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Oscar nominations, Critics Choice Awards postponed as wildfires engulf Los Angeles

Laapataa Ladies, a charming satire about two brides swapped in rural India during the 1990s, received acclaim for its clever narrative. However, as Grammy-winning musician Kej bluntly stated, it was “absolutely the wrong choice” for an Oscar campaign.

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A series of devastating wildfires have ravaged Los Angeles, resulting in five fatalities and the destruction of over 1,100 structures. The fires have prompted mass evacuations, including among Hollywood celebrities, and led to the widespread cancellation of major entertainment events.

As a consequence, the announcement of Oscar nominations for the 97th Academy Awards, originally scheduled for January 17, has been postponed to January 19, with nomination voting deadlines also extended. However, the ceremony itself is still set to take place on March 2.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer expressed his condolences to those affected, highlighting the fires’ significant impact on the film industry, particularly in Southern California.

Events such as the Critics Choice Awards, along with other pre-Oscar functions like the AFI Awards luncheon and the British Academy of Film and TV Arts Tea Party, have been delayed. Significant industry events, including the Academy’s technical “bake-off,” have been canceled.

Prominent figures in Hollywood, including Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Anthony Hopkins, have experienced personal losses, with their homes either destroyed or evacuated.

Premieres for films like Better Man and The Last Showgirl have been called off, while the Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations were released via press release instead of as a live event. Universal Studios Hollywood temporarily closed due to hazardous conditions, and filming for shows such as Ted Lasso and Grey’s Anatomy has been halted.

The wildfires, which began on Tuesday, have severely stretched firefighting resources and water supplies. Schools, including Palisades Charter High School—known for its roles in films like Carrie and Teen Wolf—have been damaged or destroyed. In response to the disaster, President Joe Biden has signed a federal disaster declaration, releasing funds for temporary housing, repairs, and recovery efforts.

Earlier, the announcement of the 15 films shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars has reignited controversy among cinephiles, critics, and filmmakers in India due to Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies not being included in the list.

Following the announcement, strong online criticism of the Film Federation of India (FFI) emerged, led by voices like Hansal Mehta and Ricky Kej, who accused the organization of consistently poor judgment in its Oscar selections. For many, this omission serves as a reflection of deeper issues in how India presents itself on the global cinematic stage.

Laapataa Ladies, a charming satire about two brides swapped in rural India during the 1990s, received acclaim for its clever narrative. However, as Grammy-winning musician Kej bluntly stated, it was “absolutely the wrong choice” for an Oscar campaign.

The disappointment was further intensified by comparisons to Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning film All We Imagine As Light (AWIAL), which many believe to be India’s strongest contender for the international feature race. Kapadia’s portrayal of Mumbai’s working class has already garnered multiple accolades, including nominations at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, and its triumph at Cannes, where it won the Grand Prize, has firmly established it as a critical favorite early in the competition.

Entertainment

Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj removed from ZEE5 India two days after release

Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj, released on ZEE5 on July 3, has been taken down in India. The streaming platform says it is exploring appropriate avenues to restore the film.

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Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj, which premiered on ZEE5 on July 3, has been removed from the streaming platform in India just two days after its release. The platform confirmed the development through an official statement, saying the film will remain unavailable in the country until further notice.

Originally titled Punjab 95, the film had been awaiting certification for several years after it was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022. It was eventually released on ZEE5 under the title Satluj.

ZEE5 thanks viewers for support

In its statement, ZEE5 expressed gratitude to viewers for the response the film received after its release.

The platform said the audience’s support and appreciation had been overwhelming and thanked subscribers who watched and backed the film.

ZEE5 also reiterated its confidence in the project, stating that it continues to support Satluj and the creative vision behind it. According to the platform, it believes meaningful storytelling can create a lasting impact and remains committed to backing authentic narratives.

Film unavailable in India until further notice

The streaming service confirmed that Satluj has been withdrawn from its Indian catalogue for the time being.

In its statement, ZEE5 said it is exploring all appropriate avenues through due process to make the film available again at the earliest opportunity. The platform added that it remains committed to supporting creators and stories made with artistic integrity and purpose.

While the film is currently unavailable to viewers in India, ZEE5 has not specified when it is expected to return to the platform.

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Entertainment

Aamir Khan set to wed Gauri Spratt on July 5

Actor Aamir Khan is reportedly preparing to marry longtime partner Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony on July 5. While the couple has not officially confirmed the wedding, reports suggest the celebration will be a low-key affair attended by close family and friends.

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Actor Aamir Khan is readying to finally marry his longtime partner, Gauri Spratt, in a private ceremony on July 5. Unlike other high-profile Bollywood weddings, the couple is expected to celebrate the occasion with close family members and a handful of friends, choosing a simple gathering over a lavish event. 

The reported wedding has attracted widespread attention from fans and the film industry, with many taking to social media to congratulate the couple. While neither Aamir nor Gauri has shared extensive details about the ceremony, reports suggest the celebrations will remain intimate and focused on family.

The actor was first married to Reena Dutta, and they have two children together. In 2005, Aamir married filmmaker Kiran Rao. The couple announced their separation in 2021 but have continued to maintain a friendly relationship and jointly raise their son while working together on select projects.

Gauri Spratt has largely stayed away from the limelight. Despite growing public interest in their relationship, she has preferred to keep her personal life private. Reports indicate that Gauri and Aamir have known each other for several years before deciding to take the next step in their relationship.

Known for balancing a successful film career with a private personal life, Aamir Khan has often avoided discussing family matters in public. His reported decision to opt for a low-key wedding is in line with his long-standing preference for privacy. 

As news of the upcoming ceremony continues  to make headlines, fans are eagerly waiting for an official glimpse of the celebrations. Whether through a family photograph or a public statement, many hope to see the couple share the joyful occasion with their well-wishers.

With this wedding, Aamir Khan appears ready to embrace a new phase in his life while continuing to focus on both his personal happiness and his significant contribution to Indian cinema.  

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Entertainment

Nolan’s Odyssey set to release July 17, hype machine kicks in

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is scheduled to release on July 17. Featuring an all-star cast led by Matt Damon, the film is the first feature ever shot entirely with full-frame IMAX film cameras, bringing Homer’s legendary epic to the big screen.

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Oscar-winning director Chris Nolan’s highly anticipated epic The Odyssey will have its world premiere on July 17 , 2026, taking audiences on an unforgettable ride into Homer’s timeless Greek epic.

The film tells the tale of the difficult journey King Odysseus undertook to return home after the Trojan War and is replete wiht mythical adventures and divine intervention in the seas.

Matt Damon plays Odysseus with Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. The movie also stars Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron among others. Nyong’o’s casting as Helen of Troy has had social media in ferment the moment her casting was announced.

Said to have been produced with a budget of around $250 million, The Odyssey is Nolans’s most expensive film so far. It has also managed to create history as it has become the first feature film ever to be shot using full-frame IMAX film cameras.

The film represents Nolan’s comeback to history and myth making after the success of his previous offering, Oppenheimer. Odyssey is expected to set the bar even higher for epic movies through the combination of classic literature and modern technology.

The movie has been highly anticipated and has become one of the highly anticipated films of 2026 because of its director, cast, and large production scope. The Odyssey will also be introducing the Greek epic to a new generation.

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