of course, the question remains whether changes to the Oscars will have a profound impact on the way the broader movie industry itself operates.

Stone warned that awards like the Oscars are increasingly "separate from box office anyway now, because they've become so niche," and blockbusters will likely remain less diverse as a whole.

"If male directors make more money, then they'll keep getting hired for the superhero movies. And if white actors are drawing more money, they'll keep getting hired for the superhero," she said.

Oscar nominations can help films to make money and studios to burnish their image, but ultimately "it's like how McDonald's has the salad," she said.

"McDonald's sells Big Macs all over the world, but they have this salad that makes them seem like they care about health.

"That's what the Oscars are to Hollywood -- the salad."

Actors of color are favorites in each category, and two female directors are nominated for the first time -- this year's Oscars could set new benchmarks for diversity, thanks to long-brewing industry changes as well as Covid-19's transformation of Hollywood, experts say.

Actors of color are favorites in each category, and two female directors are nominated for the first time -- this year's Oscars could set new benchmarks for diversity, thanks to long-brewing industry changes as well as Covid-19's transformation of Hollywood, experts say. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has drastically reformed its membership in recent years, admitting large batches of new Oscars voters each year who better reflect society's diversity, after much criticism for its mainly white, male base. "I think that this Oscars will be forever remembered as the one where changes in the voting body made six years ago in the wake of #OscarsSoWhite has delivered on a promise by the Academy to reform itself," Black US actor Dwayne Barnes ("Menace II Society") wrote in a column for industry site Deadline. While it is difficult to draw a direct line from those changes to this year's nominations, the current Oscars race is startlingly different from those seen in previous years. Oscars attendees won't be wearing face masks on camera Last year, Cynthia Erivo was the sole non-white actor among 20 nominations, but this time the late Chadwick Boseman ("Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"), Black British actor Daniel Kaluuya ("Judas and the Black Messiah") and South Korean star Youn Yuh-Jung ("Minari") are the firm frontrunners for acting statuettes. Boseman's co-star Viola Davis is among a crowded pack vying for best actress, while Beijing-born Chloe Zhao ("Nomadland") looks like a shoo-in for best director if she can fend off Emerald Fennell ("Promising Young Woman"). The #OscarsSoWhite campaign was launched in January 2015 on social media to denounce and draw attention to the overwhelming majority of white nominees rewarded year after year by the Academy. At the time, the Academy's 6,000 members were 93 percent white and 76 percent male. By this summer, the prestigious group had reached a goal of doubling the number of women and non-white members, reaching one-third female and 19 percent "underrepresented minorities." "It took a few years to take hold, but there is every reason to hope that the change (in the crop of nominees) is... not a one-time occurrence," wrote Barnes. - 'Perfect storm' - As well as #OscarsSoWhite, the #MeToo movement spurred by the sexual assault revelations about disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has prompted calls for more female representation across all film professions. The impacts of those campaigns have gathered steam over recent years, but in 2020 collided with a dramatic and unpredictable change -- Covid-19. The coronavirus pandemic has closed movie theaters and delayed Oscar-tipped mega-productions, such as Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" and sci-fi blockbuster "Dune," both directed by white men. "They really shook the tree, and this year for the first time, because Covid knocked out a lot of the big movies... that left sort of a bare field," said Sasha Stone, founder of the Awards Daily site, which has analyzed film awards since 1999. The "pared down selection" of films in contention "happened to be movies by filmmakers of color and women," she said, noting that "nobody had to worry about opening weekend" box office numbers for films lacking star wattage. "It turned into the perfect storm," she told AFP. The meteoric rise of streaming platforms during pandemic lockdowns "is certainly a part of" the overall leap forward in representation, as television "has become much more diverse more quickly than film," said Darnell Hunt, a professor of social sciences focusing on race, media and culture at University of California, Los Angeles. "The streamers really took off in terms of their audiences -- that certainly helped present to the Academy a much more diverse slate of films than they're used to seeing," added Hunt, who is lead author of UCLA's annual Hollywood Diversity Report. - 'The salad' - With California re-opening as vaccinations accelerate, Hollywood may return to a more familiar look next year, with a less diverse slate of nominees in coming years. But Hunt says he does not expect a full return to "business as usual... like it was before the pandemic." "The signs are pointing in the right direction," he told AFP, noting that in addition to membership changes, the Academy is bringing in eligibility criteria for best picture candidates involving minimum representation of minorities, women, and LGBTQ cast and filmmakers. "I think all of those things collectively bode well," Hunt said. Of course, the question remains whether changes to the Oscars will have a profound impact on the way the broader movie industry itself operates. Stone warned that awards like the Oscars are increasingly "separate from box office anyway now, because they've become so niche," and blockbusters will likely remain less diverse as a whole. "If male directors make more money, then they'll keep getting hired for the superhero movies. And if white actors are drawing more money, they'll keep getting hired for the superhero," she said. Oscar nominations can help films to make money and studios to burnish their image, but ultimately "it's like how McDonald's has the salad," she said. "McDonald's sells Big Macs all over the world, but they have this salad that makes them seem like they care about health. "That's what the Oscars are to Hollywood -- the salad."

Oscars more diverse as pandemic, protests shake up Hollywood

Oscars 2021: Here's a look back at posthumous Oscar winners

The biggest cliffhanger at Sunday`s Oscars may not be who wins the top prizes - or even if Netflix can finally snag a coveted best picture trophy - but how the movie industry`s biggest night reinvents itself after a tumultuous year. 
 
Forced to rethink the ceremony because of the pandemic, and with a slate of diverse but mostly smaller films, organisers are promising a show unlike anything seen in the 93-year history of the Academy Awards. Staged for the first time in a working train station in downtown Los Angeles, albeit a striking Art Deco building, Oscar producers have been vague on details of the limited in-person ceremony, which will be aired on ABC television.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-heres-a-look-back-at-posthumous-oscar-winners-379235">Oscars 2021: Here's a look back at posthumous Oscar winners</a> 
 
But they say the tone will be optimistic and the show will act as a love letter to the battered movie industry after a year of theatre closures and delays in releasing dozens of potential blockbusters. 
 
"We are here to make a case for why cinema matters," said Stacey Sher, one of the trio of Oscars producers. 
 
