Connect with us

Women

Creating History- From Kathryn Bigelow to Chloe Zhao

Published

on

In the almost-century run of Oscars awarding history, two women was nominated for best director. Only seven women have ever been nominated in the category, given the opportunity to break that gender ceiling by being nominated in the male-dominated Best Director Category.

And only two female director has stepped on that stage to claim the statuette for the highly coveted title of Best Director.

Zhao was nominated for Best Picture, which she won, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing prizes at this year’s Oscars, making her the most nominated woman ever in a single year. Katheryn Bigelow was the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Director, which she won in 2010 for Hurtlocker.

Chloe Zhao won making her the second woman to do so in nearly 100 years.

n the 93-year run of the awards, only five other women have been recognized in the category, even though more than a dozen films directed by a female filmmaker have been nominated for best picture during that time.

Here are the Female 7 of Oscars and their respective works that have placed them in the pages of Oscars history,

Chloe Zhao for Nomadland

Chloé Zhao has won the Oscar for directing Nomadland, becoming the first woman of color to win the award and the second woman to win (Katheryn Bigelow, was the first). Zhao was also the first woman to get four Oscar nominations in a single year, in the Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture categories.

Nomadland offers a glimpse into the lives of older Americans who live and travel in their vehicles, mainly for economic reasons, embracing it as a nomadic lifestyle. The film’s cast includes real-life nomads.

Chloe Zhao is all set for her next project The Eternals for Marvel Studio. Feige describes Zhao as fighting constantly for practical locations during the making of The Eternals, which will star Gemma Chan, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek and Richard Madden as members of Jack Kirby’s titular race of humanoids. How will the Beijing-born director’s uniquely delicate film-making translate to the widescreen cosmic chicanery of the latest Marvel project? It’s likely she’ll bring the same emphasis on truth-telling and realism, as well as a fondness for modestly-sized creative teams.

Emerald Fennell for Promising Young Woman

She has acted in many tv shows and several notable movies. She has done significant work behind the scenes on one of the biggest shows in recent years and is the creative mind behind one of this year’s Best Picture nominees.

While she has had a bevy of onscreen roles, Fennell is probably best known for her behind-the-scenes work. Fennell was the showrunner, executive producer, and the main writer for the second season of ‘Killing Eve’, taking over for Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and continuing the show’s critical success (and winning Jodie Comer an Emmy for her portrayal of Villanelle for the season Fennell helmed).

Fennell’s biggest project to date has to be ‘Promising Young Woman’. “Promising Young Woman,” a radical, genre-blending thriller that introduces Fennell as both a distinct cinematic voice and a blunt social commentator. Mulligan stars as Cassie, a former medical student whose life has been derailed by the rape of her best friend, Nina. After dropping out of school to care for the broken Nina, who is never seen in the movie, Cassie is adrift and boiling over with rage.

“It’s a sort of beautifully wrapped candy, and when you eat it you realize it’s poisonous,” Mulligan says of the film.

Yet if these descriptions make “Promising Young Woman” sound dogmatic, or strident, it never is: Against all odds, given its subject matter, the movie is fun as hell. “Promising Young Woman” combines elements from revenge movies, romantic comedies and suspense thrillers — brewed together to create something volcanic.

Greta Gerwig for Lady Bird

“Nothing in the movie literally happened in my life,” Greta Gerwig said at a New York Film Festival press conference, “but it has a core of truth that resonates with what I know.” Therefore, Lady Bird is not based on a true story but some aspects of the movie were indeed inspired by Greta Gerwig’s own coming-of-age.

‘Lady Bird’ highlights important messages with unparalleled humor. Greta Gerwig’s “Lady Bird” explores a teenage girl’s experience, delving into parental relationships, friendships, and romance with an endearing unconventionality.

The film was nominated for 5 Oscars, including Best Director.

For a movie that could easily be written off as small—no explosions or weighty historical crises here—the reception was huge. The National Society of Film Critics named Lady Bird Best Picture, and the New York Times’ A.O. Scott called it “perfect.” Steven Spielberg specifically requested a seat next to Gerwig at the Oscar nominees’ luncheon. And Lady Bird‘s Oscar-nominated star Saoirse Ronan says that it wasn’t until she saw Gerwig in action that her own dream to direct came into focus.

Greta Gerwig is talented both in front and behind the camera with her biggest hits including Lady Bird (currently on Netflix US) behind the camera and Mistress America in front. Future projects include a new Barbie movie (also with Noah Baumbach attached) and an untitled tap-dancing musical project.

Jane Campion for The Piano

Influenced by Jane Mander’s The Story of A New Zealand River as well as the French folktale Bluebeard, Campion’s story is of a Scottish pianist named Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter), an elective mute who is sold off by her father into a marriage with New Zealand frontiersman Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill). She travels to the remote island with her young daughter Flora (Anna Paquin), but after her new husband trades her piano to his friend George Baines (Harvey Keitel), Ada is furious, and resolves to reclaim her beloved instrument through a bargain with the new owner. Romance, jealousy and heartache play out against a lush, unforgiving backdrop of Antipodean forestry and coastline – while Flora desperately searches for the agency and happiness that have so far eluded her.

