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The spectacular success of Indians in the U.S. smashes old stereotypes and adds a dash of spice to the American melting pot By ANTHONY SPAETH When Manoj Night Shyamalan was growing up in suburban Philadelphia, his parents–both immigrants from India, both physicians–didn’t hesitate to pile on the pressure
It’s Nobel Prize announcement week, and if you had Carol W. Greider, Elizabeth Blackburn, or Jack Szostak in your office pool, you’re off to a good start (the trio will share this year’s Nobel Prize in Medicine).
The Emmy Awards smiled on some unlikely comedy series nominees Thursday morning, giving nominations to "Family Guy" and "Flight of the Conchords" and leaving out such mainstays as "Two and a Half Men." “Family Guy,” the Fox series that muscled its way back on the air in 2005 after proving popular in reruns and on DVD, received just two nominations — but one of them was for best comedy series, making it just the second animated series to compete in the best comedy series category. “Flight of the Conchords,” the offbeat HBO series about two struggling musicians, received six nominations, including a nomination as best comedy series and another for star Jemaine Clement. (Co-star and musical partner Bret McKenzie must be wondering who he offended.) The series with the most nominations were “30 Rock,” which is up for 22 Emmys, and “Mad Men,” which earned 16 nods
The number of movies nominated for the best picture Oscar will double next year, a move apparently aimed at bolstering sagging ratings for the Academy Awards broadcast. “Having 10 Best Picture nominees is going allow academy voters to recognize and include some of the fantastic movies that often show up in the other Oscar categories, but have been squeezed out of the race for the top prize,” Sid Ganis, president of the Academy Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said. Doubling the nominations would make it more likely a viewer’s favorite movie is in the running for the top honor, which may make them want to watch the show, said Steve Pond, author of “The Big Show: High Times and Dirty Dealings Backstage at the Academy Awards.” “This clearly is a reaction to declining ratings,” Pond said.
For M.I.A., the show must go on. The vocalist, whose “Paper Planes” is up for record of the year, is ready to give birth. In fact, her due date was Sunday, but she was on the red carpet, looking dazzling in a blue patterned dress that couldn’t help but show off her very pregnant form.