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On Saturday 28 June 2025, BBC One broadcasts Pointless Celebrities!

Radio Special Season 17: Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Pointless Celebrities” titled “Radio Special” promises to be an exciting event for fans of the show. Scheduled to air on BBC One, this episode features a lively mix of celebrities who will compete for the coveted Pointless trophy.

The four teams include notable personalities such as Fee Mak and DJ Spoony, both known for their contributions to the music and entertainment industry. Joining them are Matt Chorley and Mariella Frostrup, who bring their wit and charm from the world of journalism and broadcasting. The competition continues with Zoe Hardman and Ali Plumb, both of whom have made their marks in radio and television. Rounding out the teams are Johnny Cochrane and Inel Tomlinson, adding their unique flair to the mix.

As always, the format of the show will involve answering questions to...

UK coverage of the 97th Oscars on ITV reached a peak of 1.1 million viewers - down on the 1.9million peak of 2024, but still significantly higher than when the ceremony aired on Sky.

The 1.1million peak came at the start of the broadcast, which ran from 22:30 GMT on Sunday (March 2) until 03:45 on Monday (March 3).

The show averaged 565,000 viewers on ITV1, with streaming numbers from the broadcaster’s Itvx platform not yet available.

This is 11.3% down on the 637,000 average from the 2024 ceremony, when interest was high due to the Barbenheimer phenomenon. However, this year’s figures were 507.5% up on the...

Last night’s UK Oscars coverage pulled in a peak of 1 million viewers.

ITV’s second year covering the world’s biggest night in cinema attracted an average of more than 500,000 viewers, with a peak of 1M just after the start, which naturally dipped quite swiftly. The rating was similar to last year, which was ITV’s debut. After about an hour the coverage hit the 500,000 average and didn’t get much above that for the rest of the program. At its highest, the coverage was pulling in a 28% share of all audiences who were watching TV at the time.

Last night’s coverage aired from 10.30 p.m. GMT (2.30 p.m. Pt) onwards and was helmed by Jonathan Ross, with a dedicated Oscars channel running on Itvx. Ross was joined by Jason Isaacs, Mariella Frostrup and Elle Osili-Wood. Before the show started they talked the audience through the big nominees,...

London, England – May 13: Mike Love of The Beach Boys, Director Frank Marshall and Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys attend the Photocall for Disney+’s “The Beach Boys” at Abbey Roads Studio on May 13, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures UK) Copyright 2024 Getty Images The Beach Boys Mike Love and Bruce Johnston made a special appearance at Abbey Road Studios in London to celebrate the 58th anniversary of their groundbreaking album Pet Sounds. Joined by director Frank Marshall, they shared stories and insights during a Q&a session moderated by Mariella Frostrup. The event also served as a sneak peek into the upcoming Disney+ documentary The Beach Boys. This film promises a captivating look into the band’s history, featuring rare footage and interviews not only with The Beach Boys themselves but also with notable figures in the music industry.

Sarah Snook has revealed that Brian Cox was capable of channeling Logan Roy, even when he was not in character as the menacing media baron in HBO’s Succession.

The Australian actress, who clinched an Emmy for her portrayal of Logan’s daughter Shiv in the final season of Succession, said Cox would test the energy on set with “thunderous” outbursts.

Speaking to Mariella Frostrup on Times Radio, Snook laughed: “He has a habit of sometimes going into a false — or could it be real, who knows? — diabetic rage, where he’ll go [growl] all of a sudden.

“I think part of it’s a little of trying to just jolt the energy of the set and rustle a few feathers, get it going and moving faster. The quality of his voice can be very terrifying sometimes, for sure. Thunderous.”

Cox suffers from type two diabetes and Kieran Culkin (Roman Roy...

Have You Seen? is a new TV reviews podcast that banishes the dreaded question of the Golden TV Era: “What to watch?” The podcast tackles the woes of modern TV consumption head-on, with signature charm and unbeatable knowledge. Hosts and old friends, broadcaster and writer Mariella Frostrup and TV executive Peter Fincham sift through the latest small-screen offerings, to produce a ready-made weekly watchlist for listeners.

Graham Norton has informed fans that his Twitter account has been hacked.

The chat show host and novelist, who came off the platform in late 2022, shared the warning on his Instagram account on Monday (3 April), writing: “I’ve just been told someone has reactivated my Twitter account. I’m now locked out of it.

