News Analysis India

Tag: Academy Awards

  • After Oscars, Grammy Awards leave out Lata Mangeshkar from ‘In Memoriam’ section

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Fans of Lata Mangeshkar are disappointed after the melody queen was not included in the ‘In Memoriam’ section of the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

    The absence of the legendary Indian playback singer from the 2022 Grammys ceremony, held on early Monday morning in Las Vegas, comes a week after the Academy Awards left out Mangeshkar from its homage segment as well.

    Mangeshkar, the voice of generations of Indians, died on January 6 due to multiple organ failures. She was 92.

    The fans took to Twitter to criticise the Recording Academy, the institution that conducts Hollywood’s biggest musical awards night, for omitting Mangeshkar’s name.

    Calling out the Grammys for honouring only American music, a user said the event felt “futile and insignificant”.

    “A little unrelated, but when they were paying tributes to artists who passed away this year and there was no mention of Lata Mangeshkar- India’s most loved singer, it all felt so futile and insignificant. These shows have no regard for ‘global’ music- only American.”

    Another wrote: “So both the Oscars and the Grammys failed to honor the late great Lata Mangeshkar in their respective memoriam segments? That’s a shame. #GrammyAwards #Oscars”

    A tweeple said not just Mangeshkar, the Grammys also left out veteran music composer Bappi Lahiri (69).

    Lahiri died of obstructive sleep apnea on January 15, days after Mangeshkar’s demise.

    “#GRAMMYs didn’t pay tribute to the greatest singer of Indian history: #LataMangeshkar or #bappilahiri.”

    The ‘In Memoriam’ segment of the Grammys paid tributes to legendary drummer of Foo Fighters Taylor Hawkins, Hollywood acting greats Sidney Poitier and Betty White, singer-actors Meat Loaf, Vicente Fernandez, jazz composer Chick Corea, among many others.

    According to ETOnline, while the show reportedly began with a list of hundreds of names to possibly include, the length of the segment required them to pare down the final list of those to be included.

    A much more comprehensive list is featured on the GRAMMYs website, which also does not mention Mangeshkar or Lahiri.

    Last week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the Academy Awards, had also left out cinema icon Dilip Kumar from its ‘In Memoriam’ list.

    However, at its 2022 edition, the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) featured Mangeshkar in the ‘In Memoriam’ segment and described the music icon as “an Indian playback singer, who recorded an estimated 25,000 songs for more than 1,000 Hindi films over a career spanning 70 years”.

  • Police ‘ready to arrest’ Will Smith after Chris Rock slap: Oscar producer

    By AFP

    LOS ANGELES: Police officers were ready to arrest Will Smith after he attacked comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars, the show’s producer said Thursday.

    In his first public comments since the shocking episode that marred Hollywood’s most important evening, Will Packer said he had sat with Rock when officers came to speak to him.

    “They were saying, you know, this is battery…. They said we will go get him, we are prepared, we are prepared to get him right now, you can press charges, we can arrest him, you have — they were laying out the options,” Packer told ABC Television.

    “Chris was — he was being very dismissive of those options. He was like, ‘I’m fine.’”

    Los Angeles police “officers finished laying out what his options were and they said, ‘You know, would you like us to take any action?’ and he said ‘No.’”

    Police in Los Angeles said Sunday that Rock had declined to file a report.

    Smith shocked the entertainment world by mounting the stage during the live broadcast of the Oscars and hitting Rock over a joke about the actor’s wife.

    Half an hour later, Smith was awarded the best actor Oscar for his role in “King Richard” — the movie industry’s highest honour for a male performer.

    The announcement was greeted with cheers and applause from the crowd of industry insiders.

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the body that awards the Oscars, said Wednesday Smith had been asked to leave the ceremony after the assault but had refused.

    Conflicting reports emerged Thursday over that detail, including one that suggested Packer had asked him to remain in the Dolby Theatre.

    In the brief clip, aired Thursday on ABC ahead of the full interview scheduled for Friday, Packer denied having spoken to Smith.

    The Academy said Wednesday it was mulling punishment, including possible expulsion — for Smith, one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, and only the fifth Black man to win a leading actor Oscar.

    “The Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr Will Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behaviour, and compromising the integrity of the Academy,” the statement said. 

    “The Academy may take any disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions.”