Netflix Inc`s 1930s Hollywood drama "Mank" leads nominations with 10 nods in a best picture list that includes 1960s courtroom saga "The Trial of the Chicago 7," also from Netflix. The other nominees are recession drama "Nomadland," revenge tale "Promising Young Woman," immigrant family story "Minari," civil rights biopic "Judas and the Black Messiah," dementia tale "The Father," and "Sound of Metal," about a deaf drummer. 
&nbsp; 
The winners are chosen by the 9,000 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "This year, these movies are not well known, but oddly enough are more accessible than ever before when they are on all the streaming platforms. Nevertheless, there are lot of downer topics (and) many of them are smaller films, slower films," said Pete Hammond, chief film critic for Deadline Hollywood.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-nominees-who-broke-records-and-can-make-history-with-their-win-378635">Oscars 2021: Nominees who broke records and can make history with their win</a> 
 
The TV audience on Sunday is expected to fall sharply, in line with other scaled-down award shows during the pandemic. Those largely virtual affairs saw viewership plummet by as much as 60%. 
 
YEAR OF DIVERSITY

Even with a small red carpet event on Sunday, organizers face a challenge in striking the right balance between escapism and the pain inflicted by the coronavirus. 
"The reason why we watch these enormous, bloated affairs is for the promise of the electricity of a live event, of everyone being in the same room, and those last vestiges of spontaneity and glamour," said Alison Willmore, film critic at New York magazine. 
 
While Netflix clinched a leading 35 nominations, awards watchers say it may again end up seeing the top prize - best picture - slip away. "Netflix has the volume but in the end it can`t win that big one, and it seems to be the way it`s going with the Oscars again," said Hammond. 
 
"Nomadland," the Searchlight Pictures film about the American van-dwelling community, has picked up most of the big awards leading up to the Oscars. 
"`Nomadland` feels like a film that offers both incredibly beautiful sweeping landscapes and a cinematic language that recalls Westerns, while at the same time being grounded in pressing ideas about the lack of a social safety net, labor, aging, and the fragmenting of the social fabric," said Willmore. 
 
Hollywood`s drive for diversity over the past five years could reap rewards. 
 
The best director field for the first time includes two women - Chloe Zhao for "Nomadland" and Emerald Fennell for "Promising Young Woman" - who were among a record 76 women to be nominated for Oscars this year. 
 
Nine of the 20 acting nominees - including front-runners Chadwick Boseman, Daniel Kaluuya and Youn Yuh-jung - are people of color.

The biggest cliffhanger at Sunday`s Oscars may not be who wins the top prizes - or even if Netflix can finally snag a coveted best picture trophy - but how the movie industry`s biggest night reinvents itself after a tumultuous year.

The biggest cliffhanger at Sunday`s Oscars may not be who wins the top prizes - or even if Netflix can finally snag a coveted best picture trophy - but how the movie industry`s biggest night reinvents itself after a tumultuous year. Forced to rethink the ceremony because of the pandemic, and with a slate of diverse but mostly smaller films, organisers are promising a show unlike anything seen in the 93-year history of the Academy Awards. Staged for the first time in a working train station in downtown Los Angeles, albeit a striking Art Deco building, Oscar producers have been vague on details of the limited in-person ceremony, which will be aired on ABC television. Oscars 2021: Here's a look back at posthumous Oscar winners But they say the tone will be optimistic and the show will act as a love letter to the battered movie industry after a year of theatre closures and delays in releasing dozens of potential blockbusters. "We are here to make a case for why cinema matters," said Stacey Sher, one of the trio of Oscars producers. Netflix Inc`s 1930s Hollywood drama "Mank" leads nominations with 10 nods in a best picture list that includes 1960s courtroom saga "The Trial of the Chicago 7," also from Netflix. The other nominees are recession drama "Nomadland," revenge tale "Promising Young Woman," immigrant family story "Minari," civil rights biopic "Judas and the Black Messiah," dementia tale "The Father," and "Sound of Metal," about a deaf drummer. The winners are chosen by the 9,000 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "This year, these movies are not well known, but oddly enough are more accessible than ever before when they are on all the streaming platforms. Nevertheless, there are lot of downer topics (and) many of them are smaller films, slower films," said Pete Hammond, chief film critic for Deadline Hollywood. Oscars 2021: Nominees who broke records and can make history with their win The TV audience on Sunday is expected to fall sharply, in line with other scaled-down award shows during the pandemic. Those largely virtual affairs saw viewership plummet by as much as 60%. YEAR OF DIVERSITY Even with a small red carpet event on Sunday, organizers face a challenge in striking the right balance between escapism and the pain inflicted by the coronavirus. "The reason why we watch these enormous, bloated affairs is for the promise of the electricity of a live event, of everyone being in the same room, and those last vestiges of spontaneity and glamour," said Alison Willmore, film critic at New York magazine. While Netflix clinched a leading 35 nominations, awards watchers say it may again end up seeing the top prize - best picture - slip away. "Netflix has the volume but in the end it can`t win that big one, and it seems to be the way it`s going with the Oscars again," said Hammond. "Nomadland," the Searchlight Pictures film about the American van-dwelling community, has picked up most of the big awards leading up to the Oscars. "`Nomadland` feels like a film that offers both incredibly beautiful sweeping landscapes and a cinematic language that recalls Westerns, while at the same time being grounded in pressing ideas about the lack of a social safety net, labor, aging, and the fragmenting of the social fabric," said Willmore. Hollywood`s drive for diversity over the past five years could reap rewards. The best director field for the first time includes two women - Chloe Zhao for "Nomadland" and Emerald Fennell for "Promising Young Woman" - who were among a record 76 women to be nominated for Oscars this year. Nine of the 20 acting nominees - including front-runners Chadwick Boseman, Daniel Kaluuya and Youn Yuh-jung - are people of color.

Hollywood loves a reboot - now Oscars show gets its turn amid pandemic, calls for diversity

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

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

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

Oscars attendees won't be wearing face masks on camera

Survivors of the Srebrenica genocide hope that an Oscar-nominated Bosnian film about the massacre of mainly civilian 8,000 Muslims by Bosnian Serb forces will shed light on the atrocity and help counter denial that genocide occurred. 
 
The July 1995 killings of men and boys in the United Nations-protected eastern Bosnian town shocked the world and have stood out as Europe`s only atrocity since World War Two constituting genocide. 
 
'Quo Vadis, Aida?'&nbsp;('Where are you going Aida?'), by acclaimed Bosnian director Jasmila Zbanic is one of five contenders in the international feature film category for this year`s Oscars. 
 
Shot in silence due to its sensitive theme in ethnically-divided Bosnia, the film depicts how the genocide unfolded through the eyes of a female interpreter working at the United Nations base in Srebrenica. 
 
It was based on a true story by a Bosnian Muslim interpreter who could not save his family. Zbanic chose to tell the story through a woman, Aida, honouring all those women who struggled to save their husbands and sons amid confusion and impotence of UN&nbsp;officials as the Bosnian Serb forces advanced. 
 
