• Carey Mulligan arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Carey Mulligan arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Riz Ahmed and Fatima Farheen Mirza arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Riz Ahmed and Fatima Farheen Mirza arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Daniel Kaluuya arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Daniel Kaluuya arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Viola Davis and Julius Tennon are interviewed while Carey Mulligan (centre, bottom) walks the red carpet at the Oscars on April 25, 2021, at Union Station in Los Angeles. AFP
    Viola Davis and Julius Tennon are interviewed while Carey Mulligan (centre, bottom) walks the red carpet at the Oscars on April 25, 2021, at Union Station in Los Angeles. AFP
  • Thomas Vinterberg, left, and Helene Reingaard Neumann arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. AP Photo
    Thomas Vinterberg, left, and Helene Reingaard Neumann arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. AP Photo
  • Emerald Fennell arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. AP Photo
    Emerald Fennell arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. AP Photo
  • Regina King and Andra Day arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Regina King and Andra Day arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Regina King and Aldis Hodge arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Regina King and Aldis Hodge arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Olivia Colman arrives at a screening of the Oscars on April 26, 2021 in London, England. Reuters
    Olivia Colman arrives at a screening of the Oscars on April 26, 2021 in London, England. Reuters
  • Vanessa Kirby arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Vanessa Kirby arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Carey Mulligan, left, and Marcus Mumford arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Carey Mulligan, left, and Marcus Mumford arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • H.E.R. arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    H.E.R. arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Reese Witherspoon arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Reese Witherspoon arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Agnes Wilson, left, and H.E.R. arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. AP Photo
    Agnes Wilson, left, and H.E.R. arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. AP Photo
  • Shaka King to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Shaka King to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Viola Davis arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Viola Davis arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Jena Friedman and Anthony Hines arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Jena Friedman and Anthony Hines arrive to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Angela Bassett arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Angela Bassett arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
  • Laura Allen arrives at a screening of the Oscars on April 26, 2021 in London, England. Reuters
    Laura Allen arrives at a screening of the Oscars on April 26, 2021 in London, England. Reuters
  • Halle Berry arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters
    Halle Berry arrives to the Oscars red carpet for the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, April 25, 2021. Reuters

‘We are doing it maskless’: Regina King reveals why 93rd Oscars attendees are not wearing face masks


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

The 93rd Oscars got under way on Sunday night in Los Angeles, and while the usually glittering ceremony is pared back for 2021, there is still plenty of glamour as the great and good of Hollywood join together to celebrate the best of film.

A socially distanced red carpet was graced by the likes of Carey Mulligan, Viola Davis, Regina King, Halle Berry and Daniel Kaluuya, before the scaled-back ceremony, which will be split between Los Angeles's Union Station and the event’s usual home of the Dolby Theatre.

Click through the gallery above to see maskless, A-list arrivals to the 93rd Academy Awards. 

Aldis Hodge, left, Regina King, centre, and Andra Day, right, arrive for the 93rd annual Academy Awards. EPA
Aldis Hodge, left, Regina King, centre, and Andra Day, right, arrive for the 93rd annual Academy Awards. EPA

While there is no one presenter at this year's event, previous Oscar winner Regina King kicked things off with an impassioned speech, referencing the trial of Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis last week, which led to the former police officer's conviction for the murder of George Floyd.

The One Night in Miami... director said if things had gone differently, she would have "traded in her heels for marching boots".

“The fear that so many live with, no amount of fame and fortune changes that,” she said.

The star also referenced the fact that audience members were not wearing masks at the Oscars, a move that steps away from protocols followed at many other major awards ceremonies and red carpets to take place this year.

“We are doing it maskless,” she said. “People have been vaxxed, tested, retested, socially distanced.”

She said that protocols followed on the night mirrored those many in the room will have experienced when returning to the set of films.

“When we are rolling, masks off, and when we are not rolling, masks on,” she said.

Follow The National’s live coverage of the 93rd Oscars here.

The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

LILO & STITCH

Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders

Director: Dean Fleischer Camp

Rating: 4.5/5

MADAME%20WEB
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20S.J.%20Clarkson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Dakota%20Johnson%2C%20Tahar%20Rahim%2C%20Sydney%20Sweeney%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

England's all-time record goalscorers:
Wayne Rooney 53
Bobby Charlton 49
Gary Lineker 48
Jimmy Greaves 44
Michael Owen 40
Tom Finney 30
Nat Lofthouse 30
Alan Shearer 30
Viv Woodward 29
Frank Lampard 29

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Results

1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000

2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000

3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes. 

The trip

From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

SERIES INFO

Cricket World Cup League Two
Nepal, Oman, United States tri-series
Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu
 
Fixtures
Wednesday February 5, Oman v Nepal
Thursday, February 6, Oman v United States
Saturday, February 8, United States v Nepal
Sunday, February 9, Oman v Nepal
Tuesday, February 11, Oman v United States
Wednesday, February 12, United States v Nepal

Table
The top three sides advance to the 2022 World Cup Qualifier.
The bottom four sides are relegated to the 2022 World Cup playoff

 1 United States 8 6 2 0 0 12 0.412
2 Scotland 8 4 3 0 1 9 0.139
3 Namibia 7 4 3 0 0 8 0.008
4 Oman 6 4 2 0 0 8 -0.139
5 UAE 7 3 3 0 1 7 -0.004
6 Nepal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 PNG 8 0 8 0 0 0 -0.458

Sui Dhaaga: Made in India

Director: Sharat Katariya

Starring: Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, Raghubir Yadav

3.5/5