Entertainment
'Oppenheimer' wins best picture at Academy Awards, Emma Stone takes best actress
“Oppenheimer,” a solemn three-hour biopic that became an unlikely billion-dollar box-office sensation, was crowned best picture at a 96th Academy Awards that doubled as a coronation for Christopher Nolan.
After passing over arguably Hollywood’s foremost big-screen auteur for years, the Oscars made up for lost time by heaping seven awards on Nolan’s blockbuster biopic, including best actor for Cillian Murphy, best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr. and best director for Nolan.
In anointing “Oppenheimer,” the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences did something it hasn’t done for more than a decade: hand its top prize to a widely seen, big-budget studio film. In a film industry where a cape, dinosaur or Tom Cruise has often been a requirement for such box office, “Oppenheimer” brought droves of moviegoers to theaters with a complex, fission-filled drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb.
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“For better or worse, we’re all living in Robert Oppenheimer’s world," said Murphy in his acceptance speech. "I’d like to dedicate this to the peacemakers.”
As a film heavy with unease for human capacity for mass destruction, “Oppenheimer” also emerged – even over its partner in cultural phenomenon, “Barbie” – as a fittingly foreboding film for times rife with cataclysm, man-made or not. Sunday’s Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles unfolded against the backdrop of wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and with a potentially momentous U.S. election on the horizon.
The most closely watched contest of the Academy Awards went to Emma Stone, who won best best actress for her performance as Bella Baxter in “Poor Things.”
In what was seen as the night’s most nail-biting category, Stone won over Lily Gladstone of “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Gladstone would have become the first Native American to win an Academy Award.
‘Oppenheimer’ set to win big at the Oscars
Instead, Oscar voters couldn’t resist the full-bodied extremes of Stone’s “Poor Things” performance. The win for Stone, her second best actress Oscar following her 2019 win for “La La Land,” confirmed the 35-year-old as arguably the preeminent big-screen actress of her generation. The list of women to win best actress two or more times is illustrious, including Katherine Hepburn, Frances McDormand, Ingrid Bergman and Bette Davis.
“Oh, boy, this is really overwhelming,” said Stone.
Nolan has had many movies in the Oscar mix before, including “Inception,” “Dunkirk” and “The Dark Knight.” But his win Sunday for direction is the first Academy Award for the 53-year-old filmmaker.
In his acceptance speech, Nolan noted cinema is just over a hundred years old.
“We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here,” said Nolan. “But to think that I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”
Protest and politics intruded on an election-year Academy Awards on Sunday, where demonstrations for Gaza raged outside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and awards went to “Oppenheimer,” “The Zone of Interest” and “20 Days in Mariupol.”
Sunday's broadcast, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, had plenty of razzle dazzle, including a sprawling song-and-dance rendition of the “Barbie” hit “I'm Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling, with an assist on guitar by Slash. A sea of Kens swarmed the stage.
The lead winner, as expected was “Oppenheimer,” the blockbuster biopic. Though not quite the clean sweep that some expected, “Oppenheimer” was overpowering all competition — including its release-date companion, “Barbie” — winning awards for its cinematography, editing, score and Robert Downey Jr.'s supporting performance.
Downey, nominated twice before (for “Chaplin” and “Tropic Thunder”), notched his first Oscar, crowning the illustrious second act of his up-and-down career.
“I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the academy, in that order,” said Downey, the son of filmmaker Robert Downey Sr.
“Barbie,” last year’s biggest box-office hit with more than $1.4 billion in ticket sales, didn’t win an award until almost three hours into the ceremony. It won best song (sorry, Ken) for Billie Eilish and Finneas’ “What Was I Made For?” It’s their second Oscar, two years after winning for their James Bond theme, “No Time to Die.”
But after an awards season that stayed largely inside a Hollywood bubble, geopolitics played a prominent role. Protests over Israel’s war in Gaza snarled traffic around the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, slowing stars’ arrival on the red carpet and turning the Oscar spotlight toward the ongoing conflict. Some protesters shouted “Shame!” at those trying to reach the awards.
Jonathan Glazer, the British filmmaker whose chilling Auschwitz drama “The Zone of Interest” won best international film, drew connections between the dehumanization depicted in his film and today.
“Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people, whether the victims of October the 7th in Israel, or the the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims, this dehumanization, how do we resist?”
The war in Gaza was on the minds of many attendees, as was the war in Ukraine. A year after “Navalny” won the same award, Mstyslav Chernov’s “20 Days in Mariupol,” a harrowing chronicle of the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, won best documentary. The win, a first for The Associated Press and PBS’ “Frontline,” came as the war in Ukraine passed the two-year mark with no signs of abating.
Mstyslav Chernov, the Ukrainian filmmaker and AP journalist whose hometown was bombed the day he learned of his Oscar nomination, spoke forcefully about Russia's invasion.
"This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history," said Chernov. “And I'm honored. Probably I will be the first director on this stage to say I wish I’d never made this film. I wish to be able to exchange this (for) Russia never attacking Ukraine.”
In the early going, Yorgos Lanthimos’ Frankenstein-riff “Poor Things” ran away with three prizes for its sumptuous craft, including awards for production design, makeup and hairstyling and costume design.
Kimmel, hosting the ABC telecast for the fourth time, opened the awards with an monologue that drew a few cold looks (from Downey, Sandra Hüller and Messi, the dog from best-picture nominee “Anatomy of a Fall”). But Kimmel, emphasizing Hollywood as “a union town” following 2023's actor and writer strikes, drew a standing ovation for bringing out teamsters and behind-the-scenes workers — who are now entering their own labor negotiations.
The night's first award was one of its most predictable: Da'Vine Joy Randolph for best supporting actress, for her performance in Alexander Payne's “The Holdovers.” An emotional Randolph was accompanied to the stage by her “Holdovers” co-star Paul Giamatti.
“For so long I've always wanted to be different,” said Randolph. "And now I realize I just need to be myself."
Though Randolph’s win was widely expected, an upset quickly followed. Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” won for best animated feature, a surprise over the slightly favored “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” Miyazaki, the 83-year-old Japanese anime master who came out of retirement to make “The Boy and the Heron,” didn’t attend the ceremony. He also didn’t attend the 2003 Oscars when his “Spirited Away” won the same award.
Best original screenplay went to “Anatomy of a Fall,” which, like “Barbie," was penned by a couple: director Justine Triet and Arthur Harari. “This will help me through my midlife crisis, I think," said Triet.
In adapted screenplay, where “Barbie” was nominated — and where some suspected Greta Gerwig would win after being overlooked for director — the Oscar went to Cord Jefferson, who wrote and directed his feature film debut “American Fiction.” He pleaded for executives to take risks on young filmmakers like himself.
“Instead of making a $200 million movie, try making 20 $10 million movies,” said Jefferson, previously an award-winning TV writer.
The Oscars belonged largely to theatrical-first films. Though it came into the awards with 19 nominations, Netflix was a bit player. Its lone win came for live action short: Wes Anderson's “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” based on the story by Roald Dahl.
While “Barbie” bested (and helped lift) “Oppenheimer” at the box office, it took a back seat to Nolan’s film at the Oscars. Gerwig was notably overlooked for best director, sparking an outcry that some, even Hillary Clinton, said mimicked the patriarchy parodied in the film.
‘Oppenheimer’ set to win big at the Oscars
Hi, “Oppenheimer.”
When Hollywood gathers for the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday, the blockbuster biopic is widely expected to overpower all competition — including its release-date companion, “Barbie” — at an election-year Oscars that could turn into a coronation for Christopher Nolan.
The Oscars, kicking off on ABC at 7 p.m. EDT Sunday, are springing forward an hour earlier than usual due to daylight saving time. But aside from the time shift, this year’s show is going for many tried-and-true Academy Awards traditions. Jimmy Kimmel is back as host. Past winners are flocking back as presenters. And a big studio epic is poised for a major awards haul.
Still, much is circling around this year’s show. Demonstrators are expected to protest the Israel-Hamas war near the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Police have beefed up their already extensive presence. The war in Ukraine will be on some attendees’ minds, particularly those of the journalist filmmakers behind the documentary favorite, “20 Days in Mariupol.” And with the presidential election in full swing, politics could be an unavoidable topic despite an awards season that’s played out largely in a vacuum.
