The 15 shortlisted films vying to become one of the five Best International Feature nominees at the 2021 Academy Awards are a surprising and creatively engaging bunch. Their stories often are drenched in history — much of it tragic and disturbing — and turbulent social and political currents course through any number of them. Just four of the 15 were directed by familiar names so, for the most part, the filmmakers behind these works are in the early stages of their careers, which can only create optimism and excitement about what these up-and-comers will do in the future. Oscar nominations will be revealed on March 15. I’ve now seen all of the contenders and must say that it was, for the most part, stimulating to encounter so many fresh voices from some often little-heard-from realms of the cinematic world. Fewer than half of the semi-finalists come from countries typically thought of as regularly representing the cinematic front-rank — France, Iran, Denmark, Mexico, … [Read more...] about Oscars: Todd McCarthy’s Top Picks For Best International Feature Nominations
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Int’l Critics Line: Todd McCarthy On Tunisia’s Oscar-Shortlisted ‘The Man Who Sold His Skin’
The doings of the international art world often seem arcane and over the top, but never moreso than as depicted in The Man Who Sold His Skin . This is a madly dramatic and engrossing melodrama about a political refugee whose unique predicament bundles with it issues pertaining to personal and political identity, the Middle East quagmire, romantic rejection and the outer limits of art world presumption and extravagance. Tunisia’s shortlisted submission in the International Feature Oscar race is a very tasty couscous of fine ingredients and flat-out entertaining enough to warrant significant international exposure. Kaouther Ben Hania ’s follow-up to her 2017 Cannes Un Certain Regard selection Beauty And The Dogs is notable for its gutsy narrative moves, rich visuals and sheer drive, which marks her, along with her notably resourceful and elegant Lebanese cinematographer Christopher Aoun, as talents who should emerge even more decisively before long. Related … [Read more...] about Int’l Critics Line: Todd McCarthy On Tunisia’s Oscar-Shortlisted ‘The Man Who Sold His Skin’
Green Party: Here’s How to Throw a Covid-Safe St. Patrick’s Day Bash This Year
Products featured are independently selected by our editorial team and we may earn a commission from purchases made from our links; the retailer may also receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. With pubs still closed in many states, massive parties frowned upon, travel to Ireland advised against, and parades canceled (including the world’s largest march down Fifth Avenue in New York City), the pandemic has cast a pall on St. Patrick’s Day for the second year in a row. But just because it is not going to be easy being green on March 17 doesn’t mean it will be impossible to toast the life of devout snake whisperer St. Patrick, Irish heritage, and Emerald Isle culture. Last year, we were caught off guard, but now we have a year of pivots, virtual holidays, and partying responsibly behind us so you won’t even need the luck of the Irish to put together a fecking good at-home fete. Related Stories Chris Stapleton Teams Up With Buffalo Trace Distillery for … [Read more...] about Green Party: Here’s How to Throw a Covid-Safe St. Patrick’s Day Bash This Year
Coming 2 America Is the Most-Streamed Movie in a Single Weekend During the Pandemic
The new comedy sequel Coming 2 America has been named as the most-watched streaming movie in a given weekend during the pandemic, this according to Amazon and the ratings firm Screen Engine/ASI. In October, Amazon picked up the rights to the anticipated movie for an exclusive streaming release on Amazon Prime. In a statement released on Monday, Head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke explained how it all paid off by touting the sequel's success. "The Zamunda Royal family has arrived and audiences around the globe welcomed them enthusiastically! The premiere of Coming 2 America has far exceeded any of our wildest expectations," Salke said. "It's clear an entire new generation of fans have joined the enormous loyal fanbase who already adored the magical world created by global phenom Eddie Murphy, the incredibly talented filmmaking team and the hilarious, all-star cast of existing and newly-cemented legends. Coming 2 America is the perfectly fun, celebratory, escapist, … [Read more...] about Coming 2 America Is the Most-Streamed Movie in a Single Weekend During the Pandemic