Frances McDormand

‘The slap’, protests and tears: what makes a memorable Oscar speech?

Daniel Kaluuya thanked his parents for having sex and Will Smith slapped the host. Academy awards bring out the best and worst in winners, but is there a right way to do it?

Vanessa Thorpe Arts and media correspondent

03, Mar, 2024 @11:00 AM

‘Singular, eccentric visions’: Lee Friedlander’s photography seen through the eyes of Joel Coen

The celebrated film-maker saw something of himself in the work of the American photographer. Now he’s curated a new book and exhibition

Sean O’Hagan

08, Jul, 2023 @4:00 PM

Why Women Talking should win the best picture Oscar

Let’s be real: its nomination for best movie was the win. But Sarah Polley’s film is predicated on action, a #MeToo film that questions with the aim of moving forward

Adrian Horton

02, Mar, 2023 @10:18 AM

Dress sensitivity: creating the Mennonite costumes for Women Talking

Quita Alfred tells how she designed long, dark dresses that chime incongruously with fashion

Lauren Cochrane

24, Feb, 2023 @7:34 PM

Women Talking review – a stellar ensemble energises Sarah Polley’s timeless parable

The Canadian director’s finely balanced drama about the abuse, secrets and shame of an isolated religious community boasts wonderfully nuanced performances, yet the real action lies in its knotty central argument

Mark Kermode, Observer film critic

12, Feb, 2023 @8:00 AM

Women Talking review – ensemble drama forefronts female experience of violence

This important film tells the story of a community battered by rape and patriarchal ideas, as a mainly female cast debate the repercussions of brutality

Peter Bradshaw

09, Feb, 2023 @7:00 AM

Frances McDormand’s 10 best performances – ranked!

Shortly to be seen on our screens in Women Talking, the actor is enjoying a fruitful – and Oscar-hauling – career third act, creating work that is empathic, political, and often doesn’t look like acting at all

Andrew Pulver

26, Jan, 2023 @12:18 PM

Breaking the silence: movies grapple with the #MeToo movement

This season sees Oscar-tipped dramas She Said, Women Talking and Tár all confront the difficulties of women dealing with the fallout of sexual assault

Adrian Horton

28, Nov, 2022 @6:03 AM

Women Talking review – Sarah Polley’s moving Mennonite #MeToo drama

Toronto film festival: The actor turned director brings strong performances from a talky female ensemble, including Claire Foy and Jessie Buckley

Benjamin Lee in Toronto

09, Sep, 2022 @1:54 PM

No tears, blather or preaching: how to make the perfect awards ceremony speech

The Baftas see the return of glitzy film and TV ceremonies. We want our favourites to win – but then, please, keep it snappy

Ayesha Hazarika

13, Mar, 2022 @8:00 AM

Lights! Camera! Infraction! Mad Max shows why Hollywood indulges bad behaviour

Charlize Theron felt so threatened by Mad Max co-star Tom Hardy that she asked for a female producer as protection. Yet the industry still relies on film sets being lawless bubbles where you question macho posturing at your peril

Ryan Gilbey

24, Feb, 2022 @6:33 PM