Bafta Responds To Critics After Revealing All-Male Best Director Nominee List

Bafta Responds To Critics After Revealing All-Male Best Director Nominee List

Bafta chairperson Jane Lush has answered criticism over the fact the organisation’s 2018 film awards shortlist include an all-male set of Best Director nominees.

Film fans and critics raised eyebrows when the nominees were revealed earlier this week, especially as they came just 48 hours after Natalie Portman’s on-stage comment about the Golden Globes shortlist also being made up entirely of men.

“Of course we want to see women in the best director category. It is a reflection of the industry to a certain extent and we should be doing something about it, and that’s why we have Bafta Elevate.

“It’s not about blaming people. It’s about what can we do to make it different.”

Bafta Elevate is a scheme “designed to elevate individuals from under-represented groups to the next stage of their career”.

Variety also reported just 16% of the entrants in the director category were women

Guardian critic Peter Bradshaw was one of many left dissapointed by Bafta, writing: “It is fantastically depressing that Gerwig did not get a director nomination for her tremendous coming-of-age comedy.”

asked the question of why there are “so few women calling the shots behind the camera”.

“In truth, it’s difficult to blame the Awards juries [or] voters,” she wrote. “There aren’t a whole ton of women to choose from.”

‘Lady Bird’ could still triumph on the night though, as Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalfe are nominated for Leading Actress and Supporting Actress, respectively.

The script has also earned Greta a nod in the Best Screenplay category. 

You can see the full list of Bafta 2018 nominees here

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/baftas-2018-nominations-male-directors_uk_5a564290e4b03417e8744014

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: January 10, 2018

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: January 10, 2018

BREAKING — HRC & EQUALITY FEDERATION INSTITUTE RELEASE ANNUAL STATE EQUALITY INDEX RATINGS: The comprehensive state-by-state report details statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ people and their families. It also highlights the onslaught of more than 125 anti-LGBTQ laws introduced across 30 states during the 2017 state legislative season, including proposals to grant sweeping licenses to discriminate; undercut marriage equality; and target the transgender community — including transgender children. The SEI comes as more than 40 state legislatures will reconvene by the end of January, and, according to a 2018 legislative preview report from HRC, state legislators, under relentless pressure from opponents of equality, are expected to wage attacks on transgender people — particularly in the critical areas of health care and access to appropriate restrooms. “If an LGBTQ couple drove from Maine to California today, their legal rights and civil rights protections could change more than 20 times at state borders and city lines. The vast majority of Americans today understand that this crazy quilt of protections — and lack thereof — is wrong, impractical, and unacceptable,” said HRC President Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin). “The time has come for us to do away with this ragged patchwork of state laws that fail to protect LGBTQ people equally by passing the Equality Act once and for all.” Read the full report here. More from HRC.

.@HRC Foundation and @EqualityFed released our 2017 State Equality Index assessing #LGBTQ-related legislation and policies in all 50 states & DC. See how your state rates → t.co/DjB9i82Aah #StateOfEquality pic.twitter.com/6nh9KvZyb6

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) January 10, 2018

HRC CALLS ON SENATE TO REJECT TRUMP-PENCE ANTI-LGBTQ NOM HOWARD C. NIELSON: In advance of Nielson’s Senate nomination hearing today for U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow said: “The nomination of Howard Nielson to the federal bench is the latest attack on LGBTQ people by the Trump-Pence Administration. Nielson has a long track record of hostility and discrimination towards the LGBTQ community. He has stated that being gay is a choice, argued in favor of Prop 8 and abusive conversion therapy techniques, and had the audacity to claim a gay judge could not be impartial in a ruling involving LGBTQ rights. Nielson is unfit to serve on the federal bench, and the Senate Judiciary Committee should reject his nomination.” More from HRC.