    Trade title Variety reported Thursday that Academy chiefs Dawn Hudson and David Rubin spoke with Smith on Tuesday, 24 hours before the organization issued its damning statement.

    It quoted sources saying the Zoom meeting had lasted up to 30 minutes.

    During the conversation Smith apologized for his attack on Rock, and said he was aware there would be consequences, Variety reported.

    Smith issued an Instagram apology on Monday, in which he called his behaviour “unacceptable and inexcusable.”

    “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be.”

    Rock, whose US comedy tour began in Boston this week told audience members he was “still kind of processing” the incident.

    He made no further comment.

  • Deaf actor Kotsur wins Oscar for supporting role in ‘CODA’

    By Associated Press

     Troy Kotsur, the first deaf male actor nominated for an Oscar, won best-supporting honors for his role in “CODA” at the Academy Awards on Sunday.

    Kotsur joins “CODA” costar Marlee Matlin as the only deaf Oscar winner. Matlin remains the youngest best actress winner at age 21 for the 1986 drama “Children of a Lesser God.”

    The star-studded audience rose to its feet for Kotsur, a heavy favorite going in after already winning trophies from the British Academy Film Awards, SAG, Critics’ Choice and Independent Spirit. Javier Bardem, Jessica Chastain, Nicole Kidman and others brought up their hands and waved them about — what’s known as a deaf clap.

    Presenter Youn Yuh-jung, last year’s supporting actress winner, signed Kotsur’s name before saying it into the mic. She handed the Oscar to Kotsur, then quickly grabbed it back, freeing his hands to make his comments in American Sign Language. An interpreter joined them on stage and choked up while delivering Kotsur’s remarks.

    “This is amazing to be here on this journey,” Kotsur signed. “I cannot believe I’m here.” In “CODA,” which stands for child of deaf adult, Kostur plays Frank, whose daughter, Ruby, struggles with being the only member of her family that isn’t deaf and the responsibility she feels for them.

    Kotsur’s televised speeches at the other shows where he won were a highlight each time, and he didn’t disappoint in his moment of a lifetime.

    “I just wanted to say this is dedicated to the Deaf community, the CODA community and the disabled community,” Kotsur signed. “This is our moment.”

    The 53-year-old actor from Mesa, Arizona, has toiled in the industry for over 30 years. He had expressed gratitude for the recognition “CODA” brought him after enduring years of financial struggles. Kotsur’s career has received a welcomed boost as a result of the accolades.

    Kotsur’s wife, actress Deanne Bray, is deaf. He kissed her before heading to the stage. Much of Kotsur’s career has been spent on the stage. He’s appeared in productions for the National Theatre of the Deaf and Deaf West Theatre in Los Angeles. His television credits include “The Mandalorian,” “CSI: NY,” “Scrubs” and “Criminal Minds.”

    Kotsur won the Oscar over Ciarán Hinds of “Belfast,” Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee of “The Power of the Dog,” and J.K. Simmons of “Being the Ricardos.”

  • Oscars 2022: Deaf actor Kotsur wins Oscar for supporting role in ‘CODA’

    By Associated Press

    LOS ANGELES: Troy Kotsur, the first deaf male actor nominated for an Oscar, won best-supporting honors for his role in “CODA” at the Academy Awards on Sunday.

    Kotsur joins “CODA” costar Marlee Matlin as the only deaf Oscar winner. Matlin remains the youngest best actress winner at age 21 for the 1986 drama “Children of a Lesser God.”

    The star-studded audience rose to its feet for Kotsur, a heavy favorite going in after already winning trophies from the British Academy Film Awards, SAG, Critics’ Choice and Independent Spirit. Javier Bardem, Jessica Chastain, Nicole Kidman and others brought up their hands and waved them about — what’s known as a deaf clap.

    Presenter Youn Yuh-jung, last year’s supporting actress winner, signed Kotsur’s name before saying it into the mic. She handed the Oscar to Kotsur, then quickly grabbed it back, freeing his hands to make his comments in American Sign Language. An interpreter joined them on stage and choked up while delivering Kotsur’s remarks.

    “This is amazing to be here on this journey,” Kotsur signed. “I cannot believe I’m here.” In “CODA,” which stands for child of deaf adult, Kostur plays Frank, whose daughter, Ruby, struggles with being the only member of her family that isn’t deaf and the responsibility she feels for them.