“My worry is that whoever has access may try sending DMs asking for money or donations. Please spread the word that it is Not me even though it still has a blue tick.”

Norton has 1.4 million followers on Twitter. His bio reads “Chatting slowly towards the grave. White wine please!” but he has no profile picture.

In October, there was speculation that Norton came off Twitter after a clip of him talking about “cancel culture” and Jk Rowling went viral.

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A post shared by graham norton (@grahnort)

The TV presenter was...

Graham Norton has deleted his Twitter account days after a clip of him talking about “cancel culture” and Jk Rowling went viral.

The TV presenter was speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival on Tuesday (11 October), when he said that he felt the word “cancellation” should be replaced with “accountability’.

“You read a lot of articles in papers by people complaining about cancel culture and you think, ‘In what world are you cancelled?’” he said. “I’m reading your article in a newspaper, or you’re doing interviews about how terrible it is to be cancelled? I think the word is the wrong word. I think the word should be ‘accountability’.”

Host Mariella Frostrup then asked Norton about how his comments applied to Rowling, whom she said had been hit with “anger, rage and attempts at censorship” for her views on transgender people.

Norton replied that he felt his voice on...

Graham Norton’s comments about cancel culture got people talking on social media this week.

The talk show host was asked about his thoughts on celebrities being “cancelled” during an interview at the Cheltenham Literature Festival with Mariella Frostrup.

“The word is the wrong word,” he insisted. “I think the word should be accountability,” after questioning how someone could be “cancelled” when he’s reading about them still in a newspaper.

Norton referenced John Cleese constantly taking a swipe at cancel culture.

Read More: J.K. Rowling Insists Her New Book Is Not Based On Her Despite It Being About A Character Being Criticized For Having Transphobic Views

He went on, “It must be very hard to be a man of a certain age, who’s been allowed to say what he wants for years, and now suddenly there’s some accountability. It’s free speech, but it’s not consequence-free.

Click here to read the full article.

Graham Norton sparked a mild Twitter eruption this week when he discussed the matter of cancel culture and transgender issues.

In a video from an interview with the TV host at the Cheltenham Literature Festival that was posted online Wednesday, Norton said it felt absurd that many of those who complained about being “canceled” were then able to talk about their cancellation in newspapers and in interviews.

“The word is the wrong word,” he said. “I think the word should be accountability.”

"In what world are you cancelled? I think the word is the wrong word. I think the word should be accountability."

Graham Norton criticises John Cleese and tells #TimesRadio that cancel culture isn't real.@mariellaf1 pic.twitter.com/mErngPl2kJ

— Times Radio (@TimesRadio) October 12, 2022

Norton used John Cleese, who has become an ardent campaigner against cancel culture (and is set to...

Leading broadcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover are joining Times Radio in an exclusive deal.

The award-winning journalists will present a new live daily afternoon show together on Times Radio, joining a schedule which includes Aasmah Mir, Stig Abell, Matt Chorley, Mariella Frostrup, John Pienaar, Ruth Davidson and Cathy Newman.

Jane and Fi will also be launching a new regular podcast together.

The pair are two of Britain’s most admired broadcasters, having spent their careers at the BBC, and together have hosted the hit BBC podcast Fortunately since 2017 - but this is the first time they will broadcast a live news programme together.

Jane Garvey co-presented first Breakfast and then Drive on BBC Radio 5 Live, and was the first voice when the station launched in 1994, before moving to BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, which she presented from 2007 to 2020.

Fi Glover hosted the late-night programme on BBC Radio 5 Live...

Exclusive: Here’s a positive news story in challenging times. Filming is underway on a charitable, filmed-from-home pilot starring Brian Cox (Succession), Claes Bang (The Square) and journalist-presenter Mariella Frostrup, among others.

UK producer Maggie Monteith (Swimming With Men) has enlisted an all-female, transatlantic team of writer-directors for whodunnit The Agoraphobics Detective Society, whose proceeds will go to UK and U.S. film and TV freelancers impacted by coronavirus.

More from DeadlineAmazing Stories, Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet Give Apple TV+ A Boost - StudyIHeartMedia Targets $250M In 2020 Cost Savings With Furloughs, Pay CutsRita Wilson Talks About Her Coronavirus Experience, 'Hip Hop Hooray' Remix In 'CBS This Morning' Interview

The pilot for the eight-episode show will see a distraught group of patients band together to find a renowned expert psychiatrist who disappears without explanation.

