Korean helmer Bong Joon-ho's class satire "Parasite" has been named the best film of the year by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA).
Joon-ho and the film bested Martin Scorsese and his gangster drama "The Irishman" to claim best film and director awards.
Song Kang-ho, who was in one of the central roles as the father of one of the families at the centre of the drama, won the trophy in the best supporting actor category.
The film emerged runner-up in the screenplay and production design categories.
Antonio Banderas won the best actor trophy for "Pain and Glory" over Adam Driver for "Marriage Story", while Mary Kay Place was named best actress for her role in "Diane".
The LAFCA has previously recognised international movies such as "Roma", "Amour" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in the past and, all the three movies later went on to earn Oscar nominations in the best picture categories.
Pedro Almodovar's "Pain and Glory" was also named the best foreign language ...

Bong Joon-ho, 'Parasite' win big at LA Film Critics awards

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Actor-singer Briana Cuoco has joined her sister Kaley Cuoco in HBO Max's thriller "The Flight Attendant".
According to Deadline, Briana will feature in a recurring role on the upcoming series, which stars and is executive produced by Kaley.
It features Kaley in the title character as Cassie, who wakes up in the wrong hotel, in the wrong bed, with a dead man and is clueless about how it all happened.
Briana will play Cecilia, a quirky and ambitious assistant who is obsessed with organisation and eavesdropping on calls.
Based on a novel by Chris Bohjalian, the show also stars Sonoya Mizuno, Michiel Huisman, Colin Woodell, Zosia Mamet, Merle Dandridge and Griffin Matthews.
Susanna Fogel of "The Spy Who Dumped Me" fame is attached to direct the first two episodes.

Briana Cuoco to star in recurring role in 'The Flight Attendant'

Madhuri Dixit Nene is all set to lead an upcoming Netflix series that the streaming giant will produce under its partnership with Karan Johar's Dharmatic.
Johar will serve as a creative producer on the series, to be directed by Sri Rao.
Madhuri has collaborated with Netflix in the past to produce Marathi drama "15th August".
"I've always been a fan of Netflix, which is why I decided to make my debut as a producer with 15th August. The reach and diversity in audience that the global service provides is unparallelled.
"And of course, Karan and his team have been like family for me, so when I got this opportunity to play the protagonist in this series that's produced by both Netflix and Dramatic - I was beyond excited.. This series is entertaining, riveting, and yet heartwarming," Madhuri said in a statement.
Johar, whose Dharmatic inked a long-term, multi-project deal with the streaming platform earlier this year, called Madhuri one of his favourite actors of all time.
"Madhuri has been 

Madhuri Dixit Nene to headline a Netflix series

Beyonce has shot down speculation that she will be on a Las Vegas residency in 2020.
A representative of the 38-year-old actor told Variety that such reports are "absolutely not true".
The speculation started after a celebrity gossip site posted the news from "sources" close to the star.
They said to expect an official announcement during the first half of the year and that she would be the "highest-paid entertainer" in Vegas.

Beyonce not going on Las Vegas residency

Former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will co-produce an anthology series chronicling stories of decorated army officers.
Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment. The show, currently being scripted, will be made by Studionext in collaboration with Dhoni.
"The show will bring forward the unique anthology of episodic stories of the brave Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees," a production source said.
The collaboration of Sony Pictures Network is slated for a 2020 release.

Dhoni to back show on army officers

Actor Sushmita Sen on Monday announced her return to the movies after a 10-year hiatus.
The former Miss Universe took to Instagram to share the news and dedicated her much-awaited comeback to her fans.
"I have always been in awe of love that knows patience! This alone makes me a fan of my fans! They have waited 10 long years for my return to the screen, lovingly encouraging me every step of the way throughout my hiatus... unconditionally!
"I return just for you! #secondinnings #gratitude #love #faith #patience #showtime I love you guys! #duggadugga," Sushmita wrote alongside her photo.
The actor, who was last seen in 2015 Bengali film "Nirbaak", did not reveal the details of the project. Her last Hindi film was 2010's "No Problem".
Sushmita's acting credits include Bollywood films such as "Biwi No 1", "Zor", "Filhaal", "Main Hoon Na", "Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?", among others.