In 1993, Jane Campion made history when she became the first woman (and the first New Zealander) to receive the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

It’s an exquisitely beautiful film, from Michael Nyman’s score of sombre and soaring piano and strings compositions to Holly Hunter’s performance, which rightly earned her the 1994 Academy Award for best actress.

Sofia Coppola for Lost In Translation

Coppola was 32 when she made Lost in Translation, the story of an unlikely yet profoundly touching friendship between confused young newlywed Charlotte (Johannson) and washed-up actor Bob Harris (Bill Murray) forged whilst isolated in a foreign city. Since then she’s gone on to helm four more feature releases, including 2017’s Palme d’Or nominated The Beguiled and yet the staying power of Lost in Translation remains strong.

Through the lens of cinematographer Lance Acord, Coppola crafted an ethereal look to match her story of disconnection, alongside a carefully curated soundtrack.

Lina Wertmüller for Seven Beauties

The Italian film-maker Lina Wertmüller broke ground when she was Oscar nominated for Seven Beauties, but her films were never calculated to win mainstream appeal.

Seven Beauties, which won four Oscar nominations in 1977, making Wertmüller the first woman to receive a best director nomination (it wasn’t until 1994 that Jane Campion joined her, for The Piano). Her Oscar nominations (she also received a nod for best screenplay) opened the door to a brief affair with American cinema.

Kathryn Bigelow for Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker is based on accounts of Mark Boal, a freelance journalist who was embedded with an American bomb squad in the war in Iraq for two weeks in 2004.

The film is riveting, maintaining the one quality that all good war movies must possess – capturing the heroism of the average soldier while facing the nightmares of war. “The Hurt Locker” is devoid of the glamorization of the post-World War II films and has none of the anti-war messages of the post-Vietnam War movies.

Bigelow’s visceral depiction of an army bomb squad (and the sergeant who nearly tears them apart with his unconventional approach to the work) is equally fascinating as both an action movie and as a character study. Bigelow dives headlong in to the various mental states that exist in high-pressure combat situations, as well as the residual effects of being immersed in them. Set during the second Iraq war and told with hyper-realistic camerawork and artful grit, The Hurt Locker hits close to home with unapologetic realism.

 

 

 

Advertisement
Comments

Women

Inspiring Indian Women Who Defied Age Norms

Published

on

Age is often perceived as a limitation, a barrier that holds individuals back from pursuing their dreams and achieving greatness. However, there are exceptional women who have shattered this misconception, proving that age is merely a number. In India, these remarkable women have demonstrated resilience, passion, and determination, inspiring countless others to defy societal expectations and pursue their aspirations regardless of their age.

SEEMA ANAND

Sex health instructor and storyteller Seema Anand is well-known for her gorgeous appearance and silver hair. But Seema’s Instagram account really shines because of the way she addresses sex and dispels ageist myths, providing insightful advice for senior citizens looking to have better sex. She dispels misconceptions about contraception and encourages body awareness. Both young and old who want to learn more about sexual pleasure should check out Anand’s account.

MANJRI VARDE

Manjri Varde is a skilled artist who, along with her actress daughter-in-law Sameera Reddy, is known online as “sassy saasu.” Together, they make humorous videos that question conventional wisdom regarding the dynamics of in-law relationships. She is a designer and artist who runs her own business, Samanjri, which sells poetry, calligraphy, and wearable art. Varde has a unique sense of style and is frequently spotted with brightly coloured sarees and scarves that she creates herself. Even though she is well-known on Instagram, where she frequently shares videos highlighting her love of art, entertaining, and cooking with her daughter-in-law.

SHEELA BAJAJ

Sheela Bajaj, a Delhi native, turned her love of crocheting into a business during the lockdown by using Instagram to fuel her passion. She has been making sweaters for her family using her crocheting abilities for years. Yukti Bajaj, her granddaughter, proposed that they launch a company to highlight her amazing knitting masterpieces.The two launched their crochet business in November 2020, and it has been inundated with customers. They claim that the current gap between supply and demand for their products is ten times larger.

RAJINI CHANDY

Rajini Chandy, a 72-year-old homemaker actor came to light in 2021 thanks to a widely shared photo shoot. She looked better than many in tattered dresses and denim, even at her advanced age. She did, however, get harsh criticism for her wardrobe selections.  At the age of 65, Rajini Chandy, who has 20,000+ Instagram followers, started her acting career in Malayalam films. Interestingly, she took part in a Big Boss Malayalam season as well.

SHANTHI RAMACHANDRAN

This former banker simply wanted to unwind and enjoy her life after retiring in 2015. She created a social media platform where she provides her cooking advice and techniques, supported by her daughter. She now goes as “Insta Aunty” and has amassed a sizable fan base since then. Shanthi Ramachandran has an astounding 53.3k followers, and her delicious posts will definitely make you hungry.