Also among actors filming their parts digitally from home during the lockdown are Ian Harvie...

All four members from the fictional band The Wonders from the 1996 movie That Thing You Do! will reunite for a livestream on Friday to help raise money for a Covid-19 relief fund and to pay tribute to Adam Schlesinger, who wrote the title song.

Tom Everett Scott, who played drummer Guy Patterson; Johnathon Schaech, who played lead singer Jimmy; Steve Zahn, who played guitarist Lenny; and Ethan Embry, who played bass player T.B. Player, will participate in the event, which will be streamed here. They will raise money for the MusiCares Covid-19 Relief Fund.

More from DeadlineQuentin Tarantino Digs Into Personal Archive To Share 1982 John Milius Interview: Duck Hunting With Spielberg, 'Apocalypse Now' Inspiration & Paul SchraderHit French Series 'The Bureau' Sells To North America; Bollywood Star Donates 25,000 Ppe kits - Global Briefs'The Agoraphobics Detective Society': Brian Cox, Claes Bang & Mariella Frostrup Among Cast For Filmed-At-Home...

The show will be held at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sunday Feb 10 and broadcast on BBC One.

Joanna Lumley will host the 2019 Ee British Academy Film Awards for the second time, it has been announced today (Jan 2).

The show will be held at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sunday February 10 and broadcast on BBC One.

In 2018 Lumley was the first female host since Mariella Frostrup co-presented with Stephen Fry in 2001.

The actress, activist and former model won two Bafta TV awards for Absolutely Fabulous and received the Bafta Fellowship award in 2017.

Bafta also announced that Cirque de...

Lord of the Rings’ Andy Serkis and Veep creator Armando Iannucci and director Chris Addison are among the hundreds of thousands of protestors at an anti-Brexit march in London today.

The pair have been joined by the likes of Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden and TV chef Delia Chef at the event in the British capital, with a series of speeches being compered by Richard Bacon, host of Nat Geo’s Explorer, and Mariella Frostrup.

The police have not released official figures, but estimates range from around 250,000 to 500,000, the latter being put out by organizers the People’s Vote campaign.

The protest, which include a number of politicians from both the Labour and Conservative parties, is designed to call for a second referendum following Britain’s decision to leave the European Union. The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29 2019 following the vote in June 2016.

Serkis, who...

More than 200 of the BBC's most influential on- and off-air talent have called for full pay transparency at the British public broadcaster to end the corporation's current Hr woes. Stars such as Mariella Frostrup, Naga Munchetty and Shaun Keaveny have written to BBC Director General Tony Hall to encourage him to reveal exactly what all staff earn and how pay is decided. The TV and radio hosts, as well as producers and reporters, said that this would be the "fastest…...

Bafta CEO Amanda Berry talks to Screen about new host.

Source: BBC

Joanna Lumley

Bafta CEO Amanda Berry has said that Joanna Lumley’s acceptance speech for her Bafta TV Fellowship in May 2017 went a long way to convincing the organisation’s hierarchy that she would be a fitting successor to Stephen Fry who hosted the ceremony for 12 years.

“The list of people who could host an awards ceremony is very short,” Berry told Screen.

“It is not an easy job. You need to get the tone absolutely right. You need to be able to guide the audience seamlessly through proceedings while keeping the attention on the nominees. We were all taken aback by Joanna’s brilliant speech when she received the Bafta TV Fellowship last year. She was so charming and mesmerising. When we talked about candidates she was on the list from early on. It wasn’t a difficult decision. We didn’t have...

Previous host Stephen Fry fronted the ceremony 12 times.

Source: BBC

Joanna Lumley

Joanna Lumley has named as the new host of the Bafta Film Awards.

She will be the first female host since Mariella Frostrup co-presented with Stephen Fry in 2001.

“Honestly, how exciting is this?” she said. “It’s just so unbelievably thrilling. Who thought I’d turn into Stephen Fry?

“I want to thank Bafta so much for asking me to do this. I said yes indecently quickly.”

Lumley is an actress, activist and former model, and has won two Bafta TV awards for Absolutely Fabulous. In 2017, she received the Bafta Fellowship award.

Her film roles include Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, James And The Giant Peach and The Wolf of Wall Street.

She is taking over from Stephen Fry, who has stepped down after fronting the ceremony 12 times.

Fry said it was “only right to stand down and let others...

