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Tributes flow for Oscar-winning writer of Chinatown and Mission Impossible

Robert Towne has passed away aged 89. Towne was nominated for four Oscars during his career. He won an Oscar for writing the 1974 crime and corruption thriller Chinatown starring Jack Nicholson as a private detective. He has been remembered as one of Hollywood's greatest screenwriters, with people from the film industry paying tribute to him online. Lee Grant, who won best supporting actress for her role in Shampoo, which Towne co-wrote, paid tribute to him on X. "His life, like the characters he created, was incisive, iconoclastic & entirely originally [sic]," she wrote. "He gave me the gift of Shampoo. He gave all of us the gift of his words & his films. There isn’t another like him. There won’t be again." The American Film Institute also paid tribute to him on X: "From writing masterpieces like Chinatown, Shampoo & countless others, his influence is everlasting." Towne was also regarded for his role as a script doctor - fixing or adding to existing scripts like Bonnie and Clyde and The Godfather. While he didn't get an official credit, The Godfather's writer-director Francis Ford Coppola used his Oscars best adapted screenplay acceptance speech to thank him for writing a pivotal "very beautiful" scene between Al Pacino and Marlon Brando's characters. "That was Bob Towne's scene," he said during the 1973 ceremony. Towne is survived by his second wife Luisa, and daughters Chiara and Katharine. Image: David Bloomer/Paramount Classics/Kobal/ Shutterstock Editorial

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Beloved Oscar winner dies "exactly as he would have scripted it"

Award-winning Hollywood screenwriter David Seidler has died aged 86. The playwright, best known for 2010's The Kings Speech, passed away while on a fly-fishing expedition in New Zealand. "David was in the place he loved most in the world — New Zealand — doing what gave him the greatest peace which was fly-fishing," his manager said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "If given the chance, it is exactly as he would have scripted it." Seidler's cause of death has not been revealed. The British-American playwright, first moved to Hollywood - where he started his career - at the age of 40, with his first job writing Tucker: The Man and His Dreams for Francis Ford Coppola. He also worked on the King and I and Madeline: Lost in Paris. Seidler is best known for The King's Speech, starring Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter. The film won him an Oscar and BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay. He previously told The Los Angeles Times that his interest in the story of George VI came from growing up with a stutter, just like the one Colin Firth's character had in the film. "It began, obviously, by the fact that I was a stutterer as a kid — truly a profound stutterer," he told the publication. "I grew up always having a great soft spot in my heart [for him], because I knew he was a stutterer, who had, if not been totally cured, at least improved to the point where he could give these very eloquent, moving, stirring wartime speeches." Seidler is survived by his two adult children. Image: Getty

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The best of the 2024 Oscars

Hollywood’s night of nights is back in full force this year and it's more glamorous and chaotic than ever. Jimmy Kimmel, who returned as a host at the annual Academy Awards for the fourth time, kicked off the festivities by addressing the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/margot-robbie-snubbed-as-oscar-nominations-announced" target="_blank" rel="noopener">controversial snubs </a>of Margot Robbie for best actress and Greta Gerwig for best director. “Barbie, what a film. What an achievement. To take a plastic doll nobody even liked any more, now Barbie is an icon thanks to Greta Gerwig, who many people believe should be nominated for Best Director,” he began. “I know you are clapping, but you’re the ones who didn’t vote for her, by the way. Don’t act like you had nothing to do with this," he added. While he did compliment Robbie “putting this giant hit together”, his joke about her and co-star Ryan Gosling's appearance fell flat. Despite the awkward joke, Gosling pulled off one of the most memorable moments in Oscars history, as he belted-out an energetic and fabulously pink performance of I’m Just Ken, a Barbie original song, with other Kens including co-star Simu Liu. Gosling began his dazzling performance by serenading co-star Margot Robbie in the audience, who could not hold in her laughter. British-American musician Slash also made a surprise cameo on the electric guitar and everyone in the room could feel the Kenergy. In another unforgettable moment, John Cena caused the audience to erupt with laughter when he slowly emerged from side stage without clothes on, as Kimmel referenced the 1974 Oscars moment when a streaker infamously ran across the stage. “I changed my mind, I don’t want to do the streaker bit anymore,” Cena told Kimmel. “I just don’t feel right about it. This is an elegant event.” Cena then presented the Best Costume Design award while concealing his private parts with a piece of paper. “Costumes... They are so important,” he said, as the audience exploded in laughter. Poor Things won the Best Costume Design award and snagged three other awards including Best Production Design, Best Hair and Makeup, and Emma Stone winning Best Actress. In a more wholesome moment, Messi, a seven-year-old border collie, who starred in Anatomy of A Fall was being a very good boy and could be seen sitting amongst A-list and "clapping" his paws for all the winners. Oppenheimer snagged seven awards, including the Best Picture award, the Best Director award and Cillian Murphy winning his first ever Oscar for Best Actor. “We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb. For better or worse we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world, so I would really like to dedicate this to the peace makers everywhere,” Murphy said when he accepted his award. The film landed its first ever honour of the night when Robert Downey Jr also won his first ever Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. The full list of winners can be found <a href="https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Of course, the Oscars aren't just about who takes home what award, but who looked like tens during the red carpet. Check out some of our favourite looks and highlights below: Images: Getty/ news.com.au

Paul Hogan calls Margot Robbie's Oscars snub a "dull tradition"

