This year's Academy Awards promises to be a rather unusual ceremony. Not only will it unfold nearly two months later than intended, but, owing to Covid-19, not every nominee will be able to attend in person.
On the bright side, however, there were also a number of unexpected nominations that makes this the most diverse Oscars yet.
This is the first year two women, in the shape of Nomadland's Chloe Zhao and Promising Young Woman's Emerald Fennell, have been nominated in the Best Director category. Minari's Steven Yeun is the first Asian-American to be nominated for Best Actor, while Riz Ahmed is the first Muslim.
It's also the first time since 1973 that two African-American actresses have been nominated for Best Actress, with Viola Davis of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Andra Day of The United States vs Billie Holiday receiving nods.
Whatever happens on Sunday, April 25, let’s hope there are plenty of surprises, as an underdog picking up an Academy Award instantly makes the ceremony more fascinating.
Need proof? Here are the 10 greatest examples of surprise Oscar-winners.
'Parasite': Best Picture (2020)
While Parasite being recognised as the best film of 2019 shouldn't be a surprise – since it was, indeed, the best film of 2019 – the success of Bong Joon-ho's black comedy thriller still startled movie experts. Lest we forget, before Parasite, no South Korean film had ever been nominated by the Academy, not even in the Best Foreign Language Feature category. At the end of last year's Oscars, Parasite had won four gongs, the most triumphant of which was Best Picture, making it the first non-English-language film to do so.
Marisa Tomei, 'My Cousin Vinny': Best Supporting Actress (1993)
At this point, everyone who has seen Marisa Tomei on screen can't help but be charmed by her. She is Aunt May in Marvel's Spider-Man films, after all. But, back in 1993, when the-then-29-year-old won Best Supporting Actress for My Cousin Vinny, it caused something of an uproar. Comedies are still roundly ignored by the Academy, while Tomei beat legendary actresses Joan Plowright, Vanessa Redgrave, Miranda Richardson and Judy Davis to claim the trophy. Her victory was such a surprise there was even speculation that Jack Palance read out the wrong name when he opened the envelope, an allegation the Academy has since disproved.
'Crash': Best Picture (2006)
It really does boggle the mind that Crash is a Best Picture Academy Award-winner. Even now, 15 years after it picked up the prize, Crash is widely criticised for its simplified approach to racism, which was deemed so offensive critic Ta-Nehisi Coates named it the worst film of the decade. Brokeback Mountain was the clear Best Picture favourite at the start of the night, and it seemed like a shoo-in after Ang Lee was named Best Director. It's been alleged that the Academy picked Crash because its members saw it as the safer choice. Since then, movie experts have regularly named it the most undeserving Best Picture winner in recent history. Even its writer and director, Paul Haggis, has admitted it wasn't the best film of the year.
'Rocky': Best Picture (1977)
It makes sense that, as the ultimate underdog film, Rocky should secure a place on this list. This isn't because the film didn't deserve the prize, it's just that it had to beat some of the greatest movies ever made to become Best Picture, namely All the President's Men, Network and Taxi Driver. Rocky proved to be so powerful that even the Academy couldn't put up a fight. Not only did it claim Best Picture, but John G Avildsen overcame the likes of Sidney Lumet and Ingmar Bergman to be named Best Director, too.
Robert Donat, 'Goodbye, Mr Chips': Best Actor (1940)
The 12th Academy Awards is primarily remembered as the year Gone With the Wind swept away the competition to pick up eight Oscars. But this didn't include Best Actor. Even though Clark Gable was nominated, he lost out to Robert Donat (for Goodbye, Mr Chips). Donat's success looks all the more remarkable when you consider his fellow nominees included Gable, Mickey Rooney, Laurence Olivier and James Stewart, each of whom are still regarded as household names.
Olivia Colman, 'The Favourite': Best Actress (2019)
Glenn Close looked set to finally pick up an Academy Award in 2019, at the eighth time of asking. Even though it was widely agreed that her turn in The Wife wasn't the best of her career, the Academy had long built up a reputation for rewarding certain actors for their careers. So when British actress Olivia Colman's name was read out, there was genuine shock. Thankfully, Colman's heartfelt speech immediately endeared her to those watching at home.
Art Carney, 'Harry and Tonto': Best Actor (1975)
As it was with Donat, it's hard to criticise Carney's emotional performance in the sentimental road movie about an elderly widower and his cat. It's simply astounding to see that Carney beat such prestigious competitors to win the prize. These included Albert Finney for Murder on the Orient Express, Dustin Hoffman for Lenny, Jack Nicholson for Chinatown, and Al Pacino for The Godfather Part II. It wasn't a surprise, however, when Tonto won that year's Patsy Award for Best Animal Performer in a Feature Film.
