Movie and TV show reviews

At the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, O’Brien spoke to an assembly of A-list celebrities, saying, “I realize it might be hard for you to accept this, but there are some jokes I’m not daring enough to make myself.” To add a touch of courage, he called upon several first responders who had fought the destructive Palisades and Eaton wildfires this year. He asked them to read aloud what was displayed on the teleprompter for him.

This week, our community suffered a significant loss. And I personally mourn the passing of Gene Hackman, who was more than just a colleague to me – he was a cherished friend. I was fortunate enough to collaborate with him on two films, ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Under Suspicion.’ Just like everyone who had the privilege of acting alongside him, I recognized that he was an exceptionally generous performer, and his talents consistently enhanced everyone else’s performance.

Ever since Wes Ball’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” premiered last spring, it had been highly anticipated by visual effects professionals as a potential Oscar contender. In fact, many saw its nomination as a given. Recently, this film, featuring VFX work led by Erik Winquist and Weta FX, clinched the top prize at the Visual Effects Society Awards for exceptional photoreal visual effects in a feature film, outshining titles such as the Dune sequel (which did win three other awards that night).

In Audiard’s operatic drama, Saldaña’s three-minute performance as lawyer Rita Castro is a captivating spectacle. It’s a dream sequence where she dances in a room filled with the wealthy and influential, criticizing those who orchestrated the murders of countless Mexicans during the drug wars, exposing their hypocrisy.

Saldaña expressed gratitude towards the “Emilia Pérez” team during her Oscar acceptance speech, stating, “I appreciate the Academy for acknowledging the silent bravery and the strength in a character like Rita. Jacques, you hold a special place in my life. Thank you for being intrigued. Thank you for wanting to share this story about these powerful women. To everyone involved in ‘Emilia Perez’, I am honored to accept this award alongside you.”

Saldaña acknowledged the “Emilia Pérez” team during her Oscar speech, saying, “I’m grateful to the Academy for highlighting the quiet courage and female power embodied by Rita. Jacques, you are dear to me. Thank you for your curiosity and interest in telling this story about powerful women. To all of ‘Emilia Perez’, I graciously accept this award with you.”

Both sentences convey the same meaning while using slightly different word choices.

After his triumph, Tazewell expressed the importance of his groundbreaking victory. He stated, “This has always been my career’s aim. For over three decades, I’ve been crafting costumes, but I never saw a Black male in this role.” He further explained, “Recognizing that it is truly me, it feels like there’s no place quite as welcoming as home.

In accepting this award, Zibalodis expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the warm welcome our movie has received. He also expressed hope that opportunities will be created for independent animators from around the globe. This is the first time a Latvian film has been nominated, making this achievement particularly significant to us. We eagerly look forward to returning,” Zibalodis said, acknowledging the film’s themes. “Just as we are all in the same boat, we need to find ways to overcome our differences and collaborate,” he concluded.

Executives from top corporations, independent studios, and those in between are all gearing up for the 2025 Academy Awards, which will be hosted by Conan O’Brien. With Netflix leading the pack with a total of 16 nominations across feature films, it’s clear that they will have a strong presence at the event. Key representatives from Netflix such as co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters, chief content officer Bela Bajaria, and their new film chairman Dan Lin are expected to attend.

Tazewell, who was previously nominated for “West Side Story,” has already earned an Emmy award (“The Wiz Live”) and a Tony award (“Hamilton”). He emerged victorious in the costume design category over other nominees such as Arianne Phillips (“A Complete Unknown”), Linda Muir (“Nosferatu”), Lisy Christl (“Conclave”), Janty Yates and David Crossman (“Gladiator II”).

Hey Adam, I noticed your outfit up here on stage, it seems like you’re channeling the casual vibe of someone deep into a late-night gaming session at a video poker machine!