Paul Hogan has called out The Academy for their "dull tradition” after Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig were snubbed for an Oscar nomination in February. Despite being the only film directed by a woman to earn more than $1 billion at the box office, Robbie and Gerwig were both <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/margot-robbie-snubbed-as-oscar-nominations-announced" target="_blank" rel="noopener">snubbed </a>in their respective categories of leading actress and best director during the 96th Academy Awards, which sparked outrage online. Speaking to Sunrise on Friday, the Crocodile Dundee actor revealed his thoughts on why he thinks both the Aussie actor and Barbie director missed out on a nomination. “To see them not nominated, that’s a sort of like ... a dull tradition of ‘if it’s not about pain and suffering, it can’t be very good’. It’s not fair,” Hogan said. He then praised Robbie, saying: “She’s great — not only is she beautiful and smart, she’s a nice kid, too.” During the interview on Sunrise, Hogan also reflected on the time he hosted the Oscars in 1987, and said that it was good fun. “It was fabulous because I was probably the first person ever allowed on live television to do the Oscars without presenting a script or having anything written on the auto-cue,” he said. “They were very nervous but Samuel Goldwyn, who was the producer, said, ‘I’ve seen him on television. He’s Hoges … let’s just let him go and it’ll be fun for all of us’.” The actor added that while he rarely felt "intimidated", there were a few times in his career where he was starstruck — most notably when he met the Queen, Princess Diana, and Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor. Hogan's first public appearance was in 1971 at Nine's amateur talent programme New Faces. He rose to international fame after his role as Mick "Crocodile" Dundee in the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee, which won him the 1987 Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and a few other nominations at the BAFTAs. Images: Seven/ Getty

Movies

Oscar-nominated actor shares his terrifying diagnosis

Mark Ruffalo has opened up about the moment he found out he had a brain tumour almost two decades ago, and how he broke the news to his then heavily pregnant wife, Sunrise. Speaking with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett on the Smartless podcast on Monday, the actor revealed that he got his diagnosis after a "crazy dream". “It’s the craziest thing. I was actually shooting The Last Castle with [James] Gandolfini and Robert Redford and I had about a week left on that," he said. The Oscar nominee said that just before he got the diagnosis, he was supposed to be on set at 4am. “I woke up probably around three and I just had this crazy dream, you know, it wasn’t like any other dream I ever had. It was just like, ‘You have a brain tumour.’ It wasn’t even a voice. It was just pure knowledge: ‘You have a brain tumour, and you have to deal with it immediately’,” he continued. Despite having no symptoms other than an ear infection, the actor trusted his gut and went to the doctors anyways. “Listen, this is going to sound crazy, but I had this dream last night that I have a brain tumour," he recalled telling the doctor. She said: "'That is crazy, but there’s no reason you should have to worry about it. I’ll order you a CAT scan, and we’ll go right after work today, and we’ll show how crazy you are.’” Ruffalo then went to the neurologist’s office to read the scan and was shocked to find that his dream was right. “The nurse calls the doctor out, and I could hear them talking in the other room, and she just comes in, and she’s a zombie, and she says, ‘You have a mass behind your left ear the size of a golf ball, and we don’t know what it is. We can’t tell until it’s biopsied,’” he recalled. The Marvel star added that he waited to tell his then nine-months pregnant wife the news simply because she was so excited to welcome their bub. “She had the birth plan, she did the yoga, she had the doula, we had a hot tub ordered. This is like her wedding, you know, man? This is like her christening, her quinceañera, and I was just like, ‘I can’t.’" And when finally did break the news, his wife initially thought he was joking, "and then she just burst into tears and said, ‘I always knew you were going to die young!’” Fortunately for Ruffalo, the brain tumour turned out to be benign, but the surgery did leave him “totally” deaf in one ear. Image: Getty

Caring

Margot Robbie snubbed as Oscar nominations announced

The nominations for the 96th academy awards has been announced, and despite Barbie being nominated for eight awards, there were a few notable snubs that fans aren't happy about. The film’s star, Margot Robbie, was not nominated for best actress, despite co-star Ryan Gosling receiving a nomination for best supporting actor for his role as Ken. The film's director Greta Gerwig, was also snubbed as she was not nominated for best director. Fans took to social media to express their thoughts, with many of them unhappy with the academy's choice. "So Ryan Gosling’s nominated for playing ken but Margot Robbie isn’t nominated for playing barbie… in barbie," one person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> So Ryan Gosling’s nominated for playing ken but Margot Robbie isn’t nominated for playing barbie… in barbie <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a> <a href="https://t.co/uceB20BB8H">pic.twitter.com/uceB20BB8H</a> — poppy ☾ (@scddevereaux) <a href="https://twitter.com/scddevereaux/status/1749792570840907879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> "No nomination for Margot Robbie or Greta Gerwig for the #Oscars but Ryan Gosling gets one. Literally the whole point of the Barbie film," another wrote. "Greta Gerwig made a film that was critically acclaimed, culturally impactful, hilarious, unique, visually exceptional, perfectly cast and acted, left people laughing, crying and thinking AND made a billion dollars at the box office. But no Best Director nom?!" another tweeted. One particular tweet went viral, with over 109 thousand likes. "Ken getting nominated and not Barbie is honestly so fitting for a film about a man discovering the power of patriarchy in the Real World," the tweet read. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Ken getting nominated and not Barbie is honestly so fitting for a film about a man discovering the power of patriarchy in the Real World. — Michael. (@yosoymichael) <a href="https://twitter.com/yosoymichael/status/1749794592076034203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> In a more positive light, America Ferrara, who played Gloria in Barbie, was nominated for best supporting actress with many saying that her character's passionate speech on feminism had sealed the deal. The film was also nominated for Best Picture, and two nods for best song including Gosling's popular solo I'm Just Ken, and Billie Eilish's What Was I Made For. Image: Getty

Movies

Harry and Meghan named "2023's biggest losers"

