New Set of Writers for Oscars to Depict a Sharp Focus on Comedy

Oscar producers Brett Ratner and Don Mischer are exhibiting a strong focus on comedy for the 84th Academy Awards presentation to be held in February. The twosome have hired a group of veteran screenwriters to bring some humor to the show. The scribes boast credits for shows counting "Saturday Night Live" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and will be making an attempt to breathe new life into a program that in the last few years seemed to have fallen flat.

Many of the writers have a record of working with either Ratner or his Oscar host, Eddie Murphy, and will work chiefly with Murphy. They will put in writing bits for the actor-comedian ahead of time and will be backstage in the writers’ room the night of the event.

Ratner stated that he was new to this and that he wanted to feel comfortable, since he had to drive this whole thing. Hence he brought in guys with whom he had a personal relationship and with whom he had worked before.

The one, beyond doubt veteran Academy Awards scribe on the case is Jon Macks, who besides writing for the last 14 Oscar shows has also penned bits for the Emmys and the Country Music Awards.

Iranian movie ' Nader and Simin: A Separation' To Compete In Best Foreign Language Category

The Iranian drama ‘Nader and Simin : A Separation', that won top prize at the Berlin Film Festival, has been selected to represent Iran at the 84th Academy Awards. The film will be submitted in the Best Foreign Film category ahead of the Oscars ceremony on February 26. The film triumphed at the Berlin festival in February, as it won the Golden Bear award as well as top acting prizes for its entire cast.

Directed by Asghar Farhadi, the movie narrates the story of a crumbling marriage and looks at the clash connecting strict religious observance as well as the changing values of Iran's educated urban elite.

The movie is also set to be released by Sony Pictures Classics in US movie houses on December 30, in order to make it eligible to run in the Best Director and Best Screenplay categories.

‘Adaminte Makan Abu' Is India's Entry for The 84th Academy Awards

National award-winning Malayalam film 'Adaminte Makan Abu', has been named as India's official entry for 2012 Oscars.

The film won 4 National Awards that includes Best Actor, Best Cinematographer, Best Background Score and Best Feature Film. The movie is directed by debut filmmaker Salim Ahamed and stars Salim Kumar and Zarina Wahab in the lead.

The premise of the film is about an old perfume seller Abu whose primary dream is to go on a Hajj pilgrimage like any devout Muslim.It is a simple story which describes human values,as it portrays how the seller struggles to collect money to go to Hajj.

Eddie Murphy Chosen As The Host For The 84th Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences(AMPAS) in the U.S. declared lately that American stand-up comedian, actor and director Eddie Murphy will host the 84th Academy Awards. The Academy Awards is scheduled to be held on February 26, 2012.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will return to its comedic host origins with Eddie Murphy in his lively and clowning role. Director and telecast producer of the Academy Awards, Brett Ratner stated that Eddie is a comedic genius as well as one of the most influential live performers ever. He explained that with his love of movies, history of crafting unforgettable characters and his iconic performances, especially onstage he can bring an excitement, spontaneity and remarkable heart to the show .

Oscar Hopes Are Very High for ‘The Help’

The 2009 best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett narrates the story of the civil rights movement through the eyes of two African American maids in early 1960s Mississippi who begin spilling their secrets to a young white writer.

With an all-star cast and rave reviews,there are very high chances that "The Help" will charm their way into the hearts of Oscar voters.

Early reviewers have been focusing most of their praise on the two maids, played by Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. The film's awards campaigners will have a hard decision when determining whether the two ladies should compete against each other as supporting actresses or place the better-known Davis in lead.

Reviews are so great for "The Help" (scoring 73 at Metacritic) that it might even compete into the races for best screenplay, director, even best picture.