Author: Competitions

On 9th February, Power of Film and Moving Image, a global platform and series of thought-proving discussions, exploring how the power of film and moving image can change the world, will be taking place at the Royal Institute. To celebrate, we have a pair of tickets to give away to 1 winner.

John Gordon (founder of Intelligence Squared, how to: Academy) and Finch & Partners Corporate Creative, the global strategic brand and content agency, are delighted to announce the launch of an international incentive Power Of Film And Moving Image. Designed as a global incentive to enact positive change, Power Of Film And Moving Image will be an annual cultural happening and digital platform to see, expose and explore the ever-growing power and influence of film and moving image to define the modern world and the way we think. Through a series of thought provoking discussions the project will identify...

Simon Brew Nov 2, 2016

Film 2016 returns tonight with a new guest presenter approach. Full details lie within...

Tonight marks the return to our screens of the BBC’s one-time flagship film programme, Film 2016. And following the announcement at the end of the summer that Claudia Winkleman was standing down as co-host of the show, the BBC has finally announced her replacement.

Or replacements.

For the BBC has opted to go with a rotation of guest presenters for the new series, who in turn will accompany the returning resident critic Danny Leigh. There’s precedence for this in film programmes, I should note. Following the death of Gene Siskel, the late Roger Ebert continued to present a television film review programme with guest presenters for a while after. And that was deemed quite successful, if not quite - inevitably - up to majesty of seeing the original duo together.

The...

Where in the world has Renee Zellweger been? For the last six years, she's been taking a break from acting and happy travelling and nesting with her musician boyfriend. "The past few years have been fun," Zellweger tells the U.K.'s Vogue magazine in its July issue. The actress, who returns to the big screen with her fan-loved character in September's Bridget Jones's Baby, says she happily fell off the grid: "I travelled in Asia with a friend, taking a train through Vietnam and walking across the border to Cambodia." But it wasn't all five-star hotels and luxury pampering...

Sex Box will be returning, as Channel 4 has commissioned a new series of the show.

Presented by sexologist Goedele Liekens, the new three-part run aims to shed light on Britain's sex lives and encourage couples to talk more openly on the subject.

Each episode will see real couples enter a private box to have sex and try something new, hoping to spice up their sex life.

They will afterwards talk about what happened with Liekens in front of a studio audience.

"It's great news that a new Sex Box is coming to Channel 4," Liekens said. "I'm looking forward to meeting more couples and getting an insight into their relationships through honest and open conversations about what goes on between the sheets.

"I can't wait to spice up Britain's love lives."

Molly Milton, co-director of production company ClearStory, added: "As well as delivering plenty of surprises and revealing the reality of Britain's sex lives,...

How to Change the World, a documentary that charts the birth of the modern environmental movement, explores how Greenpeace developed from a small group of idealistic environmentalists into a sophisticated protest movement known for their use of 'mindbombs' (images – such as a dinghy blocking the path of whaling ship – that today we'd call 'viral'). The live premiere with satellite Q&A hosted by Mariella Frostrup and special guests, including Vivienne Westwood, will be broadcast to cinemas across the UK on 9 September. The film's in UK cinemas from 11 September. Continue reading...

A Us version of the controversial UK show Sex Box has been ordered for a full series.

We tv has commissioned a nine-episode series of the therapy-based series, which involves couples having sex in a soundproof, camera-free box.

After having sex, the couples then come out of the box to discuss their experience and issues with a panel of experts.

Channel 4's Sex Box - hosted by Mariella Frostrup - aired on UK television in late 2013.

"Sex Box is one of the most unique and compelling show concepts we've ever seen, and we can't wait to bring it to We tv," said network president Marc Juris.

"Our featured couples will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience, while our viewers will get the kind of bold, break-through-the-clutter programming they increasingly associate with We tv."

Sex Box is expected to premiere in the Us in early 2015.

Watch a promo for the original Sex...

Len Goodman learns more about brutal Victorian prison punishments in Secrets from the Clink.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge finds out what his violent ancestor Henry would have had to deal with while serving time in the prison system.

In the first of two episodes, Goodman discovers that his great great grandfather was assaulted and threatened by his son, Henry, who threatened to kill him with a pickaxe and also assaulted his mother.

Goodman learns about the isolation Victorian prisoners had to endure, working alone in their cells and wearing special masks to cover their faces so they couldn't see each other.

After first thinking Henry "got his just desserts", Goodman changed his mind when being told about the punishments he would have had to carry out.

He said: "It makes me feel so sad for him. We all lose our temper, and what he did was terrible, but we...

