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  • 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.

  • Trump urges UK and other nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz

    Trump urges UK and other nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz

    Former US President Donald Trump has issued a forceful appeal for a multinational naval coalition to secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz, following a series of attacks on commercial shipping that have disrupted global oil supplies. In posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump specifically called upon the United Kingdom, China, France, Japan, and South Korea to deploy warships to safeguard this critical maritime corridor.

    The urgency of Trump’s request stems from escalating hostilities between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, which have transformed the world’s busiest oil shipping channel into a conflict zone. Since the war began on February 28th, UK Maritime Trade Operations has documented at least 16 attacks on vessels in and around the strait, through which approximately 20% of global oil shipments typically pass.

    Tehran has explicitly stated its intention to maintain a blockade of the waterway as part of its military strategy. Iranian officials have warned that any tanker bound for the US, Israel, or their partners constitutes a legitimate target. This declaration came alongside intensified attacks on energy infrastructure throughout the Gulf region.

    Trump’s rhetoric remained characteristically combative, asserting that while “100% of Iran’s military capability” had been destroyed, the nation still posed a threat through potential drone attacks, mine deployments, or close-range missile strikes. He promised continued US military action, including bombing Iranian shoreline positions and engaging Iranian vessels, while offering “a lot” of support to nations participating in the proposed coalition.

    The UK Ministry of Defence responded cautiously, indicating they were discussing “a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region” with allied nations. This diplomatic language contrasted sharply with Trump’s previous comments, in which he stated he “couldn’t care less” whether allies contributed more to the war effort and accused UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer of seeking to “join wars after we’ve already won.”

    International reactions revealed further complexities. French President Emmanuel Macron previously expressed willingness to deploy warships for escort missions, but only after the most “intense phase of the conflict” had concluded. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged Prime Minister Starmer to resist pressure from Trump, emphasizing that deployment decisions should be based solely on UK national interests and subject to parliamentary approval.

    The strategic implications are substantial. Currently, not even the US Navy is escorting tankers through the narrow shipping lane, reflecting the dangerous operational environment. The effective closure of the strait and attacks on energy infrastructure have already triggered significant increases in global oil prices, demonstrating the economic vulnerability created by the regional conflict.

  • Treasure hunter freed from jail after refusing to turn over shipwreck gold

    Treasure hunter freed from jail after refusing to turn over shipwreck gold

    After a decade behind bars, deep-sea treasure hunter Tommy Thompson has been released from prison, leaving the whereabouts of 500 missing gold coins from a historic shipwreck shrouded in mystery. The 73-year-old explorer, who located the legendary SS Central America wreck in 1988, spent years as a fugitive before his eventual capture and imprisonment.

    The SS Central America, famously known as the ‘Ship of Gold,’ met its tragic fate in 1857 during a hurricane off the coast of South Carolina. The vessel was transporting approximately 30,000 pounds of freshly minted San Francisco gold intended to establish banking reserves on the East Coast. The catastrophic sinking at a depth of 7,000 feet claimed 425 lives and significantly contributed to the financial panic of 1857.

    Thompson’s remarkable discovery of the wreckage yielded thousands of gold bars and coins, with subsequent sales generating approximately $50 million in 2000. However, 161 investors who had contributed $12.7 million to fund the recovery operation filed lawsuits in 2005, alleging they had been defrauded of their promised returns. Later estimates suggested the recovered treasure might have been worth up to $400 million.

    The treasure hunter’s legal troubles escalated when he vanished in 2012 to avoid court appearances. After three years as a fugitive, living under assumed names in Florida hotels while using cash payments and public transportation to evade detection, Thompson was finally apprehended in 2015.

    His imprisonment stemmed from criminal contempt charges for refusing to disclose the location of the missing coins. While civil contempt sentences typically continue indefinitely until compliance with court orders, the presiding judge recently determined that Thompson would never reveal the coins’ whereabouts, leading to his release and concluding one of the most extraordinary treasure hunting sagas in American history.

  • Fatal shooting near Sawgrass delays fan entry

    Fatal shooting near Sawgrass delays fan entry

    A deadly shooting incident near TPC Sawgrass golf course disrupted spectator access during the third day of the prestigious Players Championship tournament in Florida. According to St Johns County Sheriff’s Office, two individuals were fatally shot at approximately 10:30 PM local time on Friday, with the violent incident occurring less than one mile from the championship venue.

    The alleged perpetrator, identified as Christian Barrios, reportedly fled onto the golf course premises following the shooting. After an extensive manhunt, law enforcement authorities apprehended Barrios in Nassau County at around 8:00 AM on Saturday following a vehicle pursuit.

