Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • Historic firsts, emotional speeches, and a tie: Watch the top Oscars moments

    Historic firsts, emotional speeches, and a tie: Watch the top Oscars moments

    The 96th Academy Awards ceremony unfolded as a spectacle of cinematic celebration, marked by groundbreaking achievements and profound emotional resonance. The evening’s trajectory was defined by unexpected developments and heartfelt acknowledgments that captivated a global audience.

    Emerging as the unequivocal champion of the night, the cinematic masterpiece ‘One Battle After Another’ secured an impressive collection of six golden statuettes, solidifying its position as a tour de force in this year’s competition. The production’s sweeping victory across multiple categories demonstrated exceptional artistry and technical proficiency that resonated profoundly with Academy voters.

    While ‘One Battle After Another’ dominated the awards landscape, formidable contenders ‘Sinners’ and ‘Frankenstein’ maintained strong showings throughout the ceremony, each garnering significant recognition for their artistic contributions to this year’s film landscape. The competitive atmosphere produced several nail-biting moments as these exceptional works vied for top honors.

    The evening’s proceedings were punctuated by an extraordinary occurrence—a rare tie in one of the major categories, creating an unforgettable Oscar moment that highlighted the exceptional quality of this year’s nominations. This unusual development underscored the exceptional caliber of artistic achievement recognized by the Academy.

    Beyond the competitive elements, the ceremony served as a platform for powerful human stories, with award recipients delivering moving acceptance speeches that touched upon themes of artistic dedication, social significance, and personal journey. These poignant addresses provided depth and substance to the glamorous proceedings, reminding viewers of the transformative power of storytelling through cinema.

    The 2024 Oscars will be remembered not merely for which films prevailed, but for how the ceremony celebrated artistic excellence while acknowledging the diverse voices and technical innovations driving the film industry forward.

  • ‘It’s a tie, I’m not joking’ – unusual Oscars moment sees two films share award

    ‘It’s a tie, I’m not joking’ – unusual Oscars moment sees two films share award

    In an extraordinary turn of events at the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony, the category for Best Live Action Short Film resulted in a rare tie between two contrasting productions: the musical comedy ‘The Singers’ and the dystopian French-language film ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva.’ This marks only the seventh occurrence of such a deadlock in the Oscars’ nearly century-long history.

    Comedian Kumail Nanjiani, presenting the award, handled the unexpected situation with characteristic humor. ‘It’s a tie, I’m not joking, it’s actually a tie,’ he announced to an astonished audience. ‘Everyone calm down, we’re going to get through this, focus up,’ he quipped, later joking about the irony that ‘the short film Oscar’s going to take twice as long.’

    ‘The Singers,’ an 18-minute exploration of music’s unifying power, was announced first. Director Sam A. Davis expressed surprise, noting, ‘A tie, wow we didn’t know that could happen.’ He described the film as ‘a simple story about the power of music and art to bring us together in a moment when we live in an increasingly isolated world.’

    The second winning film, ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva,’ saw co-directors Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh take the stage for their 36-minute dystopian narrative. Singh delivered a passionate acceptance speech even as technical cues attempted to conclude it, asserting that ‘art can change people’s souls… we can change society through art and creativity.’ The speech included a pointed remark addressing recent comments by actor Timothée Chalamet, eliciting mixed reactions from the audience.

    The ceremony’s historical context highlighted that the first Oscar tie occurred in 1932 for Best Actor between Fredric March and Wallace Beery, though under different voting rules. The most notable previous tie remains the 1969 Best Actress award shared by Katharine Hepburn and Barbra Streisand, the latter having received special admission to the Academy despite typically requiring two film credits for membership.

  • Kpop Demon Hunters wins Oscar for best animated film

    Kpop Demon Hunters wins Oscar for best animated film

    In a historic moment for both animation and Korean cultural representation, the supernatural musical film ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ claimed the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at Sunday’s Oscar ceremony. The Netflix-produced phenomenon, which has captivated global audiences since its summer release, triumphed over formidable competition to secure Hollywood’s highest animation honor.

    Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, alongside producer Michelle LM Wong, accepted the award to enthusiastic applause. Kang, receiving her first Oscar nomination and win, delivered an emotionally charged acceptance speech dedicating the victory to Korea and Koreans worldwide. ‘For those of you who look like me, I’m so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this. But it is here, and that means the next generations don’t have to go longing,’ she stated, highlighting the film’s significance for Asian representation in mainstream cinema.