Channel 4's Sex Box is to be adapted for the Us by cable channel We tv.

The channel has ordered an hour-long pilot based on the UK series, Deadline reports.

Sex Box sees real couples enter a soundproof box, have sex off-screen, then emerge to discuss their activities and proclivities.

Marc Juris, We president, said: "Sex Box is an intriguing and original concept... and we're very excited about its potential, which has already been clearly demonstrated overseas - where it's a hit."

Channel 4's Sex Box - hosted by Mariella Frostrup - aired on UK television in late 2013. Production partner Relativity TV acquired the Us rights to the format in January.

Sex Box on Channel 4: Was it anything more than a cheap TV stunt?

Watch a promo for the original Sex Box below:...

Sex Box will be remade for Us audiences.

Us rights to the format for the one-off Channel 4 factual show - which saw three couples each entering a large box to have sex, then candidly discussing their experiences in front of a studio audience - have been bought by Relativity Media, reports Broadcast.

Sex Box on Channel 4: Was it anything more than a cheap TV stunt?

Relativity, which makes shows including MTV documentary Catfish, is in final talks with Us cable networks, and a broadcast partner is expected to be confirmed next week at the Realscreen Summit in Washington DC.

Sex Box aired to an overnight audience of 906,000 in October 2013, posting a consolidated average audience of 1.2m.

The programme also attracted considerable attention on social media when it was broadcast.

Sex Box, which was hosted by Mariella Frostrup and produced for Channel 4 by Clearstory, aired as part...

Decadence, violence, love and space – Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw shares his fantasy award nomination list for 2013

• The 2012 Braddies

Awards season is now upon us and here, as every year, is my personal fantasy award nomination list for 2013, whimsically called the Braddies, which covers the period running from the beginning of the calendar year to the present. There are 10 nominations in eight categories: film, director, actor, actress, supporting actor, supporting actress, screenplay and documentary.

The reader is invited to nominate the winner in the comments section below, and perhaps to note omissions and evidence that the list betrays suggestions of sociocultural bias.

I like to think that these awards will one day evolve into an actual ceremony with chrome-and-glass statuettes, sponsorship from Sky Atlantic and a televised evening presided over by Dara Ó Briain or Mariella Frostrup. But until then, it exists in a world of fantasy only. And so,...

We've had Drugs: Live (people talking about drugs and being very boring) and Bedtime: Live (people talking about their sleeping habits and being very boring), so it was only a matter of time before Channel 4 made the logical step and brought us a Daily Mail-baiting sex series.

Sex Box is a ridiculous Brass Eye-esque concept. Shoving a happy couple in a box in a studio, asking them to get down to it and then having them discuss what they got up to with three smug 'sexperts'. The only purpose the show serves is creating an eye-catching, ratings-grabbing Epg show title (Date My Porn Star and Virgins - coming soon to C4).

Channel 4 can bang on all they like about this show being a serious examination of modern sexuality and they can bring in Mariella Frostrup as a host (oh Mariella!), but this show served no real purpose...

Sex Box. A one-hour special with real-life couples having sex in a television studio and then undertaking an 'honest' discussion about it in front of a studio audience. Channel 4's latest show certainly isn't your standard Monday evening viewing.

Aired as part of C4's Campaign For Real Sex season, the show set out to "reclaim sex from porn" by exploring people's expectations of intercourse.

The reaction has been varied on Twitter, with some in favour of the social and sexual experiment but others thinking it is one 'sex show' too far.

However, many saw the comical side of things and Digital Spy rounds up a selection of the funniest online reactions below...

Hope this is structured like Great British Bake Off - Technical, Showstopper, Filo etc.

— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) October 7, 2013

Noel Edmonds should host #sexbox 'Are you ready for the question about what happened in there? Seal The...

The Newsroom: 9pm, Sky Atlantic

Don continues urging the team to consider the consequences of going public with the Operation Genoa story, while Will is still worrying about his public image and decides to appear on a breakfast TV show in an attempt to remedy it.

Sex Box: 10pm, Channel 4

The show that's got everybody talking, Sex Box - part of Channel 4's 'Campaign for Real Sex' season - sees three couples having sex inside a large box in a TV studio, before talking openly about their experiences with agony aunt Mariella Frostrup, a panel of experts and the studio audience.

