France selects the Iranian drama 'It Was Just An Accident' as its Oscar submission

Lithuania has chosen the acclaimed film 'The Southern Chronicles' as its official entry for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Directed by Ignas Miškinis and based on a popular novel by Rimantas Kmita, this coming-of-age story resonates with audiences and showcases Lithuania's vibrant film industry. Its selection not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also brings attention to Lithuanian culture on a global stage, making it a significant moment for the country's cinematic representation.

Jafar Panahi, celebrated for his Cannes-winning film 'It Was Just an Accident', is calling on the Academy to reform its process for international Oscar submissions. Speaking at the Busan International Film Festival, he emphasized the need to break the government's control over these submissions, which could lead to a more diverse representation of global cinema. This advocacy is crucial as it highlights the importance of artistic freedom and the need for a fair platform for filmmakers worldwide.

At the Busan International Film Festival, acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi, honored as this year's 'Asian Filmmaker of the Year', urged the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to ensure that submissions for the Best International Film category are free from government influence. This call for independence in film selection is significant as it highlights the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom in cinema, especially in regions where government control can stifle creativity.

Colombia has chosen the acclaimed film 'A Poet' as its entry for the international feature category at the 98th Academy Awards. Directed by Simón Mesa Soto, the film has resonated well with audiences since its release in Colombian theaters, showcasing the country's rich cinematic talent. This recognition not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also elevates Colombia's presence in the global film industry, making it a significant moment for Colombian cinema.

France has selected Jafar Panahi's film 'It Was Just an Accident' to represent the country in the Oscars' International Feature category. This film, which won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, stands out among other contenders like Richard Linklater's 'Nouvelle Vague' and Rebecca Zlotowski's 'A Private Life.' This selection not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also showcases France's commitment to promoting diverse cinematic voices on a global stage.

France has chosen Jafar Panahi's acclaimed film 'It Was Just An Accident' as its candidate for the Best International Feature Film at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. This selection, made by a committee from France's National Cinema Centre, highlights the film's artistic merit and the country's commitment to showcasing exceptional international cinema. Panahi's work has garnered significant recognition, and this nomination could further elevate his profile on the global stage.

Jafar Panahi is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rome Film Festival this October, a recognition that highlights his significant contributions to cinema. The award will be presented by Oscar-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore, adding to the event's prestige. Panahi will also showcase his film 'It Was Just An Accident,' which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2025. This honor not only celebrates Panahi's artistic legacy but also emphasizes the importance of supporting filmmakers who challenge societal norms.

Spain has officially submitted 'Sirât,' directed by Oliver Laxe, as its entry for the Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Oscars. This film, which recently won the jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival, was selected by the Spanish Film Academy from a shortlist of three contenders. This recognition not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also showcases Spain's vibrant cinema on an international stage, making it a significant moment for Spanish filmmakers.

The hit series 'The White Lotus' is confirmed to be filming its next season in France, generating excitement among fans.

Editor’s Note: This news is significant as it highlights the show's continued popularity despite recent Emmy disappointments. Filming in France could bring a fresh perspective and new storylines, attracting even more viewers.

Taylor Townsend recently faced backlash for her comments about Chinese food, which went viral and sparked controversy. In response, she issued an apology, acknowledging the impact of her words. This situation highlights the sensitivity surrounding cultural discussions and the importance of being mindful of how our words can affect others. Townsend's experience serves as a reminder for public figures to consider the implications of their statements, especially in today's social media landscape.

Hunter Biden shared his journey of addiction and recovery during the inaugural Matthew Perry Foundation summit, expressing a newfound sense of peace and health. His candid remarks highlight the importance of addressing addiction openly and can inspire others facing similar struggles. This event not only honors Matthew Perry's legacy but also emphasizes the ongoing conversation around mental health and recovery.

James Gunn is making waves in the entertainment world as he steps into the Big Brother universe as a celebrity guest panelist. This appearance comes right after his successful Superman Summer, showcasing his versatility and passion for pop culture. Fans are excited to see Gunn, known for his creative storytelling, bring his unique perspective to the show. His involvement not only highlights his love for reality TV but also connects the worlds of superhero films and reality entertainment, making it a noteworthy crossover event.

In a recent turn of events, late night hosts Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers shared their thoughts on ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's show indefinitely. Their commentary highlights the impact of such suspensions on the late night landscape and the camaraderie among hosts, making it a significant moment in television history.

Jon Stewart's latest episode of 'The Daily Show' takes a sharp jab at the current state of media freedom, especially after ABC's decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel's show. By presenting a satirical version of a government-approved talk show, Stewart highlights the troubling trend where the First Amendment seems to hinge on being 'nice' to the president. This matters because it raises critical questions about censorship and the role of comedy in political discourse, reminding viewers of the importance of a free press.

Jon Stewart made a triumphant return to host The Daily Show, bringing humor to the recent political turmoil following Jimmy Kimmel's suspension. Kimmel faced backlash for his comments about Charlie Kirk's killer, prompting FCC chair Brendan Carr to threaten Disney's ABC network. Stewart's appearance not only provided a comedic take on the situation but also highlighted the ongoing challenges in late-night television, making it a significant moment for fans and the industry alike.