Process
Oscar Watch: A Look at This Year’s Top VFX Contenders
The Oscar for Best Visual Effects is notoriously hard to predict, and this year is no different. The nomination process unfolds in three stages: first, the executive committee selects 20 eligible films. Then, this list is narrowed to 10 semi-finalists, which were announced on December 17. In January, the Academy hosts a virtual screening of these films, where VFX professionals can discuss their work, leading to the announcement of the final five nominees on January 19. The entire Academy membership then votes for the winner.
By The Academy Awardsabout a year ago in Art
From the Oscars to the Olympics: Nine Reasons to Be Excited About Ireland’s 2024
Despite the challenges and tough moments that 2024 brought, there were plenty of reasons to smile and celebrate in Ireland. Here’s a rundown of some of the highlights that made this year memorable. **Cillian Murphy’s Oscar Win** The year kicked off with a thrilling moment for Ireland: Cillian Murphy won his first Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster. The entire country was buzzing with pride. In addition to the Oscar win, Murphy and his wife, artist Yvonne McGuinness, made headlines by purchasing the Phoenix Cinema in Dingle. His performance in *Small Things Like These* also garnered positive reviews, and the film performed well at the box office in both Ireland and the UK. Although Murphy is reportedly taking a break from acting, we can look forward to the *Peaky Blinders* film on Netflix, where he stars alongside Barry Keoghan. **An Incredible Olympics and Paralympics** With the Olympics taking place in Paris this year, Irish viewers didn’t have to deal with late-night broadcasts. Ireland had an impressive presence, with 133 athletes competing in 16 sports and 35 athletes across six sports in the Paralympics. The Irish team made us proud, with gold medal wins from Daniel Wiffen, Kellie Harrington, Fintan McCarthy, Paul O'Donovan, Rhys McClenaghan, and a thrilling near-medal finish by the women’s 4x400m relay team. The Paralympic Games also saw six medal wins from Katie-George Dunlevy, Róisín Ní Ríain, and Orla Comerford. **Seán Ronayne’s Impact** One of the heartwarming stories of the year was the success of *Birdsong*, a documentary featuring ornithologist Seán Ronayne. He used the platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Irish nature while also advocating for neurodiversity. Ronayne’s memoir, *Nature Boy*, earned him further recognition, including at the Irish Book Awards. **The Kabin Crew’s Global Success** Who could have predicted that a group of young kids from Cork and Lisdoonvarna would make one of the best songs of 2024? Their track *The Spark* garnered over 50 million streams on Spotify and made headlines worldwide. The collaboration between Cork’s rappers and children from Direct Provision in Lisdoonvarna resulted in a feel-good anthem that was longlisted for two Grammy categories. The kids even found time to release a Christmas song. Truly an uplifting story! **Taylor Swift Mania** In June, Ireland was swept up in Taylor Swift’s *Eras* tour. Swift charmed fans with her three-night stint at the Aviva Stadium, where she praised Ireland for its storytelling tradition and unique accents. The event left fans buzzing for days. **Paul Mescal’s Continued Success** Paul Mescal continued to shine in 2024, starring in the blockbuster *Gladiator II*, which received solid reviews and performed well at the box office. The Kildare native, who was already a star after his Oscar nomination and his work in *Normal People*, has now firmly cemented his place in Hollywood. With talks of potential Oscar buzz surrounding *Gladiator II*, Mescal’s rise shows no sign of slowing down. **Nicola Coughlan Steals the Spotlight** May brought the return of *Bridgerton*, with Irish actress Nicola Coughlan shining as Lady Penelope Featherington. Coughlan was not only recognized for her role, but also for her advocacy, as she raised nearly €2 million for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Her candid approach and humor made her an even more endearing public figure. **Irish Authors Dominate the Literary Scene** Irish authors continued to make waves globally. *Wild Houses* by Colin Barrett made the Booker Prize longlist, and Sally Rooney’s *Intermezzo* became the fastest-selling book in Ireland this year. Additionally, Oprah selected books by Colm Tóibín and Claire Keegan for her book club, further elevating the global presence of Irish literature. **Kneecap’s Groundbreaking Year** West Belfast’s Irish language hip-hop trio Kneecap had a phenomenal year. Their album *Fine Art* was a hit, and their film *Kneecap* made over €1 million at the box office in the UK and Ireland. The trio also won a legal battle over UK government funding and were shortlisted for an Oscar. 2025 is sure to hold even more exciting accomplishments for Kneecap. In a year that had its challenges, these stories show the resilience and creativity that continue to define Ireland. Looking ahead, there’s no telling what incredible achievements the country will celebrate next.
