Will Smith's 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' Movie Success

The movie 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' opened with an estimated $56 million over the weekend, marking one of Will Smith's biggest hits since the 2022 Academy Awards incident. The film is the fourth installment of the 'Bad Boys' franchise.

Academy Awards and Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award

The Academy Awards is changing the focus of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to recognize those promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities, in line with their increased emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is part of a broader trend of incorporating social justice activism into the Oscars.

Decline in Academy Awards viewership and criticism of entertainment industry

The 2024 Academy Awards had the fourth-lowest viewership in history at 19.5 million. Despite attempts to spin the numbers positively, the decline in viewership, especially among younger demographics, is evident. The article criticizes the entertainment industry for being hyper-politicized, talentless, and out of touch with the audience.

Highlights from the 96th Academy Awards

The 96th Academy Awards crowned 'Oppenheimer' as best picture, with Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. winning acting honors. The event doubled as a coronation for Christopher Nolan, with 'Barbie' and 'Poor Things' also gaining recognition. Protest and politics intruded on the event, with nods to the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

Fashion at the 96th Annual Academy Awards

Recap of best and worst dressed celebrities at the 96th Annual Academy Awards. Carey Mulligan stuns in a vintage Balenciaga gown, while Emma Stone's Louis Vuitton dress receives mixed reviews. Ryan Gosling and Lily Gladstone impress in Gucci. Emily Blunt and Kirsten Dunst shine in custom Gucci gowns. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's outfits are criticized. Lupita Nyong'o reuses a gown from her personal archive. Margot Robbie's Versace dress misses the mark. Jennifer Lawrence dazzles in polka dots, while Florence Pugh's space age ensemble disappoints.

Current Events

Ramadan begins amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Haiti extends state of emergency due to gang attacks, Oppenheimer wins big at Academy Awards, point-of-sale donations on the rise, bullfighting returns to Mexico City after ban overturned, Alaska Airlines inspects Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft.

Anti-Israel Protests at the Academy Awards

Anti-Israel protesters marched through the streets ahead of the Academy Awards calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, criticizing Hollywood's support of U.S.-funded Israeli actions in Gaza. Police issued a dispersal order for unlawful assembly near the Oscars venue. Protests aimed to disrupt the event and highlight retaliation against industry figures critical of Israel. Recent polls suggest challenges for Biden with young voters due to his support of Israel. Director Paul Roland Bois promoted his film 'EXEMPLUM' during the protests.

Seating Arrangements at the Academy Awards

The 96th Academy Awards will feature many famous stars in the audience as background players, with priority seating based on a traditional hierarchy and logistics. The seating arrangements are carefully planned to ensure a smooth broadcast and capture real-time reactions. Seating politics involve considerations like nominees' relationships and avoiding awkward encounters. The COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced seating capacity and unconventional broadcasts. Being seated at the Oscars comes with great scrutiny, as demonstrated by Will Smith's recent incident.

Academy Awards Dramatic Moments Through the Years

A look back at some of the most dramatic moments from the Academy Awards over the years, including controversies, memorable wins, and unforgettable speeches.

2024 Academy Awards Nominees and Winners

Nominees for the 2024 Academy Awards include high-earning A-list actors like Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Winners have the potential for financial gains, including lavish 'swag bags' valued at over $100,000. Winning an Oscar can lead to significant career boosts and salary increases for stars.

Academy Awards Gift Bags Value

The value of the gift bags at the Academy Awards has reached $180,000, surpassing previous years' values. The bags include luxury items such as skincare products, trips, appliances, and more. The focus is on promoting small businesses and minority-owned brands.

Criticism of Academy Awards' Diversity Quotas

The New York Times published a story criticizing the Academy Awards' diversity quotas, calling them 'flimsy and showy'. Despite the new DEI rules, on-screen and behind-the-camera diversity is not mandatory, leading to criticisms from Hollywood insiders. The Oscars' diversity rules are seen as mostly an illusion with various loopholes.

Security Measures at the Academy Awards Amidst Tensions

The LAPD is increasing security measures at the Academy Awards to prevent protesters from disrupting the event amidst tensions related to the Israel-Hamas War.

Academy Awards and Historical Achievements

Jimmy Failla explains why we don't need to feel bad for Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig after not receiving Oscar nominations for their work in 'Barbie'. The article also highlights historical achievements and records at the Academy Awards.

Academy Awards Diversity Requirements

The 96th Academy Awards require diversity quotas for best picture nominees, but loopholes allow movies to qualify as diverse without actual on-screen or behind-the-camera diversity. Studios can meet DEI requirements by fulfilling industry access and audience development criteria.

Academy Awards Diversity Requirements

The 96th Academy Awards will be the first to implement new diversity requirements for best picture nominees, focusing on race, gender, and sexuality. The rules are complex and have loopholes, with movies needing to meet at least two out of four sets of quotas. The Academy's goal is to promote equitable representation on and off screen.

Academy Awards and Recognition for Stunt Performers

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is adding a new category for Best Casting but has not yet recognized Best Stunt, despite its significant contribution to cinema. Industry insiders and stunt professionals have been advocating for the inclusion of Best Stunt at the Oscars.