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been crowned "the biggest losers of 2023" by highly influential entertainment magazine The Hollywood Reporter. The publication released its annual list of winners and losers, with celebrities like Taylor Swift, Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig making the winners list. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the other hand topped this year's list of losers, which included Twitter/X/Elon Musk, and the streaming series Yellowstone. The publication wrote that this year's list reflected "some of the industry’s biggest success stories — and most embarrassing missteps." Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter said that this is a huge blow for the royal couple, as The Hollywood Reporter is considered an "industry bible that people pay attention to". "It is humiliating in Meghan's home town and they refer to the couple's - and I quote this - 'whiney documentary', that 'whiney biography' and the horrible South Park episode," she said in an interview with Nine's Today. Despite being crowned this year's biggest losers, Arbiter said that the couple are looking forward to a better year ahead. "It is time to leave the royal family behind and really establish what it is they want to do and make positive steps forward if they plan to be successful in 2024," she said. "We've been promised a number of different things via rumours over the past year, with talk of Meghan's website The TIG relaunching and she was going to launch a lifestyle brand similar to Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop. "Netflix paid $3 million pounds for rights to a book Harry and Meghan said they would turn into a rom-com, however we haven't had further development on those plans." The royal commentator added that Harry and Meghan will need to build consumer trust and avoid "negative, scandalous headlines that follow them everywhere", as they approach the new year. "Hollywood doesn't do well with negativity," she said. Check out the full list <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hollywood-winners-losers-2023-1235712279/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Getty

"Blah": Brutal reactions to royal family's 2023 Christmas card

Royal fans have shared their mixed reviews of the 2023 Christmas card portrait, featuring Prince William, Kate Middleton and their three children. The Prince and Princess of Wales shared their family photo to their Instagram account on Sunday, with the snap showing the royal family of five all dressed in similar outfits: simple black pants or jeans, and white button up tops. The photo, taken in black and white, shows Kate and William standing behind their three kids, while Prince George and Prince Louis standing around Princess Charlotte, who was seated for the photo. The post of their family Christmas card picture has racked up over 2 million likes, with thousands of people sharing their thoughts on the snap in the comments. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pf0IXNv15/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pf0IXNv15/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a> </div> </blockquote> Many were quick to comment on the similarities between the younger royals and their predecessors, with many stating that "Princess Charlotte looks like a young Queen Elizabeth", while others shared their thoughts on how much Prince Louis is looking like his mother. Despite many royal fans delighting over the card, there were some mixed reactions from others. Royal commentators online were quick to point out how this year's card, all in black and white, is a stark contrast to last year's photo, which shows the family walking hand-in-hand in the sunshine. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmH_qcOtUx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmH_qcOtUx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a> </div> </blockquote> While acknowledging that the photo is objectively lovely of the family, some wish that the portrait had a bit more Christmas spirit. One person wrote on X, "This doesn’t look like a Christmas Card. Looks like a Vogue edit’s choice cover from the 90s. Beautiful but not Xmassy!" Another added that the image looked like it was "taken at a photo studio in a shopping mall," while another disappointed fan said it was "Kind of... Well, blah." Image credits: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Surprise choice for Time's 2023 Person of the Year

Hold onto your hats, folks: Taylor Swift has been crowned Time magazine's Person of the Year for 2023, leaving the world collectively scratching its head and asking, "Did we miss the memo that we're living in Taylor's world now?" Traditionally reserved for influential political figures or those who've left an indelible mark on the global stage – you know, like Russian President Vladimir Putin, King Charles III, Barbie – this time the Person of the Year honour has been bestowed upon a pop sensation who can make you both weep and dance in the span of a three-minute song. In a statement that surely made a few historians raise an eyebrow, Time's editor-in-chief, Sam Jacobs, explained, "In a divided world, where too many institutions are failing, Taylor Swift found a way to transcend borders and be a source of light." Because when we think of bridging divides and bringing people together, we immediately think of "Shake It Off" and "Love Story". <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Time Magazine: We’d like to name you Person of the Yea- Me: Can I bring my cat. <a href="https://t.co/SOhkYKSTwG">https://t.co/SOhkYKSTwG</a> — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) <a href="https://twitter.com/taylorswift13/status/1732406430857093501?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2023</a></blockquote> While past Persons of the Year have included world leaders and political heavyweights, Swift's victory signals a definite paradigm shift. Apparently, in 2023, the ability to make millions of people sing along to your breakup anthems and inspire an army of fans to don cat ears for Halloween is a more valuable global contribution than, say, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy being honoured for his courage in resisting Russia's invasion. In 2023, it seems we've collectively decided that what the world really needs is more "Bad Blood" and less, well, actual bad blood between nations. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Hollywood strikers also found themselves on the shortlist, along with Barbie, who apparently had a banner year as the highest-grossing film of 2023. Forget geopolitics; it's all about the dollars and sense. Swift also triumphed over King Charles III, Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell, and even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Apparently, even the promise of artificial intelligence couldn't outshine the real magic of Taylor Swift. In the end, T-Swift's ability to sell out stadiums and break box office records with her concert movie proved that in a world full of political turmoil and global challenges, what we really need is a good sing-along. Images: Twitter / X

