In this Dec. 6, 2014 file photo, Oprah Winfrey arrives at Selma And The Legends That Paved The Way Gala in Goleta, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, file)
NEW YORK (AP) --
Oprah Winfrey is more than happy with how "Selma" has been received, no matter how few Oscar nominations.
During a telephone interview Friday, Winfrey said that from the moment the civil rights movie she helped produce was given a standing ovation at its first audience screening, she felt the filmmakers had "already won."
Many were surprised that "Selma" only received two nominations, including for best picture. But Winfrey spoke of the public response, noting that hundreds of thousands of students have seen the film and learned from it.
"The conversation is worth everything to us," she said. "You want the message to be received. You want the power of your creation to be received."
The film has earned $43.5 million at domestic theaters since its release six weeks ago.
Indian film directors Shyam Benegal, right, is seen during a discussion on Indian Cinema in Hyderabad, India, Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A, File)
Shyam Benegal, a renowned Indian filmmaker known for pioneering a new wave cinema movement that tackled social issues in the 1970s, has died after suffering from chronic kidney disease. He was 90.
His contribution to cinema was recognized as a director, editor and screenwriter. He was also credited with a new genre of filmmaking.
Benegal passed away on Monday at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital, and his cremation will take place on Tuesday, the Press Trust of India news agency reported, citing his daughter Piya.
"Benegal had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That's the reason for his death," Piya said.
Many paid tribute to the legendary filmmaker on social media platform X.
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt wrote that Benegal told stories without pretense. "They were raw and real, about the struggles of ordinary people. His films had craft and conviction."
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
He was a mentor to top Indian actors, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri who made their mark in Bollywood's popular cinema as well.
"I have lost my foster father, a man to whom I owe more than I can say," posted Naseeruddin Shah.
"Shyam Benegal was not just a legend; he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations," said actor Manoj Bajpayee.
Benegal came into the limelight in the 1970s, with a series of films that challenged mainstream Bollywood. His films Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977)... Read More
