La Bola Negra, Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo’s Spanish-language epic that Netflix acquired out of Cannes in May, was named Spain’s best international feature Oscar pick last week, and won Toronto’s audience award on Sunday, is beginning to look like a — perhaps the — primary challenger to The Odyssey in the best picture Oscar race. For that reason, many have been on the edge of their seat waiting to hear how the streamer would position the members of its ensemble cast — which is large enough to populate three different time periods in the film — for awards consideration, particularly the performer with the meatiest part, Guitarricadelafuente.
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The Hollywood Reporter can exclusively report that the entire principal cast of La Bola Negra — Guitarricadelafuente, as well as fellow actors Miguel Bernardeau, Carlos González and Milo Quifes, and actresses Penélope Cruz, Lola Dueñas and Glenn Close — will be promoted for recognition in their respective supporting categories. The rationale is that, on the basis of screen time and centrality to the plot, no individual is a clear lead over the others.
This approach has previously been employed by numerous other high-profile awards contenders, including four that went on to win the best picture Oscar: 2005’s Crash, 2015’s Spotlight, 2016’s Moonlight and 2019’s Parasite. All of those except Parasite also landed at least one individual supporting acting nomination, and all of those except Moonlight also won the best ensemble Actor Award.
Guitarricadelafuente is certainly the strongest prospect of La Bola Negra’s male performers. The 29-year-old Spanish pop star makes his acting debut in the film, which is set during the Spanish Civil War, as Sebastian, a reluctant Nationalist soldier tasked with guarding an injured Republican soldier — Rafael, played by Bernardeau — with whom he forms a special bond. (Guitarricadelafuente is also in the mix for a best original song Oscar nom for “La Nieve,” which he co-wrote and performs in the film. He could become only the fifth person to receive acting and song Oscar noms for the same film, after Mary J. Blige, Lady Gaga, Cynthia Erivo, and Leslie Odom Jr.)
Cruz, meanwhile, is the female performer likeliest to land a nom. Already the first Spanish actress ever to win an acting Oscar — best supporting actress for 2008’s Vicki Cristina Barcelona — she is back in the mix for her portrayal of Nene, a bawdy cabaret performer who entertains the Nationalist army during the war, even though she does not share their politics, and who has a brief but powerful interaction with Sebastian. (In recognition of her incredible 2026, during which she also gave memorable turns in Bunker and The Invite, she was recently recognized in Toronto with a special tribute award.)
In a sign of how much Netflix believes in both the commercial and awards prospects of La Bola Negra, the streamer will give the film the longest exclusive theatrical window of any release in its history (47 days, starting on Oct. 16), and will publicly report its box office receipts, something it has never done for any other release. La Bola Negra will also be the first Netflix film to open in AMC theaters, apart from stunt releases like a one-week-only exhibition of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. %!s()
Matt Fitzpatrick sits two shots off the early lead at the FedEx Open de France, as defending champion Michael Kim topped the leaderboard after a ‘dream start’ at Le Golf National.
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Kim carded eight birdies, including four of his first six holes, to post a bogey-free 63 on a low-scoring opening day and grab a two-shot advantage.
The American - beginning on the back nine - followed successive birdies from the 11th by adding two more from the 14th, then ended a run of pars by picking up a shot at the par-four first.
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Kim failed to take advantage of the par-five third but added back-to-back birdies from the fifth to move top of the leaderboard, then doubled his lead over the chasing pack - including Fitzpatrick - by picking up a shot at the par-five ninth.
"Just a dream start," Kim said. "All parts of my game were really good, especially my irons and my putting. I couldn't have asked for a better start."
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Fitzpatrick also made a blemish-free start, posting six birdies in a six-under 65, with the Englishman one of seven players sharing second after the opening round.
Thriston Lawrence was within one of the lead until a final-hole bogey dropped him back to six under, with Ryder Cup hopeful Kristoffer Reitan and England's Sam Bairstow also two back.
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Kristoffer Reitan is two strokes back after the opening day
Australian Jason Scrivener and Italian duo Gerogio De Leo and Matteo Manassero are the others alongside Fitzpatrick in tied-second, with Ryder Cup vice-captain Edoardo Molinar three strokes back on five under.
"Really good day," Fitzpatrick said. "Great start to the week and relatively stress-free, which is always nice - particularly around this golf course."
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Viktor Hovland is four off the early lead alongside American Ryan Gerard while Tommy Fleetwood - part of Europe's Ryder Cup-winning team at this venue in 2018 - started with a two-under 69.
Manuel Elvira, who double-bogeyed the 72nd hole to miss out on BMW PGA Championship victory on Sunday, sits second-bottom of the leaderboard after a nine-over 80.
Johnny Fisher is looking to cement his own rise up the heavyweight rankings when he fights Michael Pirotton on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
A former sparring partner of Fury's, Fisher has welcomed the all-British super-fight. He appreciates the impact it'll have on UK boxing.
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George Groves gives his view on the confirmation of Fury v Joshua with the fight set to take place December 11, in Cardiff
"We've been talking about this fight for a decade now and it's finally over the line. The Principality is going to hold it, so it's exciting," Fisher told Sky Sports News.
"AJ and Fury transcend the boxing community. Everyone in England who knows the sport knows the names so it's going to be massive for the sport of boxing."
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Tyson Fury joined Lennox Lewis, Frank Bruno & Scott Welch in giving Anthony Joshua words of wisdom just after he had won gold at London 2012, and was looking to turn over to the professional ranks
As well as protracted negotiations to make the fight, Fury and Joshua both had to get through warm up bouts to set up this clash.
Coming back to boxing after a terrible car accident, Joshua had a stuttering performance against Kristian Prenga in July when he hit the canvas twice in the first round before stopping his opponent in the next.
Fury briefly retired after losing two fights to Oleksandr Usyk but returned this year to beat Arslanbek Makhmudov in London and Mariusz Wach in Thailand.
While Fury is deemed to be the more in-form fighter, Fisher warned: "AJ has got that devastating power to end it whenever he needs to.
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Johnny Nelson shares his thoughts on Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua, with the fight being announced to take place in Cardiff on December 11
"Going on the last six months to a year of performances, Fury has dusted off that ring rust and the same with Mariusz Wach when he fought him, while AJ has been in a bit of jeopardy when he fought Kristian Prenga so the smart money is with Fury right now but who knows? That's why we're going to tune in."
There are other areas of comparison with common opponents. Both boxed Francis Ngannou in recent years, with Fury edging out the UFC fighter whereas Joshua rapidly levelled him.
"There's been points when I think Fury has been ahead of the game a few years back but then I thought AJ with that knockout of Francis Ngannou," