Free Republic

3 “For the 28 years that he served as chancellor of Germany, Bismarck preserved what he had built by a restrained and wise diplomacy, which was the single most important element in maintaining the peace of Europe.” – Henry Kissinger Some people complain I never have a good word to say about the United States. That’s not quite true. I am sure if I dig deep enough, I can find a piece or two from a daily column that spans more than a decade where I said something nice. But today, I will change tracks: George H.W. Bush, the 41st...

TV shows will have to meet a series of diversity requirements to be eligible for Bafta awards under new rules. The BFI Diversity Standards, which cover race, gender and sexual orientation among other categories, are already part of the criteria for Bafta's film awards and are now being extended to cover small-screen productions. The rules will be piloted in Bafta's TV awards next year and will be fully introduced in 2021, the academy said. In addition, Bafta committees and jury members are receiving training in 'unconscious bias' in an effort to promote diversity.

LONDON - All eyes were on Duchess Catherine over the weekend when she attended the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, more commonly known as the BAFTA Awards. Kate Middleton, who is expecting her third child with the Duke of Cambridge, arrived at the Sunday event with Prince William. Much like award shows in the United States, attendees at the London event were encouraged to wear all black in support of the #MeToo and #TimesUp initiatives at this year’s BAFTAs, which are the British equivalent to the Oscars. Duchess Catherine opted for a green cap-sleeved gown and coordinating...

In an incredibly bold move, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced last week that, beginning in 2019, works that do not demonstrate inclusivity in their production practices will no longer be eligible for the Outstanding British Film or Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer awards at the annual BAFTAs, often considered the U.K. equivalent of the Oscars.* Eligible projects must showcase this in two of the following ways, as the BBC reported: On-screen characters and themes, senior roles and crew, industry training and career progression, and audience access and appeal to underrepresented audiences. BAFTA...

The main nominations for this year's Bafta film awards, to be held at the Odeon Leicester Square cinema in London on 23 February. Best filmThe Pianist Chicago Gangs of New York The Hours The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers Best British film (Alexander Korda award for the outstanding British film of the year)The Warrior Bend it Like Beckham Dirty Pretty Things The Hours The Magdalene Sisters Best director (David Lean award for achievement in direction)Roman Polanski - The Pianist Rob Marshall - Chicago Martin Scorsese - Gangs of New York Stephen Daldry - The Hours Peter Jackson -...