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Shadow of new Covid variant on Oscar celebrations

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5 years ago

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Organisers are taking precautions to prevent the 2022 Academy Awards from being a super-spreader, as other awards shows and film festivals have proven to be in the pandemic era.

Attendees will have to show two negative PCR tests and be fully vaccinated in order to attend the festivities. On Friday, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences updated its COVID protocols and rules, announcing that people “..who tested positive for Covid and are within a zero to five-day window from the date of their first positive test, are not permitted to attend under any circumstances.”

There’s a reason that the rules are so stringent, reports ‘Variety’.

This year’s Academy Awards kicks off as Covid infections are once again on the rise.

On Thursday, public health officials announced that cases of BA.2, the new and highly contagious sub-variant of omicron, climbed 130 per cent in a week, though cases remain low. Adding to the unease is the fact that the BAFTA Awards on March 13 appears to have been a variable Petri dish with studios privately reporting that dozens of executives contracted Covid at the event — stars such as Kenneth Branagh and Ciaran Hinds and ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who appeared at the show, also came down with the virus, reports ‘Variety’.

Add to that the spread of Covid at recent industry events such as, where ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ star Michelle Yeoh tested positive for coronavirus after the film premiered at the Texas festival. Some nominees are concerned that their recent bouts with Covid will prevent them from making the trip to the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are handed out.

Jamie Dornan recently told Variety at the Oscar Wilde Awards on Thursday that he’s hoping his ‘Belfast’ compatriots will be on hand.

“I can’t even imagine going on Sunday night without those guys,” Dornan said.

Don’t be surprised if Oscar co-hosts Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall deliver some Covid quips as a way of acknowledging the pandemic elephant in the room.

But the Oscars are but one stop on a long and boozy jaunt around Los Angeles on Sunday.

Winners, nominees, power brokers and press hop from the Governor’s Ball to the Vanity Fair party to soirees hosted by the likes of Apple, Neon and Warner Bros

That kind of marathon socialising could lead to more exposures. Several party and event planners tell Variety that they’re sticking to their protocols for now — most are requiring guests to show that they are full vaccinated (with booster, that is) and provide proof of negative test within 48 hours of the event.

However, none of the events have a mask mandate and the Oscars are only recommending that guests wear masks.

“People in Hollywood are willing to go to parties and possibly contract Covid because they don’t think it’s a big deal,” one party planner said.

“They see their friends and family getting it now and it’s seen more as an inconvenience than anything else.”

This source also opined, “It really is a brash display of privilege because probably most haven’t lost many people to the disease because they have money and access to health care when it was needed most during the worst part of the pandemic.”

Last night’s W magazine party was held outdoors at hotspot Gigi’s. A consistent question heard throughout the night was, “Are we all getting COVID now?” Guests nervously joked that Oscar weekend could be a “super spreader.” Mask-wearing at W’s party and a Vanity Fair party earlier in the evening at Mother Wolf was a rare sighting.

Denis Villeneuve was one of the few prominent people seen wearing a mask as his team hopped from a reception for Canadian filmmakers and Canada-based productions to the W party. It was also notable because the event was held largely outside, a sign that Villeneuve isn’t taking any chances about contracting Covid before Sunday’s ceremony where his sci-fi epic “Dune” is up for 10 awards.

Most event attendees seem unfazed, with much of Hollywood returning to hugging, handshaking and enthusiastic candle-blowing out in the case of Quentin Tarantino’s surprise birthday cake at W.

Since COVID upended life in 2020, the movie business has been through several peaks and valleys. Outbreaks on sets have become a staple of production, as have COVID bubbles, masks and frequent testing.

The entertainment industry has grown hopeful that the virus is fading at various points, only to have Delta and Omicron emerge as painful reminders that the credits have yet to roll on the highly contagious disease. A month ago, cases seemed to be falling and the business appeared poised to celebrate a return to normalcy. Now, that festive spirit is tinged with those old feelings of anxiety and unease that have been so pervasive over the last two years.

“It’s not over,” one Oscar attendee told Variety.

“We may wish COVID was finished, but it’s not done with us yet.”

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Suniel Shetty raises concern over Tiger Shroff firing incident: ‘Jackie Dada is my childhood friend’

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20 hours ago

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October 20, 2026

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Actor Suniel Shetty has expressed concern over the firing incident involving actor Tiger Shroff, saying that such an incident could happen to anyone.

Reacting to the incident, Suniel told the media, “Tiger or Jackie Dada, I think the whole world loves them. And if something like this can happen to them, then it can happen to anyone. It shouldn’t happen. Suniel also spoke about Tiger’s disciplined lifestyle, pointing out that the actor remained focused on sports and exercise. “Tiger only focuses on sports, only exercise, and is dedicated to that. Don’t know why it happened. It shouldn’t happen, and it is very important for us to stay safe,” he added.

