American filmmaker and cultural titan
On March 15, 2026, the 98th Academy Awards honored films from 2025. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for "Sinners," which led with a record 16 nominations. Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" won Best Picture and six Oscars. Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for "Hamnet," and Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first female cinematography Oscar winner. The ceremony featured political moments, including Javier Bardem's pro-Palestinian statement, and introduced a new casting award.
A profile reveals Jacob Reses, chief of staff to J.D. Vance, endorses Christian nationalist views, reposting statements urging Jews to accept Christian dominance. Reses's Jewish background and close ties to Vance highlight shifting conservative attitudes, amid rising antisemitism and debates over Israel and American identity.
Sony Pictures is moving forward with a new Resident Evil film from Zach Cregger, presenting an original story set in the game universe. The release follows CinemaCon teasers and introduces Bryan as the protagonist on a survivalist night, with a supporting cast including Paul Walter Hauser and Kali Reis. The project aims to stay true to the spirit of the games while avoiding direct adaptation.
California has qualified a proposal for a billionaire wealth tax, which supporters say will fund healthcare and education. Opponents warn it will trigger a mass exodus of the wealthy, leading to significant job and revenue losses. The measure now faces a voter referendum in November 2026.
French actress Nathalie Baye has died in Paris at age 77 from neurodegenerative disease. She has featured in over 80 films, winning four César awards, and has worked with notable directors including Truffaut and Spielberg. Macron has paid tribute to her contribution to French cinema.
Apple TV’s Cape Fear reimagines the 1962 and 1991 thrillers for today, with Javier Bardem as Max Cady and Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson as the Bowdens. The 10-part series leans into modern anxieties, preserving key scenes while intensifying the nightmare. Director Nick Antosca aims for a nightmare remix rather than a straight remake.
The Pentagon has released a third batch of UFO files under a drive for public disclosure. The documents describe sightings including a “potato”-shaped object with scales and several orange orbs, but stop short of confirming alien life or any government cover-up. Investigations note low confidence explanations such as backscattering of sunlight, with cases remaining unsolved.
The latest batch of declassified UAP documents has been released, with reports detailing orb sightings near sensitive sites and other unexplained phenomena. Officials say the materials are historical records and do not establish alien life or a national security threat. Public interest remains high as investigations continue.