Oscars 2022 has an update in its list of presenters for this year’s ceremony at Dolby Theatre. Among those announced previously, there will also be Halle Bailey, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Shawn Mendes, Tyler Perry and Tracee Ellis Ross as the latest joinees in presenters list.&nbsp;

The previously announced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> presenters are Daniel Kaluuya, Mila Kunis, Lupita Nyong’o, Naomi Scott, Wesley Snipes and John Travolta. They joined a group that includes Ruth E. Carter, Kevin Costner, Anthony Hopkins, Zoë Kravitz, Lady Gaga, Lily James, John Leguizamo, Simu Liu, Rami Malek, Rosie Perez, Chris Rock, Uma Thurman and Yuh-Jung Youn.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-dune-to-dont-look-up-heres-how-you-can-watch-oscars-2022-nominated-movies-462620" hreflang="en">From 'Dune' to 'Don't Look Up': Where to watch this year’s Oscar-nominated movies online</a>

Currently, ‘The Power of the Dog’ leads all categories with 12 Oscar nominations. ‘Dune’ is close second with 10 nominations to its credit.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2022-quarantine-no-longer-needed-for-attendees-from-outside-of-los-angeles-461128" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022: Quarantine no longer needed for attendees from outside of Los Angeles</a>

The Oscars 2022 event will air on ABC network live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Oscars 2022 has an update in its list of presenters for this year’s ceremony at Dolby Theatre. Among those announced previously, there will also be Halle Bailey, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Samuel L.

Oscars 2022 has an update in its list of presenters for this year’s ceremony at Dolby Theatre. Among those announced previously, there will also be Halle Bailey, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Shawn Mendes, Tyler Perry and Tracee Ellis Ross as the latest joinees in presenters list. The previously announced Oscars presenters are Daniel Kaluuya, Mila Kunis, Lupita Nyong’o, Naomi Scott, Wesley Snipes and John Travolta. They joined a group that includes Ruth E. Carter, Kevin Costner, Anthony Hopkins, Zoë Kravitz, Lady Gaga, Lily James, John Leguizamo, Simu Liu, Rami Malek, Rosie Perez, Chris Rock, Uma Thurman and Yuh-Jung Youn. From 'Dune' to 'Don't Look Up': Where to watch this year’s Oscar-nominated movies online Currently, ‘The Power of the Dog’ leads all categories with 12 Oscar nominations. ‘Dune’ is close second with 10 nominations to its credit. Oscars 2022: Quarantine no longer needed for attendees from outside of Los Angeles The Oscars 2022 event will air on ABC network live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Oscars 2022: Academy announces new list of presenters in addition to those previously named

As COVID-19 situation gets better around the world, Oscars 2022 have relaxed requirements for its attendees for the year. With barely a few weeks left for the event, the Academy has announced it will no longer need attendees from outside of Los Angeles to quarantine. They won’t have to quarantine at all before heading to the venue – Dolby Theatre on March 27.&nbsp;

The decision comes amid wide discussion among the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science’s medical advisors. Earlier, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> attendees had to quarantine for five days before heading to the venue. Also, mask mandates and other COVID-19 safety protocols have been lifted this time in Los Angeles.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2022-lady-gaga-zo%C3%AB-kravitz-chris-rock-among-presenters-458741" hreflang="en">Lady Gaga, Zoë Kravitz, Chris Rock among presenters</a>

However, all Oscars nominees and guests will be required to provide proof of negative results from two PCR tests. The first one must be taken on March 24, and the second one taken two days later. If you are one of those attendees travelling into town, that March 26 PCR test has to be conducted after you arrive in Los Angeles.&nbsp;

Looks like we have more hopeful and healthy weeks ahead of us, considering the officials themselves are dropping many COVID protocols. Is it time to say goodbye to Covid afterall?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2022-major-awards-to-not-go-live-like-before-find-out-details-inside-455580" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022: Major awards to not go live like before? Find out details inside</a>

As COVID-19 situation gets better around the world, Oscars 2022 have relaxed requirements for its attendees for the year. With barely a few weeks left for the event, the Academy has announced it will no longer need attendees from outside of Los Angeles to quarantine.

As COVID-19 situation gets better around the world, Oscars 2022 have relaxed requirements for its attendees for the year. With barely a few weeks left for the event, the Academy has announced it will no longer need attendees from outside of Los Angeles to quarantine. They won’t have to quarantine at all before heading to the venue – Dolby Theatre on March 27. The decision comes amid wide discussion among the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science’s medical advisors. Earlier, the Oscars attendees had to quarantine for five days before heading to the venue. Also, mask mandates and other COVID-19 safety protocols have been lifted this time in Los Angeles. Lady Gaga, Zoë Kravitz, Chris Rock among presenters However, all Oscars nominees and guests will be required to provide proof of negative results from two PCR tests. The first one must be taken on March 24, and the second one taken two days later. If you are one of those attendees travelling into town, that March 26 PCR test has to be conducted after you arrive in Los Angeles. Looks like we have more hopeful and healthy weeks ahead of us, considering the officials themselves are dropping many COVID protocols. Is it time to say goodbye to Covid afterall? Oscars 2022: Major awards to not go live like before? Find out details inside

Oscars 2022: Quarantine no longer needed for attendees from outside of Los Angeles

Without beating around the bush, let’s get to the brass tacks. 'West Side Story' is a completely unnecessary remake of Robert Wise's 1961 ebullient musical feature film.

There is nothing Wise about Spielberg’s remake which is as flat as a pancake and as listless as an apple pie left to wither in the sun. The actors are an energetic lot, no doubt about it. But nothing compared with what Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer brought to the screen in the original. Their replacements Ansel Elgort and RachelZiegler are zestful and zingy. But at best adequate substitutes. &nbsp;They create no magic whatsoever on screen.

&nbsp;It’s like watching two siblings dancing on a reality show where the judges are Faran Khan and &nbsp;Remo D’Souza and the chief guest John Travolta refused to turn up at the last moment. In other words, a flop show from the word go.

Why would anyone of Spielberg’s stature do this to himself? I can see the challenge in it for Spielberg: take the clichéd Romeo-Juliet story (there's a fire escape sequence echoing the balcony scene in Shakespeare) and turn it into his own kind of magic.

Sadly the outcome is more tragic than magic. We are left looking at Puerto Rican &nbsp;boys and &nbsp;girl dancing and singing to challenge the ‘Gringos’: &nbsp;that’s what the &nbsp;local American youngsters are called. The two sides fight and dance and sing &nbsp;and behave like what they are: wastrels with wasps in their waists and &nbsp;a rumble &nbsp;in their bellies.Some of the choreography that is original us exciting. Those adapted from the original are casualties of excessive freedom.

None of the cast is anywhere close to echoing the unstoppable energy of the original.Puerto Rican Maria and American Tony meet at a party. It is, you guessed, love at first sight. From these bland beginnings it’s downhill &nbsp;for the storytelling which flirts with flimsiness with the &nbsp;enthusiasm &nbsp;of &nbsp;a young teenaged girl &nbsp;trying to get the attention of a &nbsp; local hoodlum by wearing her mother’s high heels and lipstick.

The romance grows not so much out of their mutual affection as the classic music score by Leonard Bernstein which bursts at the seams to make its presence felt because the songs are not accompanied by any convincing choreography.

The actors take to the ethic milieu simmering with a zest which at best is applicable to the milieu they occupy so insolently. By the time the singing and dancing stops for a tragic ending this remake of a film that was adapted from the stage, has run completely out of steam. 
&nbsp;

'West Side Story' is streaming on Disney+Hotstar.

Without beating around the bush, let’s get to the brass tacks. 'West Side Story' is a completely unnecessary remake of Robert Wise's 1961 ebullient musical feature film.

Without beating around the bush, let’s get to the brass tacks. 'West Side Story' is a completely unnecessary remake of Robert Wise's 1961 ebullient musical feature film. There is nothing Wise about Spielberg’s remake which is as flat as a pancake and as listless as an apple pie left to wither in the sun. The actors are an energetic lot, no doubt about it. But nothing compared with what Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer brought to the screen in the original. Their replacements Ansel Elgort and RachelZiegler are zestful and zingy. But at best adequate substitutes. They create no magic whatsoever on screen. It’s like watching two siblings dancing on a reality show where the judges are Faran Khan and Remo D’Souza and the chief guest John Travolta refused to turn up at the last moment. In other words, a flop show from the word go. Why would anyone of Spielberg’s stature do this to himself? I can see the challenge in it for Spielberg: take the clichéd Romeo-Juliet story (there's a fire escape sequence echoing the balcony scene in Shakespeare) and turn it into his own kind of magic. Sadly the outcome is more tragic than magic. We are left looking at Puerto Rican boys and girl dancing and singing to challenge the ‘Gringos’: that’s what the local American youngsters are called. The two sides fight and dance and sing and behave like what they are: wastrels with wasps in their waists and a rumble in their bellies.Some of the choreography that is original us exciting. Those adapted from the original are casualties of excessive freedom. None of the cast is anywhere close to echoing the unstoppable energy of the original.Puerto Rican Maria and American Tony meet at a party. It is, you guessed, love at first sight. From these bland beginnings it’s downhill for the storytelling which flirts with flimsiness with the enthusiasm of a young teenaged girl trying to get the attention of a local hoodlum by wearing her mother’s high heels and lipstick. The romance grows not so much out of their mutual affection as the classic music score by Leonard Bernstein which bursts at the seams to make its presence felt because the songs are not accompanied by any convincing choreography. The actors take to the ethic milieu simmering with a zest which at best is applicable to the milieu they occupy so insolently. By the time the singing and dancing stops for a tragic ending this remake of a film that was adapted from the stage, has run completely out of steam. 'West Side Story' is streaming on Disney+Hotstar.

'West Side Story' review: Why did Steven Spielberg have to remake this one?

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has been honoured with a star at the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The actor dedicated the honour to his late sister Tracy Peacock.&nbsp; 
 
"I want to mention my sister who we lost last year. She would have loved this. She was unbelievably loyal, supportive, and she would have loved the glitz and the oddness and the glamour. She would have just been laughing nonstop all the way through, and probably crying," he said on Monday at the event.&nbsp; 
 
Benedict lost his sister last year due to cancer.

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“You deserve this honor for being the first, the best, the greatest and the only <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DoctorStrange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DoctorStrange</a>.” 
 
— Kevin Feige to Benedict Cumberbatch at his Walk of Fame Ceremony <a href="https://t.co/480KXUFjbW">pic.twitter.com/480KXUFjbW</a>
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Remembering her on his special day, he further said, "I hope somewhere up there, where the real stars shine, you`re looking down on this moment now. I'm sure you are. We miss you so much. You remain such a good and wonderful person to have had in our lives." 
 
Benedict received his Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Monday in the presence of his wife Sophie Hunter. The actor has been nominated in Best Actor category at Oscars for his film 'Power of The Dog'.&nbsp;

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has been honoured with a star at the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The actor dedicated the honour to his late sister Tracy Peacock. "I want to mention my sister who we lost last year.

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has been honoured with a star at the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The actor dedicated the honour to his late sister Tracy Peacock. "I want to mention my sister who we lost last year. She would have loved this. She was unbelievably loyal, supportive, and she would have loved the glitz and the oddness and the glamour. She would have just been laughing nonstop all the way through, and probably crying," he said on Monday at the event. Benedict lost his sister last year due to cancer. “You deserve this honor for being the first, the best, the greatest and the only #DoctorStrange.” — Kevin Feige to Benedict Cumberbatch at his Walk of Fame Ceremony pic.twitter.com/480KXUFjbW — Doctor Strange 2 Updates (@DrStrangeUpdate) February 28, 2022 × Remembering her on his special day, he further said, "I hope somewhere up there, where the real stars shine, you`re looking down on this moment now. I'm sure you are. We miss you so much. You remain such a good and wonderful person to have had in our lives." Benedict received his Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Monday in the presence of his wife Sophie Hunter. The actor has been nominated in Best Actor category at Oscars for his film 'Power of The Dog'.

Benedict Cumberbatch earns a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dedicates it to late sister

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

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

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

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

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will require attendees of the 94th Oscars to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus and at least two negative PCR tests, the New York Times reported on Thursday. 
 
Performers and presenters are required to undergo severe testing, but will not need to show proof of vaccination, the report said, citing an Academy spokeswoman. 
 
Face covering requirements will also vary at the award show, which will be held on March 27. Nominees and their guests will be seated in the orchestra and parterre areas of the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles and will not be required to wear masks, according to the newspaper. 
 
Those seated in the mezzanine may be required to wear masks, as they will sit shoulder-to-shoulder, NYT said. 
 
Representatives for the Academy did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. 
 
Comic actor Amy Schumer, actress Regina Hall and fellow comedian Wanda Sykes, will host the awards, the first time three women will emcee the Oscars.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will require attendees of the 94th Oscars to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus and at least two negative PCR tests, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will require attendees of the 94th Oscars to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus and at least two negative PCR tests, the New York Times reported on Thursday. Performers and presenters are required to undergo severe testing, but will not need to show proof of vaccination, the report said, citing an Academy spokeswoman. Face covering requirements will also vary at the award show, which will be held on March 27. Nominees and their guests will be seated in the orchestra and parterre areas of the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles and will not be required to wear masks, according to the newspaper. Those seated in the mezzanine may be required to wear masks, as they will sit shoulder-to-shoulder, NYT said. Representatives for the Academy did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Comic actor Amy Schumer, actress Regina Hall and fellow comedian Wanda Sykes, will host the awards, the first time three women will emcee the Oscars.

Oscars will require COVID tests for all and vaccines for most

After a 2021 ceremony that saw the Academy Awards downsize to a smaller gathering at Los Angeles'&nbsp;Union Station, the Oscars will return to its traditional setting and also will not require in-person attendees to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

According to Variety, the Oscars will return to its traditional setting in the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard for its upcoming ceremony on March 27. It is not yet known if the audience size might be reduced this year.

Amid the rise in COVID-19 cases, the 2021 ceremony featured strict COVID-19 testing and masking policies for in-person attendees, in accordance with health and safety protocols. Since then, vaccines against the virus have become widely available to the general public.

This year, although the Academy will suggest attendees to be vaccinated, the 2022 Oscars ceremony will also require attendees to be tested prior to attending, with unvaccinated guests having additional and more stringent testing requirements, Variety has learned.

Under this rule, the Academy is technically complying with Los Angeles County`s policy on "indoor mega-events," which require either full vaccination status or day-of negative COVID-19 tests to all attendees ages 2 and older.

The Academy has yet to release an official COVID-19 policy for its upcoming ceremony. Reports indicate that the Academy may have elected to take a less strict position on vaccination status as a no-entry policy could have prevented some unvaccinated nominees or presenters from attending the ceremony.

However, other awards events this season, such as the Screen Actors Guild and Critics Choice Association, are still requiring attendees to provide proof of vaccination for their ceremonies.

