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Inside the 2025 Oscars Gift Bag: Dream Getaways, Skincare, and More!

March 3, 2025, 5:54 pm

Winning an Oscar is the Holy Grail of success in Hollywood, but even those who don’t leave with the golden statuette strike gold nonetheless. Why? Because they take home one of the most opulent goodie bags worth over $200,000! Filled with high-end beauty products, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and luxurious wellness treatments, the pièce de résistance is the coveted vacations in the package. From Sri Lanka to the Maldives, the 2025 Oscars gift bag is effectively a dream vacation tied up in a bow. Here’s a look at the stunning locales that await the lucky nominees:

In the center of Barcelona, in the old Cotton Textile Foundation headquarters, sits the five-star Cotton House Hotel, a luxury retreat constructed inside a beautiful 19th-century building. Academy nominees can relax in an extravagant $5,200 stay within rooms like Damasco and Otoman, designed with rich materials. Rooftop cocktails complete with breathtaking Sagrada Familia views and excellent Catalonian cuisine make it a great place to unwind.

Cotton House Hotel, Barcelona

Ultimate Escape at JOALI Maldives

For the ultimate tranquil escape, JOALI BEING in the Maldives is a pioneering ‘wellbeing island’ offering barefoot luxury. Surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons, the resort features gourmet cuisine, sunset yoga, and world-class spa therapy. With personal butlers and limitless ocean views, it’s the ultimate tropical retreat for stars who need to escape the drama of Hollywood.

JOALI BEING, Maldives

Holistic Retreat at Santani Wellness

Santani Wellness Kandy, which takes its name from the Sanskrit for ‘in harmony with,’ is a pioneering combination of sustainability, wellbeing, and luxury. Spread over 116 acres of dense tropical jungle and productive rice paddies near Kandy, Sri Lanka, this retreat means visitors can indulge in Ayurveda treatments, detox programs, and yoga. It’s the perfect reboot for stars who want to swap the frenzy of the red carpet for peaceful mountain meditation.

Santani Wellness, Sri Lanka

Other Luxurious Gifts

While the exotic vacations are undoubtedly the crowning glory, nominees will also enjoy a variety of other decadent treats, such as:

A complete line of Miage ultra-luxury transformative skincare products
A handpicked assortment of Parisian-themed cosmetics and hair care from L’Oréal Paris
An OMGIGI jewelry bar experience
ArtLipo body contouring treatments with Dr. Thomas Su
A 20-piece luxury gift box filled with luscious silky-smooth lip products that deliver hydration, color, and sun protection from Petty Pout
Skin care by Swiss professional brand INSTYTUTUM
A $950 coffee table book named ‘A Journey of Iceland, From Darkness to Light’
Greens First, doctor-recommended greens powder full of nutrients
TruFru chocolate-covered freeze-dried raspberries
Beboe high-end cannabis accessories
Dogwalkers pre-rolls of cannabis
Cate Brown Studio high-end sustainable dog apparel and toss pillows

It is a beautiful collection of indulgences in luxury, wellness, and relaxation, so the Oscars goodie bag becomes an actual emblem of the elite lifestyle.

Oscars 2025: ‘No Other Land’ Directors Call for Global Attention to Palestine Issue

March 3, 2025, 3:11 pm

The documentary ‘No Other Land’, the 2025 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature winner, centers on Israeli displacement of a Palestinian people. Co-directors Yuval Abraham, an Israeli journalist, and Palestinian activist Basel Adra worked on the film for five years, which is about Israeli soldiers destroying houses to build a military training site and the encroaching Jewish settlers upon Palestinian land.

Adra reiterated in the Oscar speech, “No Other Land captures the brutal truth that we have been living for decades and continue to fight as we appeal to the world to take serious measures to end the injustice and to end the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.” Abraham, who was standing next to Adra, clarified their solidarity in producing the film: “We made this film, Palestinians and Israelis, because together our voices are stronger.”

Abraham complained of the discriminatory living standards of him and Adra, with Adra under military law and him at liberty under civilian law. He condemned the foreign policy of the U.S. government, stating, “The foreign policy in this country is helping to block this path,” and emphasized that a political solution should be implemented in which both peoples enjoy national rights, calling for peace and justice for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The film is still to be picked up by U.S. distributors, and Abraham credits this to political reasons. Despite that, the filmmakers decided to release the film independently in nearly 100 theaters.

