Oscars 2021 has a staggering number of films competing in Best Picture category. A total of 336 feature films are in competition.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed its annual "reminder list" for members on Thursday and thus came out the number.&nbsp;

This is the highest tally of eligible titles in 50 years. The highest before this was 562 titles for the first Oscars ceremony that considered films from 1927 and 1928.

Another anomaly is that it is possibly the first time that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> has been extended -- due to the pandemic. Also, films were able to qualify by opening for a week not just in a commercial theater in Los Angeles and New York, but for a week in a commercial theater or a nightly drive-in theater in any of six U.S. metropolitan areas: Los Angeles County; the City of New York; the Bay Area; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia.

Moreover, films were deemed eligible that had been intended for a theatrical release but were initially made available through commercial streaming, VOD service or other broadcast, provided they were made available on the Academy Screening Room member site within 60 days of the streaming/VOD release or broadcast.

Here is the full list of titles from which Academy members will choose five to 10 best picture nominees for the 93rd Academy Awards. Nominees in all categories will be announced on March 15.

Absent Now the Dead 
Accidental Luxuriance of the Translucent Watery Rebus 
Alberto and the Concrete Jungle 
All I Can Say 
All In: The Fight for Democracy 
All My Life 
All Together Now 
Alone 
American Skin 
Ammonite 
And Then We Danced 
Another Round 
Antebellum 
Anton 
Apocalypse '45 
Apples 
The Artist's Wife 
Assassins 
The Assistant 
Athlete A 
Atlantis 
Babyteeth 
Bacurau 
Bad Boys for Life 
Bad Hair 
The Banker 
Barb &amp; Star Go to Vista Del Mar 
Be Water 
Beastie Boys Story 
Becoming 
Belly of the Beast 
Belushi 
Big Time Adolescence 
The Big Ugly 
Bill &amp; Ted Face the Music 
Billie 
The Billionaire 
Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn 
Black Bear 
Blackbird 
Blizzard of Souls 
Bloodshot 
Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets 
Blue Story 
Blumhouse's Fantasy Island 
Bombay Rose 
The Booksellers 
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan 
The Boys in the Band 
Boys State 
Brahms: The Boy II 
Broken Keys 
Buddy Games 
Burden 
The Burnt Orange Heresy 
Calamity Jane 
The Call of the Wild 
Canaan Land 
Capone 
Charm City Kings 
Cherry 
The Christmas Chronicles 2 
Circus of Books 
Clementine 
The Climb 
Collective 
Color out of Space 
Come Away 
Come Play 
Coming Clean 
Coronation 
Coup 53 
Creem: America's Only Rock 'n' Roll Magazine 
Crip Camp 
Crisis 
The Croods: A New Age 
The Cuban 
Cut Throat City 
Da 5 Bloods 
Dads 
Dara of Jasenovac 
The Dark and the Wicked 
The Dark Divide 
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet 
Dear Comrades! 
Death Protocol 
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train 
Desert One 
The Devil All the Time 
Diana Kennedy: Nothing Fancy 
Dick Johnson Is Dead 
The Dig 
Disclosure 
The Dissident 
Dolittle 
The Donut King 
Downhill 
Dreambuilders 
Driveways 
Earwig and the Witch 
Echo Boomers 
Effigy - Poison and the City 
Emma 
Emperor 
The Empty Man 
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga 
Extraction 
Faith Based 
Falling 
The Family Tree 
Fandango at the Wall 
Farewell Amor 
Fatale 
The Father 
Father Soldier Son 
Fatima 
Feels Good Man 
The Fight 
Finding Hannah 
Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds 
First Cow 
First Vote 
Flannery 
The Forty-Year-Old Version 
Foster Boy 
Freak Power: The Ballot or the Bomb 
Freaky 
French Exit 
Funny Boy 
The Gentlemen 
The Ghost of Peter Sellers 
Giving Voice 
The Glorias 
Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind 
Greed 
Greyhound 
The Grizzlies 
Gunda 
Guns Akimbo 
Half Brothers 
The Half of It 
Happiest Season 
Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something 
Herself 
The High Note 
Hillbilly Elegy 
His House 
Hope Gap 
Horse Girl 
How to Build a Girl 
The Human Factor 
The Hunt 
I Am Greta 
I Care a Lot 
I Carry You with Me (Te Llevo Conmigo) 
I Hate New Year's 
I Still Believe 
I Will Make You Mine 
The Illegal 
I'm No Longer Here (Ya No Estoy Aquí) 
I'm Thinking of Ending Things 
I'm Your Woman 
The Infiltrators 
The Invisible Man 
Irresistible 
Jimmy Carter: Rock &amp; Roll President 
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey 
John Lewis: Good Trouble 
Journey to Royal: A World War II Rescue Mission 
Judas and the Black Messiah 
Jungle Beat: The Movie 
Juvenile Delinquents 
Kajillionaire 
Kalira Atita 
A Kid from Coney Island 
Kill It and Leave This Town 
Killer Raccoons! 2! Dark Christmas in the Dark 
Killian &amp; the Comeback Kids 
The King of Staten Island 
Kingdom of Silence 
Kiss the Ground 
La Llorona 
Lance 
Land 
The Last Blockbuster 
Last Call 
The Last Full Measure 
The Last Shift 
The Last Thing He Wanted 
The Last Vermeer 
Let Him Go 
Let Them All Talk 
The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se) 
Like a Boss 
Lingua Franca 
The Little Things 
Locked Down 
The Lodge 
Lost Girls 
Love and Monsters 
Lupin III: The First 
Luxor 
MLK/FBI 
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom 
Malcolm &amp; Marie 
Mank 
Marjoun and the Flying Headscarf 
The Marksman 
Martin Eden 
Martin Margiela: In His Own Words 
The Mauritanian 
Max Winslow and the House of Secrets 
The Midnight Sky 
Mighty Oak 
Military Wives 
Minari 
Miss Americana 
Miss Juneteenth 
Mr. Jones 
Mr. Soul! 
Mmmmm (Sound of Pain) 
The Mole Agent 
Monster Hunter 
Mosley 
Mosul 
Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado 
Mulan 
Music 
My Favorite War 
My Octopus Teacher 
My Psychedelic Love Story 
Nasrin 
The Nest 
Never Rarely Sometimes Always 
News of the World 
Night of the Kings 
Nomadland 
The Nose or the Conspiracy of Mavericks 
Notturno 
No.7 Cherry Lane 
The Old Guard 
Oliver Sacks: His Own Life 
Olympia 
On-Gaku: Our Sound 
On the Record 
On the Rocks 
The One and Only Ivan 
One Night in Miami... 
Onward 
Ordinary Love 
The Other Lamb 
Our Friend 
Our Time Machine 
The Outpost 
Over the Moon 
The Painter and the Thief 
Palm Springs 
Palmer 
Pearl 
Penguin Bloom 
The Personal History of David Copperfield 
The Phenomenon 
The Photograph 
Pieces of a Woman 
Pinocchio 
Possessor 
Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton 
Premature 
Princess of the Row 
Project Power 
The Prom 
Promising Young Woman 
Radioactive 
The Real Exorcist 
Rebecca 
Rebuilding Paradise 
Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs 
Relic 
The Rental 
Resistance 
The Rhythm Section 
The Ride 
Ride Your Wave 
Rising Phoenix 
River Tales 
The Roads Not Taken 
Roald Dahl's The Witches 
Run 
Saint Frances 
Saint Maud 
Save Yourselves! 
Scoob! 
Searching for Mr. Rugoff 
The Secret Garden 
The Secrets We Keep 
76 Days 
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon 
She Dies Tomorrow 
Shirley 
Show Me What You Got 
Sky Blossom 
Snake White: Love Endures 
The Social Dilemma 
Son of the South 
Songs of Solomon 
Sonic the Hedgehog 
Soorarai Pottru 
Soul 
Sound of Metal 
Spaceship Earth 
Spell 
Stand! 
Standing Up, Falling Down 
Stars and Strife 
Supernova 
Swallow 
System K 
Tenet 
Terra Willy 
This Is Not a Movie 
A Thousand Cuts 
Tiger Within 
Tigertail 
Time 
Tom and Jerry 
Tommaso 
Totally under Control 
The Traitor 
The Trial of the Chicago 7 
The Trip to Greece 
Trolls World Tour 
True History of the Kelly Gang 
The Truffle Hunters 
The Truth 
Tulsa 
The Turning 
Tuscaloosa 
The Twentieth Century 
Twiceborn 
2 Hearts 
Underneath the Same Moon 
Underwater 
The United States vs. Billie Holiday 
Used and Borrowed Time 
Valley Girl 
WW84 
Waiting for the Barbarians 
Wander Darkly 
The Way Back 
The Way I See It 
We Are Little Zombies 
Welcome to Chechnya 
Wendy 
A Whisker Away 
The White Tiger 
Who Is Gatsby Randolph 
Wild Daze 
Wild Mountain Thyme 
The Willoughbys 
Wolfwalkers 
Words on Bathroom Walls 
Working Man 
The World to Come 
The Wretched 
Yellow Rose 
You Cannot Kill David Arquette 
&nbsp;

Oscars 2021 has a staggering number of films competing in Best Picture category. A total of 336 feature films are in competition. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed its annual "reminder list" for members on Thursday and thus came out the number.

Oscars 2021 has a staggering number of films competing in Best Picture category. A total of 336 feature films are in competition. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed its annual "reminder list" for members on Thursday and thus came out the number. This is the highest tally of eligible titles in 50 years. The highest before this was 562 titles for the first Oscars ceremony that considered films from 1927 and 1928. Another anomaly is that it is possibly the first time that Oscars has been extended -- due to the pandemic. Also, films were able to qualify by opening for a week not just in a commercial theater in Los Angeles and New York, but for a week in a commercial theater or a nightly drive-in theater in any of six U.S. metropolitan areas: Los Angeles County; the City of New York; the Bay Area; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia. Moreover, films were deemed eligible that had been intended for a theatrical release but were initially made available through commercial streaming, VOD service or other broadcast, provided they were made available on the Academy Screening Room member site within 60 days of the streaming/VOD release or broadcast. Here is the full list of titles from which Academy members will choose five to 10 best picture nominees for the 93rd Academy Awards. Nominees in all categories will be announced on March 15. Absent Now the Dead Accidental Luxuriance of the Translucent Watery Rebus Alberto and the Concrete Jungle All I Can Say All In: The Fight for Democracy All My Life All Together Now Alone American Skin Ammonite And Then We Danced Another Round Antebellum Anton Apocalypse '45 Apples The Artist's Wife Assassins The Assistant Athlete A Atlantis Babyteeth Bacurau Bad Boys for Life Bad Hair The Banker Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar Be Water Beastie Boys Story Becoming Belly of the Beast Belushi Big Time Adolescence The Big Ugly Bill & Ted Face the Music Billie The Billionaire Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn Black Bear Blackbird Blizzard of Souls Bloodshot Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets Blue Story Blumhouse's Fantasy Island Bombay Rose The Booksellers Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan The Boys in the Band Boys State Brahms: The Boy II Broken Keys Buddy Games Burden The Burnt Orange Heresy Calamity Jane The Call of the Wild Canaan Land Capone Charm City Kings Cherry The Christmas Chronicles 2 Circus of Books Clementine The Climb Collective Color out of Space Come Away Come Play Coming Clean Coronation Coup 53 Creem: America's Only Rock 'n' Roll Magazine Crip Camp Crisis The Croods: A New Age The Cuban Cut Throat City Da 5 Bloods Dads Dara of Jasenovac The Dark and the Wicked The Dark Divide David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Dear Comrades! Death Protocol Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train Desert One The Devil All the Time Diana Kennedy: Nothing Fancy Dick Johnson Is Dead The Dig Disclosure The Dissident Dolittle The Donut King Downhill Dreambuilders Driveways Earwig and the Witch Echo Boomers Effigy - Poison and the City Emma Emperor The Empty Man Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Extraction Faith Based Falling The Family Tree Fandango at the Wall Farewell Amor Fatale The Father Father Soldier Son Fatima Feels Good Man The Fight Finding Hannah Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds First Cow First Vote Flannery The Forty-Year-Old Version Foster Boy Freak Power: The Ballot or the Bomb Freaky French Exit Funny Boy The Gentlemen The Ghost of Peter Sellers Giving Voice The Glorias Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind Greed Greyhound The Grizzlies Gunda Guns Akimbo Half Brothers The Half of It Happiest Season Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something Herself The High Note Hillbilly Elegy His House Hope Gap Horse Girl How to Build a Girl The Human Factor The Hunt I Am Greta I Care a Lot I Carry You with Me (Te Llevo Conmigo) I Hate New Year's I Still Believe I Will Make You Mine The Illegal I'm No Longer Here (Ya No Estoy Aquí) I'm Thinking of Ending Things I'm Your Woman The Infiltrators The Invisible Man Irresistible Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey John Lewis: Good Trouble Journey to Royal: A World War II Rescue Mission Judas and the Black Messiah Jungle Beat: The Movie Juvenile Delinquents Kajillionaire Kalira Atita A Kid from Coney Island Kill It and Leave This Town Killer Raccoons! 2! Dark Christmas in the Dark Killian & the Comeback Kids The King of Staten Island Kingdom of Silence Kiss the Ground La Llorona Lance Land The Last Blockbuster Last Call The Last Full Measure The Last Shift The Last Thing He Wanted The Last Vermeer Let Him Go Let Them All Talk The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se) Like a Boss Lingua Franca The Little Things Locked Down The Lodge Lost Girls Love and Monsters Lupin III: The First Luxor MLK/FBI Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Malcolm & Marie Mank Marjoun and the Flying Headscarf The Marksman Martin Eden Martin Margiela: In His Own Words The Mauritanian Max Winslow and the House of Secrets The Midnight Sky Mighty Oak Military Wives Minari Miss Americana Miss Juneteenth Mr. Jones Mr. Soul! Mmmmm (Sound of Pain) The Mole Agent Monster Hunter Mosley Mosul Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado Mulan Music My Favorite War My Octopus Teacher My Psychedelic Love Story Nasrin The Nest Never Rarely Sometimes Always News of the World Night of the Kings Nomadland The Nose or the Conspiracy of Mavericks Notturno No.7 Cherry Lane The Old Guard Oliver Sacks: His Own Life Olympia On-Gaku: Our Sound On the Record On the Rocks The One and Only Ivan One Night in Miami... Onward Ordinary Love The Other Lamb Our Friend Our Time Machine The Outpost Over the Moon The Painter and the Thief Palm Springs Palmer Pearl Penguin Bloom The Personal History of David Copperfield The Phenomenon The Photograph Pieces of a Woman Pinocchio Possessor Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton Premature Princess of the Row Project Power The Prom Promising Young Woman Radioactive The Real Exorcist Rebecca Rebuilding Paradise Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Relic The Rental Resistance The Rhythm Section The Ride Ride Your Wave Rising Phoenix River Tales The Roads Not Taken Roald Dahl's The Witches Run Saint Frances Saint Maud Save Yourselves! Scoob! Searching for Mr. Rugoff The Secret Garden The Secrets We Keep 76 Days A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon She Dies Tomorrow Shirley Show Me What You Got Sky Blossom Snake White: Love Endures The Social Dilemma Son of the South Songs of Solomon Sonic the Hedgehog Soorarai Pottru Soul Sound of Metal Spaceship Earth Spell Stand! Standing Up, Falling Down Stars and Strife Supernova Swallow System K Tenet Terra Willy This Is Not a Movie A Thousand Cuts Tiger Within Tigertail Time Tom and Jerry Tommaso Totally under Control The Traitor The Trial of the Chicago 7 The Trip to Greece Trolls World Tour True History of the Kelly Gang The Truffle Hunters The Truth Tulsa The Turning Tuscaloosa The Twentieth Century Twiceborn 2 Hearts Underneath the Same Moon Underwater The United States vs. Billie Holiday Used and Borrowed Time Valley Girl WW84 Waiting for the Barbarians Wander Darkly The Way Back The Way I See It We Are Little Zombies Welcome to Chechnya Wendy A Whisker Away The White Tiger Who Is Gatsby Randolph Wild Daze Wild Mountain Thyme The Willoughbys Wolfwalkers Words on Bathroom Walls Working Man The World to Come The Wretched Yellow Rose You Cannot Kill David Arquette

Oscars 2021: 366 films eligible for Best Picture, highest in 50 years

Three years ago, Natalie Portman presented the best director category at the Golden Globes with a sting in her voice.

