Susanne Bier, Rajendra Roy to Head Committee for Oscars Slow-Starting International Race (Exclusive)

e got off to a slow startthis year, but it has now heated up with the submissions of crowd-pleasing films from Norway and Denmark, movies from past winners from Italy and Iran and a French submission that could shake up the race even if it horrifies as many voters as it thrills.The latest big-name submission came on Tuesday, when the Italian selection committee announced the choice of “The Hand of God,” an autobiographical fantasia from director Paolo Sorrentino.

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer“The Blue Rose,” a new noir thriller from writer- director George Baron, has rounded out its ensemble cast.Joining the project currently shooting in Los Angeles is Ray Wise (“The Lazarus Effect,” “X-Men: First Class”), Danielle Bisutti (“God of War,” “Insidious: Chapter 2″), Nikko Austen Smith (“Queen Sugar,” “The Birch“), Logan Miller (“Love, Simon,” “Escape Room) and newcomer and musician Glüme.

Manori Ravindran International EditorA new film about the development, regulation and roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines from “How to Survive a Plague” director David France has scored a raft of international sales.Documentary specialists Dogwoof have sold the film — which will debut on HBO and HBO Max in 2022 — into Sky in the U.K., Germany and Italy; NRK for Norway; DR for Denmark; SVT for Sweden; Channel 8 and YesDocu for Israel; and HBO and HBO Max in Latin America.Filming on the documentary,

Police Scotland is appealing for the public’s assistance in an effort to trace a man reported missing from Dumbarton last week.

Angelina Jolie hit the red carpet premiere for in style, and she did it with her kids in tow. Jolie spoke with ET's Nischelle Turner about how the whole family wore vintage looks, some straight out of their famous mom's closet.«My kids are all mixed with vintage, and in my old Oscars dress.

Hoda Kotb was the recipient of immense praise by her fans as she shared a special throwback video on her social media for a special occasion.MORE: Today Show's Hoda Kotb shares heartbreaking moment she broke down over adoption fearsThe Today star posted a clip from the 2016 Olympics coverage in Rio de Janeiro, where she was seen interviewing the American gymnastics team.The Final Five, as they were known, spoke to Hoda about their showing, till she focussed her attention on star athlete Simone

Police are appealing for help to find a Dumbarton man last seen on Wednesday.

William Shatner is responding to Prince William's criticism of space travel. ET's Nischelle Turner spoke with the 90-year-old actor on Thursday, one day after he traveled to space, and Shatner was quick to defend his journey, and space travel as a whole.«He's a lovely Englishman.

Rachael Ray is returning to the studio to resume season 16 of , live and in person. After shooting from the guest house of her home in Upstate New York, Ray told ET's Rachel Smith that she wanted the studio to mirror her own home and reflect how different people's lives look in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.«It's modeled after my home upstate; they took inspiration from that,» Ray said of the studio remodel. «We've been living in the guest house as the new house is being rebuilt.

Declan Rice believes the penalty that Luke Shaw gave away in England's draw with Hungary on Tuesday was correct, even if the fouled player made a meal of it.

Annika Pham One of the top drama decision-makers in the Nordics, Ivar Køhn has been heading Norwegian pubcaster NRK’s drama department since 2013.

Gallery: We don't need a wedding ring to prove our love! These famous couples have never said 'I do' (BANG Showbiz)On their decision to move their family from Los Angeles to Florida, Ray J had said at the time: "We're in a good place right now, we're in Miami, we're gonna move down to Miami, I don't think we're going back to Los Angeles any time soon. We've been taking care of the kids, they love it out here, and it's given us a different mood and outlook on life.

William Earl The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday that journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov have been awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.In a statement posted to their official site, the committee praised the duo “for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia.

Norwegian Nobel Committee stressed that a free and independent press is essential to achieving and maintaining peace in the world.“Free, independent and fact-based journalism serves to protect against abuse of power, lies and war propaganda,” committee chair Berit Reiss-Andersen said.

Clayton Davis Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars and Emmys ceremonies from film awards editor Clayton Davis. Following history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Oscar and Emmy predictions are updated regularly with the current year's list of contenders in all categories.

Christopher Vourlias Well Go USA has nabbed North American rights to “Row 19,” a thriller from director Alexander Babaev, which is being sold by Central Partnership.The film centers on a young female doctor and her 6-year-old daughter, who board an overnight flight in a violent storm. When passengers on the half-empty plane inexplicably begin to die, the woman’s grip on reality weakens and she is forced to relive her worst childhood nightmare.