Hollywood also has plenty of its own storm clouds to concern itself with.
The 2023 movie year was defined by a prolonged strike over the future of an industry that’s reckoning with the onset of streaming, artificial intelligence and shifting moviegoer tastes that have tested even the most bankable brands. The academy, while also widely nominating films like “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Poor Things,” embraced both “Oppenheimer,” the lead nominee with 13 nods, and Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” the year’s biggest hit with more than $1.4 billion in ticket sales and eight nominations.
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HOW TO WATCH
Ahead of the broadcast on ABC, a red carpet preshow will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT. E! will kick off its red-carpet coverage at 4 p.m. EDT and arrivals are being streamed on YouTube by The Associated Press.
The show will be available to stream via ABC.com and the ABC app with a cable subscription. You can also watch through services including Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and FuboTV.
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE TELECASTFive past winners in each acting category will together announce winners for the first time since 2009. Among the many announced presenters are: Zendaya, Al Pacino, Jennifer Lawrence, Michelle Yeoh, Steven Spielberg, Dwayne Johnson, Matthew McConaughey, Lupita Nyong’o, Mahershala Ali, Nicolas Cage and Bad Bunny.
All of the best original song nominees will be performed, including the most likely winner, “What Was I Made For” from “Barbie,” to be performed by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell. The others are: “I’m Just Ken,” with Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson; “The Fire Inside,” from “Flamin’ Hot,” to be performed by Becky G; Jon Batiste’s “It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”; and “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People),” from “Killers of the Flower Moon,” to be performed by Scott George and the Osage Singers.
WHO ARE THE FAVORITES?“Oppenheimer” comes in having won at the producers, directors and actors guilds, making it the clear front-runner for best picture. The film is widely expected to win in a number of other categories, too. Nolan is tipped to win his first best director Oscar, while Robert Downey Jr. (best supporting actor) and Cillian Murphy (best actor) are also predicted to win their first Academy Award. Paul Giamatti ("The Holdovers") could challenge Murphy.
With the forecasted “Oppenheimer” romp, the night’s biggest drama is in the best actress category. Emma Stone (“Poor Things”) and Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) are nearly even-odds to win. While an Oscar for Stone, who won for her performance “La La Land,” would be her second statuette, an win for Gladstone would make Academy Awards history. No Native American has ever won a competitive Oscar.
While “Barbie” bested (and helped lift) “Oppenheimer” at the box office, it appears likely it will take a back seat to Nolan’s film at the Oscars. Gerwig was notably overlooked for best director, sparking an outcry that some, even Hillary Clinton, said mimicked the patriarchy parodied in the film.
In supporting actress, Da'Vine Joy Randolph has been a lock all season for her performance in Alexander Payne's “The Holdovers.”
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WHAT ELSE TO LOOK FOR
Composer John Williams, 92, is expected to attend the ceremony where he's nominated for the 49th time for best score, for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny " Meanwhile Godzilla is going to the Oscars for the first time, with “Godzilla Minus One” notching a nomination for best visual effects.
Also for the first time, two non-English language films are up for best picture: the German-language Auschwitz drama “The Zone of Interest” and the French courtroom drama “Anatomy of a Fall.” “The Zone of Interest” is the heavy favorite to win best international film.
Historically, having big movies in the mix for the Oscars’ top awards has been good for broadcast ratings. The Academy Awards’ largest audience ever came when James Cameron’s “Titanic” swept the 1998 Oscars.
Last year’s ceremony, where a very different best-picture contender in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” triumphed, was watched by 18.7 million people, up 12% from the year prior. ABC and the academy are hoping to continue the upward trend after a nadir in 2021, when 9.85 million watched a pandemic-diminished telecast relocated to Los Angeles’ Union Station.
Nasrul Hamid thanks Chattogram's youth in making Joy Bangla Concert 2024 a remarkable success
In a heartfelt acknowledgment, Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, praised the enthusiastic participation of Chattogram's youth in making the Joy Bangla Concert 2024 an extraordinary success.
From his verified Facebook profile, Hamid, trustee of CRI, expressed, "Immense thanks to the youth of Chattogram for their unprecedented celebration and discipline in making the Joy Bangla Concert 2024 a success.”