TODAY — HRC CELEBRATES DANICA ROEM AS SHE IS SWORN IN TO VA’S HOUSE OF DELEGATES: Roem is now Virginia’s first out transgender public official and the nation’s only out transgender state representative. She unseated Bob Marshall, who had a vicious, anti-LGBTQ record. Roem plans to fight to pass non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people, improve affordable access to health care, update the Virginia Human Rights Act to include gender identity and sexual orientation, and remove outdated, unconstitutional language on marriage equality in the Virginia code.

  • HRC National Press Secretary Sarah McBride sat down with Roem recently for an extended interview on running for office and fighting for LGBTQ equality. Watch here.

WHAT WE’RE READING WEDNESDAY — MEET THE FIRST SAME-SEX COUPLES MARRIED IN AUSTRALIA: This week marked the first time LGBTQ couples could marry following the passage of marriage equality in December. In Australia, couples must give 30 days notice prior to marrying; many held midnight weddings as the waiting period finally ticked down. Australia is the 25th country with marriage equality. More from BuzzFeed.

Same-Sex Weddings Are Finally Being Held In Australiat.co/h5kGXJIfbc pic.twitter.com/7Y4f5zkdrr

— BuzzFeed LGBT (@BuzzFeedLGBT) January 9, 2018

300 DAYS UNTIL ELECTION DAY 2018 AND, YES … IT’S CRIMINAL — JOE ARPAIO IS RUNNING FOR THE U.S. SENATE: The former Maricopa County sheriff, pardoned for racist crimes last year by Trump, has attacked nearly every marginalized community, including using anti-LGBTQ schemes to humiliate inmates at his ‘Tent City’ prison. Arpaio also campaigned against the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides much needed relief for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children — including 75,000 LGBTQ Dreamers. More from Washington Examiner.

Joe Arpaio is a racist and a criminal who should be behind bars. There is only one candidate qualified to represent all of Arizona, and that’s @kyrstensinema. t.co/pheFAzdHy6

— Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin) January 9, 2018

  • Meanwhile, a federal judge has blocked the Trump-Pence administration’s effort to shut-down the DACA program. Politico’s Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) reports that the ruling will allow former DACA recipients who failed to renew by an October 5 deadline “a chance to submit renewal applications and will also require the administration to allow renewal of applications expiring in the future.” More at Politico.

TRUMP RISKS LGBTQ LIVES BY REFUSING TO GRANT PROTECTED STATUS TO SALVADORAN IMMIGRANTS: In El Salvador, many LGBTQ people face violence and harassment because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Without protected status, many will be forced to return to a country that is not safe for them. More from The Washington Blade.

  • Heartbreaking: Jose Guevara, a Salvadoran gay man who came to the U.S. and is covered by DACA, is fighting leukemia. More from CNN.

BROWARD (FLA.) COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PROTECT YOUTH FROM SO-CALLED “CONVERSION THERAPY”: The commission voted unanimously yesterday, and now joins municipalities across the state that have already protected residents from the dangerous and debunked practice. More from Sun-Sentinel.

MORNING MUST WATCH — LGBTQ NATIVE AMERICANS FIND LOVE AT TRADITIONAL DANCE: Adrian Stevens and Sean Snyder met and fell in love at a pow wow, the traditional Native American celebration. After their rare same-sex dance went viral, they’ve performed all over the world, bringing visibility to LGBTQ Native Americans. More from People.

THERE ARE ONLY 145,000 ACTIVE TRUVADA PRESCRIPTIONS IN THE U.S.: Researchers cite Truvada’s cost, skepticism among some doctors and stigma around HIV and AIDS as causes for the low usage. Truvada is a form of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) – an HIV prevention strategy that includes taking anti-HIV medication to significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV. More from The Associated Press.

FILM STARRING TRANS ACTRESS TAKING AWARDS SEASON BY STORM: The Chilean film A Fantastic Woman shines a light on the story of the courage of a young transgender woman, who struggles in the wake of her partner’s untimely death. Daniela Vega (@DaniVega), a transgender actress and lyrical singer, is creating buzz this awards season. More from W Magazine.