LA&nbsp;County has still not lifted its indoor mask mandate.Variety informed that on Tuesday, public health director Barbara Ferrer indicated barring extremely low case levels, the earliest time that masks requirements would likely be reversed is late April; that means after the '27 March 2022;&nbsp;Academy Awards` ceremony date. an

After a 2021 ceremony that saw the Academy Awards downsize to a smaller gathering at Los Angeles' Union Station, the Oscars will return to its traditional setting and also will not require in-person attendees to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

After a 2021 ceremony that saw the Academy Awards downsize to a smaller gathering at Los Angeles' Union Station, the Oscars will return to its traditional setting and also will not require in-person attendees to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. According to Variety, the Oscars will return to its traditional setting in the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard for its upcoming ceremony on March 27. It is not yet known if the audience size might be reduced this year. Amid the rise in COVID-19 cases, the 2021 ceremony featured strict COVID-19 testing and masking policies for in-person attendees, in accordance with health and safety protocols. Since then, vaccines against the virus have become widely available to the general public. This year, although the Academy will suggest attendees to be vaccinated, the 2022 Oscars ceremony will also require attendees to be tested prior to attending, with unvaccinated guests having additional and more stringent testing requirements, Variety has learned. Under this rule, the Academy is technically complying with Los Angeles County`s policy on "indoor mega-events," which require either full vaccination status or day-of negative COVID-19 tests to all attendees ages 2 and older. The Academy has yet to release an official COVID-19 policy for its upcoming ceremony. Reports indicate that the Academy may have elected to take a less strict position on vaccination status as a no-entry policy could have prevented some unvaccinated nominees or presenters from attending the ceremony. However, other awards events this season, such as the Screen Actors Guild and Critics Choice Association, are still requiring attendees to provide proof of vaccination for their ceremonies. LA County has still not lifted its indoor mask mandate.Variety informed that on Tuesday, public health director Barbara Ferrer indicated barring extremely low case levels, the earliest time that masks requirements would likely be reversed is late April; that means after the '27 March 2022; Academy Awards` ceremony date. an

Oscar 2022: Attendees not required  to provide COVID-19 vaccination proof

In real life, Jonathan Larson never got to fully celebrate his greatest success. He died suddenly in 1996 at the age of 35, just before his rock opera “Rent” won four Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, on its way to becoming a highly influential entry in the pantheon of musical theater.

But on Tuesday, Andrew Garfield was able to honor Larson, the gifted composer and lyricist he plays in “Tick, Tick ... Boom!”: Garfield received an Academy Award nomination for his lead performance in the film, which is adapted from Larson’s own anxious, autobiographical musical of the same title. In the film, the character is on the cusp of 30, struggling to finish the work that he hopes will provide his big break and wondering if he’ll ever create anything meaningful.

Speaking from Los Angeles on Tuesday, Garfield, 38, said any attention he received for the movie should in some way be shared with Larson.

“I can take the recognition in a way that feels personal — I’m not shying away from that,” Garfield said. “But I think the lion’s share really goes to Jon — the spirit that he was and the work that he left behind.”

“Tick, Tick ... Boom!,” which looks back on Broadway and bohemian Manhattan in the 1990s, comes with its own musical-theater bona fides: It was directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton”) from a screenplay by Steven Levenson (“Dear Evan Hansen”).

The Oscar nomination is the second for Garfield (following his role as Army medic Desmond T. Doss in the 2016 World War II drama “Hacksaw Ridge”). It comes at a time when the actor has also been gaining attention for the superhero blockbuster “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” in which he revisits the wisecracking wall-crawler he played in the “Amazing Spider-Man” movies.

Garfield spoke further about making “Tick, Tick ... Boom!,” swooning over its big-name Broadway cameos and seeing similarities between his Jonathan Larson and his Peter Parker. These are edited excerpts from that conversation.

Q: What did Jonathan Larson mean to you, and what does it mean to be honored like this for playing him?

A: There’s a bittersweetness to it. Obviously the sweetness is evident, and maybe the bitterness can be remedied by keeping his memory alive and keeping his songs being sung, for the ripples of his work to keep spreading and for us to try to give him the harvest of his planting now. It’s a lineage. There would be no Lin-Manuel without Jonathan. There would be no Jonathan without Stephen Sondheim. And I wouldn’t be talking to you without any of them. It’s a real ancestral honoring that we get to do here.

Q: Did you ever think of yourself as a song-and-dance man before making this movie?

A: Only in my imagination. The longing was there — deep, deep down, secretly. I wasn’t brave enough to really own it until Lin started to plant the idea in my head. Or until our massage therapist and our very good friend, Greg Miele, became the intermediary between me and Lin. He’s the massage therapist for both of us, and he lied to Lin, saying that, “Yes, Andrew can sing.” So without Greg’s plying friendship, I wouldn’t be nominated for an Academy Award right now.

Q: Would you ever want to sing again in another role?

A: I would absolutely love to. It’s going to be hard to match this experience, because I’ve been spoiled straight out of the gate. Jonathan Larson as a character inspires so much passion and energy. When he sang, it was life and death. He wasn’t just singing to sing — it was, “No, no, no, I’ve got to reach the White House and the halls of Congress, to change legislation so that my friends don’t die. I need to wake up a whole generation of people to the beauty and meaning of life, and the shortness and sacredness of life.”

Q: Where do you find the energy for a musical number like “Why which is just you sitting at a piano on the stage of the Delacorte Theater, singing about a friend whom he believes will die?

A: That scene is kind of the emotional apex of the piece. I say apex, but what’s the opposite of an apex?

Q: &nbsp;The nadir?

A: The nadir! Thank you. I will not forget that word. It’s the emotional nadir of Jonathan’s journey, and it had to be sung live because of that. And because it was an improvised song — he was just making it up on the spot, to try to meet this impossible moment, of the potential loss of his best friend. You become a deep-sea soul traveler for the sake of an audience.

Q: &nbsp;There are also joyous numbers like “Sunday,”which pays homage to “Sunday in the Park With George” and is just stacked with cameos from theater royalty. Were you star-struck by any of those performers when you shot it?

A: It was at the peak of pre-vaccine, mid-COVID terror. None of them could interact with each other, because they all had to be protected. Everyone came in individually and did their piece, and it was all plated together seamlessly. But I got to interact with every single one of them from Joel Grey to André De Shields, and every moment was special. But then I got to have that moment with Bernadette Peters, which felt like something extra. I got to break the fourth wall with and recognize who I was with. I attempted to give her a fraction of the love and gratitude we all feel for her. And I got to do it in Jonathan Larson drag.

Q: Do you see any overlap between your portrayals of Jonathan Larson and Peter Parker?

A: [Laughs] That’s funny. I shot “Spider-Man” pretty soon after “Tick, Tick ... Boom!,” and I think there might have been a little bit of the spirit of Jon that crept into my Peter Parker. Which didn’t feel inappropriate. There is a kinship there. They’re both New York boys. They’re both working-class heroes that long to do good in the world. They’re both creative artists. They’re both kind of nerds. I don’t know if Jonathan was a comic-book fan, but I would imagine he’d have felt some identification with the struggle of Peter Parker, for sure. 
&nbsp;

In real life, Jonathan Larson never got to fully celebrate his greatest success. He died suddenly in 1996 at the age of 35, just before his rock opera “Rent” won four Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, on its way to becoming a highly influential entry in the pantheon of musical theater.

In real life, Jonathan Larson never got to fully celebrate his greatest success. He died suddenly in 1996 at the age of 35, just before his rock opera “Rent” won four Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, on its way to becoming a highly influential entry in the pantheon of musical theater. But on Tuesday, Andrew Garfield was able to honor Larson, the gifted composer and lyricist he plays in “Tick, Tick ... Boom!”: Garfield received an Academy Award nomination for his lead performance in the film, which is adapted from Larson’s own anxious, autobiographical musical of the same title. In the film, the character is on the cusp of 30, struggling to finish the work that he hopes will provide his big break and wondering if he’ll ever create anything meaningful. Speaking from Los Angeles on Tuesday, Garfield, 38, said any attention he received for the movie should in some way be shared with Larson. “I can take the recognition in a way that feels personal — I’m not shying away from that,” Garfield said. “But I think the lion’s share really goes to Jon — the spirit that he was and the work that he left behind.” “Tick, Tick ... Boom!,” which looks back on Broadway and bohemian Manhattan in the 1990s, comes with its own musical-theater bona fides: It was directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton”) from a screenplay by Steven Levenson (“Dear Evan Hansen”). The Oscar nomination is the second for Garfield (following his role as Army medic Desmond T. Doss in the 2016 World War II drama “Hacksaw Ridge”). It comes at a time when the actor has also been gaining attention for the superhero blockbuster “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” in which he revisits the wisecracking wall-crawler he played in the “Amazing Spider-Man” movies. Garfield spoke further about making “Tick, Tick ... Boom!,” swooning over its big-name Broadway cameos and seeing similarities between his Jonathan Larson and his Peter Parker. These are edited excerpts from that conversation. Q: What did Jonathan Larson mean to you, and what does it mean to be honored like this for playing him? A: There’s a bittersweetness to it. Obviously the sweetness is evident, and maybe the bitterness can be remedied by keeping his memory alive and keeping his songs being sung, for the ripples of his work to keep spreading and for us to try to give him the harvest of his planting now. It’s a lineage. There would be no Lin-Manuel without Jonathan. There would be no Jonathan without Stephen Sondheim. And I wouldn’t be talking to you without any of them. It’s a real ancestral honoring that we get to do here. Q: Did you ever think of yourself as a song-and-dance man before making this movie? A: Only in my imagination. The longing was there — deep, deep down, secretly. I wasn’t brave enough to really own it until Lin started to plant the idea in my head. Or until our massage therapist and our very good friend, Greg Miele, became the intermediary between me and Lin. He’s the massage therapist for both of us, and he lied to Lin, saying that, “Yes, Andrew can sing.” So without Greg’s plying friendship, I wouldn’t be nominated for an Academy Award right now. Q: Would you ever want to sing again in another role? A: I would absolutely love to. It’s going to be hard to match this experience, because I’ve been spoiled straight out of the gate. Jonathan Larson as a character inspires so much passion and energy. When he sang, it was life and death. He wasn’t just singing to sing — it was, “No, no, no, I’ve got to reach the White House and the halls of Congress, to change legislation so that my friends don’t die. I need to wake up a whole generation of people to the beauty and meaning of life, and the shortness and sacredness of life.” Q: Where do you find the energy for a musical number like “Why which is just you sitting at a piano on the stage of the Delacorte Theater, singing about a friend whom he believes will die? A: That scene is kind of the emotional apex of the piece. I say apex, but what’s the opposite of an apex? Q: The nadir? A: The nadir! Thank you. I will not forget that word. It’s the emotional nadir of Jonathan’s journey, and it had to be sung live because of that. And because it was an improvised song — he was just making it up on the spot, to try to meet this impossible moment, of the potential loss of his best friend. You become a deep-sea soul traveler for the sake of an audience. Q: There are also joyous numbers like “Sunday,”which pays homage to “Sunday in the Park With George” and is just stacked with cameos from theater royalty. Were you star-struck by any of those performers when you shot it? A: It was at the peak of pre-vaccine, mid-COVID terror. None of them could interact with each other, because they all had to be protected. Everyone came in individually and did their piece, and it was all plated together seamlessly. But I got to interact with every single one of them from Joel Grey to André De Shields, and every moment was special. But then I got to have that moment with Bernadette Peters, which felt like something extra. I got to break the fourth wall with and recognize who I was with. I attempted to give her a fraction of the love and gratitude we all feel for her. And I got to do it in Jonathan Larson drag. Q: Do you see any overlap between your portrayals of Jonathan Larson and Peter Parker? A: [Laughs] That’s funny. I shot “Spider-Man” pretty soon after “Tick, Tick ... Boom!,” and I think there might have been a little bit of the spirit of Jon that crept into my Peter Parker. Which didn’t feel inappropriate. There is a kinship there. They’re both New York boys. They’re both working-class heroes that long to do good in the world. They’re both creative artists. They’re both kind of nerds. I don’t know if Jonathan was a comic-book fan, but I would imagine he’d have felt some identification with the struggle of Peter Parker, for sure.

Andrew Garfield on ‘Tick, Tick … Boom,’ Jonathan Larson and the Spidey connection

This is a first in Oscar history. Real-life couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem and Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons have been nominated in the four major acting categories at the Oscars this year.&nbsp; 
 
The nomindations were announced on Tuesday morning. Bardem and Cruz, who have been married since 2010 have earned nominations in the Best Actor and Actress category. While Bardem has been nominated for his performance in 'Being the Ricardos', his wife has been nominated in Best Actress category for 'Parallel Mothers'. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscar-nominations-2022-the-complete-list-451503">See full list of nominees here</a> 
 
Another real-life couple Kristen Dunst and Jeese Plemons have earned nominations in supporting categories - both for the film 'The Power Of The Dog'. The couple has been engaged since 2017 and share two children together.&nbsp; 
 
In previous Oscars, only one couple has been nominated the same. Heath Ledger was nominated in the Best Actor category, his girlfriend, actress Michelle Williams earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for the same film. But yesterday's nomination where the two couples covered all four acting categories is considered to be a first in Oscar history.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscar-awards-2022-and-the-nominees-are-451543" hreflang="en">Oscar Awards 2022: And the nominees are...</a> 
 
Another couple came close to a similar nomination but ultimately didn't make it to the list. Both Beyonce and Jay Z were shortlisted for nominations but only Beyonce made it to the final list for her song 'Be Alive' in the film 'King Richard'- a first for the singer.&nbsp; 
 
'Guns Go Bang,' the Jay-Z/Kid Cudi song from 'The Harder They Fall', did not get a nomination.

The Academy Awards will take place on March 27.&nbsp;

This is a first in Oscar history. Real-life couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem and Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons have been nominated in the four major acting categories at the Oscars this year.

This is a first in Oscar history. Real-life couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem and Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons have been nominated in the four major acting categories at the Oscars this year. The nomindations were announced on Tuesday morning. Bardem and Cruz, who have been married since 2010 have earned nominations in the Best Actor and Actress category. While Bardem has been nominated for his performance in 'Being the Ricardos', his wife has been nominated in Best Actress category for 'Parallel Mothers'. See full list of nominees here Another real-life couple Kristen Dunst and Jeese Plemons have earned nominations in supporting categories - both for the film 'The Power Of The Dog'. The couple has been engaged since 2017 and share two children together. In previous Oscars, only one couple has been nominated the same. Heath Ledger was nominated in the Best Actor category, his girlfriend, actress Michelle Williams earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for the same film. But yesterday's nomination where the two couples covered all four acting categories is considered to be a first in Oscar history. Oscar Awards 2022: And the nominees are... Another couple came close to a similar nomination but ultimately didn't make it to the list. Both Beyonce and Jay Z were shortlisted for nominations but only Beyonce made it to the final list for her song 'Be Alive' in the film 'King Richard'- a first for the singer. 'Guns Go Bang,' the Jay-Z/Kid Cudi song from 'The Harder They Fall', did not get a nomination. The Academy Awards will take place on March 27.