He also extended his congratulations to the Centre for Research and Information (CRI) and the Young Bangla team for their diligent efforts and exceptional organization of the event.
The concert, held at Chattogram's MA Aziz Stadium on Thursday, attracted an unparalleled audience, celebrating the spirit of Bangladesh's Liberation War and the historic March 7 speech by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
This year's gathering saw an impressive turnout of over 60,000 attendees on-site, with millions more joining through television and social media platforms, reinforcing the profound resonance of Bangabandhu's legacy and the collective resolve it inspires.
For the first time, the event, orchestrated by CRI's youth platform Young Bangla, was hosted outside the capital city, Dhaka, choosing Chattogram to commemorate Bangabandhu's momentous March 7 speech. The choice of location brought a fresh vibrancy to the event, connecting more directly with the youth of the port city.
The atmosphere at the stadium was electrifying, with chants of "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu" echoing as thousands of young voices sang in unison, underscoring the unity and patriotic fervor among the attendees. Performances included inspirational songs from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, pivotal in the nation's fight for independence, alongside hits from nine popular bands — Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, Avoid Rafa, Chattogram's own Tirondaz and Carnival.
Spanning from 3 pm to nearly midnight, the concert was not merely a musical festivity but a profound manifestation of national pride. Distinguished guests included CRI Trustee Radwan Mujib Siddiq, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan, and ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, alongside several members of parliament, all coming together to witness this grand celebration of Bangladesh's indomitable spirit.
Prince Harry, Britney Spears’ memoirs shortlisted for British Book Awards
The memoirs of Britney Spears and the Duke of Sussex Prince Harry have been shortlisted for Book of the Year at the British Book Awards.
Prince Harry's Spare, the best-selling book in 2023, is nominated in two categories, reports BBC.
It comes three decades after his father, the King, was crowned author of the year in 1990, the inaugural year for the awards.
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Other memoirs nominated include that of Star Trek's Sir Patrick Stewart and comic book figure Alan Partridge.
Britney Spears' much-anticipated autobiography, The Woman in Me, released in October 2023, was one of the year's best-selling autobiographies.
In the book, the pop sensation recounted her career and what it was like to be controlled by her father for 13 years while under conservatorship.
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She also discussed a medical abortion she had while dating Justin Timberlake in the early 2000s and the emotional impact it had on her.
The shortlist reflects the growing number of author-podcasters, with Steven Bartlett garnering two nominations for The Diary of a CEO, named after his hit podcast, and former cabinet minister Rory Stewart nominated for Politics on the Edge.
Yomi Adegoke's The List, which explores cancel culture and influencers, has also been shortlisted in two categories: Audiobook: Fiction and Debut Fiction.
Several of the shortlisted writers have BookTok hits, a hashtag with over 200 billion views on TikTok that refers to a community of book fans sharing their favourite readings and reviews, the report said.
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This is the actor Pierce Brosnan thinks would make a ‘magnificent’ Bond
Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has stated that fellow Irishman and Oscar contender Cillian Murphy would make a "magnificent" 007.
"Cillian would do a magnificent job as James Bond on His Majesty's Secret Service," Brosnan told the BBC.
According to reports, Murphy might be in the running; however there have always been whispers about who could play Bond next.
Brosnan was speaking at the annual Oscar Wilde Awards in Los Angeles, which honour Irish creative brilliance, reports BBC.
Murphy is expected to win best actor at the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday for his portrayal in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer.
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He stated that he had not heard the Bond speculations and that he had not given any attention to perhaps winning the Academy Award: "I just want to go in and have a good time."
He faces up against Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers), Colman Domingo (Rustin), Bradley Cooper (Maestro), and Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), said the report.
Murphy also spoke about his 16-year-old son Aran, who will make his cinematic debut in Taika Waititi's Klara And The Sun.
"I'm very proud of him, he's a great actor," he told reporters on the Irish-themed green carpet, adding that Aran did not need his father's instruction.
Brosnan said he was "greatly honoured" to receive an Oscar Wilde award for his achievements to the cinema and television industries.
He hailed the "kinship" between Ireland and America, saying he arrived to the US in 1982 "on a wing and a prayer... and then got a job, [on the drama series] Remington Steele".
