分类: entertainment

  • 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.

  • Documentary series showcasing Beijing coming to streaming platforms this week

    Documentary series showcasing Beijing coming to streaming platforms this week

    A groundbreaking micro-documentary series offering unprecedented access to Beijing’s urban landscape is set to premiere across streaming platforms on March 17th. Titled ‘QiaoBeijing’ (literally ‘Bridges of Beijing’), the production takes viewers on an immersive journey through the Chinese capital’s diverse neighborhoods and waterways.

    The series traces a captivating route from Xizhimen to Tongzhou, following the scenic Liangma River to the historic Shichahai district, while simultaneously exploring the technological hub of Zhongguancun and the traditional alleyways of Beijing’s ancient hutong neighborhoods. Rather than conventional tourism coverage, the documentary adopts bridges as both physical and metaphorical connectors between the city’s past and present.

    Through intimate encounters with local residents, the series reveals how these architectural structures serve as social crossroads where traditional culture intersects with modern urban development. Each episode focuses on different bridge structures while exploring their cultural significance, engineering marvels, and role in daily Beijing life.

    The production represents a innovative approach to urban documentary filmmaking, utilizing cinematic techniques typically reserved for feature films to capture the capital’s architectural beauty throughout changing seasons. The timing coincides with growing international interest in Chinese urban development models and preservation efforts regarding historical landmarks.

    Early promotional materials suggest the series will address how Beijing maintains its cultural identity while evolving as a global metropolis, particularly examining how infrastructure projects accommodate both preservation and progress. The documentary’s release across multiple streaming platforms indicates targeted distribution toward both domestic and international audiences interested in Chinese culture, urban planning, and architectural history.

  • Counterespionage thriller is first Chinese movie to get backing of intelligence agency

    Counterespionage thriller is first Chinese movie to get backing of intelligence agency

    In an unprecedented move, China’s traditionally secretive Ministry of State Security (MSS) has entered the world of cinematic storytelling with its officially endorsed spy thriller ‘Scare Out.’ Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Zhang Yimou, the film represents a significant departure from the agency’s conventional opacity, marking the first motion picture to receive direct support from China’s intelligence apparatus.

    The high-octane production features dramatic sequences including drone-assisted pursuits through Shenzhen’s glass-walled skyscrapers, showcasing sophisticated intelligence operations against espionage threats. Starring acclaimed actors Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong, the narrative centers on hunting a mole within China’s intelligence service who leaks classified information about a new fighter jet.

    This cinematic project forms part of MSS’s broader strategy toward public engagement, transitioning from complete secrecy to controlled transparency. The ministry, which established its social media presence just two years ago, has increasingly utilized platforms like WeChat to share educational content, including real case studies, comics, and mini-films about national security.

    According to security experts, the film represents a sophisticated effort to mobilize public support for national security initiatives. ‘It wants to build public and popular support to encourage people to share information,’ observed Sheena Greitens, associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, noting the agency’s attempt to make national security ‘entertaining and fun to support.’

    The production benefited from direct MSS involvement, with state security officers accompanying the filming process to ensure authenticity. Zhang emphasized in a People’s Daily op-ed that this guidance was crucial for achieving realism in depicting intelligence operations.

    Since its February 17 release coinciding with Chinese New Year, the film has achieved substantial commercial success, generating 1.1 billion yuan ($160 million) within two weeks and receiving international screenings in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Audience responses have varied from unexpected enjoyment to appreciation for its patriotic educational value compared to traditional lectures.

    The release coincides with heightened intelligence tensions, particularly as the CIA has recently circulated Mandarin-language recruitment videos targeting Chinese officials. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned these efforts, pledging to prevent foreign infiltration attempts.

  • It’s ‘Sinners’ v ‘One Battle’ as Oscars day arrives

    It’s ‘Sinners’ v ‘One Battle’ as Oscars day arrives

    Hollywood’s most anticipated night has arrived as the 98th Academy Awards ceremony commences Sunday evening at the Dolby Theatre, with the best picture race representing one of the most unpredictable contests in recent Oscar history. The cinematic showdown pits Michael B. Jordan’s supernatural horror ‘Sinners’ against Leonardo DiCaprio’s political thriller ‘One Battle After Another,’ both films positioned to potentially break the all-time Oscar wins record currently shared by ‘Ben-Hur,’ ‘Titanic,’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.’

    Industry analysts note the extraordinary convergence of factors making this year’s ceremony particularly compelling. ‘Sinners’ has already achieved a historic milestone with 16 nominations, the most ever received by a single film, while ‘One Battle’ enters as the season’s frontrunner after dominating earlier awards. The directing category presents its own landmark possibility, with Ryan Coogler potentially becoming the first Black filmmaker to win best director in the Academy’s 98-year history for his work on ‘Sinners.’

    The acting categories demonstrate similar uncertainty, particularly in the best actor race where early favorite Timothée Chalamet (‘Marty Supreme’) has seen his prospects diminish following controversial public statements. Michael B. Jordan’s dual performance as twin brothers in ‘Sinners,’ which earned him the Screen Actors Guild Award, now positions him as a strong contender against DiCaprio’s revolutionary character in ‘One Battle.’