    Kotsur’s televised speeches at the other shows where he won were a highlight each time, and he didn’t disappoint in his moment of a lifetime.

    “I just wanted to say this is dedicated to the Deaf community, the CODA community and the disabled community,” Kotsur signed. “This is our moment.”

    The 53-year-old actor from Mesa, Arizona, has toiled in the industry for over 30 years. He had expressed gratitude for the recognition “CODA” brought him after enduring years of financial struggles. Kotsur’s career has received a welcomed boost as a result of the accolades.

    Kotsur’s wife, actress Deanne Bray, is deaf. He kissed her before heading to the stage. Much of Kotsur’s career has been spent on the stage. He’s appeared in productions for the National Theatre of the Deaf and Deaf West Theatre in Los Angeles. His television credits include “The Mandalorian,” “CSI: NY,” “Scrubs” and “Criminal Minds.”

    Kotsur won the Oscar over Ciarán Hinds of “Belfast,” Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee of “The Power of the Dog,” and J.K. Simmons of “Being the Ricardos.”

  • Lin-Manuel Miranda to skip Oscars ceremony following wife’s COVID-19 positive diagnosis

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Filmmaker-playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda says he will give the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony a miss after his wife tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

    The award-winning singer-songwriter took to Twitter on Saturday to share the news, adding his wife and former lawyer Vanessa Nadal was doing well.

    “Made it to Hollywood” This weekend, my wife tested + (positive) for COVID. She’s doing fine. Kids & I have tested – (negative), but out of caution, I won’t be going to the Oscars tomorrow night,” Miranda wrote.

    Made it to Hollywood…This weekend, my wife tested for COVID.She’s doing fine. Kids & I have tested , but out of caution, I won’t be going to the Oscars tomorrow night. Cheering for my TickTickBoom & Encanto families w my own family, alongside all of you, ALL of you. -LMM
    — Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) March 26, 2022
    His directorial debut, “Tick, Tick BOOM!” is nominated for two Oscars, including the best actor nod for Andrew Garfield.

    Animated film “Encanto” is up for three golden statues in the categories of the best-animated feature, original score, and original song for Miranda.

    “Cheering for my TickTickBoom & Encanto families w my own family, alongside all of you, ALL of you (sic)” he added in the tweet.

    The record-breaking song from “Encanto” — “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” — will have its first live performance at the 94th edition of the Oscars at the Los Angeles Dolby Theatre.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Academy released updated COVID-19 protocols and guidelines on Friday following a spike in positive cases among attendees at this year’s BAFTAs.

    In line with the new protocols, “those who tested positive for COVID-19 and are within a zero to five-day window from the date of their first positive test are not permitted to attend under any circumstances,” among other requirements.

  • Don’t Look Up, Coda , Succession  win top honours at Writers Guild Awards 2022

    By Express News Service

    Don’t Look Up and Coda added momentum to their hopes for Oscar gold by nabbing the top film honours at the 74th annual Writers Guild Awards.

    Sunday’s wins for the Apple TV Plus and Netflix titles come as film award season heads into its final seven-day countdown leading into the 94th Academy Awards on March 27.

    The Writers Guild of America West and East joined forces this year to present Sunday’s awards in a virtual format, hosted by actor-writer Ashley Nicole Black, out of Covid-related precaution.

    On the TV side, the HBO/HBO Max platform stood tall. Succession won the trophies for drama series and episodic drama, the latter snared by the memorable shareholders meeting romp, Retired Janitors of Idaho.

    Succession made history on Sunday, finishing its 2022 sweep of the major guild awards with two big WGA wins. The show has already collected the SAG Award for drama ensemble, the DGA Award for drama series (for director Mark Mylod) and the PGA honor as well.

    Episodic comedy honours went to Hulu’s offbeat period vehicle The Great, for creator/showrunner Tony McNamara’s Alone At Last episode.

  • Oscars 2022: John Travolta, Mila Kunis, Daniel Kaluuya join presenters line-up

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: The producers of 94th Academy Awards, Will Packer and Shayla Cowan, have announced the next set of star presenters for the upcoming ceremony.

    The line-up includes Daniel Kaluuya, Mila Kunis, Lupita Nyong’o, Naomi Scott, Wesley Snipes and John Travolta.