These remarkable women from India have defied age norms and shattered stereotypes, proving that with passion, determination, and resilience, anything is possible. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that age should never be a barrier to pursuing dreams and achieving greatness. As we celebrate their accomplishments, let us draw inspiration from their journeys and strive to embrace our own potential, regardless of our age.

Continue Reading

Fashion

Zeenath Aman’s new look that makes internet go crazy

Published

on

Zeenat Aman is very vocal with her Instagram followers. In her most recent post, the veteran actor, whose Instagram presence has managed to catch everyone’s attention, gave her take on fashion. The celebrity wrote in great depth about enjoying fashion and not limiting its associations to words like “sexy” and “glamour.” On her profile, one can see photos from her more recent adventures mixed in with nostalgic photos, all of which are accompanied by moving writing from the icon herself.

Aman has been called a retro fashion icon, but her Instagram shows that she hasn’t lost any of her style chops over the years. Aman’s style stands out amid a sea of fashion posts that are overflowing with trends but lacking in personality. The actor’s fashion choices and her tone of voice, which is hard to come by on social media, are a welcome contrast.

Taking to her Instagram to talk about her understanding of the concept of fashion, Zeenat shared a couple of pictures standing in an oversized white shirt and black pants from the new shoot. The actor said she is tired of hearing the word ‘bombshell’ and ‘diva’ attached to fashion all the time, and wants to pull the ‘focus on fun.’ Positive comments on the actor’s post were left by many, who praised her for defying stereotypes and serving as an inspiration. 

Aman posed for the camera wearing a Payal Khandwala costume to celebrate her 50th Instagram post. Aman, who is never afraid to make a statement, defied the ageist fashion convention that “women of a certain age” should only wear neutral colour schemes. Aman wore a handwoven silk jacket in a lush green tone over her immaculate white shirt, giving the look the ideal pop of colour. The actor wore classic accessories including tiny golden earrings, black eyeglasses, and a brush of brick-red lipstick.

Continue Reading

Beauty

Jennifer Lopez’s Daring Fashion Choice: A Wetsuit-Inspired Gown Steals the Spotlight on the Red Carpet

Published

on

When it comes to making a statement on the red carpet, Jennifer Lopez is no stranger to turning heads. The multi-talented star recently attended the premiere of “The Flash” to support her husband, Ben Affleck, who reprises his role as Batman. While their public display of affection grabbed attention, it was their coordinated and eye-catching outfits that truly stole the show. Lending her style expertise, J Lo stepped out in a bold and unconventional gown inspired by wetsuit designs, proving that she continues to push the boundaries of fashion.

Styled by the talented duo Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haen, her gown was a striking creation from Gucci’s resort 2023 collection, fresh off the runways of Seoul. The ensemble featured a sleek black zip-up bodice reminiscent of scuba suits, adding a unique and unexpected element to the traditional red carpet attire. Contrasting the sporty top, a flowing peach satin maxi skirt with a long train exuded elegance and femininity.

While the gown was originally presented on the runway with a fully zipped-up collar, J Lo made a daring choice to unzip hers just above the belly button. This modification transformed the look into a more revealing and sensual ensemble, showcasing the star’s confidence and willingness to embrace risks. With every step, the gown accentuated her enviable figure, commanding attention and setting a new standard for red carpet fashion.

To complete her show-stopping look, Jennifer Lopez made careful choices when it came to accessories. She opted for a pair of white leather platform pumps from Gucci, elevating her height and adding a touch of sophistication. The choice of accessories further emphasized the fusion of sporty and elegant elements in her outfit. Complementing the gown’s black bodice, she adorned herself with exquisite jewelry pieces from Daniela Villegas and Le Vian, adding a touch of luxury and sparkle. Carrying a sleek black leather clutch bag by Kurt Geiger, J Lo effortlessly showcased her ability to curate every aspect of her ensemble.

One cannot overlook the sartorial synchrony between Jennifer Lopez and her husband, Ben Affleck. Affleck, known for his impeccable red carpet style, consistently mirrors the overall vibe of J Lo’s look. For the premiere, he opted for an all-black ensemble, comprising a sleek black suit, a matching black shirt, and polished black leather dress shoes. The couple’s synchronized fashion choices not only showcase their undeniable chemistry but also demonstrate their commitment to presenting a cohesive and visually appealing appearance together.

Jennifer Lopez continues to push fashion boundaries and surprise the world with her red carpet choices. Her wetsuit-inspired gown at “The Flash” premiere exemplifies her fearless approach to style. By incorporating sporty elements into a sophisticated ensemble, she proves that fashion can be both daring and elegant. Alongside her partner Ben Affleck, the power couple’s synchronized looks create an awe-inspiring visual spectacle, solidifying their status as fashion icons. J Lo’s ability to effortlessly command attention and make fashion statements ensures that she remains an influential force in the world of celebrity style.

Continue Reading

Facebook

Trending