Books

"Finally!": 2023’s Sexiest Man Alive crowned

Patrick Dempsey has been named People’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2023! The 57-year-old actor known for his role as Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy snagged the title from last year's winner, Marvel heart-throb Chris Evans. In his interview with the publication, the actor said that he will use his new-found status to promote “something positive”. “I’m glad it’s happening at this point in my life,” he said. “It’s nice to have the recognition, and certainly my ego takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive.” When asked about his reaction to finding out he was 2023's Sexiest Man Alive the actor joked that it was a long-time coming. “I was completely shocked, and then I started laughing, like, this is a joke, right? I’ve always been the bridesmaid!” he joked. “I’d completely forgotten about it and never even contemplated being in this position. So my ego is good.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Introducing PEOPLE’s 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SexiestManAlive?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SexiestManAlive</a>, Patrick Dempsey. 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/4eYnCAG1Zr">https://t.co/4eYnCAG1Zr</a> <a href="https://t.co/5V0xVblnaE">pic.twitter.com/5V0xVblnaE</a> — People (@people) <a href="https://twitter.com/people/status/1722114648638394482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2023</a></blockquote> The father-of-three also joked about how his children, Talula, 21, and 16-year-old twins Sullivan and Darby, will react to this news. “They’re just going to make fun of me and pick on me and figure out every reason why I shouldn’t be,” he said. “Which is good, they keep me young.” Funnily enough, his newfound status was also met with confusion, mostly from the younger generation who have no idea who he is. “Who the hell is Patrick Dempsey?” one confused Gen Zer wrote. “You all are making up new people every day; who is Patrick Dempsey?” another commented. This left many Millennials feeling old. “People ... not knowing who Patrick Dempsey is making me feel like a grandma. What do you mean you didn’t grow up watching Grey’s Anatomy, and you weren’t obsessed with Derek Sheppard since you were 10,” one commented. “There is an is actual difference in being 26 vs. being 23! Because I am seeing 23 yr olds not know who Patrick Dempsey is,” another added. And not everyone who is a Millennial agreed with People's choice. "I mean… yes back in the day. But seriously? How is it not someone who is hot right now? I haven’t even seen/heard him mentioned in years," commented one person. Is it 2005?” another wrote. “Um, he is so 2007,” a third commented. Regardless, Dempsey has aged like fine wine and many have said it's about time. “Finally! Ain’t nobody under this post showed me a white man finer!" Image: People Magazine/ X

Beauty & Style

2023 Drone Photo Awards fly high as winners are revealed

The winners of the 2023 Drone Photo Awards have been announced, with photographers all around the world recognised for their commitment to aerial photography in the fierce international competition. Thousands of submissions were received for the annual contest across nine different categories: photo of the year, urban, wildlife, sport, people, nature, abstract, wedding, series, and video. The Drone Photo Awards are open to both aerial photography and video, with platforms including “fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, balloons, blimps and dirigibles, rockets, kites, and parachutes.” The competition’s top award, Photo of the Year, went to a shot by Israeli photographer Or Adar. His submission, ‘Must resist’, presents the image of “protesters holding banners during a demonstration again Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plans” from an aerial perspective, capturing the moment in Tel Aviv when “tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Israeli cities for the ninth straight week, on Saturday March 4th, to fight a government plan to overhaul the country's court system.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🏆“𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑” 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 🏆 Congrats to Or Adar for his stunning image “Must resist”. 👏👏👏<a href="https://t.co/leaZw2sazu">https://t.co/leaZw2sazu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sienawards?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sienawards</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dronephotoawards?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dronephotoawards</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/photocontest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#photocontest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dronephotography?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dronephotography</a> <a href="https://t.co/pyReGOTMC9">pic.twitter.com/pyReGOTMC9</a> — Siena Awards (@SIPAContest) <a href="https://twitter.com/SIPAContest/status/1671458317472866313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></blockquote> Polish photographer Sebastian Piórek took home the win in the Urban category for his shot of Chorzów in southern Poland, which was described by The Siena Awards as a photo that “beautifully juxtaposes the colourful ambiance and harmony of the playground against the backdrop of the city.” Indian photographer Danu Paran won the Wildlife category with his shot of a napping elephant, where “the elephant’s grey and wrinkled skin perfectly merges with the natural landscape, creating a harmonious composition that showcases the beauty of wildlife.” French photographer David Machet won for Sport with his photo of tightrope walker Nathan Paulin in the French Alps, as Paulin traversed a ‘highline’ almost 2.5 km in the air. The People category went to British photographer Simon Heather’s picture of people in Portugal enjoying a sunny day by the sea, while the Series award went to American photographer George Steinmetz for his photo series of farmland. Indian photographer Thomas Vijayan took home the Nature award for his photo of Svalbard, with Vijayan sharing that “it was surprisingly sad to see that the ice had already melted in June, and we were able to reach the ice cap with our ship.” The Abstract winner was Spanish photographer Ignacio Medem for a shot demonstrating how drought and poor water resource management has impacted a river in the American West. Polish photographer Krzysztof Krawczyk found success in the Wedding category, with his snap of newlyweds on a boat in the middle of a lake, while “they are enveloped by voluminous clouds and surrounded by thousands of dry leaves, resembling stars and creating gentle waves.” And last but not least, Bashir Abu won the Video category with “Why I Travel the World Alone”. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z6t4y3A28uA" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> And for anyone hoping to check the winners out for themselves, Adar’s image - as well as the top photographs from the other winning categories - will be available for viewing in the Above Us Only Sky exhibition set to take place for the first time at Italy’s San Galgano Abbey from July 8 to November 19. Images: Drone Photo Awards

