Movies
Cinepolis opens first Imax location in Kochi; fifth in India
MUMBAI: Kochi-ites can now enjoy the immersive experience that one can only get in an Imax theatre. Exhibitor Cinépolis today announced the launch of the Queen of the Arabian Sea’s first Imax theatre at Centre Square Mall. This is the ffth . This marks the fifth IMAX location for Cinépolis in India, following installations at Viviana Mall (Thane), Westend Mall (Pune), Nexus Shantiniketan (Bangalore), and Nexus Seawoods (Navi Mumbai).
Equipped with the cutting-edge Imax with laser projection system, the new screen delivers 4K projection with unparalleled image quality and stunning visuals. With a seating capacity of 229 and a stadium-style layout, the auditorium ensures every guest enjoys an unobstructed view. Complementing the immersive visuals is Imax’s patented sound system, which delivers exceptional clarity and depth, evenly distributed to elevate every moment on screen.
Said Cinépolis India managing director Devang Sampat: “Kochi is a city renowned for its love of cinema. With this launch, Cinépolis further demonstrates its commitment to technological leadership and innovation, offering audiences an elevated movie-watching experience. The addition of this premium format aligns with the evolving preferences of cinemagoers, who increasingly seek movies crafted for immersive technologies. As more filmmakers embrace these advanced formats, Imax at Cinépolis Kochi is set to redefine how the city experiences blockbuster films.”
Imax vice-president of theatre development Preetham Daniel added: “Audiences in the coastal city can soon experience the unparalleled clarity and immersive sound of Imax, just in time for our exceptional holiday film line-up and an exciting slate of Filmed For Imax titles extending through 2025.”
Centre Square Mall spokesperson Blisson Antony highlighted : “This partnership with Cinépolis elevates our positioning as the premier destination for entertainment and lifestyle in the city. We are confident that the new Imax location will be a magnet for cinephiles, offering them an unparalleled venue to enjoy the best in global and Indian cinema.”
Hollywood
Who won what at the Oscars 2026? Full winners list from the 98th Academy Awards
A night of history, high drama, and gingery wit at the 98th Academy Awards
LOS ANGELES: If the 98th Academy Awards taught us anything, it is that Hollywood still loves a tortured genius and a well-timed ginger joke. While the night was technically a coronation for Paul Thomas Anderson’s sprawling war drama One Battle After Another, the real battle was fought in the stalls of the Dolby Theatre as host Conan O’Brien unleashed a monologue that was part roast, part group therapy session.
The evening belonged to the cinematic heavyweights. One Battle After Another lived up to its title, clinching Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Anderson, the perennial bridesmaid of the Oscars, finally took home the big prizes, cementing his status as the industry’s favourite auteur.
In the acting categories, Michael B. Jordan made history. Winning Best Actor for his visceral performance in the supernatural thriller Sinners, he became only the fourth Black man to win the trophy. His speech was a masterclass in humility, though he spared a moment to thank his trainer for “making me look like I could actually fight a demon.”
The history books were rewritten several times over. Autumn Durald Arkapaw shattered a long-standing glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to win Best Cinematography for Sinners. Meanwhile, the newly minted Best Achievement in Casting category saw its inaugural trophy go to the ensemble of One Battle After Another.
Returning to the stage with his signature quiff and self-deprecating bite, Conan O’Brien did not hold back. He began by acknowledging the elephant in the room: his own presence.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he quipped. “Why is the ghost of a Victorian chimney sweep hosting the Oscars? It’s because AI is too expensive and I work for sandwiches.”
The controversy kicked off when he turned his sights on the Best Visual Effects nominees. Pointing at the Avatar: Fire and Ash table, he remarked:
“James Cameron has spent so much money on blue people that the actual ocean is now jealous of his budget. Jim, at some point, you have to admit this is just a very expensive aquarium hobby.”
He also took a cheeky swipe at the trend of method acting, specifically targeting Sean Penn.
“Sean stayed in character for so long that his own family had to serve him a subpoena just to get him to come to Sunday roast,” O’Brien joked, to a mix of nervous titters and Penn’s trademark stony glare.
The night was not without its “did he really say that?” moments. During a bit about the length of the telecast, O’Brien noted that the show was running so long that:
“By the time we get to Best Picture, the winner will have already been rebooted as a gritty limited series on Max.”
He also touched on the industry’s obsession with youth, pointing at a young starlet and saying:
“You’re so young that your first memory is actually a TikTok of this monologue.”
While most took it in stride, some critics on social media called the joke “typical boomer energy,” though O’Brien seemed entirely unfazed.
The full winners’ circle:
Best Picture: One Battle After Another
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan (Weapons)
Best Animated Feature: K-Pop: Demon Hunters
Best Original Song: “Golden” from K-Pop: Demon Hunters
As the curtains closed and the A-list headed for the after-parties, the mood was one of relief. Hollywood had managed to celebrate its past while poking fun at its increasingly digital future. Whether the night belonged to the war heroes of PTA or the witty barbs of a tall redhead remains a matter of debate.