Sushmita Sen returns to films for 'second innings'

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday urged the Censor Board to take note of the claims that Ashutosh Gowariker's "Panipat" had wrongly portrayed Maharaja Surajmal.
He also urged distributors to have a dialogue with Rajasthan's Jat community, some of whose members are offended by the film starring Arjun Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Sanjay Dutt.
Gehlot's reaction comes a day after Rajasthan Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh demanded a ban on the screening the film in North India to avoid any law and order situation.
"The reactions that are coming about the portrayal of Maharaja Surajmal ji in the film... such a situation should not have been created, the chief minister said. "The Censor Board should intervene and take cognisance of it.
"Distributors should immediately hold a dialogue with the people of the Jat community on the screening of the film," Gehlot said in a statement in Hindi.
He said personalities in a film should be showed in the right perspective so that there is no ..

Gehlot asks Censor Board to take note of opposition to 'Panipat'

Actor Rene Auberjonois has passed away at the age of 79, his son Remy Auberjonois confirmed.
Remy Auberjonois said that the Tony-winning actor died on Sunday. The cause of death was metastatic lung cancer, he added.
In a statement, Remy Auberjonois called his father a "proud progressive and consummate professional and craftsman." He also praised the work his father did for Doctors Without Borders.
"He was married to my mother for 56 years. He was a dedicated father and grandfather and he had a fantastic sense of humour," he added.
Rene Auberjonois is mostly for his diverse roles on long-running TV shows like "Benson," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "Boston Legal".
Initially a stage actor, his most notable role came in Robert Altman's 1970 film "M*A*S*H." as Army chaplain Father John Mulcahy.
He won a Tony Award in the same year for his role in "Coco," a Broadway musical about fashion legend Coco Chanel that starred Katharine Hepburn. He was nominated in 1975, 1985 and 1990 for his ..

Rene Auberjonois, known for 'Benson' and 'Star Trek,' dies at 79

On the 39th death anniversary of John Lennon, his wife Yoko Ono has advocated for gun control in the US and said that she still misses the music legend after all these years.
The legendary singer was tragically gunned down by Mark Chapman on the New York island of Manhattan in 1980.
Taking to Twitter, Ono said the US is turning into a "war zone" owing to daily incidents of gun violence.
"Dear Friends, Every day, 100 Americans are shot and killed with guns. We are turning this beautiful country into a War Zone. Together, let's bring back America, the green land of Peace (sic)," she wrote.
Ono further said that she and Lennon's two sons, Julian and Sean, still miss his presence from their lives.
"The death of a loved one is a hollowing experience. After 39 years, Sean, Julian and I still miss him. Imagine all the people living life in peace," she added.

Yoko Ono calls for gun control in US on 39th death anniversary of John Lennon

"Veep" star Julia Louis-Dreyfus has opened up about her time at "Saturday Night Live", which she says was very sexist, brutal but informative.
Louis-Dreyfus says being miserable on the comedy show taught her to value the "fun-meter" of her subsequent jobs and that helped her a lot in navigating her showbiz career, reported Entertainment Weekly.
"I was unbelievably naive and I didn't really understand how the dynamics of the place worked. It was very sexist, very sexist. People were doing crazy drugs at the time. I was oblivious. I just thought, Oh wow. He's got a lot of energy'," she told Stephen Colbert during a Q&A at the Montclair Film Festival held in Montclair, New Jersey.
Louis-Dreyfus joined the variety show in 1982, becoming SNL's youngest female cast member at that time. She went on to share the stage with the likes of Eddie Murphy, Martin Short, and Billy Crystal.
"It was a pretty brutal time, but it was a very informative time for me," she said.
"I learned I wasn't ...

Julia Louis-Dreyfus calls 'SNL' environment 'very sexist' during her time

Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o has ruled out a sequel to her horror blockbuster "Us".
The film was directed by Jordan Peele and features Nyong'o in the double role of Adelaide Wilson and her doppleganger Red.
During Deadline's Contenders event, the 36-year-old actor was asked about the possibility of a sequel, to which, she said, "No thanks. Red is dead."
"Us" follows Wilson, a woman returning to her beachside childhood home with her husband, Gabe and their two children for an idyllic summer getaway but things start going awry as they are confronted by their doppelgangers.
Nyong'o said it was "very very very challenging" for her to tackle the two characters in the same film.
"I had to hold down both sides of the argument. I had to be the offender and the offended. It was about understanding the emotional landscape of each character but also having a very strict discipline to play both physically and mentally," she added.
The actor said the film explores the concept of inner demons by ...