Art

The Voice 2023 winner revealed in thrilling finale

In a thrilling conclusion to The Voice's 12th season, Tarryn Stokes, a talented vocalist from Team Rita, emerged as the champion. The grand prize of $100,000 and a coveted recording contract with Universal Music Australia now belongs to her. Facing formidable competition in the final four, including Charlie Pittman (Team Guy), Ethan Beckton (Team Jason), and Ezra Williams (Team Jess), Tarryn, at the age of 40, seized the victory. The climactic showdown featured each of the top four contestants performing twice. First, they shared the stage with their respective coaches for a duet, followed by a solo performance. Tarryn's coach, Rita Ora, joined her in a mesmerising duet rendition of the timeless Tina Turner hit, "The Best". Tarryn returned to deliver a jaw-dropping solo performance of Eric Carmen's "All By Myself", a rendition deeply inspired by Celine Dion's iconic version. Her solo act stood out as the highlight of the night, solidifying her status as a deserving winner. Ezra Williams kicked off the evening with a captivating performance of Camila Cabello's "Don't Go Yet" and later shared an emotional, stripped-down version of Harry Styles' "As It Was" with coach Jess Mauboy. Ethan Beckton took the stage alongside his coach, Jason Derulo, for a stirring rendition of Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved". Ethan later returned for his solo act, delivering Ed Sheeran's "Eyes Closed". Charlie Pittman's powerful performance of Shawn Mendes' "When You're Gone" set the tone for his evening. He and coach Guy Sebastian surprised the audience with a tropical-pop twist on Natalie Imbruglia's classic, "Torn". While Tarryn celebrated her victory with a $100,000 cash prize and a recording contract with Universal Music Australia, it's important to note that success in the music industry is not guaranteed. Last year's winner, Lachie Gill, failed to make an impact on the charts, and the last Voice winner to score a top 20 hit was Judah Kelly back in 2017. Diana Rouvas, the winner of Season 8, also faced disappointment when her winner's single failed to crack the ARIA top 500. Coach Rita Ora showered Tarryn with praise, highlighting her dedication and undeniable talent: "Tarryn's sacrificed time with her kids to make her dream come true. She is undoubtedly one of the best singers I've seen on a show like this." In response, Tarryn shared her inspirational message: "I want people to know that they can still pursue their dreams as parents." Image: Network Seven

"His worst moment as a person": Sean Penn unleashes on Will Smith's Oscar's slap

Sean Penn has become visibly angry as he recalled the infamous moment at the 2022 Oscars ceremony when Will Smith stormed the stage to slap Chris Rock. Penn recalled the award ceremony moment as he reflected on the Academy's decision to not let Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speak at the ceremony. The actor has been a strong advocate for the people of Ukraine in their ongoing war against Russia, and even traveling to the war-torn region to help in their fight. Speaking to <a href="https://variety.com/2023/film/features/sean-penn-slams-will-smith-slap-ai-oscars-1235720417/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Variety</a>, Penn shared how frustrated he was that Zelenskyy was silenced, while Smith's actions were the real problem. “The Oscars producer thought, ‘Oh, he’s [Zelenskyy] not lighthearted enough.’ Well, guess what you got instead? Will Smith.” Variety noted that the actor was visibly infuriated speaking on the subject, even turning red during the interview. “I don’t know Will Smith. I met him once,” Penn said. “He seemed very nice when I met him. He was so f***ing good in King Richard.” “So why the f**k did you just spit on yourself and everybody else with this stupid f***ing thing? Why did I go to f***ing jail for what you just did? And you’re still sitting there? Why are you guys standing and applauding his worst moment as a person?” the 63-year-old said, referencing his 1987 arrest and jail stint for punching a film extra in the face. “This f***ing bulls**t wouldn’t have happened with Zelenskyy,” Penn added. “Will Smith would never have left that chair to be part of stupid violence. It never would have happened.” Penn was so shocked and infuriated by the moment that he chose to destroy his two Oscars. "I thought, ‘Well, f**k, you know? I’ll give them to Ukraine. They can be melted down to bullets they can shoot at the Russians,’” he said. When visiting Zelenskyy in Ukraine last fall, Penn showed his support by giving the leader one of his Oscars. At the 2022 Oscar's ceremony, Will Smith stormed the stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock after he made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. After returning to his seat, Smith shouted out, “Keep my wife’s name out your f***ing mouth!” Image credits: Getty Images

Movies

Breathtaking winners of the 2023 Black and White Photo Awards

The stunning finalists of the <a href="https://bwphotoawards.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2023 Black and White Photo Awards</a> have been revealed, with the talented photographers stripping all the colour out of their work. Having run for several years now, the annual contest was established to "nurture the spirit of monochrome photography". This year, thousands of images were submitted by record-breaking numbers of photographers from 92 countries around the world, with photos submitted under five categories: architecture, street, portrait, fauna and flora, and landscape. "The results have exceeded all our expectations," the judges said of the winners and finalists. Some of the winning photos include an icy sculpture in Antarctica, a full moon over the Canadian rocky mountains, a lightning storm in Italy, volcanic craters in Iceland, and a crowded train in Bangladesh. All image credits: 2023 Black and White Photo Awards

International Travel

Paw-sitively hilarious finalists of the Comedy Pet Photography Awards 2023 revealed

The annual Comedy Pet Photography awards have announced their finalists for the competition, proving you can always rely on your furry friends to put a smile on your face. The 25 finalists have snapped their pets in their silliest moments, with the paw-sitively hilarious photos making instant classics. The finalists for the 2023 competition captured a photo-bombing dog, a lazy cat, unlikely friends, a sneak attack, a mishap at the beach and many other funny predicaments they found their furry friends in. The annual competition began several years ago, when professional photographers Tom Sullam and Paul Joynson-Hicks, who already ran the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, wanted to branch out and bring awareness to the joy pets bring to people's lives. Their website shares that their mission is to "promote positive awareness of animal welfare issues and celebrate the incredible and hugely valuable contribution that pets can and do have on our lives." "Through the wonders of photography, we want to share the hilarious expressions, antics and naughty capers that your joyous pets get up to and share the love and laughter with the world!" Fans of the funny furry friends can <a href="https://www.comedypetphoto.com/peoples-choice-award/vote-peoples-choice-award.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vote</a> on their favourite pic to determine the winner of the People's Choice Award for the 2023 competition. All image credits: Comedy Pet Photography Awards