Israel’s Culture Minister Miki Zohar criticized the Oscar victory for the film as a “sad moment for cinema” and stated that it presented an unbalanced picture of Israel, especially after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

From Sandler’s Outfit to Palestine’s Spotlight: Key Political Moments at the Oscars

March 3, 2025, 2:55 pm

The Oscars 2025 delivered glamour, history, and a surprising lack of politics. Unlike previous award shows, few references were made to global conflicts or political tensions.

Adam Sandler’s Unexpected Moment

Adam Sandler, known for his humor, surprised audiences with his casual outfit. He arrived at the Oscars in a bright blue hoodie and basketball shorts. Host Conan O’Brien joked about his attire, sparking a witty exchange. Sandler responded, “Nobody even thought about what I was wearing until you brought it up.”

As a result, many viewers linked this moment to the recent White House meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Social media users pointed out similarities, with one saying, “Adam Sandler did a spoof of the Trump-Zelenskyy Oval Office showdown.”

Daryl Hannah’s Support for Ukraine

Meanwhile, Daryl Hannah made a political statement on stage. Before presenting the award for Best Film Editing, she raised her hand in a peace sign and said, “Slava Ukraini.” The phrase means “Glory to Ukraine.” Her gesture received applause and came just days after Trump’s heated exchange with Zelenskyy.

Similarly, screenwriter Peter Straughan also showed his support. He wore a Ukrainian flag pin and told Variety, “Let’s not turn our backs on Ukraine.” In addition, the team behind the documentary Porcelain War, which highlights Ukrainian artists fighting in the war, displayed flag pins.

Conan O’Brien Takes a Jab at Trump

Oscars host Conan O’Brien mostly avoided politics in his monologue. However, three hours into the event, he took a jab at Trump while discussing Anora, a film about a sex worker marrying a Russian oligarch’s son. O’Brien quipped, “I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.” The crowd initially reacted with shock, then erupted in applause.

Zoe Saldana Highlights Immigration

Later, Zoe Saldana made a powerful statement while accepting her award for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Pérez. She honored her family’s immigrant roots. “My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents,” she said. Many interpreted her remarks as a response to Trump’s immigration policies.

Palestine and Gaza Take Center Stage

Furthermore, the night’s most political moment came when No Other Land won Best Documentary. The film highlights Israel’s demolition of Palestinian homes. Palestinian activist Basel Adra called on the world to “stop the injustice and ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people.” Co-director Yuval Abraham, an Israeli journalist, pushed for a political solution, adding, “Foreign policy in this country is helping to block this path.”

Additionally, actor Guy Pearce also showed solidarity. He wore a “Free Palestine” pin and said, “Palestine needs as much support as possible.”

The Oscars’ Shift from Politics

Overall, this year’s Oscars differed from past ceremonies. While political statements were made, the show largely avoided direct mentions of Trump. Despite its long runtime, the former president remained the unspoken topic of the night.

Elon Musk Criticizes Oscars 2025 Representation Standards – “Messed Up!”

March 3, 2025, 2:44 pm

The 2025 Oscars event, which was hosted at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, has been at the center of controversy after billionaire Elon Musk launched a fierce criticism of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for its “Representation and Inclusion Standards.”

Musk vented his anger on X (formerly Twitter), contending that nominations for high-profile categories such as Best Picture and acting should be purely merit-based and not diversity-based quotas.

This is messed up. Should just be who is best, not best with an asterisk! https://t.co/Q2edmvekm4

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 3, 2025

Elon Musk Blasts Academy’s Diversity Requirements

“This is messed up. Should just be who is best, not best with an asterisk!” Musk posted on X, criticizing the Academy’s standards.

The “Representation and Inclusion Standards” were established in 2020 to encourage diversity in Hollywood. The standards compel movies to feature cast and crew from underrepresented racial, ethnic, gender, and disability groups in order to be eligible for the Best Picture category at the Academy Awards. The project is intended to open the film industry up to more diversity in front of the camera as well as behind it.