“Here are the all-male nominees,” she said.

This year, for the very first time, a majority of the directors in that category are women. It was announced last week that Chloé Zhao ('Nomadland'), Regina King ('One Night in Miami') and Emerald Fennell ('Promising Young Woman') will vie for the best director Globe alongside David Fincher ('Mank') and Aaron Sorkin ('The Trial of the Chicago 7'), and those same filmmakers may well hear their names again when the Oscar nominations are read March 15.

In a category that has historically overlooked female directors, this feels like progress. After all, only five women have ever been nominated for the best director Oscar, and if Zhao, King and Fennell all make it in, that number would nearly double in a single year.

But look a little closer, and there’s still a pernicious double standard at play: Fincher and Sorkin were given tens of millions to make their films, while the women had to make do with much less. 'Nomadland'&nbsp;cost under $5 million, 'One Night in Miami'&nbsp;was budgeted at $16.9 million and “Promising Young Woman” fell somewhere in between.

None of the five women previously nominated for the best director Oscar have had it any better: Jane Campion (“The Piano”), Sofia Coppola (“Lost in Translation”) and Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird”) made their movies for $10 million or less, and Kathryn Bigelow’s budget for “The Hurt Locker” — a scant $15 million — is the most that a female nominee in this category has ever been given.

I don’t point this out to sound like a sad trombone in the Oscars’ orchestra pit, because when history is made during awards season, I believe it’s worth celebrating. This particular year could produce the most diverse lineup of Oscar nominees ever, as women and people of color are projected to make up the majority in several top races.

But I know it will be tempting for Hollywood to give out those laurels and then rest on them. For example, in a year that is almost certain to see nominated actors like Riz Ahmed (“Sound of Metal”), Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”), Daniel Kaluuya (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) and Leslie Odom, Jr. (“One Night in Miami”), academy members may crow that #OscarsSoWhite is a thing of the past.

It isn’t that simple, and even this potentially landmark awards season still offers ample proof.

Just look at the Golden Globes’ most prestigious category, best drama, where none of the year’s major Black-led films were nominated. Not “One Night in Miami,” not “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” not “Judas and the Black Messiah” and not “Da 5 Bloods.”

Or look to BAFTA, considered the British equivalent of the Oscars, and the group’s “longlists” for each category, released last week. Spike Lee’s Vietnam-vet drama “Da 5 Bloods” landed on nine of those longlists — including best film, screenplay, and editing — but Lee was pointedly left out of the group of 20 filmmakers nominated for best director. (If BAFTA voters were trying to send a message to Lee, did they realize the rest of the world was BCC’d?)

You could even look to last year, when “Parasite” made Oscar history as the first film not in the English language to win best picture but couldn’t earn a single nomination in the acting categories. Awkwafina and Zhao Shuzhen, hailing from a critics’ favorite, “The Farewell,” were similarly snubbed by the academy, and those exclusions led Vulture’s E. Alex Jung to write about “an old prejudice at work here that sees Asian people as technical workers.”

That’s why Jung felt that filmmakers like Bong Joon Ho and Ang Lee could win Oscars while the actors from their films were wholly overlooked, and it’s why I wonder about the ultimate fate of the forthcoming “Minari,” Lee Isaac Chung’s moving family drama starring Steven Yeun, Yeri Han and Yuh-Jung Youn. Even though a Korean movie has now won best picture at the Oscars, no Korean or Korean American actor has ever so much as been nominated. Can the actors of “Minari” break through those long-held biases?

Things look more promising at the Independent Spirit Awards, where “Minari” scored three acting nominations and was recognized in the screenplay, director and best feature categories, too. At this ceremony, which will be held days before the Oscars in April, the feature and director categories are exclusively made up of nominated movies directed by women and people of color.

But is that a road map for the academy to follow as it enacts new diversity guidelines, or is it a reminder of the limits that have already plagued this industry for far too long? To be eligible for the Independent Spirit Awards, a movie must be made for less than $22.5 million. During awards season, directors from underrepresented groups are rarely working with much more.

Zhao, King and Fennell may still make this year’s Oscar lineup, but what will happen next year, when even more expensive movies like Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” reenter the fray? Those films had the luxury of waiting out the pandemic for a more advantageous theatrical release, and the best director category could easily tilt back toward the sort of auteur-driven spectacle that men dominate and nominate.

No matter what happens this awards season or the next, voters should remember that progress isn’t simply secured — it’s something you have to keep reaching for. Back in 2014, there were people of color in most of the acting categories, Alfonso Cuarón (“Gravity”) won the directing Oscar, and Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” took best picture.

The very next year kicked off #OscarsSoWhite.

Three years ago, Natalie Portman presented the best director category at the Golden Globes with a sting in her voice. “Here are the all-male nominees,” she said.

Three years ago, Natalie Portman presented the best director category at the Golden Globes with a sting in her voice. “Here are the all-male nominees,” she said. This year, for the very first time, a majority of the directors in that category are women. It was announced last week that Chloé Zhao ('Nomadland'), Regina King ('One Night in Miami') and Emerald Fennell ('Promising Young Woman') will vie for the best director Globe alongside David Fincher ('Mank') and Aaron Sorkin ('The Trial of the Chicago 7'), and those same filmmakers may well hear their names again when the Oscar nominations are read March 15. In a category that has historically overlooked female directors, this feels like progress. After all, only five women have ever been nominated for the best director Oscar, and if Zhao, King and Fennell all make it in, that number would nearly double in a single year. But look a little closer, and there’s still a pernicious double standard at play: Fincher and Sorkin were given tens of millions to make their films, while the women had to make do with much less. 'Nomadland' cost under $5 million, 'One Night in Miami' was budgeted at $16.9 million and “Promising Young Woman” fell somewhere in between. None of the five women previously nominated for the best director Oscar have had it any better: Jane Campion (“The Piano”), Sofia Coppola (“Lost in Translation”) and Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird”) made their movies for $10 million or less, and Kathryn Bigelow’s budget for “The Hurt Locker” — a scant $15 million — is the most that a female nominee in this category has ever been given. I don’t point this out to sound like a sad trombone in the Oscars’ orchestra pit, because when history is made during awards season, I believe it’s worth celebrating. This particular year could produce the most diverse lineup of Oscar nominees ever, as women and people of color are projected to make up the majority in several top races. But I know it will be tempting for Hollywood to give out those laurels and then rest on them. For example, in a year that is almost certain to see nominated actors like Riz Ahmed (“Sound of Metal”), Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”), Daniel Kaluuya (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) and Leslie Odom, Jr. (“One Night in Miami”), academy members may crow that #OscarsSoWhite is a thing of the past. It isn’t that simple, and even this potentially landmark awards season still offers ample proof. Just look at the Golden Globes’ most prestigious category, best drama, where none of the year’s major Black-led films were nominated. Not “One Night in Miami,” not “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” not “Judas and the Black Messiah” and not “Da 5 Bloods.” Or look to BAFTA, considered the British equivalent of the Oscars, and the group’s “longlists” for each category, released last week. Spike Lee’s Vietnam-vet drama “Da 5 Bloods” landed on nine of those longlists — including best film, screenplay, and editing — but Lee was pointedly left out of the group of 20 filmmakers nominated for best director. (If BAFTA voters were trying to send a message to Lee, did they realize the rest of the world was BCC’d?) You could even look to last year, when “Parasite” made Oscar history as the first film not in the English language to win best picture but couldn’t earn a single nomination in the acting categories. Awkwafina and Zhao Shuzhen, hailing from a critics’ favorite, “The Farewell,” were similarly snubbed by the academy, and those exclusions led Vulture’s E. Alex Jung to write about “an old prejudice at work here that sees Asian people as technical workers.” That’s why Jung felt that filmmakers like Bong Joon Ho and Ang Lee could win Oscars while the actors from their films were wholly overlooked, and it’s why I wonder about the ultimate fate of the forthcoming “Minari,” Lee Isaac Chung’s moving family drama starring Steven Yeun, Yeri Han and Yuh-Jung Youn. Even though a Korean movie has now won best picture at the Oscars, no Korean or Korean American actor has ever so much as been nominated. Can the actors of “Minari” break through those long-held biases? Things look more promising at the Independent Spirit Awards, where “Minari” scored three acting nominations and was recognized in the screenplay, director and best feature categories, too. At this ceremony, which will be held days before the Oscars in April, the feature and director categories are exclusively made up of nominated movies directed by women and people of color. But is that a road map for the academy to follow as it enacts new diversity guidelines, or is it a reminder of the limits that have already plagued this industry for far too long? To be eligible for the Independent Spirit Awards, a movie must be made for less than $22.5 million. During awards season, directors from underrepresented groups are rarely working with much more. Zhao, King and Fennell may still make this year’s Oscar lineup, but what will happen next year, when even more expensive movies like Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” reenter the fray? Those films had the luxury of waiting out the pandemic for a more advantageous theatrical release, and the best director category could easily tilt back toward the sort of auteur-driven spectacle that men dominate and nominate. No matter what happens this awards season or the next, voters should remember that progress isn’t simply secured — it’s something you have to keep reaching for. Back in 2014, there were people of color in most of the acting categories, Alfonso Cuarón (“Gravity”) won the directing Oscar, and Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” took best picture. The very next year kicked off #OscarsSoWhite.

It could be the most diverse Oscars ever, but the problem isn’t solved

This year's Oscars will be broadcast live and "in-person" from multiple locations, the Academy said Wednesday, as details of Hollywood's pandemic-delayed big night finally begin to take shape.

The Academy Awards in recent decades have taken place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, but with the United States' second largest city still under Covid-19 restrictions, the ceremony is "adapting to the requirements of the pandemic," said a spokesperson.

"To create the in-person show our global audience wants to see... the ceremony will broadcast live from multiple locations, including the landmark Dolby Theatre," they said in a statement to AFP.

The 93rd Academy Awards will be "an Oscars like none other, while prioritizing the public health and safety of all those who will participate," the spokesperson added.

No further new details were offered on the ceremony, which caps Hollywood's lengthy award season.

It is not the first time the Oscars will take place at multiple locations. As far back as 1953 -- the first time the ceremony was televised -- proceedings were split between Los Angeles and New York.

This year, other award shows are already experimenting with multiple locations including this month's Golden Globes.

The Globes will see a "first-ever bicoastal telecast" in which Tina Fey hosts from New York's Rainbow Room and Amy Poehler from the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, organizers said.

Television's Emmys in September were broadcast from a near-empty Los Angeles theater, with nominees and winners dialing in from their homes and socially distanced gatherings via video call.

With Covid-19 shuttering movie theaters and wreaking havoc on Hollywood's release calendar, the all-important Academy Awards have already been postponed by two months to April 25.

Because many studio blockbusters and indie arthouse movies have been forced to push back their release dates until theaters reopen, the cut-off date for Oscar-eligible films has also been extended by two months, to the end of February.

"Contagion" director Steven Soderbergh will produce this year's Oscars ceremony, which has been billed as "the perfect occasion for innovation and for re-envisioning the possibilities for the awards show" by Academy president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.

"We're thrilled and terrified in equal measure," said Soderbergh in an earlier joint statement with co-producers Jesse Collins and Stacey Sher ("Django Unchained.")

This year's Oscars will be broadcast live and "in-person" from multiple locations, the Academy said Wednesday, as details of Hollywood's pandemic-delayed big night finally begin to take shape.

This year's Oscars will be broadcast live and "in-person" from multiple locations, the Academy said Wednesday, as details of Hollywood's pandemic-delayed big night finally begin to take shape. The Academy Awards in recent decades have taken place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, but with the United States' second largest city still under Covid-19 restrictions, the ceremony is "adapting to the requirements of the pandemic," said a spokesperson. "To create the in-person show our global audience wants to see... the ceremony will broadcast live from multiple locations, including the landmark Dolby Theatre," they said in a statement to AFP. The 93rd Academy Awards will be "an Oscars like none other, while prioritizing the public health and safety of all those who will participate," the spokesperson added. No further new details were offered on the ceremony, which caps Hollywood's lengthy award season. It is not the first time the Oscars will take place at multiple locations. As far back as 1953 -- the first time the ceremony was televised -- proceedings were split between Los Angeles and New York. This year, other award shows are already experimenting with multiple locations including this month's Golden Globes. The Globes will see a "first-ever bicoastal telecast" in which Tina Fey hosts from New York's Rainbow Room and Amy Poehler from the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, organizers said. Television's Emmys in September were broadcast from a near-empty Los Angeles theater, with nominees and winners dialing in from their homes and socially distanced gatherings via video call. With Covid-19 shuttering movie theaters and wreaking havoc on Hollywood's release calendar, the all-important Academy Awards have already been postponed by two months to April 25. Because many studio blockbusters and indie arthouse movies have been forced to push back their release dates until theaters reopen, the cut-off date for Oscar-eligible films has also been extended by two months, to the end of February. "Contagion" director Steven Soderbergh will produce this year's Oscars ceremony, which has been billed as "the perfect occasion for innovation and for re-envisioning the possibilities for the awards show" by Academy president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson. "We're thrilled and terrified in equal measure," said Soderbergh in an earlier joint statement with co-producers Jesse Collins and Stacey Sher ("Django Unchained.")

Oscars 2021 ceremony to be broadcast from 'multiple locations' amid pandemic

With the Oscars 2021 ceremony just two months away, it’s time for The Academy’s second annual Global Movie Day with several A-listers who will share BTS information on their favorite classic films.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed stars like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/priyanka-chopra">Priyanka Chopra Jona</a>s, Anthony Mackie and Awkwafina will participate in this year's Global Movie Day. The list also includes Yalitza Aparicio, Eugenio Derbez, Jay Ellis, Ken Jeong, Sanaa Lathan, Eva Longoria, Marlee Matlin, Park So Dam, Rita Wilson and Cathy Yan as well as producers Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher and Steven Soderbergh.

The Academy will also offer exclusive archived content from Kathy Bates, Bong Joon Ho, Laura Dern, Cynthia Erivo, Rian Johnson and Taika Waititi that will be shared online throughout the day.

Global Movie Day was created by the Academy as a day for movie fans to celebrate their favorite films.

Speaking about the same, Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said, "Global Movie Day reminds us of what we appreciate about movies and what we miss about gathering to watch them. Today, we pay special tribute to movies and movie lovers around the world and look forward to the time when we can enjoy both together again.”

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> 2021 ceremony will take place on April 25 from multiple locations.&nbsp;

With the Oscars 2021 ceremony just two months away, it’s time for The Academy’s second annual Global Movie Day with several A-listers who will share BTS information on their favorite classic films.

With the Oscars 2021 ceremony just two months away, it’s time for The Academy’s second annual Global Movie Day with several A-listers who will share BTS information on their favorite classic films. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed stars like Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Anthony Mackie and Awkwafina will participate in this year's Global Movie Day. The list also includes Yalitza Aparicio, Eugenio Derbez, Jay Ellis, Ken Jeong, Sanaa Lathan, Eva Longoria, Marlee Matlin, Park So Dam, Rita Wilson and Cathy Yan as well as producers Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher and Steven Soderbergh. The Academy will also offer exclusive archived content from Kathy Bates, Bong Joon Ho, Laura Dern, Cynthia Erivo, Rian Johnson and Taika Waititi that will be shared online throughout the day. Global Movie Day was created by the Academy as a day for movie fans to celebrate their favorite films. Speaking about the same, Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said, "Global Movie Day reminds us of what we appreciate about movies and what we miss about gathering to watch them. Today, we pay special tribute to movies and movie lovers around the world and look forward to the time when we can enjoy both together again.” Meanwhile, Oscars 2021 ceremony will take place on April 25 from multiple locations.

