Valdimar Jóhannsson’s Lamb has been selected as Iceland’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2022 Academy Awards.&nbsp;

The film ‘Lamb’ had debuted in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section and won its Prize of Originality.&nbsp;

The film is co-written by Valdimar Jóhannsson and celebrated Icelandic poet Sjón.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-sylvester-stallone-announces-exit-from-the-expendables-franchise-with-a-sweet-post-421935" hreflang="en">Sylvester Stallone announces exit from 'The Expendables' franchise with a sweet post</a>

Noomi Rapace, who is also an executive producer on the project, stars in the film. Lamb is said to be a dark folktale about a childless couple in rural Iceland who make an alarming discovery one day in their sheep barn and soon face the consequences of defying the will of nature. Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-kanye-west-gets-his-name-changed-legally-to-ye-421921" hreflang="en">Kanye West gets his name changed legally to Ye</a>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-no-american-way-anymore-dc-changes-superman%E2%80%99s-motto-to-%E2%80%98truth-justice-and-a-better-tomorrow%E2%80%99-421844" hreflang="en">No American way anymore! DC changes Superman’s motto to ‘Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow’</a></h2>

In Iceland, the film opened September 24. In the US, the film has grossed $1.1M, becoming the highest grossing Icelandic film of all time in the market.&nbsp;

As for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a>, Iceland has previously scored one Oscar nomination in this category, for 1991’s Children Of Nature by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson.&nbsp;

Valdimar Jóhannsson’s Lamb has been selected as Iceland’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2022 Academy Awards. The film ‘Lamb’ had debuted in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section and won its Prize of Originality.

Valdimar Jóhannsson’s Lamb has been selected as Iceland’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2022 Academy Awards. The film ‘Lamb’ had debuted in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section and won its Prize of Originality. The film is co-written by Valdimar Jóhannsson and celebrated Icelandic poet Sjón. Sylvester Stallone announces exit from 'The Expendables' franchise with a sweet post Noomi Rapace, who is also an executive producer on the project, stars in the film. Lamb is said to be a dark folktale about a childless couple in rural Iceland who make an alarming discovery one day in their sheep barn and soon face the consequences of defying the will of nature. Also Read: Kanye West gets his name changed legally to Ye No American way anymore! DC changes Superman’s motto to ‘Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow’ In Iceland, the film opened September 24. In the US, the film has grossed $1.1M, becoming the highest grossing Icelandic film of all time in the market. As for Oscars, Iceland has previously scored one Oscar nomination in this category, for 1991’s Children Of Nature by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson.

Oscars: Iceland selects ‘Lamb’ as International Feature submission

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.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/squid-game-star-jung-ho-yeon-is-the-most-followed-korean-actress-on-instagram-418326" hreflang="en">'Squid Game' star Jung Ho Yeon is the most followed Korean actress on Instagram</a>

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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/justin-bieber-announces-a-new-cannabis-line-names-it-peaches-418410" hreflang="en">Justin Bieber announces a new cannabis line, names it 'Peaches'</a>

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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

The last time Hollywood heavyweights—Matt Damon and Ben Affleck—wrote a script together; they won the best original screenplay for it. The film was ‘Good Will Hunting’ and the year, 1998.&nbsp;

 
Twenty-five years later, the duo—also long-time friends—have come together for their upcoming project ‘The Last Duel’.

 
Talking about how the pair got together to write the script of this movie, Matt Damon told a talk-show host, “It’s the first movie we’ve written in 25 years or something, and we wrote with another great writer named Nicole Holofcener. We saw it as a story of perspective, and so Ben and I wrote the male perspectives and Nicole wrote the female perspective.”

 
&nbsp;“I think we just found that having made… like making movies for 30 years, we actually learned something about structure along the way and the process went along a lot faster,” he said. “And so I think we’ll write a lot more in the future just because it didn’t turn out to be as time-consuming as we thought,” said the actor about co-writing more with Affleck.&nbsp;

 
In comparison, writing ‘The Duel’ was easier then writing the script of ‘Good Will Hunting’. Damon explained, “I think that writing process for Good Will Hunting was so inefficient. You know, because we didn’t really understand structure so we wrote thousands of pages.”&nbsp;

 
“Back in the day, we didn’t have deadlines because nobody cared what we were doing, no one was waiting for the script, we were unemployed, so we literally had nothing else to do,” he joked.&nbsp;

 
Directed by Ridley Scott, ‘The Last Duel’ is slated to release on October 15 this year.&nbsp;

The last time Hollywood heavyweights—Matt Damon and Ben Affleck—wrote a script together; they won the best original screenplay for it. The film was ‘Good Will Hunting’ and the year, 1998.

The last time Hollywood heavyweights—Matt Damon and Ben Affleck—wrote a script together; they won the best original screenplay for it. The film was ‘Good Will Hunting’ and the year, 1998. Twenty-five years later, the duo—also long-time friends—have come together for their upcoming project ‘The Last Duel’. Talking about how the pair got together to write the script of this movie, Matt Damon told a talk-show host, “It’s the first movie we’ve written in 25 years or something, and we wrote with another great writer named Nicole Holofcener. We saw it as a story of perspective, and so Ben and I wrote the male perspectives and Nicole wrote the female perspective.” “I think we just found that having made… like making movies for 30 years, we actually learned something about structure along the way and the process went along a lot faster,” he said. “And so I think we’ll write a lot more in the future just because it didn’t turn out to be as time-consuming as we thought,” said the actor about co-writing more with Affleck. In comparison, writing ‘The Duel’ was easier then writing the script of ‘Good Will Hunting’. Damon explained, “I think that writing process for Good Will Hunting was so inefficient. You know, because we didn’t really understand structure so we wrote thousands of pages.” “Back in the day, we didn’t have deadlines because nobody cared what we were doing, no one was waiting for the script, we were unemployed, so we literally had nothing else to do,” he joked. Directed by Ridley Scott, ‘The Last Duel’ is slated to release on October 15 this year.

Matt Damon on co-writing with Ben Affleck since their Oscar win: We’ll write a lot more in the future

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its list of 2021 Academy Film Scholars. Authors and university professors Samantha N. Sheppard and J.E. Smyth were announced as this year’s recipients of the grant that is presented annually by the organization to established scholars whose projects are focused on an aspect of filmmaking and the film industry.

The Academy’s Educational Grants Committee will award Sheppard and Smyth $25,000 each for their proposals. While Sheppard will write ‘A Black W/hole: Phantom Cinemas and the Reimagining of Black Women’s Media Histories’, Smyth will write ‘Maisie: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood’s Most Powerful Woman’. The latter is a biography of the first female Screen Writers Guild president Mary C. McCall Jr. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Find out all Oscar news here.</a>

These two will join 14 other Academy Film Scholars who are currently working on projects and 21 other scholars whose works have been published. 
&nbsp; 
J.E. Smyth is a professor at the University of Warwick in the UK. She is the author of books including Nobody’s Girl Friday: The Women Who Ran Hollywood and is a contributing writer at Cineaste.&nbsp;

Samantha Sheppard is an associate professor at Cornell University and author of Sporting Blackness: Race, Embodiment, and Critical Muscle Memory on Screen.&nbsp;

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its list of 2021 Academy Film Scholars. Authors and university professors Samantha N. Sheppard and J.E. Smyth were announced as this year’s recipients of the grant that is presented annually by the organization to established scholars whose projects are focused on an aspect of filmmaking and the film industry.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its list of 2021 Academy Film Scholars. Authors and university professors Samantha N. Sheppard and J.E. Smyth were announced as this year’s recipients of the grant that is presented annually by the organization to established scholars whose projects are focused on an aspect of filmmaking and the film industry. The Academy’s Educational Grants Committee will award Sheppard and Smyth $25,000 each for their proposals. While Sheppard will write ‘A Black W/hole: Phantom Cinemas and the Reimagining of Black Women’s Media Histories’, Smyth will write ‘Maisie: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood’s Most Powerful Woman’. The latter is a biography of the first female Screen Writers Guild president Mary C. McCall Jr. Find out all Oscar news here. These two will join 14 other Academy Film Scholars who are currently working on projects and 21 other scholars whose works have been published. J.E. Smyth is a professor at the University of Warwick in the UK. She is the author of books including Nobody’s Girl Friday: The Women Who Ran Hollywood and is a contributing writer at Cineaste. Samantha Sheppard is an associate professor at Cornell University and author of Sporting Blackness: Race, Embodiment, and Critical Muscle Memory on Screen.