Under official Academy rules, one of the leads or a supporting actor of prominence in a Best Picture-nominated film should be from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group. Such groups comprise African American, Hispanic, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, South Asian, East Asian, and Pacific Islander communities. Also, at least 30% of the actors from ensemble casts need to be represented by at least two underrepresented groups, who also encompass women, the LGBTQ community, and those with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Oscars 2025 Highlights: ‘Anora’ Steals the Night

Despite the controversy, the 97th Academy Awards honored great cinematic successes. The biggest winner at the ceremony was Anora, a comedy-drama film about a sex worker who marries the spoiled son of a Russian oligarch, which won five Oscars.

Sean Baker, the innovative director of Anora, made history when he became the first individual to take home four Oscars for one film. He was honored for producing, directing, editing, and writing the script.

For the acting categories, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) and Mikey Madison (Anora) took home the highest awards. Brody, a former Oscar winner for The Pianist, wowed crowds with his take on a genius but tormented architect. Meanwhile, Madison took home an award for her nuanced work as an exotic dancer trapped in a high-stakes marriage drama.

While Musk’s words have set controversies around merit over diversity abuzz again in Hollywood, the Academy is unwavering in pursuing inclusiveness for the world of films. With changing times in the industry, debates surrounding representation and quality are ongoing.

Morgan Freeman’s Single Glove at Oscars 2025: The Reason Behind It

March 3, 2025, 2:06 pm

Morgan Freeman appeared at the Oscars 2025 to pay tribute to his late friend Gene Hackman. However, many viewers noticed that he wore a single black glove. While some speculated about its significance, the reason actually dates back to a serious injury he suffered years ago.

A Car Accident Caused Permanent Nerve Damage

In 2008, Freeman was in a car accident on a Mississippi road. His vehicle flipped over, and emergency responders had to cut him free. As a result, his left arm suffered severe injuries.

At the time, a local newspaper editor described the incident, saying, “They had to use the jaws of life to extract him from the vehicle. He was lucid, conscious. He was talking, joking with some of the rescue workers at one point.”

Initially, doctors believed his hand would heal by 2011. However, despite treatment, his condition never improved. Later, Freeman admitted, “I suffered nerve damage, and it hasn’t gotten better. I can’t move it.”

The Glove Helps With Circulation

Due to his injury, Freeman wears a compression glove to improve blood flow and reduce swelling. He once explained, “If you don’t move your hand, it will swell up. Do you know you move your hand about a million times a day?”

Freeman’s Battle With Fibromyalgia

Over the years, Freeman has also struggled with fibromyalgia, which causes severe pain in his injured arm. In an interview with Esquire, he described the condition as “Excruciating. Up and down the arm. That’s where it gets so bad.”

Freeman’s Emotional Tribute to Gene Hackman

At the Oscars 2025, Freeman remembered Gene Hackman, who recently passed away along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. The two actors had shared the screen in Unforgiven (1992) and Under Suspicion (2000).

While expressing his grief, Freeman said, “This week our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman. He received two Oscars and, more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.”

Oscars 2025: Where to Watch the Live Stream in India!

February 27, 2025, 4:10 pm

The countdown to the Oscars has officially begun! The 97th Academy Awards are set to take place on Sunday, March 3, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Indian audiences can catch the prestigious ceremony live on Star Movies and JioHotstar starting at 5:30 am IST. The awards show will also be available for streaming on JioHotstar after the live broadcast.

Hosting the 97th Oscars will be Emmy Award-winning television host, writer, producer, and comedian Conan O’Brien. This marks O’Brien’s first time as an Oscars host. Having previously hosted the Emmys in 2002 and 2006, he is expected to bring his trademark wit and humor to the event, ensuring a memorable night for film fans.

A special tribute to the legendary Quincy Jones will be performed by rapper and singer Queen Latifah at this year’s ceremony. Jones, an acclaimed record producer, composer, conductor, and bandleader, has earned numerous accolades, including 28 Grammy Awards. Executive producer Raj Kapoor confirmed the tribute during a press conference.

“One of the most exciting things that we’ve worked on this year is a musical performance that will tribute Quincy Jones,” Kapoor said, revealing that Queen Latifah will be “a part of the performance,” as reported by Variety.

