Described by many celebrities as the ‘Oscars’ of Bangladesh, the Meril–Prothom Alo Awards 2025 exceeded expectations this year with star-studded moments, power-packed performances and a surprise musical act that sparked cheers across the hall.

Tama Mirza received the Best Actress award for her role in “Daagi”. Afran Nisho was named Best Actor for the same film.

Film “Saba”, starring Mehazabien Chowdhury, has won Best Film at the Meril-Prothom Alo Awards 2025, with the artiste also taking home Best Actress for her performance. The award was presented to her by actress Richi Solaiman and director Giasuddin Selim.

The accolade was presented to him by Matiur Rahman, editor of Prothom Alo, and Anjan Chowdhury, managing director of Square Toiletries.

Filmmaker Syed Ahmed Shawki has won the Best Director award at the Meril-Prothom Alo Awards 2025 for his web series “Gulmohor”, which also secured Best Web Series in the Critics’ Choice category.

She received the honour for her role in the series, which earned critical appreciation for its storytelling and performances.

The award included a cheque of Tk 3 lakh, which the veteran actor announced he would donate to the Prothom Alo Trust Fund.

The opening day will feature “Rongmohol”, staged by Dhaka Theatre. On the second day, Jahangirnagar Theatre will present its production “Ashwatthama”.

Among the latest signatories are Robert De Niro, Sofia Coppola and Holly Hunter, joining an expanding list that also features Florence Pugh, Pedro Pascal, Edward Norton, Joaquin Phoenix, Ben Stiller, Kristen Stewart, Adam McKay, Jane Fonda, Mark Ruffalo, Glenn Close and Denis Villeneuve, among others.

Gyllenhaal, known for her transition from acting to directing, will lead the jury at the 2026 edition of the festival, scheduled to run from September 2 to 12 in Venice.

The singer is expected to depart for Sydney on July 29 with a seven-member musical team.

The 2024–26 term of the Bangladesh Film Artistes Association (BFAA) has ended without much public attention, with the role of general secretary remaining largely inactive throughout the tenure.

Each canvas carried its own story — from fluid abstractions of enchanting rural scenes to intimate human moments and deep explorations of colour and form.

Rabindranath Tagore’s 165th birth anniversary and Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 127th birth anniversary will be observed with national-level celebrations, according to a preparatory meeting held on Sunday at the Secretariat.

Fans of Michael Jackson will not have to wait long, as “Michael” is set for an international release tomorrow (April 24), with Bangladeshi audiences also able to watch it at Star Cineplex on the same day as its global premiere.

He passed away on April 23,1992. On his death anniversary, he is remembered with deep respect.

Following Eid-ul-Fitr, when five films—“Bonolota Express”, “Domm”, “Prince”, “Pressure Cooker”, and “Rakkhosh”—were released, focus has now shifted to the next major holiday window. Among them, “Bonolota Express” is still holding the top position, while others recorded moderate commercial returns and some overseas response.

Filmmaker Nuhash Humayun, whose work has earned praise both at home and abroad, is now stepping into feature filmmaking with his upcoming project, "Moving Bangladesh".

Popular singer and actor Tahsan Khan has been reappointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), marking a continuation of his role with the organisation. His contract was officially renewed on Wednesday (April 22).

She wrote the lyrics for four original tracks herself, while the compositions were done by Kazi Faisal Ahmed.