BAFTA HONORS LGBTQ, ALLIED STORIES AND ACTORS: Call Me by Your Name is nominated for Best Film and Best Adapted Screenplay; Coco, co-directed by openly gay Adrian Molina, is nominated for Best Animated Film; and I Am Not Your Negro is nominated for Best Documentary. HRC supporter and LGBTQ ally Allison Janney is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in I, Tonya. More from The Guardian.

MEET THE LGBTQ GOLDEN GLOBE WINNERS: Openly gay songwriter Benj Pasek, with professional partner Justin Paul, won Best Original Song for “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. Additionally, Coco, which won Best Animated Film, was co-directed by openly gay Adrian Molina. More from Advocate.

HATEFUL — CATHOLIC PRIEST KICKS OUT THREE LGBTQ CHURCH MUSICIANS: The Reverend John Drees removed the men from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul-area church because they are all in same-sex marriages. More from The Christian Post.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ERIN URITUS, NEW CEO AT OUT & EQUAL: The organization is the world’s largest LGBTQ professional organization. Uritus was a senior leader at Booz Allen and International School Services. More from San Diego LGBT Weekly.

READING RAINBOW

BuzzFeed interviews transgender teenagers who will have a float in the Mardi Gras parade; The Lantern reviews a new children’s book with LGBTQ themes, You Be You!; Michigan Radio follows a trans opera singer following his dreams

www.hrc.org/blog/am-equality-tipsheet-january-10-2018?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Icelandic Man’s Facebook Account of Homophobic Assault Goes Viral

Icelandic Man’s Facebook Account of Homophobic Assault Goes Viral

An Icelandic man’s Facebook description of a homophobic assault in Reykjavík last Saturday night has gone viral.



Úlfar Viktor Björnsson said that on his way home he was approached by a man who asked Björnsson is he is gay.

When Björnsson said yes, the man hit him in the face and walked away.

RELATED: Fiji Prime Minister Says Gays Should Go to Iceland and Stay There

Speaking to Gay Iceland, Björnsson said:

“it’s not uncommon to experience verbal abuse and harassment for being gay. I have been subjected to all kinds of nasty comments and challenges. It’s mostly been in the form of unpleasant and degrading comments, but I have never before been physically assaulted.”

He added that homophobia in Iceland is often subtle and not overtly visible.

“That’s why so many people seem to believe that such things don’t occur in Iceland in the year 2018. We are supposed to be more advanced in these matters than for it to happen that people are struck down for being who they are. We have come a very long way but equality is still not a fact, and I’m sorry to say that we still have a long way to go to achieve that. People are still being assaulted and we are still acting as bystanders that let prejudice blossom in silence.”

Of the man who assaulted him and those who have defended the assailant, Björnsson said that while it’s okay to have opinions, “nobody should have to suffer for being who he is.”

It’s time for us to regard being gay or queer as something that people are,” he added, “not something that people do.”

He told Gay Iceland that the support he found on Facebook has helped him to feel better.

Björnsson has yet to decide if he will report the assault to police.

(Image via Facebook)

The post Icelandic Man’s Facebook Account of Homophobic Assault Goes Viral appeared first on Towleroad.


Icelandic Man’s Facebook Account of Homophobic Assault Goes Viral

Sturmtief Burglind spült unerwünschtes Strandgut an Englands Küsten an

Sturmtief Burglind spült unerwünschtes Strandgut an Englands Küsten an
Sturmwellen in Großbritannien.

England spürt noch immer die Folgen von Sturmtief Eleanor – in Deutschland unter Brunhild bekannt. An die Küsten von Cornwall wird Strandgut geschwemmt, allerdings ein sehr unbeliebtes: Es häuft sich Abfall, großenteils Plastikabfall, der bislang irgendwo im Ozean schwamm.

Gefunden auf: weather.com

www.huffingtonpost.de/entry/burglind-strand_de_5a562a20e4b03417e8740b64

When Is The Brit Awards 2018? Date, Tickets, Nominations And Everything Else You Need To Know…

When Is The Brit Awards 2018? Date, Tickets, Nominations And Everything Else You Need To Know…
Awards season may be well under way in the US, but some of the hottest events taking place here in the UK are still weeks away – including the biggest night in British music, the Brit Awards.

