Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation” might not have been the ultimate victor in last year’s Oscar race for Best Picture, but it still managed to stand out for one unique reason: Both written and directed by Coppola, the film’s screenplay was the only one of its five fellow Best Picture nominees that was not based on a book. Read more...

I could not be more glad that Nov. 2, Election Day, is behind us. Sure, I’m all about voting and maintaining my commitment to democracy, but we all know the reason I was really keeping such a close eye on the 2004 race for the White House: I love drama. Read more...

After the ceremony for the 49th annual Samuel Goldwyn Writing Awards Competition on Nov. 1, UCLA has good reason to boast. Once more, one of its own won first place, as well as this year’s monetary prize of $15,000. Read more...

FILM&TV: “The Incredibles” Be one of the first people to see this colorful, animated film about a family of crime fighters. It may not be free, but in addition to seeing the movie you’ll get a chance to hit up the free coffee and pastry table. Read more...

Americans are always up for a good party. For All Tomorrow’s Parties on the other hand, the response has been lukewarm. ATP, a music festival to be held on board the Queen Mary in Long Beach this weekend, is the latest in an effort to resurrect rock festivals on American soil. Read more...

Laughter rather than terror is what UCLA Live is trying to inspire in its audiences this Halloween, thanks to a new twist on the classic 1950s horror flick “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” The film, along with its terrifying title character known as the “gill-man,” will resurface from murky waters during its screening, Oct. Read more...

Jake, I know I’m not in Los Angeles, but since I’m in a new city (akin to many of the freshmen at UCLA) I was wondering if you could give me some direction about Birmingham, England. Read more...