Sizzling Samachar: ‘Oppenheimer’ triumphs at BAFTA Film Awards 2024: A night of cinematic splendour; Allu Arjun surprises fans with ‘Pushpa 3’ announcement at Berlin Film Festival

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Renowned lyricist Gulzar honoured with 58th Jnanpith award for contributions to Literature and Cinema

Renowned Indian poet, lyricist, and filmmaker Gulzar has been conferred with the 58th Jnanpith Award, the highest literary honour in India, annually presented by the Bharatiya Jnanpith. The announcement was made by the Jnanpith committee, recognising Gulzar's exceptional contributions to literature and cinema. Alongside Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, Gulzar was celebrated for his multifaceted career, spanning poems, songs, and dialogues for iconic Hindi films such as Anand, Kabhi Kabhi, and Ijaazat. The official statement highlighted Gulzar's innovation in poetry, notably introducing the genre 'Triveni,' a non-mukaffa poem of three lines. The maestro's recent focus on children's poetry was also acknowledged, adding another dimension to his illustrious career. Gulzar, born Sampooran Singh Kala, has previously been honoured with the Academy Award, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Padma Bhushan, Grammy, and multiple National Film Awards.

‘Oppenheimer’ triumphs at BAFTA Film Awards 2024: A night of cinematic splendour

In a dazzling display of cinematic prowess, the BAFTA Film Awards 2024 unfolded at London's Royal Festival Hall, with Christopher Nolan's biopic Oppenheimer emerging as the undisputed champion by securing an impressive seven awards. The film claimed top honours in pivotal categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Leading Actor, awarded to the exceptional Cillian Murphy.

The ceremony celebrated excellence across diverse genres, with standout winners including The Zone of Interest for Outstanding British Film, Earth Mama for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer, and 20 Days in Mariupol for Best Documentary. Emma Stone's stellar performance in Poor Things earned her the accolade for Best Leading Actress, while Robert Downey Jr.'s captivating portrayal in Oppenheimer garnered him the title of Best Supporting Actor.

Other noteworthy winners included Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron for Best Animated Film, Crab Day for Best British Short Animation, and Jellyfish and Lobster for Best British Short Film. The night was a tapestry of cinematic brilliance, solidifying the standing of these outstanding films and individuals in the realm of British and international cinema.

Feel free to unleash the excitement and watch the BAFTA Awards on OTTplay Premium.

Allu Arjun surprises fans with ‘Pushpa 3’ announcement at Berlin Film Festival

Telugu sensation Allu Arjun, gracing the Berlin Film Festival for a special showcase of Pushpa: The Rise, delivered an unexpected delight for his admirers. Amidst the ongoing anticipation for Pushpa 2: The Rule, Arjun spilled the beans that talks are already in progress for a third instalment in the Pushpa series. The enduring triumph of Pushpa: The Rise not only elevated Allu Arjun's stature but also catapulted co-stars Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil to newfound stardom. As Pushpa 2: The Rule undergoes production phases, the film is slated to grace screens on August 15, unravelling the next chapter in Pushparaj's enigmatic journey through the sandalwood underworld. The Berlin Film Festival backdrop added an extra layer of glamour to Arjun's revelation, setting the stage for heightened anticipation around the burgeoning Pushpa franchise. With promises of more action, drama, and Allu Arjun's magnetic on-screen charisma, fans can brace themselves for an exhilarating cinematic ride in the upcoming instalments of this cinematic phenomenon.

Well that's all we got for this episode, until the next time it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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• Written by Apurva Dutta