This year’s Lux Style Awards were more than just a ceremony celebrating the best of the entertainment industry. We got two sweet surprises that definitely became the highlights of the event.
Actress Sarwat Gilani showed everyone how to leave a mark even when you’re not nominated, by announcing her pregnancy in a picture with the rest of the ‘Joyland’ cast.
“Couldn’t think of a better picture to announce our new arrival! Celebrating together the biggest joy of now and the future.”
Celebrities were as moved by the announcement as social media users, congratulating the actress on her impending bundle of joy.
Mira Sethi and Frieha Altaf sent their congratulations to the actress.
Sarwat was not the only celebrity to share her pregnancy announcement, however. Actress Urwa Hocane moved social media to tears when she shared a picture of herself and husband Farhan Saeed along with her visible baby bump, announcing that they were set to become parents for the first time.
It has been months, but yet the impact that Pakistani writer and director Saim Sadiq managed to create with his debut film ‘Joyland’ is still a joy to witness, especially how Indian audiences are praising the filmmaker and the cast for how they tackled a sensitive topic in a beautiful way.
Indian director Nikkhil Advani attended a screening of the film where there was an interactive session with Sadiq, and along with the rest of the cast. Sharing pictures from the full house event, he praised the film as well as Sadiq for his grip on the story and incredible talent as a director:
“We closed the season of Cinema House at G5A foundation with the incredible Joyland. Saim’s control of the writing and the craft is masterful. What bold choices he has made in every department need to be first applauded and then studied.”
He also praised the acting skills of Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Raasti Farooq:
“Rasti, Alina, and Ali – my god, what performances. We all just sat for a few minutes in stunned silence. Apoorva Charan – more power to you and I know whatever you choose to do in the future is going to be so so special. Thank you.”
The director shared another picture of the completely occupied house, as well as the interactive session held with the cast members
Sadiq, who has been signed with talent agency CAA, had spoken to The Guardian about the inspiration behind his film, when in 2016, he took a semester off from Colombia University where he was completing his Masters, to go back to Lahore and visit theatres. Sadiq recounted how he spent four months visiting exotic theatres, talking to dancers:
“Pakistan has become a bit schizophrenic, it’s a bit bipolar,” revealed Sadiq. “People pray and then they do a lot of things that they’re not supposed to do. There are these weird sort of outlets that people have found to be able to express themselves.”
Speaking on the ban, which was initiated by the Punjab government in 2022, Sadiq said:
“It’s mostly people trying to avoid discomfort that stems from the idea that people have sex. We spend our lives trying to hide our desires and the fact that other people have desires around us.”
British newspaper Guardian released an article on some of the best films of 2023 so far, ranging from horror to thrillers and animated comedy films like ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”.
On the 15th place is Pakistani writer and director Saim Sadiq’s debut film ‘Joyland’ which starred Ali Juenjo and transgender model Alina Khan.
Discussion the significance of the film, the article described it as “a movie about people who find their inner lives and sense of themselves don’t match up to what is expected of them. Their feeling of wrongness is part of what they have to suppress, from day to day.”
The film, which was banned in Punjab last year just 24 hours after it got a certificate of approval from CBFC, had aired in India in March, receiving positive remarks from watchers who described their experience as ‘magical’:
One user wrote:
“Still can’t get over the experience of watching Joyland on big screen. I’ve never seen the crowd get this hyped, laugh and cry together for a movie before, magical experience.”
still can’t get over the experience of watching Joyland on big screen. I’ve never seen the crowd get this hyped, laugh and cry together for a movie before, magical experience pic.twitter.com/rEnltdZca1
“Joyland is fantastic, heartbreaking and beautifully made – the experience of watching it amongst an engaged enthusiastic audience last night at the Habitat center film festival was exhilarating. Also what about this poster by Salman toor!”
