French Oscars turn political over virus shutdownFrustrations were unleashed Friday over France's months-long shutdown of theatres at the country's annual celebration of cinema, Les CesarsPARIS - There was a fiercely political air at France's annual celebration of cinema, Les Cesars, on Friday as frustrations were unleashed over the months-long shutdown of theatres. The country has seen mounting protests in recent days over the closure of cultural sites, with several theatres occupied by activists and students. That frustration was centre stage at Friday's awards, with actress Corinne Masiero stripping naked with the words "No culture, no future" written across her front as she presented the costume award. - 'Played fairly' -This year's first awards signalled that the academy was keen to embrace calls for greater ethnic diversity, with the most promising actor and actress awards going to Jean-Pascal Zadi and Fathia Youssouf. There were no major controversies to match Polanski's inclusion last year, though some noted that much more work was needed on equality given the presence of only one woman in each of the best film and best director categories.

Source: Bangkok Post March 13, 2021 00:56 UTC