The ceremony will also feature a ‘Wicked’ medley performed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Other musical acts include performances by Blackpink’s Lisa, who currently stars in The White Lotus, as well as Doja Cat and Raye.

This year’s Oscar nominations were announced in January, following voting delays caused by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The fires, which resulted in the loss of at least 28 lives and widespread property damage, led to the Academy extending the voting period twice.

Among the nominees for Best Actor is Timothée Chalamet, recognized for his transformation into Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. “Timothée Chalamet, who has proved his box office drawing power with ‘Dune’ and ‘Wonka,’ was nominated for best actor for his chameleonic performance as Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown.’ He will face off against ‘The Brutalist’ star Adrien Brody, who became the youngest best actor winner in history at 29 for 2003’s ‘The Pianist.'”

Other nominees in the Best Actor category include Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice).

Karla Sofia Gascon Sets to Attend Oscars 2025 Amid Controversy

February 25, 2025, 3:30 pm

Hollywood actress Karla Sofia Gascon is set to attend the 2025 Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Gascon is nominated for Best Actress in ‘Emilia Perez’. She will be at the prestigious event despite criticism of criticism over the re-emergence of some of her posts from the past.

Karla indicated her willingness to attend the 2025 Academy Awards on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre.

Netflix Supports Gascon

Based on the Deadline, sources close to Gascon confirmed that Netflix will support her participation at the ceremony. But an invitation for her had appeared to be uncertain in the beginning because of past offensive social media posts from 2020 and 2021. All these events triggered a major backlash.

Those tweets, which indeed made insensitive comments about Muslims, George Floyd, and the Black Lives Matter movement, made Netflix, as well as the Emilia Perez creative team, distance themselves from her.

While Jacques Audiard voiced concerns about Gascon’s “self-destructive” behavior, he later opted to soften his stance and mention her in his BAFTA Film Awards acceptance speech. These points of controversy cast a shadow on her historic nomination as the first openly transgender actress nominated for the Oscar for Best Actress.

Karla’s Public Apology

After receiving criticism, Gascon extended a public apology for the pain caused by those words. She said she was ready to fight for a better world, deeply regretting her past conduct. She steered clear from attending other key award ceremonies, including the Critics Choice Awards, BAFTA Film Awards, and SAG Awards, despite nominations.

However, Netflix’s new confirmation of support appears to have opened up positivity for her appearance at the Oscars. While Gascon’s attendance is now set, the final arrangements regarding her seated measures and possible red-carpet interviews remain unsure. However, what certainly is assured is her presence at the Academy Awards.

Anuja, backed by Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga, bags an Oscars 2025 nomination

January 23, 2025, 10:05 pm

Oscar Nominations 2025: Indian cinema will have representation at the Oscars this year as Anuja, a short film backed by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra, has earned a nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category.

Anuja in the Oscars

The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were announced on Thursday by Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott.

In the Best Live Action Short Film category, five films emerged from a pool of 180 contenders to compete for the prestigious trophy. Anuja is nominated alongside Alien, I’m Not a Robot, The Last Ranger, and A Man Who Would Not Remain Silent.

Short on time, big on talent, here are this year’s nominees for Live Action Short Film. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/Wx0TZIpUen

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) January 23, 2025

This marks Guneet Monga’s third Oscar nomination. Her previous projects, The Elephant Whisperers and Period: End of Sentence, both won Oscars, earning accolades for Indian cinema.

Conan O’Brien is set to host the 2025 Oscars for the first time. The 97th Academy Awards will take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

About

The story revolves around a nine-year-old girl, the titular Anuja, who works in a back-alley garment factory alongside her older sister, Palak. The narrative explores the young protagonist’s journey as she grapples with a decision that could shape her future and her family’s fate. Director Adam J. Graves described the film as “a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and untold stories of working children.”

Directed by Adam J. Graves, Anuja will stream on Netflix. The film is produced by Graves’ wife, Suchitra Mattai, and is backed by Priyanka Chopra, Mindy Kaling, and Academy Award-winner Guneet Monga.

Anuja was made in collaboration with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), a non-profit founded by Mira Nair’s family to support street and working children. The project also partnered with Shine Global—known for Academy Award-winning films War/Dance (2007) and Inocente (2012)—and Krushan Naik Films.