Sharing his personal connection with Jackie, Suniel described the veteran actor as his childhood friend and expressed hope that everything would be fine. “I will only say that for me, you know, Jackie Dada is my childhood friend, and I just wish that everything is fine,” he said.

Suniel Shetty, who shares a longstanding friendship with Jackie Shroff and a warm bond with Tiger Shroff, voiced his concern over the firing incident involving the actor.

The day after the incident, Jackie attended the naming ceremony of Sangeetkar Bappi Lahiri Marg in Mumbai, where Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present. Suniel attended the event as well and spoke to the media as he left.

Several members of the film industry, including Amaal Mallik, Mika Singh, Vidyut Jammwal, Shatrughan Sinha, and Ravi Kishan, have also spoken out following the incident. Some called for enhanced security for the actor.

On October 18, a few hours after the firing, actor Disha Patani and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde arrived at Tiger’s Mumbai residence to inquire about his well-being.

The firing incident took place outside a football club near Pushpa Narsee Park in Mumbai’s Juhu area. Tiger Shroff escaped without injuries, while his driver and an autorickshaw driver were reportedly injured.

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Kareena Kapoor, Hema Malini and Anil Kapoor celebrate triumph of good over evil on Dussehra

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22 hours ago

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October 20, 2026

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Bollywood actors Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hema Malini, and Anil Kapoor, among others, celebrated Dussehra, marking the triumph of good over evil.

Taking to her Instagram stories, Bebo shared a photo and wrote, “A reminder that good will always triumph over evil Happy Dussehra.” Hema Malini also took to her X handle to wish fans and wrote, “Happy Dussehra to all! Let us celebrate the triumph of good over evil as we did the victory of Lord Ram over Ravan or the triumph of Ma Durga over the evil Mahishasura. Let us bid goodbye to our ego and all negative thoughts from our lives and concentrate on leaving this world a better place for future generation.”

Anil Kapoor marked the occasion by sharing a picture of Lord Rama and extended Dussehra wishes to his followers with the message, “Happy Dussehra.”

Madhuri Dixit also extended her Dussehra wishes to fans, joining several other celebrities in celebrating the festival.

Actors from the Telugu film industry, including Chiranjeevi, also took to social media to extend their Dussehra wishes to fans. Extending his greetings, Chiranjeevi wrote, “Symbol of victory achieved by good over evil – Victory on Vijayadashami. With the blessings of that Divine Mother, may every home overflow with happiness and joy, and may every good endeavor you undertake be successful – I sincerely wish this from the bottom of my heart. Dussehra greetings to you and all your family members #HappyDussehra.”

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated across the country to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and symbolize the triumph of righteousness over evil. The festival also marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura in several parts of India.

The occasion holds special significance as people come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

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Jackie Shroff makes first public appearance post attack on son Tiger Shroff, attends Bappi Lahiri Marg event

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23 hours ago

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October 20, 2026

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Bollywood star Jackie Shroff made his first public appearance following the attack on his son, actor Tiger Shroff.

The actor was seen attending the naming and unveiling ceremony of Bappi Lahiri Marg in Mumbai.

The actor was present at the event held in honour of legendary singer and composer Bappi Lahiri. The road has been named after the late musician, who lived in the locality for 45 years, in recognition of his association with the area and his contribution to Indian music.

Actors Poonam Dhillon, Suniel Shetty, Sharad Kelkar and Gulshan Grover were also among those who attended the ceremony.

Jackie Shroff was seen wearing a white outfit at the event. His appearance came in the wake of the firing incident involving his son, Tiger Shroff, which has shook the industry.

For the uninitiated, the firing incident took place in Mumbai’s Juhu area on October 18, when unidentified assailants on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at the car carrying Tiger Shroff.

The actor escaped unhurt, while his driver and a passerby sustained injuries. The incident occurred as Tiger was leaving after a football-related outing.

Following the incident, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the actor’s house to check upon his whereabouts.

Earlier strongly condemning the incident, Eknath Shinde, had described it as deeply concerning and assured that those responsible would face strict action.

He said he had spoken to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, who has formed strong teams to track down and apprehend the accused.

“Our current priority is to keep Mumbai and its citizens safe. Whether it is a celebrity or an ordinary citizen, ensuring their safety is the responsibility of both the police and the government. There will be no laxity in this regard, and no gang, whoever they may be, will be spared,” Eknath Shinde said while interacting with the media.

The firing incident is under investigation by Mumbai Police.

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