    The innovative film blends K-pop spectacle with supernatural adventure, following a girl group that weaponizes their vocal talents against demonic forces, including a soul-capturing boy band from the underworld. Its cultural impact extends beyond animation, with the soundtrack dominating global music charts and becoming a commercial staple in retail spaces worldwide.

    Lead vocalists Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna attended the ceremony in golden gowns—a deliberate homage to ‘Golden,’ the film’s breakout ballad that earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. This follows the film’s previous awards sweep, having already secured Golden Globes for both Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, while ‘Golden’ recently made history as the first K-pop track to win a Grammy Award.

  • ‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ wins best documentary feature Oscar for teacher who opposed Ukraine war

    ‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ wins best documentary feature Oscar for teacher who opposed Ukraine war

    LOS ANGELES — In a striking moment of cinematic triumph and political statement, “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” claimed the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at Sunday’s Oscars ceremony. The film offers a courageous examination of how Russia’s youth are being indoctrinated with pro-war propaganda following the invasion of Ukraine.

    Accepting the award through a translator, the film’s protagonist and co-director Pavel Talankin delivered an impassioned plea in Russian: “In the name of our future, in the name of all of our children, stop all of these wars now.” Talankin, a former teacher and activities director from a small Russian town, secretly documented his students’ lessons, chants, and songs promoting the Ukraine conflict. He risked his safety by smuggling hard drives out of the country to collaborate with American director David Borenstein, who is based in Copenhagen.

    The acceptance speeches provided some of the evening’s most overtly political moments. Backstage, Talankin revealed his students had helped craft his speech. Borenstein addressed the broader theme of nations descending into totalitarianism, drawing clear parallels between his own country and Talankin’s.

    “‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ is about how you lose your country,” Borenstein stated. “You lose it through countless small little acts of complicity.” The director received growing applause as he elaborated that countries are lost when citizens remain silent as governments kill people in the streets and oligarchs consolidate media control.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the award, stating he had not seen the documentary.

    Distributed by Apple TV, the film premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. Its tone blends light, almost mischievous comedy with serious political commentary, with Talankin occasionally channeling the style of fellow documentary Oscar winner Michael Moore. The victory marked an upset over frontrunner “The Perfect Neighbor,” a Netflix production constructed primarily from police body camera footage.

    The Ukraine conflict has consistently featured prominently in recent Oscar documentary categories. This follows last year’s win by The Associated Press’ “20 Days in Mariupol” and the nomination this year of “Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud,” about an American journalist killed in the war.

    In the documentary short category, “All the Empty Rooms” prevailed, chronicling efforts to memorialize the bedrooms of children killed in mass shootings. The filmmakers yielded their acceptance time to Gloria Cazares, mother of 9-year-old Jackie who died in the Uvalde shooting, who made an emotional appeal for gun reform.

  • ‘I cry every time’: How Kpop Demon Hunters went viral

    ‘I cry every time’: How Kpop Demon Hunters went viral

    The unprecedented triumph of ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ at the 2026 Academy Awards, where it secured the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, represents a cultural watershed moment in global entertainment. This groundbreaking film has captivated audiences worldwide since its Netflix debut last summer, achieving what few animated features have accomplished: genuine cross-generational appeal.

    At San Francisco’s elementary schools, children like eight-year-old Oona Herman trade character stickers as prized commodities while attending themed birthday parties featuring movie merchandise and life-sized character cutouts. Yet the phenomenon extends far beyond childhood fascination. Parents like Christine Kao find themselves unexpectedly moved by the film’s emotional depth, frequently moved to tears by its narrative beauty despite initial expectations of mere children’s entertainment.

    The film’s genius lies in its multi-layered construction. On its surface, it presents as a vibrant musical adventure where a K-pop girl group battles demons through the power of their golden voices. Yet beneath this colorful exterior lies a profound exploration of identity through protagonist Rumi’s struggle with her dual heritage as both demon hunter and half-demon. This tension resonates particularly with Asian American audiences who recognize the cultural nuances of family expectations and personal identity.

    Musically, the film represents an evolutionary leap in cultural fusion. The soundtrack—crafted by an international team of K-pop and Hollywood producers—creates what musicologist Ray Seol of Berklee College describes as ‘a clever intersection between K-pop and Western pop music.’ The producers engineered a ‘global sound’ that maintains K-pop’s essential character while incorporating familiar Western pop elements, making it accessible to international audiences while preserving its authentic Korean roots.

    Lyrically, the songs transcend typical animated film music, serving as narrative vehicles that explore themes of self-discovery and identity. Tracks like ‘What It Sounds Like’ function on multiple levels, simultaneously referencing physical markings that reveal Rumi’s heritage while metaphorically addressing emotional scars and personal growth.