By The Academy Awardsabout a year ago in Art
Ethical Storytelling in the Digital Age
Breaking Boundaries: An Ethical Guide to Storytelling in an Age of Instant Communication Telling stories is one powerful way of educating, inspiring, and connecting in the new world of instant communication and overload of information. This power has the responsibility-to create stories ethically. More than doing no harm, it's about earning trust, respecting diverse voices, and creating meaningful change. Here's a guide to breaking those boundaries while keeping your feet grounded in ethical storytelling practices
By GAURAV MEWALabout a year ago in Art
The Art of Authentic Storytelling
Reveal the Art of Genuine Stories This will prove something--what might shine through most amidst the information-overloaded world is indeed true connection. It is through the art of authentic stories that other communications would cut through the noise; resonate well with the hearts of their audiences, and stamp the human mind. If you happen to be a writer or are perhaps merely a great marketer, possessing an ability to tell true-to-life stories is worth gold. What makes a narration authentic? How do you take hold of the art of authenticity? Let's hit some basics.
By GAURAV MEWALabout a year ago in Art
Eliminate All But Two Social Media Sites If You Aspire to Be an Artist
During the Elon Musk scandal in October 2022, I removed Twitter from my mobile device. I also signed out from Facebook and Instagram at around the same time. After wanting to cut ties with these interruptions for some time, Elon's antics finally gave me the push I needed.
By Mohammed Abu Jazarabout a year ago in Art
Exploring a Career in the Music Industry
A job in the music industry can be an exciting and alluring career, but just like any other career, it requires preparation and dedication. There are 100 % chances of success in any career if we love our profession. Music, in the beginning, was simply a hobby for most of the individuals who are today making a living in the music industry. A career in the music industry is no longer seen as a dream but requires hard work, dedication, and schooling.
By Richard Hovanabout a year ago in Art
Pakistani Dramas
Pakistani dramas have long held a cherished place in the hearts of audiences both locally and internationally. Known for their gripping narratives, rich cultural themes, and stellar performances, these dramas reflect the essence of Pakistani society, its traditions, and its challenges. From romance to social commentary, these dramas cover a wide spectrum of human emotions and experiences.
By Tasnuba Humayraabout a year ago in Art
A Simple Way to Handle Writer’s Block and Get Writing Done
During times of poor creativity, or writer's block, even composing a decent phrase can feel like an enormous task. As frustrating as it is, writer's block can prevent us from putting our ideas and words onto paper, whether we're attempting creative writing, academic assignments, articles, or any other type of content creation. Many people experience it as if there were an invisible wall blocking their vision, making it hard to perceive the proper form and progression of phrases and ideas.
By Svein Ove Hareideabout a year ago in Art
Decoding Shop Drawing Services Standards: A Comprehensive Checklist for Engineers
Shop Drawing Services are an important part of the building process, particularly for engineers, CAD drafters, and builders. They act as the detailed blueprints for construction, providing clear instructions on how a project is to be executed.
By Celia Sieberabout a year ago in Art
The Art of Making Strangers Laugh in Five Minutes
Comedy is a ubiquitous language, splitting barricades and creating connections even among strangers. The competence to make someone giggle in just a few minutes is not only a delightful skill but also an art form. Whether you’re a comedian, public speaker, or someone looking to make a good impression, comprehending how to make strangers giggle instantly can transform interactions. Here Dan Nainan has shared a few tips on how to master this skill.
By Dan Nainanabout a year ago in Art
