United News of Bangladesh

Smaller movies didn't mean smaller viewer numbers for the Oscars. An estimated 19.7 million viewers watched Sunday night's 97th Academy Awards ceremony, the biggest audience in five years, according to figures released by ABC on Tuesday. The triumph of “Anora,” which won five Oscars including best picture, and other relatively little-seen favorites and winners still brought a lift over the 19.5 million viewers last year, when the major hit “Oppenheimer” won the top categories and the even bigger hit “Barbie” was a major presence. The Conan O'Brien-hosted telecast did have the benefit of 10 nominations for the big hit “Wicked” and an opening performance from its stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film won for its production design and costumes. The show had an especially big lift among people aged 18 to 49, driven by mobile and laptop watches from younger viewers. And the network said it was the most watched primetime entertainment show of 2025. Israel’s culture minister calls ‘No Other Land’ Oscar win a ‘sad moment’ Still, the upward trend comes from an all-time low during the pandemic, and changes in viewing habits for virtually all live events other than the Super Bowl mean the numbers the show once had are very unlikely ever to be reached again, A high water mark of 55 million people watched “Titanic” clean up in 1998, and the show didn't have fewer than 30 million viewers until 2018, when it dipped to 26.5 million. The bottom fell out with the pandemic-diminished show in 2021, seen by 9.85 million. It began rebounding in 2022 — the year of Will Smith's notorious slap of Chris Rock — with 16.6 million. And Hulu's first-time livestream of this year's Oscars cut off in the final moments of the show, making viewers miss Mikey Madison's best actress win and the best picture win of “Anora” in real time. The Oscars still significantly outdraws other awards shows. Its nearly 20 million viewers were far more than the Grammys' 15.4 million.

Actor Bobby Deol recently reflected on the challenging phase in his career when work offers were scarce. In an interview with India Today, he shared how he actively approached people for roles, emphasizing that there is no shame in seeking opportunities. He recalled personally reaching out, introducing himself, and asking for work, despite his established surname. Bobby noted how the industry has evolved over the years. "Things were different when I started. Back then, people approached actors with offers. However, as the number of actors increased, the competition became tougher," he explained. He acknowledged that new talent will continue to enter the industry, making opportunities more competitive. Salman Khan donates $10,000 to crew member The actor candidly shared his experience of asking for roles. "During my difficult phase, I knocked on doors and introduced myself, saying, “I am Bobby Deol, please give me work.” There is nothing wrong with that because everyone needs opportunities. At the very least, it makes people remember you, and sometimes, that leads to work," he said. Bobby emphasized that persistence is key and that there is no reason to feel embarrassed about seeking professional opportunities. Bobby Deol’s career resurgence In recent years, Bobby has seen a revival in his career. His role as a negative character in Animal (2023), alongside Ranbir Kapoor, earned him significant appreciation, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He has also appeared in films like Kanguva and Daaku Maharaaj. Currently, he is reprising his role as Baba Nirala in Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 - Part 2, directed by Prakash Jha. The series, streaming on Amazon MX Player, features Aaditi Pohankar, Darshan Kumaar, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Vikram Kochhar, Tridha Choudhury, Anupriya Goenka, Rajeev Siddhartha, and Esha Gupta in key roles.

Israel’s culture and sports minister, Miki Zohar, has criticised the Oscar win for “No Other Land”, calling it a “sad moment for the world of cinema.” The documentary, created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, won Best Documentary Feature at the 2025 Academy Awards.  In a post on X, Zohar accused the filmmakers of distorting Israel’s image instead of portraying the country’s complexities, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He stated that while freedom of expression is important, using Israel’s defamation for global recognition is not art but an attack on the state. His remarks referenced the ongoing war and the October 7 attack.  Adrien Brody wins best actor for ‘The Brutalist’ No Other Land documents the destruction of Masafer Yatta, an area in the occupied West Bank, by Israeli forces. It also highlights the bond between Palestinian journalist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, who co-directed the film. The documentary has already won multiple awards, including from the International Documentary Association and the Spirit Awards.  At the Oscars, “No Other Land” triumphed over “Black Box Diaries”, “Porcelain War”, “Soundtrack to a Coup d’État”, and “Sugarcane”. However, the film has yet to secure US distribution.  Zohar defended Israel’s recent reform in state-funded cinema, asserting that taxpayer money should support films resonating with Israeli audiences rather than productions that, in his view, damage Israel’s global reputation.