    The film arrives at a pivotal moment in Korean cultural expansion, building upon the foundation laid by Gangnam Style’s global breakthrough in 2012. Where BTS and Blackpink paved the way for K-pop’s Western acceptance, ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ represents the maturation of this cultural movement into a comprehensive ‘K-everything’ phenomenon that encompasses animation, storytelling, and cultural diplomacy. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has explicitly embraced this cultural output as soft power instrument for diplomatic and economic advancement.

    From merchandise shortages that surprised Netflix to academic analysis at institutions like Yale University, where sociology professor Dr. Grace Kao studies its cultural impact, the film has demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to bridge demographic and cultural divides while advancing the ongoing global influence of Korean creative industries.

  • Stars bring glamour to Oscars red carpet

    Stars bring glamour to Oscars red carpet

    The 98th Academy Awards ceremony witnessed Hollywood’s elite gracing the prestigious red carpet on Sunday evening, showcasing an extraordinary display of haute couture and sartorial excellence. This annual celebration of cinematic achievement transformed the Dolby Theatre entrance into a vibrant fashion runway, where established icons and emerging talents alike demonstrated their style prowess.

    Spring pastels emerged as a dominant trend, with Jessie Buckley—considered a frontrunner for Best Actress for her performance in ‘Hamnet’—radiating elegance in a striking Chanel ensemble featuring a crimson off-the-shoulder bodice complemented by a flowing rose-toned ball skirt. Rising star Chase Infiniti, known for her role in ‘One Battle After Another,’ captivated photographers in a breathtaking lilac Louis Vuitton creation adorned with intricate ruffles that cascaded into an elaborate train. Veteran filmmaker Spike Lee incorporated a vibrant purple hat and bow tie into his otherwise neutral attire, continuing his tradition of paying homage to music legend Prince through his fashion choices.

    The timeless combination of black and white maintained its red carpet dominance, interpreted through contemporary designs. Best Actress nominee Rose Byrne dazzled in a strapless Dior gown embellished with floral appliqués, describing her nominated film as an insightful exploration of parental relationships. Emma Stone, competing in the same category for ‘Bugonia,’ selected an immaculate white Louis Vuitton gown with delicate cap sleeves, while style icon Teyana Taylor commanded attention in a feathered Chanel masterpiece featuring transparent paneling.

    Notably, the event featured prominent figures from the world of hockey both real and fictional. Hudson Williams, celebrated for his role in the viral ‘Heated Rivalry’ series, arrived in a sophisticated all-black Balenciaga suit accessorized with a glittering brooch. The athlete-actor was joined by Olympic champions Hilary Knight and Hannah Bilka from Team USA’s gold-medal winning ice hockey team, who brought athletic excellence to the Hollywood spectacle.

  • Oscars night: latest developments

    Oscars night: latest developments

    HOLLYWOOD – The 98th Annual Academy Awards ceremony unfolded at the Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026, radiating glamour and emotional resonance as cinema’s elite gathered for entertainment’s most prestigious evening. The red carpet served as a stage for both fashion statements and heartfelt reflections on artistic recognition.

    Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve, nominated for Best Actress for her performance in the Norwegian family dramedy, expressed profound gratitude despite being considered an underdog in her category. Wearing a striking minimalist crimson gown, Reinsve described the experience as overwhelming yet deeply moving. “I feel I’ve won by being nominated,” she told AFP, emphasizing the significance of peer recognition in the voting process.

    The evening carried particular weight for Hollywood veteran Diane Warren, who received her 17th Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Despite never having won in a nomination streak dating back to 1988, Warren maintained her characteristic optimism on the red carpet. “I never give up hope,” she stated, acknowledging her perennial underdog status while affirming her relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.

    Behind-the-scenes artists from the heavily nominated film “Sinners” shared in the collective excitement. Lead hairstylist Shunika Terry confessed the gravity of the occasion was only beginning to sink in, remarking, “Like wow, we are really here. Just to be here is an honor.”

    The musical performance of “Sinners’” nominated original song promised to capture the film’s essence, according to the featured singer who described the opportunity as “a dream come true.” He revealed the composition explores musical evolution and journey, suggesting the live rendition would translate the movie’s magic to the Oscars stage.

  • Oscars red carpet: Stars and fashion in pictures

    Oscars red carpet: Stars and fashion in pictures

    The 2026 Academy Awards red carpet transformed into a high-fashion runway where Hollywood’s elite showcased sartorial excellence, making the entrance arguably more competitive than the awards ceremony itself. Held in Los Angeles, the event featured breathtaking ensembles that blended classic elegance with avant-garde design.