Never Mind The Buzzcocks: 10pm, BBC Two

Peter Andre takes on hosting duties for Never Mind The Buzzcocks this week. Team captains Noel Fielding and Phill Jupitus are joined by reality TV show judge Jason Gardiner, Scissor Sisters' Ana Matronic, White Lies bassist Charles Cave and comedian Tony Law.

Sex, time travel and Nicole Scherzinger - have you ever heard of such a glorious combination? Compose yourself people, because that's what's coming your way on the telly this week, as we reveal in our shortlist of Must-See TV.

Make sure you check out Digital Spy's new daily rundowns too for a quick guide on what to watch in the next 24 hours...

Masters of Sex: Tuesday (October 8) at 9pm on Channel 4

Channel 4 have gone sex mad this week, the saucy devils, as not only are they having Mariella Frostrup urge couples to have sex in a box for...erm...Sex Box (Monday, October 7 at 10pm), but they've also unleashed this fun drama with an 'Ooh, er' premise.

Masters of Sex stars Michael Sheen as Dr William Masters, a curious fellow who along with his loyal and lovely assistant Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) sets out to revolutionise the...

Mariella Frostrup will host a new Channel 4 show called Sex Box, which will feature three real couples having sex and discussing it in a TV studio.

The one-hour special, which is part of Channel 4's Campaign For Real Sex season, intends to "reclaim sex from porn" by exploring people's expectations of intercourse.

The couples' sex sessions inside 'The Sex Box' will be hidden from viewers and the studio audience, but they will be expected to candidly discuss their activities.

Frostrup will be joined by a panel of experts - psychotherapist, broadcaster and author Phillip Hodson, sex, body language and relationship expert Tracey Cox, and sex columnist Dan Savage - to talk to the couples about their sex lives.

"Ten years as The Observer's agony aunt has given me plenty of insight into what an important role sex plays in our lives, but also how difficult we find it...

Wellington, Sep 24: A new television show is all set to feature couples having sex in a sound-proof, opaque box in a studio, complete with an audience.

In the show, 'sex box', intended to 'reclaim sex from pornography', the couples will be quizzed on their sex lives by a panel of experts after they emerge from the box, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Host Mariella Frostrup, 50, told a UK publication that she hoped the show would spark a "mature, intelligent discussion about sex in Britain today".

She said that the sex we see on screen, in magazines and increasingly online bears little relation to the real experiences of real people, but this will be a frank conversation about an essential element in all our lives.

The.

It's nominations time again. Our experts give their verdicts on the list, the likely victors, the nominees who should win but won't – and the fantastic films that were ignored entirely

Best Picture

Nominated: Beasts of the Southern Wild; Zero Dark Thirty; Amour; Argo; Life of Pi; Les Misérables; Lincoln; Silver Linings Playbook; Django Unchained

Philip French, Observer film critic

Will win: Lincoln

Should win: Lincoln

This is one of the best ever Oscar lineups, films of every kind from a California-bred spaghetti western to a British musical of a French novel, from death quietly contemplated in a Parisian flat to a killing violently perpetrated in a Pakistani compound. Lincoln, the film I most admire and expect to win, is a work of dignity and seriousness that speaks to Obama's America and the world at large about the great issues of democracy and human rights, how they were fought for by...

William Boyd's thriller about a woman who was a former spy explores the effect of secrets on relationships

After her, by now traditional, pantomime dame performance as Lady Mary in the Downton Abbey Christmas special, Michelle Dockery was back two days later as Charlotte Rampling's daughter in another period drama, one that flitted between the 1970s and the second world war. Restless (BBC1), William Boyd's adaptation of his own 2006 novel, was everything Downton isn't: well-acted, well-written, well-paced and well-filmed. And no less enjoyable for it, unless you missed Downton's comedy value. Mind you, I'd be happy to watch Charlotte Rampling reading a gearbox repair manual.

Boyd has written everything from brilliantly funny comic novels to very hit-and-miss serious fiction. But it is as the author of upmarket thrillers – a genre often looked down on by the literati – that he has really come into his own and received...

The channels' director is proud about offering audiences something he believes they can't get anywhere else

James Hunt is thinking about Jon Hamm. In the bath. With Daniel Radcliffe. The Sky Arts channel director's interest is entirely professional, looking ahead to his adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov's A Young Doctor's Notebook, in which the two men will star.

"For Sky Arts to attract Don Draper and Harry Potter in the same production, in the same bath even, it's a dream come true," says Hunt. "It shows not only the ambition of the channel, but the ambition Sky has in trying to attract the world's top talent."