Joyland is fantastic, heartbreaking and beautifully made – the experience of watching it amongst an engaged enthusiastic audience last night at the Habitat center film festival was exhilarating. Also what about this poster by Salman toor! pic.twitter.com/l2lCRz7o7L
Last night’s screening of Joyland in Delhi was magical. People waiting in lines for a Pakistani film that so lyrically talks about patriarchy and the loneliness it breeds. People sitting on floors in awe, clapping and crying in unison. Through grief and borders, art finds a way. pic.twitter.com/pLfTuLOHnO
Social activist and film producer Malala sat down with Joyland screenwriter and director Saim Sadiq for an interview on Sky News, where she spoke about the reason that prompted her to become a producer for the film. The Nobel Prize winner revealed that storytelling was an important part of activism: “In my next phase of activism, I have to look at other means of storytelling as well. Activism needs to go beyond just working with an NGO. We need to find other ways in which we challenge the social norms that deny women their basic rights.”
Yosafzai also reflected on why it was important that the main character of the film, Biba, was played by the trans actress Alina Khan, so that the story could accurately reflect the plights of the trans community.
“The screen helps us to connect with people and really helps us to be more tolerant with others. I was so grateful that Saim made sure that the trans role is played by a trans woman. This was critical. Everyone’s story is important and it deserves to be told by them. And a trans person should be given the rights that everyone else is given,” she said.
The Nobel laureate said that it was unfortunate that we don’t want people to talk about issues and don’t want these stories to make it to the screen. “I hope we can challenge that,” she stated.
The ban on ‘Joyland’ came up in the discussion when director Saim Sadiq reflected back on how the film ‘‘turned out to be a big act of resistance.” “I realised when the film was being released, that there are a lot of people who are very uncomfortable with just the existence of this film,” he said.
“Banning the film is perhaps the fastest way to make activism work and to get everybody to talk about the issues we want them to talk about.”
Pakistani singer Farasat Anees took to Instagram to call out Bollywood production company T-series for plagiarising his song ‘Biba’ for the soundtrack of an upcoming movie. The song ‘Biba’ was originally written for the Pakistani Oscar-shortlisted film ‘Joyland’. Anees also spoke to the Indian magazine The Print, where he revealed that the music corporation had not reached out to him for using his song: A billion-dollar company like T-Series should be professional in its approach. They (the music directors) could have at least reached out to me or perhaps mailed me once before putting out the song. There was no communication from their end. Perhaps there could have been a counter-quote, and we could have made something together.” Anees also said that he felt weird when he heard T-series’ ‘Biba’ and said the organization is known for plagiarising Pakistani songs: “This is not the first time they have done something like this. They’ve earlier done this with Abrar’s song. If nothing else, this only motivates me that such a big label has copied my song and that makes me want to do better work further,” he said. In his post, Anees shared clips of both songs to point out their similarity, and called the organization a ‘disgrace’.
“What a disgrace @tseries.official stealing out work because it has been trending in the world.
Me & my brothers @toshaayy@slicktrickk worked day & night to bring this song where it is. PLEASE HAVE SOME SHAME & stop ruining every good song from
The love & respect indians showed to our version of Biba was massive. We will always be greatful for that. Also Supporting us on the comment section of this cheap copy of BIBA. Will always be thankful to listeners across the border! ♥️
Even if you wanted to reproduce the song, you should have done with original stuff. Clearly stole chords, intro, arrangements of our version. CLEAR THEFT!
Really hoping someone responsible take action from @tseries.official & I request all of our fans, friends & family to share this.”
Pakistani film Joyland failed to bag its first Oscar nomination in the International Feature Film Category. Joyland, which became Pakistan’s first ever film to have been shortlisted for the Academy Awards, didn’t get a nomination.
Hollywood’s Multiverse sci-fi smash Everything Everywhere All At Once on Tuesday topped the Oscar nominations with 11, as Hollywood formally kicked off the race to the Academy Awards on March 12.