Family & Pets

Are the Oscars going to take animated films more seriously?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robert-boucaut-1215760">Robert Boucaut</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> “Animation is cinema. Animation is not a genre. And, animation is ready to be taken to the next step – we are all ready for it, please help us, keep animation in the conversation.” This was Guillermo del Toro’s testament accepting the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film in 2023 for <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1488589/">Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio</a>, released by Netflix. As one of the most acclaimed modern auteurs – and one who has <a href="https://www.avclub.com/guillermo-del-toro-is-going-all-in-on-animation-1850539253">announced his intention to stick with animation</a> as his preferred medium – his acceptance speech reads like a plea directly to the academy. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/shW9i6k8cB0?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Animated films at the Oscars</h2> The Oscars have had a storied history of engaging with animated cinema. Since 2002, they have awarded a Best Animated Feature award, first won by Shrek. This was a time of technological innovations for 3D animation (think Toy Story or A Bug’s Life), and of standout A-list voice performances (Robin Williams in Aladdin, or Shrek’s star-studded cast). By including animated films as a standalone category, the Oscars ended up segregating them: animation was treated as its own thing. Beauty and the Beast broke ground as the first-ever animated nominee for the Best Picture Oscar in 1992, but only two films have achieved such a feat since. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iurbZwxKFUE?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Up (2009) and Toy Story 3 (2010) were Best Picture Oscar nominees (and Best Animated Feature winners) of their respective years. However, such recognition only came after the academy expanded its Best Picture category from five nominees to up to 10. This was a concerted effort to include more popular films in the Oscars due to waning audience interest, after Best Picture snubs of The Dark Knight and WALL-E. If animated films have had difficulty breaking into the Oscars’ vision of a Best Picture, then voice talent has been outright bypassed for consideration in acting categories. Since Shrek, stars have increasingly taken on voice work for animated projects in ways that elevates them from a side-hustle to key parts of their CVs. For instance, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L1iX5JiuwI">Chris Pratt</a> and <a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/anya-taylor-joy-princess-peach-super-mario-premiere">Anya Taylor-Joy</a>’s promotional duties for The Super Mario Bros. Movie represent significant time and stardom investments for the sake of animated intellectual property. Yet without the physical body to observe, the Oscars have ignored voice work in animated films. The most meaningful push to have a voice performance nominated was for Scarlett Johansson’s in Her where she played a computer operating system. Johansson’s performance was nuanced, played with chemistry against her co-stars, and, ironically, Her was not an animated film. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dJTU48_yghs?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Are things changing?</h2> The <a href="https://theconversation.com/winning-everything-everywhere-all-at-once-5-experts-on-the-big-moments-at-the-oscars-2023-201661">Oscars this year</a> shifted their brand of “prestige” to value the “cinematic experience” (and box office money) in the age of streaming. The sweep of Everything Everywhere All at Once and Best Picture nominations for Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water in 2023 signal the academy conspicuously praising populist fare for bringing audiences into the physical cinema. This then hopefully attracts <a href="https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/2023-oscar-ratings-academy-awards-audience-1235550070/">more audience eyeballs to an Oscars telecast</a> where they are likely to have actually seen some of the nominees. Popular film’s infiltration of the Oscars even seeped into the acting categories. Everything Everywhere All At Once’s indie cred made nominations (and three eventual wins) for its stars logical and welcome, but even Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s Angela Bassett scored a Best Supporting Actress nomination, the first acting recognition for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Its online fandom was instrumental here, having opined the academy’s biases against their beloved franchise. Now, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has arrived ahead of the 2024 Oscars race. The animated film boasts a star-studded cast, including past Oscar nominees and winners like Daniel Kaluuya and Hailee Steinfeld in key supporting roles. Shameik Moore’s lead vocal performance as Miles Morales is also exceptional. Still figuring out what it means to balance being Spider-Man with a complicated home and social life, he sounds remarkably recognisable as a modern teenager. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cqGjhVJWtEg?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Credit for this extends to a snappy script and intricate editing that bounces through its complex multiverse setting and superhero super-stakes to focus on moving character development. Thematically, it reflects on the artistic value of the superhero genre, unpacking the Spider-Man lore across its many iterations. And, of course, the visual artistry on display is mind-blowing, truly pushing cinematic excess in ways that only animation (currently) can. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the kind of popular cinema that the academy is currently primed to take more seriously. It’s on track to become one of the year’s box office successes, serves a dedicated fandom, showcases a stacked cast and dynamically plays with genre and narrative conventions. As part two of a trilogy, it is unlikely to take out the Best Picture race altogether (Beyond the Spider-Verse, coming in 2024, is the more likely candidate if it sticks the landing). But it is still well-positioned to break through the confines of the Best Animated Feature category.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207716/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robert-boucaut-1215760">Robert Boucaut</a>, PhD Candidate & Tutor, Media Department, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-the-oscars-going-to-take-animated-films-more-seriously-207716">original article</a>. Images: Sony Pictures Animation

Movies

Richard Wilkins' big night out with Russell Crowe after his Oscars win

While Richard Wilkins has been hosting Nine's coverage of the Oscars red carpet for two decades, one year sticks in his memory as being particularly unforgettable. In 2001, Wilkins' second year hosting, he rubbed shoulders with the Hollywood elite on the red carpet before they went inside for the all important ceremony. He spoke with actor Russell Crowe, who later won the Best Actor award for his performance in Gladiator. Following the win, Wilkins and Crowe joined forces for the celebrations. "I was fortunate enough to be hanging out with him and his posse that night, roaring around town," the journalist remembers with a cheeky grin on his face. "When you win an Oscar, on Oscar night, the city is yours," says Dickie, before revealing they were driven around Los Angeles in two huge black SUVs to endless parties. "Popping into Elton John's party and going here and there and everywhere." Despite the fun and chaos of the afterparty, Wilkins explained that a lot of work goes into the coveted hosting gig. "I would spend weeks beforehand ringing all the publicists and telling them where we were gonna be," he said. Wilkins also shared that there a lot of people working behind the scenes on the big night, with producers feeding him information in an ear-piece before he conducts his interviews. "Having producers in my ear and saying Nicole's just arrived, she's wearing a blue dress. She's coming down there and then doing radio interviews and things," he says. "For me and my producer... you know you've earned your pay at the end of Oscars Day that's for sure." Image credits: Nine