Anthony Mackie, Priyanka Chopra & others to be a part of Academy’s annual Global Movie Day

As The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed its shortlists for 9 categories competing in this year’s Oscars, it served as a dampener that India lost out on the Best International Feature Film category with its film ‘Jallikattu’. However, what will cheer you up is Karishma Dev Dube’s directorial ‘Bittu’ making it to Live action Short Film shortlist.&nbsp;

Based on a true story, ‘Bittu’ tells the tale of a heartwarming friendship between two school-going friends.&nbsp;

The official synopsis of Bittu reads, “Based on a true story, Bittu is a short film about a close friendship between two girls, eclipsed by an accident.”

<h2>Here are the shortlisted names in the Live Action Short Film category for Oscars 2021:</h2>

Bittu 
Da Yie 
Feeling Through 
The Human Voice 
The Kicksled Choir 
The Letter Room 
The Present 
Two Distant Strangers 
The Van 
White Eye

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-india-out-of-oscars-race-as-academy-unveils-shorlists-in-9-categories-362558" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: India out of Oscars race as Academy unveils shorlists in 9 categories</a>

Earlier today, Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga and Tahira Kashyap who have backed Bittu under their cinema collective Indian Women Rising couldn’t keep up their excitement.&nbsp;

Tahira Kashyap wrote on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> 2021 shortlist: “#bittu is in the top 10 for the 93rd Academy Awards! Can’t keep calm as this is our first project under @indianwomenrising. This one is so special @k.devdube may you shine⭐ congratulations @shredevdube @maryelista you all are rockstars🤗 @ektarkapoor @guneetmonga @ruchikaakapoor we so have our heart in the right place! Can’t wait to hug you❤️💜 Guys pls continue supporting this short film with a big heart”

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Guneet Monga too expressed her excitement on social media. “It’s 4.30am in India… am tossing &amp; turning, stress eating and texting my IWR girls thru the night and here we are !! BITTU is now shortlisted for the 93rd Academy Awards. @indianwomenrising‘s first film BITTU directed by @k.devdube … here we come 💫 Let’s do this @ektarkapoor @tahirakashyap @ruchikaakapoor @maryelista @shredevdube. So so grateful for BITTU and our incredible team… ♥️ Say a little prayer and wish us luck for the next round of nominations 💫” the filmmaker wrote on Instagram. Ekta Kapoor reposted Monga’s post as she expressed her happiness.

Several celebrities including Vidya Balan, Sandhya Mridul, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Arati Kadav congratulated the makers after the announcement.

As The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed its shortlists for 9 categories competing in this year’s Oscars, it served as a dampener that India lost out on the Best International Feature Film category with its film ‘Jallikattu’.

As The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed its shortlists for 9 categories competing in this year’s Oscars, it served as a dampener that India lost out on the Best International Feature Film category with its film ‘Jallikattu’. However, what will cheer you up is Karishma Dev Dube’s directorial ‘Bittu’ making it to Live action Short Film shortlist. Based on a true story, ‘Bittu’ tells the tale of a heartwarming friendship between two school-going friends. The official synopsis of Bittu reads, “Based on a true story, Bittu is a short film about a close friendship between two girls, eclipsed by an accident.” Here are the shortlisted names in the Live Action Short Film category for Oscars 2021: Bittu Da Yie Feeling Through The Human Voice The Kicksled Choir The Letter Room The Present Two Distant Strangers The Van White Eye Oscars 2021: India out of Oscars race as Academy unveils shorlists in 9 categories Earlier today, Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga and Tahira Kashyap who have backed Bittu under their cinema collective Indian Women Rising couldn’t keep up their excitement. Tahira Kashyap wrote on the Oscars 2021 shortlist: “#bittu is in the top 10 for the 93rd Academy Awards! Can’t keep calm as this is our first project under @indianwomenrising. This one is so special @k.devdube may you shine⭐ congratulations @shredevdube @maryelista you all are rockstars🤗 @ektarkapoor @guneetmonga @ruchikaakapoor we so have our heart in the right place! Can’t wait to hug you❤️💜 Guys pls continue supporting this short film with a big heart” View this post on Instagram A post shared by tahirakashyapkhurrana (@tahirakashyap) × Guneet Monga too expressed her excitement on social media. “It’s 4.30am in India… am tossing & turning, stress eating and texting my IWR girls thru the night and here we are !! BITTU is now shortlisted for the 93rd Academy Awards. @indianwomenrising‘s first film BITTU directed by @k.devdube … here we come 💫 Let’s do this @ektarkapoor @tahirakashyap @ruchikaakapoor @maryelista @shredevdube. So so grateful for BITTU and our incredible team… ♥️ Say a little prayer and wish us luck for the next round of nominations 💫” the filmmaker wrote on Instagram. Ekta Kapoor reposted Monga’s post as she expressed her happiness. Several celebrities including Vidya Balan, Sandhya Mridul, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Arati Kadav congratulated the makers after the announcement.

Oscars 2021: India's 'Bittu' makes it to Live Action Short Film shortlist

A boozy Mads Mikkelsen comedy from Denmark, a Netflix musical drama from Mexico and an elderly lesbian romance from France are among the Oscars hopefuls on the best foreign film shortlist announced Tuesday.

Fifteen contenders for the international feature film Academy Award were selected from 93 eligible submissions, and will be whittled down to five nominees next month, before April's Oscars ceremony.

Danish tragicomedy "Another Round" stars former James Bond villain Mikkelsen as a middle-aged alcoholic who vows to get drunk every day, as part of a pseudoscientific experiment featuring three fellow school teachers.

The movie, which bagged a Golden Globe nomination last week, debuted at last year's Toronto festival, and was dubbed an "engaging tribute to friendship, family and bacchanalian hedonism in moderation" by The Hollywood Reporter.

It will compete with Mexican teen drama "I'm No Longer Here," set within the colorful Latin American musical tradition of cumbia, and France's "Two of Us," about a pair of retired women who have kept their passionate affair secret for decades.

Last year's international Oscar went to South Korea's "Parasite," which became the first winner to also scoop overall best picture.

The country failed to make this edition's shortlist, with East Asia represented by Taiwan's acclaimed family drama "A Sun" and Hong Kong's high-school bullying saga "Better Days."

But "Parasite" distributor Neon will hope for repeat glory with Ivory Coast's "Night of the Kings," a mystical fable told within the walls of the African country's notorious Maca prison.

"La Llorona," a modern political retelling of the folklore horror tale, set among ruthless military leaders and indigenous tribes, hopes to become Guatemala's first nominated film.

Romania and Tunisia -- also never nominated -- made the cut with their submissions too.

Submissions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Czech Republic, Iran, Norway and Russia round off the international feature film list.

Italy's submission "Notturno" did not feature on the international shortlist, even though no country has won more Oscars in the category than the land of Federico Fellini.

But "Notturno," about everyday people fleeing devastating Middle East conflicts, made the best documentary Oscar shortlist -- also unveiled Tuesday -- instead.

It will compete with disability documentary "Crip Camp" from the Obamas' production house, as well as Wuhan pandemic hospital film "76 Days," Texas teen politics portrait "Boys State" and prison system feature "Time."

This year's Oscars, delayed by the pandemic, take place April 25.

A boozy Mads Mikkelsen comedy from Denmark, a Netflix musical drama from Mexico and an elderly lesbian romance from France are among the Oscars hopefuls on the best foreign film shortlist announced Tuesday.

A boozy Mads Mikkelsen comedy from Denmark, a Netflix musical drama from Mexico and an elderly lesbian romance from France are among the Oscars hopefuls on the best foreign film shortlist announced Tuesday. Fifteen contenders for the international feature film Academy Award were selected from 93 eligible submissions, and will be whittled down to five nominees next month, before April's Oscars ceremony. Danish tragicomedy "Another Round" stars former James Bond villain Mikkelsen as a middle-aged alcoholic who vows to get drunk every day, as part of a pseudoscientific experiment featuring three fellow school teachers. The movie, which bagged a Golden Globe nomination last week, debuted at last year's Toronto festival, and was dubbed an "engaging tribute to friendship, family and bacchanalian hedonism in moderation" by The Hollywood Reporter. It will compete with Mexican teen drama "I'm No Longer Here," set within the colorful Latin American musical tradition of cumbia, and France's "Two of Us," about a pair of retired women who have kept their passionate affair secret for decades. Last year's international Oscar went to South Korea's "Parasite," which became the first winner to also scoop overall best picture. The country failed to make this edition's shortlist, with East Asia represented by Taiwan's acclaimed family drama "A Sun" and Hong Kong's high-school bullying saga "Better Days." But "Parasite" distributor Neon will hope for repeat glory with Ivory Coast's "Night of the Kings," a mystical fable told within the walls of the African country's notorious Maca prison. "La Llorona," a modern political retelling of the folklore horror tale, set among ruthless military leaders and indigenous tribes, hopes to become Guatemala's first nominated film. Romania and Tunisia -- also never nominated -- made the cut with their submissions too. Submissions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Czech Republic, Iran, Norway and Russia round off the international feature film list. Italy's submission "Notturno" did not feature on the international shortlist, even though no country has won more Oscars in the category than the land of Federico Fellini. But "Notturno," about everyday people fleeing devastating Middle East conflicts, made the best documentary Oscar shortlist -- also unveiled Tuesday -- instead. It will compete with disability documentary "Crip Camp" from the Obamas' production house, as well as Wuhan pandemic hospital film "76 Days," Texas teen politics portrait "Boys State" and prison system feature "Time." This year's Oscars, delayed by the pandemic, take place April 25.

Mads Mikkelsen comedy among international Oscars shortlist

As date approaches for the Oscars 2021 ceremony that is scheduled for April 25, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed its shortlists for the 2021 Oscars in nine categories.&nbsp;

These categories&nbsp;include documentary, international features, original score, original song, makeup and hairstyling, visual effects, and documentary, live-action and animated short.

A massive total of 238 documentary features and 93 international features were contending for just 15 shortlisted names in each of these categories for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> 2021.

The shortlist for original score includes Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who were recognized both for their work on longtime collaborator David Fincher's 1940-set period biopic ‘Mank’ and Pixar's animated ‘Soul’, for which they created music of the ‘Great Before.’&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-ma-raineys-black-bottom-to-sound-of-metal-top-contender-movies-that-you-can-watch-now-357457" hreflang="en">Oscar 2021 probables that you can now watch at home</a>

Oscar-winner John Legend got two nods for his original song ‘Never Break’ from the doc Giving Voice and ‘Make It Work’ from Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. That shortlist also includes ‘Io Si (Seen)’ from The Life Ahead, composed by 11-time Academy Award nominee Diane Warren.

Due to the pandemic, which caused many tentpoles to move from 2020 to 2021, this will be the first year since 2009 that the VFX shortlist doesn't contain at least one Marvel movie. The list includes ‘The Midnight Sky’ and ‘Tenet’.

Among the high profile category of best international feature, films from countries Bosnia, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iran, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Romania, Norway, Russia, Taiwan and Tunisia made it to the top 15. India's entry to Oscars for the best international feature film category lost out.&nbsp;India had sent&nbsp;Lijo Jose Pellissery’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2021-india-selects-lijo-jose-pellisserys-jallikattu-as-entry-for-international-feature-category-345305">‘Jallikattu’</a> as this year's entry.&nbsp;

In Live-Action Short Film, India has 'Bittu' in the shortlisted names.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-predictions-a-look-at-the-frontrunners-355994" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021 Predictions: A look at the frontrunners</a>

The shortlisted names will give way for the nominees on March 15. The Oscars ceremony will take place on April 25. The format of the ceremony is yet to be announced.&nbsp;

Check out the full list of shortlisted names:

<h2>DOCUMENTARY FEATURE</h2>

Out of the 238 films, 15 films will advance in the Documentary Feature category for the 93rd Academy Awards.&nbsp;

All In: The Fight for Democracy 
Boys State 
Collective 
Crip Camp 
Dick Johnson Is Dead 
Gunda 
MLK/FBI 
The Mole Agent 
My Octopus Teacher 
Notturno 
The Painter and the Thief 
76 Days 
Time 
The Truffle Hunters 
Welcome to Chechnya

<h2>DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT</h2>

Out of 114 films only 10 will advance in the Documentary Short Subject category for the 93rd Academy Awards. &nbsp;

Abortion Helpline, This Is Lisa 
Call Center Blues 
Colette 
A Concerto Is a Conversation 
Do Not Split 
Hunger Ward 
Hysterical Girl 
A Love Song for Latasha 
The Speed Cubers 
What Would Sophia Loren Do?

<h2>INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM</h2>

15 films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 93rd Academy Awards. Films from 93 countries were eligible in the category.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Quo Vadis, Aida? 
Chile, The Mole Agent 
Czech Republic, Charlatan 
Denmark, Another Round 
France, Two of Us 
Guatemala, La Llorona 
Hong Kong, Better Days 
Iran, Sun Children 
Ivory Coast, Night of the Kings 
Mexico, I’m No Longer Here 
Norway, Hope 
Romania, Collective 
Russia, Dear Comrades! 
Taiwan, A Sun 
Tunisia, The Man Who Sold His Skin

<h2>MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING</h2>

10 films will advance in the Makeup and Hairstyling category for the 93rd Academy Awards. All members of the Academy’s Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch will be invited virtually to view seven-minute excerpts from each of the 10 shortlisted films on Saturday, March 6, 2021.&nbsp;

Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn 
Emma 
The Glorias 
Hillbilly Elegy 
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey 
The Little Things 
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom 
Mank 
One Night in Miami 
Pinocchio

<h2>MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)</h2>

15 scores will advance in the Original Score category for the 93rd Academy Awards.&nbsp;

Ammonite 
Blizzard of Souls 
Da 5 Bloods 
The Invisible Man 
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey 
The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se) 
The Little Things 
Mank 
The Midnight Sky 
Minari 
Mulan 
News of the World 
Soul 
Tenet 
The Trial of the Chicago 7

<h2>MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)</h2>

15 songs will advance in the Original Song category for the 93rd Academy Awards.&nbsp;

“Turntables” from All In: The Fight for Democracy 
“See What You’ve Done” from Belly of the Beast 
“Wuhan Flu” from Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan 
“Husavik” from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga 
“Never Break” from Giving Voice 
“Make It Work” from Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey 
“Fight For You” from Judas and the Black Messiah 
“lo Sì (Seen)” from The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se) 
“Rain Song” from Minari 
“Show Me Your Soul” from Mr. Soul! 
“Loyal Brave True” from Mulan 
“Free” from The One and Only Ivan 
“Speak Now” from One Night in Miami 
“Green” from Sound of Metal 
“Hear My Voice” from The Trial of the Chicago 7

<h2>ANIMATED SHORT FILM</h2>

10 films will advance in the Animated Short Film category for the 93rd Academy Awards.&nbsp;

Burrow 
Genius Loci 
If Anything Happens I Love You 
Kapaemahu 
Opera 
Out 
The Snail and the Whale 
To Gerard 
Traces 
Yes-People

<h2>LIVE-ACTION SHORT FILM</h2>

Out of 174 films, 10 films will advance in the Live Action Short Film category for the 93rd Academy Awards.&nbsp;

Bittu 
Da Yie 
Feeling Through 
The Human Voice 
The Kicksled Choir 
The Letter Room 
The Present 
Two Distant Strangers 
The Van 
White Eye

<h2>VISUAL EFFECTS</h2>

10 films remain in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 93rd Academy Awards.&nbsp;

Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn 
Bloodshot 
Love and Monsters 
Mank 
The Midnight Sky 
Mulan 
The One and Only Ivan 
Soul 
Tenet 
Welcome to Chechnya

As date approaches for the Oscars 2021 ceremony that is scheduled for April 25, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed its shortlists for the 2021 Oscars in nine categories.