The 2018 event isn’t on until late February and organisers are currently in the process of revealing all the info gans will need on the night, including who’s up for which awards, and the acts that will be performing on the night.

As you tick off the days until the big night, we’re keeping track of all the latest updates. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s ceremony…

When are they on?

The Brits take place at London’s O2 Arena on Wednesday 21 February at 7.30pm.

Can I get tickets?

Yes! But it will set you back a fair bit of cash and there are just a handful of tickets left. See all avaliable seats and purchase them here.

Ah. How can I tune in at home?

All the action from the ceremony will be screened live – well, nearly, as the usual 30-second delay will be put in place to make sure any cheeky swear words aren’t broadcast to the nation – on ITV.

You’ll also be able to see the stars arriving on the red carpet via a live stream on the Brit Awards’ official Facebook page.

Who’s nominated?

The nominees will be announced on Saturday (13 January), live on ITV1  at 5.45pm, when ‘The BRITs Are Coming’ airs on the channel.

While the shortlists are being kept under lock and key, the list of people performing during the show serves as a clue as to who can expect nods, with Paloma Faith and Liam Payne taking to the stage.

Clean Bandit, J Hus and Critics’ Choice winner Jorja Smith will also take to the stage.

So one Brit Award has already been handed out?

The Critics’ Choice winner is traditionally announced long before the ceremony takes place, and Jorja received her prize back in December. Speaking at the time, the singer said the win was “such a special way to end the year”.

“It’s been an unforgettable 2017 during which I’ve fulfilled so many of my dreams,” she added.

The British Producer Of The Year has also been named already, with Steve Mac – who co-wrote and produced ‘Shape Of You’ – collecting the accolade.

Liam Payne, Rita Ora and Pink are among the other stars Steve has worked with.

“I feel truly humbled to receive this prestigious award, especially as it’s voted for by my peers who I greatly respect,” he said. “This really is the icing on the cake at the end of such an amazing year, not only for me personally but for British music.”

Who’s performing?

So far, the organisers have confirmed five of the acts that will be taking to the stage, with British stars Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Stormzy.

Only one international act, Foo Fighters, have been announced as performing so far, but there are plenty more announcements to come in the next few weeks, so watch this space.

Who’s hosting?

Jack Whitehall is in charge of proceedings for the first time ever, taking over from 2017 hosts Dermot O’Leary and Emma Willis.

The comedian has experience of hosting high-profile events, having previously presented the Royal Variety Performance.

He’s also attended the Brit Awards a number of times, presenting a prize with Jessie J in 2012.

Who designed the trophy this year?

Anish Kapoor created this year’s eye-catching statuette, which sees the iconic Britannia figure encased in red plastic:

“Sculpture is often a process of positive and negative form,” the one-time Turner Prize winner said of the design. “I have made the award using both.”

What do the celebs do after?

When the official ceremony is done and dusted, the real fun begins. Record labels Warner, Sony and Universal traditionally engage in a game of ‘Who can throw the swankiest bash?’, hiring out huge venues in central London and stocking the bars with limitless amounts of bubbles.

Last year, HuffPost UK spotted Stormzy and Maisie Williams catching up at the Warner bash, while Ed Sheeran left shoeless.

Not all the stars hit up the big parties though, and one of the tightest guest lists of the night was in operation in Soho, where Skepta threw a more intimate bash.

Who were the big winners last year?

With two posthumous gongs, the late, great David Bowie was the biggest winner on the night, while – despite the hype – Stormzy missed out on winning in either of the two categories he was nominated in.

Little Mix brought some much-needed giddiness to the evening when they (finally) won their first ever Brit Award, which gives us the perfect chance to whip out this video again…

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/brit-awards-2018-nominees-how-to-watch-performing_uk_5a560bbee4b0b117f8810218

HRC Calls Upon the Senate to Reject Latest Trump-Pence Anti-LGBTQ Nominee Howard C. Nielson, Jr.

