Awards season 2021 is kicking off with The Oscars on Monday, wth the industry hoping the nominated and winning films will pave the way for a strong return to cinemas by moviegoers and critics. Last year saw a large-scale shift to how films were made and distributed to consumers, with many film specials, original shows and productions going to audiences direct via streaming services. Newer platforms, such as HBO Max and Disney+, gained mass numbers of new subscribers during t

Jordan Shanks—the popular YouTube political commentator and comedian FriendlyJordies— gatecrashed a Macquarie University Rural and Regional Society event held at the campus bar on Monday night. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro was speaking to about 40 students and guests about economic recovery in regional NSW after the Covid-19 pandemic when Mr Shanks and his entourage disrupted the event. A witness, who did not want to be named, said Mr Shanks was not around for long and

Senior staff from the Royal Botanic Gardens today called on the state government to engage and encourage Victorians to care more about their ecosystems. They asked for the Victorian Government to invest in campaigns to modify the behaviour of Victorians, at a public hearing for the government’s inquiry into ecosystems decline. Professor David Cantrill, chief botanist and director of science at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, said the Victorian government should conside

With just $10 a day, no bed and only a few essentials, Melburnians are sleeping rough for this week’s Roughin’ It Challenge. Melbourne-based homeless support group Launch Housing will use the proceeds to continue expanding on the programs and housing support services they offer. Launch Housing support worker Rory, who asked not to use his full name, said he saw the Roughin’ It Challenge as an opportunity to open up a conversation in the broader community about homelessness,

The rise of Disney+ has brought a new era to the record-breaking Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with four films due for release in 2021, starting with Black Widow in July. This year also welcomes the first TV shows directly connected to the MCU films, helmed by the creative voice behind the franchise, Marvel Studios president and primary producer Kevin Feige. Finally delving into the streaming world, Marvel Studios has adapted their storytelling to fit the new format give

In response to public outcry, The City of Boroondara will keep the rocket playground in Hawthorn’s Central Park after proposing to remove it. “We will keep the rocket,” Glenferrie Ward Councillor Wes Gault said. “We will sort out all the issues.” Hawthorn’s Central Park—colloquially known as Rocket Park—was at the centre of public attention when the council announced plans to remove the iconic structure in February as part of replacing the playground. A “Save Rocket Park” pe

Bayside Cr Clarke Martin says he’s “happy” with the council’s decision to reject Australian basketball legend Andrew Bogut’s plans to build a mansion spanning two properties in Beaumaris. However, he said he was concerned about a VCAT hearing on the issue, listed for August 3. “This application, if approved by VCAT, would deliver a very harmful and significant precedent that would require Bayside to consider strengthening further the planning overlays,” he said. Mr Bogut, a

The Dandenong World Fare made a triumphant return on Sunday, offering foodies the chance to eat their way through traditional street cuisine from Sri Lanka, Bosnia and Afghanistan. After the cancellation of last year’s event, the Fare welcomed back the public to the popular Dandenong Markets, where music, chatter and fragrant aromas filled the air. Not only did the Fare bring communities together, but it also helped businesses that had been struggling through the pandemic. K

Singing Bird Studios has managed to navigate a year that bought the local music scene to its knees – and emerged in style. The Frankston recording studio is back and hosting events for the dedicated and eclectic community of music lovers who got them through. Singing Bird Studio ’s manager Stuart Anderson, said the creative hub was saved thanks to passionate local musicians. “They paid all throughout last year because they just didn’t want to lose it,” Mr Anderson said. [

Streaming services became a staple during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with binge-watching and couch marathons evolving into a “quarantine and chill” lifestyle. By mid year, the idea that we had exhausted all our Netflix options became ironically popular. By the second lockdown, many Victorians were tuning in to some less-than-thrilling viewing – watching for the sake of watching. “Quarantine and chill” was a big boost for streaming services. Throughout 2020, Netflix users watched

You can hear the live music from the far end of the street as the brightly lit domes and colourful shipping containers come into view. The mouth-watering smells of African barbecue and fresh caramel popcorn fill the air at Melbourne’s newest foodie playground, Grazeland. Set on 10,000 square meters of abandoned shipyard in Spotswood, Grazeland is an outdoor food precinct now permanently home to 50 speciality food vendors, three bars, artisan stalls and rotating live enterta

In the dying days of March for the past 15 years, people of all countries, races and beliefs have joined together to symbolically turn off their lights showing support for stronger action on climate change. However, in recent years Earth Hour seems to have faded from our minds in Australia. A survey by The Standard revealed most respondents had either last taken part in Earth Hour several years ago or had never taken part. About 85 per cent said they had seen no advertising