As date approaches for the Oscars 2021 ceremony that is scheduled for April 25, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed its shortlists for the 2021 Oscars in nine categories. These categories include documentary, international features, original score, original song, makeup and hairstyling, visual effects, and documentary, live-action and animated short. A massive total of 238 documentary features and 93 international features were contending for just 15 shortlisted names in each of these categories for Oscars 2021. The shortlist for original score includes Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who were recognized both for their work on longtime collaborator David Fincher's 1940-set period biopic ‘Mank’ and Pixar's animated ‘Soul’, for which they created music of the ‘Great Before.’ Oscar 2021 probables that you can now watch at home Oscar-winner John Legend got two nods for his original song ‘Never Break’ from the doc Giving Voice and ‘Make It Work’ from Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. That shortlist also includes ‘Io Si (Seen)’ from The Life Ahead, composed by 11-time Academy Award nominee Diane Warren. Due to the pandemic, which caused many tentpoles to move from 2020 to 2021, this will be the first year since 2009 that the VFX shortlist doesn't contain at least one Marvel movie. The list includes ‘The Midnight Sky’ and ‘Tenet’. Among the high profile category of best international feature, films from countries Bosnia, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iran, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Romania, Norway, Russia, Taiwan and Tunisia made it to the top 15. India's entry to Oscars for the best international feature film category lost out. India had sent Lijo Jose Pellissery’s ‘Jallikattu’ as this year's entry. In Live-Action Short Film, India has 'Bittu' in the shortlisted names. Oscars 2021 Predictions: A look at the frontrunners The shortlisted names will give way for the nominees on March 15. The Oscars ceremony will take place on April 25. The format of the ceremony is yet to be announced. Check out the full list of shortlisted names: DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Out of the 238 films, 15 films will advance in the Documentary Feature category for the 93rd Academy Awards. All In: The Fight for Democracy Boys State Collective Crip Camp Dick Johnson Is Dead Gunda MLK/FBI The Mole Agent My Octopus Teacher Notturno The Painter and the Thief 76 Days Time The Truffle Hunters Welcome to Chechnya DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT Out of 114 films only 10 will advance in the Documentary Short Subject category for the 93rd Academy Awards. Abortion Helpline, This Is Lisa Call Center Blues Colette A Concerto Is a Conversation Do Not Split Hunger Ward Hysterical Girl A Love Song for Latasha The Speed Cubers What Would Sophia Loren Do? INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM 15 films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 93rd Academy Awards. Films from 93 countries were eligible in the category. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Quo Vadis, Aida? Chile, The Mole Agent Czech Republic, Charlatan Denmark, Another Round France, Two of Us Guatemala, La Llorona Hong Kong, Better Days Iran, Sun Children Ivory Coast, Night of the Kings Mexico, I’m No Longer Here Norway, Hope Romania, Collective Russia, Dear Comrades! Taiwan, A Sun Tunisia, The Man Who Sold His Skin MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING 10 films will advance in the Makeup and Hairstyling category for the 93rd Academy Awards. All members of the Academy’s Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch will be invited virtually to view seven-minute excerpts from each of the 10 shortlisted films on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn Emma The Glorias Hillbilly Elegy Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey The Little Things Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Mank One Night in Miami Pinocchio MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE) 15 scores will advance in the Original Score category for the 93rd Academy Awards. Ammonite Blizzard of Souls Da 5 Bloods The Invisible Man Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se) The Little Things Mank The Midnight Sky Minari Mulan News of the World Soul Tenet The Trial of the Chicago 7 MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG) 15 songs will advance in the Original Song category for the 93rd Academy Awards. “Turntables” from All In: The Fight for Democracy “See What You’ve Done” from Belly of the Beast “Wuhan Flu” from Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan “Husavik” from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga “Never Break” from Giving Voice “Make It Work” from Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey “Fight For You” from Judas and the Black Messiah “lo Sì (Seen)” from The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se) “Rain Song” from Minari “Show Me Your Soul” from Mr. Soul! “Loyal Brave True” from Mulan “Free” from The One and Only Ivan “Speak Now” from One Night in Miami “Green” from Sound of Metal “Hear My Voice” from The Trial of the Chicago 7 ANIMATED SHORT FILM 10 films will advance in the Animated Short Film category for the 93rd Academy Awards. Burrow Genius Loci If Anything Happens I Love You Kapaemahu Opera Out The Snail and the Whale To Gerard Traces Yes-People LIVE-ACTION SHORT FILM Out of 174 films, 10 films will advance in the Live Action Short Film category for the 93rd Academy Awards. Bittu Da Yie Feeling Through The Human Voice The Kicksled Choir The Letter Room The Present Two Distant Strangers The Van White Eye VISUAL EFFECTS 10 films remain in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 93rd Academy Awards. Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn Bloodshot Love and Monsters Mank The Midnight Sky Mulan The One and Only Ivan Soul Tenet Welcome to Chechnya

Oscars 2021: India out of Oscars race as Academy unveils shortlists in 9 categories

Director Sam Levinson's stunning film 'Malcolm &amp; Marie' pits two of Hollywood's most talked-about actors against each other in a story that delves deeper into complexities of a relationship. The film has only two actors- John David Washington and Zendaya, is set in a single night and is in black and white- yet it is one of the most riveting films of the season.&nbsp; 
 
Filmmaker Malcolm (Washington) and his girlfriend Marie (Zendaya) are back to their sprawling home after attending a hugely successful premiere of Malcolm's latest film. Malcolm is in the mood to celebrate and spend the night talking only about himself and his work. Marie on the other hand doesn't share her boyfriend's emotions.&nbsp;

What starts off as a conversation around the premiere and how everyone celebrated Malcolm, soon becomes a conversation about the conflicts their relationship has had since the beginning.&nbsp;

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Marie has played the supportive partner for long and suppressed her anger, grief and doubts about the relationship for long. On that night, as Malcolm casually forgets to thank her at the premiere night, old issues come tumbling out.

Levinson's detailed screenplay is majorly accentuated by Washington and Zendaya's effortless portrayal of two extremely complicated human beings. Washington plays the narcissist, needy Malcolm to the hilt who doesn't understand where he is going wrong. He is equal parts ignorant and equal parts manipulative, who tries to tap on his girlfriend's vulnerabilities. There is not a single false note in Washington's performance.&nbsp;

Zendaya, who recently created history by becoming the youngest ever actor to win an Emmy, is stunning as the self-assured, confident Marie. The actress looks stunning in every frame and makes Marie a character that is relatable, someone you end up rooting for through the course of 1 hr 45 minutes of the film. As Marie, Zendaya exudes confidence and vulnerability with absolute ease. Marie has had a troubled past but she is proud of coming out of it. Her anger for Malcolm stems out of the lack of acknowledgement she has got in her life from him. Zendaya owns every frame she is in-which is almost the entire film.&nbsp;

<img alt="m" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b60d8ae-112d-49be-be7c-87aebb9065cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-02-08T131116.585.jpg" />

When the story spans over a single night and revolves around a couple in their home, the scope of cinematography becomes limited. But Marcell Rév's camera speaks volumes, provides the pregnant pauses in the stunning house and Malcolm and Marie restrict themselves to separate spaces to cool off in between fights. Shot in black and white, each frame of 'Malcom&nbsp;&amp; Marie' is visually stunning. Rév's frames are linear, very structured and enhance the narrative to a great extent.&nbsp;

The film slips after the one hour mark and the conversations between the two becoming a bit repetitive. But it picks up around half an hour before the film is to end. When the story is spanning over a few hours and has only two characters talking to each other, it is a difficult watch. The movements are restricted, the conversations demand your attention but Levinson manages to keep the viewer engaged mostly. It helps to have great actors Zendaya and Washington playing out the characters on screen.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CGZmwsK58M8" width="560"></iframe>

Pitched as one of the Oscar probables, 'Malcolm &amp; Marie' is compelling for its frames and Zendaya and Washington's superlative performances. Don't miss this one.&nbsp;

'Malcolm &amp; Marie' is streaming on Netflix.&nbsp;

Director Sam Levinson's stunning film 'Malcolm & Marie' pits two of Hollywood's most talked-about actors against each other in a story that delves deeper into complexities of a relationship.

Director Sam Levinson's stunning film 'Malcolm & Marie' pits two of Hollywood's most talked-about actors against each other in a story that delves deeper into complexities of a relationship. The film has only two actors- John David Washington and Zendaya, is set in a single night and is in black and white- yet it is one of the most riveting films of the season. Filmmaker Malcolm (Washington) and his girlfriend Marie (Zendaya) are back to their sprawling home after attending a hugely successful premiere of Malcolm's latest film. Malcolm is in the mood to celebrate and spend the night talking only about himself and his work. Marie on the other hand doesn't share her boyfriend's emotions. What starts off as a conversation around the premiere and how everyone celebrated Malcolm, soon becomes a conversation about the conflicts their relationship has had since the beginning. Marie has played the supportive partner for long and suppressed her anger, grief and doubts about the relationship for long. On that night, as Malcolm casually forgets to thank her at the premiere night, old issues come tumbling out. Levinson's detailed screenplay is majorly accentuated by Washington and Zendaya's effortless portrayal of two extremely complicated human beings. Washington plays the narcissist, needy Malcolm to the hilt who doesn't understand where he is going wrong. He is equal parts ignorant and equal parts manipulative, who tries to tap on his girlfriend's vulnerabilities. There is not a single false note in Washington's performance. Zendaya, who recently created history by becoming the youngest ever actor to win an Emmy, is stunning as the self-assured, confident Marie. The actress looks stunning in every frame and makes Marie a character that is relatable, someone you end up rooting for through the course of 1 hr 45 minutes of the film. As Marie, Zendaya exudes confidence and vulnerability with absolute ease. Marie has had a troubled past but she is proud of coming out of it. Her anger for Malcolm stems out of the lack of acknowledgement she has got in her life from him. Zendaya owns every frame she is in-which is almost the entire film. When the story spans over a single night and revolves around a couple in their home, the scope of cinematography becomes limited. But Marcell Rév's camera speaks volumes, provides the pregnant pauses in the stunning house and Malcolm and Marie restrict themselves to separate spaces to cool off in between fights. Shot in black and white, each frame of 'Malcom & Marie' is visually stunning. Rév's frames are linear, very structured and enhance the narrative to a great extent. The film slips after the one hour mark and the conversations between the two becoming a bit repetitive. But it picks up around half an hour before the film is to end. When the story is spanning over a few hours and has only two characters talking to each other, it is a difficult watch. The movements are restricted, the conversations demand your attention but Levinson manages to keep the viewer engaged mostly. It helps to have great actors Zendaya and Washington playing out the characters on screen. Pitched as one of the Oscar probables, 'Malcolm & Marie' is compelling for its frames and Zendaya and Washington's superlative performances. Don't miss this one. 'Malcolm & Marie' is streaming on Netflix.

'Malcolm & Marie' review: Zendaya, John David Washington feature in a stunning commentary on love and relationship

Vidya Balan starrer ‘Natkhat’ has made it to the Oscars 2021 race.&nbsp;

The Indian short film is based on a story of gender equality.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Currently, a short clip of the movie scene is making rounds on social media in which Vidya Balan is seen massaging her child's head and having a conversation with him, what seems to start as an innocent conversation soon becomes a gut-wrenching and worrying one.

Helmed by Shaan Vyas and written by Annukampa Harsh and Vyas, the movie was premiered on YouTube as part of the 'We Are One: A Global Film Festival'. The Ronnie Screwvala produced film came out on June 2, 2020.&nbsp;

In a statement earlier,&nbsp;

In an announcement, Vidya had said, "In a year that has been turbulent, it feels great to win the first award for our film that leads the way directly to Oscar qualification. This film is incredibly close to me since it gave me a chance to play the dual roles of actor and producer.”

"Even in these times, creativity and content have found ways to thrive and travel. Through innovation and technology international festivals and platforms have continued to advance and bridge the gaps in new and disruptive ways. We are thrilled to have won the festival and are eligible for Oscar 2021 qualification. Onward, together Vidya and I hope to bring home an Oscar," co-producer Ronnie Screwvala had added.&nbsp;

Vidya Balan starrer ‘Natkhat’ has made it to the Oscars 2021 race. The Indian short film is based on a story of gender equality. Currently, a short clip of the movie scene is making rounds on social media in which Vidya Balan is seen massaging her child's head and having a conversation with him, what seems to start as an innocent conversation soon becomes a gut-wrenching and worrying one.

Vidya Balan starrer ‘Natkhat’ has made it to the Oscars 2021 race. The Indian short film is based on a story of gender equality. Currently, a short clip of the movie scene is making rounds on social media in which Vidya Balan is seen massaging her child's head and having a conversation with him, what seems to start as an innocent conversation soon becomes a gut-wrenching and worrying one. Helmed by Shaan Vyas and written by Annukampa Harsh and Vyas, the movie was premiered on YouTube as part of the 'We Are One: A Global Film Festival'. The Ronnie Screwvala produced film came out on June 2, 2020. In a statement earlier, In an announcement, Vidya had said, "In a year that has been turbulent, it feels great to win the first award for our film that leads the way directly to Oscar qualification. This film is incredibly close to me since it gave me a chance to play the dual roles of actor and producer.” "Even in these times, creativity and content have found ways to thrive and travel. Through innovation and technology international festivals and platforms have continued to advance and bridge the gaps in new and disruptive ways. We are thrilled to have won the festival and are eligible for Oscar 2021 qualification. Onward, together Vidya and I hope to bring home an Oscar," co-producer Ronnie Screwvala had added.

Vidya Balan's short film 'Natkhat' enters Oscars 2021 race

Tamil superstar Suriya's latest film 'Soorarai Pottru' is headed for Oscars. Directed by Sudha Kongara Prasad, the film has entered the Oscar race in multiple categories.

The film's co-producer Rajsekar Pandian&nbsp;shared the news on Twitter and also shared screenshots of the emails that he has received from the Academy.

"Happy Republic Day! #SooraraiPottru joins OSCARS under General Category in Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Original Score &amp; other categories! The film has been made available in the Academy Screening Room today @Suriya_offl &nbsp;#SudhaKongara &nbsp;@gvprakash &nbsp;@TheAcademy", Pandian tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Happy Republic Day! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SooraraiPottru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SooraraiPottru</a> joins OSCARS under General Category in Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Original Score &amp; other categories! The film has been made available in the Academy Screening Room today 👍🏼👍🏼 <a href="https://twitter.com/Suriya_offl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Suriya_offl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SudhaKongara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SudhaKongara</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gvprakash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gvprakash</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAcademy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAcademy</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Pgem7ZUSy">pic.twitter.com/6Pgem7ZUSy</a>
— Rajsekar Pandian (@rajsekarpandian) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajsekarpandian/status/1354038645619970049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, the film has entered the race in categories like Best Actor, Actress, Director and Original Score among others.&nbsp; 
 
Based on the Air Deccan founder GR Gopinath, 'Soorarai Pottru' released in November 12 on Amazon Prime. The film was well-received by the audience and critics alike.&nbsp; 
 
It was the first Tamil film to release on an OTT platform.&nbsp;

Tamil superstar Suriya's latest film 'Soorarai Pottru' is headed for Oscars. Directed by Sudha Kongara Prasad, the film has entered the Oscar race in multiple categories.

Tamil superstar Suriya's latest film 'Soorarai Pottru' is headed for Oscars. Directed by Sudha Kongara Prasad, the film has entered the Oscar race in multiple categories. The film's co-producer Rajsekar Pandian shared the news on Twitter and also shared screenshots of the emails that he has received from the Academy. "Happy Republic Day! #SooraraiPottru joins OSCARS under General Category in Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Original Score & other categories! The film has been made available in the Academy Screening Room today @Suriya_offl #SudhaKongara @gvprakash @TheAcademy", Pandian tweeted. Happy Republic Day! #SooraraiPottru joins OSCARS under General Category in Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Original Score & other categories! The film has been made available in the Academy Screening Room today 👍🏼👍🏼 @Suriya_offl #SudhaKongara @gvprakash @TheAcademy pic.twitter.com/6Pgem7ZUSy — Rajsekar Pandian (@rajsekarpandian) January 26, 2021 × According to reports, the film has entered the race in categories like Best Actor, Actress, Director and Original Score among others. Based on the Air Deccan founder GR Gopinath, 'Soorarai Pottru' released in November 12 on Amazon Prime. The film was well-received by the audience and critics alike. It was the first Tamil film to release on an OTT platform.