Officials rushed to reschedule Mardi Gras celebrations and warned revelers against brining umbrellas and tents as powerful storms with a threat of tornadoes were expected to strike Louisiana and other parts of the South on Tuesday. New Orleans moved up its two biggest Mardi Gras Day parades and cut down their routes to try to avoid the potentially destructive weather. Police were also expected to keep the hundreds of participants and dozens of floats moving quickly so they finished before winds were predicted to pick up, according to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. The alarming forecast was one of the first big tests for the National Weather Service after hundreds of forecasters were fired last week as part of President Donald Trump's moves to slash the size of the federal government. Former employees said the firing of meteorologists who make crucial local forecasts across the U.S. could put lives at risk. Country faces a number of weather threats The U.S. was facing multiple weather threats, including dust storms that brought near-zero visibility to parts of New Mexico and west Texas on Monday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Dust Storm Warnings. “Widespread blowing dust" was expected Tuesday, said the weather service office covering Midland and Odessa, Texas. The week's strong weather system will bring “a threat of blizzard conditions, high winds, flash flooding, severe weather, dust storms, and critical to extreme fire weather conditions to the nation’s heartland,” according to a weather service update Monday. Mikey Madison wins best actress Oscar for Anora On Tuesday, twisters, damaging winds and large hail were all possible as a strong storm system was set to move across the nation's midsection into Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, the federal Storm Prediction Center warned. The bullseye for a heightened risk of severe weather was an area stretching from east Texas to Alabama that’s home to more than 7 million people. Cities under threat included Baton Rouge and Shreveport in Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama. New Orleans braces for severe weather during Mardi Gras The New Orleans area was also preparing for strong storms, though Fat Tuesday's traditionally raucous annual rite of parades of floats and costumed merrymakers remained scheduled to hit the streets, with some changes still being worked out by authorities and leaders of “krewes” — social clubs that organize the parades. Kirkpatrick ordered parade-goers to not bring umbrellas, tents or “anything that could fly in the wind and cause mayhem.” She warned that she may need to cancel the parades at the last minute if the weather gets worse. “I hold that trump card in which I will not hesitate to cancel — I won’t do it lightly, but I will do it,” she said. Two other parades that had been scheduled to roll through the city later on Tuesday with nearly 200 truck floats were postponed, Kirkpatrick said. Just outside New Orleans in neighboring Jefferson Parish, officials canceled planned Mardi Gras Day parades due to anticipated high winds and thunderstorms. “This is disappointing, but our top priority is ensuring the well-being of everyone in our community, and we must always prioritize safety above all else,” Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said in a statement. Mardi Gras floats “could become unstable” and heavy winds could “blow down trees and power lines,” the National Weather Service warned, adding gusts of up to 60 mph (97 kph) were expected Tuesday afternoon. Adrien Brody wins best actor for ‘The Brutalist’ In Pointe Coupee Parish, near Louisiana’s capital city of Baton Rouge, the incoming weather forced drastic changes to one of the oldest Mardi Gras celebrations in the state. The parade there was scheduled to roll without any bands, marching teams or dance groups — a staple of Carnival Season parades. Officials also moved the parade start time up and urged residents to immediately remove all tents and trash after the parade ends “due to the dangers they can present during weather.” Other cities with Mardi Gras parades watching forecasts Elsewhere, large crowds were expected Tuesday for Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile, Alabama. Police there said they were continuing to monitor the forecast and would let the public know if plans for the celebration changed. Other cities hosting large Mardi Gras events included Biloxi, Mississippi, where an annual Mardi Gras parade was scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Tuesday. In downtown Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle, organizers were planning a Big Easy-style Mardi Gras festival that included food trucks, dancing, live entertainment and a low country seafood boil.