    Alicia Silverstone, renowned for her role in ‘Clueless,’ made a striking appearance in Christian Siriano, complemented by dramatic long black opera gloves. Australian actress Rose Byrne, nominated for her performance in ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,’ dazzled in an exquisite custom Chanel creation featuring elaborate floral embroidery.

    Bella Thorne opted for ethereal sophistication with delicate feathered cuffs and a sheer slip dress, while author Maggie O’Farrell—nominated for co-writing the ‘Hamnet’ screenplay—chose a vibrant bubblegum pink gown accessorized with black lace gloves and a mesh fascinator.

    Breakout television star Hudson Williams, though not nominated, captured attention through his rising prominence from the viral series ‘Heated Rivalry.’ Veteran songwriter Diane Warren, hoping for her first Oscar win on her 17th nomination, radiated timeless elegance in a satin suit adorned with a black neck bow.

    Amelia Dimoldenberg, serving as red carpet reporter and social media ambassador for the third consecutive year, stunned in a sculptural black Ralph Lauren column gown, Jimmy Choo footwear, and luxurious Bvlgari jewelry, cementing the Oscars’ status as fashion’s premier global stage.

  • Oscars 2026: Winners list in full (updating live)

    Oscars 2026: Winners list in full (updating live)

    The global entertainment industry turns its attention to Los Angeles as Tinseltown’s most celebrated figures assemble for the 96th Academy Awards ceremony. Scheduled to commence at 4:00 PM PST on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre, this glittering event will determine which cinematic achievements from the past year will claim the film industry’s most coveted honors.

    This year’s competition showcases an extraordinary diversity of talent across major categories. The Best Picture race features ten contenders including psychological thriller ‘Bugonia,’ gothic adaptation ‘Frankenstein,’ sports biopic ‘Marty Supreme,’ and Ryan Coogler’s critically acclaimed ‘Sinners.’ The directing category presents a fascinating mix of established visionaries and rising talents, with Paul Thomas Anderson (‘One Battle After Another’) competing against Chloé Zhao (‘Hamnet’) and Joachim Trier (‘Sentimental Value’).

    Acting categories demonstrate remarkable depth, with Timothée Chalamet (‘Marty Supreme’) and Leonardo DiCaprio (‘One Battle After Another’) leading the Best Actor nominations. The Best Actress category includes standout performances from Jessie Buckley (‘Hamnet’), Emma Stone (‘Bugonia’), and Renate Reinsve (‘Sentimental Value’).

    International cinema receives significant recognition with ‘Sentimental Value’ and ‘The Secret Agent’ competing for Best International Feature, while animated offerings include highly anticipated sequels and original creations such as ‘Zootopia 2’ and ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’

    Technical categories highlight groundbreaking achievements in visual effects, sound design, and production, with ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ ‘F1,’ and ‘Frankenstein’ receiving multiple nominations. The ceremony promises to celebrate both artistic excellence and technical innovation that has defined the past year in cinema.

    The Oscars maintain their status as the preeminent event in global entertainment, recognizing outstanding achievements in filmmaking while setting cultural trends and industry standards for the coming year.

  • Prince Harry and Meghan slam author of new book on royals for ‘deranged conspiracy’

    Prince Harry and Meghan slam author of new book on royals for ‘deranged conspiracy’

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have launched a vehement counterattack against author Tom Bower following the publication of extracts from his latest book on the British royal family. In an unusually forceful statement released Saturday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle characterized Bower’s writing as “deranged conspiracy and melodrama” that crosses into unhealthy fixation.

    The controversy stems from excerpts published in The Times of London on Friday, which included sensational claims about royal dynamics. Among the most incendiary allegations was an assertion that Queen Camilla had privately told a friend that Meghan had “brainwashed” Prince Harry. The book further suggested that Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, perceived Meghan as a “threat rather than an ally” during the period leading to the Sussexes’ departure from royal duties and relocation to the United States.

    In their response, the Sussexes highlighted Bower’s previous public statement that “the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,” which they presented as evidence of his biased approach. The statement accused Bower of building his career on “constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met,” explicitly directing truth-seeking readers to look elsewhere for factual information.

    The extracts also contained criticism spanning multiple aspects of the couple’s post-royal life, including their financial arrangements, philanthropic initiatives, and even Harry’s Invictus Games foundation for wounded military veterans. This represents Bower’s second literary examination of the Sussexes, following his 2022 publication “Revenge: Meghan, Harry, And the War Between the Windsors.” The ongoing public feud underscores the deepening rift between the Sussexes and certain media portrayals of their relationship with the institution they left behind.