Tag: Oscars

Oscars draws largest TV audience since 2020 with 19.5 million viewers

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Academy Awards broadcast Sunday night drew its largest TV audience since 2020, boosted by the popular films like Oppenheimer and Barbie, as well as a one hour earlier start.

The show, carried on Walt Disney Co.’s ABC network, attracted an audience of 19.5 million viewers, the network said on Monday, a 4.3% increase from last year’s ceremony.

The event was a coronation two decades in the making for director Christopher Nolan, whose critically acclaimed Memento and Dunkirk were nominated for Oscars but never brought home top prizes. Nolan’s Oppenheimer, a movie about the father of the atomic bomb, won best picture, best director and best actor on its way to seven awards in all.

Oscar viewership has withered in recent years due to cord cutting and a focus at the ceremony on small, art-house films. Last year’s show, in which Everything Everywhere All at Once won best picture and six other trophies, drew 18.7 million viewers.

This year’s show broke with that pattern. Together Oppenheimer, from Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros.’ Barbie, another best-picture nominee, collected almost $1 billion in domestic ticket sales, helping to ensure a larger audience for last night’s ceremony. Oscar viewership peaked in 1998, when 55.2 million saw Titanic become the big winner.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, which runs the awards, has tried to find ways to boost viewers, such as increasing the number of films nominated for best picture to 10 from five, so that more-popular movies could be contenders.

This year, ABC began the show an hour earlier, at 4 p.m. in Los Angeles.

The nonprofit group generated $143.5 million in revenue last year from Oscar-related activities, the vast majority of its total.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Oscars 2024: Indian art designer Nitin Desai remembered during ‘In Memoriam’ segment

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Production director Nitin Desai, renowned for creating sets of blockbuster films such as Lagaan and Jodha Akbar, was on Sunday posthumously honoured during the ‘In Memoriam’ segment at the 96th Academy Awards. Desai was among the distinguished film and TV personalities remembered during the moving segment at the Oscars 2024.

At the awards show, which took place at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, a video was played on stage in which Desai was credited by his full name — Nitin Chandrakant Desai — while a clip from one of his films played in the background.

Born in 1965, Desai started his journey in the entertainment industry in 1987. After working in several TV shows like Tamas, Kabir and Chanakya, he started working on films.

As an art director, Desai made his debut in films with Parinda in 1989. Later on, he became a part of several big projects like 1942: A Love Story, Akele Hum Akele Tum, Khamoshi: The Musical, Maachis, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, Salaam Bombay!, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Baadshah, Mission Kashmir, Devdas, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Munnabhai M.B.B.S, Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Gandhi, My Father.

Some of his other works as a production designer include Lagaan, Swades, Mangal Pandey: The Rising, Traffic Signal, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Jodhaa Akbar and Ishqiya.

Desai also contributed to the success of the renowned TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati.

In a career spanning around three decades, Desai worked closely with several esteemed filmmakers, including Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani, and Ashutosh Gowariker.

He passed away at the age of 57 on August 2, 2023. Desai was found dead at his studio in Karjat near Mumbai.

At the 96th Academy Awards, Italian singer Andrea Bocelli performed his classic ‘Con te partiò’ during the moving segment. Paul Reubens, Matthew Perry, Andre Braugher, Carl Weathers, and Tina Turner were among the others included in the ‘In Memoriam’ segment.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, other celebs wear red pins at Oscars 2024 red carpet – what it means

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A notable display of solidarity unfolded at the 96th Academy Awards as celebrities, including singer Billie Eilish and actors Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youseff, and Riz Ahmed, donned red pins featuring an outstretched hand with a heart. The pins symbolize a call for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, over 400 members of the entertainment industry joined Artists4Ceasefire in signing a letter addressed to President Joe Biden. The letter urged immediate action to halt the violence in Israel and Gaza, emphasising the human toll of the conflict.

Among the celebrities spotted wearing the red pins, Billie Eilish, who clinched an Oscar for her song “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie,” prominently displayed her support for the ceasefire. Similarly, actors Mark Ruffalo and Ramy Youseff, known for their roles in “Poor Things,” and British actor Riz Ahmed, signalled their solidarity with the cause.

The red enamel lapel pins have been a consistent feature throughout the awards season, with notable personalities like Annie Lennox and Phoebe Bridgers wearing them at the Grammys in February. Joe Alwyn and Dua Lipa also sported the pins at pre-parties preceding the BAFTAs.

While stars showcased their support on the Oscars red carpet, outside the Dolby Theatre, protestors took to the streets, drawing attention to the ongoing conflict and urging action to address it.

Tune into CNBC-TV18’s live updates for Oscars 2024 here

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Oscars 2024: Billie Eilish becomes the youngest person to win two Oscars

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s Barbie blockbuster ballad “What Was I Made For?” clinched the Academy Award for Best Original Song, making Eilish the youngest person ever to win two Oscars. Eilish surpassed Luise Rainer’s 1938 record.