The Motion Picture Academy announces its 2021 film scholars

Marking their maiden collaboration, Oscar, BAFTA and Grammy-winning composer, A.R. Rahman joins Ananya Birla on the record of her latest track 'Hindustani Way’ as the composer and producer.&nbsp;

 
The track is an amalgamation of Hindi and English lyrics that is set out to establish an upbeat message of unity and optimism, heralding the gradual retreat of COVID-19 led tumultuous times as the kick-off date of the sporting extravaganza nears.&nbsp;

 
Talking about this collaboration with her 'role model', Ananya said in a statement,“It is a true honour to write and sing a song to cheer our Indian Olympic contingent at Tokyo 2020. The grit and fortitude of the Indian Olympic team in the face of such a challenging year is inspiring. It was surreal to have had the opportunity to collaborate with my role model, AR sir on such a prestigious project, from whom I have learnt so much. We are here cheering, the 'Hindustani Way'”&nbsp;

 
Speaking about his involvement in the project, A.R. Rahman added, “All of us are really excited to have made this special song and hope our athletes can feel the entire nation rooting for them, the Hindustani way, when they hear it. It was a pleasure working with Ananya on this project and we hope to convey all our support and best wishes to Team India through it. Jai Hind!”&nbsp;

 
The patriotic track was jointly written by Ananya Birla, lyricists Nirmika Singh and Shishir Samant. The music video's been directed by Danny Mamik and Sahaan Hattangadi, &nbsp;and produced by Ananya's new production house. The music video features key Olympic archival footage from Atlanta (1996), Athens (2004), Beijing (2002, 2008), Rio (2016), London (2012) and exclusive training footage of this year’s contingent.&nbsp;

 
The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will kickstart on July 23 after it was postponed for a year amid soaring Coronavirus infection rates and lockdowns across the world. With the mercury of excitement soaring new high, Indians are weaving high hopes around their star athletes to shine at the biggest sporting extravaganza in the world.

Marking their maiden collaboration, Oscar, BAFTA and Grammy-winning composer, A.R. Rahman joins Ananya Birla on the record of her latest track 'Hindustani Way’ as the composer and producer.

Marking their maiden collaboration, Oscar, BAFTA and Grammy-winning composer, A.R. Rahman joins Ananya Birla on the record of her latest track 'Hindustani Way’ as the composer and producer. The track is an amalgamation of Hindi and English lyrics that is set out to establish an upbeat message of unity and optimism, heralding the gradual retreat of COVID-19 led tumultuous times as the kick-off date of the sporting extravaganza nears. Talking about this collaboration with her 'role model', Ananya said in a statement,“It is a true honour to write and sing a song to cheer our Indian Olympic contingent at Tokyo 2020. The grit and fortitude of the Indian Olympic team in the face of such a challenging year is inspiring. It was surreal to have had the opportunity to collaborate with my role model, AR sir on such a prestigious project, from whom I have learnt so much. We are here cheering, the 'Hindustani Way'” Speaking about his involvement in the project, A.R. Rahman added, “All of us are really excited to have made this special song and hope our athletes can feel the entire nation rooting for them, the Hindustani way, when they hear it. It was a pleasure working with Ananya on this project and we hope to convey all our support and best wishes to Team India through it. Jai Hind!” The patriotic track was jointly written by Ananya Birla, lyricists Nirmika Singh and Shishir Samant. The music video's been directed by Danny Mamik and Sahaan Hattangadi, and produced by Ananya's new production house. The music video features key Olympic archival footage from Atlanta (1996), Athens (2004), Beijing (2002, 2008), Rio (2016), London (2012) and exclusive training footage of this year’s contingent. The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will kickstart on July 23 after it was postponed for a year amid soaring Coronavirus infection rates and lockdowns across the world. With the mercury of excitement soaring new high, Indians are weaving high hopes around their star athletes to shine at the biggest sporting extravaganza in the world.

Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, musician Ananya Birla collaborate for Indian Olympians ahead of Tokyo 2020

Looks like Emmys will no longer have gendered acting categories in recognition of a wider spectrum of genders beyond males and females.&nbsp;

The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences said on Monday that starting from this year’s Emmy nominations, it will invite people who are nominated for acting awards to be recognised as “performer” and not “actor/actress”.&nbsp;

Emmy Awards Best Actress and Best Actor categories&nbsp;will not&nbsp;have a name change but&nbsp;description of the Emmy nominees will become a bit more malleable.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-academy-board-to-have-female-majority-for-the-first-time-in-94-years-393119" hreflang="en">Oscars: Academy board to have female majority for the first time in 94 years</a>

In a statement, the TV Academy said, “No performer category titled ‘Actor’ or ‘Actress’ has ever had a gender requirement for submissions. Now, nominees and (or) winners in any performer category titled ‘Actor’ or ‘Actress’ may request that their nomination certificate and Emmy statuette carry the term ‘Performer’ in place of Actor or Actress.”

Also, TV Academy has declared that any film that is entered for the best documentary feature or best documentary short Oscars will, starting next Emmy season, be ineligible for Emmy recognition. Monday’s statement reads, “Any film placed on the AMPAS viewing platform will be deemed a theatrical motion picture and thus ineligible for the Emmy competition.”

Looks like Emmys will no longer have gendered acting categories in recognition of a wider spectrum of genders beyond males and females. The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences said on Monday that starting from this year’s Emmy nominations, it will invite people who are nominated for acting awards to be recognised as “performer” and not “actor/actress”.

Looks like Emmys will no longer have gendered acting categories in recognition of a wider spectrum of genders beyond males and females. The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences said on Monday that starting from this year’s Emmy nominations, it will invite people who are nominated for acting awards to be recognised as “performer” and not “actor/actress”. Emmy Awards Best Actress and Best Actor categories will not have a name change but description of the Emmy nominees will become a bit more malleable. Oscars: Academy board to have female majority for the first time in 94 years In a statement, the TV Academy said, “No performer category titled ‘Actor’ or ‘Actress’ has ever had a gender requirement for submissions. Now, nominees and (or) winners in any performer category titled ‘Actor’ or ‘Actress’ may request that their nomination certificate and Emmy statuette carry the term ‘Performer’ in place of Actor or Actress.” Also, TV Academy has declared that any film that is entered for the best documentary feature or best documentary short Oscars will, starting next Emmy season, be ineligible for Emmy recognition. Monday’s statement reads, “Any film placed on the AMPAS viewing platform will be deemed a theatrical motion picture and thus ineligible for the Emmy competition.”

Emmys: TV Academy to change description of acting awards

A lot is going to change with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences before they organise the next year’s Oscars. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> governing body is making a drastic change in its 54-person board of governors. This is the result of this year’s Academy board elections that took place last month.&nbsp;

In a major change, for the first time in the organisation’s 94-year history, the majority of the board will be female -- from 26 to 31. Also the number of underrepresented racial/ethnic communities is up by 25 per cent -- from 12 to 15.

Some of them on the board for 2021-2022 cycle: Kate Amend, Craig Barron, Howard Berger, Charles Bernstein, Jon Bloom, Rob Bredow, Ruth E. Carter, Kevin Collier, Laura Dern, Teri E. Dorman, Dody J. Dorn, Ava DuVernay, Linda Flowers, DeVon Franklin, Rodrigo García, Donna Gigliotti, Whoopi Goldberg, Lynette Howell Taylor, Mark Johnson, Larry Karaszewski, Laura Karpman, Christina Kounelias, Ellen Kuras, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Jan Pascale, Stephen Rivkin, Eric Roth, David Rubin, Steven Spielberg, Wynn P. Thomas, Nancy Utley, Mandy Walker, Roger Ross Williams, Janet Yang and Debra Zane.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-to-again-allow-movies-on-ott-platforms-to-compete-for-honours-announces-ceremony-date-for-2022-387898" hreflang="en">Oscars to again allow movies on OTT platforms to compete for honours, announces ceremony date for 2022</a>

A lot is going to change with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences before they organise the next year’s Oscars. The Oscars governing body is making a drastic change in its 54-person board of governors.

A lot is going to change with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences before they organise the next year’s Oscars. The Oscars governing body is making a drastic change in its 54-person board of governors. This is the result of this year’s Academy board elections that took place last month. In a major change, for the first time in the organisation’s 94-year history, the majority of the board will be female -- from 26 to 31. Also the number of underrepresented racial/ethnic communities is up by 25 per cent -- from 12 to 15. Some of them on the board for 2021-2022 cycle: Kate Amend, Craig Barron, Howard Berger, Charles Bernstein, Jon Bloom, Rob Bredow, Ruth E. Carter, Kevin Collier, Laura Dern, Teri E. Dorman, Dody J. Dorn, Ava DuVernay, Linda Flowers, DeVon Franklin, Rodrigo García, Donna Gigliotti, Whoopi Goldberg, Lynette Howell Taylor, Mark Johnson, Larry Karaszewski, Laura Karpman, Christina Kounelias, Ellen Kuras, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Jan Pascale, Stephen Rivkin, Eric Roth, David Rubin, Steven Spielberg, Wynn P. Thomas, Nancy Utley, Mandy Walker, Roger Ross Williams, Janet Yang and Debra Zane. Oscars to again allow movies on OTT platforms to compete for honours, announces ceremony date for 2022

Oscars: Academy board to have female majority for the first time in 94 years

The organisers of the Oscars on Thursday moved the date of the 2022 ceremony to late March, a month later than originally planned, and said that films released on streaming services would again qualify for Academy Awards consideration. 
 
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement that the Oscars ceremony would take place on March 27, 2022 at the show`s traditional home in Hollywood. The ceremony was originally scheduled for February 27. 
 
No reason was given for the date change. 
 
The Academy added that due to the coronavirus pandemic, it will for the second time allow movies made primarily for release in theaters that were shifted to a streaming platform to be eligible for Oscar consideration. 
 
Dozens of movies have been released on streaming services such as Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix and Amazon in the past 15 months while movie theaters around the world have been shuttered because of the pandemic. 
 
The 2021 Oscars were delayed from February to late April because of the pandemic and took place for the first time at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. 
&nbsp;

The organisers of the Oscars on Thursday moved the date of the 2022 ceremony to late March, a month later than originally planned, and said that films released on streaming services would again qualify for Academy Awards consideration.

The organisers of the Oscars on Thursday moved the date of the 2022 ceremony to late March, a month later than originally planned, and said that films released on streaming services would again qualify for Academy Awards consideration. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement that the Oscars ceremony would take place on March 27, 2022 at the show`s traditional home in Hollywood. The ceremony was originally scheduled for February 27. No reason was given for the date change. The Academy added that due to the coronavirus pandemic, it will for the second time allow movies made primarily for release in theaters that were shifted to a streaming platform to be eligible for Oscar consideration. Dozens of movies have been released on streaming services such as Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix and Amazon in the past 15 months while movie theaters around the world have been shuttered because of the pandemic. The 2021 Oscars were delayed from February to late April because of the pandemic and took place for the first time at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles.

Oscars to again allow movies on OTT platforms to compete for honours, announces ceremony date for 2022

The drive to expand the number of film professionals who vote on the annual Oscar winners will slow down in 2021 after several years of rapid growth aimed at increasing diversity, the Film Academy said on Wednesday. 
 
In the past few years, some 800-950 actors, directors, cinematographer`s, producers and other film makers from around the world have been invited each year to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 
 
"This year`s growth in membership will be limited to roughly half that of recent years," the Academy said in a statement, adding that recent annual growth of 10% was straining its resources. 
 
Reducing the number of newcomers would allow the organization to better serve existing members, it said. 
 
The Academy said last year it had exceeded a goal it set in response to the #OscarsSoWhite scandal in 2016 of doubling the number of women and people of color in its ranks. 
 
On Wednesday, it said it was committed to a range of programs aimed at increasing "equity and inclusion in the stories told through film." 
 
This year`s Academy Awards, held in April, were the most diverse in years. Nine of the 20 acting nominations went to people of color. 
Chinese-born Chloe Zhao won for best director, Black British actor Daniel Kaluuya took the supporting actor Oscar and South Korea`s Youn Yuh-jung won in the supporting actress field. 
 
The names of new members invited to join the Academy are traditionally released in June. 
&nbsp;

The drive to expand the number of film professionals who vote on the annual Oscar winners will slow down in 2021 after several years of rapid growth aimed at increasing diversity, the Film Academy said on Wednesday.

The drive to expand the number of film professionals who vote on the annual Oscar winners will slow down in 2021 after several years of rapid growth aimed at increasing diversity, the Film Academy said on Wednesday. In the past few years, some 800-950 actors, directors, cinematographer`s, producers and other film makers from around the world have been invited each year to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "This year`s growth in membership will be limited to roughly half that of recent years," the Academy said in a statement, adding that recent annual growth of 10% was straining its resources. Reducing the number of newcomers would allow the organization to better serve existing members, it said. The Academy said last year it had exceeded a goal it set in response to the #OscarsSoWhite scandal in 2016 of doubling the number of women and people of color in its ranks. On Wednesday, it said it was committed to a range of programs aimed at increasing "equity and inclusion in the stories told through film." This year`s Academy Awards, held in April, were the most diverse in years. Nine of the 20 acting nominations went to people of color. Chinese-born Chloe Zhao won for best director, Black British actor Daniel Kaluuya took the supporting actor Oscar and South Korea`s Youn Yuh-jung won in the supporting actress field. The names of new members invited to join the Academy are traditionally released in June.

Oscar body slows down on adding new members, but reaffirms diversity goals

Danish Oscar-winning comedy-drama "Another Round" has found a global audience because it celebrates life at a time when the pandemic has threatened our existence, according to director Thomas Vinterberg. 
 
The film, starring Mads Mikkelsen, portrays high school teachers in various stages of midlife crisis who test alcohol`s ability to improve their lives. It won the Oscar for best international feature film on Sunday. 
 
"I find that alcohol in the movie is a symbol for something larger than just drinking," Vinterberg, 51, told Reuters in an interview. 
 
"Our existence has been threatened by the pandemic, but there`s an element of rejoicing in this movie, with people sharing bottles, hugging and celebrating life. I think there`s been an enormous desire towards the uncontrollable," he said. 
 
"I guess it`s about putting yourself at risk ... getting out of your safety zone a little bit," Vinterberg added. 
 
Mikkelsen, whose character finds a brief boost and enlightenment from drinking, performs an extended drunken dance at the end of the film and is frozen in time in the final scene as he throws himself off a wharf in Copenhagen. 
 
"Some people think he`s flying in the end scene, and others perceive that he`s falling," Vinterberg said. 
 
"To me, the ending carries an element of ecstasy, the element of weightlessness, but it also carries the grief of the character having lost his best friend." 
 
In his acceptance speech on Sunday, Vinterberg dedicated the Academy Award to his late daughter Ida, 19, who was to have had a role in the film but was killed in an automobile accident. 
 
"When my daughter died four days into shooting this film, a free fall began towards insanity," he said in the interview. 
 
"Continuing with this movie was filled with a little bit of purpose, if we made the movie for her, a purpose of honouring her memory," he said. 
 
"What happened yesterday (on Sunday) was the ultimate way of raising a monument for my daughter. It was filled with a lot of emotion because I miss her, but it was also filled with satisfaction." 
 
 
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Danish Oscar-winning comedy-drama "Another Round" has found a global audience because it celebrates life at a time when the pandemic has threatened our existence, according to director Thomas Vinterberg.