2023 Logie hot favourites revealed

The nominees for the 2023 TV Week Logie Awards have been announced, just weeks out from the night-of-nights for Aussie television and its stars. It’s the 63rd event of its kind, set to take place at Sydney’s The Star on July 30 for the first time in 27 years, with comedian and presenter Sam Pang at the helm, marking the first time in over a decade that a host has flown solo. “It’s a huge honour to be asked to host the Logies and while it will be weird not having a buzzer or beer in front of me, hopefully I’m up to the challenge,” Pang told Media Week of his upcoming role. “I feel very lucky to be a part of this industry and can’t wait for July 30 in Sydney to celebrate Australian television on its night of nights and guide viewers at home through the entire four hour broadcast.” Pang will be joined by some of the biggest stars in Australian television as audiences all across the nation look to see who’ll be taking home the coveted statues, and who’ll secure their place in the history books with this year’s Golden Logie. Nominated for the latter, the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television, are Julia Morris, Osher Günsberg, Leigh Sales, Mark Coles Smith, Shaun Micallef, Sonia Kruger, and last year’s Golden Logie winner, Hamish Blake. A number of those same personalities are up for the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter, too, with Julia Morris, Hamish Blake, Shaun Micallef, Sonia Kruger, Tony Armstrong, and Scott Cam vying for the title. Meanwhile, the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actor is in the sights of James Stewart, Ray Meagher, Sam Neill, Patrick Brammall, Lincoln Younes, and Mark Coles Smith. And striving for the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress are Ada Nicodemou, Emily Symons, Lynne McGranger, Celeste Barber, Kitty Flanagan, and Julia Zemiro. Amy Shark, Kween Kong, Ayesha Madon, Chloe Hayden, Lilliana Bowrey, and Flex Mami are up for the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. And when it comes to the award for Most Popular Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie, the likes of Home and Away, Mystery Road: Origin, Savage River, Underbelly: Vanishing Act, The Twelve, and Heartbreak High are in with a shot. For Most Popular Entertainment Program, it’s Australia’s Got Talent, Gruen, Hard Quiz, The Voice, LegoMasters Australia, and Gogglebox Australia. For Most Popular Current Affairs Program, 60 Minutes, 7.30, A Current Affair, Australian Story, Four Corners, and Foreign Correspondent. Fisk, Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell, The Front Bar, Wellmania, Have You Been Paying Attention?, and The Hundred with Andy Lee are up for Most Popular Comedy Program. Hunted Australia, Married at First Sight, The Block, Farmer Wants A Wife, MasterChef Australia: Fans & Favourites, and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! are the nominees for Most Popular Reality Program. And for Most Popular Lifestyle Program, the hopefuls are Back Roads, A Dog’s World With Tony Armstrong, Better Homes and Gardens, Selling Houses Australia, Gardening Australia, and Travel Guides. The ‘Most Outstanding’ awards are voted from within the industry itself, and feature their own lists of nominees. The Silver Logie for Most Outstanding Actor is within reach for Mark Coles Smith, Patrick Brammall, Sam Neill, Tim Draxl, Tim Minchin, and Richard Roxburgh. Meanwhile, Claudia Jessie, Harriet Dyer, Claudia Karvan, Milly Alcock, Marta Dusseldorp, and Kate Mulvany are up for Most Outstanding Actress. For Most Outstanding Support Actor, Alexander England, Clarence Ryan, Arka Das, Luke Arnold, Hamish Michael, Thomas Weatherall, and Luke Arnold are nominated. For Most Outstanding Supporting Actress, Brooke Satchwell, Hayler McElhinney, Pallavi Sharda, Miranda Otto, Yerin Ha, and Virginia Gay have received nominations. For Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie, Black Snow, Mystery Road: Origin, In Our Blood, Five Bedrooms, Significant Others, and The Twelve. For Most Outstanding Entertainment Program, Hard Quiz, Gruen Nation, RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Lego Masters Australia, The Masked Singer Australia, and The Cheap Seats. For Most Outstanding Comedy Program, Colin from Accounts, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Fisk, Summer Love, Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell, and Taskmaster. For Most Outstanding Reality Program, Australian Survivor: Heroes v Villains, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Married at First Sight, Hunted Australia, Masterchef Australia: Fans & Favourites, and The Block. Up for Most Outstanding News Coverage or Public Affairs Report are 7NEWS, Foreign Correspondent, Four Corners, and A Current Affair. For Most Outstanding Sports Coverage, broadcasts of the 2022 AFL Grand Final, the 2022 MelbourneCup Carnival, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2023 Australian Open, State of Origin, and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. For Most Outstanding Children’s Program, Crazy Fun Park, Barrumbi Kids, Surviving Summer, Turn Up The Volume, Ultimate Classroom, and Bluey. And last but not least, for Most Outstanding Factual or Documentary Program, Australia’s Wild Odyssey, Old People’s Home For Teenages, Alone Australia, Revealed: Trafficked, The Australian Wars, and Todd Sampson’s Mirror Mirror: Love & Hate have received nominations. Images: @Channel7 / Twitter

