As illogical as it may sound at the outset, Los Angeles-based band My Barbarian is in fact the logical result of the combination of an actor, a filmmaker, a video director, a playwright and a trained artist. Read more...

WILL Win: “Finding Nemo” SHOULD Win: “The Triplets of Belleville” If the Oscars were decided by a Magic 8-ball ““ and let’s face it, sometimes it seems like they are ““ “Finding Nemo” would get an “All signs point to yes” in this category. Read more...

When casting for his company, Stephen Petronio looks for dancers who have a fearless attitude toward dancing awkwardly and probably even looking stupid. Luckily for the eight dancers who performed at Royce Hall last Friday, only the fearless energy shone through. Read more...

WILL Win: Bill Murray, “Lost in Translation” SHOULD Win: Johnny Depp, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” This is a two-man race. Sean Penn’s fierce portrayal in “Mystic River” of a father grieving his daughter’s murder while being forced to face the sins of his past is considered the front runner. Read more...

The art world is teeming with talented young artists vying to be the next big thing. It’s a scenario that expectedly lends itself to networking ““ a case of not simply how good you are and how much you know, but really who you know. Read more...

WILL Win: Renee Zellweger, “Cold Mountain” SHOULD Win: Shohreh Aghdashloo, “House of Sand and Fog” Sure, you can’t pronounce her name and no one has heard of her, but who cares when she can upstage Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connelly ““ both Academy Award-winners, mind you ““ in the same movie? Read more...

For over 40 years, Mikhail Baryshnikov has conceded to let his feet rather than his mouth do the talking. But instead of imagining what they would say, simply mention the name “Baryshnikov,” and dance enthusiasts will shower those feet with praise. Read more...