 Hi, art lovers! | | |  | (Ben Shannon/CBC) | | | In mere hours, Canada and the world will be watching Ryan Gosling sing “I’m Just Ken” at the Academy Awards, a moment sure to top every pre-existing achievement on his musical history timeline. Born in London, Ont., and an esteemed alumnus of Breaker High, Gosling isn’t the only Canadian nominated for an Oscar this year. But will he win the award for best supporting actor? CBC Arts’ Peter Knegt has revealed his Oscar night predictions — for every category! — and further down in the newsletter, you’ll find his analysis of the most contested races this year, including the battle for best actress. (One hotly tipped nominee, Lily Gladstone, was recently on Q, as was Celine Song, the Markham, Ont.-raised writer-director of Past Lives.)
More Oscar links so you have something to talk about during the commercial breaks: The folks at Commotion have high expectations of the award-winning stars, at least when it comes to their speeches — but I’m getting ahead of myself. Who are (anonymous) Academy voters even supporting this year (and why are they so deliciously catty)? Who actually gets a ticket to the Oscars? Who produces the show? (Answer: a former Edmontonian.) Who rates a mention in the annual In Memoriam reel? And why are people so outraged over just about everything to do with awards shows? If that’s not enough Oscar trivia for you, here are 17 more talking points that you can bust out at your viewing party. And if all these links just bum you out, you’re not alone. | | | | | And because we promised you eye candy ... | | | | |  | Cynthia Daignault | | Capturing a moment from the best picture winner of 1944 — Casablanca, obvs — this grid of 24 paintings (God Bless You) is by American artist Cynthia Daignault. | | | | |  | Nico Williams | | Here’s another riff on an Oscar winner, Dances With Wolves, the best picture of 1991. Nico Williams has made a whole stack of VHS tapes like this one, beaded replicas of the movies his grandmother used to collect. Head to his Instagram to take a look. | | | | |  | Rhonda Weppler and Trevor Mahovsky | | On the subject of nostalgic bric-a-brac, I wish I could be in Calgary for this public event at Esker Foundation, but if you happen to be in the area, head to the museum March 16 for the Museum of Lost Things. It’s an ongoing art project led by artists Rhonda Weppler and Trevor Mahovsky, who have an exhibition at Esker (Edelweiss) through April 28. But on March 16, they’ll be leading a workshop for the public where they’ll teach folks some basic artmaking skills so everyone can make paintings of their long-lost mementos — work the artists will eventually transform into lanterns. So fun! | | | | |  | Winnie Truong | | Also in Calgary, Toronto-based artist Winnie Truong has a new series of dioramas appearing at VivianeArt through April 28. | | | | |  | Ambera Wellmann | | To a Girl in a Garden by Nova Scotia-born artist Ambera Wellmann. Picture this painting as a velvet dress … worn on a Paris Fashion Week runway. Ambera’s work was all over Mugler’s fall 2024 collection, a collaboration with the fashion house’s creative director, Casey Cadwallader. | | | | |  | Searchlight Pictures | | | | | Hollywood’s big night is tonight! All signs point to a very Oppenheimer-friendly show, but keep a close eye on these contentious categories. | | | | |  | CBC | | | | | There’s a big difference between Love Is Blind and Blown Away, but no matter the series, follow these tips if you want to ace the audition. | | | | |  | Telltale Games | | | | | | | For many Canadian actors, the gaming industry is playing an increasingly important role in their careers. | | |  | Khadijah Morley | | Khadijah has a selection of linocut prints appearing at Onsite Gallery in Toronto. Read more about them in this CBC Arts story. (I did, and now a trip to the gallery is at the top of my weekend to-do list.) | | | | | Share this newsletter | | or subscribe if this was
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I’m Leah Collins, senior writer at CBC Arts. Until next time! | | | | | |