The U.K.'s data protection watchdog said Monday that it's investigating how TikTok uses the personal information of teenagers to deliver content recommendations to them when they use the social media platform. The Information Commissioner's Office said that there are growing concerns around how social media platforms were using data generated by children’s online activity to power their recommendation algorithms, and the potential for young people to see inappropriate or harmful content as a result. Trump orders US wealth fund, suggests TikTok stake inclusion The regulator said that it wanted to ensure the robustness of TikTok's safety procedures when it comes to using the personal information of teens ranging in age from 13 to 17. “It’s what they’re collecting, it’s how they work,” information commissioner John Edwards said. “I will expect to find that there will be many benign and positive uses of children’s data in their recommender systems." “What I am concerned about is whether they are sufficiently robust to prevent children being exposed to harm, either from addictive practices on the device or the platform, or from content that they see, or from other unhealthy practices,” he said. As part of the investigation, the regulator will also look into how online forum site Reddit and image-sharing site Imgur use children's personal data and how they estimate or verify a child's age. TikTok, which is operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, said in a statement that it was “deeply committed to ensuring a positive experience for young people on TikTok.” TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in US “Our recommender systems are designed and operate under strict and comprehensive measures that protect the privacy and safety of teens, including industry-leading safety features and robust restrictions on the content allowed in teens’ feeds," it said. In 2023, the regulator imposed a fine of 12.7 million pounds (about $16 million) on the video sharing app for misusing children's data and violating other protections for young users' personal information. The office said at the time that TikTok didn’t adequately identify and remove children under 13 from the platform, and that it allowed as many as 1.4 million children in the U.K. under 13 to use the app in 2020, despite the platform’s own rules prohibiting children that young from setting up accounts.

Filmmakers Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, known for directing Sanam Teri Kasam, recently shared a heartwarming incident involving Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The duo, who debuted as directors with Lucky: No Time for Love, recalled an act of generosity by Salman during the film’s shoot in Russia.  Speaking to MK Talks, Vinay Sapru recounted how Salman’s kindness left a 65-year-old crew member in tears. The woman, responsible for handling Salman’s costume continuity, was a Russian national and had developed a motherly bond with the actor. Despite being a major star, Salman would always laugh off her scoldings on set.  “One day, she arrived on set crying, and when we asked why, she showed us an envelope Salman had left for her,” Radhika and Vinay revealed. The woman expressed that the amount was enough to support her for at least three to four years. Overwhelmed by the gesture, she couldn't even thank Salman personally, as he had already left Russia after completing the shoot.  Rani Mukerji’s ‘Mardaani 3’ set to go on the floor in June The directors disclosed that Salman had gifted her over $10,000, a gesture that deeply moved the entire crew. The story has since gained attention online, with Reddit users praising Salman’s generosity. One user commented, “Respect him for wanting to help others. This is special,” while another wrote, “That’s extremely sweet of him.”  Salman’s upcoming movie Salman is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming movie Sikandar. Helmed by AR Murugadoss, the action drama also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar in key roles. The film is set for a festive release on Eid this year. With inputs from Indian media

