Sean Baker’s Anora won Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards, marking its fifth win of the night. The film also secured Best Director (Baker), Best Actress (Mikey Madison), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. Baker, known for championing indie cinema, celebrated the recognition of a “truly independent film.” Anora, about a sex worker’s ill-fated romance with a Russian oligarch’s son, had previously won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Host Conan O’Brien wrapped up the night, calling it a “blast.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent visit to the White House culminated in a heated exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to the abrupt termination of discussions on a crucial minerals agreement. The confrontation arose when Zelensky challenged Vice President JD Vance's advocacy for diplomacy with Russia, referencing past Russian aggressions. This prompted accusations from Vance and Trump of ingratitude on Zelensky's part, with Trump warning of potential withdrawal of U.S. support and accusing Zelensky of "gambling with World War III." In response, European leaders have rallied behind Ukraine. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas vowed increased aid, stating, "We will step up our support to Ukraine." French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized, "There is one attacker: Russia. There is one people under attack: Ukraine." These developments underscore the escalating tensions between Kyiv and Washington, while solidifying Europe's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty.

Barcelona surged back to La Liga's summit with a commanding 4-0 victory over a 10-man Real Sociedad at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The match's turning point came in the 17th minute when Aritz Elustondo received a red card for a last-man foul on Dani Olmo. Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, Barcelona opened the scoring through Gerard Martin, who netted his first professional goal. Shortly after, Marc Casado doubled the lead, also marking his inaugural goal for the club. In the second half, Ronald Araujo headed in the third, and Robert Lewandowski sealed the win with his 21st league goal of the season. This triumph propels Barcelona to 57 points, edging one point ahead of Atlético Madrid.

Adrien Brody won Best Actor at the 97th Academy Awards for The Brutalist, securing his second Oscar. Mikey Madison earned Best Actress for Anora, defeating Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo. Sean Baker claimed Best Director for Anora. Dune: Part 2 took Best Visual Effects and Best Sound, while I'm Still Here from Brazil won Best International Feature Film. The Academy paid tribute to late stars like Gene Hackman and Maggie Smith. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, also honored the Bond legacy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles III at Sandringham after a heated White House exchange with Donald Trump. Zelenskyy arrived via helicopter from London, where he attended a security summit with UK PM Keir Starmer and European leaders. The private meeting, held in the royal estate’s calm setting, contrasted sharply with his earlier Oval Office clash. The UK government carefully choreographed the visit to show support for Ukraine while avoiding White House tensions. Meanwhile, Trump claimed Zelenskyy was "not ready for peace" in a Truth Social post. The visit underscored Britain’s diplomatic balancing act in the ongoing war.

Indian cricket team manager R Devraj left the Champions Trophy 2025 mid-tournament after his mother’s passing on Sunday. Devraj, also Hyderabad Cricket Association’s secretary, returned to Hyderabad from Dubai upon receiving the news. It remains unclear if he will rejoin the team. Meanwhile, India scored 249-9 against New Zealand, with Shreyas Iyer’s 79 and Hardik Pandya’s 45 leading the charge. Matt Henry’s 5-42 troubled India’s batting lineup. The match determines India’s semi-final opponent, with Australia awaiting the winner and South Africa set to face the losing side. India will play in Dubai after refusing to travel to Pakistan.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new £1.6 billion ($2 billion) export finance package to bolster Ukraine’s defences, allowing the purchase of 5,000 air-defence missiles. The funding is part of a £2.26 billion ($2.84 billion) loan agreement signed by UK and Ukrainian officials, with the first tranche expected next week. Starmer, hosting European leaders in London, urged stronger support for Ukraine after Zelensky’s White House clash with Trump. Britain, France, and Ukraine also discussed a ceasefire proposal to present to the US. The loan will be funded by profits from frozen Russian assets.

Protesters in Vermont, USA, targeted Vice-President JD Vance after his heated exchange with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Demonstrators lined the road in Waitsfield, holding pro-Ukraine signs as Vance’s family arrived for a ski trip. US media reported they relocated to an undisclosed location due to the protests. Counter-protesters supporting Vance and Trump were also present. Demonstrations occurred in New York, Los Angeles, and Boston, showing solidarity with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Zelensky met UK’s Keir Starmer and other European leaders in London to discuss ending the war. Vermont’s governor urged respect despite political disagreements.

India secured a 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, setting up a semifinal clash with Australia. Varun Chakravarthy’s brilliant five-wicket haul (5/42) dismantled New Zealand, who were bowled out for 205 while chasing 250. Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets, while Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja grabbed one each. Earlier, Shreyas Iyer (79), Hardik Pandya (45), and Axar Patel (42) helped India post 249/9. For New Zealand, Matt Henry’s 5/42 went in vain.

European leaders gathered in London to reinforce military support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need to counter Russian aggression. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, announced efforts to draft a ceasefire plan for US consideration. This follows a tense meeting between Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, where the US president criticized Ukraine’s rejection of truce terms. Germany, France, and Poland reaffirmed support for Kyiv, warning against equating victim and aggressor. The summit also discussed economic sanctions on Russia and potential European military deployment to Ukraine.