Suriya starrer 'Soorarai Pottru' enters the Oscar race 

In normal years, the Sundance Film Festival kicks off in late January with Hollywood's award season already in full swing.

Producers, stars and journalists meet in the spectacular Utah mountains to swap last-minute Oscar tips, and catch a first glimpse of the next year's batch of contenders.

This year, due to the pandemic, everything has been turned upside-down.

Indie film extravaganza Sundance, beginning Thursday, will take place largely online.

And with the Oscars delayed to their latest-ever date -- April 25 -- several top contenders have not been released or even screened for critics yet, meaning Sundance could play an outsized role in the awards conversation.

"It certainly became apparent that 'oh, this is new, we're going to be in the awards window,'" Sundance festival head Tabitha Jackson told AFP.

Warner Bros has set a Sundance world premiere for its much-hyped "Judas and the Black Messiah," with Daniel Kaluuya's turn as the young, tragic Black Panther leader Fred Hampton hotly tipped for recognition.

Others that could contend are wilderness drama "Land" -- the directorial debut from "House of Cards" star Robin Wright -- and period romance "The World To Come," produced by and co-starring Casey Affleck.

"In one sense it's a short runway (to the Oscars), but in the other there's still uncertainty about what 2021 is going to look like" for movie releases, said Jackson last month.

"So I'll be interested to see how people choose to use that window."

- 'Feeling the heat' -

Even beyond Sundance, indie films appear poised for a landmark year at various delayed awards including the Golden Globes -- which would ordinarily have taken place by now, but are yet to even announce nominations.

With the majority of US theaters closed by coronavirus, studios have repeatedly pushed back the releases of their biggest, most expensive movies.

Presumed big-budget Oscars frontrunners including "Dune" have missed the award window, while this week's latest pandemic domino effect saw James Bond film "No Time To Die" and Sony comic book spinoff "Morbius" push back their releases.

In fact, with several major 2020 film festivals scrapped or curtailed, bizarrely this year's Sundance hits may end up contending with front-runners that debuted at the very same festival least year.

These include Anthony Hopkins' harrowing dementia drama "The Father" and #MeToo revenge thriller "Promising Young Woman" starring Carey Mulligan.

Also in the mix from the previous Sundance are "Minari," a Korean-American family portrait hoping to emulate last year's best picture "Parasite," and documentaries "Boys State" and "Time."

"So many of the films that are now feeling the heat of the cultural conversation began their life at Sundance last year," said Jackson.

- 'Snow boots for slippers' -

For now, Sundance organizers are urging Hollywood to stay home and watch virtual premieres and Q&amp;As on their laptops.

Industry networking events will see filmmakers' and artists' "avatars" roam and mingle with audiences in chat rooms and virtual-reality cinemas.

Some drive-in and arthouse theaters will host real-world screenings and talks, in specific parts of the US where local conditions allow.&nbsp;

But plans to host Sundance events at venues in Park City and near Los Angeles had to be scrapped after Utah and southern California suffered some of the nation's most severe winter Covid spikes.

Instead, attendees can "trade in your snow boots for slippers and just experience the festival and see more films than you would ever normally get to do on the mountain," said Jackson.

Other highlights among 72 feature films at the festival co-founded by Robert Redford include Nicolas Cage's supernatural action-horror "Prisoners of the Ghostland," and cult musical biopic "The Sparks Brothers" from Edgar Wright.

Ridley Scott and Kevin Macdonald will unveil "Life in a Day 2020," a follow-up to their 2011 documentary using thousands of videos shot and submitted by members of the public from a single day in July to paint a "global portrait of life on our planet."

Sundance runs from Thursday through to February 3.

In normal years, the Sundance Film Festival kicks off in late January with Hollywood's award season already in full swing. Producers, stars and journalists meet in the spectacular Utah mountains to swap last-minute Oscar tips, and catch a first glimpse of the next year's batch of contenders.

In normal years, the Sundance Film Festival kicks off in late January with Hollywood's award season already in full swing. Producers, stars and journalists meet in the spectacular Utah mountains to swap last-minute Oscar tips, and catch a first glimpse of the next year's batch of contenders. This year, due to the pandemic, everything has been turned upside-down. Indie film extravaganza Sundance, beginning Thursday, will take place largely online. And with the Oscars delayed to their latest-ever date -- April 25 -- several top contenders have not been released or even screened for critics yet, meaning Sundance could play an outsized role in the awards conversation. "It certainly became apparent that 'oh, this is new, we're going to be in the awards window,'" Sundance festival head Tabitha Jackson told AFP. Warner Bros has set a Sundance world premiere for its much-hyped "Judas and the Black Messiah," with Daniel Kaluuya's turn as the young, tragic Black Panther leader Fred Hampton hotly tipped for recognition. Others that could contend are wilderness drama "Land" -- the directorial debut from "House of Cards" star Robin Wright -- and period romance "The World To Come," produced by and co-starring Casey Affleck. "In one sense it's a short runway (to the Oscars), but in the other there's still uncertainty about what 2021 is going to look like" for movie releases, said Jackson last month. "So I'll be interested to see how people choose to use that window." - 'Feeling the heat' - Even beyond Sundance, indie films appear poised for a landmark year at various delayed awards including the Golden Globes -- which would ordinarily have taken place by now, but are yet to even announce nominations. With the majority of US theaters closed by coronavirus, studios have repeatedly pushed back the releases of their biggest, most expensive movies. Presumed big-budget Oscars frontrunners including "Dune" have missed the award window, while this week's latest pandemic domino effect saw James Bond film "No Time To Die" and Sony comic book spinoff "Morbius" push back their releases. In fact, with several major 2020 film festivals scrapped or curtailed, bizarrely this year's Sundance hits may end up contending with front-runners that debuted at the very same festival least year. These include Anthony Hopkins' harrowing dementia drama "The Father" and #MeToo revenge thriller "Promising Young Woman" starring Carey Mulligan. Also in the mix from the previous Sundance are "Minari," a Korean-American family portrait hoping to emulate last year's best picture "Parasite," and documentaries "Boys State" and "Time." "So many of the films that are now feeling the heat of the cultural conversation began their life at Sundance last year," said Jackson. - 'Snow boots for slippers' - For now, Sundance organizers are urging Hollywood to stay home and watch virtual premieres and Q&As on their laptops. Industry networking events will see filmmakers' and artists' "avatars" roam and mingle with audiences in chat rooms and virtual-reality cinemas. Some drive-in and arthouse theaters will host real-world screenings and talks, in specific parts of the US where local conditions allow. But plans to host Sundance events at venues in Park City and near Los Angeles had to be scrapped after Utah and southern California suffered some of the nation's most severe winter Covid spikes. Instead, attendees can "trade in your snow boots for slippers and just experience the festival and see more films than you would ever normally get to do on the mountain," said Jackson. Other highlights among 72 feature films at the festival co-founded by Robert Redford include Nicolas Cage's supernatural action-horror "Prisoners of the Ghostland," and cult musical biopic "The Sparks Brothers" from Edgar Wright. Ridley Scott and Kevin Macdonald will unveil "Life in a Day 2020," a follow-up to their 2011 documentary using thousands of videos shot and submitted by members of the public from a single day in July to paint a "global portrait of life on our planet." Sundance runs from Thursday through to February 3.

Sundance Film Festival enters uncharted waters in unique Oscar season

What started as an experiment for television producers to encourage and usher in a new era of teleplays having merged broadcast and theatre to bring celebrated content to a larger audience courtesy the wide reach of the medium -- teleplays have come a long way.

What started as an experiment for television producers to encourage and usher in a new era of teleplays having merged broadcast and theatre to bring celebrated content to a larger audience courtesy the wide reach of the medium -- teleplays have come a long way. With a cross border teleplay ‘Gidh’ running on TV for the first time, Pakistani writer-director Kanwal Khoosat got talking to WION about the idea, its realisation and making intelligent art. She also spoke about producing Pakistan’s official entry to Oscars 2021, ‘Zindagi Tamasha’. Zee Theatre brought ‘Gidh’ to its Indian audience towards the end of 2020, a play revolving around two women protagonists bound together by their shared miseries of life in a patriarchal society. WION: Since Gidh means vulture in literal translation, what symbolic importance does the tenacity of the bird have with the teleplay? Kanwal: 'Gidh,' as a bird carries a lot of negative energy around its name. The traits of the bird are also sometimes considered analogous to a bad omen or bad energy but these are the very qualities that set it apart from other birds. In appearance too, a 'Gidh' is not as pleasing or as beautiful as other birds or is as colorful. However, when you look at the king vulture, it possesses the most vibrant and striking shades of the color palette. But whenever we think of a vulture, we only think of browns and greys and blacks. The same is the case with our story. On the surface level, the lives of Saleema and Salma, the way they dress up, talk about concepts and ideas seem to be very mundane and really dull and boring. But when you find more about them, you come to know that their lives are as interesting and as unique as a vulture itself. Whether we like it or not, it is what makes them stand apart from the rest of the crowd. Also, the way the story is told thrives on the narrative technique called 'deliberate ambiguity'. What begins to emerge are the qualities you associate with a vulture that flies low and then consumes the flesh of dead animals. 'Deliberate ambiguity' gives you many options to draw at the same time and takes you to horizons you have never explored. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it will give you at least two options to consider at any given point in time. So you may think that this is the answer to the questions in your mind and that you know or understand a certain character but then your own perception is defied at some point, giving you at least one more possibility or interpretation of the same text or sentiment that a character has portrayed. WION: How was the play conceptualized and how do you feel about the play being telecast on TV although it's not a new concept? Kanwal: Yes, televising a theatre play is not a new concept. It was practiced on our national TV channels in the 80s, the 90s as well as the early 2000s. It has been very nostalgic because making a teleplay gives me an opportunity to exercise the vocabulary that I had developed by watching those teleplays. Now, in my own little way, I got an opportunity to improve upon the format for a contemporary audience. Conceptualizing this play was the most enriching experience out of the three teleplays that I have produced for Zee Theatre. When I was working on the other plays, to be honest, I was struggling to reproduce the same experience that I had while performing them on stage as a live performance. I didn't really know what should go into a teleplay. Should it look like a recorded theatre experience? Or should it have a language of its own? I don't think I allowed myself a lot of space in this confusion. I thought my comfort lay in reproducing the staged experience but while working on 'Gidh,' I allowed myself space and distanced myself from how I approached 'Jhanjhar Di Panwaan Chhankaar' and 'Mushk.' I allowed myself to develop a vocabulary that involved the camera's gaze in the conceptualization and the visualization of the play. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kanwal Khoosat (@kanwalkhoosat) × WION: With the play having two women in the central scheme of things, how was the agency around the women dealt with? Kanwal: Sometimes in the mainstream media women are shown to be subjects or victims of the patriarchal system of our society. The two women in the play would look like they’d apparently not defy any of these notions. They look and talk like they are part and parcel of the same system and yet when you get to know them on a deeper level, and the story unfolds as they start narrating their own past to each other and how they have coped with their own emotional challenges and their social, familial, and economic limitations, you find that these women have taken charge of their own lives. They are not the subjects or victims of the system, be it patriarchy, consumerism, or capitalism. These are women who have been making their own decisions and also take the responsibility for their actions. They have dealt with their circumstances with the awareness that they will not just sit back and face their fate but will get up and change it. WION: Do you truly believe that art has no boundaries? Kanwal: In today's age and time, nothing has boundaries, and art never had any. Look at our cinema and television industries for example. Even when we could not watch Indian shows, sometimes through our analog antennas, we would catch some signals of Doordarshan in the early 80s when I was a child. We used to be thrilled watching 'Chitrahaar' and other programs on Doordarshan and I guess it was the same with our channels being broadcast in your part of the world. We are such big fans of Bollywood cinema that the popularity of a star is now not just estimated by the volume of their Indian fans but also South Asian fans. Through our plays, films, and our music even before the advent of digital media, we knew a lot about each other's cultures, politics, and narratives. We have come from the same cultural background and now with the provision of social media, we have been brought closer to each other in a global sense as well. Art is something that comes from the heart and goes straight to the heart and transcends all boundaries because it is the portrayal of sentiments and emotions that have a universal appeal and language. WION: What do you want the audience to expect from this teleplay? Kanwal: I would like my audience to not expect anything from this play and just sit back and see what the story has in store for them. Just be ready to be surprised by every plot twist that comes your way and be actively involved. WION: Apart from 'Gidh,' your much-in-news film 'Zindagi Tamasha' is now Pakistan's entry to Oscars 2021. What can you tell us about the film and the hype around it? Kanwal: Yes, with a lot of pride, I can tell you that 'Zindagi Tamasha' has been sent to the Oscars as Pakistan's official nomination. It has made a big splash in the news here as well. I was the producer of the film and after all the ups and downs it went through and the unrest it faced, in a way the universe is really redeeming itself at least in our eyes as makers of the film by getting us a nomination at the Oscars. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khoosat Films (@khoosatfilmsofficial) × WION: It was banned from release in Pakistan. What is the status now? Kanwal: Because of the COVID-19 situation, the cinemas here are all closed so as soon as the business of life resumes, hopefully, we would like to go for a theatrical run. WION: Why do you think it was labelled blasphemous and how do you deal with restrictions on creative freedom and interpretation of art? Kanwal: Artistic expression is always individualistic and personal. It has to be. Maybe not reacting at all is one way of reacting to any kind of restrictions. The other way is to not grab a headline every time you do something and subliminally keep pushing the boundaries and the envelope. And tell your stories in a more sensible and cerebral way through your art. This is the only way to normalize things by presenting them in a very normal and subtle manner. At the end of the day, whatever stories we may tell have been taken from the world around us unless we are depicting aliens and even then, we draw references from what we know. How can something seem so unfamiliar when it is taken from your own environment? Everything is a representation of our own world and is ordinary and familiar in some way. It might be something that has been overlooked for some time or maybe it will be misunderstood because our own perception, mindset, politics, decisions, and biases will filter it. At the end of the day, anything under the sun is a part and parcel of who we are as people. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khoosat Films (@khoosatfilmsofficial) × WION: Where do you think a line should be drawn between creative freedom and censorship? Kanwal: I seriously don't know where the line should be drawn and who should be drawing that line. As an artist, you may understand that anything that has been imposed upon you is an external factor, that you would try and resist. Anything that imposes limits from within could also be a reflection of what you have been conditioned into believing. So, what should be censored and what should not be and what defines creative freedom, I don't know. There is no one fixed answer to this and as they say in the communications field," you have to know your audience." But then who can have a perfect idea of what and who their audiences are and what is their exact consumption behaviour? You may be underestimating or overestimating your audience or even generalizing them. You may or may not censor something keeping the audience in mind but it could be a wrong assumption of your audience. So, I really don't have the perfect answer. WION: How sensitive is Pakistan in dealing with topics like this that have a religious flavour? Kanwal: Why just Pakistan? I guess this sensitivity prevails in almost every part of the world these days. Anything that has to do with any sort of conservatism is something that is not received very openly. People have become more passionate or maybe it's the group mentality that wants to control people and has become stringent in its approach towards what should be allowed for consumption. I don't know if there's any part of the world where creative ideas have been met with a conducive environment. WION: India-Pakistan ties have been quite sour in terms of cross-cultural exchange of arts and artists, what do you hope for the future? Kanwal: I really hope and pray that cross-cultural exchanges of art and artists are given much more importance. Future is something we as people are going to have to pave a way for. We will really have to work hard to mend and develop relationships between people globally. The teleplay 'Gidh' stars Sana Jafri, Raasti Farooq and Adeel Afzal.