Real-life couples Penelope Cruz- Javier Bardem, Kirsten Dunst- Jesse Plemons create Oscar history

India's only entry to Oscar 2022 this year is thanks to two Delhi-based filmmakers- Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh. Their documentary 'Writing With Fire' has earned a nomination in the Best Documentary Feature category.

The film is about the cluttered news landscape dominated by men, and how chief Reporter Meera and her journalists break tradition to come out with India`s only newspaper run by Dalit women.

The film has been making headlines for a while now. It won the Special Jury (Impact For Change) and Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2021. Since then, the film has been doing rounds of various film festivals and has won over 20 international awards.&nbsp; 
 
The Washington Post called 'Writing with Fire' as “The most inspiring journalism movie – maybe ever”. 
 
&nbsp;Other nominees in the Best Documentary Feature category include 'Ascension', 'Attica', 'Flee' and 'Summer of the Soul (Or When the Revolution Could not be Televised)'. 
 
The nominations for Oscars 2022 were announced in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning. 'The Power Of The Dog' and 'Dune' have earned the maximum nominations this year.

India's only entry to Oscar 2022 this year is thanks to two Delhi-based filmmakers- Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh. Their documentary 'Writing With Fire' has earned a nomination in the Best Documentary Feature category.

India's only entry to Oscar 2022 this year is thanks to two Delhi-based filmmakers- Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh. Their documentary 'Writing With Fire' has earned a nomination in the Best Documentary Feature category. The film is about the cluttered news landscape dominated by men, and how chief Reporter Meera and her journalists break tradition to come out with India`s only newspaper run by Dalit women. The film has been making headlines for a while now. It won the Special Jury (Impact For Change) and Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2021. Since then, the film has been doing rounds of various film festivals and has won over 20 international awards. The Washington Post called 'Writing with Fire' as “The most inspiring journalism movie – maybe ever”. Other nominees in the Best Documentary Feature category include 'Ascension', 'Attica', 'Flee' and 'Summer of the Soul (Or When the Revolution Could not be Televised)'. The nominations for Oscars 2022 were announced in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning. 'The Power Of The Dog' and 'Dune' have earned the maximum nominations this year.

Oscars 2022: India's 'Writing With Fire' gets nominated in Best Documentary Feature category

Oscar Awards 2022: And the nominees are...

It’s possible we will see a new trend in the possible nominations at the Oscars.&nbsp;

The three major categories – Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress could possibly not have a first-time nominee mentioned in the list. If this happens, it will be a first in Oscar history.&nbsp;

According to our estimates, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a>&nbsp;Best Actor nominees will have Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”), Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Power of the Dog”), Andrew Garfield (“Tick, Tick … Boom!”), Will Smith (“King Richard”) and Denzel Washington (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”). Even the ones on the bubble are once-nominated or have won, including Mahershala Ali (“Swan Song”), Bradley Cooper (“Nightmare Alley”) and Leonardo DiCaprio (“Don’t Look Up”).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2022-eyeing-multiple-hosts-for-the-award-ceremony-446840" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022 eyeing multiple hosts for the award ceremony</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-history-1923-2022-did-you-know-only-five-black-actors-have-won-best-actor-award-so-far-444715" hreflang="en">Oscars history (1923-2022): Did you know only five Black actors have won Best Actor award so far?</a>

The closest first-timers in the running seem to be Golden Globe nominees Peter Dinklage (“Cyrano”) and Cooper Hoffman (“Licorice Pizza”), and Clifton Collins Jr (“Jockey”) and Simon Rex (“Red Rocket”).&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In Best Actress for Oscars 2022 nominees we could have Kristen Stewart (“Spencer”) but SAG nominations have left her out. There will, however, be Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”), Olivia Colman (“The Lost Daughter”), Lady Gaga (“House of Gucci”), Jennifer Hudson (“Respect”) and Nicole Kidman (“Being the Ricardos”) hopefully.&nbsp;

It’s possible we will see a new trend in the possible nominations at the Oscars. The three major categories – Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress could possibly not have a first-time nominee mentioned in the list.

It’s possible we will see a new trend in the possible nominations at the Oscars. The three major categories – Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress could possibly not have a first-time nominee mentioned in the list. If this happens, it will be a first in Oscar history. According to our estimates, Oscars Best Actor nominees will have Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”), Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Power of the Dog”), Andrew Garfield (“Tick, Tick … Boom!”), Will Smith (“King Richard”) and Denzel Washington (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”). Even the ones on the bubble are once-nominated or have won, including Mahershala Ali (“Swan Song”), Bradley Cooper (“Nightmare Alley”) and Leonardo DiCaprio (“Don’t Look Up”). Also read: Oscars 2022 eyeing multiple hosts for the award ceremony Oscars history (1923-2022): Did you know only five Black actors have won Best Actor award so far? The closest first-timers in the running seem to be Golden Globe nominees Peter Dinklage (“Cyrano”) and Cooper Hoffman (“Licorice Pizza”), and Clifton Collins Jr (“Jockey”) and Simon Rex (“Red Rocket”). In Best Actress for Oscars 2022 nominees we could have Kristen Stewart (“Spencer”) but SAG nominations have left her out. There will, however, be Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”), Olivia Colman (“The Lost Daughter”), Lady Gaga (“House of Gucci”), Jennifer Hudson (“Respect”) and Nicole Kidman (“Being the Ricardos”) hopefully.

Oscars 2022 nominations could have a first? No newcomers in top three categories

A few days back, Tamil film 'Jai Bhim' made its way to the Oscars Youtube page under the Scene At The Academy category. Fans of Suriya, who played the lead role and also produced the film, rejoiced the honour that the film was bestowed with. In fact, Suriya's production house, 2D Entertainment, took to Twitter, to announce the news.&nbsp; 
 
"An honour of the highest order! #JaiBhim has been featured in the official YouTube channel of @TheAcademy #SceneAtTheAcademy," read the tweet.&nbsp;

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An honour of the highest order!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiBhim?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiBhim</a> has been featured in the official YouTube channel of <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAcademy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAcademy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SceneAtTheAcademy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SceneAtTheAcademy</a> 
 
▶️ <a href="https://t.co/CUEu8u0Occ">https://t.co/CUEu8u0Occ</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Suriya_offl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Suriya_offl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jyotika?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jyotika</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tjgnan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tjgnan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rajsekarpandian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajsekarpandian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrimeVideoIN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrimeVideoIN</a>
— 2D Entertainment (@2D_ENTPVTLTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/2D_ENTPVTLTD/status/1483305153642246146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Days later, certain cinephiles have claimed that 'Jai Bhim's' addition in the Scene At The Academy category was not that big an achievement and that a spot under this category can be bought at a certain fee.&nbsp; 
 
When the news first broke last week, it was misconstrued by many that by featuring on the Oscars Youtube channel, 'Jai Bhim' was now eligible to compete in various categories at the Oscars 2022. But that's not the case.&nbsp; 
 
Many argued on Twitter that the 'Jai Bhim' was as eligible for Academy Awards as any other film. The inclusion under the Scene at the Academy category did not ensure direct entry to the award ceremony.&nbsp; 
 
A bit of research lead us to the official Oscars page which clearly indicates that anyone who pays USD 5000 (Rs 3, 70, 000 approx) as a submission fee can qualify to feature a scene under this category.&nbsp;

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If you pay Rs 3,72,000, the video will be published Oscar’s YouTube Channel. This is how Jai Bhim video is streamed in Oscar Channel. So actor Suriya started following cheap marketing tricks as like DMKians? <a href="https://t.co/nFBA9YfG2D">pic.twitter.com/nFBA9YfG2D</a>
— G Pradeep (@pradeep_gee) <a href="https://twitter.com/pradeep_gee/status/1485121985307103234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to the guidelines, if a filmmaker/producer wishes to submit their movie’s clipping to the channel for a spotlight, then they have to a submission fee and feature the filmmaker discussing the scene. The guidelines also state that the clipping can be 15 minutes or a maximum of 20 minutes long. <a href="https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/93aa_sata_guidelines.pdf">Read the guidelines in details here</a> 
 
'Jai Bhim' submitted its introductory scene under this category.&nbsp; 
 
According to the official page, Scene At The Academy is an opportunity to create exclusive content – spotlighting the filmmaking and creative process behind the movies – for the Academy’s global members and fans. 
 
"It focuses on filmmakers and artists talking about the evolution and breakdown of a scene (one or two scenes, maximum) or an element (i.e. song) in the film that captures and represents the approach to the movie," reads the description on the page.&nbsp; 
 
'Jai Bhim' though has made it to the long-form list of films eligible for the 94th Oscars year. At present 276 films are eligible for the awards this year including Mohanlal's 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham'. 
 
Suriya's film, based on a real incident of 1993, was released on Amazon Prime Video in 2021 and is considered one of the best films of the year. The film highlighted police atrocities on the marginal sections of the society, caste violence and how a lawyer fought for the rights of a tribal woman,&nbsp;who has been wronged by the legal system.

A few days back, Tamil film 'Jai Bhim' made its way to the Oscars Youtube page under the Scene At The Academy category. Fans of Suriya, who played the lead role and also produced the film, rejoiced the honour that the film was bestowed with.

A few days back, Tamil film 'Jai Bhim' made its way to the Oscars Youtube page under the Scene At The Academy category. Fans of Suriya, who played the lead role and also produced the film, rejoiced the honour that the film was bestowed with. In fact, Suriya's production house, 2D Entertainment, took to Twitter, to announce the news. "An honour of the highest order! #JaiBhim has been featured in the official YouTube channel of @TheAcademy #SceneAtTheAcademy," read the tweet. An honour of the highest order!#JaiBhim has been featured in the official YouTube channel of @TheAcademy #SceneAtTheAcademy ▶️ https://t.co/CUEu8u0Occ#Oscars @Suriya_offl #Jyotika @tjgnan @rajsekarpandian @PrimeVideoIN — 2D Entertainment (@2D_ENTPVTLTD) January 18, 2022 × Days later, certain cinephiles have claimed that 'Jai Bhim's' addition in the Scene At The Academy category was not that big an achievement and that a spot under this category can be bought at a certain fee. When the news first broke last week, it was misconstrued by many that by featuring on the Oscars Youtube channel, 'Jai Bhim' was now eligible to compete in various categories at the Oscars 2022. But that's not the case. Many argued on Twitter that the 'Jai Bhim' was as eligible for Academy Awards as any other film. The inclusion under the Scene at the Academy category did not ensure direct entry to the award ceremony. A bit of research lead us to the official Oscars page which clearly indicates that anyone who pays USD 5000 (Rs 3, 70, 000 approx) as a submission fee can qualify to feature a scene under this category. If you pay Rs 3,72,000, the video will be published Oscar’s YouTube Channel. This is how Jai Bhim video is streamed in Oscar Channel. So actor Suriya started following cheap marketing tricks as like DMKians? pic.twitter.com/nFBA9YfG2D — G Pradeep (@pradeep_gee) January 23, 2022 × According to the guidelines, if a filmmaker/producer wishes to submit their movie’s clipping to the channel for a spotlight, then they have to a submission fee and feature the filmmaker discussing the scene. The guidelines also state that the clipping can be 15 minutes or a maximum of 20 minutes long. Read the guidelines in details here 'Jai Bhim' submitted its introductory scene under this category. According to the official page, Scene At The Academy is an opportunity to create exclusive content – spotlighting the filmmaking and creative process behind the movies – for the Academy’s global members and fans. "It focuses on filmmakers and artists talking about the evolution and breakdown of a scene (one or two scenes, maximum) or an element (i.e. song) in the film that captures and represents the approach to the movie," reads the description on the page. 'Jai Bhim' though has made it to the long-form list of films eligible for the 94th Oscars year. At present 276 films are eligible for the awards this year including Mohanlal's 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham'. Suriya's film, based on a real incident of 1993, was released on Amazon Prime Video in 2021 and is considered one of the best films of the year. The film highlighted police atrocities on the marginal sections of the society, caste violence and how a lawyer fought for the rights of a tribal woman, who has been wronged by the legal system.

Did 'Jai Bhim' pay to get featured on Oscars Youtube page?

After years of hostless Oscar ceremonies, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is eyeing several hosts for the 2022 award show. 
 
As per Variety, the team behind this year`s ceremony has reached out to several A-listers to host the show together.No hosts have been settled on and discussions are still in the early stages. The decision will ultimately be made by the Academy, ABC and producer Will Packer. 
 
The Oscars haven`t had a host for the past three years. Jimmy Kimmel was the last host in 2018. The last show telecast that had a string of stars hosting was in 1983 when Walter Matthau, Dudley Moore, Richard Pryor and Liza Minnelli appeared.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-history-1923-2022-did-you-know-only-five-black-actors-have-won-best-actor-award-so-far-444715" hreflang="en">Oscars history (1923-2022): Did you know only five Black actors have won Best Actor award so far?</a> 
 
Earlier this month, the Academy shared a poll on Twitter, asking fans who they would like to see hosting this year`s ceremony. 
 
The tweet read, "If we asked you who would you want to host the Oscars, and this is strictly hypothetical, who would it hypothetically be?"Thousands of responses poured in including three-time Oscar nominee Angela Lansbury, `Saturday Night Live` alum Leslie Jones, singer and personality Dionne Warwick, and four-time Emmy nominee Laverne Cox. 
 
Other names including Dwayne Johnson and `Saturday Night Live` star Pete Davidson have previously been thrown into the ring. However, Variety reported that Johnson`s schedule wouldn`t allow him to take up the hosting gig. Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph have been approached in previous years and are being considered for the 2022 ceremony.And `Only Murders in the Building` trio Steve Martin, Selena Gomez and Martin Short are at the very top of the hosting wish list.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/bollywood/news-oscars-2022-mohanlals-marakkar--suriyas-jai-bhim-enter-best-film-eligibility-list-446344" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022: Mohanlal's 'Marakkar' &amp; Suriya's 'Jai Bhim' enter Best Film eligibility list</a> 
 
Hulu and ABC Entertainment president Craig Erwich recently told Variety that the trio is at the top of their wishlist, stating, "They have mass appeal. Everybody loves them. They`d be a dream. That said, there`s a lot of incredible talent we`re considering. We`re having ongoing conversations with Will and the Academy about it."The Oscars 2022 nominations will be announced on February 8 and the award show will air on March 27 on ABC

After years of hostless Oscar ceremonies, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is eyeing several hosts for the 2022 award show. As per Variety, the team behind this year`s ceremony has reached out to several A-listers to host the show together.