Danish Oscar-winning comedy-drama "Another Round" has found a global audience because it celebrates life at a time when the pandemic has threatened our existence, according to director Thomas Vinterberg. The film, starring Mads Mikkelsen, portrays high school teachers in various stages of midlife crisis who test alcohol`s ability to improve their lives. It won the Oscar for best international feature film on Sunday. "I find that alcohol in the movie is a symbol for something larger than just drinking," Vinterberg, 51, told Reuters in an interview. "Our existence has been threatened by the pandemic, but there`s an element of rejoicing in this movie, with people sharing bottles, hugging and celebrating life. I think there`s been an enormous desire towards the uncontrollable," he said. "I guess it`s about putting yourself at risk ... getting out of your safety zone a little bit," Vinterberg added. Mikkelsen, whose character finds a brief boost and enlightenment from drinking, performs an extended drunken dance at the end of the film and is frozen in time in the final scene as he throws himself off a wharf in Copenhagen. "Some people think he`s flying in the end scene, and others perceive that he`s falling," Vinterberg said. "To me, the ending carries an element of ecstasy, the element of weightlessness, but it also carries the grief of the character having lost his best friend." In his acceptance speech on Sunday, Vinterberg dedicated the Academy Award to his late daughter Ida, 19, who was to have had a role in the film but was killed in an automobile accident. "When my daughter died four days into shooting this film, a free fall began towards insanity," he said in the interview. "Continuing with this movie was filled with a little bit of purpose, if we made the movie for her, a purpose of honouring her memory," he said. "What happened yesterday (on Sunday) was the ultimate way of raising a monument for my daughter. It was filled with a lot of emotion because I miss her, but it was also filled with satisfaction."

Global pandemic makes Oscar-winner 'Another Round' more relevant, director says

Beijing-born Chloe Zhao was scrubbed from Chinese social media on Monday as a nationalist backlash airbrushed out her remarkable achievement of becoming the first woman of colour to win the best director Oscar.

Zhao on Sunday night became the second woman ever to win the coveted award at the LA ceremony, as her film "Nomadland" -- about marginalised Americans roaming the west -- bagged best picture and its lead, Frances McDormand, won best actress.

But all recent posts containing her name and "Nomadland" were mysteriously wiped from the Twitter-like site Weibo by Monday noon Beijing time.&nbsp;

Her win was also met with silence by Chinese media.

Initially hailed by state media for her film's success at the Golden Globes in March, Zhao became the target of a nationalist backlash after social media users dug up years-old interviews in which she appeared to criticise her country of birth.

Chinese cinemas abruptly pulled the film's scheduled release.&nbsp;

Zhao appeared to allude to these difficulties in her Oscars acceptance speech, saying, "I've been thinking a lot lately of how I keep going when things get hard".&nbsp;

She also quoted a line from a Classical Chinese poem that translates to "people are fundamentally good at birth" -- a move praised by many Chinese social media users, before the posts were later deleted. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Weibo initially flooded with social media posts praising Zhao on Monday morning, while others decried censorship.&nbsp;

"Chloe Zhao becomes the first Asian diaspora/Chinese female filmmaker to win the best director Oscar in history," wrote an entertainment blogger with over 8.9 million followers, in a post that gained thousands of likes before it was deleted.

"China's public opinion control is outrageous. After Chloe Zhao's starling Oscars win, there is not even a fart on Weibo," wrote an outraged user.&nbsp;

Despite the censors' efforts, on the streets of Beijing pride in an Asian director reaching the apogee of US cinema was easy to find.&nbsp;

"She's the pride of Chinese people... it's very rare for a Chinese to get an Oscar award," Yan Ying, a female engineer, told AFP on Monday morning.

"I think Chinese movies will get better and better and she will set a very good example for Chinese mainland directors," said 38-year-old legal worker Yuan Min.

Zhao is also well-known in China as the stepdaughter of famous actress Song Dandan.

Beijing-born Chloe Zhao was scrubbed from Chinese social media on Monday as a nationalist backlash airbrushed out her remarkable achievement of becoming the first woman of colour to win the best director Oscar.

Beijing-born Chloe Zhao was scrubbed from Chinese social media on Monday as a nationalist backlash airbrushed out her remarkable achievement of becoming the first woman of colour to win the best director Oscar. Zhao on Sunday night became the second woman ever to win the coveted award at the LA ceremony, as her film "Nomadland" -- about marginalised Americans roaming the west -- bagged best picture and its lead, Frances McDormand, won best actress. But all recent posts containing her name and "Nomadland" were mysteriously wiped from the Twitter-like site Weibo by Monday noon Beijing time. Her win was also met with silence by Chinese media. Initially hailed by state media for her film's success at the Golden Globes in March, Zhao became the target of a nationalist backlash after social media users dug up years-old interviews in which she appeared to criticise her country of birth. Chinese cinemas abruptly pulled the film's scheduled release. Zhao appeared to allude to these difficulties in her Oscars acceptance speech, saying, "I've been thinking a lot lately of how I keep going when things get hard". She also quoted a line from a Classical Chinese poem that translates to "people are fundamentally good at birth" -- a move praised by many Chinese social media users, before the posts were later deleted. Weibo initially flooded with social media posts praising Zhao on Monday morning, while others decried censorship. "Chloe Zhao becomes the first Asian diaspora/Chinese female filmmaker to win the best director Oscar in history," wrote an entertainment blogger with over 8.9 million followers, in a post that gained thousands of likes before it was deleted. "China's public opinion control is outrageous. After Chloe Zhao's starling Oscars win, there is not even a fart on Weibo," wrote an outraged user. Despite the censors' efforts, on the streets of Beijing pride in an Asian director reaching the apogee of US cinema was easy to find. "She's the pride of Chinese people... it's very rare for a Chinese to get an Oscar award," Yan Ying, a female engineer, told AFP on Monday morning. "I think Chinese movies will get better and better and she will set a very good example for Chinese mainland directors," said 38-year-old legal worker Yuan Min. Zhao is also well-known in China as the stepdaughter of famous actress Song Dandan.

China censors Oscars success of history-making Chloe Zhao

For the past year, Hollywood's brightest stars have either been forced to wear ball gowns in their living rooms to accept awards -- or they have worn fancy pajamas. On Sunday, they hit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscar&nbsp;</a>red carpet with flair.

And although the women were stunning as ever, the men -- perhaps inspired by Billy Porter's show-stopping turn in a tuxedo gown at the Academy Awards two years ago -- also brought their top fashion game.

Here are a few takeaways from the red carpet, the first big fashion event in Tinseltown since the coronavirus pandemic erupted in early 2020.

- Men on fire -

Leslie Odom Jr, a double Oscar nominee for best supporting actor and best original song for "One Night in Miami," looked exactly like the golden statuette he is hoping to take home, in a shimmering double-breasted Brioni suit.

Daniel Kaluuya, who won the best supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of slain Black Panthers activist Fred Hampton in "Judas and the Black Messiah," suited up in all-black Bottega Veneta -- T-shirt and tux.

And Colman Domingo, who co-stars with nominees Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," added a pop of color to the proceedings in head-to-toe hot pink.

Paul Raci, another best supporting actor nominee for his work in "Sound of Metal," rocked his black suit with some killer accessories -- silver jewelry and dark nail polish.&nbsp;

- Golden girls -

Odom was not the only one sporting Oscars gold.&nbsp;

Carey Mulligan, a nominee for best actress for her searing turn as a medical school dropout avenging her friend's rape in "Promising Young Woman," sparkled in a strapless golden gown with a bare midriff and a long train.

And singer Andra Day, a nominee in that same category for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in "The United States vs Billie Holiday," went for a daring gold gown with a huge cutout in the middle and a slit up to there.

- Pretty in white -

Along with Mulligan and Day, Viola Davis is in contention for the best actress prize for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and she turned up in a low-cut white sleeveless Alexander McQueen gown with sexy cutouts all through the bodice.

Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova, a first-time nominee in the best supporting actress category, also went for pristine white, fluttering onto the red carpet in a white Louis Vuitton princess gown with a plunging neckline and a cloud of tulle for a skirt.

- Blast of color -

Despite many gowns in white, basic black or muted hues, some actresses went for old Hollywood glamour in bright colors.