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Joy Bangla Concert rocks Chattogram
The Joy Bangla Concert, synonymous with youthful exuberance, once again proved its significance by drawing an unprecedented crowd to the MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram. The event, steeped in the spirit of the Liberation War and the historic March 7 speech by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, serves as a bridge connecting generations to the rich legacy of Bangladesh's fight for independence.
This year, the concert witnessed a turnout of over 60,000 attendees on-site, with millions more reached through television and social media, showcasing the enduring impact of Bangabandhu's words and the collective vow inspired by his March 7 speech.
Radwan Mujib joins youths at Joy Bangla Concert in Chattogram
Organized by the Center for Research and Information's (CRI) youth platform, Young Bangla, in observance of Bangabandhu's historic March 7 speech, this year marked the first time the concert was held outside Dhaka, bringing it to the port city of Chattogram.
The stadium resonated with the chants of "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu" as thousands of young voices joined in a unison that vibrated through the venue. The concert also featured songs from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra that fueled the inspiration among the youth for nation-building.
Joy Bangla Concert 2024: Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium transforms into a sea of youths
The concert began at 3 pm on Thursday, and lasted till nearly midnight, featuring performances by nine popular bands, including Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, Avoid Rafa,
Chattogram's own Tirondaz, and Carnival. Each band stirred the audience with motivational songs broadcast during the Liberation War, along with their popular hits.
Joy Bangla Concert 2024 kickstarts in Chattogram with Tirondaz taking the stage
The event was not just a musical extravaganza but also a profound display of patriotism and pride. Notable attendees included CRI Trustee Radwan Mujib Siddiq, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and CRI Trustee Nasrul Hamid, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan, and ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, among several MPs.
Shrabon, a student from Chittagong University, shared his excitement, "I have attended the concert in Dhaka before. Having it in Chattogram this year made it accessible for us. We hope it continues here. We were eagerly waiting and today, we've shown our enthusiasm for the Joy Bangla Concert."
Asmani Akter from Potia, Chattogram, who came to enjoy the music, said, "I have never seen so many popular bands perform together on one stage. This arrangement by CRI is an honor for us in the port city."
Many who couldn't enter the venue found spots nearby to enjoy the performances of Meghdol, Chirkutt, and other bands, proving the magnetic appeal of the Joy Bangla Concert. This annual event, initiated by CRI's youth platform Young Bangla, aims to connect the current generation with the historical essence of this significant day in Bangladesh's history, ensuring that the spirit of "Joy Bangla" continues to resonate across the nation.
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Coke Studio Bangla, which has become one of the leading music platforms in the country since its inception, has brought out many popular songs in its two seasons while putting the spotlight on women singers from remote areas who have now become national stars through their own merits.
Marking the occasion of this year’s International Women's Day, the platform highlights the stories of its three most popular women artists with utmost priority, who became fan favourites after its acclaimed season two.
For decades, the music of Bangladesh has been enriched by the melodies of countless talented singers, many of whom remain unknown to mainstream media and audiences, but celebrated in their local communities.
Radwan Mujib joins youths at Joy Bangla Concert in Chattogram
Aleya Begum, a folk singer popularly known as “Baul Mata” with a five-decades-long career, has been primarily recognized for singing songs of different genres including ‘Bichhed,’ ‘Palagan,’ ‘Zarigan,’ and spiritual, while writing over 1000 songs and was featured in famous movies such as ‘Gunin’. Despite her vast experience with music, she was mostly popular among her inner circle and a big name in her region.
Her soul-touching performance in Coke Studio Bangla season two's smashing hit track "Kotha Koiyo Na'' propelled her to the mainstream media and made her one of the most talked about folk singers among music lovers. Overnight, she went on to become a national sensation through the song which not only introduced Aleya to the new generation but also highlighted the rich heritage of Bangladeshi folk music.
Similarly, Hamida Banu, a folk artist from Sylhet, did not have any prior experience of performing music professionally. She has been known by the legendary folk icon Hason Raja's family for a long time and has a deep connection with the heritage of Hason Raja. Making her debut with the song "Dilaram" in Coke Studio Bangla season 2, she captivated everyone with her beautiful and soothing voice, where her soulful rendition breathed new life into the song.