The film stars Ananya Shanbhag, Sajda Pathan, and Nagesh Bhosle. The release date for Anuja is yet to be announced.

Oscars 2025: Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang to Reveal Nominees

January 22, 2025, 2:42 am

Actor-writer-comedians Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang will announce the nominations for the 97th annual Academy Awards, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The nominations will be revealed on Thursday during a live presentation at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Sennott and Yang will announce nominees in all 24 Oscar categories.

The event will be live-streamed globally on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, and the Academy’s digital platforms. It will also air on ABC’s Good Morning America and stream on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu.

Sennott is best known for her work in Jason Reitman’s film Saturday Night, which explores the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live in 1975. Her other notable credits include Shiva Baby, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and I Used to Be Funny. Yang, meanwhile, is a current cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live and has appeared in projects like Wicked, The Garfield Movie, and Good Burger 2.

The announcement of the Oscar nominations, originally scheduled for January 17, was postponed to January 19 due to wildfires in Los Angeles that caused extensive damage and disrupted many Oscar voters. In response, the Academy extended the voting period and delayed the announcement by two days, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

As the wildfires persisted, the Academy further adjusted the schedule, moving the announcement date to January 23 and cancelling the Oscar Nominees Luncheon. The voting period was extended until January 17.

Conan O’Brien is set to host the 97th Oscars, which will proceed as planned on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre.

Priyanka Chopra’s Short Film Anuja Shortlisted for Oscars 2025

January 9, 2025, 1:39 pm

Priyanka Chopra Jonas excels in personal and professional spheres with her continuous feats. The Global Icon is producing the short movie ‘Anuja., a much powerful Oscar -shortlisted feature. Recently ‘Anuja’, the live short film won awards at the HollyShorts Festival 2024 and also grabbed a spot among the nominees under the category ‘Live- Action Short Film” for the forthcoming 2025 Academy Awards.

Directed by Adam J. Graves and produced by Suchitra Mattai, ‘Anuja’ is a movie set in New Delhi. It narrates the story of nine-year-old girl Anuja who has to face a life-altering decision. The film unfolds the inner struggle of Anuja who finds herself incapable of deciding between education and her elder sister Palak, whom she works in a garment factory with, to support her family.

This movie narrative is all about the issue of child labor on a global level and the unavailability of educational opportunities for children. It highlights the systemic problems that deny children the right to a childhood and an opportunity to build a future.

According to Variety, speaking of her pride in the message, Priyanka Chopra Jonas said, “This beautiful film shines light on a critical issue affecting millions of children across the globe. ‘Anuja’ is a poignant, thought-provoking piece that makes us reflect deeply on the power of choices and how they shape the course of our lives.”. I am immensely proud to be associated with such a phenomenal and impactful project.”

‘Anuja’ was made in collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT) and Shine Global. The Salaam Baalak Trust is a nonprofit organization initiated by Mira Nair’s family to support the street and working children of India.

Shahana Goswami Celebrates Oscars 2025 Shortlist For ‘Santosh’

December 18, 2024, 1:03 pm

The other reason to celebrate is that Shahana Goswami is an actress known for subtle portrayals. The Oscars 2025 shortlist for Santosh, a Hindi movie representing the UK, is trying to make it to the final list in the Best International Feature Film category. She defeated India’s Laapataa Ladies, which was left out of the final list for the Oscar.

Shahana was so thrilled that she turned to Instagram to post about it, especially to the writer-director of the movie, Sandhya Suri. She wrote, “So happy for the team, especially our writer-director Sandhya Suri, for this little glory of recognition for our film Santosh! How incredible to be shortlisted from amongst 85 films. Thank you to everyone who loved it, supported it, and voted for it.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

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A post shared by Shahana Goswami (@shahanagoswami)

In the movie, Shahana Goswami plays Santosh, a recently widowed lady who takes over her late husband’s position as a police constable. Santosh joins the investigation into the murder of a young girl from a marginalized community, which is headed by Inspector Sharma, a feminist played by Sunita Rajwar. Santosh received positive reviews when it debuted at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.

India’s official Oscar submission, Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, was not included in the shortlist. One of the movie’s actors, actress Chhaya Kadam, expressed her unhappiness in a recent interview. “What are we able to do? I’m furious. We had such lofty goals for our movie,” she remarked. She does, however express optimism for the future by saying that “It’s okay, We will keep fighting all of our next flicks. Again, we will attend Oscars and get much further in this competition the next time.”

Oscars 2025: Hindi Film ‘Santosh’ Secures Spot In ‘Best International Feature Film’ Category

December 18, 2024, 6:24 am

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on Wednesday revealed the list of projects eligible for the Oscars 2025 race. Among them, Santosh, a Hindi-language international co-production set in rural north India, has secured a place in the “Best International Feature Film” category.

Out of 85 films submitted by countries worldwide, 15 have been shortlisted for this prestigious category. Notably, the United Kingdom submitted Santosh as their official entry for the Academy Awards 2025. The film premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, where it garnered critical acclaim.

Expressing her excitement over this recognition, actor Shahana took to Instagram to celebrate the achievement. “So happy for the team especially our writer-director Sandhya Suri for this little glory of recognition for our film Santosh! How incredible to be shortlisted from amongst 85 films. Thank you to everyone who loved it, supported it and voted for it,” she wrote.

Must Read: India’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Misses Oscar Shortlist, Out Of Contention

Directed by Sandhya Suri, the film features Shahana as a determined young Hindu widow who inherits her late husband’s job as a police constable through a government scheme. She soon finds herself entangled in institutional corruption while collaborating with seasoned detective Inspector Sharma, played by Sunita Rajwar, to investigate the brutal murder of a teenage Dalit girl, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

The 15 films shortlisted in the International Feature Film category are:

Armand (IFC Films) from Norway
Dahomey (Mubi) from Senegal
Emilia Perez (Netflix) from France
Flow (Janus Films and Sideshow) from Latvia
From Ground Zero (No U.S. Distribution) from Palestine
The Girl With the Needle (Mubi) from Denmark
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (Well Go USA Entertainment) from Thailand
I’m Still Here (Sony Pictures Classics) from Brazil
Kneecap (Sony Pictures Classics) from Ireland
Santosh (Metrograph Pictures) from the United Kingdom
The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Neon) from Germany
Touch (Focus Features) from Iceland
Universal Language (Oscilloscope Laboratories) from Canada
Waves (No U.S. Distribution) from the Czech Republic
Vermiglio (Janus Films) from Italy

While these films are officially eligible to compete in various categories, their inclusion in the shortlist does not guarantee advancement to the final nominations for the Academy Awards.

Oscar voting to finalize nominees across all 23 categories will begin on Wednesday, January 8, and conclude on Sunday, January 12. The official nominations will be announced on Friday, January 17.

Also Read: ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Trailer Drops: Ralph Macchio, Jackie Chan Reunite For The Iconic Franchise | Watch

Santosh: Shahana Goswami, Sunita Rajwar Lead Hindi Film Chosen As UK’s Official Entry For Oscars 2025

September 25, 2024, 9:16 pm

Just two days after Laapataa Ladies was selected as India’s official Oscars entry, another Hindi film, Santosh, has also secured a position in the Oscars race, this time on behalf of the UK. Directed by Sandhya Suri, this police procedural drama has been named the UK’s official submission for Best International Feature Film for the 2025 Oscars.

As reported by Deadline, Santosh was picked by BAFTA, the organization that selects the UK’s submission to the American Academy. The film features Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar in lead roles and premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

How Santosh Qualified for UK Selection

Santosh qualified for consideration in the UK due to its wide release there and the backing of British producers. The film is produced by Mike Goodridge, James Bowsher, Balthazar de Ganay, and Alan McAlex, with executive producers including Ama Ampadu, Eva Yates, Diarmid Scrimshaw, Lucia Haslauer, and Martin Gerhard. Produced by Good Chaos, it is co-produced by Razor Film and Haut et Court, and financed by BFI and BBC Film. The UK frequently opts for non-English films, aligning with the requirement for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars.

About Santosh

Written and directed by Suri, Santosh is an engaging investigative thriller that centers on a newly widowed woman in rural Northern India. She inherits her late husband’s position as a police constable and becomes entangled in a murder investigation.