"I was strongly disturbed by the film, I found myself again in 1995, amidst the struggle to save my son Nermin," said Munira Subasic, who chairs an association of Srebrenica mothers who lost husbands and sons. 
 
Even though two international courts have declared that the killings constituted genocide and its main masterminds were convicted by a U.N court, most Serbs in Bosnia and Serbia deny it occurred. 
 
"For us, this film is even more than a film," Zbanic said after the Oscar nomination was announced. "This is a reminder that genocide ... must not be denied or forgotten". 
 
Custodians at the Srebrenica Memorial Centre, housed in an old battery factory which served as the UN&nbsp;base during the Bosnian war of 1992-1995, hope the film will raise awareness of the importance of a culture of remembrance. 
 
"A possible Oscar award would stop genocide denial and historic revisionism," said Hasan Hasanovic, who survived the massacre but lost his twin brother and father. 
 
Kada Hotic, who lost 56 relatives in Srebrenica, said the film could do a lot to teach the world about the horrors, sufferings and crimes of war. 
 
"And if the world awards it (an) Oscar, it means the recognition, shame and perhaps prevention from happening it again in the future," Hotic said.

Survivors of the Srebrenica genocide hope that an Oscar-nominated Bosnian film about the massacre of mainly civilian 8,000 Muslims by Bosnian Serb forces will shed light on the atrocity and help counter denial that genocide occurred.

Survivors of the Srebrenica genocide hope that an Oscar-nominated Bosnian film about the massacre of mainly civilian 8,000 Muslims by Bosnian Serb forces will shed light on the atrocity and help counter denial that genocide occurred. The July 1995 killings of men and boys in the United Nations-protected eastern Bosnian town shocked the world and have stood out as Europe`s only atrocity since World War Two constituting genocide. 'Quo Vadis, Aida?' ('Where are you going Aida?'), by acclaimed Bosnian director Jasmila Zbanic is one of five contenders in the international feature film category for this year`s Oscars. Shot in silence due to its sensitive theme in ethnically-divided Bosnia, the film depicts how the genocide unfolded through the eyes of a female interpreter working at the United Nations base in Srebrenica. It was based on a true story by a Bosnian Muslim interpreter who could not save his family. Zbanic chose to tell the story through a woman, Aida, honouring all those women who struggled to save their husbands and sons amid confusion and impotence of UN officials as the Bosnian Serb forces advanced. "I was strongly disturbed by the film, I found myself again in 1995, amidst the struggle to save my son Nermin," said Munira Subasic, who chairs an association of Srebrenica mothers who lost husbands and sons. Even though two international courts have declared that the killings constituted genocide and its main masterminds were convicted by a U.N court, most Serbs in Bosnia and Serbia deny it occurred. "For us, this film is even more than a film," Zbanic said after the Oscar nomination was announced. "This is a reminder that genocide ... must not be denied or forgotten". Custodians at the Srebrenica Memorial Centre, housed in an old battery factory which served as the UN base during the Bosnian war of 1992-1995, hope the film will raise awareness of the importance of a culture of remembrance. "A possible Oscar award would stop genocide denial and historic revisionism," said Hasan Hasanovic, who survived the massacre but lost his twin brother and father. Kada Hotic, who lost 56 relatives in Srebrenica, said the film could do a lot to teach the world about the horrors, sufferings and crimes of war. "And if the world awards it (an) Oscar, it means the recognition, shame and perhaps prevention from happening it again in the future," Hotic said.

Oscar-nominated Bosnian film highlights Srebrenica genocide

'Another Round,'&nbsp;a film about a pact by four world-weary Danish schoolteachers to spend every day drunk for a loosely scientific "experiment," was always going to walk a fine line between comedy and darkness.

Director Thomas Vinterberg wrote his script, originally a play, upon realizing many of the world's great historic feats were made by people regularly intoxicated on alcohol -- the very same substance that can rip lives and families apart.

But four days into shooting, Vinterberg's daughter was killed in a car crash. He somehow still finished the uniquely funny, tender and tragic film -- which has earned him a rare Oscar nomination for best director.&nbsp;

"The movie was always meant to be life-affirming and full of love, and bare to some extent... raw," Vinterberg told AFP in an interview via Zoom.&nbsp;

"But the tragedy that happened in my life left all defenseless and open."

Starring as the teachers are four of Vinterberg's close friends and collaborators, including former 007 villain Mads Mikkelsen, who all spent the shoot doing "everything they could to make me laugh in these circumstances."

"There was so much love on the set -- and I guess you can see that on the screen," said Vinterberg, whose movie is a favorite to take home the Oscar for best international film on Sunday.

While the film is clearly about alcohol, it is also "about living inspired, about forgetting about yourself, about being curious, and being in the moment and all that comes with drinking."

Those life-affirming elements were inspired by his daughter Ida, who was due to play Mikkelsen's daughter, and whose real-life friends play classmates who participate in a joyous teen drinking competition around a lake.

"There's an alarming bunch of people and countries who connected to this thing about drinking," joked Vinterberg.

"Yes, they drink differently in California -- they put the bottle in a [paper] bag -- whereas in Denmark, teenagers run around in the streets with bottles out," he said.

"But it seems that the film connects on a different level, and hopefully we succeeded in elevating this film... to a movie about something more."

- 'My own garden' -

Humor is not always associated with Vinterberg, co-founder of the ascetic Dogme 95 filmmaking movement with Lars Von Trier, and director of movies tackling issues such as child abuse including "The Celebration" and "The Hunt."&nbsp;

But Vinterberg, 51, has often defied categorization. The famous Dogme 95 "manifesto" imposing strict naturalistic limits on directors was always half serious, half tongue-in-cheek.

And while he has dabbled in Hollywood -- for instance 2015's "Far From the Madding Crowd" starring Carey Mulligan, also an Oscar nominee this year -- his most widely acclaimed films are often his most Danish and local.

"It seems like when I dig in my own garden, that's when people really get interested, also abroad," he said.

The universal themes of "Another Round" may partly explain how Vinterberg landed one of just five Oscar best director nods, for a non-English-language film (fellow nominee Lee Isaac Chung's "Minari" is in Korean and English).

"The pleasures of alcohol, but also the destructive side of drinking, have been around for thousands of years, in all cultures almost," said Vinterberg.&nbsp;

The director served his cast booze during rehearsals, and they watched Russian YouTube videos together to observe episodes of extreme inebriation.

"We needed to see these characters being in the zone," he recalled. "It wasn't like they were very drunk, actually, but there was alcohol."