Halle Berry, a best actress Oscar winner in 2002 and a presenter on Sunday, rocked a new short hairdo and a strapless flowing purple gown.

And presenter Angela Bassett stunned in a bright red gown with a slit up the front and puffed sleeves that came together in the back in a huge bow.

"This is Hollywood Christmas," Bassett said at the Oscars pre-show.

For the past year, Hollywood's brightest stars have either been forced to wear ball gowns in their living rooms to accept awards -- or they have worn fancy pajamas.

For the past year, Hollywood's brightest stars have either been forced to wear ball gowns in their living rooms to accept awards -- or they have worn fancy pajamas. On Sunday, they hit the Oscar red carpet with flair. And although the women were stunning as ever, the men -- perhaps inspired by Billy Porter's show-stopping turn in a tuxedo gown at the Academy Awards two years ago -- also brought their top fashion game. Here are a few takeaways from the red carpet, the first big fashion event in Tinseltown since the coronavirus pandemic erupted in early 2020. - Men on fire - Leslie Odom Jr, a double Oscar nominee for best supporting actor and best original song for "One Night in Miami," looked exactly like the golden statuette he is hoping to take home, in a shimmering double-breasted Brioni suit. Daniel Kaluuya, who won the best supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of slain Black Panthers activist Fred Hampton in "Judas and the Black Messiah," suited up in all-black Bottega Veneta -- T-shirt and tux. And Colman Domingo, who co-stars with nominees Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," added a pop of color to the proceedings in head-to-toe hot pink. Paul Raci, another best supporting actor nominee for his work in "Sound of Metal," rocked his black suit with some killer accessories -- silver jewelry and dark nail polish. - Golden girls - Odom was not the only one sporting Oscars gold. Carey Mulligan, a nominee for best actress for her searing turn as a medical school dropout avenging her friend's rape in "Promising Young Woman," sparkled in a strapless golden gown with a bare midriff and a long train. And singer Andra Day, a nominee in that same category for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in "The United States vs Billie Holiday," went for a daring gold gown with a huge cutout in the middle and a slit up to there. - Pretty in white - Along with Mulligan and Day, Viola Davis is in contention for the best actress prize for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and she turned up in a low-cut white sleeveless Alexander McQueen gown with sexy cutouts all through the bodice. Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova, a first-time nominee in the best supporting actress category, also went for pristine white, fluttering onto the red carpet in a white Louis Vuitton princess gown with a plunging neckline and a cloud of tulle for a skirt. - Blast of color - Despite many gowns in white, basic black or muted hues, some actresses went for old Hollywood glamour in bright colors. Halle Berry, a best actress Oscar winner in 2002 and a presenter on Sunday, rocked a new short hairdo and a strapless flowing purple gown. And presenter Angela Bassett stunned in a bright red gown with a slit up the front and puffed sleeves that came together in the back in a huge bow. "This is Hollywood Christmas," Bassett said at the Oscars pre-show.

Oscars red carpet: Hollywood stars ditch hoodies, PJs for glamour

Hollywood’s biggest award night has&nbsp;seen some firsts this year, more than ever in the history of the Oscars as it takes place amid the pandemic.&nbsp;

Among some of the early winners are Daniel Kaluuya who claimed supporting actor Oscar for Warner Bros’ ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. Focus Features' ‘Promising Young Woman’ won original screenplay while Sony Pictures Classics' ‘The Father’ won adapted screenplay. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2021-live-nomadland-helmer-chloe-zhao-becomes-first-woman-of-colour-to-win-best-director-380238">Check out all live updates here.&nbsp;</a>

Netflix's ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ won for both makeup/hairstyling and costume design.

Denmark's ‘Another Round’ won Best International Feature Oscar.&nbsp;

This year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscar </a>ceremony, which features 11 first-time acting nominees, was produced by Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher and Steven Soderbergh and partially broadcast from downtown Los Angeles' Union Station.

<h2>Complete list of Oscar 2021 winners:&nbsp;</h2>

Best Picture 
The Father 
Judas and the Black Messiah 
Mank 
Minari 
Nomadland (WINNER) 
Promising Young Woman 
Sound of Metal 
The Trial of the Chicago 7

Best Actor in a Leading Role 
Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal 
Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom 
Anthony Hopkins, The Father (WINNER) 
Gary Oldman, Mank 
Steven Yeun, Minari

Best Actress in a Leading Role 
Viola Davis, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom 
Andra Day, The United States vs. Billie Holiday 
Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman 
Frances McDormand, Nomadland (WINNER) 
Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman

Best Actress in a Supporting Role 
Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm 
Glenn Close, Hillbilly Elegy 
Olivia Colman, The Father 
Amanda Seyfried, Mank 
Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari (WINNER)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role 
Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah (WINNER) 
Sacha Baron Cohen, The Trial of the Chicago 7 
Leslie Odom, Jr., One Night in Miami 
Paul Raci, Sound of Metal 
LaKeith Stanfield, Judas and the Black Messiah

Best Director 
Thomas Vinterberg, Another Round 
Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman 
David Fincher, Mank 
Lee Isaac Chung, Minari 
Chloé Zhao, Nomadland (WINNER)

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It's official! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a> <a href="https://t.co/UfflgqdTqF">pic.twitter.com/UfflgqdTqF</a>
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAcademy/status/1386485063517282307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Best Adapted Screenplay 
The Father (Christopher Hampton &amp; Florian Zeller) (WINNER) 
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (Peter Baynham, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jena Friedman, Anthony Hines, Lee Kern, Dan Mazer, Erica Rivinoja &amp; Dan Swimer) 
Nomadland (Chloé Zhao) 
One Night in Miami (Kemp Powers) 
The White Tiger (Ramin Bahrani)

Best Original Screenplay 
Promising Young Woman (Emerald Fennell) (WINNER) 
Judas and the Black Messiah (Will Berson, Shaka King, Keith Lucas &amp; Kenny Lucas) 
Minari (Lee Isaac Chung) 
Sound of Metal (Derek Cianfrance, Abraham Marder &amp; Darius Marder) 
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Aaron Sorkin)

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It's official! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wx4i9eOgFg">pic.twitter.com/Wx4i9eOgFg</a>
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAcademy/status/1386472033622499328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Best Costume Design 
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (WINNER) 
Emma 
Mank 
Mulan 
Pinocchio

Best Original Score 
Da 5 Bloods 
Mank 
Minari 
News of the World 
Soul (WINNER)

Best Animated Short Film 
Burrow 
Genius Loci 
If Anything Happens I Love You (WINNER) 
Opera 
Yes-People

Best Live-Action Short Film 
Feeling Through 
The Letter Room 
The Present 
Two Distant Strangers (WINNER) 
White Eye

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It's official! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a> <a href="https://t.co/s7j0sGyHEp">pic.twitter.com/s7j0sGyHEp</a>
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAcademy/status/1386488383841525762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Best Documentary Feature 
Collective 
Crip Camp 
The Mole Agent 
My Octopus Teacher (WINNER) 
Time

Best Documentary Short Subject 
Colette (WINNER) 
A Concerto Is a Conversation 
Do Not Split 
Hunger Ward 
A Love Song for Latasha

Best International Feature Film 
Denmark, Another Round (WINNER) 
Hong Kong, Better Days 
Romania, Collective 
Tunisia, The Man Who Sold His Skin 
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Quo Vadis, Aida?

Best Sound 
Greyhound 
Mank 
News of the World 
Sound of Metal (WINNER) 
Soul

Best Production Design 
The Father 
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom 
Mank (WINNER) 
News of the World 
Tenet

Best Film Editing 
The Father 
Nomadland 
Promising Young Woman 
Sound of Metal (WINNER) 
The Trial of the Chicago 7

Best Cinematography 
Judas and the Black Messiah 
Mank (WINNER) 
News of the World 
Nomadland 
The Trial of the Chicago 7

Best Visual Effects 
Love and Monsters 
The Midnight Sky 
Mulan 
The One and Only Ivan 
Tenet (WINNER)

Best Animated Feature Film 
Onward 
Over the Moon 
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon 
Soul (WINNER) 
Wolfwalkers

Best Makeup and Hairstyling 
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (WINNER) 
Emma 
Hillbilly Elegy 
Mank 
Pinocchio

Best Original Song 
“Husavik” from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga 
“Fight For You” from Judas and the Black Messiah (WINNER) 
“lo Sì (Seen)” from The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se) 
“Speak Now” from One Night in Miami 
“Hear My Voice” from The Trial of the Chicago 7 
&nbsp;

Hollywood’s biggest award night has seen some firsts this year, more than ever in the history of the Oscars as it takes place amid the pandemic. Among some of the early winners are Daniel Kaluuya who claimed supporting actor Oscar for Warner Bros’ ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’.