After years of hostless Oscar ceremonies, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is eyeing several hosts for the 2022 award show. As per Variety, the team behind this year`s ceremony has reached out to several A-listers to host the show together.No hosts have been settled on and discussions are still in the early stages. The decision will ultimately be made by the Academy, ABC and producer Will Packer. The Oscars haven`t had a host for the past three years. Jimmy Kimmel was the last host in 2018. The last show telecast that had a string of stars hosting was in 1983 when Walter Matthau, Dudley Moore, Richard Pryor and Liza Minnelli appeared. Oscars history (1923-2022): Did you know only five Black actors have won Best Actor award so far? Earlier this month, the Academy shared a poll on Twitter, asking fans who they would like to see hosting this year`s ceremony. The tweet read, "If we asked you who would you want to host the Oscars, and this is strictly hypothetical, who would it hypothetically be?"Thousands of responses poured in including three-time Oscar nominee Angela Lansbury, `Saturday Night Live` alum Leslie Jones, singer and personality Dionne Warwick, and four-time Emmy nominee Laverne Cox. Other names including Dwayne Johnson and `Saturday Night Live` star Pete Davidson have previously been thrown into the ring. However, Variety reported that Johnson`s schedule wouldn`t allow him to take up the hosting gig. Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph have been approached in previous years and are being considered for the 2022 ceremony.And `Only Murders in the Building` trio Steve Martin, Selena Gomez and Martin Short are at the very top of the hosting wish list. Oscars 2022: Mohanlal's 'Marakkar' & Suriya's 'Jai Bhim' enter Best Film eligibility list Hulu and ABC Entertainment president Craig Erwich recently told Variety that the trio is at the top of their wishlist, stating, "They have mass appeal. Everybody loves them. They`d be a dream. That said, there`s a lot of incredible talent we`re considering. We`re having ongoing conversations with Will and the Academy about it."The Oscars 2022 nominations will be announced on February 8 and the award show will air on March 27 on ABC

Oscars 2022 eyeing multiple hosts for the award ceremony

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed the 276 feature films that are eligible for consideration at the 94th Oscars. Although the number is 90 fewer than last year’s 366, but this year&nbsp;two Indian films are heading for Oscars.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-history-1923-2022-did-you-know-only-five-black-actors-have-won-best-actor-award-so-far-444715">Oscars history (1923-2022): Did you know only five Black actors have won Best Actor award so far?</a> 
 
Suriya's blockbuster film 'Jai Bhim' and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s latest period drama 'Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham' have&nbsp;officially made it to the Oscars 2022&nbsp;list. &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarakkarArabikadalinteSimhham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarakkarArabikadalinteSimhham</a> has made it to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a> Best Feature Film list..<a href="https://twitter.com/Mohanlal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mohanlal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/impranavlal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@impranavlal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kalyanipriyan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kalyanipriyan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KeerthyOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KeerthyOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/priyadarshandir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@priyadarshandir</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarakkarArabiasamudrasimham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarakkarArabiasamudrasimham</a> <a href="https://t.co/59IMEzn4tH">pic.twitter.com/59IMEzn4tH</a>
— VamsiShekar (@UrsVamsiShekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/UrsVamsiShekar/status/1484368691127287815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile,&nbsp;few days back a scene from 'Jai Bhim' along with the director's story narrative has been<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/suriyas-jai-bhim-becomes-the-first-tamil-film-to-feature-on-oscars-youtube-channel-445652"> featured </a>on the official YouTube channel of the Oscars. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, the movie&nbsp;is a hard-hitting courtroom drama about the fight for the oppressed and caste-based discrimination.&nbsp; 
 
The movie is inspired by real-life events that happened in the 1990s. Suriya plays advocate Chandru who leads a protest in the court. He is handling a case, which is dismissed as pointless by big-shot lawyers in the High Court. But, not for Chandru, who is determined to get justice for a tribal woman, who has been wronged by the legal system.&nbsp;

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Among the 276 feature films in contention for the 94th Academy Awards <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiBhim?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiBhim</a> is also in this elite elusive list 👌🌟 <a href="https://t.co/VGq7DMC5W8">pic.twitter.com/VGq7DMC5W8</a>
— Kaushik LM (@LMKMovieManiac) <a href="https://twitter.com/LMKMovieManiac/status/1484372628421091335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Mohanlal's period war film is directed by Priyadarshan. Set in the 16th century Calicut, the film is based on the fourth Kunjali Marakkar named Muhammad Ali, the admiral of the fleet of the Zamorin. The movie also stars Mohanlal in the title role and features Arjun Sarja, Suniel Shetty, Prabhu, Manju Warrier, Keerthy Suresh, Nedumudi Venu, Siddique.&nbsp;

'Jai Bhim' and ‘Marakkar’&nbsp;are streaming on Amazon Prime in India

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed the 276 feature films that are eligible for consideration at the 94th Oscars. Although the number is 90 fewer than last year’s 366, but this year two Indian films are heading for Oscars.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed the 276 feature films that are eligible for consideration at the 94th Oscars. Although the number is 90 fewer than last year’s 366, but this year two Indian films are heading for Oscars. Oscars history (1923-2022): Did you know only five Black actors have won Best Actor award so far? Suriya's blockbuster film 'Jai Bhim' and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s latest period drama 'Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham' have officially made it to the Oscars 2022 list. #MarakkarArabikadalinteSimhham has made it to the #Oscars Best Feature Film list..@Mohanlal @impranavlal @kalyanipriyan @KeerthyOfficial @priyadarshandir #MarakkarArabiasamudrasimham pic.twitter.com/59IMEzn4tH — VamsiShekar (@UrsVamsiShekar) January 21, 2022 × Meanwhile, few days back a scene from 'Jai Bhim' along with the director's story narrative has been featured on the official YouTube channel of the Oscars. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, the movie is a hard-hitting courtroom drama about the fight for the oppressed and caste-based discrimination. The movie is inspired by real-life events that happened in the 1990s. Suriya plays advocate Chandru who leads a protest in the court. He is handling a case, which is dismissed as pointless by big-shot lawyers in the High Court. But, not for Chandru, who is determined to get justice for a tribal woman, who has been wronged by the legal system. Among the 276 feature films in contention for the 94th Academy Awards #Oscars, #JaiBhim is also in this elite elusive list 👌🌟 pic.twitter.com/VGq7DMC5W8 — Kaushik LM (@LMKMovieManiac) January 21, 2022 × Mohanlal's period war film is directed by Priyadarshan. Set in the 16th century Calicut, the film is based on the fourth Kunjali Marakkar named Muhammad Ali, the admiral of the fleet of the Zamorin. The movie also stars Mohanlal in the title role and features Arjun Sarja, Suniel Shetty, Prabhu, Manju Warrier, Keerthy Suresh, Nedumudi Venu, Siddique. 'Jai Bhim' and ‘Marakkar’ are streaming on Amazon Prime in India

Oscars 2022: Mohanlal's 'Marakkar' & Suriya's 'Jai Bhim' enter Best Film eligibility list

Oscars history (1923-2022): Did you know only five Black actors have won Best Actor award so far?

The Oscars will have a host for the first time since 2018, broadcaster ABC said Tuesday, after television ratings for film's biggest night have plummeted in recent years.

The 94th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 27, will see Tinseltown's most important prize-giving event return to its traditional Dolby Theatre venue in Hollywood.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-honorary-oscars-gala-delayed-as-hollywood-braces-for-omicron-439177" hreflang="en">Honorary Oscars gala delayed as Hollywood braces for Omicron</a>

Last year's unorthodox edition, held at a Los Angeles train station with no host, was watched by just over 10 million viewers -- a 56 percent decline from 2020, which was already a record low.

"You heard it here first, I can confirm that this year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> will have a host," Craig Erwich, president of ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals, told a virtual panel discussion hosted by the Television Critics Association.

Erwich declined to give any further details, including whether Jimmy Kimmel -- host of ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and the last two hosted Oscars in 2017 and 2018 -- will return.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-halle-berry-if-we-get-an-oscar-we-think-we-are-better-than-others-we-are-really-not-434367" hreflang="en">Halle Berry: If we get an Oscar we think we are better than others, we are really not</a>

"It might be me," he quipped.

In 2019, comedian Kevin Hart pulled out of hosting the Academy Awards after homophobic tweets he made several years earlier reemerged.

He was not replaced, and while that year's hostless format drew praise and was even emulated by other awards shows such as the Emmys, subsequent Oscar ceremonies were criticized for lacking focus and humor.

Also on Tuesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that veteran Glenn Weiss will direct the Oscars for a seventh consecutive year.

Few details have been confirmed for the show, which will be produced by Will Packer and were postponed for a second consecutive year.

The delay, reportedly to avoid clashing with February's Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl in Los Angeles, was announced months before the Omicron variant forced multiple Hollywood shows to scrap in-person events this winter.

The Oscars will have a host for the first time since 2018, broadcaster ABC said Tuesday, after television ratings for film's biggest night have plummeted in recent years.

The Oscars will have a host for the first time since 2018, broadcaster ABC said Tuesday, after television ratings for film's biggest night have plummeted in recent years. The 94th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 27, will see Tinseltown's most important prize-giving event return to its traditional Dolby Theatre venue in Hollywood. Honorary Oscars gala delayed as Hollywood braces for Omicron Last year's unorthodox edition, held at a Los Angeles train station with no host, was watched by just over 10 million viewers -- a 56 percent decline from 2020, which was already a record low. "You heard it here first, I can confirm that this year's Oscars will have a host," Craig Erwich, president of ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals, told a virtual panel discussion hosted by the Television Critics Association. Erwich declined to give any further details, including whether Jimmy Kimmel -- host of ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and the last two hosted Oscars in 2017 and 2018 -- will return. Halle Berry: If we get an Oscar we think we are better than others, we are really not "It might be me," he quipped. In 2019, comedian Kevin Hart pulled out of hosting the Academy Awards after homophobic tweets he made several years earlier reemerged. He was not replaced, and while that year's hostless format drew praise and was even emulated by other awards shows such as the Emmys, subsequent Oscar ceremonies were criticized for lacking focus and humor. Also on Tuesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that veteran Glenn Weiss will direct the Oscars for a seventh consecutive year. Few details have been confirmed for the show, which will be produced by Will Packer and were postponed for a second consecutive year. The delay, reportedly to avoid clashing with February's Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl in Los Angeles, was announced months before the Omicron variant forced multiple Hollywood shows to scrap in-person events this winter.

Oscars will have a host again in 2022

It took Rita Moreno a year to agree to a documentary about her career. When she finally watched it for the first time, she exclaimed to her daughter: 'What a life I've had!'

The Puerto Rican superstar's seven decades in show business have earned her Emmys, a Grammy, a Tony and an Oscar -- the rare 'EGOT'&nbsp;feat, achieved by only 16 artists ever.

Moreno is the only Latina among them, having overcome racism and sexual abuse in Hollywood long before #MeToo, as well as a tumultuous romance with Marlon Brando.

Now a happy mother and grandmother, she is the subject of 'Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It'&nbsp;on Netflix, which traces the ups and downs of a life often seen to embody the 'American Dream.'

And at 90 she is back on the big screen thanks to "West Side Story," Steven Spielberg's remake of the film that won her an Oscar in 1962 -- which could now earn her another.&nbsp;

Having won best supporting actress all those decades ago as the feisty Anita, Moreno steps into a new role as Valentina, while her former character is played by young Broadway star Ariana DeBose.

"That was very difficult for me," Moreno told AFP, describing a scene where Valentina rescues Anita from sexual assault.

"I've gotta tell you it was surreal, very strange. Difficult. Exciting.&nbsp; "My brain was telling me 'no, no, no, that's not Anita. You're Anita!' I had to tell my brain, 'No, I'm not Anita any more.'"

&nbsp;'No role models' -

Moreno was born in Puerto Rico in 1931. She emigrated with her mother to New York when she was five, where her dancing opened doors to the entertainment industry.

"At the time there were no role models for girls like me," so she chose Elizabeth Taylor, Moreno recalled.

She made her Broadway debut at 13, and soon after found herself in the movies.

On the big screen she received endless "ethnic" roles. Not even her Oscar for "West Side Story," in which her skin was painted darker, would end the typecasting.

But she continued to expand her career in theater and on television, becoming a role model for today's Latino stars like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Gloria Estefan and Eva Longoria.&nbsp;

They and others speak of Moreno's inspiring work in the new documentary, which elicits laughter and admiration as well as tears.

"I promised myself that I was going to be as honest as I could be," said Moreno.

Despite decades on the screen, she admitted it was difficult to open up about behind-the-scenes strife in her marriage to US cardiologist Leonard Gordon, who died in 2010.

"It was the first and only time on set that I had to ask them to cut because I was going to cry."

Moreno is more visceral when discussing Brando, with whom she had a passionate eight-year relationship.&nbsp;

"Have you ever be so obsessed by somebody that you feel as if you can't breathe without them? That's how Marlon felt about himself," she quips.

"He was the daddy I couldn't please," adds Moreno.

&nbsp;'Nervous' -

These days, Moreno lives in California, enjoys cooking and makes a gazpacho "to die for."

But the next few months are unlikely to be quiet, as anticipation mounts that Moreno could be in line for a second Oscar for the new "West Side Story."&nbsp;

That could potentially pit her against her young co-star DeBose.

"Ariana will be nervous that I got nominated, that's what I think, because she thinks 'Oh wow, it's Rita Moreno," she told AFP, flitting between Spanish and English.

"And I'm thinking 'no, no, no, you played Anita, not me, and you deserve it.'... She was fabulous, she was divine."&nbsp;

The pair both earned supporting actress nods from the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, with the Oscars still to come.

"I called Steven Spielberg and said 'What should I do? Should I show up to these things?'" Moreno recalled, worrying that her presence could make DeBose "nervous."

"He said: 'Absolutely, you must show up just to show that everybody is friendly with everybody in the cast... you were chosen, you need to be there.'"

It took Rita Moreno a year to agree to a documentary about her career. When she finally watched it for the first time, she exclaimed to her daughter: 'What a life I've had!

It took Rita Moreno a year to agree to a documentary about her career. When she finally watched it for the first time, she exclaimed to her daughter: 'What a life I've had!' The Puerto Rican superstar's seven decades in show business have earned her Emmys, a Grammy, a Tony and an Oscar -- the rare 'EGOT' feat, achieved by only 16 artists ever. Moreno is the only Latina among them, having overcome racism and sexual abuse in Hollywood long before #MeToo, as well as a tumultuous romance with Marlon Brando. Now a happy mother and grandmother, she is the subject of 'Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It' on Netflix, which traces the ups and downs of a life often seen to embody the 'American Dream.' And at 90 she is back on the big screen thanks to "West Side Story," Steven Spielberg's remake of the film that won her an Oscar in 1962 -- which could now earn her another. Having won best supporting actress all those decades ago as the feisty Anita, Moreno steps into a new role as Valentina, while her former character is played by young Broadway star Ariana DeBose. "That was very difficult for me," Moreno told AFP, describing a scene where Valentina rescues Anita from sexual assault. "I've gotta tell you it was surreal, very strange. Difficult. Exciting. "My brain was telling me 'no, no, no, that's not Anita. You're Anita!' I had to tell my brain, 'No, I'm not Anita any more.'" 'No role models' - Moreno was born in Puerto Rico in 1931. She emigrated with her mother to New York when she was five, where her dancing opened doors to the entertainment industry. "At the time there were no role models for girls like me," so she chose Elizabeth Taylor, Moreno recalled. She made her Broadway debut at 13, and soon after found herself in the movies. On the big screen she received endless "ethnic" roles. Not even her Oscar for "West Side Story," in which her skin was painted darker, would end the typecasting. But she continued to expand her career in theater and on television, becoming a role model for today's Latino stars like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Gloria Estefan and Eva Longoria. They and others speak of Moreno's inspiring work in the new documentary, which elicits laughter and admiration as well as tears. "I promised myself that I was going to be as honest as I could be," said Moreno. Despite decades on the screen, she admitted it was difficult to open up about behind-the-scenes strife in her marriage to US cardiologist Leonard Gordon, who died in 2010. "It was the first and only time on set that I had to ask them to cut because I was going to cry." Moreno is more visceral when discussing Brando, with whom she had a passionate eight-year relationship. "Have you ever be so obsessed by somebody that you feel as if you can't breathe without them? That's how Marlon felt about himself," she quips. "He was the daddy I couldn't please," adds Moreno. 'Nervous' - These days, Moreno lives in California, enjoys cooking and makes a gazpacho "to die for." But the next few months are unlikely to be quiet, as anticipation mounts that Moreno could be in line for a second Oscar for the new "West Side Story." That could potentially pit her against her young co-star DeBose. "Ariana will be nervous that I got nominated, that's what I think, because she thinks 'Oh wow, it's Rita Moreno," she told AFP, flitting between Spanish and English. "And I'm thinking 'no, no, no, you played Anita, not me, and you deserve it.'... She was fabulous, she was divine." The pair both earned supporting actress nods from the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, with the Oscars still to come. "I called Steven Spielberg and said 'What should I do? Should I show up to these things?'" Moreno recalled, worrying that her presence could make DeBose "nervous." "He said: 'Absolutely, you must show up just to show that everybody is friendly with everybody in the cast... you were chosen, you need to be there.'"

'What a life!': Rita Moreno reflects as new Oscars bid looms

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

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

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

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

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its shortlists in 10 categories. Oscars in categories including Best International Film, Documentary Feature, Live Short, Original Song and others were announced.&nbsp;

Sadly, India’s official entry this year for Best International Feature, Tamil film ‘Koozhangal (Pebbles)’ is out of the race for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars.</a> Keeping the flame ignited for India is another film, Rintu Thomas’ ‘Writing with Fire’ in documentary feature category.&nbsp;

Check out the shortlisted names in Oscars Best International Film category:&nbsp;

Great Freedom (Austria) – dir. Sebastian Meise 
Playground (Belgium) – dir. Laura Wandel 
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan) – dir. Pawo Choyning Dorji 
Flee (Denmark) – dir. Jonas Poher Rasmussen 
Compartment No. 6 (Finland) – dir. Juho Kuosmanen 
I’m Your Man (Germany) – dir. Maria Schrader 
Lamb (Iceland) – dir. Valdimar Jóhannsson 
A Hero (Iran) – dir. Asghar Farhadi 
The Hand of God (Italy) – dir. Paolo Sorrentino 
Drive My Car (Japan) – dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi 
Hive (Kosovo) – dir. Blerta Basholli 
Prayers for the Stolen (Mexico) – dir. Tatiana Huezo 
The Worst Person in the World (Norway) – dir. Joachim Trier 
Plaza Catedral (Panama) – dir. Abner Benaim 
The Good Boss (Spain) – dir. Fernando León de Aranoa

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kristen-stewart-reacts-to-oscar-buzz-for-her-performance-in-spencer-i-dont-give-a-st-430465" hreflang="en">Kristen Stewart reacts to Oscar buzz for her performance in 'Spencer': 'I don't give a s**t'</a>

Meanwhile, check out the Best Documentary Feature category for Oscars 2022:

Ascension (MTV Documentary Films) – dir. Jessica Kingdon 
Attica (Showtime) – dir. Stanley Nelson 
Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry (Apple Original Films) – dir. RJ Cutler 
Faya Dayi (Janus Films) – dir. Jessica Beshir 
The First Wave (National Geographic) – dir. Matthew Heineman 
Flee (Neon) – dir. Jonas Poher Rasmussen 
In the Same Breath (HBO Documentary Films) – dir. Nanfu Wang 
Julia (Sony Pictures Classics) – dir. Julie Cohen, Betsy West 
President (Greenwich Entertainment) – dir. Camilla Nielsson 
Procession (Netflix) – dir. Robert Greene 
The Rescue (National Geographic) – dir. Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi 
Simple as Water (HBO Documentary Films) – dir. Megan Mylan 
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures) – dir. Quest Love 
The Velvet Underground (Apple Original Films) – dir. Todd Haynes 
Writing with Fire (Music Box Films) – dir. Rintu Thomas

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nzyWNOkKnJg" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe>

This year’s Oscars list for Best Original Song includes:&nbsp;

So May We Start? from Annette (Amazon Studios) Ron Mael, Russell Mael (Sparks) 
Down To Joy from Belfast (Focus Features) Van Morrison 
Right Where I Belong from Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road (Screen Media Films) Brian Wilson, Jim James 
Automatic Woman from Bruised (Netflix) H.E.R. (other songwriters to be added) 
Dream Girl from Cinderella (Amazon Studios) Idina Menzel, Laura Veltz 
Beyond The Shore from CODA (Apple Original Films) Nicholai Baxter, Matt Dahan, Sian Heder, Marius de Vries 
The Anonymous Ones from Dear Evan Hansen (Universal Pictures) Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Amandla Stenberg 
Just Look Up from Don’t Look Up (Netflix) Nicholas Britell, Ariana Grande, Scott Mescudi, Taura Stinson 
Dos Oruguitas from Encanto (Walt Disney Pictures) Lin-Manuel Miranda 
Somehow You Do from Four Good Days (Vertical Entertainment) Diane Warren 
Guns Go Bang from The Harder They Fall (Netflix) Jeymes Samuel, Scott Mescudi, Shawn Carter 
Be Alive from King Richard (Warner Bros) Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Dixson 
No Time To Die from No Time to Die (MGM/United Artists Releasing) Billie Eilish, Finneas O’Connell 
Here I Am (Singing My Way Home) from Respect (MGM/United Artists Releasing) Jamie Alexander Hartman, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King 
Your Song Saved My Life from Sing 2 (Illumination/Universal Pictures) Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen, Jr.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/exclusive-indian-filmmaker-deepak-reddy-to-wion-on-his-film-manasanamaha-qualifying-for-oscars-2022-438634" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Indian filmmaker Deepak Reddy to WION on his film 'Manasanamaha' qualifying for Oscars 2022</a>

Academy also announced shortlists for the makeup and hairstyling, sound, visual effects, original score, and short films; animated, documentary and live-action.&nbsp;

The 94th Academy Awards (Oscars) will be held on March 27. The final nominees will be announced on February 8, 2022.&nbsp;

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its shortlists in 10 categories. Oscars in categories including Best International Film, Documentary Feature, Live Short, Original Song and others were announced.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its shortlists in 10 categories. Oscars in categories including Best International Film, Documentary Feature, Live Short, Original Song and others were announced. Sadly, India’s official entry this year for Best International Feature, Tamil film ‘Koozhangal (Pebbles)’ is out of the race for Oscars. Keeping the flame ignited for India is another film, Rintu Thomas’ ‘Writing with Fire’ in documentary feature category. Check out the shortlisted names in Oscars Best International Film category: Great Freedom (Austria) – dir. Sebastian Meise Playground (Belgium) – dir. Laura Wandel Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan) – dir. Pawo Choyning Dorji Flee (Denmark) – dir. Jonas Poher Rasmussen Compartment No. 6 (Finland) – dir. Juho Kuosmanen I’m Your Man (Germany) – dir. Maria Schrader Lamb (Iceland) – dir. Valdimar Jóhannsson A Hero (Iran) – dir. Asghar Farhadi The Hand of God (Italy) – dir. Paolo Sorrentino Drive My Car (Japan) – dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi Hive (Kosovo) – dir. Blerta Basholli Prayers for the Stolen (Mexico) – dir. Tatiana Huezo The Worst Person in the World (Norway) – dir. Joachim Trier Plaza Catedral (Panama) – dir. Abner Benaim The Good Boss (Spain) – dir. Fernando León de Aranoa Also read: Kristen Stewart reacts to Oscar buzz for her performance in 'Spencer': 'I don't give a s**t' Meanwhile, check out the Best Documentary Feature category for Oscars 2022: Ascension (MTV Documentary Films) – dir. Jessica Kingdon Attica (Showtime) – dir. Stanley Nelson Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry (Apple Original Films) – dir. RJ Cutler Faya Dayi (Janus Films) – dir. Jessica Beshir The First Wave (National Geographic) – dir. Matthew Heineman Flee (Neon) – dir. Jonas Poher Rasmussen In the Same Breath (HBO Documentary Films) – dir. Nanfu Wang Julia (Sony Pictures Classics) – dir. Julie Cohen, Betsy West President (Greenwich Entertainment) – dir. Camilla Nielsson Procession (Netflix) – dir. Robert Greene The Rescue (National Geographic) – dir. Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi Simple as Water (HBO Documentary Films) – dir. Megan Mylan Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures) – dir. Quest Love The Velvet Underground (Apple Original Films) – dir. Todd Haynes Writing with Fire (Music Box Films) – dir. Rintu Thomas This year’s Oscars list for Best Original Song includes: So May We Start? from Annette (Amazon Studios) Ron Mael, Russell Mael (Sparks) Down To Joy from Belfast (Focus Features) Van Morrison Right Where I Belong from Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road (Screen Media Films) Brian Wilson, Jim James Automatic Woman from Bruised (Netflix) H.E.R. (other songwriters to be added) Dream Girl from Cinderella (Amazon Studios) Idina Menzel, Laura Veltz Beyond The Shore from CODA (Apple Original Films) Nicholai Baxter, Matt Dahan, Sian Heder, Marius de Vries The Anonymous Ones from Dear Evan Hansen (Universal Pictures) Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Amandla Stenberg Just Look Up from Don’t Look Up (Netflix) Nicholas Britell, Ariana Grande, Scott Mescudi, Taura Stinson Dos Oruguitas from Encanto (Walt Disney Pictures) Lin-Manuel Miranda Somehow You Do from Four Good Days (Vertical Entertainment) Diane Warren Guns Go Bang from The Harder They Fall (Netflix) Jeymes Samuel, Scott Mescudi, Shawn Carter Be Alive from King Richard (Warner Bros) Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Dixson No Time To Die from No Time to Die (MGM/United Artists Releasing) Billie Eilish, Finneas O’Connell Here I Am (Singing My Way Home) from Respect (MGM/United Artists Releasing) Jamie Alexander Hartman, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King Your Song Saved My Life from Sing 2 (Illumination/Universal Pictures) Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen, Jr. Also read: Exclusive: Indian filmmaker Deepak Reddy to WION on his film 'Manasanamaha' qualifying for Oscars 2022 Academy also announced shortlists for the makeup and hairstyling, sound, visual effects, original score, and short films; animated, documentary and live-action. The 94th Academy Awards (Oscars) will be held on March 27. The final nominees will be announced on February 8, 2022.

Oscars 2022: India's official entry 'Koozhangal' out of race, 'Writing With Fire' makes it

It’s a matter of pride for India as director Deepak Reddy’s short film ‘Manasanamaha’ has qualified for Oscars 2022 in the Live Action Short category. Competing against films from all around the world to land a spot in the final nominations list, this&nbsp;love story that goes back and forth in its narrative style starring Viraj Ashwin and Drishika Chander in lead roles is the only Telugu film in the list so far and the director is nothing short of excited.&nbsp;

Released in multiple Indian languages including Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and&nbsp;Telugu and produced by Gajjala Shilpa, ‘Manasanamaha’ is a passion project for Deepak who plans to make a full length feature along the same lines. He&nbsp;released this short as a teaser to what’s in store next and who would believe where this has taken him and Indian film industry at this year's Academy race?

Speaking to WION about Academy’s nod to his short film, how the worldwide recognition has affected him and his future plans, Deepak Reddy sat down for an exclusive with us.

Here are the edited excerpts of our conversation:&nbsp;

WION: What does Manasanamaha mean? What has the film been for you so far with several hundred&nbsp;awards in your kitty already for this film?

Deepak Reddy: In English, Manasanamaha means ‘Salutations To The Mind’. My film has been in film festivals for the past one year. It has actually won 1000s awards and holds a record for the same but I’ll talk about that some other time. I plan to make a feature film on similar lines so will talk about this feat when the time is right and my feature film is in place. It might take a month or two to make that announcement.&nbsp;

It has meanwhile qualified for not just <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars </a>but BAFTA and Canadian Screen Awards in the past. The film was shot in five days but had excessive pre-production and post-production work.

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<h5>I am from an&nbsp;engineering background, did my Masters from the US. I came back to India only to make films as I&nbsp;wanted to be a full-time filmmaker. I gave up my career for films.</h5>
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I didn’t make the film for any kind of festivals circuit because a love story usually doesn’t hit the right cord with film festivals. I just wanted to make something with my heart. I am from an&nbsp;engineering background. I did my Masters from the US. I came back to India only to make films as I&nbsp;wanted to be a full-time filmmaker. I gave up my career for films. After I came back, I just wanted to start with a short film. a demo version of a film which I could take to a producer and get a nod for a feature. This was my main motto to make this film and interestingly, even before the film went to festivals, I got my feature film with a big production. Its one of the biggest production houses in india. It’s an Indian film company which has released and produced a lot of films. I essentially made this film as a teaser for a feature film. It makes me extremely happy to have gotten appreciation from filmmakers. When Gautam (Vasudev Menon) sir called me (of the fame&nbsp;Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein), I was shocked since I’m a huge fan&nbsp;of his. Sukumar (Bandreddi) sir, my all time favourite filmmaker also called. So did Krish (Jagarlamudi) who made Manikarnika.

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<h5>When Gautam (Vasudev Menon) sir called me (of the fame&nbsp;Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein), I was shocked since I’m a huge fan&nbsp;of his. Sukumar (Bandreddi) sir, my all time favourite filmmaker also called. So did Krish (Jagarlamudi) who made Manikarnika.</h5>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-this-is-why-r-madhavan-has-moved-to-dubai-with-son-vedaant-438541" hreflang="en">This is why R Madhavan has moved to Dubai with son Vedaant</a>

WION: How did you end up sending Manasanamaha to so many film festivals? Can you elaborate the process for budding filmmakers who might be interested?

Deepak Reddy: Some of my friends from the UK watched the film and said that I should send it to film festivals. So then we pooled in resources and started approaching them with this film. Fortunately, we got positive responses from all places and it came back winning at each of the festivals. You can check out the number of awards the short film has to its credit on imdB. After BAFTA qualification, we got Wales Festival, it won Best Romantic Comedy at oldest film festival, Houston Festival. Around 950 awards came in total in just a span of an year of the festival run.