On set, however, everyone was sober, Vinterberg said -- "they had to act, basically, which I think they did well."

Much as the production of "Another Round" is a story of contrasts -- tragedy and camaraderie, humor and philosophy -- the fates of the teachers diverge when the temptation of booze takes hold to varying degrees with each of them.

But the movie itself deliberately "did not want to moralize" or "make an advertisement for alcohol," said Vinterberg.

"Very importantly, I did not want to have a message."

'Another Round,' a film about a pact by four world-weary Danish schoolteachers to spend every day drunk for a loosely scientific "experiment," was always going to walk a fine line between comedy and darkness.

'Another Round,' a film about a pact by four world-weary Danish schoolteachers to spend every day drunk for a loosely scientific "experiment," was always going to walk a fine line between comedy and darkness. Director Thomas Vinterberg wrote his script, originally a play, upon realizing many of the world's great historic feats were made by people regularly intoxicated on alcohol -- the very same substance that can rip lives and families apart. But four days into shooting, Vinterberg's daughter was killed in a car crash. He somehow still finished the uniquely funny, tender and tragic film -- which has earned him a rare Oscar nomination for best director. "The movie was always meant to be life-affirming and full of love, and bare to some extent... raw," Vinterberg told AFP in an interview via Zoom. "But the tragedy that happened in my life left all defenseless and open." Starring as the teachers are four of Vinterberg's close friends and collaborators, including former 007 villain Mads Mikkelsen, who all spent the shoot doing "everything they could to make me laugh in these circumstances." "There was so much love on the set -- and I guess you can see that on the screen," said Vinterberg, whose movie is a favorite to take home the Oscar for best international film on Sunday. While the film is clearly about alcohol, it is also "about living inspired, about forgetting about yourself, about being curious, and being in the moment and all that comes with drinking." Those life-affirming elements were inspired by his daughter Ida, who was due to play Mikkelsen's daughter, and whose real-life friends play classmates who participate in a joyous teen drinking competition around a lake. "There's an alarming bunch of people and countries who connected to this thing about drinking," joked Vinterberg. "Yes, they drink differently in California -- they put the bottle in a [paper] bag -- whereas in Denmark, teenagers run around in the streets with bottles out," he said. "But it seems that the film connects on a different level, and hopefully we succeeded in elevating this film... to a movie about something more." - 'My own garden' - Humor is not always associated with Vinterberg, co-founder of the ascetic Dogme 95 filmmaking movement with Lars Von Trier, and director of movies tackling issues such as child abuse including "The Celebration" and "The Hunt." But Vinterberg, 51, has often defied categorization. The famous Dogme 95 "manifesto" imposing strict naturalistic limits on directors was always half serious, half tongue-in-cheek. And while he has dabbled in Hollywood -- for instance 2015's "Far From the Madding Crowd" starring Carey Mulligan, also an Oscar nominee this year -- his most widely acclaimed films are often his most Danish and local. "It seems like when I dig in my own garden, that's when people really get interested, also abroad," he said. The universal themes of "Another Round" may partly explain how Vinterberg landed one of just five Oscar best director nods, for a non-English-language film (fellow nominee Lee Isaac Chung's "Minari" is in Korean and English). "The pleasures of alcohol, but also the destructive side of drinking, have been around for thousands of years, in all cultures almost," said Vinterberg. The director served his cast booze during rehearsals, and they watched Russian YouTube videos together to observe episodes of extreme inebriation. "We needed to see these characters being in the zone," he recalled. "It wasn't like they were very drunk, actually, but there was alcohol." On set, however, everyone was sober, Vinterberg said -- "they had to act, basically, which I think they did well." Much as the production of "Another Round" is a story of contrasts -- tragedy and camaraderie, humor and philosophy -- the fates of the teachers diverge when the temptation of booze takes hold to varying degrees with each of them. But the movie itself deliberately "did not want to moralize" or "make an advertisement for alcohol," said Vinterberg. "Very importantly, I did not want to have a message."

'Raw' personal loss inspired Vinterberg's Oscar-nominated dark booze comedy

Oscars 2021: Nominees who broke records and can make history with their win

&nbsp;The Oscars ceremony next week will have the look and feel of a movie, giving winners more time for speeches, while coronavirus masks will play a major role, producers of the show said on Saturday. 
 
The coronavirus pandemic and a trio of new producers have led to a reinvention of the traditional show where the world`s highest movie honours are handed out before a seated theatre audience of more than 4,000 A-list stars and industry executives. 
 
Much of the April 25 ceremony will instead be held at the Art Deco Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, where a stage is being built and where presenters will be doing more than opening an envelope with the winner`s name 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscar-winning-producer-guneet-monga-receives-second-highest-civilian-french-honour-377739" hreflang="en">Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga receives second-highest civilian French honour</a>

 
"It`s not going to be like anything that`s been done before," director Steven Soderbergh, who is producing the show with Stacey Sher and Jesse Collins, told a news conference. Soderbergh, who directed the 2011 movie "Contagion," said the pandemic had "opened up an opportunity to try something that hasn`t been tried." 
 
"We want the show to have a voice," he added. Soderbergh said the ceremony would be shot like a movie, with presenters including Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford and Halle Berry "playing themselves, or at least a version of themselves." 
 
Speeches by Oscar winners were previously limited to around 45 seconds. This year, Soderbergh said, "we`re giving them space. We`ve encouraged them to tell a story, and to say something personal."

<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiLn9yt_4bwAhUacCsKHZhFCDAQxfQBMAF6BAgDEAg" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/power-of-oscars-keeps-romanian-collective-tragedy-in-peoples-minds-says-director-377992" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/power-of-oscars-keeps-romanian-collective-tragedy-in-peoples-minds-says-director-377992&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLn9yt_4bwAhUacCsKHZhFCDAQxfQBMAF6BAgDEAg">Power of Oscars keeps Romanian `Collective` tragedy in people`s minds, says director</a> 
 
The producers said strict testing and COVID protocols would be in place, much of them following standards developed last year to get movie and TV production running again. They also have consulted extensively with epidemiologists who worked 10 years ago on "Contagion," which eerily foreshadowed the devastating effects of a virus on the world and which saw a bump in rentals and streaming last year. 
 
Asked about masks at the ceremony, Soderbergh gave what he called a deliberately cryptic reply. "Masks are going to play a very important role in the story," he said. "That topic is very central to the narrative." Nominees unable to travel to Los Angeles for the ceremony will be able to take part via satellite hookups from venues around the world but there will be no Zoom appearances. 
 