Radcliffe and Hamm play the same doctor at different stages of his life in the four-part series, which begins on 6 December. The drama has been described by the Mad Men star as mixing "madness and the macabre", and it stands every chance of delivering Sky Arts' biggest-ever audience.

Has the Academy chosen wisely? What about the glaring omissions? And who will win? Our panel of experts review the shortlist – and dare to give some predictions

Flattery will get you everywhere in Hollywood. So it is that the films leading the nominations haul for this year's Oscars – to be presented on Sunday 26 February – are both love letters to movie making.

Martin Scorsese's Hugo is, essentially, about the need to preserve film history, couched in a kids' adventure that pays homage to George Méliès, the early effects pioneer. Michel Hazanavicius's The Artist is a paean to old Hollywood itself, to the silver screen, to studio moguls and to old-school Beverly Hills glamour. Academy voters in their retirement homes must be lapping it up – art telling old artists their art was important, and still is.

After a few years wringing its hands over Iraq, in documentary and feature form,...

From Piers Morgan to Polly Toynbee, Jemima Khan to Jarvis Cocker – David Cameron takes questions from public figures who want answers

Hear what the Pm has to say in our audio interactive

David Mitchell, comedian

Do you wish you were less posh?

"[Laughs] No. You can't change who you are. For a long time I thought my full name was 'The Old Etonian David Cameron'. I had parents who gave me a wonderful start in life, who sacrificed a lot to give me a great education. So I don't ever want to change – I don't want to drop my accent or change my vowels. I am who I am."

Piers Morgan, TV presenter

If you could relive one moment in your life, excluding births of children and marriage, what would it be?

"God, that's a really good question. Piers, why don't you ever ask really good questions like that normally? I...

The Venice film festival comes to a close having showcased a fine selection of new British drama. Meanwhile Toronto makes its pitch with a big hitter: Brad Pitt baseball drama, Moneyball

The big story

As the Venice film festival staggers to its close, the baton has been handed over to Toronto – so it's say hello to Catherine Shoard, and wave goodbye to Xan Brooks. Catherine is our reporter on the... what, exactly? Toronto doesn't have a Croisette, or a Lido – but it does have a venue called the Lightbox, which sounds pretty good. So, Catherine is our reporter in the Lightbox, and you can watch her first video report from the 36th Tiff here; she'll also be delivering a stream of reviews and news and interviews over the next week, starting with a review of Brad Pitt baseball mittfest Moneyball, which will be on guardian.co.uk/film at around 10pm BST.

There are quite a few sore heads at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International TV Festival this morning, so what better way to dust off the cobwebs and kick out the hangovers than an hour with Miranda Hart. The BBC comedy icon is giving a masterclass this morning with a helping hand from journalist and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup. Digital Spy will bring you all the news and gossip - and live updates on any stage mishaps or accidents - from the session. 9.29: Miranda is in her seat and she hasn't fallen over yet. This is a good start. 9.30: The music in the conference room is 'Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves'. I'm having a good bop along at the back of the hall. 9.34: We're running nearly five minutes late, but Miranda still hasn't made a boo-boo. Not even an accidental fart. Very disappointing. 9.37: Miranda Hart (more)...

Colin Firth and Hugh Grant helped to raise $88,000 (£55,000) for charity by bumping up bids at an auction for an appearance in the next Bridget Jones movie.

The two actors' characters battle it out for the affections of Jones, played by Renee Zellweger, in the hit movies, and they put their rivalry to good use at a fundraiser in London on Friday.

One lot in the auction was for a walk-on part in the third movie, and Grant put in an opening bid of $16,000 (£10,000).

Firth then pledged even more to rival the Notting Hill actor before an unnamed bidder won the lot for $88,000, according to Britain's Daily Star.

The cash will go towards broadcaster Mariella Frostrup's Gender Rights and Equality Action Trust (Great) initiative, which aims to create greater gender equality in developing countries.

Paul Merton has dismissed claims that Have I Got News For You is sexist. Broadcaster Mariella Frostrup has previously suggested that the show demeans female guests and described Merton and his colleague Ian Hislop as "testosterone-driven". However, Merton denied the allegations in an interview with the Radio Times. "Do you think that really applies?" he said. "I think [Frostrup] was put out because they stopped asking her to be on the show because the second time she was on, she wasn't very good." Merton added that he actually prefers there to be two women on the programme, but explained that his producer says that (more)...