No thanks: Lupita Nyong'o on possibility of 'Us' sequel

Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The two actors were in Bangladesh to perform at the inaugural session of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the T20 cricket championship.
Khan on Sunday took to Twitter to share a picture with Hasina and Kaif, his "Bharat" co-star.
"Katrina and I, with the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"It was a pleasure and honour to have met such a beautiful lady..." the actor captioned the photo.

Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif meet Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

Producer Ritesh Sidhwani says the "Gully Boy" team is leaving no stone unturned to make sure the Ranveer Singh-starrer drama gets in the forefront at the Oscars race.
The film has been selected as India's official entry in the International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards.
Sidhwani said the team is trying "very hard" to give "Gully Boy" all the necessary push.
"We are trying to bring the film to the forefront. We are doing everything within our power to make sure we leave no stone unturned in bringing the film there. The first shortlist will come out on 15th December, so we're waiting for that," Sidhwani told reporters.
"After that 10 out of 93 films will advance (in the best international film category). So hopefully, we'll make it to the shortlist then maybe we'll get the award this time. Maybe, it'll be the first time for India, so fingers crossed," he added.
Sidhwani was speaking at the red carpet of Star Screen Awards.
Directed by Zoya Akhtar, "Gully Boy", ...

Maybe we'll get it this time: Ritesh Sidhwani on 'Gully Boy' Oscar campaign

Actor Kriti Sanon says it was nearly impossible for the team of "Panipat" to trim down its run-time because when one deals with history, it's difficult to cut a lot of events.
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, "Panipat" released last Friday. The Arjun Kapoor-Kriti starrer historical drama has a duration of nearly two hours fifty minutes.
When pointed out that there has been some criticism with regards to its length, Kriti told reporters, "When you're dealing with history, it's difficult to cut a lot of things because you've to show facts. When there are a lot of characters, which there were in Panipat war, it takes time to establish them."
The actor said a period love story is comparatively easier to trim as the story revolves around just those characters.
"The pace in historical, period films is always slow in the beginning, unless it's a love story, which is easier with just a few characters and life revolving around them. Here, there's so much that's happening. I don't think there ...

When you deal with history, difficult to cut things: Kriti on length of 'Panipat'

Actor Dia Mirza on Monday launched a new production house, One India Stories LLP, which aims to bring out meaningful content across different formats and mediums.
The banner was launched on the actor's 38th birthday.
Dia said she is in conversation with multiple content creators, scriptwriters and filmmakers and, will be making new announcements soon.
"We plan to collaborate with some incredible individuals from different film industries and also have women-led stories as part of the roster...
"I believe in the power of one and that we are all bound by the thread of oneness and humanity. One India Stories is formed with this thought," she said in a statement.
The actor, who recently featured in the web series "Kaafir", said her endeavour is to chronicle important and engaging stories.
"We want to create stories that will make you pause and think, stories that will remind us of our connection to each other and the planet, stories that will make us watch and reflect. It's a very special 

Dia Mirza announces new production house on birthday

Actor Kiara Advani has said year 2019 was special for her courtesy the success of "Kabir Singh" and her upcoming feature, "Good Newwz", slated to be released later this month.
This year, the actor featured in the blockbuster "Kabir Singh" with Shahid Kapoor and had a cameo in "Kalank".
"It's been a very special year. The love that we have got for 'Kabir Singh' is overwhelming. Fingers crossed that the year ends with a big bang with 'Good Newwz'. I'm very excited for you all to see the film," Kiara told reporters on Sunday.
She was speaking at the red carpet of Star Screen Awards.
Directed by Raj Mehta, "Good Newwz" is about two couples with the same surnames who pursue in-vitro fertilisation and wait for their babies. Trouble follows when they find that the sperms have been accidentally switched with each other.
The film, which hits the screens on December 27, also stars Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh.
Kiara believes the love with which the team made the film ...