    Supporting categories remain equally unpredictable, with veterans Sean Penn (‘One Battle’), Stellan Skarsgård (‘Sentimental Value’), and first-time nominee Delroy Lindo (‘Sinners’) competing for best supporting actor. The supporting actress category features compelling performances from Amy Madigan as a horror villain (‘Weapons’), Teyana Taylor as a revolutionary (‘One Battle’), and Wunmi Mosaku as a Hoodoo healer (‘Sinners’).

    Amid heightened security concerns due to global political tensions, the ceremony hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien will feature musical performances including the nominated song ‘Golden’ from Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ performed by the vocalists behind fictional girl group HUNTR/X. The traditional in memoriam segment will honor recently departed icons including Robert Redford and Rob Reiner, though producers remained silent on speculation regarding a musical tribute from Barbra Streisand.

    International film contenders include Norway’s family drama ‘Sentimental Value’ and Brazil’s surreal political thriller ‘The Secret Agent,’ while best actress appears to be the evening’s most predictable category with Jessie Buckley (‘Hamnet’) maintaining her frontrunner status throughout awards season.

  • Oscars 2026: What to expect, how to watch and who will win

    Oscars 2026: What to expect, how to watch and who will win

    The 98th Academy Awards ceremony promises an evening of suspense and glamour as Hollywood’s elite gather for cinema’s most prestigious night. With several categories featuring neck-and-neck competitions, this year’s Oscars present one of the most unpredictable award seasons in recent memory.

    The best picture race has narrowed to a dramatic showdown between two exceptional films: the political thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ and the genre-defying vampire horror ‘Sinners,’ which made history by securing 16 nominations—the highest tally ever recorded. While ‘One Battle After Another’ enters as the statistical favorite following its dominant performance during precursor ceremonies, industry insiders acknowledge the passionate support for ‘Sinners’ within the Academy membership.

    In the acting categories, Irish actress Jessie Buckley stands as the undeniable frontrunner for best actress following her critically acclaimed performance in ‘Hamnet,’ having dominated the category throughout awards season. The best actor race, however, remains remarkably fluid with Michael B. Jordan (‘Sinners’) and Timothée Chalamet (‘Marty Supreme’) emerging as the leading contenders after a season of surprising outcomes across various award ceremonies.

    The supporting acting categories demonstrate even greater volatility. Sean Penn’s transformative portrayal of a white supremacist in ‘One Battle After Another’ has gained significant momentum following his wins at both the BAFTA and Actor Awards. The supporting actress competition features three legitimate contenders: Teyana Taylor (‘One Battle After Another’), Wunmi Mosaku (‘Sinners’), and Amy Madigan (‘Weapons’), each having claimed major precursor awards.

    Television personality Conan O’Brien returns to host the ceremony following his widely praised performance in 2025. The production will feature numerous presenting appearances by acclaimed actors including Nicole Kidman, Robert Downey Jr., and last year’s acting winners. Only two of the five best original song nominees will be performed during the broadcast: ‘I Lied to You’ from ‘Sinners’ and ‘Golden’ from ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ performed by the virtual girl group Huntr/x.

    The ceremony will be broadcast on ITV in the UK beginning with red carpet coverage at 22:15 GMT, while American viewers can watch on ABC starting at 16:00 PT/19:00 ET. This year’s slightly later date reflects the Academy’s traditional scheduling around major international events like the Winter Olympics.

  • ‘Hate-watch classic’ War of the Worlds sweeps Razzie Awards

    ‘Hate-watch classic’ War of the Worlds sweeps Razzie Awards

    In a stunning sweep of cinematic infamy, the 2025 Razzie Awards crowned Prime Video’s ‘War of the Worlds’ adaptation as the year’s most disastrous film achievement. The controversial production, featuring Ice Cube in a stationary battle against alien invaders, captured five unwanted honors including Worst Picture, Worst Actor, and Worst Director.

    The Razzie committee described the film as achieving ‘cult hate-watch classic’ status almost immediately upon release. Their official statement lambasted director Rich Lee for ‘utterly destroying H.G. Wells’ classic novel’ through what they characterized as ‘a goofy gimmick, hack dialogue, and a particularly hilarious performance by its lead.’

    Other notable ‘winners’ included Rebel Wilson, who received Worst Actress for her performance in ‘Bride Hard,’ and Scarlet Rose Stallone (daughter of Sylvester Stallone), named Worst Supporting Actress for Western film ‘Gunslingers.’ In a particularly cutting assessment, Disney’s computer-generated dwarfs from their 2025 ‘Snow White’ remake collectively received both Worst Supporting Actor and Worst Screen Combo awards.

    Amid the recognition of cinematic failures, Kate Hudson provided a redemption narrative, receiving the Razzie Redeemer Award. Previously nominated for three Razzies, Hudson has now earned Oscar recognition for her performance in ‘Song Sung Blue,’ demonstrating a remarkable career turnaround.

    The announcements came just before Hollywood’s prestigious Oscar ceremonies, maintaining the Razzies’ tradition of highlighting the year’s most disappointing cinematic efforts alongside the industry’s highest honors.