Pakistani filmmaker Kanwal Khoosat to WION on 'Zindagi Tamasha' becoming Oscars 2021 entry

Oscar 2021 probables that you can now watch at home

US filmmaker Tyler Perry will receive an honorary statuette at this year's Oscars for his humanitarian work, including efforts to get the entertainment industry safely back to work during the coronavirus pandemic, the Academy announced Thursday.&nbsp;

The Black entertainment mogul has set up a self-contained, 330-acre (133-hectare) production "campus" at a Civil War-era Confederate military base in Atlanta, Georgia, where hundreds have been employed while Covid-19 shuts down productions in Los Angeles and elsewhere.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-predictions-a-look-at-the-frontrunners-355994">Oscars 2021 Predictions: A look at the frontrunners</a>

Perry has championed greater diversity in Hollywood, produced dozens of films and TV shows starring mainly African American actors, and last year paid funeral costs for victims of police violence including George Floyd.

"Tyler's cultural influence extends far beyond his work as a filmmaker," said David Rubin, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

"He has quietly and steadily focused on humanitarian and social justice causes from the beginning of his career, caring for people who are most often ignored."

The 51-year-old Perry -- a producer, actor, writer and director -- first achieved mainstream US success with his outspoken grandmother character Madea in the 2005 movie "Diary of a Mad Black Woman."&nbsp;

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-all-international-feature-films-submissions-so-far-340783" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far</a>

A string of Madea films followed, all with Perry in drag in the role of the title character.

He has also appeared in movies including "Star Trek" (2009), "Gone Girl" (2014) and "Vice" (2018).

His films, TV shows and plays have since made him a household name in the US, especially among African Americans, and he became a billionaire last year, according to Forbes -- but he remains relatively little-known abroad.

Perry was separately honoured at television's Emmys, which were held virtually in September.

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award has been handed out by the Academy most years since 1957, and last went to "Thelma &amp; Louise" star Geena Davis for her work promoting gender equality in media.

Other previous winners include Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey and Elizabeth Taylor.

In recent years, the prize has been awarded at the Academy's separate Governors Awards ceremony, held in Los Angeles before the Oscars, but that event has been cancelled this year due to the pandemic.

Perry will receive him at the 93rd Oscars, due to take place April 25, which will also see a second Jean Hersholt award handed to the Motion Picture and Television Fund.

The MPTF, co-founded by silent era megastar Mary Pickford a century ago, offers financial relief and other services to struggling entertainment industry workers.

The Academy changed its rules for one year only to allow an institution to receive the honour, for the first time.

"The organization's contribution during the pandemic has made a significant impact on the entertainment community, providing social services support to nearly 9,000 industry members in 2020," the Academy said.

US filmmaker Tyler Perry will receive an honorary statuette at this year's Oscars for his humanitarian work, including efforts to get the entertainment industry safely back to work during the coronavirus pandemic, the Academy announced Thursday.

US filmmaker Tyler Perry will receive an honorary statuette at this year's Oscars for his humanitarian work, including efforts to get the entertainment industry safely back to work during the coronavirus pandemic, the Academy announced Thursday. The Black entertainment mogul has set up a self-contained, 330-acre (133-hectare) production "campus" at a Civil War-era Confederate military base in Atlanta, Georgia, where hundreds have been employed while Covid-19 shuts down productions in Los Angeles and elsewhere. Oscars 2021 Predictions: A look at the frontrunners Perry has championed greater diversity in Hollywood, produced dozens of films and TV shows starring mainly African American actors, and last year paid funeral costs for victims of police violence including George Floyd. "Tyler's cultural influence extends far beyond his work as a filmmaker," said David Rubin, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "He has quietly and steadily focused on humanitarian and social justice causes from the beginning of his career, caring for people who are most often ignored." The 51-year-old Perry -- a producer, actor, writer and director -- first achieved mainstream US success with his outspoken grandmother character Madea in the 2005 movie "Diary of a Mad Black Woman." Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far A string of Madea films followed, all with Perry in drag in the role of the title character. He has also appeared in movies including "Star Trek" (2009), "Gone Girl" (2014) and "Vice" (2018). His films, TV shows and plays have since made him a household name in the US, especially among African Americans, and he became a billionaire last year, according to Forbes -- but he remains relatively little-known abroad. Perry was separately honoured at television's Emmys, which were held virtually in September. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award has been handed out by the Academy most years since 1957, and last went to "Thelma & Louise" star Geena Davis for her work promoting gender equality in media. Other previous winners include Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey and Elizabeth Taylor. In recent years, the prize has been awarded at the Academy's separate Governors Awards ceremony, held in Los Angeles before the Oscars, but that event has been cancelled this year due to the pandemic. Perry will receive him at the 93rd Oscars, due to take place April 25, which will also see a second Jean Hersholt award handed to the Motion Picture and Television Fund. The MPTF, co-founded by silent era megastar Mary Pickford a century ago, offers financial relief and other services to struggling entertainment industry workers. The Academy changed its rules for one year only to allow an institution to receive the honour, for the first time. "The organization's contribution during the pandemic has made a significant impact on the entertainment community, providing social services support to nearly 9,000 industry members in 2020," the Academy said.

Oscars 2021: Tyler Perry to receive honorary statuette for his humanitarian work

African nation Senegal has shortlisted its Oscar 2021 International feature entry and it’s Mamadou Dia’s ‘Nafi’s Father’.

The submission had previously not been reported and it’s only the third ever time that the country has sent its entry for the Academy Awards competition.&nbsp;

‘Nafi’s Father’ is a drama film about a family conflict. It had its world premiere at the 2019 Locarno Film Festival and is still seeking US distribution.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-all-international-feature-films-submissions-so-far-340783">Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far</a>

Earlier, Senegal had sent 2017's ‘Felicite’ and 2019's ‘Atlantics’. Both the films had been shortlisted but did not make it to the final nominations list of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> International Feature.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/you-will-die-at-twenty-becomes-first-sudanese-film-to-go-to-oscars-352916" hreflang="en">'You Will Die at Twenty' becomes first Sudanese film to go to Oscars</a></h2>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscar-organizers-see-april-awards-ceremony-as-innovation-opportunity-348434" hreflang="en">Oscar organizers see April awards ceremony as innovation opportunity</a></h2>

African nation Senegal has shortlisted its Oscar 2021 International feature entry and it’s Mamadou Dia’s ‘Nafi’s Father’. The submission had previously not been reported and it’s only the third ever time that the country has sent its entry for the Academy Awards competition.

African nation Senegal has shortlisted its Oscar 2021 International feature entry and it’s Mamadou Dia’s ‘Nafi’s Father’. The submission had previously not been reported and it’s only the third ever time that the country has sent its entry for the Academy Awards competition. ‘Nafi’s Father’ is a drama film about a family conflict. It had its world premiere at the 2019 Locarno Film Festival and is still seeking US distribution. Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far Earlier, Senegal had sent 2017's ‘Felicite’ and 2019's ‘Atlantics’. Both the films had been shortlisted but did not make it to the final nominations list of Oscars International Feature. 'You Will Die at Twenty' becomes first Sudanese film to go to Oscars Oscar organizers see April awards ceremony as innovation opportunity

Oscars 2021: Senegal submits 'Nafi's Father' for International Feature category

Nearly two years after the overthrow of autocrat Omar al-Bashir, Sudan is taking steps to rejoin the international community from which it was long shunned. That includes its film industry.

For the first time in its history, Sudan has a submission for the Academy Awards. Produced by a consortium of European and Egyptian companies but with a Sudanese director and cast, You Will Die at Twenty will compete in the Best International Feature Film category.

The story follows a young man whose death at the age of 20 is prophesied not long after his birth, casting a shadow over his formative years, and parallels the burdens placed on a generation of Sudan's young people. Based on a short story by Sudanese novelist Hammour Ziyada, critics say it demonstrates that the country's cultural scene is reawakening after decades of oppression.

The film was produced amid mass demonstrations against al-Bashir, who was toppled by the military in April 2019 after ruling the country for nearly 30 years. "It was an adventure," filmmaker Amjad Abu Alala told The Associated Press. "There were protests in the streets that had grown to a revolution by the beginning of filming."

Sudan's uprising erupted in late 2018, and as the number of people in the streets swelled, many of them young, the military stepped in and toppled the Islamist president. Since then, the country has embarked on a fragile transition to democracy, ending years of theocratic rule that limited artists freedoms.

Watch the trailer:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FwvqmVWZE7I" width="640"></iframe>

The film's submission was announced in November by the country's ministry of culture, a month before the second anniversary of the start of the uprising.

The film has received positive reviews from international critics. It premiered at the 2019 Venice International Film Festivals parallel section, Venice Days. It won the Lion of the Future for Best First Feature—the first Sudanese film to do so. Since then, it has won at least two dozen awards at film festivals worldwide.

Abu Alala says his team tackled obstacles in making the film, thrown up by the same conservative milieu that it depicts. He blames the environment created by al-Bashir, who came to power in an Islamist-backed military coup in 1989. Under his rule, limited personal freedoms meant art was viewed with suspicion by many.

One major challenge, he said, was that local residents at the initial filming location objected to their presence. The crew was forced to move, but they persevered. "We believed that it should be done under any circumstances,” Abu Alala said. He says that it was lucky that the films production period coincided with the cultural watershed moment of the uprising. The previous government wouldn't have been a proponent of his work.

The movie has also been met with commendations from inside the region. "It is a very real and local film that makes the audience feel all of its details whenever and whoever they are," wrote Egyptian film critic Tarik el-Shenawy.

The film is only the eighth to be made inside Sudan. Abu Alala says that its selection shows Sudan has countless stories that remain untold. "There wasn't a film industry existing in Sudan — only individual attempts. Sudan's rulers — communists or Islamists — were not interested in cinema. They just were interested in having artists on their sides," he said. Now, he hopes that he and other filmmakers will have the freedom to share Sudan's stories with the world.

Nearly two years after the overthrow of autocrat Omar al-Bashir, Sudan is taking steps to rejoin the international community from which it was long shunned. That includes its film industry.

Nearly two years after the overthrow of autocrat Omar al-Bashir, Sudan is taking steps to rejoin the international community from which it was long shunned. That includes its film industry. For the first time in its history, Sudan has a submission for the Academy Awards. Produced by a consortium of European and Egyptian companies but with a Sudanese director and cast, You Will Die at Twenty will compete in the Best International Feature Film category. The story follows a young man whose death at the age of 20 is prophesied not long after his birth, casting a shadow over his formative years, and parallels the burdens placed on a generation of Sudan's young people. Based on a short story by Sudanese novelist Hammour Ziyada, critics say it demonstrates that the country's cultural scene is reawakening after decades of oppression. The film was produced amid mass demonstrations against al-Bashir, who was toppled by the military in April 2019 after ruling the country for nearly 30 years. "It was an adventure," filmmaker Amjad Abu Alala told The Associated Press. "There were protests in the streets that had grown to a revolution by the beginning of filming." Sudan's uprising erupted in late 2018, and as the number of people in the streets swelled, many of them young, the military stepped in and toppled the Islamist president. Since then, the country has embarked on a fragile transition to democracy, ending years of theocratic rule that limited artists freedoms. Watch the trailer: The film's submission was announced in November by the country's ministry of culture, a month before the second anniversary of the start of the uprising. The film has received positive reviews from international critics. It premiered at the 2019 Venice International Film Festivals parallel section, Venice Days. It won the Lion of the Future for Best First Feature—the first Sudanese film to do so. Since then, it has won at least two dozen awards at film festivals worldwide. Abu Alala says his team tackled obstacles in making the film, thrown up by the same conservative milieu that it depicts. He blames the environment created by al-Bashir, who came to power in an Islamist-backed military coup in 1989. Under his rule, limited personal freedoms meant art was viewed with suspicion by many. One major challenge, he said, was that local residents at the initial filming location objected to their presence. The crew was forced to move, but they persevered. "We believed that it should be done under any circumstances,” Abu Alala said. He says that it was lucky that the films production period coincided with the cultural watershed moment of the uprising. The previous government wouldn't have been a proponent of his work. The movie has also been met with commendations from inside the region. "It is a very real and local film that makes the audience feel all of its details whenever and whoever they are," wrote Egyptian film critic Tarik el-Shenawy. The film is only the eighth to be made inside Sudan. Abu Alala says that its selection shows Sudan has countless stories that remain untold. "There wasn't a film industry existing in Sudan — only individual attempts. Sudan's rulers — communists or Islamists — were not interested in cinema. They just were interested in having artists on their sides," he said. Now, he hopes that he and other filmmakers will have the freedom to share Sudan's stories with the world.

'You Will Die at Twenty' becomes first Sudanese film to go to Oscars

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

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

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

Oscar organizers see April awards ceremony as innovation opportunity

A trio of veterans industry people is coming together to produce what happens to be one of the most memorable Oscars in history. Academy President David Rubin announced on Tuesday that two-time Oscar-nominated producer Stacey Sher, Emmy nominee Jesse Collins, and Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh will partner as producers for the 93rd Oscars ceremony currently scheduled to air on April 25, 2021, on ABC.

A trio of veterans industry people is coming together to produce what happens to be one of the most memorable Oscars in history. Academy President David Rubin announced on Tuesday that two-time Oscar-nominated producer Stacey Sher, Emmy nominee Jesse Collins, and Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh will partner as producers for the 93rd Oscars ceremony currently scheduled to air on April 25, 2021, on ABC. Interestingly Stevan Soderbergh also produced one of the most-talked-about films - 2011 pandemic drama ‘Contagion’, which saw a revival in 2020 as the world got hit with something similar. Oscars 2021: India selects Lijo Jose Pellissery’s ‘Jallikattu’ as entry for International Feature category In a press statement, Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson called the upcoming telecast the "perfect occasion for innovation and for re-envisioning the possibilities" of the annual awards show. Though recent trade reports claimed the Oscars would definitively hold an in-person event, as per a report in EW, no concrete decision has been made on that front. "We're thrilled and terrified in equal measure," the producing trio said in a joint statement. "Because of the extraordinary situation we're all in, there’s an opportunity to focus on the movies and the people who make them in a new way, and we hope to create a show that really feels like the movies we all love." Soderbergh, known for producing 'Magic Mike', 'Ocean's Eleven', and 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape', won his first Academy Award in 2001 for directing Traffic. Sher has earned Best Picture Oscar nominations for her work in producing Django Unchained (2012) and Soderbergh's Erin Brockovich (2000). Prior to landing the Oscars job, Collins produced various industry events such as the Grammys (for which he earned a 2019 Emmy nod), the BET Awards, and the Soul Train Awards, and is set to produce the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show next year. Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Academy previously postponed the 2021 Oscars to April. The 2021 Oscars eligibility period was also extended from the end of 2020 through early next year.

'Contagion' director Steven Soderbergh to produce 2021 Oscar Award ceremony

Sacha Baron Cohen's latest film 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' has again found itself in the middle of a controversy. Several advocacy organisation based in countries like Canada, the UK, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Georgia have joined a US based organisation in calling for the film to be blocked by all the major awards in Hollywood.&nbsp; 
 
The groups have appealed to those organisations behind major Hollywood film awards like the Oscars and Golden Globes to not consider the film in the upcoming awards season. Reason: Cohen's film, according to these groups normalizes, promotes and monetizes "whitewashing, ethnic stereotyping, cultural appropriation and racism in entertainment." 
 
"Mr. Cohen went beyond any moral or ethical standards in portraying Kazakh people as misogynistic, incestuous, anti-Semitic, and barbarous," said Gia Noortas, CEO of Hollywood Film Academy in a statement issued to the Hollywood Foreign Press and the Academy. "Due to this harmful misrepresentation, more Kazakhs today will face racial abuse, bullying, humiliation, and dehumanization." 
 