The film will now compete alongside Laapataa Ladies and numerous other international entries for an Oscars nomination, with the final nominees expected to be announced in January 2025.

Laapataa Ladies or Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Which is India’s Official Entry for Oscars?

September 25, 2024, 4:51 pm

On Monday, the Indian film industry celebrated the selection of Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ as India’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards. The film now aims to compete for the Best International Feature Film award alongside entries from around the globe. However, confusion arose on Tuesday when film producer Sandeep Singh announced via social media that his Randeep Hooda-led film, ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’, had also been submitted for the Oscars. His headline claiming it as India’s official entry added to the existing confusion.

Clarifying the Official Entry

It’s important to note that the Indian government, specifically the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, does not participate in the selection of India’s official Oscar entry. Instead, this responsibility falls to the Film Federation of India (FFI), an independent body that has overseen this process for decades. According to an FFI release, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is the film that has been officially submitted for consideration. The film, directed by Kiran Rao, will hope to make it onto the long list later this year, with final nominations announced in January.

The Status of ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’

While ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ may also have been submitted for the Oscars, it is not being considered as India’s “official” entry. Producer Sandeep Singh’s assertion that it was “officially” submitted has contributed to the confusion. Singh’s acknowledgment of the FFI and its jury president Jahnu Barua further fueled the misunderstanding. However, in a conversation with HT City, FFI President Ravi Kottakara clarified, “They (the makers of Savarkar) have given some wrong communication. I am going to release a statement about it as well. Only ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been sent for Oscars from India officially.”

Can There Be Two Films from One Country?

This situation raises the question of how two films can be submitted for the Oscars when the Academy permits only one official entry from each country. The answer lies in the distinction between “official” entries and independent submissions. While only one film can be an official entry, filmmakers can still submit their works as independent entries. This was seen in 2022 when the Gujarati film ‘Chello Show’ (Last Film Show) was India’s official entry, but both SS Rajamouli’s blockbuster ‘RRR’ and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ were submitted independently.

Overview of the Contenders

‘Laapataa Ladies’, directed by Kiran Rao, features newcomers Sparsh Srivastava, Pratibha Ranta, and Nitanshi Goel. This dramedy, centered around two “lost” brides in rural India during the 1990s, was commercially unsuccessful yet received critical acclaim. Conversely, ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ stars Randeep Hooda in the role of the activist and thinker VD Savarkar. Directed by Hooda himself, the film opened to mixed reviews and did not perform well at the box office.

‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ Chosen As India’s Official Submission For Oscars 2025

September 24, 2024, 6:46 pm

The biographical film ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’, centered on the life of Indian freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, has officially been submitted as one of India’s entries for the 96th Academy Awards (Oscars 2025). The announcement has sparked immense pride and excitement among the film’s creators, marking a significant milestone for the project that celebrates one of India’s unsung heroes.

Produced by Anand Pandit, Sandeep Singh, and Randeep Hooda, the film has already garnered considerable attention for its historical significance. Randeep Hooda, who not only stars in the lead role but also directed the film, shared his excitement over the news. He said, “It’s an honor to represent a film that resonates so deeply with Indian history. ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ is a film that aims to bring forgotten stories to the forefront, and this recognition pushes our narrative even further.”

The filmmakers expressed their gratitude for this international acknowledgment. Speaking on behalf of the team, producer Anand Pandit said, “This is a moment of great pride, not just for our team, but for everyone who believes in telling stories of our unsung heroes. Being chosen as one of India’s entries for the Oscars is a huge validation of our efforts.”

Sandeep Singh, who co-produced the film, highlighted the journey of creating ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs that led to its Oscar submission. He added, “Receiving this nod for the Oscars is a testament to the hard work of the entire cast and crew.”

The team also extended their best wishes to Kiran Rao and the creators of ‘Laapata Ladies‘, who are also representing India at the 96th Academy Awards. “We wish them all the best. Together, we represent the power of Indian cinema on a global platform,” they stated.

‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ brings to life the journey of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent nationalist and social reformer, detailing his contributions to India’s independence movement and the sacrifices he made for the nation.