The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this year's Oscar nominations on Tuesday January 23.
Here's a look at the contenders for Best Picture, including likelihood that they will win and where you can view the film in the UAE.
BlacKkKlansman
What is it? Spike Lee's comedy/drama tells the true story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), the first black police officer in the Colorado Springs Police Department, who, in the early 1970s, successfully infiltrated his local branch of the Ku Klux Klan. Even more incredibly, he did so with the assistance of his Jewish colleague Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), who acted as Stallworth's white stand-in when face-to-face meetings with Klan members were required.
Will it win? It's not among the favourites, but it's definitely in with a chance. It also picks up bonus inclusivity points at a ceremony still feeling the effects of the #OscarsSoWhite campaign.
Can I see it in the UAE? BlacKkKlansman released in UAE cinemas last August, and the DVD/download is available now.
Black Panther
What is it? Marvel's ground-breaking flick marked the first time a major super hero movie featured a largely black cast, and wowed audiences and critics alike with its blend of action, social commentary and heroics. On the surface, this is a film about an African king who wears a hi-tech catsuit and fights baddies, but beyond that, this was a watershed moment for cinema – a film from a black director (Ryan Coogler) with a black cast, in which both the baddies AND the goodies are black.
Will it win? There's plenty of goodwill for Coogler's film – so much so that the Academy briefly introduced an "Achievement in Popular Cinema" category to try to get around the fact that super hero movies generally don't win Oscars. That category was swiftly rescinded after popular backlash and ultimately, despite all the good will, Black Panther won't win because, as previously noted, super hero movies generally don't win Oscars.
Can I see it in the UAE? Black Panther released in UAE cinemas last March and DVD/downloads are already available.
Bohemian Rhapsody
What is it? Bryan Singer and Dexter Fletcher's biopic of late Queen singer Freddie Mercury struck a chord with fans of operatic rock and incredible rock'n'roll stories in December, and Rami Malik seems a very strong contender for the Best Actor gong for his performance as the flamboyant lead singer. It's a rags-to-riches, rock'n'roll rollercoaster as Mercury goes from shy immigrant and Heathrow Airport baggage handler to global celebrity, with plenty of excess and partying along the way.
Will it win? The film wasn't loved by critics, who felt it omitted some of the less savoury aspects of Mercury's life to appease the remaining band members, who were closely involved with production. It also went through some production troubles, with Dexter Fletcher stepping in as director mid-shoot and original star Sacha Baron Cohen quitting over the movie's overly PG tone. A month ago, I'd have said a firm "no," but it just picked up the Golden Globe for Best Film – Drama – so who knows?
Can I see it in the UAE? Bohemian Rhapsody released in the UAE in November, and is still screening in select cinemas.
The Favourite
What is it? Yorgos Lanthimos' period comedy/drama tells the story of two cousins, played by Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, vying to be the court favourite of Queen Anne of England (Olivia Coleman), in the midst of the country's 18th-century war with France. There's political and romantic intrigue aplenty as the pair seek to make the most of their relationship with the emotionally fragile queen. There are Machiavellian politicians thrown into the mix and, this being Lanthimos, a fair dose of outright weirdness too.
Will it win? Lanthimos was criminally overlooked for a nomination for The Killing of a Sacred Deer last year, and for the Academy to snub him two years running seems unlikely, especially given the critical praise heaped on The Favourite. It may be overstating the case to say that The Favourite is the favourite, but it is certainly a favourite.
Can I see it in the UAE? So far, no. The film currently has no UAE distributor, and since the demise of DIFF 365, which valiantly stepped in to screen last year's previously unseen-in-the-region Ladybird, we may be waiting until the DVD/download becomes available.
Green Book
What is it? Peter Farrelly's road trip follows the adventures of African-American jazz pianist Don (Mahershala Ali) and his Italian-American driver and bodyguard Tony (Viggo Mortensen) as they embark on an eight-week tour of the US Deep South in the 1960s. The film is inspired by the book The Negro Motorist Green Book, which helped black motorists find motels, restaurants and petrol stations that would serve them on their travels. Yes, that was a real thing. In true road trip style, there's tension, bonding, and added racism as the uncouth Tony and the cultured Don hit the highway.
Will it win? It's an outsider, though a lot less so since it picked up the Producers Guild of America prize for Best Film, as did last year's winner The Shape of Water. It theoretically scores highly for inclusivity, though it has received some criticism for telling an overly "white" version of the story, as well as for historical inaccuracies.
Can I see it in the UAE? Green Book is in cinemas now.