Oscar-winning politician Glenda Jackson passes away at 87

Two-time Academy Award-winning performer-turned-politician Glenda Jackson has passed away at 87 years old. The news was confirmed by Jackson’s agent, Lionel Larner, who announced that she had died at home in London after a short illness. Larner also noted that Jackson had “recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine.” And 90-year-old Caine had only kind words to say of his co-star, sharing that she was “one of our greatest movie actresses. I shall miss her.” Jackson was born into a working-class family in northwest England, and laid the groundwork for her career in the arts when she won a spot at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Her work as an actress was successful, with Jackson taking home her first Academy Award for Best Actress in 1971 and her second in 1974 - for Women in Love and A Touch of Class respectively. Jackson also held two Emmy Award wins, both for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the series Elizabeth R. She wasn’t to be stopped there, either, with the star also taking home a Tony Award in 2018 for her performance in Three Tall Women. But after more than three decades in the arts, Jackson chose a different path for herself, branching into the world of politics, fuelled by her frustration for the working classes at the hands of then-British Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher between 1979 and 1990. And at 55 years old, in 1992, Jackson secured a seat in parliament. As she said at the time, “we must work for the poor, the homeless, the unemployed, the frail, the sick.” Jackson spent 23 years with the Labour Party, and even served as a minister for transport in Tony Blair’s first government in 1997. However, the two seemed to find themselves on opposing sides when it came to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, with Jackson admitting that the decisions made left her feeling “deeply, deeply ashamed. "The victims will be as they always are, women, children, the elderly.” After leaving politics in 2015, Jackson chose to return to performing, where she went on to enjoy some of the most acclaimed roles of her entire career. And for all of her passion and success, Jackson is remembered fondly by her loved ones - those who knew her beyond her work, and those who supported her for it - who flocked to social media to pay tribute. “Glenda Jackson was both the best actress of our generation and an incredibly principled passionate and eloquent advocate of social justice as an MP and as a government minister. I will remember her as a friend whom I admired greatly and what she achieved will never be forgotten,” former-prime minister for the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, wrote. “Very sad to hear of the passing of Glenda Jackson. An acclaimed actress, a formidable politician and an inspirational woman to so many of us in the Labour Party,” British politician Angela Rayner said. “My thoughts are with her family, friends and many others who loved her.” “Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda,” friend and fellow politician Tulip Siddiq said. And, as her friends and fans the Muppets wrote, “here’s to Glenda Jackson, legendary actress and scourge of the Seven Seas! In her unforgettable episode of The Muppet Show, she and her merry band of plundering pirates turned our theatre into a ship and set out to sea. “We’ll always treasure the time we spent with you, Glenda.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Here’s to Glenda Jackson, legendary actress and scourge of the Seven Seas! In her unforgettable episode of The Muppet Show, she and her merry band of plundering pirates turned our theater into a ship and set out to sea. We’ll always treasure the time we spent with you, Glenda. <a href="https://t.co/zQ8cPVc8Jk">pic.twitter.com/zQ8cPVc8Jk</a> — The Muppets (@TheMuppets) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMuppets/status/1669398500243587092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2023</a></blockquote> Images: Getty

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1983 vs 2023: Truth of Australia’s housing crisis exposed

Australian filmmaker Jack Toohey has painted a bleak picture of the reality of the nation’s housing crisis, with four decades of comparison to back up his case. As Toohey himself proclaims in the caption to his video, the “market is broken”, and there’s far more to the story than older Aussies - many of whom believe earlier generations had it much harder in life - might expect. To begin, Toohey throws himself “back in time to 1983 to buy a house”, where he goes on to explain that he’s only “an average person looking to buy an average house”. According to Toohey, the average cost of a house in 1983 was $64,039, while the average annual income was $19,188, and an average university degree cost nothing. Average taxes and rents were $4,377 and $2,494, and the average disposable income for Aussies was $12,315. And for anyone who managed to save 50% of what was left of their income to put towards a mortgage, they could expect to have enough in their account within two years to put towards a 20% deposit. “Remember that as we head back to 2023,” Toohey said, “and I’m still an average person looking to buy an average house.” It was then that things took a turn for the worst, with Toohey sharing just how much things had changed over the course of 40 years. In comparison to 1983, Australians in 2023 could expect to have to fork out - on average - $920,100 for a home. And their savings were set to take a bigger hit, too, with the cost of a degree rising from the low price of “free” to an average HECS debt of $23,685, and wages at an annual average of $90,896. Taxes and rent had taken a hit, too, coming in at $20,008 and $28,600 - with the added problem of $5,453 HECS repayments. And the new average disposable income was $36,835, leaving hopeful Aussies with $18,417 after their repayments and taxes, and 10 whole years before they could even consider putting down a house deposit. <div><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7240732571313638664&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40jack_toohey%2Fvideo%2F7240732571313638664&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fd8c1512dcd27459288fba5180051cbff_1685864431%7Etplv-dmt-logom%3Atos-alisg-i-0068%2F23958d0b68604bf7ba312a5dce455671.image%3Fx-expires%3D1686117600%26x-signature%3DJt8ZF65d8EGFALqjAbYSYOeu0Do%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> As Toohey noted, it was no surprise that many were feeling the pressure, and that “clearly it’s not just lazy layabout young people sipping lattes, indulging, that’s the problem”. It would, he pointed out, take him 84 years to save up if he started skipping his one daily takeaway coffee. To simplify, he explained that the average house price had increased by 14 times in four decades, while the average yearly salary had only increased by 4.7 times - information he stressed had been drawn from both the ABS and ATO. “Houses used to cost three times your salary,” he said, “and now they cost 10 times.” Images: TikTok

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