Irish dark comedy The Banshees of Inisherin and World War I film All Quiet on the Western Front tied for second place with nine nominations, followed by rock biopic Elvis at eight and Steven Spielberg’s quasi-memoir The Fabelmans at seven.
The nominations were announced by British Pakistani Oscar-winning actor, Riz Ahmed and Hollywood star Allison Williams. Saim Sadiq’s directorial became the first Pakistani film to have been shortlisted for Oscars. India grabs one nomination in the Original Song category for RRR‘s Naatu Naatu.
Here’s the complete list of Oscar nominations:
Best Picture
All Quiet on the Western Front Avatar: The Way of Water The Banshees of Inisherin Elvis Everything Everywhere All at Once The Fabelmans Tar Top Gun: Maverick Triangle of Sadness Women Talking
Actor in a Leading Role
Austin Butler Colin Farrell Brendan Fraser Paul Mescal Bill Nye
Actress in a Leading Role
Cate Blanchett Ana de Armas Andrea Riseborough Michelle Williams Michelle Yeoh
Directing
Martin McDonagh Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert Steven Spielberg Todd Field Ruben Ostlund
Actor in a Supporting Role
Brendan Gleeson Brian Tyree Henry Judd Hirsch Barry Keoghan Ke Huy Quan
Actress in a Supporting Role
Angela Bassett Hong Chau Kerry Condon Jamie Lee Curtis Stephanie Hsu
Animated Feature Film
Pinocchio Marcel Puss In Boots
Documentary Feature Film
All That Breathes All The Beauty and the Bloodshed Fire of Love A House Made of Splinters Navalny
International Feature Film
All Quiet on the Western Front Argentina Close EO The Quiet One
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
All Quiet on the Western Front Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Living Top Gun: Maverick Women Talking
Writing (Original Screenplay)
The Banshees of Inisherin Everything Everywhere All at Once The Fabelmans Tar Triangle of Sadness
Cinematography
All Quiet on the Western Front Bardo Elvis Empire of Light Tar
Film Editing
The Banshees of Inisherin Elvis Everything Everywhere All at Once Tar Top Gun: Maverick
Best Original Song
Applause from Tell It Like a Woman Hold My Hand from Top Gun: Maverick Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Naatu Naatu from RRR This Is a Life from Everything Everywhere All at Once
Music (Original Score)
All Quiet on the Western Front Babylon The Banshees of Inisherin Everything Everywhere All at Once The Fabelmans
Production Design
All Quiet on the Western Front Avatar: The Way of Water Babylon Elvis The Fabelmans
Costume Design
Babylon Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Elvis Everything Everywhere All at Once Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
Makeup and Hairstyling
All Quiet on the Western Front The Batman Black Panther Elvis The Whale
Live Action Short Film
An Irish Goodbye Ivalu Le Pupille Night Ride The Red Suitcase
Documentary Short Film
The Elephant Whisperers Haulout How Do You Measure a Year Stranger at the Gate
Animated Short Film
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse The Flying Sailor Ice Merchants My Year of Dicks An Ostrich Told Me the World is Fake and I Think I Believe It
Sound
All Quiet on the Western Front Avatar: The Way of Water The Batman Elvis Top Gun: Maverick
Visual Effects
All Quiet on the Western Front Avatar: The Way of Water The Batman Black Panther Top Gun: Maverick
Speaking to Express Tribune, the ‘Joyland’ team confirmed the report that the Oscar-shortlisted film is set to release in India and other countries as well. This news comes on the heels of the cancellation of the Indian release of The Legend of Maula Jatt after the film faced opposition by BJP politicians. Joyland will be the second Pakistani film to release in India, nearly a decade after Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol was released in the country.
Despite the ban in Punjab and backlash from religous clerics, the film is among the shortlisted films for the ‘Best International Film’ category for the Academy Awards. The final list of nominations will be announced on 24th January, with the final ceremony to be held on 12th March.