The supergroup is "calling on the film award organizations worldwide to publicly condemn whitewashing and cultural appropriation, stand against racism and racial hatred and remove Mr. Cohen, his cast, crew and film 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' from their respective competitions this year." 
 
"We understand that the nature of comedy is to test the limits of what is acceptable, but not at our nation's expense," Noortas added. "It's racism, period. Racial abuse of Kazakh minority should not be the last refuge of racism in Hollywood. Kazakh women have become targets for harassment, Kazakh children are being bullied, Kazakhs worldwide face discrimination.

'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' is a mockumentary that follows Borat, a Kazakhstani journalist. Cohen plays Borat in the film where he also serves as the producer and the co-writer. The film was a sequel of 2006 Borat film and released on Amazon in October this year.&nbsp; 
 
The 2006 film had earned an Oscar nomination for best adapted screenplay and Golden Globe nomination for best performance by an actor &nbsp;in a motion picture comedy or musical and a best picture nomination as well.&nbsp; 
 
'Subsequent Moviefilm' is eligible so far for awards this year. Many have predicted that actress Maria Bakalova is one of the top&nbsp;contenders&nbsp;for her performance as Borat's daughter.&nbsp; 
 
There has been no reaction so far from the Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences or The Hollywood Foreign Press on this news.&nbsp;

Sacha Baron Cohen's latest film 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' has again found itself in the middle of a controversy. Several advocacy organisation based in countries like Canada, the UK, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Georgia have joined a US based organisation in calling for the film to be blocked by all the major awards in Hollywood.

Sacha Baron Cohen's latest film 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' has again found itself in the middle of a controversy. Several advocacy organisation based in countries like Canada, the UK, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Georgia have joined a US based organisation in calling for the film to be blocked by all the major awards in Hollywood. The groups have appealed to those organisations behind major Hollywood film awards like the Oscars and Golden Globes to not consider the film in the upcoming awards season. Reason: Cohen's film, according to these groups normalizes, promotes and monetizes "whitewashing, ethnic stereotyping, cultural appropriation and racism in entertainment." "Mr. Cohen went beyond any moral or ethical standards in portraying Kazakh people as misogynistic, incestuous, anti-Semitic, and barbarous," said Gia Noortas, CEO of Hollywood Film Academy in a statement issued to the Hollywood Foreign Press and the Academy. "Due to this harmful misrepresentation, more Kazakhs today will face racial abuse, bullying, humiliation, and dehumanization." The supergroup is "calling on the film award organizations worldwide to publicly condemn whitewashing and cultural appropriation, stand against racism and racial hatred and remove Mr. Cohen, his cast, crew and film 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' from their respective competitions this year." "We understand that the nature of comedy is to test the limits of what is acceptable, but not at our nation's expense," Noortas added. "It's racism, period. Racial abuse of Kazakh minority should not be the last refuge of racism in Hollywood. Kazakh women have become targets for harassment, Kazakh children are being bullied, Kazakhs worldwide face discrimination. 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' is a mockumentary that follows Borat, a Kazakhstani journalist. Cohen plays Borat in the film where he also serves as the producer and the co-writer. The film was a sequel of 2006 Borat film and released on Amazon in October this year. The 2006 film had earned an Oscar nomination for best adapted screenplay and Golden Globe nomination for best performance by an actor in a motion picture comedy or musical and a best picture nomination as well. 'Subsequent Moviefilm' is eligible so far for awards this year. Many have predicted that actress Maria Bakalova is one of the top contenders for her performance as Borat's daughter. There has been no reaction so far from the Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences or The Hollywood Foreign Press on this news.

Advocacy groups want 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' to be banned from all major awards this year. Here's why 

China has picked Peter Chan’s biographical sports drama ‘Leap’ as its submission for Best International Feature Film category for Oscars 2021.&nbsp;

‘Leap’ follows the travails and triumphs of China's women's national volleyball team over a period of more than 40 years.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-contrary-to-reports-oscars-2021-is-not-confirmed-to-have-full-person-ceremony-346834" hreflang="en">Contrary to reports, Oscars 2021 is not confirmed to have full-person ceremony</a>

In the film,&nbsp;Gong Li stars as legendary player-turned-coach Lang Ping, a member of the Chinese squad that won a Gold Medal over the United States at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. As a coach, she would later lead the Chinese team to gold medal glory at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

The cast of Chinese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscar</a> submission&nbsp;‘Leap' also features 10 out of the 12 Olympic Gold medalists from China's 2016 team appearing as themselves. Chinese leading man Huang Bo co-stars as Chen Zhonghe, who coached China's team from 2001-2009.

It is produced by Lian Ray Pictures and Huanxi Media.

‘Leap’ was originally scheduled to release during China's usually lucrative Lunar New Year holiday in January, but it was pushed because of the pandemic.&nbsp;

The nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards will be announced on March 13, 2021. The Oscars 2021 winners' ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on April 25.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-all-international-feature-films-submissions-so-far-340783" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far</a>

China has picked Peter Chan’s biographical sports drama ‘Leap’ as its submission for Best International Feature Film category for Oscars 2021. ‘Leap’ follows the travails and triumphs of China's women's national volleyball team over a period of more than 40 years.

China has picked Peter Chan’s biographical sports drama ‘Leap’ as its submission for Best International Feature Film category for Oscars 2021. ‘Leap’ follows the travails and triumphs of China's women's national volleyball team over a period of more than 40 years. Contrary to reports, Oscars 2021 is not confirmed to have full-person ceremony In the film, Gong Li stars as legendary player-turned-coach Lang Ping, a member of the Chinese squad that won a Gold Medal over the United States at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. As a coach, she would later lead the Chinese team to gold medal glory at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. The cast of Chinese Oscar submission ‘Leap' also features 10 out of the 12 Olympic Gold medalists from China's 2016 team appearing as themselves. Chinese leading man Huang Bo co-stars as Chen Zhonghe, who coached China's team from 2001-2009. It is produced by Lian Ray Pictures and Huanxi Media. ‘Leap’ was originally scheduled to release during China's usually lucrative Lunar New Year holiday in January, but it was pushed because of the pandemic. The nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards will be announced on March 13, 2021. The Oscars 2021 winners' ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on April 25. Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far

China selects 'Leap' for Oscars 2021 International Feature Film category submission

Days after Malayalam film 'Jallikattu' was selected as India's official entry to 2021 Oscars in the International Feature Film category, Indian short film 'Shameless' has been shortlisted to compete in the Live-Action Short Film category. 
 
The film stars Sayani Gupta and Hussain Dalal in the lead and has been directed by Keith Gomes. The film beat Vidya Balan starrer 'Natkhat' to qualify for the race.&nbsp; 
 
Dalal plays a man who works from home and always orders in, while Gupta is a pizza delivery girl. One day Dalal's character wakes up to find himself trapped by Gupta. 
 
"I observe human behaviour and love telling stories about the human spirit. This world needs kindness and my films are a reminder to not get lost into technology. I make films with little funding from family and friends, everyone comes together with loads of love and passion," said Gomes in a statement. 
 
"My experience on 'Shameless' was fantastic and now we submitting to the Oscars, it's a wow! Keith is wonderful as a director and very gentle with his actors and crew. Hussain, of course is a great friend, and it was a ball working with him. We have a silent communication and understanding when it comes to improvisations," said Gupta. 
&nbsp;

Days after Malayalam film 'Jallikattu' was selected as India's official entry to 2021 Oscars in the International Feature Film category, Indian short film 'Shameless' has been shortlisted to compete in the Live-Action Short Film category.

Days after Malayalam film 'Jallikattu' was selected as India's official entry to 2021 Oscars in the International Feature Film category, Indian short film 'Shameless' has been shortlisted to compete in the Live-Action Short Film category. The film stars Sayani Gupta and Hussain Dalal in the lead and has been directed by Keith Gomes. The film beat Vidya Balan starrer 'Natkhat' to qualify for the race. Dalal plays a man who works from home and always orders in, while Gupta is a pizza delivery girl. One day Dalal's character wakes up to find himself trapped by Gupta. "I observe human behaviour and love telling stories about the human spirit. This world needs kindness and my films are a reminder to not get lost into technology. I make films with little funding from family and friends, everyone comes together with loads of love and passion," said Gomes in a statement. "My experience on 'Shameless' was fantastic and now we submitting to the Oscars, it's a wow! Keith is wonderful as a director and very gentle with his actors and crew. Hussain, of course is a great friend, and it was a ball working with him. We have a silent communication and understanding when it comes to improvisations," said Gupta.

Sayani Gupta’s ‘Shameless’ heads to Oscars 2021; to compete in Live Action Short Film category

No, contrary to reports, Oscars 2021 will not have in-person ceremony as suggested by many publications. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nor its Oscars broadcast partner ABC has many any such decision of having in-person ceremony in the wake of pandemic.&nbsp;

In fact, with the spike of cases and its aftermath not coming down, it is said that any sort of sizable in-person gathering will be out of the question for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars.</a>

Moreover, the Academy has not yet even confirmed producers for the telecast, who will obviously play a central role in any and all decisions pertaining to the format of the show, especially whether to conduct the ceremony virtually or in-person at the 3400-seat Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, which has been the home of the Oscars since 2002.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2021-india-selects-lijo-jose-pellisserys-jallikattu-as-entry-for-international-feature-category-345305" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: India selects Lijo Jose Pellissery’s ‘Jallikattu’ as entry for International Feature category</a>

Possibly, the Oscars 2021 could go the Emmys way and have a mix of both -- a series of presenters that announce awards with nominees appearing virtually in a socially distant manner.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-all-international-feature-films-submissions-so-far-340783" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far</a>

No, contrary to reports, Oscars 2021 will not have in-person ceremony as suggested by many publications. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nor its Oscars broadcast partner ABC has many any such decision of having in-person ceremony in the wake of pandemic.

No, contrary to reports, Oscars 2021 will not have in-person ceremony as suggested by many publications. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nor its Oscars broadcast partner ABC has many any such decision of having in-person ceremony in the wake of pandemic. In fact, with the spike of cases and its aftermath not coming down, it is said that any sort of sizable in-person gathering will be out of the question for Oscars. Moreover, the Academy has not yet even confirmed producers for the telecast, who will obviously play a central role in any and all decisions pertaining to the format of the show, especially whether to conduct the ceremony virtually or in-person at the 3400-seat Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, which has been the home of the Oscars since 2002. Oscars 2021: India selects Lijo Jose Pellissery’s ‘Jallikattu’ as entry for International Feature category Possibly, the Oscars 2021 could go the Emmys way and have a mix of both -- a series of presenters that announce awards with nominees appearing virtually in a socially distant manner. Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far

Contrary to reports, Oscars 2021 is not confirmed to have full-person ceremony

Writer-director Keith Gomes` short film 'Shameless'&nbsp;has been selected as India`s official entry at the 93rd Oscars in the `Live Action Short Film` category. 
 
As the film gets a nod for the Oscar race, Gomes thanked the cast and crew of the film. "I have to thank my incredible cast and my crew of National and Oscar award winners. I make films with little funding from family and friends, everyone comes together with loads of love and passion. Couldn`t be more blessed," Gomes said. 
 
The short film that had released in April last year was picked from a list of five films that included Shaan Vyas` `Natkhat`, Aditya Kelgaonkar`s `Soundproof`, and other short films `Safar` and, `Trapped`.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/oscars-2021-india-selects-lijo-jose-pellisserys-jallikattu-as-entry-for-international-feature-category-345305" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: India selects Lijo Jose Pellissery’s ‘Jallikattu’ as entry for International Feature category</a> 
 
The film that stars Sayani Gupta, Hussain Dalal, and Rishabh Kapoor, has a narrative that dives into the theme of loss of human spirit due to technology, while it also attempts to raise relevant questions on the issues of entitlement, humanity, and empathy toward the migrant class. 
 
The 15-minutes-long comedy-thriller revolves around the life of a work from home professional played by Dalal, who constantly orders food online and wakes up to find himself trapped by an exasperated and apologetic pizza delivery girl, essayed by Gupta.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-all-international-feature-films-submissions-so-far-340783" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far</a> 
 
The film was one of the finalists at the recently concluded 3rd edition of the Best of India Short Film Festival 2020 and is produced by Ashley Gomes and national award winner Sandeep Kamal, while the sound is designed by Oscar winner Resul Pookutty.&nbsp;

Writer-director Keith Gomes` short film 'Shameless' has been selected as India`s official entry at the 93rd Oscars in the `Live Action Short Film` category. As the film gets a nod for the Oscar race, Gomes thanked the cast and crew of the film.

Writer-director Keith Gomes` short film 'Shameless' has been selected as India`s official entry at the 93rd Oscars in the `Live Action Short Film` category. As the film gets a nod for the Oscar race, Gomes thanked the cast and crew of the film. "I have to thank my incredible cast and my crew of National and Oscar award winners. I make films with little funding from family and friends, everyone comes together with loads of love and passion. Couldn`t be more blessed," Gomes said. The short film that had released in April last year was picked from a list of five films that included Shaan Vyas` `Natkhat`, Aditya Kelgaonkar`s `Soundproof`, and other short films `Safar` and, `Trapped`. Oscars 2021: India selects Lijo Jose Pellissery’s ‘Jallikattu’ as entry for International Feature category The film that stars Sayani Gupta, Hussain Dalal, and Rishabh Kapoor, has a narrative that dives into the theme of loss of human spirit due to technology, while it also attempts to raise relevant questions on the issues of entitlement, humanity, and empathy toward the migrant class. The 15-minutes-long comedy-thriller revolves around the life of a work from home professional played by Dalal, who constantly orders food online and wakes up to find himself trapped by an exasperated and apologetic pizza delivery girl, essayed by Gupta. Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far The film was one of the finalists at the recently concluded 3rd edition of the Best of India Short Film Festival 2020 and is produced by Ashley Gomes and national award winner Sandeep Kamal, while the sound is designed by Oscar winner Resul Pookutty.

Oscars 2021: Keith Gomes' 'Shameless' is India's official entry for short film

For its Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film submission, Italy has chosen an observational documentary titled ‘Notturno’ by director Gianfranco Rosi.&nbsp;Read more Oscar related stories&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">here.</a>

The documentary was shot over three years across countries like Lebanon, Iraq, Kurdistan, and Syria. Much like his previous works, the director has brought together an impressionistic collage of ordinary people caught up in conflict.&nbsp;

The Oscar film ‘Notturno’ premiered at the Venice Film Festival this year and went on to screen in Toronto and New York.&nbsp;

Rosi's previous documentary, ‘Fire at Sea’, which looked at refugees crossing the Mediterranean to reach Europe, was nominated for the Oscar in 2017 but did not win.

Italy is a regular contender at the Oscars. Italian films have won the Oscar in the international feature category (formerly called best foreign-language feature) 14 times.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-ireland-picks-%E2%80%98arracht%E2%80%99-for-oscars-international-feature-film-category-345116" hreflang="en">Ireland picks ‘Arracht’ for Oscars' International Feature Film category</a>

The 93rd Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on April 25, 2021.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-all-international-feature-films-submissions-so-far-340783" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far</a>

For its Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film submission, Italy has chosen an observational documentary titled ‘Notturno’ by director Gianfranco Rosi. Read more Oscar related stories here.

For its Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film submission, Italy has chosen an observational documentary titled ‘Notturno’ by director Gianfranco Rosi. Read more Oscar related stories here. The documentary was shot over three years across countries like Lebanon, Iraq, Kurdistan, and Syria. Much like his previous works, the director has brought together an impressionistic collage of ordinary people caught up in conflict. The Oscar film ‘Notturno’ premiered at the Venice Film Festival this year and went on to screen in Toronto and New York. Rosi's previous documentary, ‘Fire at Sea’, which looked at refugees crossing the Mediterranean to reach Europe, was nominated for the Oscar in 2017 but did not win. Italy is a regular contender at the Oscars. Italian films have won the Oscar in the international feature category (formerly called best foreign-language feature) 14 times. Ireland picks ‘Arracht’ for Oscars' International Feature Film category The 93rd Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on April 25, 2021. Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far

Oscars 2021: Italy selects 'Notturno' for Best International Feature category

Ireland has chosen its pick for Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film category and it is ‘Arracht’.