Hollywood’s biggest award night has seen some firsts this year, more than ever in the history of the Oscars as it takes place amid the pandemic. Among some of the early winners are Daniel Kaluuya who claimed supporting actor Oscar for Warner Bros’ ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. Focus Features' ‘Promising Young Woman’ won original screenplay while Sony Pictures Classics' ‘The Father’ won adapted screenplay. Check out all live updates here. Netflix's ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ won for both makeup/hairstyling and costume design. Denmark's ‘Another Round’ won Best International Feature Oscar. This year's Oscar ceremony, which features 11 first-time acting nominees, was produced by Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher and Steven Soderbergh and partially broadcast from downtown Los Angeles' Union Station. Complete list of Oscar 2021 winners: Best Picture The Father Judas and the Black Messiah Mank Minari Nomadland (WINNER) Promising Young Woman Sound of Metal The Trial of the Chicago 7 Best Actor in a Leading Role Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Anthony Hopkins, The Father (WINNER) Gary Oldman, Mank Steven Yeun, Minari Best Actress in a Leading Role Viola Davis, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Andra Day, The United States vs. Billie Holiday Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman Frances McDormand, Nomadland (WINNER) Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman Best Actress in a Supporting Role Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm Glenn Close, Hillbilly Elegy Olivia Colman, The Father Amanda Seyfried, Mank Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari (WINNER) Best Actor in a Supporting Role Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah (WINNER) Sacha Baron Cohen, The Trial of the Chicago 7 Leslie Odom, Jr., One Night in Miami Paul Raci, Sound of Metal LaKeith Stanfield, Judas and the Black Messiah Best Director Thomas Vinterberg, Another Round Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman David Fincher, Mank Lee Isaac Chung, Minari Chloé Zhao, Nomadland (WINNER) It's official! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/UfflgqdTqF — The Academy (@TheAcademy) April 26, 2021 × Best Adapted Screenplay The Father (Christopher Hampton & Florian Zeller) (WINNER) Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (Peter Baynham, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jena Friedman, Anthony Hines, Lee Kern, Dan Mazer, Erica Rivinoja & Dan Swimer) Nomadland (Chloé Zhao) One Night in Miami (Kemp Powers) The White Tiger (Ramin Bahrani) Best Original Screenplay Promising Young Woman (Emerald Fennell) (WINNER) Judas and the Black Messiah (Will Berson, Shaka King, Keith Lucas & Kenny Lucas) Minari (Lee Isaac Chung) Sound of Metal (Derek Cianfrance, Abraham Marder & Darius Marder) The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Aaron Sorkin) It's official! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/Wx4i9eOgFg — The Academy (@TheAcademy) April 26, 2021 × Best Costume Design Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (WINNER) Emma Mank Mulan Pinocchio Best Original Score Da 5 Bloods Mank Minari News of the World Soul (WINNER) Best Animated Short Film Burrow Genius Loci If Anything Happens I Love You (WINNER) Opera Yes-People Best Live-Action Short Film Feeling Through The Letter Room The Present Two Distant Strangers (WINNER) White Eye It's official! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/s7j0sGyHEp — The Academy (@TheAcademy) April 26, 2021 × Best Documentary Feature Collective Crip Camp The Mole Agent My Octopus Teacher (WINNER) Time Best Documentary Short Subject Colette (WINNER) A Concerto Is a Conversation Do Not Split Hunger Ward A Love Song for Latasha Best International Feature Film Denmark, Another Round (WINNER) Hong Kong, Better Days Romania, Collective Tunisia, The Man Who Sold His Skin Bosnia and Herzegovina, Quo Vadis, Aida? Best Sound Greyhound Mank News of the World Sound of Metal (WINNER) Soul Best Production Design The Father Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Mank (WINNER) News of the World Tenet Best Film Editing The Father Nomadland Promising Young Woman Sound of Metal (WINNER) The Trial of the Chicago 7 Best Cinematography Judas and the Black Messiah Mank (WINNER) News of the World Nomadland The Trial of the Chicago 7 Best Visual Effects Love and Monsters The Midnight Sky Mulan The One and Only Ivan Tenet (WINNER) Best Animated Feature Film Onward Over the Moon A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Soul (WINNER) Wolfwalkers Best Makeup and Hairstyling Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (WINNER) Emma Hillbilly Elegy Mank Pinocchio Best Original Song “Husavik” from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga “Fight For You” from Judas and the Black Messiah (WINNER) “lo Sì (Seen)” from The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se) “Speak Now” from One Night in Miami “Hear My Voice” from The Trial of the Chicago 7

Oscars 2021: Complete list of winners

Movie mogul Tyler Perry received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 93rd Academy Awards, where&nbsp;he slammed hate and called for unity amid social division.

Tyler Perry said, “I refuse to hate someone because they are Mexican, Black or White, or because they are a police officer, I refuse to hate someone because they are Asian. I would hope that we would refuse hate.”

Perry, who received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic work, touched on the social issues currently affecting Americans – from the violent attacks on the Asian American community to the multiple acts of police brutality against the Black community. He kicked off his speech with an anecdote about meeting “somebody at their humanity,” wherein he provided a homeless woman with shoes and took her into his Tyler Perry Studios.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-complete-list-of-winners-380269">Oscars 2021: Complete list of winners</a>

He also recalled his mother, whose own humanitarian efforts inspired him to give back to his community and those in need, noting that “my mother taught me to refuse hate.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-chloe-zhao-emerald-fennel-ann-roth-women-create-history-on-sunday-380286" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Chloe Zhao, Emerald Fennel, Ann Roth; women create history</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-red-carpet-fashion-celebs-glam-up-for-the-awards-380366" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021 Red Carpet Fashion: Celebs glam up for the awards</a>

Movie mogul Tyler Perry received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 93rd Academy Awards, where he slammed hate and called for unity amid social division.

Movie mogul Tyler Perry received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 93rd Academy Awards, where he slammed hate and called for unity amid social division. Tyler Perry said, “I refuse to hate someone because they are Mexican, Black or White, or because they are a police officer, I refuse to hate someone because they are Asian. I would hope that we would refuse hate.” Perry, who received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic work, touched on the social issues currently affecting Americans – from the violent attacks on the Asian American community to the multiple acts of police brutality against the Black community. He kicked off his speech with an anecdote about meeting “somebody at their humanity,” wherein he provided a homeless woman with shoes and took her into his Tyler Perry Studios. Oscars 2021: Complete list of winners He also recalled his mother, whose own humanitarian efforts inspired him to give back to his community and those in need, noting that “my mother taught me to refuse hate.” Oscars 2021: Chloe Zhao, Emerald Fennel, Ann Roth; women create history Oscars 2021 Red Carpet Fashion: Celebs glam up for the awards

Tyler Perry calls for unity, healing in powerful Oscars speech

Oscars 2021 Red Carpet Fashion: Celebs glam up for the awards

‘In The Heights’ trailer premiered at the Oscars ceremony and Disney songwriter and ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ star Lin-Manuel Miranda are confident that everyone loved it.

The feature is an adaptation of his Tony award winning musical In the Heights from Warner Bros.

‘In the Heights’ is set in the titular Latinx community of New York City’s bustling Washington Heights. When the neighborhood’s charismatic local bodega owner, and the pic’s humble narrator, finally decides to fulfill his dream of going to the island his parents called home, his departure will change his beloved block forever.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-complete-list-of-winners-380269">Oscars 2021: Complete list of winners</a>

Directed by Jon M. Chu, it will hit theaters and HBO Max on June 11.

Meanwhile, ‘In the Heights’ will open the Tribeca Film Festival this year on June 9.

See the trailer below:&nbsp;In The Heights

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The time has come for the event of the SUMMER. ☀️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InTheHeightsMovie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InTheHeightsMovie</a> <a href="https://t.co/fCoYZkDK9A">pic.twitter.com/fCoYZkDK9A</a>
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<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2021-nomadland-becomes-the-big-winner-of-a-historic-night-380386" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: 'Nomadland' becomes the big winner of a historic night</a></h2>

&nbsp;

‘In The Heights’ trailer premiered at the Oscars ceremony and Disney songwriter and ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ star Lin-Manuel Miranda are confident that everyone loved it.

‘In The Heights’ trailer premiered at the Oscars ceremony and Disney songwriter and ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ star Lin-Manuel Miranda are confident that everyone loved it. The feature is an adaptation of his Tony award winning musical In the Heights from Warner Bros. ‘In the Heights’ is set in the titular Latinx community of New York City’s bustling Washington Heights. When the neighborhood’s charismatic local bodega owner, and the pic’s humble narrator, finally decides to fulfill his dream of going to the island his parents called home, his departure will change his beloved block forever. Oscars 2021: Complete list of winners Directed by Jon M. Chu, it will hit theaters and HBO Max on June 11. Meanwhile, ‘In the Heights’ will open the Tribeca Film Festival this year on June 9. See the trailer below: In The Heights The time has come for the event of the SUMMER. ☀️ #InTheHeightsMovie pic.twitter.com/fCoYZkDK9A — In The Heights Movie (@intheheights) April 26, 2021 × Oscars 2021: 'Nomadland' becomes the big winner of a historic night

'In The Heights' trailer premieres during Oscars

The 93rd Academy Awards saw ‘Two Distant Strangers’ directors Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe win the Oscar for Best Live-Action Short.

With a muted awards show owing to the pandemic, Travon Free made an impact on the stage with his politically motivated award-winning speech that spoke of racial injustice and police brutality. In his acceptance speech, Travon Free said “God is good,” and added, “Today, the police will kill three people, and tomorrow, the police will kill three people—and the day after that, police will kill three people because on average, the police in America everyday kill three people, which amounts to about 1,000 people per year.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-complete-list-of-winners-380269">Oscars 2021: Complete list of winners</a>

Noting that “those people happen to disproportionately be Black people,” he then went on to reference iconic writer James Baldwin, who once said, “The most despicable thing a person can be is indifferent to other peoples’ pain.”

Travon urged, “So, I just ask that you please not be indifferent. Please don’t be indifferent to our pain.”

His partner Martin Desmond Roe then thanked the actors Joey Bada$$, Andrew Howard, Zaria, and A-list producers including Lawrence Bender and Sean Combs involved with the Oscar-winning short. He said, “We’d like to thank Netflix for giving our short film the chance to be seen by the world. We’d like to thank the Academy for championing the art of the short film.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-chloe-zhao-emerald-fennel-ann-roth-women-create-history-on-sunday-380286" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Chloe Zhao, Emerald Fennel, Ann Roth; women create history</a>

Backstage at the Oscars, Free expanded on the comments he made on stage. “We knew [Two Distant Strangers] would be a film that would be different for people to watch and to politically engage with….To be holding these [Oscars] for a movie as potent and as serious as this film is, from the Academy, I think is unbelievable. It’s amazing that we could be here today holding Oscars for a film about police brutality. It’s incredible. I had an idea while we were out protesting and marching …how I was internalizing the pain of seeing so many Black people killed by the police… this feels like living the worst version of Groundhog Day.”

The Oscar film ‘Two Distant Strangers’ follows Carter (Joey Bada$$), a Black cartoonist who looks to get back home to his dog, after spending the night with a new romantic interest. As the character steps outside, he is brutally murdered by the police, for no reason at all—and subsequently, he finds himself stuck in a time loop, where he’s forced to relive this moment, over and over again.&nbsp;

The 93rd Academy Awards saw ‘Two Distant Strangers’ directors Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe win the Oscar for Best Live-Action Short. With a muted awards show owing to the pandemic, Travon Free made an impact on the stage with his politically motivated award-winning speech that spoke of racial injustice and police brutality.

The 93rd Academy Awards saw ‘Two Distant Strangers’ directors Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe win the Oscar for Best Live-Action Short. With a muted awards show owing to the pandemic, Travon Free made an impact on the stage with his politically motivated award-winning speech that spoke of racial injustice and police brutality. In his acceptance speech, Travon Free said “God is good,” and added, “Today, the police will kill three people, and tomorrow, the police will kill three people—and the day after that, police will kill three people because on average, the police in America everyday kill three people, which amounts to about 1,000 people per year.” Oscars 2021: Complete list of winners Noting that “those people happen to disproportionately be Black people,” he then went on to reference iconic writer James Baldwin, who once said, “The most despicable thing a person can be is indifferent to other peoples’ pain.” Travon urged, “So, I just ask that you please not be indifferent. Please don’t be indifferent to our pain.” His partner Martin Desmond Roe then thanked the actors Joey Bada$$, Andrew Howard, Zaria, and A-list producers including Lawrence Bender and Sean Combs involved with the Oscar-winning short. He said, “We’d like to thank Netflix for giving our short film the chance to be seen by the world. We’d like to thank the Academy for championing the art of the short film.” Oscars 2021: Chloe Zhao, Emerald Fennel, Ann Roth; women create history Backstage at the Oscars, Free expanded on the comments he made on stage. “We knew [Two Distant Strangers] would be a film that would be different for people to watch and to politically engage with….To be holding these [Oscars] for a movie as potent and as serious as this film is, from the Academy, I think is unbelievable. It’s amazing that we could be here today holding Oscars for a film about police brutality. It’s incredible. I had an idea while we were out protesting and marching …how I was internalizing the pain of seeing so many Black people killed by the police… this feels like living the worst version of Groundhog Day.” The Oscar film ‘Two Distant Strangers’ follows Carter (Joey Bada$$), a Black cartoonist who looks to get back home to his dog, after spending the night with a new romantic interest. As the character steps outside, he is brutally murdered by the police, for no reason at all—and subsequently, he finds himself stuck in a time loop, where he’s forced to relive this moment, over and over again.

Please don’t be indifferent to our pain: 'Two Distant Strangers' helmer gives moving Oscar-winning speech

From Chloe Zhao to Daniel Kaluuya: History making wins at this year’s Oscars

Oscars 2021: Chloe Zhao to Anthony Hopkins, the big winners of the night

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

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

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

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

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

Welsh actor Catherine Zeta-Jones recently expressed her views about the 93rd Academy Awards, which is being held virtually amid the pandemic. Despite the quarantine and scaled-back festivities, the actor thinks the 2021`s broadcast will be `a a milestone`. 
 
According to Variety, the 51-year-old multi-nominated actor has not only taken home the Oscar gold but performed for millions on the Dolby stage, twice... once while pregnant. The actor relived her previous Oscar performance in an interview with the outlet and said, "I was pregnant but not just oh you can barely notice. I had my child ten days after the Oscars.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-probable-winners-in-key-categories-380117" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Probable winners in key categories</a> 
 
"Singing the original song penned for the 2003 best picture winner `Chicago` with castmate Queen Latifah, Zeta-Jones had one thought while rising out of the trap door and preparing to sing, "Why am I singing for a billion people right now?" The actor quipped so that she should have been lounging and eating chocolate it`s a good thing she appeared because she also took home the Academy Award for supporting actress for her portrayal of death row dynamo, Velma Kelly. 
 
Ahead of this year`s Academy Awards, Zeta-Jones talked about her performances throughout the years at the Oscars and what the annual Hollywood tradition means to her and her family. 
 
The `Chicago` star looked back at that 2003 duet with nostalgia and bewilderment.Ten years later, she would reprise her iconic Kelly again for a celebratory performance of the musical`s iconic hit `All That Jazz,` which has become a sort of theme song for her.

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When asked if she hesitant to revive the jazz hands so many years later?`The Mask of Zorro` star said, "Of course I was nervous. I`m nervous walking down the red carpet at the Oscars let alone getting up on stage and doing a number ten years later when I haven`t touched my toes or put on my dancing shoes and had a baby again!"Zeta-Jones shared that the Oscars is more than just an awards show; it`s a meaningful Hollywood tradition for her."I love the history of it all. I love the fact that we can sit back and applaud our peers and acknowledge the work done that year across the board costumes, acting, cinematography. Our industry, it takes a village," she told Variety.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chadwick-boseman-to-chloe-zhao-oscar-line-up-is-packed-with-firsts-380074" hreflang="en">From Chadwick Boseman to Chloe Zhao: Oscar line-up is packed with firsts</a> 
 
Zeta-Jones also said that she never makes dinner plans on the night of the Academy Awards."It never gets old for me to tune in in my pyjamas and watch it with my popcorn and make my predictions on who`s gonna win. And it never gets old for me to walk down a red carpet," she said.In an unprecedented year, the actor stressed the importance of the escapism that Hollywood has provided throughout the pandemic."When those lights go down, we can be taken into another world," shared the actor.&nbsp;

Welsh actor Catherine Zeta-Jones recently expressed her views about the 93rd Academy Awards, which is being held virtually amid the pandemic. Despite the quarantine and scaled-back festivities, the actor thinks the 2021`s broadcast will be `a a milestone`.

Welsh actor Catherine Zeta-Jones recently expressed her views about the 93rd Academy Awards, which is being held virtually amid the pandemic. Despite the quarantine and scaled-back festivities, the actor thinks the 2021`s broadcast will be `a a milestone`. According to Variety, the 51-year-old multi-nominated actor has not only taken home the Oscar gold but performed for millions on the Dolby stage, twice... once while pregnant. The actor relived her previous Oscar performance in an interview with the outlet and said, "I was pregnant but not just oh you can barely notice. I had my child ten days after the Oscars. Oscars 2021: Probable winners in key categories "Singing the original song penned for the 2003 best picture winner `Chicago` with castmate Queen Latifah, Zeta-Jones had one thought while rising out of the trap door and preparing to sing, "Why am I singing for a billion people right now?" The actor quipped so that she should have been lounging and eating chocolate it`s a good thing she appeared because she also took home the Academy Award for supporting actress for her portrayal of death row dynamo, Velma Kelly. Ahead of this year`s Academy Awards, Zeta-Jones talked about her performances throughout the years at the Oscars and what the annual Hollywood tradition means to her and her family. The `Chicago` star looked back at that 2003 duet with nostalgia and bewilderment.Ten years later, she would reprise her iconic Kelly again for a celebratory performance of the musical`s iconic hit `All That Jazz,` which has become a sort of theme song for her. Oscars 2021: Everything you need to know about the big night When asked if she hesitant to revive the jazz hands so many years later?`The Mask of Zorro` star said, "Of course I was nervous. I`m nervous walking down the red carpet at the Oscars let alone getting up on stage and doing a number ten years later when I haven`t touched my toes or put on my dancing shoes and had a baby again!"Zeta-Jones shared that the Oscars is more than just an awards show; it`s a meaningful Hollywood tradition for her."I love the history of it all. I love the fact that we can sit back and applaud our peers and acknowledge the work done that year across the board costumes, acting, cinematography. Our industry, it takes a village," she told Variety. From Chadwick Boseman to Chloe Zhao: Oscar line-up is packed with firsts Zeta-Jones also said that she never makes dinner plans on the night of the Academy Awards."It never gets old for me to tune in in my pyjamas and watch it with my popcorn and make my predictions on who`s gonna win. And it never gets old for me to walk down a red carpet," she said.In an unprecedented year, the actor stressed the importance of the escapism that Hollywood has provided throughout the pandemic."When those lights go down, we can be taken into another world," shared the actor.

Catherine Zeta-Jones remembers her Oscar performances

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

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

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

International Oscar field highlights humanity's darker side

The ballots are all in!

Millions of television viewers around the globe will tune in Sunday to watch the Oscars, the glitziest night in showbiz, but most don't know how the winners are chosen. Answer: more than 9,300 people in the entertainment industry select honorees. The number is a record high. But who are they and how did they get to become voters?

Here is a look at the complex, sometimes confounding process that leads to the winners of the 23 Academy Awards:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-best-picture-winners-of-the-past-decade-379734" hreflang="en">Oscars: Best picture winners of the past decade</a>

&nbsp;Who votes? -&nbsp;

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles currently has 9,362 voting members.

Academy membership is divided into 17 branches -- actors, directors, producers, costume designers and so on -- and candidates must be active or otherwise have "achieved distinction" in the industry.

Applicants must be sponsored by two Academy members representing their branch. Oscar winners and nominees are automatically considered for membership and don't need sponsors.

Applications are reviewed once a year by the Academy's Board of Governors, which has the final say on who joins the elite group. Members used to enjoy voting rights for life but since 2016, "voting status" has been limited to 10 years, and is renewable, to avoid having voters who are no longer active in the business.

Lifetime voting rights only come after three 10-year terms. Those not active become "emeritus" members who cannot vote.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-nominated-movies-that-you-can-watch-this-weekend-before-the-big-night-379495">Oscars 2021: Nominated movies that you can watch this weekend before the big night</a>

&nbsp;Who are the Academy members? -&nbsp;

For a long time, the Academy did not reveal its voting roll, though nothing prevents a member from saying he or she can cast a ballot.

At the time of the #OscarsSoWhite uproar in 2015 and 2016, about the lack of nominees of color, the Academy revealed that of its 6,000 members, 93 percent were white and 76 percent were men. The median age was 63. The Academy announced it would double the number of women and minority members by 2020 to foster a more diverse environment.

Last summer, the organization announced it had met that goal. The Academy is now one-third female and 19 per cent "underrepresented minorities." The group has also vastly boosted its foreign membership. Now, more than 2,100 are not Americans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-5-most-memorable-moments-of-all-time-379431" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: 5 most memorable moments of all-time</a>

How are the nominees chosen? -&nbsp;

Members of each of the 17 branches pick the nominees in their area of expertise. The actors' branch -- the largest voting group -- submits nominations for the acting categories, directors submit nominations for best director and so on.

Nominations for certain awards, like for best international film and best-animated feature, are chosen by special committees. The entire membership votes to choose the nominees for the best picture.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-heres-a-look-back-at-posthumous-oscar-winners-379235" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Here's a look back at posthumous Oscar winners</a>

How are the winners chosen? -

All voting members choose the winners. In 22 of 23 categories, the person with the most votes is the winner.

But when it comes to the coveted best picture award, the Oscar voters have since 2009 used a complicated preferential ballot system in which they rank the films from most favourite to least favourite.&nbsp;

Anywhere from five to 10 nominees can be chosen: this year, eight films are in contention. If one film garners more than 50 per cent of the vote outright, it automatically wins.

Otherwise, the count unfolds in rounds -- the film that received the lowest number of first-place votes is eliminated and those votes given to it are then allocated to the voters' second choice. The process of elimination continues until there is one film left with more than 50 per cent of the vote.

"The idea of the preferential ballot is to reflect the wishes of the greatest number of voters," explained Ric Robertson, who was the Academy's chief operating officer in 2009 when the process changed.

"Otherwise you might end up with a movie that, say, 25 per cent of the people love and the rest can't stand," he told the Los Angeles Times.

"This way, hopefully, you have a winner that most people can live with."

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is what's inside Oscars 2021 goodie bags

"Nomadland" is the bookies' favorite to win best picture at the Oscars, when they take place on April 25. Director Chloe Zhao has already made history as the first female director of color to be nominated in the best director award. Zhao is up for four Oscars, including directing, adapted screenplay, editing and of course, best picture. However, she is keen to point out the production was a group effort.

Will "Nomadland" extend its winning streak to the Oscars?

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

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

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

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

'Tipping point': Oscars filmmakers hail disability progress

Oscars 2021: 5 most memorable moments of all-time

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

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

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

Husavik, the Icelandic village dreaming of an Oscar

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