The ceremony will be preceded by a 90-minute pre-show that will include performances of the five original song contenders that were recorded in advance on the roof of the new Academy Museum in Los Angeles, and in Iceland.

The Oscars ceremony next week will have the look and feel of a movie, giving winners more time for speeches, while coronavirus masks will play a major role, producers of the show said on Saturday.

The Oscars ceremony next week will have the look and feel of a movie, giving winners more time for speeches, while coronavirus masks will play a major role, producers of the show said on Saturday. The coronavirus pandemic and a trio of new producers have led to a reinvention of the traditional show where the world`s highest movie honours are handed out before a seated theatre audience of more than 4,000 A-list stars and industry executives. Much of the April 25 ceremony will instead be held at the Art Deco Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, where a stage is being built and where presenters will be doing more than opening an envelope with the winner`s name Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga receives second-highest civilian French honour "It`s not going to be like anything that`s been done before," director Steven Soderbergh, who is producing the show with Stacey Sher and Jesse Collins, told a news conference. Soderbergh, who directed the 2011 movie "Contagion," said the pandemic had "opened up an opportunity to try something that hasn`t been tried." "We want the show to have a voice," he added. Soderbergh said the ceremony would be shot like a movie, with presenters including Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford and Halle Berry "playing themselves, or at least a version of themselves." Speeches by Oscar winners were previously limited to around 45 seconds. This year, Soderbergh said, "we`re giving them space. We`ve encouraged them to tell a story, and to say something personal." Power of Oscars keeps Romanian `Collective` tragedy in people`s minds, says director The producers said strict testing and COVID protocols would be in place, much of them following standards developed last year to get movie and TV production running again. They also have consulted extensively with epidemiologists who worked 10 years ago on "Contagion," which eerily foreshadowed the devastating effects of a virus on the world and which saw a bump in rentals and streaming last year. Asked about masks at the ceremony, Soderbergh gave what he called a deliberately cryptic reply. "Masks are going to play a very important role in the story," he said. "That topic is very central to the narrative." Nominees unable to travel to Los Angeles for the ceremony will be able to take part via satellite hookups from venues around the world but there will be no Zoom appearances. The ceremony will be preceded by a 90-minute pre-show that will include performances of the five original song contenders that were recorded in advance on the roof of the new Academy Museum in Los Angeles, and in Iceland.

Oscars show reinvented as a movie, with masks and longer speeches

The five songs nominated at this year's Oscars will be performed from the top of the Academy's gleaming new film museum -- and a tiny fishing town in Iceland -- as producers aim to shake up the format of the pandemic-hit ceremony.

'Hamilton' star Leslie Odom Jr will be among those performing from the roof terrace of Los Angeles' still-unopened Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which has been in development for years but, like the Oscars, saw its launch delayed due to Covid-19.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/love-story-time-takes-incarceration-fight-to-the-oscars-377889" hreflang="en">Love story 'Time' takes incarceration fight to the Oscars</a>

His song "Speak Now" from civil rights drama "One Night in Miami" will form part of a special Oscars pre-show -- as will the ballad "Husavik" from the Will Ferrell comedy "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga," performed from the Icelandic port of the same name.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-minari-nomadland-heres-how-to-watch-all-best-film-nominees-in-india-376284" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India</a>

"We've come up with some serious pre-game and post-game action to enhance our main event," Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh and his fellow gala co-producers said in a statement Friday.

"Our suggestion is just tune in for the whole shebang, otherwise you'll miss something really unexpected and fun." This year's Oscars are following an "awards-show-as-a-movie" theme, and will primarily be held, with social distancing de rigueur, at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.

Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt and Reese Witherspoon are among the A-list lineup of presenters, marking the first time Tinseltown's biggest names will gather on the red carpet since last spring.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-nominations-the-first-timers-snubs-surprises-370841" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021 nominations: The first timers, snubs, surprises</a>

Venues in Britain and France will also be set up for international nominees unable to travel to Los Angeles. Musical pre-show "Oscars: Into the Spotlight" will also feature performances from multiple Grammy winner H.E.R. and 12-time Oscar song nominee Diane Warren, who have nods this year for "Judas and the Black Messiah" and "The Life Ahead," respectively.

Producers also announced a post-show dubbed "Oscars: After Dark," which will feature the night's big winners having their golden statuettes engraved, along with star interviews.

The 93rd Academy Awards take place on April 25, while the group's museum will open on September 30.&nbsp;

The five songs nominated at this year's Oscars will be performed from the top of the Academy's gleaming new film museum -- and a tiny fishing town in Iceland -- as producers aim to shake up the format of the pandemic-hit ceremony.

The five songs nominated at this year's Oscars will be performed from the top of the Academy's gleaming new film museum -- and a tiny fishing town in Iceland -- as producers aim to shake up the format of the pandemic-hit ceremony. 'Hamilton' star Leslie Odom Jr will be among those performing from the roof terrace of Los Angeles' still-unopened Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which has been in development for years but, like the Oscars, saw its launch delayed due to Covid-19. Love story 'Time' takes incarceration fight to the Oscars His song "Speak Now" from civil rights drama "One Night in Miami" will form part of a special Oscars pre-show -- as will the ballad "Husavik" from the Will Ferrell comedy "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga," performed from the Icelandic port of the same name. Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India "We've come up with some serious pre-game and post-game action to enhance our main event," Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh and his fellow gala co-producers said in a statement Friday. "Our suggestion is just tune in for the whole shebang, otherwise you'll miss something really unexpected and fun." This year's Oscars are following an "awards-show-as-a-movie" theme, and will primarily be held, with social distancing de rigueur, at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt and Reese Witherspoon are among the A-list lineup of presenters, marking the first time Tinseltown's biggest names will gather on the red carpet since last spring. Oscars 2021 nominations: The first timers, snubs, surprises Venues in Britain and France will also be set up for international nominees unable to travel to Los Angeles. Musical pre-show "Oscars: Into the Spotlight" will also feature performances from multiple Grammy winner H.E.R. and 12-time Oscar song nominee Diane Warren, who have nods this year for "Judas and the Black Messiah" and "The Life Ahead," respectively. Producers also announced a post-show dubbed "Oscars: After Dark," which will feature the night's big winners having their golden statuettes engraved, along with star interviews. The 93rd Academy Awards take place on April 25, while the group's museum will open on September 30.

Oscar-nominated songs to be performed from LA museum roof and Iceland

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

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

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

Love story 'Time' takes incarceration fight to the Oscars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oscars set to flop in China as Hollywood, politics collide

'The Walking Dead'&nbsp;star Steven Yeun toplines 'Minari',&nbsp;Lee Isaac Chung`s drama that is in contention for six Oscars including one for Yeun in the Best Actor category. He says was blown away by the story`s simplicity and truthfulness. 
 
