Film buffs cheer as brand India shines at Academy awards

Many Hollywood film fans in the country were excited over Leonardo Di Caprio finally bagging his first Oscar as the star and the brilliant Brie Larson walking away with the Oscar for the Best Actress for her phenomenal performance in Room. 

To be fair, India’s performance at the Oscars has been a little bumpy. Highs and lows have come to us at regular intervals. But the 88th Academy Awards was special for India in many ways. There were many with India connect, who won accolades and awards at the ceremony held on February 28 (February 29 here). 

To start with, our very own ‘desi girl’ stunned everyone with her ace red carpet act in a Zuhair Murad creation. Millions of fans were waiting for Priyanka Chopra’s ‘look’ at the Oscars 2016. Sticking to minimal makeup, accessorised looks with diamonds and crimson lips were the highlight of Priyanka’s beauty look. She was at the Oscars to present Best Editing Award. While Priyanka slayed it at the red carpet in her fashionista avatar, she also did a fabulous job on stage. 

Indo-British filmmaker Asif Kapadia won the best documentary Oscar for Amy, a poignant examination of singer Amy Winehouse’s life and her tragic death at the age of 27. The filmmaker was born in a British Indian family from North London. Kapadia’s documentary saw off competition from Cartel Land, The Look of Silence, What Happened Miss Simone? and Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom. Actress Daisy Ridley and British actor of Indian descent Dev Patel handed over the trophy to the film’s producer James Gay-Rees and director Kapadia, who won a Grammy Award for Amy earlier this month. 

Actress Kate Winslet was nominated in the Best Actress in Supporting Role for Steve Jobs at the Academy Awards this year. While she lost the award to Alicia Vikander for her memorable performance in Danish Girl, she created a stir with her stunning choice of gown and accessories. Indians had reason to rejoice as the jewellery she wore at the red carpet was designed by Indian jewellery designer, Nirav Modi. On being asked about her look at the red carpet she was all for Nirav’s creation. “Nirav Modi jewels express superior craftsmanship and innovation; whether it be unique diamond cuts or delicate mechanisms that allow jewels to move and adapt with the wearer.” 

Earlier this month, when The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented 10 scientific and technical achievements during its annual Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation, Indian-origin technician Cottalango Leon received the award under the ‘Scientific and Technical Achievements’ category for the design, engineering and continuous development of Sony Pictures’ Imageworks. All of India was cheering for him, Coimbatore probably the loudest! Leon was born in Thoothukudi and grew up in Coimbatore. He completed his schooling and graduation in the textile city. There’s excitement at his hometown Coimbatore. His mother L Rajam, a retired teacher, said to the media recently, “It’s a proud moment for us when the world recognises my son’s contribution.”