    Sheriff Robert Hardwick provided details of the suspect’s movements, indicating that Barrios had “made contact” with PGA Tour staff members during his attempted escape. “We believe he picked up a radio belonging to the PGA Tour, not one of our radios, and we know he dropped it after that,” Hardwick stated. “Our canines used it as a scent when they came in there.”

    The scheduled 7:30 AM gate opening for spectators was consequently delayed until 9:00 AM due to what tournament organizers described as “operational considerations” related to the security situation. Despite the access restrictions for fans, third-round competition at the PGA Tour’s flagship event commenced according to the original timetable.

    Meanwhile, Swedish golfer Ludvig Aberg maintained his tournament leadership position after two rounds, having delivered an impressive nine-under-par 63 performance on Friday prior to the security incident.

  • Kennedy Center head steps down after tumultuous year

    Kennedy Center head steps down after tumultuous year

    In a significant leadership shakeup at one of America’s premier cultural institutions, Richard Grenell has resigned from his position as head of the recently renamed Donald J Trump and John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The former U.S. ambassador to Germany, known for his close affiliation with President Donald Trump, departs after a year marked by substantial organizational changes, artist withdrawals, and declining attendance figures.

    President Trump announced the transition via his Truth Social platform, revealing that Matt Floca, the center’s current vice-president of facilities operations, would assume leadership responsibilities. Floca, who joined the institution in January 2024 during the Biden administration, brings extensive experience in facilities and construction management to the role.

    The leadership change occurs as the iconic performing arts venue prepares for an extensive two-year renovation project commencing in July. President Trump has secured over $250 million in funding for the reconstruction, frequently criticizing the center’s physical condition while promising to create “the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the World.”

    The administration’s relationship with the cultural institution has been complex since Trump’s return to the White House. Shortly beginning his second term, the president installed himself as chairman of the center after replacing several board members with political allies. This reconstituted board subsequently approved the institution’s controversial renaming in December, despite legal questions regarding the necessity of congressional approval for such changes.

    Under Grenell’s tenure, the center experienced significant programming shifts, with Trump criticizing previous offerings as excessively “woke.” This stance led to performance cancellations by prominent artists including the cast of Hamilton, composer Stephen Schwartz of Wicked fame, and Doug Varone and the Dancers.

    Once confirmed by the center’s board of directors, Floca will oversee the massive renovation project while managing the institution’s ongoing operational challenges during this transitional period.

  • Trump says US military actions in Iran will last ‘as long as necessary’

    Trump says US military actions in Iran will last ‘as long as necessary’

    President Donald Trump declared on Friday that American military operations in Iran would continue indefinitely, offering no specific timeline for resolution while asserting that campaign objectives were being met ahead of expectations.

    During a press briefing at the White House, Trump faced repeated questioning from journalists seeking clarity on the duration of ongoing combat operations. “I can’t tell you that,” the President responded when pressed for a definitive timeframe. Emphasizing the unpredictable nature of military engagements, he added, “I won’t give you a time, but we are way ahead of schedule.”

    The statement comes amid growing international concern over escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region. Military analysts note that the administration’s refusal to establish a clear endpoint marks a significant departure from previous conflict management approaches, where timelines and exit strategies were more explicitly defined.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics, including recent sanctions debates at the United Nations Security Council and increasing domestic scrutiny over the human and financial costs of prolonged military engagement. The President’s remarks suggest a commitment to maintaining operational flexibility while acknowledging the inherent uncertainties of modern warfare.

  • ‘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.

  • Charges dropped against Georgia teens whose teacher died during toilet paper prank

    Charges dropped against Georgia teens whose teacher died during toilet paper prank

    In a remarkable display of compassion amidst tragedy, Georgia prosecutors have dismissed all charges against five high school students involved in the accidental death of their mathematics teacher, Jason Hughes, during a senior prank gone awry. The decision follows an extraordinary appeal from the victim’s own family, who pleaded with authorities to avoid compounding the tragedy by prosecuting the teenagers.

    The incident occurred when Hughes, 40, anticipating the traditional toilet paper prank at his residence, attempted to surprise the students. Emerging from his home on a rain-slicked evening, the educator tragically lost his footing and fell. In the ensuing confusion as the students fled, he was inadvertently struck by a pickup truck driven by 18-year-old Jayden Ryan Wallace. Wallace and two other students immediately rendered aid before emergency services transported Hughes to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

    Hall County District Attorney Lee Darragh formally confirmed the dismissal of charges, which had included vehicular homicide and trespassing allegations against Wallace and misdemeanor charges against four others. The judicial outcome was heavily influenced by the powerful intercession of Laura Hughes, the widow and fellow educator, who articulated that her husband’s lifelong dedication to students would be dishonored by their prosecution.

