Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on annexation anniversary following war crimes arrest warrant

Naman Ramachandran In his last keynote address as U.K. Film Distributors’ Association president, veteran producer David Puttnam struck a sombre note highlighting a number of critical issues the country’s media industry is facing. Addressing a rapt audience at the BAFTA headquarters in London on Tuesday, Puttnam identified skills shortage and lack of investment in skills as a “major crisis” hanging over the industry. According to Puttnam’s calculations, a committed annual investment of £40 million ($50 million) in skills could result in production savings of well over £100 million ($125 million). New data commissioned by Puttnam from accountancy firm Saffery Champness shows that underinvestment, leading to scarcity of talent, has resulted in significant wage inflation for mid-level production roles, with spikes of between 7-15% above the cost of living.

Pussy Riot member Nadya Tolokonnikova has reportedly been identified on a list of Russian authorities’ “most wanted” criminal suspects.According to the Associated Press, Tolokonnikova – a founding member of the feminist punk group, which has long been controversial in their native Russia for their incitive protests against Vladimir Putin’s regime – was first spotted in the Russian Interior Ministry’s database of criminal targets on Wednesday (March 29). The revelation reportedly came via Russian news outlet Mediazona, which was co-founded by Tolokonnikova.It’s said that Tolokonnikova’s listing in the database shows her wanted for “criminal charges”, however these are not disclosed in any significant detail.

Thania Garcia Nadya Tolokonnikova, the founder of the politically charged punk group Pussy Riot, has been named one of Russia’s most wanted criminal suspects. The news first appeared on the outlet Mediazona, an independent news site founded by the band to cover the country’s courts, law enforcement, and prison systems in an effort to combat Russia’s growing press restrictions. According to documents cited in multiple media reports, including Mediazona’s, Tolokonnikova’s name was in the Russian Interior Ministry’s database of wanted individuals for unspecified criminal charges. Variety has reached out to Pussy Riot’s representatives for comment.

King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, were dressed in their Royal best for a luxurious state banquet during the first night of their official visit to Germany on Wednesday evening.The monarch and his wife opted for seriously special evening wear as they put on a united front to meet and greet various important figures including former State Chancellor Angela Merkel ahead of the dinner, which was hosted by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.The King was suited and booted in his Royal tuxedo, complete with military medals and a red sash as he arrived at Bellevue Palace. And Camilla looked incredibly elegant in a black long-sleeved gown adorned in thousands of white decorative vines.The royal wore her blonde tresses in her signature blowdried style, and chose a stunning all-diamond crown for the evening.

Jonathan Majors has officially been charged for assault.

Vladimir Romanov wanted Hearts to go green during his tumultuous tenure as the Tynecastle club's owner.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV Editor Vladimir Duthiers has a new topic that he can discuss in his regular “What To Watch” segments on CBS Mornings” — himself. Duthiers, who has worked as a correspondent and fill-in on the program since 2019, has seen his role grow over time. He typically delivers segments on some of the trending items of the morning, and, more recently, took part in reports showing how he was preparing for the arrival of his newborn child. Now, his ties to the A.M. property will be even tighter. Duthiers has been elevated to “featured host” at the show. “With fatherhood and now this solidifying of my role on the morning show, my head is spinning,” says Duthiers.

A Scottish terrorism expert is convinced Russian leader Vladimir Putin is using a body double on public appearances. The warmonger was accused by the Ukrainians of using a stand in on a surprise visit to occupied Mariupol last Sunday - to protect himself from assassination.

Thania Garcia Pussy Riot, the Russian feminist protest music and performance art group, will be accepting the 2023 Woody Guthrie Prize on May 6 in Tulsa at Cain’s Ballroom. The evening will conclude with Pussy Riot’s first-ever U.S. performance of “Riot Days,” a multi-media show that showcases the group’s music with documentary footage and political commentary. Members Maria “Masha” Alyokhina and Nadya Tolokonnikova will accept the prize on behalf of Pussy Riot, which also will be represented by founders Olga Borisova and Diana Burkot. Following the presentation by Nora Guthrie, Woody Guthrie’s daughter, the group will be interviewed by Robert Santelli, executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archive and Center for American Music.

Russia's president has promised to "respond" to the UK's plan of sending ammunition to forces in Ukraine as they continue to defend against the year-long invasion of their territory.

An arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin has been issued due to his actions in Ukraine.

Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer has blasted Donald Trump for claims he made about the late royal. The former US President has claimed his new book Letters to Trump will feature missives from Diana, the late Queen Elizabeth II, Russian president Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un - among others.

The Guardian that towards the end of last year, federal prosecutors began examining two loans that were wired to Trump Media and Technology Group through the Caribbean from two entities that appeared to be controlled in part by an individual that appears to be a relative of an ally to Russian president Vladimir Putin.TMTG, which owns Trump’s Truth Social platform, initially came under criminal investigation related to its potential merger with blank check company Digital World Acquisition Corporation. The merger, which has been delayed, has also faced separate scrutiny from the U.S.

Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny learned Monday from his lawyer that a film detailing his poisoning and political activism won the Oscar for best documentary feature.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, subject of the Oscar-nominated documentary that bears his name, remains imprisoned outside Moscow, and thus unable to attend the Academy Awards tonight. But he will be represented at the ceremony by his closest family members.

America may be deeply divided, but politics and the culture wars will not be center stage at this year’s Oscars if the organizers have their way.

Cynthia Littleton Business Editor AUSTIN, Texas — Patton Oswalt, Phoebe Robinson, Eric Andre, Chelsea Handler and others were in fine form on Friday night as Variety helped kick off the 2023 SXSW festival and conference with its Power of Comedy event. The kudos pay tribute to innovators in the business of being funny. Presenters and honorees who gathered at the Creek and the Cave nightclub in downtown Austin made mention of comedians facing a fraught moment as social norms and cultural attitudes are changing. Mike Lawrence, who hosted the second half of the night, noted that he had to show more identification when registering to get his SXSW conference badge than he would have to buy a gun.

, the Indian film starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR as two revolutionaries fighting against the British colonialists in the 1920s, has not only enjoyed crossover success in the United States, but it made history when the breakout musical number, «Naatu Naatu,» was nominated for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards. " is about friendship. It's celebrating friendship," NTR says. While speaking to ET's Ash Crosson, both actors reacted to all the accolades for the film, which is now streaming on Netflix, and what it was like filming the epic dance number for the Indian Telugu-language song written by the now-Oscar nominees, M.

Oscars have reportedly blocked a request from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to speak during the ceremony.The 95th Academy Awards takes place in Los Angeles on Sunday (March 12). According to Variety, Zelenskyy was hoping to follow up a recent remote appearance at the Berlin Film Festival with a virtual spot at the Oscars.According to sources, his new agent Mike Simpson (who also represents Quentin Tarantino and Bong Joon Ho) asked the academy to feature the comedic actor-turned-politician but was shut down.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be missing out on the Academy Awards for the second year in a row.