'Minari'&nbsp;is the story tale of an immigrant family`s struggle with cultural identity when they move to the raw and rugged terrain of Arkansas. It talks of what happens when an outsider`s Great American dream collides with reality, and is set in the US of the early eighties. 
 
While receiving accolades for his brilliant portrayal of an ambitious and hopeful man, Yeun shares that he initially didn`t think he would fancy the script. 
 
"I`ve read some other things in this vein and most just touch on the surface, so I honestly didn`t expect I`d be that interested", he said. 
 
He added,&nbsp;"But I was blown away by the story`s simplicity and truthfulness. Reading Minari, I realized what was missing from other things on this topic: the feeling that the story is coming from an intrinsic, relatable humanity rather than a narrow identity." 
 
The actor went down a whirlwind of trepidations while preparing for his character. 
 
He said: "For one thing, Korean is something that I can speak, but not necessarily in the right vernacular for Jacob (his character), so I knew that would take some real study and work. Even more worrisome was taking on playing a father in Jacob`s generation -- as a minority, playing this kind of role felt very large to me and weighty." 
 
The actor added: "People often idealise or romanticise the first generation who came to this country, but that`s not what I was looking to do. I was trying to get to the bottom of this very human man, flaws and all." 
 
'Minari'&nbsp;will be released in India on April 16 by PVR Pictures.

'The Walking Dead' star Steven Yeun toplines 'Minari', Lee Isaac Chung`s drama that is in contention for six Oscars including one for Yeun in the Best Actor category.

'The Walking Dead' star Steven Yeun toplines 'Minari', Lee Isaac Chung`s drama that is in contention for six Oscars including one for Yeun in the Best Actor category. He says was blown away by the story`s simplicity and truthfulness. 'Minari' is the story tale of an immigrant family`s struggle with cultural identity when they move to the raw and rugged terrain of Arkansas. It talks of what happens when an outsider`s Great American dream collides with reality, and is set in the US of the early eighties. While receiving accolades for his brilliant portrayal of an ambitious and hopeful man, Yeun shares that he initially didn`t think he would fancy the script. "I`ve read some other things in this vein and most just touch on the surface, so I honestly didn`t expect I`d be that interested", he said. He added, "But I was blown away by the story`s simplicity and truthfulness. Reading Minari, I realized what was missing from other things on this topic: the feeling that the story is coming from an intrinsic, relatable humanity rather than a narrow identity." The actor went down a whirlwind of trepidations while preparing for his character. He said: "For one thing, Korean is something that I can speak, but not necessarily in the right vernacular for Jacob (his character), so I knew that would take some real study and work. Even more worrisome was taking on playing a father in Jacob`s generation -- as a minority, playing this kind of role felt very large to me and weighty." The actor added: "People often idealise or romanticise the first generation who came to this country, but that`s not what I was looking to do. I was trying to get to the bottom of this very human man, flaws and all." 'Minari' will be released in India on April 16 by PVR Pictures.

'Minari' actor Steven Yeun: Was blown away by story's simplicity

The Oscars 2021 presenter list is all about&nbsp;last year's winners along with other A-list celebrities. 
 
Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Harrison Ford, Reese Witherspoon and 'Parasite'&nbsp;director Bong Joon Ho, will be presenting at the 93rd Academy Awards. 
 
Show producers Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher and Steven Soderbergh unveiled the "stellar" cast of stars to present at the upcoming ceremony in a press release shared on the official Oscars website. 
 
Marvel star Don Cheadle, veteran actor Bryan Cranston, Laura Dern, Regina King, Marlee Matlin, Rita Moreno, Joaquin Phoenix, Renee Zellweger and Zendaya are also part of the first batch of presenters announced by the producers. 
 
"In keeping with our awards-show-as-a-movie approach, we've assembled a truly stellar cast of stars. There's so much wattage here, sunglasses may be required," Collins, Sher and Soderbergh said in a joint statement. 
 
Additional presenter announcements are expected in the coming days The Oscars 2021 will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Union Station Los Angeles and the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood &amp; Highland Center in Hollywood. In the US, the ceremony will be televised live on ABC. The awards night will also be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

The Oscars 2021 presenter list is all about last year's winners along with other A-list celebrities. Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Harrison Ford, Reese Witherspoon and 'Parasite' director Bong Joon Ho, will be presenting at the 93rd Academy Awards.

The Oscars 2021 presenter list is all about last year's winners along with other A-list celebrities. Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Harrison Ford, Reese Witherspoon and 'Parasite' director Bong Joon Ho, will be presenting at the 93rd Academy Awards. Show producers Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher and Steven Soderbergh unveiled the "stellar" cast of stars to present at the upcoming ceremony in a press release shared on the official Oscars website. Marvel star Don Cheadle, veteran actor Bryan Cranston, Laura Dern, Regina King, Marlee Matlin, Rita Moreno, Joaquin Phoenix, Renee Zellweger and Zendaya are also part of the first batch of presenters announced by the producers. "In keeping with our awards-show-as-a-movie approach, we've assembled a truly stellar cast of stars. There's so much wattage here, sunglasses may be required," Collins, Sher and Soderbergh said in a joint statement. Additional presenter announcements are expected in the coming days The Oscars 2021 will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Union Station Los Angeles and the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood. In the US, the ceremony will be televised live on ABC. The awards night will also be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Oscars 2021: Harrison Ford, Reese Witherspoon to present at the award ceremony along with last year's winners

Oscars 2021: 'Minari', 'Nomadland', here's how to watch all Best Film nominees in India

If you thought being an Oscars nominee is enough to get you to attend the Academy Awards, then you are in for a disappointment, just like&nbsp;Rosie Perez. The actress hasn't made an appearance at the Oscars ceremony since she was nominated for an award almost three decades ago.

In an interview with Variety, the 56-year-old 'Do the Right Thing'&nbsp;star said that she's hurt the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has yet to invite her back to the event since she attended in 1994 as a Best Supporting Actress nominee for 1993's Fearless.&nbsp;

"Not even to sit in the audience, not to present, nothing—and I'm a member," Rosie said. "I love the Academy Awards. I cheer on my peers, but it hurts. It's like when your home team doesn't ask you to come back into the stadium after you got up to bat and hit the home run."

The actress, who is of Puerto Rican descent, explained that it has been tough to deal with prejudice and racism as a woman of colour in the industry.