Roma
What is it? Oscars mainstay Alfonso Cuaron directed, edited and produced this highly personal project inspired by his life growing up in Colonia Roma, a suburb of Mexico City, in the 1970s. It wouldn't be unfair to say that, narratively, not a great deal happens in the film as a middle class family go about their daily lives, but this is all about the aesthetic – a visually stunning memory piece that manages to move and inspire the audience without needing to resort to dramatic plot twists.
Will it win? Maybe. Its Achilles' heel is the fact that it is a Netflix film that received only a limited release, so a lot will depend on whether the purists among Academy voters are ready to bestow Best Picture on a streaming service.
Can I see it in the UAE? Yes, on Netflix.
A Star Is Born
What is it? Bradley Cooper's directorial debut is the fourth remake of William A Wellman's 1937 musical, including the Bollywood version Aashiqui 2, which confusingly was a remake of Wellman's film, not a sequel to Aashiqui. Cooper's hard-drinking musician discovers and falls in love with talented young singer Ally, played by Lady Gaga. The road to fame is – naturally – rocky, and you may need some tissues to hand for the weepy ending.
Will it win? It's hotly tipped, and the Academy are no strangers to rewarding weepy, romantic musicals, as evidenced by La La Land's sweeping of the board two years ago (although it did lose to Moonlight for Best Picture in an awkward mix-up).
Can I see it in the UAE? A Star is Born was in UAE cinemas last October and is now available for DVD/download.
Vice
What is it? Adam McKay's political comedy/drama stars Christian Bale as Dick Cheney, who would rise to become one of the most powerful non-presidents in US history during his second term as vice president under George W Bush. The supporting cast includes Sam Rockwell as Bush, Steve Carrell and Amy Adams, and some impressive make-up to put the actors in character, which would suggest a strong call for a further award in that category.
Will it win? Probably unlikely. The film has polarised critics – the more liberal wing of the US press has praised the film as biting political satire, but those to the right have criticised it as hateful polemic. If voters are similarly divided it'll struggle to gather the required numbers.
Can I see it in the UAE? Vice is in cinemas now.
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Read more:
Nadine Labaki is the first Lebanese female filmmaker to ever be nominated for an Oscar
Gaga and Close, Adams and Arquette: Is it common for winners to tie at award shows?
Oscar-nominated 'Vice': Why penning the story of Dick Cheney was 'horrifyingly difficult'
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RESULT
Esperance de Tunis 1 Guadalajara 1
(Esperance won 6-5 on penalties)
Esperance: Belaili 38’
Guadalajara: Sandoval 5’
HOW%20TO%20ACTIVATE%20THE%20GEMINI%20SHORTCUT%20ON%20CHROME%20CANARY
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RESULT
Brazil 2 Croatia 0
Brazil: Neymar (69'), Firmino (90' 3)
From Europe to the Middle East, economic success brings wealth - and lifestyle diseases
A rise in obesity figures and the need for more public spending is a familiar trend in the developing world as western lifestyles are adopted.
One in five deaths around the world is now caused by bad diet, with obesity the fastest growing global risk. A high body mass index is also the top cause of metabolic diseases relating to death and disability in Kuwait, Qatar and Oman – and second on the list in Bahrain.
In Britain, heart disease, lung cancer and Alzheimer’s remain among the leading causes of death, and people there are spending more time suffering from health problems.
The UK is expected to spend $421.4 billion on healthcare by 2040, up from $239.3 billion in 2014.
And development assistance for health is talking about the financial aid given to governments to support social, environmental development of developing countries.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Brief scores:
Juventus 3
Dybala 6', Bonucci 17', Ronaldo 63'
Frosinone 0
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Results for Stage 2
Stage 2 Yas Island to Abu Dhabi, 184 km, Road race
Overall leader: Primoz Roglic SLO (Team Jumbo - Visma)
Stage winners: 1. Fernando Gaviria COL (UAE Team Emirates) 2. Elia Viviani ITA (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) 3. Caleb Ewan AUS (Lotto - Soudal)
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKinetic%207%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rick%20Parish%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Clean%20cooking%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self-funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Chad%20Stahelski%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Keanu%20Reeves%2C%20Laurence%20Fishburne%2C%20George%20Georgiou%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Men's football draw
Group A: UAE, Spain, South Africa, Jamaica
Group B: Bangladesh, Serbia, Korea
Group C: Bharat, Denmark, Kenya, USA
Group D: Oman, Austria, Rwanda
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Sunday's fixtures
- Bournemouth v Southampton, 5.30pm
- Manchester City v West Ham United, 8pm
The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
Khouli conviction
Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.
- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico
- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000
- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950
The Land between Two Rivers: Writing in an Age of Refugees
Tom Sleigh, Graywolf Press
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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Three ways to boost your credit score
Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:
1. Make sure you make your payments on time;
2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;
3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.
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