I got numb with the response and then Oscars qualification.&nbsp;

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WION: How positive are you about making it to the final round at Oscars 2022?&nbsp;

Deepak Reddy: For short films, there are only two categories, live action and animation. I'm happy that we have come to this level after so much of festival run. I don't think foreign films usually win in these categories. Like the South Korean film ‘Parasite’ took the world by a surprise in main categories at Oscars, for shorts there are only categories. All I can say for Manasanamaha is that I’m happy for the journey of the film. At Oscars, much like BAFTA, it’s the Hollywood films that pick up the big wins but I’m hopeful.&nbsp;

WION: Since you’re so enthusiastic about getting to make a feature film and with a huge production house too, what can you tell us about it?&nbsp;

Deepak Reddy: (Has a hearty laugh....)&nbsp;It’s sort of the same idea but not the same story. It will happen next year. Nothing has been finalised yet so I can’t tell you anything apart from the fact that things are happening but nothing concrete yet. It will have a big star cast courtesy the production house.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/yearender-2021-clutter-breaking-indian-filmsshows-that-dominated-ott-space-438492" hreflang="en">Yearender 2021: Clutter-breaking Indian films/shows that dominated OTT space</a>

WION: How do you feel about the prospect of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tamil-drama-koozhangal-is-indias-official-entry-for-oscars-2022-423529">India’s official entry to Oscars 2022, Koozhangal</a>?&nbsp;

Deepak Reddy: I haven't watched the film. It looks brilliant. I have watched the teasers though. I would want to watch it. It definitely has high chances of making it to Oscars nominations list. It will be a huge deal for India if it does.&nbsp;

Shortlists for the Oscars International and Documentary categories will be revealed on December 21. Nominations for the 94th Academy Awards will be announced February 8, and the ceremony will take place on March 27 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-hyderabad-witnesses-its-first-gay-marriage-see-the-beautiful-photos-of-the-ceremony-438385" hreflang="en">Hyderabad witnesses its first gay marriage, see the beautiful photos of the ceremony</a>

It’s a matter of pride for India as director Deepak Reddy’s short film ‘Manasanamaha’ has qualified for Oscars 2022 in the Live Action Short category. Competing against films from all around the world to land a spot in the final nominations list, this love story that goes back and forth in its narrative style starring Viraj Ashwin and Drishika Chander in lead roles is the only Telugu film in the list so far and the director is nothing short of excited.

It’s a matter of pride for India as director Deepak Reddy’s short film ‘Manasanamaha’ has qualified for Oscars 2022 in the Live Action Short category. Competing against films from all around the world to land a spot in the final nominations list, this love story that goes back and forth in its narrative style starring Viraj Ashwin and Drishika Chander in lead roles is the only Telugu film in the list so far and the director is nothing short of excited. Released in multiple Indian languages including Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Telugu and produced by Gajjala Shilpa, ‘Manasanamaha’ is a passion project for Deepak who plans to make a full length feature along the same lines. He released this short as a teaser to what’s in store next and who would believe where this has taken him and Indian film industry at this year's Academy race? Speaking to WION about Academy’s nod to his short film, how the worldwide recognition has affected him and his future plans, Deepak Reddy sat down for an exclusive with us. Here are the edited excerpts of our conversation: WION: What does Manasanamaha mean? What has the film been for you so far with several hundred awards in your kitty already for this film? Deepak Reddy: In English, Manasanamaha means ‘Salutations To The Mind’. My film has been in film festivals for the past one year. It has actually won 1000s awards and holds a record for the same but I’ll talk about that some other time. I plan to make a feature film on similar lines so will talk about this feat when the time is right and my feature film is in place. It might take a month or two to make that announcement. It has meanwhile qualified for not just Oscars but BAFTA and Canadian Screen Awards in the past. The film was shot in five days but had excessive pre-production and post-production work. I am from an engineering background, did my Masters from the US. I came back to India only to make films as I wanted to be a full-time filmmaker. I gave up my career for films. × I didn’t make the film for any kind of festivals circuit because a love story usually doesn’t hit the right cord with film festivals. I just wanted to make something with my heart. I am from an engineering background. I did my Masters from the US. I came back to India only to make films as I wanted to be a full-time filmmaker. I gave up my career for films. After I came back, I just wanted to start with a short film. a demo version of a film which I could take to a producer and get a nod for a feature. This was my main motto to make this film and interestingly, even before the film went to festivals, I got my feature film with a big production. Its one of the biggest production houses in india. It’s an Indian film company which has released and produced a lot of films. I essentially made this film as a teaser for a feature film. It makes me extremely happy to have gotten appreciation from filmmakers. When Gautam (Vasudev Menon) sir called me (of the fame Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein), I was shocked since I’m a huge fan of his. Sukumar (Bandreddi) sir, my all time favourite filmmaker also called. So did Krish (Jagarlamudi) who made Manikarnika. When Gautam (Vasudev Menon) sir called me (of the fame Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein), I was shocked since I’m a huge fan of his. Sukumar (Bandreddi) sir, my all time favourite filmmaker also called. So did Krish (Jagarlamudi) who made Manikarnika. × Also read: This is why R Madhavan has moved to Dubai with son Vedaant WION: How did you end up sending Manasanamaha to so many film festivals? Can you elaborate the process for budding filmmakers who might be interested? Deepak Reddy: Some of my friends from the UK watched the film and said that I should send it to film festivals. So then we pooled in resources and started approaching them with this film. Fortunately, we got positive responses from all places and it came back winning at each of the festivals. You can check out the number of awards the short film has to its credit on imdB. After BAFTA qualification, we got Wales Festival, it won Best Romantic Comedy at oldest film festival, Houston Festival. Around 950 awards came in total in just a span of an year of the festival run. I got numb with the response and then Oscars qualification. I am numb with the response to my film and then Oscars qualification. × WION: How positive are you about making it to the final round at Oscars 2022? Deepak Reddy: For short films, there are only two categories, live action and animation. I'm happy that we have come to this level after so much of festival run. I don't think foreign films usually win in these categories. Like the South Korean film ‘Parasite’ took the world by a surprise in main categories at Oscars, for shorts there are only categories. All I can say for Manasanamaha is that I’m happy for the journey of the film. At Oscars, much like BAFTA, it’s the Hollywood films that pick up the big wins but I’m hopeful. WION: Since you’re so enthusiastic about getting to make a feature film and with a huge production house too, what can you tell us about it? Deepak Reddy: (Has a hearty laugh....) It’s sort of the same idea but not the same story. It will happen next year. Nothing has been finalised yet so I can’t tell you anything apart from the fact that things are happening but nothing concrete yet. It will have a big star cast courtesy the production house. Also read: Yearender 2021: Clutter-breaking Indian films/shows that dominated OTT space WION: How do you feel about the prospect of India’s official entry to Oscars 2022, Koozhangal? Deepak Reddy: I haven't watched the film. It looks brilliant. I have watched the teasers though. I would want to watch it. It definitely has high chances of making it to Oscars nominations list. It will be a huge deal for India if it does. Shortlists for the Oscars International and Documentary categories will be revealed on December 21. Nominations for the 94th Academy Awards will be announced February 8, and the ceremony will take place on March 27 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Also read: Hyderabad witnesses its first gay marriage, see the beautiful photos of the ceremony

Exclusive: Indian filmmaker Deepak Reddy to WION on his film 'Manasanamaha' qualifying for Oscars 2022

At a bustling Indian market, a child labourer carrying bags of flowers was captivated by cameramen riding huge cranes during film shoots. Two decades later the boy has become his country's latest cinematic sensation.

P.S. Vinothraj's low-budget debut movie "Koozhangal" -- internationally known by its translated title "Pebbles" -- has been selected as India's entry to the international feature film category at next year's Oscars.

The 32-year-old drew from his family's battle with poverty and his sister's experience of marital abuse to tell the story of an alcoholic father and his young son walking through a barren, unforgiving landscape in his home state of Tamil Nadu.

"My real-life experience gave me toughness and has helped in this film. That kind of life has become the film," Vinothraj told AFP.

The result is an observational drama Indian critics have described as a "masterpiece" and a "sensational debut... that is evocative, visceral and powerful".

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-kartik-aaryan-ranveer-singh-ranbir-kapoor-in-pyaar-ka-punchnama-3-436318" hreflang="en">Kartik Aaryan, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor in Pyaar Ka Punchnama 3?</a></h2>

It won the Tiger Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, with the jury saying the "seemingly simple and humble" effort was a "lesson in pure cinema".

Vinothraj joins an emerging movement of Tamil directors -- many from disadvantaged backgrounds like his own -- addressing societal inequities through the voices and lives of everyday people.

Had it not been picked up by the festival circuit his original plan was to show "Pebbles" in the villages where it was shot -- with fewer than 40 actors and crew.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/filmmaker-ali-akbar-converts-to-hinduism-condemns-disrespectful-reactions-on-cds-bipin-rawats-death-436313" hreflang="en">Filmmaker Ali Akbar converts to Hinduism, condemns disrespectful reactions on CDS Bipin Rawat's death</a></h2>

It is the culmination of the young filmmaker's long journey to the big screen.

He started selling flowers in Madurai at the age of nine to support his family after his father died.

"So much has happened in my life and those things have made me ready for this," he said through a translator.

"I don't speak English nor do I have an education. Life's journey has taught me everything. Those are the metaphors in the film -- that is life's journey."

Vinothraj worked throughout his childhood and teenage years, moving to different towns and cities.

At one point, he was a labourer at a textile company in Tiruppur, where he "witnessed many people's lives being ruined in front of my eyes" over personal and financial woes.

"Some got married very young and went through multiple struggles. All of that stayed with me, wanting to express those struggles."

- 'Simple, honest stories' -

Believing that education could help him fulfil his dream of becoming a director, the aspiring auteur tried to go back to school, but was told he was too old.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/yearender-2021-paris-hilton-to-varun-dhawan-a-look-back-at-beautiful-celebrity-weddings-435496" hreflang="en">Yearender 2021: Paris Hilton to Varun Dhawan- A look back at beautiful celebrity weddings</a>

He eventually moved to the state capital Chennai and broadened his cinematic knowledge by watching movies while working at a DVD store, before getting work as an assistant on short films and in theatre.

As he sought ideas for his first feature film, Vinothraj's sister walked through the door of the family home, crying, her two-year-old child in her arms.

She had been forced out of her marital home by her husband, and made the 13-kilometre (eight-mile) journey back on foot.

"I had pain and I wondered why real life is such a struggle. And I realised, I am in cinema -- that's my tool. I can talk about my pain through cinema."

The father-and-son journey in "Pebbles" is told through the eyes of the child, while Tamil Nadu's harsh rural environment and the toll it takes on his characters is a central theme of the film.

The title comes from a synonym Tamils use for hills -- and the stones country-dwellers put in their mouths to ward off thirst on long journeys.

"To know that this film has won the Tiger Award and is being sent as India's entry to the Oscars, I feel very proud," Vinothraj said.&nbsp;

"Watching this film with an audience that has been so supportive, it feels like a big celebration for me."

His next project is also inspired by a family situation, and he wants to keep making "simple, honest stories about life".

At a bustling Indian market, a child labourer carrying bags of flowers was captivated by cameramen riding huge cranes during film shoots. Two decades later the boy has become his country's latest cinematic sensation.

At a bustling Indian market, a child labourer carrying bags of flowers was captivated by cameramen riding huge cranes during film shoots. Two decades later the boy has become his country's latest cinematic sensation. P.S. Vinothraj's low-budget debut movie "Koozhangal" -- internationally known by its translated title "Pebbles" -- has been selected as India's entry to the international feature film category at next year's Oscars. The 32-year-old drew from his family's battle with poverty and his sister's experience of marital abuse to tell the story of an alcoholic father and his young son walking through a barren, unforgiving landscape in his home state of Tamil Nadu. "My real-life experience gave me toughness and has helped in this film. That kind of life has become the film," Vinothraj told AFP. The result is an observational drama Indian critics have described as a "masterpiece" and a "sensational debut... that is evocative, visceral and powerful". Kartik Aaryan, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor in Pyaar Ka Punchnama 3? It won the Tiger Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, with the jury saying the "seemingly simple and humble" effort was a "lesson in pure cinema". Vinothraj joins an emerging movement of Tamil directors -- many from disadvantaged backgrounds like his own -- addressing societal inequities through the voices and lives of everyday people. Had it not been picked up by the festival circuit his original plan was to show "Pebbles" in the villages where it was shot -- with fewer than 40 actors and crew. Filmmaker Ali Akbar converts to Hinduism, condemns disrespectful reactions on CDS Bipin Rawat's death It is the culmination of the young filmmaker's long journey to the big screen. He started selling flowers in Madurai at the age of nine to support his family after his father died. "So much has happened in my life and those things have made me ready for this," he said through a translator. "I don't speak English nor do I have an education. Life's journey has taught me everything. Those are the metaphors in the film -- that is life's journey." Vinothraj worked throughout his childhood and teenage years, moving to different towns and cities. At one point, he was a labourer at a textile company in Tiruppur, where he "witnessed many people's lives being ruined in front of my eyes" over personal and financial woes. "Some got married very young and went through multiple struggles. All of that stayed with me, wanting to express those struggles." - 'Simple, honest stories' - Believing that education could help him fulfil his dream of becoming a director, the aspiring auteur tried to go back to school, but was told he was too old. Yearender 2021: Paris Hilton to Varun Dhawan- A look back at beautiful celebrity weddings He eventually moved to the state capital Chennai and broadened his cinematic knowledge by watching movies while working at a DVD store, before getting work as an assistant on short films and in theatre. As he sought ideas for his first feature film, Vinothraj's sister walked through the door of the family home, crying, her two-year-old child in her arms. She had been forced out of her marital home by her husband, and made the 13-kilometre (eight-mile) journey back on foot. "I had pain and I wondered why real life is such a struggle. And I realised, I am in cinema -- that's my tool. I can talk about my pain through cinema." The father-and-son journey in "Pebbles" is told through the eyes of the child, while Tamil Nadu's harsh rural environment and the toll it takes on his characters is a central theme of the film. The title comes from a synonym Tamils use for hills -- and the stones country-dwellers put in their mouths to ward off thirst on long journeys. "To know that this film has won the Tiger Award and is being sent as India's entry to the Oscars, I feel very proud," Vinothraj said. "Watching this film with an audience that has been so supportive, it feels like a big celebration for me." His next project is also inspired by a family situation, and he wants to keep making "simple, honest stories about life".

From flower hawker to film auteur: India's new cinematic sensation

South Africa has selected the multi-award-winning movie ‘Barakat’ for Best International Feature at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. 
 
The movie follows the story of a Muslim widow Aisha, who tries to bring together her fractured family over Eid-al-Fitr to break the news about her new romance. South African actress Vinette Ebrahim plays the ageing matriarch, while her four sons, struggling to come to terms with the death of their father two years earlier.&nbsp;

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The movie is directed by Amy Jephta and produced by Ephraim Gordon.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r-4WmEoxD8Q" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The country’s National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) decision makes the movie from director Amy, the fourth from a female director to be submitted to the Academy Awards by South Africa, and the first from “a woman of color,”. 
 