A united chorus of ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu’ after March 7 speech airs at Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium
Much like Aleya, Hamida Banu shot to fame among the newer generation, leading them to discover and realize the marvel at the depth of the talent scattered in the many corners of Bangladesh.
Similarly, another rural talent Jahura Baul left her mark on audiences’ hearts with her powerful and enticing voice in season two’s another popular song “BonoBibi”. A respected member of her community and an idol for women artists, her influence over other rural women artists was reflected in the song’s presentation, in which the baul group of women whom she conducted, flourished and captivated audiences.
Even though Aleya Begum was accompanied by actor-singer Arfan Mredha Shiblu and popular musician-music director Emon Chowdhury, Hamida Banu was complemented by popular singer and CSB producer Shayan Chowdhury Arnob and Johura Baul and her team shared the stage with the magnificent Meghdol, they created their own spaces inside the mind of the audiences.
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These stories align deeply with the theme of this year's Women's Day, "Inspiring Inclusion," according to Coke Studio Bangla. This inclusivity not only empowers these women but also inspires others, demonstrating that talent and passion can shine brightly regardless of background or previous recognition, the platform states while emphasising that their stories serve as a powerful reminder that inclusion and empowerment can unlock a multitude of voices, enriching not only the music industry but also the cultural diversity of Bangladesh.
Radwan Mujib joins youths at Joy Bangla Concert in Chattogram
The port city of Chattogram is currently buzzing with the spirit of youth as it hosts the Joy Bangla Concert, organized to commemorate the historic speech delivered by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 7, 1971. Adding to the fervor, Bangabandhu's grandson and Trustee of the Center for Research and Information (CRI), Radwan Mujib Siddiq, has joined the vibrant crowd at the MA Aziz Stadium to enjoy the concert alongside the nation's youth.
The event, which started at 3 pm on Thursday at the MA Aziz Stadium, features performances from a total of nine bands, including Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, Avoid Rafa, Chattogram's own Tirondaz and Carnival. This marks the first time the Joy Bangla Concert has been held outside of its traditional venue at Dhaka's Army Stadium, aiming to connect the current generation with the historic day that resonates deeply with Bangladesh's fight for independence.
A united chorus of ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu’ after March 7 speech airs at Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium
Radwan Mujib Siddiq's initiatives, such as the graphic novel "Mujib," have played a significant role in introducing the life and legacy of Bangabandhu to children and youths. This innovative approach to storytelling has brought Bangabandhu's unfinished autobiography and the tumultuous events of his life to a new audience in a format that is a first of its kind in Bangladesh.
Radwan is also behind popular initiatives such as the "Joy Bangla Youth Award," which acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of young individuals towards nation-building. Moreover, his involvement in the production of the docudrama "Hasina: A Daughter's Tale" sheds light on the struggles faced by Bangabandhu's daughters following his assassination, further enriching the political narrative of Bangladesh's history.
Joy Bangla Concert 2024: Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium transforms into a sea of youths
A graduate in Government and History from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he also completed his postgraduate studies in Comparative Politics, Radwan Mujib is deeply involved in empowering and inspiring the youth through various CRI initiatives, including Joy Bangla Concert, Policy Café, and Let's Talk.
As the chief editor of the policy-making magazine WhiteBoard published by CRI, Radwan continues to play a pivotal role in shaping policy discussions and engaging the youth in the development discourse of Bangladesh. His presence at the Joy Bangla Concert underscores the event's significance in fostering a sense of unity and pride among the country's youth, echoing the historic "Joy Bangla" slogan that united a nation in its fight for freedom.
Joy Bangla Concert 2024 kickstarts in Chattogram with Tirondaz taking the stage
A united chorus of ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu’ after March 7 speech airs at Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium
For the first time outside Dhaka, the Joy Bangla Concert is being held in the port city of Chattogram at the MA Aziz Stadium, echoing the spirits of unity and remembrance. The evening showcased a colorful video of the historic March 7, 1971, speech by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, captivating the young generation once more with his powerful words.
As Bangabandhu's speech concluded, the sky above was lit with an array of fireworks. Following this vibrant display, all attendees, in unison with the concert's host, proclaimed, "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu," filling the air with a sense of patriotism and pride.