    Previously announced presenters for the Oscars 2020 include Ruth E. Carter, Anthony Hopkins, Lily James, Simu Liu, Rami Malek, Uma Thurman, Kevin Costner, Zoe Kravitz, Lady Gaga, Rosie Perez, Chris Rock and Yuh-Jung Youn.

    The 94th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland in Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC.

    Filmmaker Jane Campion’s Western “The Power of the Dog”, a psychological drama set in the director’s native New Zealand, is leading the this year’s Oscar race, with Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel “Dune” closely following.

  • Oscar cuts: Industry, nominees react to the decision

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Earlier, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had decided to present eight awards off-air to make the broadcast crisp and streamlined. But, apparently, the move has caused outrage among the nominees across eight categories.The original score, make-up and hairstyling, documentary short, film editing, production design, animated short, live-action short and sound — will be awarded prior to the start of the upcoming March 27 show, edited for time, and broadcast sporadically throughout the evening, according to Variety.Before the decision was made public, a Zoom call was convened to lend a personal touch to the news and show respect for their nominees. Present on the call was Shawn Finnie, executive vice president of membership and awards; Christine Simmons, AMPAS chief operating officer; Jennifer Todd, governor of the producers branch; and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson, who joined the call after it began.A source told ‘Variety’ that several individuals on the call tried to offer alternative ways to streamline the show but their suggestions weren’t considered. They were informed that the decision was final.The source as quoted by ‘Variety’ said: “To relegate us in this way, it’s so disrespectful. It sends a strong message about prioritising branches and specific filmmakers within the Academy.”One notable producer speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “I think there would be other ways where the Academy could still present these awards live and quicken the pace of the show overall. This specific choice feels a bit lacking in creativity.”Meanwhile, the American Cinema Editors were the only guild to publicly decry the decision as they said in a statement accessed by ‘Variety’, “We are deeply disappointed by the Academy’s decision to alter the way certain categories, including film editing, will be presented in the Oscars telecast. It sends a message that some creative disciplines are more vital than others. Nothing could be further from the truth and all who make movies know this.”The statement further read, “As a group of artists wholly dedicated to advancing the art and prestige of film editing, we passionately believe that editing — and all other creative disciplines that are part of the collaborative art of filmmaking — should be treated equally. Our contributions to that collaboration may sometimes appear invisible but they are undeniable.”The guild ended the statement on a hopeful note, “We hope that film editors and other artists affected by this change will be honoured and celebrated with the passion, dignity and inclusion they deserve.”

  • No Way Home trends as new Oscar category revealed

    By Express News Service

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new category of award, under which people can vote for their favourite film for the 94th Academy Awards through Twitter. Twitter users will be able to vote on their favourite film of 2021 by tweeting the title along with #OscarsFanFavorite and #Sweepstakes. 

    The film that garners the most votes will be revealed during the Academy Award broadcast on March 27. Further, the Academy has also announced that a vote will count for any film, even if it did not receive a single Oscar nomination and the users can vote up to 20 times per day. The voting period will be open from February 14 to March 3.

  • Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer, Regina Hall to host Oscars 2022

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall will host the 94th edition of the Academy Awards.

    The Oscars are returning to an emcee format for the first time since 2018, reported Deadline. The news is expected to be announced officially Tuesday on ABC’s “Good Morning America”.

    ABC is the broadcast partner for the awards ceremony, which will be held on March 27.

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who is the organiser of the annual honours, declined comment on the host news.

    The 2022 Oscars are being produced by Will Packer, whose long list of hit TV and film successes includes “Girls Trip”, which starred Hall among its ensemble.

    With the addition of comedy veterans Sykes and Schumer, it seems the producers are hoping to add some humour to the show. It is currently unclear how the duties will be distributed among the trio.

    Last year’s telecast ceremony was the lowest-rated ever, hampered by pandemic constraints and held with reduced capacity at Los Angeles’ Union Station instead of its normal home at the Dolby Theatre.

    This time Oscars return to full capacity at the Dolby as the latest Omicron variant continues to subside.

    Last week, it was confirmed that the Academy will not be requiring shots, just a recent negative test, to attend.

    Jane Campion’s Western “The Power of the Dog”, a psychological drama set in the director’s native New Zealand, is leading the race to the 2022 Oscars with 12 nominations, followed by Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of “Dune” with 10.