"The biggest struggle has been navigating through other people's shortcomings," Perez says. "Other people's bigotry, racism—and specifically the ones that don't understand that they are bigots or racists."

Rosie&nbsp;maintained a long and successful career since her breakout role in Spike Lee's 1989 drama Do the Right Thing, which was nominated for two Oscars.

Since then, her notable films include White Men Can't Jump (1992), Untamed Heart (1993), It Could Happen to You (1994), Pineapple Express (2008) and Birds of Prey (2020).

If you thought being an Oscars nominee is enough to get you to attend the Academy Awards, then you are in for a disappointment, just like Rosie Perez. The actress hasn't made an appearance at the Oscars ceremony since she was nominated for an award almost three decades ago.

If you thought being an Oscars nominee is enough to get you to attend the Academy Awards, then you are in for a disappointment, just like Rosie Perez. The actress hasn't made an appearance at the Oscars ceremony since she was nominated for an award almost three decades ago. In an interview with Variety, the 56-year-old 'Do the Right Thing' star said that she's hurt the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has yet to invite her back to the event since she attended in 1994 as a Best Supporting Actress nominee for 1993's Fearless. "Not even to sit in the audience, not to present, nothing—and I'm a member," Rosie said. "I love the Academy Awards. I cheer on my peers, but it hurts. It's like when your home team doesn't ask you to come back into the stadium after you got up to bat and hit the home run." The actress, who is of Puerto Rican descent, explained that it has been tough to deal with prejudice and racism as a woman of colour in the industry. "The biggest struggle has been navigating through other people's shortcomings," Perez says. "Other people's bigotry, racism—and specifically the ones that don't understand that they are bigots or racists." Rosie maintained a long and successful career since her breakout role in Spike Lee's 1989 drama Do the Right Thing, which was nominated for two Oscars. Since then, her notable films include White Men Can't Jump (1992), Untamed Heart (1993), It Could Happen to You (1994), Pineapple Express (2008) and Birds of Prey (2020).

Rosie Perez says it 'hurts' to never been invited back to the Oscars since her 1994 nomination

Oscar-nominated film `The Father` starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman will soon release in India. The film is making its way to Indian theatres on April 23 this year.&nbsp; 
 
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the news on his Twitter handle on Friday. He tweeted, "IN CINEMAS, 23 APRIL 2021... #PVR Pictures to release #AcademyAward nominated #TheFather - starring #AnthonyHopkins and #OliviaColman - in #India on 23 April 2021."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
IN CINEMAS, 23 APRIL 2021... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PVR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PVR</a> Pictures to release <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AcademyAward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AcademyAward</a> nominated <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheFather?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFather</a> - starring <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnthonyHopkins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnthonyHopkins</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OliviaColman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OliviaColman</a> - in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> on 23 April 2021. <a href="https://t.co/T8F6CGyzzX">pic.twitter.com/T8F6CGyzzX</a>
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1380382489550618624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In the film, protagonist Anthony (Hopkins) interacts with daughter Anne (Colman) and other characters who give him conflicting accounts of the past and present. Like Anthony, the audience has to solve the puzzle of what`s real and whose truth should be believed. 
The Florian Zeller directorial, which is an adaptation of his 2014 play, has collected six Oscar nominations this year. 
 
As per Deadline, `The Father` made the Best Picture nominees list and garnered adapted screenplay nominations for Zeller and his longtime translation partner Christopher Hampton, and for Hopkins, making him the oldest acting nominee in Academy history. 
 
There were also nominations for supporting actress Colman, production designer Peter Francis with set decorator Cathy Featherstone, and editor Yorgos Lamprinos.&nbsp;

Oscar-nominated film `The Father` starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman will soon release in India. The film is making its way to Indian theatres on April 23 this year.

Oscar-nominated film `The Father` starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman will soon release in India. The film is making its way to Indian theatres on April 23 this year. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the news on his Twitter handle on Friday. He tweeted, "IN CINEMAS, 23 APRIL 2021... #PVR Pictures to release #AcademyAward nominated #TheFather - starring #AnthonyHopkins and #OliviaColman - in #India on 23 April 2021." IN CINEMAS, 23 APRIL 2021... #PVR Pictures to release #AcademyAward nominated #TheFather - starring #AnthonyHopkins and #OliviaColman - in #India on 23 April 2021. pic.twitter.com/T8F6CGyzzX — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) April 9, 2021 × In the film, protagonist Anthony (Hopkins) interacts with daughter Anne (Colman) and other characters who give him conflicting accounts of the past and present. Like Anthony, the audience has to solve the puzzle of what`s real and whose truth should be believed. The Florian Zeller directorial, which is an adaptation of his 2014 play, has collected six Oscar nominations this year. As per Deadline, `The Father` made the Best Picture nominees list and garnered adapted screenplay nominations for Zeller and his longtime translation partner Christopher Hampton, and for Hopkins, making him the oldest acting nominee in Academy history. There were also nominations for supporting actress Colman, production designer Peter Francis with set decorator Cathy Featherstone, and editor Yorgos Lamprinos.

Oscar-nominated movie 'The Father' featuring Anthony Hopkins slated to release in India on this date

The Trial Of The Chicago 7" was judged the year's best performance at the prestigious Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday -- a verdict that strengthens the film's case&nbsp;for the Oscars later this month.

Aaron Sorkin's courtroom drama based on 1968 US anti-war riots -- and the infamous trial that followed -- took top honors at the prize-giving, which was whittled down to a virtual one-hour broadcast due to the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-sag-awards-2021-complete-list-of-winners-375382" hreflang="en">SAG Awards 2021: Complete list of winners</a>

"We need leaders to guide us toward hating each other less," said Frank Langella, who plays the civil rights-themed film's racist judge.

"We owe a debt of thanks to the voices of the Chicago 7 -- and especially Aaron Sorkin, our leader -- whose voice is the soul of this movie," he added, referring to the trial's seven defendants.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-minari-star-youn-yuh-jung-makes-history-at-sag-awards-2021-375388" hreflang="en">'Minari' star Youn Yuh-jung makes history at SAG Awards 2021</a>

Chadwick Boseman, who died of cancer last August, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-sag-awards-2021-chadwick-boseman-wins-posthumous-best-actor-375397">was posthumously voted</a> the best actor for 1920s blues drama "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" by Hollywood's actor's guild.

The SAG awards are a vital stop on Tinseltown's annual prize-giving circuit, which climaxes this year with the delayed Academy Awards on April 25.

Typically a star-studded ceremony in their own right, the SAG awards were a pre-taped, hostless and bare-bones affair Sunday -- but they remain a key predictor of glory at the Oscars, where actors are the largest voting bloc.