Speaking to CNN, Sadiq said that films like Joyland were important because they provided a realistic depiction of Pakistan:
“What’s different in Joyland than perhaps all the other Pakistani films is that it is the most realistic depiction of our society without romanticising any aspect of it. It’s not something that people are used to seeing, that is, a reflection of yourself – that can be haunting but also uncomfortable.”
The filmmaker added, “For me, seeing a film set in Pakistan about patriarchy and gender roles and the impact of those on human beings was important.”
After Riz Ahmed and Malala, poet Rupi Kaur has joined in on the rising tide of praise for the Pakistani film Joyland.
In an Instagram post, Kaur gushed about the brilliance of the Saim Sadiq film, and also congratulated team Joyland for its progress towards the Academy Awards. The full statement is below:
“JOYLAND. shortlisted for Best International Film at this years Oscars @TheAcademy. When I first watched @joylandmovie I was transfixed by the storytelling and visuals. The script!!! And how delicious the words were. Weeks later the film is still with me ❤️ If chosen, JOYLAND will make Oscar history as the first Pakistani film to ever be nominated.”
Previously, actor and rapper Riz Ahmed announced that his production house Left Handed Films was officially becoming a part of team Joyland. In his Instagram stories, Ahmed staunchly shared the two reasons why he was prepared to support the film as it progresses to the Oscars.
Academy and Emmy award winner Riz Ahmed announced on social media yesterday that he had joined the Pakistani film ‘Joyland’ as an Executive Producer. Calling the film ‘ground breaking’, Ahmed praised Saim Sadiq’s writing and direction and also the performances of the actors in the movie.
Calling the film ‘ground breaking’ Ahmed praised Saim Sadiq’s writing and direction and also praised the performances done by actors in the movie
“Saim Sadiq’s filmmaking is both understated and gut-wrenching. His writing is consistently unexpected, and every scene is so elegantly composed but still bursting with raw performances. JOYLAND is one of the best films of the year, and against all odds of resources and marketing budgets, it’s been amazing to see festival juries, audiences, and critics shouting that from the rooftops.
The Current reached out to Saim Sadiq for a statement and his response was: “Very grateful yar and very humbled. We are all just trying to do our best by this film of ours.”
The film ‘Joyland’ made history last month when it was selected as the Pakistani film to be shortlisted for nomination for the ‘International Feature Film’ at the Oscar Awards. Today, activist Malala Yousafzai congratulated team Joyland when it was announced that the film had crossed the second round of shortlisting, proceeding to the final round. From her Twitter account she wrote,
“I’m proud to support JOYLAND, which was just shortlisted by @TheAcademy for Best International Film. It would be amazing to see it make Oscar history as the first Pakistani film to be nominated.”
The final list of nominations will be announced on 24th January, 2023, with the awards scheduled to take place on 12th March, 2023.
I’m proud to support JOYLAND, which was just shortlisted by @TheAcademy for Best International Film. It would be amazing to see it make Oscar history as the first Pakistani film to be nominated. #Joyland#Oscars#Pakistanpic.twitter.com/tBZONapKGK
The final list of nominations will be announced on January 25 with the awards scheduled to take place on March 12, 2023. The social activist is credited on Joyland as an Executive Producer and had previously congratulated writer and director Saim Sadiq for his outstanding hard work when it was announced the film was shortlisted for the Oscars.
Speaking to CNN on New Years Interview, Saim Sadiq had said that the film reflects on the importance of storytelling which provides a realistic depiction of what our society is like.
“I think every story, if it’s told honestly, is important then this one is no different. I think the difference with this film versus perhaps a lot of other Pakistani films that certain people may have seen, is that it’s perhaps the most realistic depiction of what our society’s like, without a romantic depiction of anything. It’s not something that other people are used to seeing on the big screen, which is a reflection of ourselves. Which can be very heartening but can also be very uncomfortable to watch.”