    The Hughes family issued a profound statement requesting continued prayers for all affected while explicitly extending “grace and mercy” to the students involved. Wallace’s legal representative conveyed the teen’s deep remorse and his solemn commitment to honor Hughes’ memory through Christ-like living, echoing the family’s wishes that this tragedy not define the students’ futures but instead become a testament to forgiveness and redemption.

  • Los Angeles asks for investigation into LA28 Olympics chief over Epstein ties

    Los Angeles asks for investigation into LA28 Olympics chief over Epstein ties

    The Los Angeles City Council has taken a definitive stance regarding LA 2028 Olympics chief Casey Wasserman, unanimously passing a resolution that urges the Olympics committee to conduct a formal investigation into his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his jailed accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. The 12-0 vote reflects growing unease within the host city about Wasserman’s suitability for his leadership role, despite the measure being largely symbolic and unenforceable.

    This political move follows revelations that Wasserman utilized Epstein’s private jet and engaged in flirtatious email correspondence with Maxwell back in 2003. While Wasserman has not been accused of any criminal misconduct related to the Epstein case, these disclosures have triggered widespread calls for his resignation from various quarters, including celebrities, politicians, and athletes represented by his talent agency.

    In response to mounting pressure, Wasserman announced his decision to initiate the sale of his prominent LA-based talent firm, acknowledging that he had ‘become a distraction.’ In an internal email obtained by the BBC, he expressed deep regret to his 4,000 employees: ‘I’m deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort.’

    The LA28 executive committee had previously concluded its review last month, retaining Wasserman after external counsel found no evidence of misconduct beyond what was publicly documented. Following the city council’s vote, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to ‘delivering a fiscally responsible, privately funded Games that protects taxpayers and benefits Los Angeles.’

    Wasserman has consistently maintained that his interactions with Maxwell occurred over two decades before her criminal activities were exposed, and he has stated he never conducted business with Epstein. His name appears among numerous prominent figures in the Epstein documents without implication of criminal activity, and no victims have accused him of wrongdoing.

  • Joining the ranks of Walt Disney – meet the director nominated for 2 Oscars for 2 different films

    Joining the ranks of Walt Disney – meet the director nominated for 2 Oscars for 2 different films

    American filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir has achieved a remarkable milestone in Oscar history, earning dual nominations for two distinct documentary projects at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. This extraordinary accomplishment places her among an elite group of only six filmmakers in the Oscars’ nearly century-long history to receive simultaneous nominations in both feature and short documentary categories.

    Gandbhir’s nominated works include ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ for Best Documentary Feature and ‘The Devil is Busy’ for Best Documentary Short. The filmmaker described the recognition as both ‘a thrill and an honor,’ admitting to the BBC that ‘our minds are kind of blown’ by the achievement.

    In a strategic decision to manage expectations, Gandbhir intentionally slept through the nomination announcements. ‘It’s anxiety inducing to watch the actual announcements. I’ve done it before,’ she explained during the Academy Awards luncheon. Her plan was interrupted by her husband’s celebratory shouts upon learning the news, as he contacted her co-director on ‘The Devil is Busy’ to share the excitement.

    The historical significance of Gandbhir’s accomplishment extends beyond the dual nominations themselves. She now stands as the first woman ever to achieve this distinction, breaking new ground in an industry where such double recognition has previously been dominated by male filmmakers, including Walt Disney who accomplished the feat in 1954 with four Oscar wins across different categories.

    Gandbhir’s nominated films address pressing social issues. ‘The Devil is Busy,’ available on HBO Max, provides an intimate look at an abortion clinic in Atlanta through the perspective of a security guard, highlighting the dangers faced by staff and patients amid America’s evolving political landscape. Meanwhile, ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ on Netflix utilizes police body camera footage to examine the tragic story of a young mother killed by a neighbor who repeatedly complained about children playing nearby.

    When questioned about preparation for potential wins, Gandbhir responded with cautious optimism, noting that for ‘The Devil is Busy,’ she would share the stage with co-director Christalyn Hampton. The ceremony, set for Sunday evening in Los Angeles, will determine whether Gandbhir joins the even more exclusive group of filmmakers who have won in both categories simultaneously.