O’Connell, aged 26, also joined the exclusive club of double Oscar winners, alongside luminaries like Hilary Swank and Jodie Foster. Their journey to Oscar success began with their first win in 2021 for No Time to Die

Eilish expressed gratitude in her acceptance speech, recognising the impact of the movie and the support of her team and family.

Eilish and Finneas beat out another Barbie cut, “I’m Just Ken,” as performed by Ryan Gosling and written by “Barbie the Album” executive producer Mark Ronson and his creative partner Andrew Wyatt.

Other songs in the category included:

Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson’s “It Never Went Away” from American Symphony

Diane Warren’s “The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot

Scott George’s “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from Killers of the Flower Moon

Chart success and cinematic significance

“What Was I Made For?” amassed an impressive collection of accolades. In 2024 alone, the song clinched a Golden Globe for Best Original Song and secured two Grammy awards. The recognition is remarkable considering the song’s unconventional inspiration—a mere 11.5-inch-tall plastic doll.

The song also made waves on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, debuting at No. 34 and ultimately reaching No. 14.

In the movie, the song is a thematic anchor throughout the narrative. An instrumental rendition of the track recurs as a leitmotif, underscoring introspective and existential moments for the protagonist. While Billie Eilish’s vocals are withheld until the final scene, the audience is primed for the song’s emotional resonance, enhancing its impact and significance within the film’s context.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Oscars 2024: Emma Stone wins her second Academy Award for lead actress

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Emma Stone clinched her second Academy Award on Sunday, securing the Best Actress trophy for her portrayal of a woman brought back to life in the dark comedy “Poor Things.”

The 35-year-old star previously won an Oscar for her role in the 2016 musical “La La Land.”

In “Poor Things,” inspired by the tale of Frankenstein, Stone embodies the character of Bella Baxter, a woman revived by a mad scientist portrayed by Willem Dafoe following her suicide.

The film follows Bella’s journey of self-discovery and liberation, largely intertwined with themes of sexuality. Initially entangled with a flamboyant lawyer, played by Mark Ruffalo, Bella’s narrative unfolds as she explores her independence amid a surreal rendition of 19th-century Europe.

Stone has expressed her fondness for the role, citing Bella’s curiosity and her nuanced appreciation for both the good and the bad as captivating elements of the character.

In her breakthrough performance in “La La Land,” Stone showcased her singing and dancing talents alongside Ryan Gosling, paying homage to the charm of old Hollywood.

Additionally, Stone received nominations for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in the 2014 film “Birdman” and the 2018 drama “The Favourite.”

Renowned for her distinctive red hair and expressive eyes, Stone gained prominence with her role in the 2007 comedy “Superbad.” Her versatile career includes notable performances in films like “The Help” and “The Amazing Spider-Man.”

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Christopher Nolan wins his first Oscar for directing ‘Oppenheimer’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Christopher Nolan fulfilled his award show frontrunner status, winning his first Oscar on Sunday night for directing “Oppenheimer.”

The 53-year-old British visionary has garnered critical acclaim throughout his career but had never won an Oscar until now. He was nominated for directing “Dunkirk” in 2017 and for original screenplay in 2010 for “Inception” and in 2001 for “Memento.”

At the podium, Nolan noted that movies are just a little bit over 100 years old and thanked the Academy for the honour. “We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here,” Nolan said. “But to know that you think I am a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”

“Oppenheimer” closed the evening by winning Best Picture, one of seven Oscars it earned, including Best Actor for Cillian Murphy and Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. The film earned a leading 13 nominations and has earned nearly $1 billion worldwide.

Nolan beat out Jonathan Glazer of “The Zone of Interest,” Yorgos Lanthimos of “Poor Things,” Martin Scorsese of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and Justine Triet of “Anatomy of a Fall.” At 81, Scorsese was the oldest directing nominee.

Nolan was cheered on by his wife, Emma Thomas, who twice shared best picture nominations with her husband for producing “Dunkirk” and “Inception.” The college sweethearts have been producing partners on all of his films since 1997.

Nolan had been the frontrunner throughout awards season, earning the top prize from the Directors Guild of America along with directing honours at the BAFTA Film Awards and Golden Globes.

Besides directing, Nolan earned nominations for adapted screenplay and best picture for “Oppenheimer,” the three-hour, ambitious, R-rated epic about the American physicist who developed the atomic bomb.

The auteur filmmaker is known for a style that favours documentary-style lighting, hand-held cameras and on-location shooting rather than indoor studios. He has been regularly praised by many of his contemporaries, including Scorsese, who has hailed Nolan for creating “beautifully made films on a big scale.”

Among his other credits are “Tenet,” “Interstellar” and the Batman trilogy of “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”a

Catch Oscar 2024 highlights here 

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow