Techniques
Oscar Watch: A Look at This Year’s Top VFX Contenders
The Oscar for Best Visual Effects is notoriously hard to predict, and this year is no different. The nomination process unfolds in three stages: first, the executive committee selects 20 eligible films. Then, this list is narrowed to 10 semi-finalists, which were announced on December 17. In January, the Academy hosts a virtual screening of these films, where VFX professionals can discuss their work, leading to the announcement of the final five nominees on January 19. The entire Academy membership then votes for the winner.
By The Academy Awardsabout a year ago in Art
From the Oscars to the Olympics: Nine Reasons to Be Excited About Ireland’s 2024
Despite the challenges and tough moments that 2024 brought, there were plenty of reasons to smile and celebrate in Ireland. Here’s a rundown of some of the highlights that made this year memorable. **Cillian Murphy’s Oscar Win** The year kicked off with a thrilling moment for Ireland: Cillian Murphy won his first Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster. The entire country was buzzing with pride. In addition to the Oscar win, Murphy and his wife, artist Yvonne McGuinness, made headlines by purchasing the Phoenix Cinema in Dingle. His performance in *Small Things Like These* also garnered positive reviews, and the film performed well at the box office in both Ireland and the UK. Although Murphy is reportedly taking a break from acting, we can look forward to the *Peaky Blinders* film on Netflix, where he stars alongside Barry Keoghan. **An Incredible Olympics and Paralympics** With the Olympics taking place in Paris this year, Irish viewers didn’t have to deal with late-night broadcasts. Ireland had an impressive presence, with 133 athletes competing in 16 sports and 35 athletes across six sports in the Paralympics. The Irish team made us proud, with gold medal wins from Daniel Wiffen, Kellie Harrington, Fintan McCarthy, Paul O'Donovan, Rhys McClenaghan, and a thrilling near-medal finish by the women’s 4x400m relay team. The Paralympic Games also saw six medal wins from Katie-George Dunlevy, Róisín Ní Ríain, and Orla Comerford. **Seán Ronayne’s Impact** One of the heartwarming stories of the year was the success of *Birdsong*, a documentary featuring ornithologist Seán Ronayne. He used the platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Irish nature while also advocating for neurodiversity. Ronayne’s memoir, *Nature Boy*, earned him further recognition, including at the Irish Book Awards. **The Kabin Crew’s Global Success** Who could have predicted that a group of young kids from Cork and Lisdoonvarna would make one of the best songs of 2024? Their track *The Spark* garnered over 50 million streams on Spotify and made headlines worldwide. The collaboration between Cork’s rappers and children from Direct Provision in Lisdoonvarna resulted in a feel-good anthem that was longlisted for two Grammy categories. The kids even found time to release a Christmas song. Truly an uplifting story! **Taylor Swift Mania** In June, Ireland was swept up in Taylor Swift’s *Eras* tour. Swift charmed fans with her three-night stint at the Aviva Stadium, where she praised Ireland for its storytelling tradition and unique accents. The event left fans buzzing for days. **Paul Mescal’s Continued Success** Paul Mescal continued to shine in 2024, starring in the blockbuster *Gladiator II*, which received solid reviews and performed well at the box office. The Kildare native, who was already a star after his Oscar nomination and his work in *Normal People*, has now firmly cemented his place in Hollywood. With talks of potential Oscar buzz surrounding *Gladiator II*, Mescal’s rise shows no sign of slowing down. **Nicola Coughlan Steals the Spotlight** May brought the return of *Bridgerton*, with Irish actress Nicola Coughlan shining as Lady Penelope Featherington. Coughlan was not only recognized for her role, but also for her advocacy, as she raised nearly €2 million for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Her candid approach and humor made her an even more endearing public figure. **Irish Authors Dominate the Literary Scene** Irish authors continued to make waves globally. *Wild Houses* by Colin Barrett made the Booker Prize longlist, and Sally Rooney’s *Intermezzo* became the fastest-selling book in Ireland this year. Additionally, Oprah selected books by Colm Tóibín and Claire Keegan for her book club, further elevating the global presence of Irish literature. **Kneecap’s Groundbreaking Year** West Belfast’s Irish language hip-hop trio Kneecap had a phenomenal year. Their album *Fine Art* was a hit, and their film *Kneecap* made over €1 million at the box office in the UK and Ireland. The trio also won a legal battle over UK government funding and were shortlisted for an Oscar. 2025 is sure to hold even more exciting accomplishments for Kneecap. In a year that had its challenges, these stories show the resilience and creativity that continue to define Ireland. Looking ahead, there’s no telling what incredible achievements the country will celebrate next.
By The Academy Awardsabout a year ago in Art
Easy Drawings for Kids: Colorful and Simple Steps
1. Introduction Drawing is one of the most enjoyable and enriching activities for kids. It not only keeps them entertained but also plays a vital role in their cognitive and emotional development. This blog is your ultimate guide to Drawing for Kids, filled with colorful and simple ideas that make it fun and easy for young artists to create their masterpieces. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or young artist, you'll find step-by-step tutorials and tips for Easy Drawing for Kids and Simple Drawing for Kids that anyone can follow.
By Diya Arpitaabout a year ago in Art
A Comprehensive Guide to the Most Popular Types of Coffee Around the World
Introduction: Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages worldwide, revered not only for its rich and distinctive flavor but also for its ability to enhance alertness and improve mood. With a long and diverse history that spans cultures and continents, coffee can be enjoyed in countless ways. From strong, concentrated brews to sweet and mellow concoctions, the methods of preparing coffee vary significantly across different cultures. This comprehensive guide explores some of the most popular types of coffee around the world, offering you the opportunity to experience a wide array of flavors and styles.
By youssef mohammedabout a year ago in Art
Break Free from Your Daily Routine: A Guide to Embracing Change and Finding Fulfillment
Introduction In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to get trapped in a monotonous daily routine that can leave us feeling uninspired and unfulfilled. Many individuals find themselves repeating the same tasks day in and day out, leading to feelings of boredom and stagnation. If you are looking to break free from this cycle and rediscover excitement and passion in your life, this article is for you. We will explore effective strategies to help you escape your daily routine, embrace change, and cultivate a sense of fulfillment.
By youssef mohammedabout a year ago in Art
The Invention of the Skateboard and Its Evolution Over the Years. AI-Generated.
The skateboard, a symbol of youth culture, rebelliousness, and creativity, has evolved significantly since its humble beginnings. From its invention in the 1950s to its current status as a global sport and lifestyle, the skateboard’s development is a testament to innovation, experimentation, and the influence of subcultures. This article explores the origins of the skateboard, how it was invented, and how it has transformed over the years.
By Matilda Otuabout a year ago in Art
Ethical Storytelling in the Digital Age
Breaking Boundaries: An Ethical Guide to Storytelling in an Age of Instant Communication Telling stories is one powerful way of educating, inspiring, and connecting in the new world of instant communication and overload of information. This power has the responsibility-to create stories ethically. More than doing no harm, it's about earning trust, respecting diverse voices, and creating meaningful change. Here's a guide to breaking those boundaries while keeping your feet grounded in ethical storytelling practices
By GAURAV MEWALabout a year ago in Art
Essential Guitar Care Tips With Richard Hovan
Playing a guitar is fun, but having the responsibility of taking care of it is another thing. From choosing the perfect guitar body tone woods to making sure that your guitar stays in perfect condition for years to come, regular guitar care is part of being a good guitar owner. Let’s discuss guitar care tips with Richard Hovan Round Rock Texas.
By Richard Hovanabout a year ago in Art
Eliminate All But Two Social Media Sites If You Aspire to Be an Artist
During the Elon Musk scandal in October 2022, I removed Twitter from my mobile device. I also signed out from Facebook and Instagram at around the same time. After wanting to cut ties with these interruptions for some time, Elon's antics finally gave me the push I needed.
By Mohammed Abu Jazarabout a year ago in Art
Ronaldo Performs Umrah with His Wife: AI-Generated Photos Go Viral . AI-Generated.
The legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has always been in the spotlight for his phenomenal skills on the field, his philanthropy, and his family life. Recently, the internet was set abuzz with rumors and visuals of Ronaldo performing Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage, alongside his wife. However, it was soon clarified that these widely shared photos were not real but rather generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Despite their fabricated origins, the images sparked a global discussion and captivated millions across social media platforms.
By Abdul Malikabout a year ago in Art