Joy Bangla Concert 2024: Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium transforms into a sea of youths
The concert commenced at 3 pm on Thursday, featuring a lineup of nine local bands: Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, Avoid Rafa, Chattogram's own Tirondaz, and Carnival. This marked a significant shift from the concert's traditional venue, aiming to connect the current generation with the historic significance of this day.
Avoid Rafa took the stage at around 5:20 pm, thrilling the audience with their rendition of the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's song "Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam," a rallying cry broadcasted during the Liberation War from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. Following their opening number, the band continued to energize the crowd with a series of their most popular songs.
This year's Joy Bangla Concert not only celebrated the enduring legacy of Bangabandhu's March 7 speech, recognized as one of the greatest speeches globally, but also reinforced the "Joy Bangla" slogan that unified the people in their struggle for independence in 1971.
Joy Bangla Concert 2024 kickstarts in Chattogram with Tirondaz taking the stage
Adding to the fervor, Bangabandhu's grandson and Trustee of the Center for Research and Information (CRI), Radwan Mujib Siddiq, joined the vibrant crowd at the MA Aziz Stadium to enjoy the concert alongside the nation's youth.
Radwan Mujib Siddiq's initiatives, such as the graphic novel "Mujib," have played a significant role in introducing the life and legacy of Bangabandhu to children and youths. He is also behind popular initiatives such as the "Joy Bangla Youth Award," which acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of young individuals towards nation-building. Moreover, his involvement in the production of the docudrama "Hasina: A Daughter's Tale" sheds light on the struggles faced by Bangabandhu's daughters following his assassination, further enriching the political narrative of Bangladesh's history.
Ctg set for a historic March 7 celebration as gates open to Joy Bangla Concert 2024
Joy Bangla Concert 2024: Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium transforms into a sea of youths
Chattogram's MA Aziz Stadium has become a vibrant sea of youths as the Joy Bangla Concert 2024 took the city by storm. This monumental event, initiated to honor the historic March 7 speech by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, began at 3 pm on Thursday, attracting a massive crowd eager to partake in the festivities.
The concert lineup boasts nine acclaimed local bands, including Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Avoid Rafa, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, and the city's own Tirondaz, along with Carnival. The day's performances kicked off with Tirondaz, who set the stage alight with their rendition of songs, including a poignant piece from the Liberation War-time Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.
Joy Bangla Concert 2024 kickstarts in Chattogram with Tirondaz taking the stage
Following Tirondaz was Carnival. The stage is seeing a succession of bands, each bringing their unique energy and music to the fore. Meghdol, Avoid Rafa, Lalon, Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Chirkutt, and finally, Artcell, are all slated to perform, with each band entertaining the audience for approximately 45 minutes.
This year's Joy Bangla Concert marks a significant departure from its traditional venue, moving from Dhaka's Army Stadium to the coastal city of Chattogram for the first time. Organized by the Center for Research and Information (CRI) through its youth platform Young Bangla, the event aims to bridge generations, connecting contemporary youths with a crucial moment in their nation's history.
Ctg set for a historic March 7 celebration as gates open to Joy Bangla Concert 2024
The fervor for the concert was palpable long before the gates opened, with registration slots filling up within just half an hour, demonstrating the immense enthusiasm of the young generation for this cultural celebration. Promotional campaigns by Young Bangla and CRI, featuring band statements, promotional videos, and posters, have further amplified the excitement, drawing widespread attention and anticipation on social media.
Special considerations have been made to ensure inclusivity and safety, with specific entry provisions for women and comprehensive preparations to guarantee a secure and enjoyable concert experience for all attendees. The meticulous stage setup, combined with rehearsals and the stunning visual and audio presentations, promise an evening that will live long in the memories of those present.
Joy Bangla Concert 2024 ignites social media buzz with last night's jam sessions
The Joy Bangla Concert 2024, with its homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's inspiring "Joy Bangla" slogan and speech, stands as a testament to the power of music to unite and galvanize a nation. As MA Aziz Stadium turns into a sea of vibrant youths, it becomes clear that the legacy of Bangabandhu and the spirit of 1971 remain as relevant and stirring as ever.