“I am so proud that our small story about a family has reached as many people as it has,” said Jephta. “To be recognized by South Africa in this way is incredibly special after an extremely challenging year for our film industry.”

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Barakat, which means “blessings” in Arabic, is “told in Afrikaaps, the widely spoken Cape Town dialect of the Afrikaans language,”. “The first Afrikaaps dictionary is currently in development after being announced earlier this year.” 
 
“This selection was totally unexpected, but it shows that everyone’s hard work on this project has paid off,” says Ephraim. “This film was a blessing from the beginning and continues to be. It is our barakat.”

South Africa has selected the multi-award-winning movie ‘Barakat’ for Best International Feature at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. The movie follows the story of a Muslim widow Aisha, who tries to bring together her fractured family over Eid-al-Fitr to break the news about her new romance.

South Africa has selected the multi-award-winning movie ‘Barakat’ for Best International Feature at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. The movie follows the story of a Muslim widow Aisha, who tries to bring together her fractured family over Eid-al-Fitr to break the news about her new romance. South African actress Vinette Ebrahim plays the ageing matriarch, while her four sons, struggling to come to terms with the death of their father two years earlier. The youngest killed at Travis Scott's Astroworld concert was just 14 years old The movie is directed by Amy Jephta and produced by Ephraim Gordon. The country’s National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) decision makes the movie from director Amy, the fourth from a female director to be submitted to the Academy Awards by South Africa, and the first from “a woman of color,”. “I am so proud that our small story about a family has reached as many people as it has,” said Jephta. “To be recognized by South Africa in this way is incredibly special after an extremely challenging year for our film industry.” Exclusive: Ryan Reynolds- 'Red Notice' wanted Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot and my friendship to be seen on screen Barakat, which means “blessings” in Arabic, is “told in Afrikaaps, the widely spoken Cape Town dialect of the Afrikaans language,”. “The first Afrikaaps dictionary is currently in development after being announced earlier this year.” “This selection was totally unexpected, but it shows that everyone’s hard work on this project has paid off,” says Ephraim. “This film was a blessing from the beginning and continues to be. It is our barakat.”

Oscars 2022: South Africa selects ‘Barakat’ for International Feature Category

It’s that time of the year when countries select their official entries for Oscars and Norway has picked Joachim Trier’s Cannes hit ‘The Worst Person In The World’ as its submission to the Oscars’ International Feature Film category.&nbsp;

Kjersti Mo, who is the Director of the Norwegian Film Institute, called the movie a “tribute to film art in the form of a drama comedy that conveys deep seriousness with playful lightness and elegance.”&nbsp;

‘The Worst Person In The World’ debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in July, winning the Best Actress prize for lead Renate Reinsve. The story centers on Reinsve’s Julie, a spirited 30-year-old who has everything going for her. But she’s also experiencing growing disenchantment with a long-time serious boyfriend. Julie aimlessly wanders around the city on a beautiful summer evening and quietly crashes a wedding party in full progress. Encountering Eivind they start flirting but good times come to a passing eventually. It’s a simple melancholic tale. Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-italy-selects-paolo-sorrentino%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98the-hand-of-god%E2%80%99-as-international-feature-submission-424203" hreflang="en">Oscars: Italy selects Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘The Hand Of God’ as International Feature submission</a>

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce its shortlisted candidates on December 21, 2021.

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It’s that time of the year when countries select their official entries for Oscars and Norway has picked Joachim Trier’s Cannes hit ‘The Worst Person In The World’ as its submission to the Oscars’ International Feature Film category.

It’s that time of the year when countries select their official entries for Oscars and Norway has picked Joachim Trier’s Cannes hit ‘The Worst Person In The World’ as its submission to the Oscars’ International Feature Film category. Kjersti Mo, who is the Director of the Norwegian Film Institute, called the movie a “tribute to film art in the form of a drama comedy that conveys deep seriousness with playful lightness and elegance.” ‘The Worst Person In The World’ debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in July, winning the Best Actress prize for lead Renate Reinsve. The story centers on Reinsve’s Julie, a spirited 30-year-old who has everything going for her. But she’s also experiencing growing disenchantment with a long-time serious boyfriend. Julie aimlessly wanders around the city on a beautiful summer evening and quietly crashes a wedding party in full progress. Encountering Eivind they start flirting but good times come to a passing eventually. It’s a simple melancholic tale. Also read: Oscars: Italy selects Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘The Hand Of God’ as International Feature submission The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce its shortlisted candidates on December 21, 2021. Also read: Adele is No 1 once again, with 'Easy on Me' Travis Barker gets Kourtney Kardashian's lips tattooed on his body

Norway selects 'The Worst Person in The World' as official selection for Oscars

With the Oscars 2022 deadline coming close for submissions, countries have started sending their official selection for the coming year of the Academy Awards in the category of International Feature Film.&nbsp;

Italy is the most recent to have sent its film for Oscars 2022 and it is Paolo Sorrentino’s Venice Grand Jury Prize winner ‘The Hand Of God’. The film has travelled to several film festivals including the Telluride and London Film Festivals, among others.&nbsp;

The Hand of God is an autobiographical story of the filmmaker’s own youth and the tragedy of losing his parents as a teenager. Set in 1980s Naples, the film centers on Fabietto Schisa. Fabietto is an awkward Italian teen whose life and vibrant, eccentric family are suddenly upended — first by the electrifying arrival of soccer legend Diego Maradona, and then by a shocking accident from which Maradona inadvertently saves Fabietto, setting his future in motion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tamil-drama-koozhangal-is-indias-official-entry-for-oscars-2022-423529">Tamil drama 'Koozhangal' is India's official entry for Oscars 2022</a>

The Netflix drama will release theatrically in Italy on November 24, followed by select cinemas in the rest of the world on December 3 and will hit the streaming service on December 15.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-oscars-2022-this-is-the-shocking-reason-why-sardar-udham-didnt-make-the-cut-from-india-424164" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022: This is the shocking reason why 'Sardar Udham' didn't make the cut from India</a>

Interestingly, filmmaker Sorrentino previously won the Oscar in this category with 2013’s ‘The Great Beauty’. This is the second time he will represent Italy which has taken the top prize 11 times.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce its shortlisted candidates&nbsp;on December 21, 2021.

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With the Oscars 2022 deadline coming close for submissions, countries have started sending their official selection for the coming year of the Academy Awards in the category of International Feature Film.

With the Oscars 2022 deadline coming close for submissions, countries have started sending their official selection for the coming year of the Academy Awards in the category of International Feature Film. Italy is the most recent to have sent its film for Oscars 2022 and it is Paolo Sorrentino’s Venice Grand Jury Prize winner ‘The Hand Of God’. The film has travelled to several film festivals including the Telluride and London Film Festivals, among others. The Hand of God is an autobiographical story of the filmmaker’s own youth and the tragedy of losing his parents as a teenager. Set in 1980s Naples, the film centers on Fabietto Schisa. Fabietto is an awkward Italian teen whose life and vibrant, eccentric family are suddenly upended — first by the electrifying arrival of soccer legend Diego Maradona, and then by a shocking accident from which Maradona inadvertently saves Fabietto, setting his future in motion. Also read: Tamil drama 'Koozhangal' is India's official entry for Oscars 2022 The Netflix drama will release theatrically in Italy on November 24, followed by select cinemas in the rest of the world on December 3 and will hit the streaming service on December 15. Also read: Oscars 2022: This is the shocking reason why 'Sardar Udham' didn't make the cut from India Interestingly, filmmaker Sorrentino previously won the Oscar in this category with 2013’s ‘The Great Beauty’. This is the second time he will represent Italy which has taken the top prize 11 times. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce its shortlisted candidates on December 21, 2021. Also read: Superman to Captain America: DC, Marvel and their new LGBTQ superheroes

Oscars: Italy selects Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘The Hand Of God’ as International Feature submission

It was announced recently that India’s official entry to Oscars is Tamil drama <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tamil-drama-koozhangal-is-indias-official-entry-for-oscars-2022-423529">‘Koozhangal’</a> after a jury sat down over 15 films from across the country to select the official film. Among those discussed were Shoojit Sircar’s ‘Sardar Udham’ that was recently released in the theatres, on the life of freedom fighter Sardar Udham Singh who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer in retaliation for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

As people got talking on the internet why Sardar Udham didn’t make the cut to become India’s official entry, a jury member, Indraadip Dasgupta, has come out to explain the real reason why despite being a popular contender, it couldn’t go through. He said that the film “portrays our hatred towards the British”.&nbsp;

He said, “Sardar Udham is a little lengthy and harps on the Jallianwala Bagh incident. It is an honest effort to make a lavish film on an unsung hero of the Indian freedom struggle. But in the process, it again projects our hatred towards the British. In this era of globalisation, it is not fair to hold on to this hatred.”&nbsp;

He added that the film’s production lives up to international standards and praised the cinematography of the film as well. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-sardar-udham-movie-review-vicky-kaushal-is-flawless-in-shoojit-sircars-slowburn-period-piece-421259">Read our review of the film here.</a>

Another member of the jury, Sumit Basu, said, “Many have loved 'Sardar Udham' for its cinematic quality including camerawork, editing, sound design and depiction of the period. I thought the length of the film was an issue. It has a delayed climax. It takes a lot of time for a viewer to feel the real pain for the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.”

After the real reason came out that decided which Indian film was selected as the country’s official selection for Oscars 2022, netizens started reacting with many expressing disappointment. One user wrote, “‘Not hold on to this hatred’? Of course we won’t, if you promise to not hold on to Kohinoor and the approximately $45 trillion that was robbed from India .”

Another one wrote, “Suppression of the Truth! As always!” Another &nbsp;wrote, “Isn't it casting reality. What if it was a movie on World War 1 or 2 ...you would reject it because it depicts the reality of Hitler's Germany?” Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-drugs-case-will-aryan-khan-finally-go-home-today-424056" hreflang="en">Drugs case: Will Aryan Khan finally go home today?</a>

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Every year, the Film Federation of India decides the country's entry into the Academy Awards. This year, the 15-member jury was headed by filmmaker Shaji N Karun.&nbsp;

It was announced recently that India’s official entry to Oscars is Tamil drama ‘Koozhangal’ after a jury sat down over 15 films from across the country to select the official film.

It was announced recently that India’s official entry to Oscars is Tamil drama ‘Koozhangal’ after a jury sat down over 15 films from across the country to select the official film. Among those discussed were Shoojit Sircar’s ‘Sardar Udham’ that was recently released in the theatres, on the life of freedom fighter Sardar Udham Singh who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer in retaliation for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. As people got talking on the internet why Sardar Udham didn’t make the cut to become India’s official entry, a jury member, Indraadip Dasgupta, has come out to explain the real reason why despite being a popular contender, it couldn’t go through. He said that the film “portrays our hatred towards the British”. He said, “Sardar Udham is a little lengthy and harps on the Jallianwala Bagh incident. It is an honest effort to make a lavish film on an unsung hero of the Indian freedom struggle. But in the process, it again projects our hatred towards the British. In this era of globalisation, it is not fair to hold on to this hatred.” He added that the film’s production lives up to international standards and praised the cinematography of the film as well. Read our review of the film here. Another member of the jury, Sumit Basu, said, “Many have loved 'Sardar Udham' for its cinematic quality including camerawork, editing, sound design and depiction of the period. I thought the length of the film was an issue. It has a delayed climax. It takes a lot of time for a viewer to feel the real pain for the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.” After the real reason came out that decided which Indian film was selected as the country’s official selection for Oscars 2022, netizens started reacting with many expressing disappointment. One user wrote, “‘Not hold on to this hatred’? Of course we won’t, if you promise to not hold on to Kohinoor and the approximately $45 trillion that was robbed from India .” Another one wrote, “Suppression of the Truth! As always!” Another wrote, “Isn't it casting reality. What if it was a movie on World War 1 or 2 ...you would reject it because it depicts the reality of Hitler's Germany?” Also read: Drugs case: Will Aryan Khan finally go home today? Also read: Political group vandalises sets of web series, throws ink at series director Prakash Jha Every year, the Film Federation of India decides the country's entry into the Academy Awards. This year, the 15-member jury was headed by filmmaker Shaji N Karun.

Oscars 2022: This is the shocking reason why 'Sardar Udham' didn't make the cut from India

Tamil drama 'Koozhangal' ('Pebbles'), directed by filmmaker Vinothraj PS, has been selected as India's official entry for the 94th Academy Awards. The movie follows an alcoholic abusive husband who, after his long-suffering wife runs off, sets out with his young son to find her and bring her back. 
It stars newcomers --Chellapandi and Karuththadaiyaan -- and is produced by Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara. 
 
"India's official entry for Oscars this year is 'Koozhangal'. It was picked by a 15-member jury, headed by filmmaker Shaji N Karun, in a unanimous decision," Supran Sen, Secretary-General, Film Federation of India, told PTI.

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A total of 14 films, including Malayalam feature --'Nayattu', Tamil film 'Mandela', filmmaker Shoojit Sircar's 'Sardar Udham', Vidya Balan-starrer 'Sherni', Farhan Akhtar's 'Toofan', Captain Vikram Batra biopic 'Shershaah'&nbsp;and Marathi film 'Godavari', were in the race. 
 
Shivan also took to Twitter and shared the news that the film will represent India in the Oscar's best international feature category.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-rust-shooting-halyna-hutchins-husband-on-her-tragic-death-our-loss-is-enormous-423475" hreflang="en">'Rust' shooting: Halyna Hutchins' husband on her tragic death: Our loss is enormous</a> 
 
"There's a chance to hear this! And the Oscars goes to... Two steps away from a dream come true moment in our lives... #Pebbles #Nayanthara @PsVinothraj @thisisysr @AmudhavanKar @Rowdy_Pictures Can't be prouder , happier &amp; content," he posted on the microblogging site. 
Vinothraj said he was grateful for all the love and support.

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There’s a chance to hear this! 
 
“And the Oscars goes to …. 🎉🎉🥰🥰🥰🥰 “ 
 
Two steps away from a dream come true moment in our lives …. ❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pebbles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pebbles</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nayanthara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nayanthara</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PsVinothraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PsVinothraj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thisisysr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thisisysr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AmudhavanKar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmudhavanKar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Rowdy_Pictures?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rowdy_Pictures</a> 
 
Can’t be prouder , happier &amp; content 💝 <a href="https://t.co/NKteru9CyI">pic.twitter.com/NKteru9CyI</a>
— Vignesh Shivan (@VigneshShivN) <a href="https://twitter.com/VigneshShivN/status/1451812441281613830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Could not be more happier to receive this news," he tweeted. 
 
'Koozhangal'&nbsp;had won the top honour, the Tiger Award for best film, at the 50th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), earlier this year. 
Following the announcement, filmmaker Hansal Mehta sent his best wishes to the team behind "Koozhangal".

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Could not be more happier to receive this news!!! 
 