Roberto Benigni, 'Life is Beautiful': Best Actor (1999)
Roberto Benigni cemented his place in Oscars folklore after he beat Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan, Ian McKellen in Gods and Mosters, Nick Nolte in Affliction and Edward Norton in American History X for Best Actor. Benigni was in such shock that he started to run around the auditorium. And yet that was much safer than his response to Life is Beautiful winning Best Foreign Language Film, after which he leapt on to the back of the chair in front of him, and then jumped from chair to chair all the way to the stage. Benigni's actions instantly made up for the fact that Hanks was arguably a more deserving winner.
Kevin Costner, 'Dances With Wolves': Best Director (1991)
It feels wrong to describe Dances with Wolves as an underdog. Not only did it gross $424.2 million when it was released, and star Kevin Costner at the height of his popularity, but it's also the sort of American epic the Academy still loves to celebrate. The film also marked Costner's directorial debut. As awards season began to take shape in 1991, it became clear the two front runners for Best Director were Costner and Martin Scorsese for Goodfellas. Much to the anger of many film fans, Costner managed to pick up the gong at the first time of asking, while Scorsese had to wait until 2007, finally winning for The Departed.
'Moonlight': Best Picture (2017)
There's no denying that Moonlight was the best film of 2016. But, going into the ceremony, it was felt the Academy wouldn't be able to resist the old-school charm of La La Land. Damien Chazelle's musical, starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, did end up winning the most Oscars on the night, but Moonlight was named Best Picture. Well, eventually, as Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway initially read out La La Land, only for its producer, Jordan Horowitz, to recognise they had the wrong envelope, and then famously beckon Moonlight's cast and crew to the stage.
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Tales of Yusuf Tadros
Adel Esmat (translated by Mandy McClure)
Hoopoe
Q&A with Dash Berlin
Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.
You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.
You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
People enjoying the combination of the music and visuals are the key factor in the success of the Legends Of The Feel tour 2018.
Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
SPEC SHEET
Display: 10.9" Liquid Retina IPS, 2360 x 1640, 264ppi, wide colour, True Tone, Apple Pencil support
Chip: Apple M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Memory: 64/256GB storage; 8GB RAM
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, Smart HDR
Video: 4K @ 25/25/30/60fps, full HD @ 25/30/60fps, slo-mo @ 120/240fps
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR, Centre Stage; full HD @ 25/30/60fps
Audio: Stereo speakers
Biometrics: Touch ID
I/O: USB-C, smart connector (for folio/keyboard)
Battery: Up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours on cellular
Finish: Space grey, starlight, pink, purple, blue
Price: Wi-Fi – Dh2,499 (64GB) / Dh3,099 (256GB); cellular – Dh3,099 (64GB) / Dh3,699 (256GB)
Honeymoonish
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.
Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
Founded: September, 2020
Number of employees: 70
Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions
Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds
Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
WWE Super ShowDown results
Seth Rollins beat Baron Corbin to retain his WWE Universal title
Finn Balor defeated Andrade to stay WWE Intercontinental Championship
Shane McMahon defeated Roman Reigns
Lars Sullivan won by disqualification against Lucha House Party
Randy Orton beats Triple H
Braun Strowman beats Bobby Lashley
Kofi Kingston wins against Dolph Zigggler to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Mansoor Al Shehail won the 50-man Battle Royal
The Undertaker beat Goldberg
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Company%20profile
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In 2018, the ICRC received 27,756 trace requests in the Middle East alone. The global total was 45,507.
There are 139,018 global trace requests that have not been resolved yet, 55,672 of these are in the Middle East region.
More than 540,000 individuals approached the ICRC in the Middle East asking to be reunited with missing loved ones in 2018.
The total figure for the entire world was 654,000 in 2018.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The specs
Engine: 2.3-litre, turbo four-cylinder
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Power: 300hp
Torque: 420Nm
Price: Dh189,900
On sale: now
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 290hp
Torque: 340Nm
Price: Dh155,800
On sale: now
The Lowdown
Us
Director: Jordan Peele
Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseqph, Evan Alex and Elisabeth Moss
Rating: 4/5
Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
Expert input
If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?
“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett
“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche
“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox
“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite
“I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy
“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra
More from Neighbourhood Watch
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
'Gold'
Director:Anthony Hayes
Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes
Rating:3/5
Quarter-finals
Saturday (all times UAE)
England v Australia, 11.15am
New Zealand v Ireland, 2.15pm
Sunday
Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm
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Company%20profile
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers Henderson, Pickford, Pope.
Defenders Alexander-Arnold, Chilwell, Coady, Dier, Gomez, Keane, Maguire, Maitland-Niles, Mings, Saka, Trippier, Walker.
Midfielders Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Rice, Ward-Prowse, Winks.
Forwards Abraham, Barnes, Calvert-Lewin, Grealish, Ings, Kane, Rashford, Sancho, Sterling.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Zayed Sustainability Prize