HRC Calls Upon the Senate to Reject Latest Trump-Pence Anti-LGBTQ Nominee Howard C. Nielson, Jr.

HRC issued the following statement in advance of the nomination hearing of Howard C. Nielson, Jr. to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah by the Trump-Pence Administration:

“The nomination of Howard Nielson to the federal bench is the latest attack on LGBTQ people by the Trump-Pence Administration,” said Sarah Warbelow, HRC’s Legal Director. “Nielson has a long track record of hostility and discrimination towards the LGBTQ community. He has stated that being gay is a choice, argued in favor of Prop 8 and abusive conversion therapy techniques, and had the audacity to claim a gay judge could not be impartial in a ruling involving LGBTQ rights. Nielson is unfit to serve on the federal bench, and the Senate Judiciary Committee should reject his nomination.”

Howard Nielson drew controversy in 2010 for several claims he made while defending California’s Proposition 8, the unconstitutional law that prohibited loving, same-sex couples from marrying. In court testimony, Nielson argued against science that homosexuality is a choice, that anti-LGBTQ discrimination doesn’t lead to higher amounts of stress and mental difficulties, and that Vaughn Walker, a Reagan and Bush nominated federal judge, couldn’t rule on a federal civil rights case because he is gay.

Nielson’s nomination is part of an ongoing attack on LGBTQ people by the Trump-Pence Administration and attempts to stack all levels of government with dangerous anti-LGBTQ officials. Last year, Trump attempted to ban transgender troops from serving in the military. Recently, he fired the remaining appointees on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS after six members resigned over what they felt was a “lack of regard” on the part of the Trump-Pence Administration.

Nielson was nominated by the Trump-Pence Administration in September, and his hearing is scheduled to take place on January 10th. His nomination follows the failure of several anti-LGBTQ judicial nominees put forward by the Trump-Pence Administration. The Human Rights Campaign, along with coalition partners, has successfully advocated against Trump’s judicial nominees and will continue to lead the fight against anti-LGBTQ policies and appointees.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-calls-upon-senate-to-reject-latest-trump-pence-anti-lgbtq-nominee-h?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

So, Is Lana Del Rey Being ‘Sued’ By Radiohead Over ‘Get Free’, Or Isn’t She?

So, Is Lana Del Rey Being ‘Sued’ By Radiohead Over ‘Get Free’, Or Isn’t She?

In a surprising (and, admittedly, fairly confusing) turn of events, Radiohead are seemingly not suing Lana Del Rey for copyright infringement after all.

Last week, it was reported that the British rock group were planning a lawsuit against Lana, claiming that her recent album cut ‘Get Free’ struck a resemblance to their hit ‘Creep’ that was a little too close for comfort.

It’s true about the lawsuit. Although I know my song wasn’t inspired by Creep, Radiohead feel it was and want 100% of the publishing – I offered up to 40 over the last few months but they will only accept 100. Their lawyers have been relentless, so we will deal with it in court.

— Lana Del Rey (@LanaDelRey) January 7, 2018

However Radiohead’s publishers, Warner/Chappell, have now denied a lawsuit has been filed, but did say that they had been in “discussions… with Lana’s representatives” since the release of her last album ‘Lust For Life’ in the summer of 2017.

It’s clear that the verses of ‘Get Free’ use musical elements found in the verses of ‘Creep’ and we’ve requested that this be acknowledged in favour of all writers of ‘Creep’.

“To set the record straight, no lawsuit has been issued and Radiohead have not said they ‘will only accept 100%’ of the publishing of ‘Get Free’.”

Of course, what we really want to know is what you think. Are you #TeamLana or #TeamRadiohead? Is ‘Get Free’ a blatant ‘Creep’ rip-off or are Radiohead’s team making a big fuss over nothing?

Take a listen to both tracks below, and let us know what you think in our poll:

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/lana-del-rey-radiohead-get-free-creep_uk_5a55ffb4e4b0b117f880f253