Tom Sullivan’s Irish-language feature ‘Arracht’ is set in 1845 on the eve of the Irish famine.&nbsp;

In the film, fisherman Colmán Sharkey takes in a stranger at the behest of a local priest. Patsy, a former soldier in the Napoleonic wars, arrives just ahead of “the blight” that eventually wipes out the country’s potato crop, leading to the death and displacement of millions. Patsy’s subsequent actions set Colmán on a path that will take him to the edge of survival, and sanity, until he encounters an abandoned young girl who gives him a reason to live. But Colmán cannot escape the darkness of his past.

The Oscar film stars Dónall Ó Héalai, alongside Dara Devaney, Michael McElhatton, and newcomer Saise Ní Chúinn. Read more Oscar related stories <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">here.</a>

The film world premiered at the 2019 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, and won two Irish Academy Awards at this year’s virtual IFTA ceremony.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-all-international-feature-films-submissions-so-far-340783" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far</a></h2>

On the Oscar entry, the film’s director, Tom Sullivan said, “I am overjoyed with the news that ‘Arracht’ has been chosen by the IFTA selection committee to represent Ireland in the Oscar’s best international film category. This is recognition of the team’s work and dedication and to be considered on this level is a huge honor and beyond exciting. It’s been a funny old year to be in the film business but the support ‘Arracht’ has received from everyone has really kept us going.”

The 93rd Academy Awards will take place on April 25, 2021.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/fans-accuse-jennifer-lopez-of-copying-beyonce-during-her-performance-at-the-amas-345051" hreflang="en">Fans accuse Jennifer Lopez of copying Beyonce during her performance at the AMAs</a>

Ireland has chosen its pick for Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film category and it is ‘Arracht’. Tom Sullivan’s Irish-language feature ‘Arracht’ is set in 1845 on the eve of the Irish famine.

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

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

France has selected its choice of film for Oscars 2021 in the Best International Feature Film category and it is comedy/drama ‘Two of Us’.&nbsp;

Directed by Filippo Meneghetti, the feature film made its debut with world premier in the Discovery section of Toronto last year and was released in France in early 2020.

‘Two of Us’ will release in the US on &nbsp;February 5, 2021. It centers on retirees Nina (Barbara Sukowa) and Madeleine (Martine Chevallier) who have hidden their deep and passionate love for many decades. Everybody, including Madeline’s family, thinks they are simply neighbors. When an unforeseen crisis turns their relationship upside down, Madeline’s daughter (Léa Drucker) begins to gradually unravel the truth between them.

‘Two Of Us’ (aka Deux in French) is produced by Paprika Films with The Party Film Sales on international rights.

Last year, France had sent ‘Les Misérables’ for Oscars,&nbsp;the Ladj Ly-hemled feature debut that went on to a nomination.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-all-international-feature-films-submissions-so-far-340783" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far</a>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-update-eligibility-rules-to-allow-drive-in-screenings-333375" hreflang="en">Oscars update eligibility rules to allow drive-in screenings</a></h2>

France has selected its choice of film for Oscars 2021 in the Best International Feature Film category and it is comedy/drama ‘Two of Us’. Directed by Filippo Meneghetti, the feature film made its debut with world premier in the Discovery section of Toronto last year and was released in France in early 2020.

France has selected its choice of film for Oscars 2021 in the Best International Feature Film category and it is comedy/drama ‘Two of Us’. Directed by Filippo Meneghetti, the feature film made its debut with world premier in the Discovery section of Toronto last year and was released in France in early 2020. ‘Two of Us’ will release in the US on February 5, 2021. It centers on retirees Nina (Barbara Sukowa) and Madeleine (Martine Chevallier) who have hidden their deep and passionate love for many decades. Everybody, including Madeline’s family, thinks they are simply neighbors. When an unforeseen crisis turns their relationship upside down, Madeline’s daughter (Léa Drucker) begins to gradually unravel the truth between them. ‘Two Of Us’ (aka Deux in French) is produced by Paprika Films with The Party Film Sales on international rights. Last year, France had sent ‘Les Misérables’ for Oscars, the Ladj Ly-hemled feature debut that went on to a nomination. Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far Oscars update eligibility rules to allow drive-in screenings

Oscars 2021: France chooses 'Two of Us' as official selection for Best International Feature

Indonesia has selected horror film ‘Impetigore’ as its choice for Oscars 2021 in Best International Feature Film category. Dubbed gory but stylish horror film will represent the island country in the Oscars race.&nbsp;

Joko Anwar’s film was selected by the Indonesian Academy Awards Selection Committee.&nbsp;

Oscars 2021: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-all-international-feature-films-submissions-so-far-340783">All International Feature Films submissions so far</a>

In an announcement, Joko Anwar said, "Hopefully this film can be a good representation and raise the international audiences' interest in Indonesian films."

‘Impetigore’ (titled, ‘Perempuan Tanah Jahanam’ in Indonesian) premiered at Sundance in January and was picked up by Shudder, where it is streaming exclusively.

‘Impetigore’ stars Marissa Anita, Tara Basro, Christine Hakim and Asmara Abigail. Its official summary is as follows: "After surviving a murder attempt in the city, Maya (Anita), a down-on-her-luck young woman, learns that she may inherit a house in her ancestral village. With her friend Dini (Basro), Maya returns to the village of her birth, unaware that the community there has been trying to locate and kill her to remove the curse that has plagued the village for years. As she begins to discover the complicated reality about her past, Maya finds herself in a fight for her life."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/oscars-update-eligibility-rules-to-allow-drive-in-screenings-333375" hreflang="en">Oscars update eligibility rules to allow drive-in screenings</a>

The Oscar film was co-produced by Indonesia's Base Entertainment and Rapi Films, with financing and support from Ivanhoe Pictures (Crazy Rich Asians), and South Korea' s CJ Entertainment (Parasite). The film is the first release from a slate of Anwar-directed projects planned under a co-production deal unveiled in 2018 between the four companies.

Nugroho's controversial coming-of-age drama ‘Memories of My Body’ was Indonesia's Oscars selection last year.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Academy Awards will take place April 25, 2021. The Oscar nominations will be announced on March 15.

Indonesia has selected horror film ‘Impetigore’ as its choice for Oscars 2021 in Best International Feature Film category. Dubbed gory but stylish horror film will represent the island country in the Oscars race.

Indonesia has selected horror film ‘Impetigore’ as its choice for Oscars 2021 in Best International Feature Film category. Dubbed gory but stylish horror film will represent the island country in the Oscars race. Joko Anwar’s film was selected by the Indonesian Academy Awards Selection Committee. Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far In an announcement, Joko Anwar said, "Hopefully this film can be a good representation and raise the international audiences' interest in Indonesian films." ‘Impetigore’ (titled, ‘Perempuan Tanah Jahanam’ in Indonesian) premiered at Sundance in January and was picked up by Shudder, where it is streaming exclusively. ‘Impetigore’ stars Marissa Anita, Tara Basro, Christine Hakim and Asmara Abigail. Its official summary is as follows: "After surviving a murder attempt in the city, Maya (Anita), a down-on-her-luck young woman, learns that she may inherit a house in her ancestral village. With her friend Dini (Basro), Maya returns to the village of her birth, unaware that the community there has been trying to locate and kill her to remove the curse that has plagued the village for years. As she begins to discover the complicated reality about her past, Maya finds herself in a fight for her life." Also read: Oscars update eligibility rules to allow drive-in screenings The Oscar film was co-produced by Indonesia's Base Entertainment and Rapi Films, with financing and support from Ivanhoe Pictures (Crazy Rich Asians), and South Korea' s CJ Entertainment (Parasite). The film is the first release from a slate of Anwar-directed projects planned under a co-production deal unveiled in 2018 between the four companies. Nugroho's controversial coming-of-age drama ‘Memories of My Body’ was Indonesia's Oscars selection last year. Meanwhile, the 2021 Academy Awards will take place April 25, 2021. The Oscar nominations will be announced on March 15.

Oscars 2021: Indonesia selects 'Impetigore' for International Feature category

Iran has chosen ace filmmaker Majid Majidi’s ‘Sun Children’ as its entry for Oscars 2021 in the Best International Feature Film category. Incidentally it is the sixth time that Majid Majidi’s film will represent the country.&nbsp;

The decision was announced on Sunday by the delegation of the representative of Iranian cinema to the Oscar ceremony.&nbsp;

The committee said that it screened 90 films before coming to the decision. Other films they were considering were ‘Walnut Tree,’ ‘Yalda: A Night for Forgiveness’ and ‘Careless Crime’.

The story of ‘Sun Children’ follows a small group of kids who sign up for education at a community organization, with the intention of using it to pull off a heist. Along the way it touches on child labor in Iran, inequality, and the deficiencies of the country’s school system.&nbsp;

‘Sun Children’ had its world premiere in competition at the 77th Venice Film Festival in September.&nbsp;

Iran has chosen ace filmmaker Majid Majidi’s ‘Sun Children’ as its entry for Oscars 2021 in the Best International Feature Film category. Incidentally it is the sixth time that Majid Majidi’s film will represent the country.

Iran has chosen ace filmmaker Majid Majidi’s ‘Sun Children’ as its entry for Oscars 2021 in the Best International Feature Film category. Incidentally it is the sixth time that Majid Majidi’s film will represent the country. The decision was announced on Sunday by the delegation of the representative of Iranian cinema to the Oscar ceremony. The committee said that it screened 90 films before coming to the decision. Other films they were considering were ‘Walnut Tree,’ ‘Yalda: A Night for Forgiveness’ and ‘Careless Crime’. The story of ‘Sun Children’ follows a small group of kids who sign up for education at a community organization, with the intention of using it to pull off a heist. Along the way it touches on child labor in Iran, inequality, and the deficiencies of the country’s school system. ‘Sun Children’ had its world premiere in competition at the 77th Venice Film Festival in September.

Iran selects Majid Majidi's 'Sun Children' for Oscar in International Feature category

Malaysia has selected art-house horror film ‘Soul’ as its official entry to Oscars 2021 in the Best International Feature Film category.&nbsp;

‘Soul’ aka Rooh is set in an indeterminate period in the past as it tells the story of the arrival of a small girl who brings ominous predictions and strange incidents to a poor family living in a forest.

A committee arranged by the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) made the selection. In a statement, they said, “The selection went through a detailed evaluation process based on filming criteria like direction, storyline, cinematography, screenplay, acting, music score, artistic elements and editing apart from adhering to the rules set by the organizers of the Oscars.”

A feature helmed by Emir Ezwan, ‘Soul’ had its world premiere at the Singapore International Film Festival and then the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival.&nbsp;

The film was produced by Elise Shick, Shizreen Saleh and Amir Muhammad. The cast includes Farah Ahmad, Mhia Farhana, Harith Haziq, June Lojong, Namron, and Putri Qaseh as the little girl.

Malaysia has intermittently submitted films for Oscars consideration since 2004. To date, none have been nominated.

Malaysia has selected art-house horror film ‘Soul’ as its official entry to Oscars 2021 in the Best International Feature Film category. ‘Soul’ aka Rooh is set in an indeterminate period in the past as it tells the story of the arrival of a small girl who brings ominous predictions and strange incidents to a poor family living in a forest.

Malaysia has selected art-house horror film ‘Soul’ as its official entry to Oscars 2021 in the Best International Feature Film category. ‘Soul’ aka Rooh is set in an indeterminate period in the past as it tells the story of the arrival of a small girl who brings ominous predictions and strange incidents to a poor family living in a forest. A committee arranged by the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) made the selection. In a statement, they said, “The selection went through a detailed evaluation process based on filming criteria like direction, storyline, cinematography, screenplay, acting, music score, artistic elements and editing apart from adhering to the rules set by the organizers of the Oscars.” A feature helmed by Emir Ezwan, ‘Soul’ had its world premiere at the Singapore International Film Festival and then the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival. The film was produced by Elise Shick, Shizreen Saleh and Amir Muhammad. The cast includes Farah Ahmad, Mhia Farhana, Harith Haziq, June Lojong, Namron, and Putri Qaseh as the little girl. Malaysia has intermittently submitted films for Oscars consideration since 2004. To date, none have been nominated.

Malaysia sends horror film 'Soul' as official entry for Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film category

Spain has selected ‘La Tinchera Infinita (The Endless Trench)’ as its official entry for Oscars 2021 in The International Feature Film category.&nbsp;

The Spanish film by Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño and Jose Mari Goenaga was chosen by the country's Film Academy for Oscars.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-japan-selects-naomi-kawases-true-mothers-for-international-feature-category-339056" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Japan selects Naomi Kawase's 'True Mothers' for International Feature category</a>

The film tells the story of "moles," who at the end of the Spanish Civil War tried to escape repression from General Franco's nationalists by going underground, by focusing on the life of a man who spent 33 years hiding out in his own home.&nbsp;

Luiso Berdejo is the film's screenwriter.

‘The Endless Trench’ was part of the 2019 San Sebastian Film Festival and won two Goya Awards for best leading actress and best sound. It is streaming on Netflix.

Oscars 2021 is slated for April 25.&nbsp;

Spain has selected ‘La Tinchera Infinita (The Endless Trench)’ as its official entry for Oscars 2021 in The International Feature Film category. The Spanish film by Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño and Jose Mari Goenaga was chosen by the country's Film Academy for Oscars.

Spain has selected ‘La Tinchera Infinita (The Endless Trench)’ as its official entry for Oscars 2021 in The International Feature Film category. The Spanish film by Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño and Jose Mari Goenaga was chosen by the country's Film Academy for Oscars. Oscars 2021: Japan selects Naomi Kawase's 'True Mothers' for International Feature category The film tells the story of "moles," who at the end of the Spanish Civil War tried to escape repression from General Franco's nationalists by going underground, by focusing on the life of a man who spent 33 years hiding out in his own home. Luiso Berdejo is the film's screenwriter. ‘The Endless Trench’ was part of the 2019 San Sebastian Film Festival and won two Goya Awards for best leading actress and best sound. It is streaming on Netflix. Oscars 2021 is slated for April 25.

Spain selects 'The Endless Trench' as official entry for Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film

Japan is sending family drama ‘True Mothers’ as part of the International Feature category to the Oscars 2021.&nbsp;

The decision was made by the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan for this year's Oscar entry.

‘True Mothers’ is helmed by Naomi Kawase and is based on a novel by mystery writer Mizuki Tsujimura. It tells the story of a middle-class Japanese couple who turn to an adoption agency for a baby after learning they can't conceive. Their incipient happiness then gets turned upside-down when their son’s biological mother shows up and demands him back.

Japan has had 12 submissions nominated in the best international feature film category at Oscars, most recently Hirokazu Kore-eta's Cannes Palme D'or winner ‘Shoplifters’ in 2019.

Yōjirō Takita’s ‘Departures’ (2009) is the only Japanese feature to win the Oscar&nbsp;though.

Japan is sending family drama ‘True Mothers’ as part of the International Feature category to the Oscars 2021. The decision was made by the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan for this year's Oscar entry.

Japan is sending family drama ‘True Mothers’ as part of the International Feature category to the Oscars 2021. The decision was made by the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan for this year's Oscar entry. ‘True Mothers’ is helmed by Naomi Kawase and is based on a novel by mystery writer Mizuki Tsujimura. It tells the story of a middle-class Japanese couple who turn to an adoption agency for a baby after learning they can't conceive. Their incipient happiness then gets turned upside-down when their son’s biological mother shows up and demands him back. Japan has had 12 submissions nominated in the best international feature film category at Oscars, most recently Hirokazu Kore-eta's Cannes Palme D'or winner ‘Shoplifters’ in 2019. Yōjirō Takita’s ‘Departures’ (2009) is the only Japanese feature to win the Oscar though.

Oscars 2021: Japan selects Naomi Kawase's 'True Mothers' for International Feature category

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