Dawn French has been voted Britain's wittiest, most admirable woman and the person we would most like to go on a picnic with. With the release of her novel we get a glimpse of her more serious side as she joins Mariella Frostrup in The Book Show studio. The novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous, follows the Battle family, whose members, despite living under the same roof, lead very separate lives.

Yasmin Le Bon attending Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards at One Mayfair in London.Photo copyright by Landmark / PR Photos. Mariella Frostrup attending Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards at One Mayfair in London.Photo copyright by Landmark / PR Photos. Natalie Massenet attending Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards at One Mayfair in London.Photo copyright by Landmark / PR Photos. Natalia Vodianova attending Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards at One Mayfair in London.Photo copyright by Landmark / PR Photos. Natalia Vodianova attending Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards at One Mayfair in London.Photo copyright by Landmark / PR Photos. 11/01/2010 - Zaha Hadid - Harper's Bazaar Women of...

British charity Bottletop held its second annual fundraiser in London last week, attracting stars such as Colin Firth, Mariella Frostrup and Tim Vincent.

Featuring a performance by Beverley Knight, the event included a massive auction of contemporary art and raised over £125,000 for the charity.

Bottletop is a UK charity which funds projects that empower young people to make informed choices and protect themselves form sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancies. It raises funds and awareness through its own fashion and music range and trains poor communities to make products which are sold across the world generating employment and raising funds for their education programs. One of these fundraising initiatives is a beautiful ring pull bag crafted by 24 people in Salvador. Each bag is handmade by linking hundreds of recycled ring pulls together in a crochet formation.

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School's out, so let our guest experts help you make the most of the British summer. Here's what to watch, what to listen to, what to read, how to picnic to perfection, and how to find the best beaches

How to spot a good beach by Hugh Graham

The editor of Time Out's Seaside Guide suggests 10 ways to know you've found the perfect beach:

1) Crashing waves

The appropriately named Hell's Mouth in north Wales puts on quite a show, as do Freshwater West (Pembrokeshire) and Sennen Cove (Cornwall).

2) Great views

The views above Rhossili Bay, a sublime Welsh strand on the Gower, rival the world's great coastal vistas.

3) Caribbean feel

In the sunshine, the turquoise seas and talcum-powder sand at Luskentyre, on the Hebridean island of Harris, are almost Bahamian.

4) Crag action

I love a bit of cragginess. Bedruthan Steps in north Cornwall takes rugged good looks to extremes.

5) Sand...

Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha attended, as did rival Labour politicians Ed and David Milliband (they’re brothers and both competing to lead the Party). Peter Rice, head of Fox Broadcasting, was there, as was son-in-law Matthew Freud and daughter Elizabeth. Not many celebrities apart from comedian James Corden and TV presenters Jeremy Clarkson and Mariella Frostrup. This year’s event was held in the Orangery at Kensington Palace, Princess Diana’s old home.

London -- The BBC is facing yet more accusations of age and sex discrimination after yet another of its onscreen women has been axed.

Former "Countryfile" presenter and veteran BBC staffer of 25 years Miriam O'Reilly is suing the pubcaster for age and sex discrimination.

She was made redundant from the BBC1 rural nature program last year as part of a revamp that saw three 50-plus women replaced when the show moved into an early-evening slot.

O'Reilly's departure was just one of a string of high-profile departures of older onscreen women at the same time that the BBC has maintained men in comparable onscreen roles well beyond their 50s and 60s.

Last year's ousting of dance coach Arlene Phillips from "Strictly Come Dancing" in favor of the much younger Alesha Dixon caused uproar, as did the axing of some of television's highest-profile presenters, including newscaster Anna Ford.

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So, I finally got around to seeing The Last Station. The Last Station is a film about the Russian writer, intellectual and vegetarian, Leo Tolstoy; or Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy to his gran. Tolstoy wrote War and Peace, a gargantuan doorstop of a book of such epic scope and ambition that it has become a byword for highbrow literary endeavour. And showing off to virginal girls in glasses. If you read it your cranium will actually start to swell until you look like John Hurt in the Elephant Man. Which is ironic because even the Elephant Man’s mother found him hard to love, let alone virginal girls in glasses. Today Tolstoy is spoken of in the same revered tones as other literary behemoths such as, Dostoyevsky, Nabokov, Melville, Joyce and Andy McNab. Everyone claims to have read War and Peace in an attempt to appear learned and wise. These...