Japanese singer Ado is making history as her music embarks on a journey beyond Earth, launched aboard a SpaceX rocket as part of a groundbreaking cultural experiment.  The 22-year-old J-pop star, known for her anonymous persona and massive online following, is the first artist chosen for Cannes Gala’s “BandWagon2” project, according to Variety. This initiative, involving creative teams from the UK, Japan, and the US, aims to bring music to the lunar surface.  A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully delivered Ado’s recordings to a satellite in low Earth orbit, marking the first step in this cultural experiment. While the ultimate goal is to broadcast music from the Moon, significant technical challenges remain. Since sound waves cannot travel in space, specialised equipment must be developed to endure extreme lunar conditions. The project aligns with NASA’s Artemis programme, which seeks to integrate artistic expression into space exploration. “Our global influence and strategic connections played a crucial role in making this mission a reality,” said Taichi Ito, founder of international film studio NOMA and chair of Cannes Gala. “This initiative connects artistic creativity with technological ambition. Ado’s music is truly reaching new frontiers.” Art and craft converge at Tod’s Milan Runway Show highlighting ‘Artisanal Intelligence’ Ado gained widespread recognition in 2020 with her breakout hit “Usseewa” and later solidified her status as a J-pop icon by performing “New Genesis,” the theme song for One Piece Film: Red. The Cannes Gala, an exclusive event held during the Cannes Film Festival, recognises industry contributors and supports charitable causes. If the project succeeds, Ado will be the first artist to have her voice transmitted from the Moon.

Tod’s celebrated the fusion of artistry and craftsmanship in its latest womenswear collection for next fall and winter, unveiled at the Gallery of Modern Art during Milan Fashion Week on Friday. At the entrance, Italian model Carla Bruni donned a striking leather dress assembled from strips of scrap leather, serving as a living tribute to Tod’s dedication to craftsmanship. Nearby, artisans demonstrated their skills by hand-stitching the brand’s signature Gommino car shoes in a live display of traditional techniques. “Machines will never replace the hands of artisans,’’ Tod’s founder Diego della Valle told reporters ahead of the show. Outerwear dominated Matteo Tamburini’s third collection as creative director, featuring meticulously tailored leather trenches, intarsia shearling coats, and warm woolen pea coats. Knitwear elegantly complemented asymmetrical leather skirts or cinched sheer skirts with belts. Structured blouses with broad shoulders made a powerful statement, paired with neatly tailored trousers. Tamburini drew inspiration from artistic surface treatments, replicating painterly strokes with brushed alpaca wool, combed jacquard, and patchwork leather. Among the notable attendees was actor Keira Knightley, seated in the front row.

South Korean police said Friday they are summoning a Japanese woman for questioning over allegedly kissing Jin, a member of the K-pop supergroup BTS, without consent during a free hug event last year. A police officer who answered the phone at Seoul’s Songpa police station said it requested the woman to appear for questioning over an allegation of sexual harassment. The police station refused to disclose her identity citing privacy. The station said it had launched an investigation after receiving an online complaint and refused to provide further details because an investigation was under way. Media reports said that South Korean police were able to confirm the identity of the woman with the help of Japanese police. The reports said the woman, who is in her 50s, was refusing to appear for questioning. Gene Hackman, wife and dog found dead in their New Mexico Home A day after finishing his mandatory 18-month military service in June 2024, Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, celebrated his discharge and the band’s 11-year anniversary by offering free hugs to his fans at an event in Seoul. During the event, reportedly attended by 1,000 people, a woman abruptly kissed Jin, on his cheek. Video footage that went viral showed Jin apparently looking uncomfortable. The woman wrote in an online blog post that “My lips touched his neck. His skin was so soft,” according to Yonhap news agency. BTS was created in 2013 and has a legion of global supporters who call themselves the “Army.” Jin, 32, is the oldest member of the band.

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead in their New Mexico home Wednesday, authorities said. Foul play is not suspected, however authorities did not release any details of the circumstances of their deaths and said an investigation is ongoing. Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Avila said deputies responded to a request to do a welfare check at the home Wednesday around 1:45 pm local time and found Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and a dog dead. Hackman, 95, was a five-time Oscar nominee who starred in dozens of films and one of the industry's most respected and honored performers. His two Oscar wins, for “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” were spaced out 21 years apart. TV actor Azad shot at his Ashulia residence News of his death comes just four days before this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. Hackman played a variety of roles, appearing in action movies, thrillers and even appearing in a comedic part in “Young Frankenstein.” Aside from appearances at awards shows, he was rarely seen in the Hollywood social circuit and retired in his mid-70s. An email sent to his publicist was not immediately returned early Thursday.