Feeling really grateful for all the love and support!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/VigneshShivN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VigneshShivN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nayanthara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nayanthara</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thisisysr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thisisysr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AmudhavanKar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmudhavanKar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thecutsmaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecutsmaker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ParthiDOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParthiDOP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Rowdy_Pictures?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rowdy_Pictures</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ouc45Dxqy9">https://t.co/Ouc45Dxqy9</a>
— Vinothraj PS (@PsVinothraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/PsVinothraj/status/1451845532238766083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"All the best to this little gem! What is important is that this film's onward journey gets solid support both strategic and financial or else these selections only remain a local cause for celebration," he tweeted. 
 
Director Onir also congratulated the cast and crew and said he is looking forward to watching the film in the theatre.

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IFFR 2021: Tiger Award 
 
This edition’s Tiger Award, IFFR’s most prestigious prize, goes to Pebbles by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VinothrajPS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VinothrajPS</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IFFR2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IFFR2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TigerAward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TigerAward</a> <a href="https://t.co/7MqO8MSktp">pic.twitter.com/7MqO8MSktp</a>
— IFFR (@IFFR) <a href="https://twitter.com/IFFR/status/1358460094179074048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Congratulations@PsVinothraj@VigneshShivN@AmudhavanKar. Looking forward to watching #Peebles in the theatres . Have heard so much good things about the film. Best wishes," he wrote. 
 
The 94th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 27, 2022 in Los Angeles. The nominations will be announced on February 8, 2022. 
No Indian film has ever won an Oscar. The last Indian film that made it to the final five in the best international feature category was Ashutosh Gowariker's Aamir Khan-starrer "Lagaan" in 2001.

The other two Indian movies to have made it to the top five are 'Mother India' (1958) and 'Salaam Bombay' (1989). 
 
India's entry for the 2021 Oscars was the Malayalam feature 'Jallikattu', directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery.

Tamil drama 'Koozhangal' ('Pebbles'), directed by filmmaker Vinothraj PS, has been selected as India's official entry for the 94th Academy Awards. The movie follows an alcoholic abusive husband who, after his long-suffering wife runs off, sets out with his young son to find her and bring her back.

Tamil drama 'Koozhangal' ('Pebbles'), directed by filmmaker Vinothraj PS, has been selected as India's official entry for the 94th Academy Awards. The movie follows an alcoholic abusive husband who, after his long-suffering wife runs off, sets out with his young son to find her and bring her back. It stars newcomers --Chellapandi and Karuththadaiyaan -- and is produced by Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara. "India's official entry for Oscars this year is 'Koozhangal'. It was picked by a 15-member jury, headed by filmmaker Shaji N Karun, in a unanimous decision," Supran Sen, Secretary-General, Film Federation of India, told PTI. Also read: Dwayne Johnson on his presidential bid: I’m not a politician, that’s the truth A total of 14 films, including Malayalam feature --'Nayattu', Tamil film 'Mandela', filmmaker Shoojit Sircar's 'Sardar Udham', Vidya Balan-starrer 'Sherni', Farhan Akhtar's 'Toofan', Captain Vikram Batra biopic 'Shershaah' and Marathi film 'Godavari', were in the race. Shivan also took to Twitter and shared the news that the film will represent India in the Oscar's best international feature category. Also read: 'Rust' shooting: Halyna Hutchins' husband on her tragic death: Our loss is enormous "There's a chance to hear this! And the Oscars goes to... Two steps away from a dream come true moment in our lives... #Pebbles #Nayanthara @PsVinothraj @thisisysr @AmudhavanKar @Rowdy_Pictures Can't be prouder , happier & content," he posted on the microblogging site. Vinothraj said he was grateful for all the love and support. There’s a chance to hear this! “And the Oscars goes to …. 🎉🎉🥰🥰🥰🥰 “ Two steps away from a dream come true moment in our lives …. ❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰#Pebbles #Nayanthara @PsVinothraj @thisisysr @AmudhavanKar @Rowdy_Pictures Can’t be prouder , happier & content 💝 pic.twitter.com/NKteru9CyI — Vignesh Shivan (@VigneshShivN) October 23, 2021 × "Could not be more happier to receive this news," he tweeted. 'Koozhangal' had won the top honour, the Tiger Award for best film, at the 50th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), earlier this year. Following the announcement, filmmaker Hansal Mehta sent his best wishes to the team behind "Koozhangal". Could not be more happier to receive this news!!! Feeling really grateful for all the love and support!!!@VigneshShivN #Nayanthara @thisisysr @AmudhavanKar @thecutsmaker @ParthiDOP @Rowdy_Pictures https://t.co/Ouc45Dxqy9 — Vinothraj PS (@PsVinothraj) October 23, 2021 × "All the best to this little gem! What is important is that this film's onward journey gets solid support both strategic and financial or else these selections only remain a local cause for celebration," he tweeted. Director Onir also congratulated the cast and crew and said he is looking forward to watching the film in the theatre. IFFR 2021: Tiger Award This edition’s Tiger Award, IFFR’s most prestigious prize, goes to Pebbles by #VinothrajPS.#IFFR2021 #TigerAward pic.twitter.com/7MqO8MSktp — IFFR (@IFFR) February 7, 2021 × "Congratulations@PsVinothraj@VigneshShivN@AmudhavanKar. Looking forward to watching #Peebles in the theatres . Have heard so much good things about the film. Best wishes," he wrote. The 94th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 27, 2022 in Los Angeles. The nominations will be announced on February 8, 2022. No Indian film has ever won an Oscar. The last Indian film that made it to the final five in the best international feature category was Ashutosh Gowariker's Aamir Khan-starrer "Lagaan" in 2001. The other two Indian movies to have made it to the top five are 'Mother India' (1958) and 'Salaam Bombay' (1989). India's entry for the 2021 Oscars was the Malayalam feature 'Jallikattu', directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery.

Tamil drama 'Koozhangal' is India's official entry for Oscars 2022

Wondering which film from India will make the cut to Oscars? A 15-member jury is deciding just that right now.&nbsp;

The jury in Kolkata is watching 14 films from around the country to select a film that will represent India in the Oscars 2022 race in the International Feature category. Out of these 14 films are Vicky Kaushal starrer ‘Udham Singh’ and Vidya Balan starrer ‘Sherni’. There are regional films in the lineup too including Yogi Babu-starrer Tamil film ‘Mandela’ and Martin Prakkat’s Malayalam film ‘Nayattu’.

A jury of 15 members will watch 14 films over the next few days at the Bijoli cinema in Bhowanipore, Kolkata. Filmmaker Shaji N Karun is the chairman of the jury. Out of the 14 films, one will be India’s official entry at the Oscars 2022.

For those unversed with these films, ‘Sardar Udham’ is a biopic on freedom fighter Sardar Udham Singh who assassinated Punjab’s Lieutenant Governor Michael O’Dwyer at the time of Jallianwallah Bagh massacre. ‘Sherni’ is the life story of a forest officer who has to catch a man-eating tigress in a remote village. The film deals with man-animal conflict, as well as corruption.

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Meanwhile ‘Nayattu’ stars Joju George, Nimisha Sajayan and Kunchacko Boban in the lead roles. The film is about three police officers who go on the run after being framed of murder. ‘Mandela’ is by Madonne Ashwin which is a satire about a barber, who is wooed by politicians after it turns out that he is a deciding vote in the elections.

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As for Oscars, the 94th Academy Award will be held in March 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Last year, Lijo Jose Pellissery’s critically acclaimed Malayalam film ‘Jalikattu’ was India’s official entry at the Oscars.&nbsp;

Wondering which film from India will make the cut to Oscars? A 15-member jury is deciding just that right now. The jury in Kolkata is watching 14 films from around the country to select a film that will represent India in the Oscars 2022 race in the International Feature category.

Wondering which film from India will make the cut to Oscars? A 15-member jury is deciding just that right now. The jury in Kolkata is watching 14 films from around the country to select a film that will represent India in the Oscars 2022 race in the International Feature category. Out of these 14 films are Vicky Kaushal starrer ‘Udham Singh’ and Vidya Balan starrer ‘Sherni’. There are regional films in the lineup too including Yogi Babu-starrer Tamil film ‘Mandela’ and Martin Prakkat’s Malayalam film ‘Nayattu’. A jury of 15 members will watch 14 films over the next few days at the Bijoli cinema in Bhowanipore, Kolkata. Filmmaker Shaji N Karun is the chairman of the jury. Out of the 14 films, one will be India’s official entry at the Oscars 2022. For those unversed with these films, ‘Sardar Udham’ is a biopic on freedom fighter Sardar Udham Singh who assassinated Punjab’s Lieutenant Governor Michael O’Dwyer at the time of Jallianwallah Bagh massacre. ‘Sherni’ is the life story of a forest officer who has to catch a man-eating tigress in a remote village. The film deals with man-animal conflict, as well as corruption. Also read: Adarsh Gourav to Alia Bhatt: Indian-origin actors and global TV & cinema ‘Scam’ actor Pratik Gandhi to WION on controversies around his first Bollywood Meanwhile ‘Nayattu’ stars Joju George, Nimisha Sajayan and Kunchacko Boban in the lead roles. The film is about three police officers who go on the run after being framed of murder. ‘Mandela’ is by Madonne Ashwin which is a satire about a barber, who is wooed by politicians after it turns out that he is a deciding vote in the elections. Also read: Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg greet India with 'Namaste' in 'Uncharted' trailer As for Oscars, the 94th Academy Award will be held in March 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Last year, Lijo Jose Pellissery’s critically acclaimed Malayalam film ‘Jalikattu’ was India’s official entry at the Oscars.

Which Indian film will go to Oscars 2022? Find out here

Actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh takes audiences to the city of his birth and his childhood with the semi-autobiographical comedy-drama 'Belfast'&nbsp;which had its European premiere at the London Film Festival on Tuesday. 
 
The mainly black-and-white film centres around nine-year-old Buddy and his family, who live in a working-class neighbourhood of North Belfast where Protestants and Catholics live side-by-side. 
 
Set in 1969 at the onset of Northern Ireland`s three decades of conflict called the 'Troubles', Bobby`s carefree childhood days come to an abrupt end when tensions erupt in riots on his doorstep, and money and health issues threaten the tranquil family life indoors. 
 
"It`s a story that happened to me really when I was about nine years old and it changed my life forever when a moment of violent change affected my identity and my home and my family and this is the story of that change," Branagh told Reuters on the red carpet, adding that reliving the memories while making and promoting the movie "was and is very emotional". 
 
Belfast is all Buddy knows and to his horror, his parents, played by Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe, begin to contemplate a fresh start abroad. As his life is turned upside down, his grandparents, portrayed by Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds, help maintain a sense of normalcy with their warmth and wit. 
 
"I know what that means, to put family first. My whole ethos and my whole life I`ve put my family first," said Dornan, who grew up in the outskirts of Belfast. 
 
Since winning the People`s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, 'Belfast'&nbsp;has become an early Oscar frontrunner. 
 
"At the moment, we are so happy that the film looks like it might reach an audience, that it`s punching above its weight," said Branagh, 60, when asked about the Oscar buzz. 
 
"Finding an audience is the main thing ... Anything north of that is a dazzling piece of fairy dust." 
 
'Belfast'&nbsp;opens in U.S. cinemas on Nov. 12.

Actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh takes audiences to the city of his birth and his childhood with the semi-autobiographical comedy-drama 'Belfast' which had its European premiere at the London Film Festival on Tuesday.

Actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh takes audiences to the city of his birth and his childhood with the semi-autobiographical comedy-drama 'Belfast' which had its European premiere at the London Film Festival on Tuesday. The mainly black-and-white film centres around nine-year-old Buddy and his family, who live in a working-class neighbourhood of North Belfast where Protestants and Catholics live side-by-side. Set in 1969 at the onset of Northern Ireland`s three decades of conflict called the 'Troubles', Bobby`s carefree childhood days come to an abrupt end when tensions erupt in riots on his doorstep, and money and health issues threaten the tranquil family life indoors. "It`s a story that happened to me really when I was about nine years old and it changed my life forever when a moment of violent change affected my identity and my home and my family and this is the story of that change," Branagh told Reuters on the red carpet, adding that reliving the memories while making and promoting the movie "was and is very emotional". Belfast is all Buddy knows and to his horror, his parents, played by Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe, begin to contemplate a fresh start abroad. As his life is turned upside down, his grandparents, portrayed by Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds, help maintain a sense of normalcy with their warmth and wit. "I know what that means, to put family first. My whole ethos and my whole life I`ve put my family first," said Dornan, who grew up in the outskirts of Belfast. Since winning the People`s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, 'Belfast' has become an early Oscar frontrunner. "At the moment, we are so happy that the film looks like it might reach an audience, that it`s punching above its weight," said Branagh, 60, when asked about the Oscar buzz. "Finding an audience is the main thing ... Anything north of that is a dazzling piece of fairy dust." 'Belfast' opens in U.S. cinemas on Nov. 12.

Kenneth Branagh's 'Belfast' gets UK premiere as Oscar buzz grows

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

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

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

Oscars: Will Packer set to produce 2022 Academy Awards

Sundance Film Festival winner feature ‘Hive’ from writer-director Blerta Basholli has been submitted for this year’s International Feature Oscar by Kosovo.

The Albanian-language drama is based on the true story of Fahrije (Yllka Gashi), who, like many of the other women in her patriarchal village, has lived with fading hope and burgeoning grief since her husband went missing during the war in Kosovo.

In order to provide for her struggling family, she pulls together the other widows in her community to launch a business selling a local food product. But the men in the village condemn Fahrije’s efforts to empower herself and the women around her, starting a feud that threatens their newfound sovereignty — and the financial future of Fahrije’s family.

‘Hive’ will release in New York on November 5 at Film Forum and at Los Angeles’ Laemmle’s Royal Theatre on November 12.

Watch Hive trailer here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/39cIMHLPFMU" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe>

Sundance Film Festival winner feature ‘Hive’ from writer-director Blerta Basholli has been submitted for this year’s International Feature Oscar by Kosovo. The Albanian-language drama is based on the true story of Fahrije (Yllka Gashi), who, like many of the other women in her patriarchal village, has lived with fading hope and burgeoning grief since her husband went missing during the war in Kosovo.

Sundance Film Festival winner feature ‘Hive’ from writer-director Blerta Basholli has been submitted for this year’s International Feature Oscar by Kosovo. The Albanian-language drama is based on the true story of Fahrije (Yllka Gashi), who, like many of the other women in her patriarchal village, has lived with fading hope and burgeoning grief since her husband went missing during the war in Kosovo. In order to provide for her struggling family, she pulls together the other widows in her community to launch a business selling a local food product. But the men in the village condemn Fahrije’s efforts to empower herself and the women around her, starting a feud that threatens their newfound sovereignty — and the financial future of Fahrije’s family. ‘Hive’ will release in New York on November 5 at Film Forum and at Los Angeles’ Laemmle’s Royal Theatre on November 12. Watch Hive trailer here:

Oscars: Sundance winner 'Hive' sent as Kosovo’s International Feature entry

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