Last year, South Korea's "Parasite" began its historic charge to the best picture Oscar by winning SAG's top prize for best performance by a motion picture cast.

While Chloe Zhao's road movie "Nomadland" remains the favourite for this year's top Oscar, having already won multiple awards including Golden Globes, it did not even receive a cast nomination from SAG.

In the film, several non-actors play fictional versions of themselves. "Nomadland" star Frances McDormand also failed to convert her SAG best actress nomination, losing out to Boseman's "Ma Rainey" co-star Viola Davis.

'Beautiful Chadwick' -

Davis thanked "the beautiful Chadwick Boseman," while his widow Taylor Simone Ledward -- accepting his prize -- quoted Boseman: "If you see the world unbalanced, be a crusader that pushes heavily on the seesaw of the mind."

The late "Black Panther" actor was also honoured in the annual "in memoriam" segment, along with leading stars who died this year including Sean Connery and Christopher Plummer.&nbsp;

In a year that has seen Hollywood boost minority representation on both sides of the camera, Daniel Kaluuya was named best supporting actor for his portrayal of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in "Judas and the Black Messiah."

And veteran Yuh-Jung Youn confirmed SAG's newfound love affair with South Korean cinema. She went one better than "Parasite" by winning an individual SAG prize -- supporting actress -- for "Minari," an immigrant tale set in 1980s Arkansas.

"I don't know how to describe my feelings, being recognized by Westerners... everything is not familiar!" she said, visibly shocked and in slightly broken English.

But the film, along with "Ma Rainey," "One Night in Miami" and "Da 5 Bloods" -- all featuring Black casts -- lost the night's final prize to "Chicago 7," which now has the best shot at unseating "Nomadland" as Oscars voting begins April 15.

- 'Big night' -

The ceremony opened with a skit from the British soccer team of "Ted Lasso," with Jason Sudeikis -- the comedy's clueless American coach -- giving a rallying team talk: "Y'all, let's focus up. We've got a big night ahead of us, the SAG Awards."

Sudeikis was named best TV comedy actor, while "Schitt's Creek" took the other comedy prizes, including Catherine O'Hara for best actress.

Awards were interspersed with actors reflecting on their careers, and how they spent their pandemic-confined year -- Helen Mirren apparently "chased away" a bear from her home in the western US Sierra Nevada mountains.

British royals saga "The Crown" won best drama, with its star Gillian Anderson earning best actress. Jason Bateman won the male drama prize for "Ozark."

In limited series, Mark Ruffalo and Anya Taylor-Joy followed up their Golden Globe wins for "I Know This Much Is True" and "The Queen's Gambit."

The Trial Of The Chicago 7" was judged the year's best performance at the prestigious Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday -- a verdict that strengthens the film's case for the Oscars later this month.

The Trial Of The Chicago 7" was judged the year's best performance at the prestigious Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday -- a verdict that strengthens the film's case for the Oscars later this month. Aaron Sorkin's courtroom drama based on 1968 US anti-war riots -- and the infamous trial that followed -- took top honors at the prize-giving, which was whittled down to a virtual one-hour broadcast due to the pandemic. SAG Awards 2021: Complete list of winners "We need leaders to guide us toward hating each other less," said Frank Langella, who plays the civil rights-themed film's racist judge. "We owe a debt of thanks to the voices of the Chicago 7 -- and especially Aaron Sorkin, our leader -- whose voice is the soul of this movie," he added, referring to the trial's seven defendants. 'Minari' star Youn Yuh-jung makes history at SAG Awards 2021 Chadwick Boseman, who died of cancer last August, was posthumously voted the best actor for 1920s blues drama "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" by Hollywood's actor's guild. The SAG awards are a vital stop on Tinseltown's annual prize-giving circuit, which climaxes this year with the delayed Academy Awards on April 25. Typically a star-studded ceremony in their own right, the SAG awards were a pre-taped, hostless and bare-bones affair Sunday -- but they remain a key predictor of glory at the Oscars, where actors are the largest voting bloc. Last year, South Korea's "Parasite" began its historic charge to the best picture Oscar by winning SAG's top prize for best performance by a motion picture cast. While Chloe Zhao's road movie "Nomadland" remains the favourite for this year's top Oscar, having already won multiple awards including Golden Globes, it did not even receive a cast nomination from SAG. In the film, several non-actors play fictional versions of themselves. "Nomadland" star Frances McDormand also failed to convert her SAG best actress nomination, losing out to Boseman's "Ma Rainey" co-star Viola Davis. 'Beautiful Chadwick' - Davis thanked "the beautiful Chadwick Boseman," while his widow Taylor Simone Ledward -- accepting his prize -- quoted Boseman: "If you see the world unbalanced, be a crusader that pushes heavily on the seesaw of the mind." The late "Black Panther" actor was also honoured in the annual "in memoriam" segment, along with leading stars who died this year including Sean Connery and Christopher Plummer. In a year that has seen Hollywood boost minority representation on both sides of the camera, Daniel Kaluuya was named best supporting actor for his portrayal of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in "Judas and the Black Messiah." And veteran Yuh-Jung Youn confirmed SAG's newfound love affair with South Korean cinema. She went one better than "Parasite" by winning an individual SAG prize -- supporting actress -- for "Minari," an immigrant tale set in 1980s Arkansas. "I don't know how to describe my feelings, being recognized by Westerners... everything is not familiar!" she said, visibly shocked and in slightly broken English. But the film, along with "Ma Rainey," "One Night in Miami" and "Da 5 Bloods" -- all featuring Black casts -- lost the night's final prize to "Chicago 7," which now has the best shot at unseating "Nomadland" as Oscars voting begins April 15. - 'Big night' - The ceremony opened with a skit from the British soccer team of "Ted Lasso," with Jason Sudeikis -- the comedy's clueless American coach -- giving a rallying team talk: "Y'all, let's focus up. We've got a big night ahead of us, the SAG Awards." Sudeikis was named best TV comedy actor, while "Schitt's Creek" took the other comedy prizes, including Catherine O'Hara for best actress. Awards were interspersed with actors reflecting on their careers, and how they spent their pandemic-confined year -- Helen Mirren apparently "chased away" a bear from her home in the western US Sierra Nevada mountains. British royals saga "The Crown" won best drama, with its star Gillian Anderson earning best actress. Jason Bateman won the male drama prize for "Ozark." In limited series, Mark Ruffalo and Anya Taylor-Joy followed up their Golden Globe wins for "I Know This Much Is True" and "The Queen's Gambit."

Aaron Sorkin's 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7' rallies Oscar bid with key SAG award

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