It's been a special year: Kiara Advani

Actor Shahid Kapoor has said he wondered, at times, whether he should try his hand at something else when his films weren't doing great numbers at the box office.
With "Kabir Singh", Shahid registered his career's biggest hit earlier this year, which also turned out to be one of 2019's biggest blockbusters.
His next is "Jersey", the Hindi remake of the Telugu sports drama of the same name. It will be directed by Gowtam Tinnanauri, who also helmed the original 2019 film, starring Nani in the lead.
The film chronicles the story of a talented but failed cricketer, who decides to return to the field in his late 30s driven by the desire to represent the Indian cricket team and fulfil his son's wish for a jersey.
"I related a lot with the story. Sometimes I used to wonder if I should try something else because no film of mine was going blockbuster. There comes a time in everyone's life when you feel 'why is it not happening to me? Have I done something wrong?'" Shahid said at the red carpet 

Had thought about trying something else as my films weren't doing well: Shahid

Producers Sunir Kheterpal and Robbie Grewal are collaborating to bring the life story of IAS officer Durga, who faced ire of the Uttar Pradesh Government after she took on sand mafia and illegal construction, on the big screen.
Azure Entertainnment's Kheterpal, who has produced films such as "Badla" and "Kesari, is working on the story of Durga Shakti Nagpal, a press release issued by the makers on Monday read.
Nagpal, who became an IAS officer at age 24, was in news in 2013 after she detained several vehicles and rounded up many people who allegedly were engaged in illegal mining of sand from Ghaziabad area.
The film is going to be produced by Kheterpal and Robbie Grewal for Redice Productions.
Kheterpal said his banner believes in giving audience powerful and entertaining content.
"Inspirational stories are the ones that need to be told and this one is about a brave soul who is an epitome of courage. Durga Shakti showcases a kind of courage and grit that inspires everyone to choose .

Film on IAS officer Durga in works

Expressing anguish over the gangrape and murder of a woman veterinary doctor, veteran actor Waheeda Rehman has said rape is a horrific and unforgivable crime, even as she believes the guilty deserve life imprisonment, not death.
All four accused in the rape-and-murder of the 25-year-old woman were killed in an encounter with police in Hyderabad last week.
The Cyberabad Police had said its personnel resorted to "retaliatory" firing after two of the accused, who were taken to the scene of the crime, opened fire at police after snatching their weapons besides attacking the latter with stones and sticks, resulting in injuries to two policemen.
While the police action has largely come in for praise, it has also evoked concerns over extra-judicial executions.
Asked about the same, Rehman told reporters on Sunday night, "Horrific crimes like rapes are unforgivable. But still, I feel, it's not in our hands to kill someone. A rapist must be imprisoned for life. Make them rot for lifetime.
The .

Rapists must be imprisoned for life, not killed: Waheeda Rehman

South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi has been crowned Miss Universe for the year 2019, beating more than 90 contestants, including Miss India, from around the globe.
The 26-year-old Tunzi was declared the winner at a televised event, hosted by American comic-turned-TV personality Steve Harvey, held at Tyler Perry Studios here on Sunday.
Indian contestant Vartika Singh crashed out of the world's biggest beauty pageant after securing a place in the top 20.
Miss Puerto Rico Madison Anderson was named the first runner-up, followed by Mexican contestant Ashley Alvidrez as the second runner-up. Also part of the top 5 were Colombia and Thailand.
The announcement of the winner was made on Miss Universe's official Instagram account.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, from the Philippines, presented Tunzi with the crown.
This is the third Miss Universe crown for South Africa, with Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters being declared the winner in 2017.

South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi named Miss Universe 2019

Rajasthan Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh on Sunday demanded a ban on the screening of Ashutosh Gowariker's "Panipat" in North India to avoid a law and order situation, following protest against the film in Bharatpur.
Singh alleged that the movie, featuring Arjun Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, portrays Bharatpur king Maharaja Surajmal in unseemly manner.
"It is unfortunate that the legendary Jat ruler, Maharajah Surajmal has been depicted in an unseemly light and historical facts have been distorted in the film, "Panipat".
"In light of the vociferous protest by the Jat community in Haryana, Rajasthan and other regions of North India, I believe that the film should be banned to avoid a law and order situation," Singh posted on Twitter.
Opposition leader and former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje also condemned the portrayal of Maharaja Surajmal in the film, which released on Friday.
"The mistaken portrayal of the self-respecting, loyal and large hearted emperor Maharaja Surajmal in 

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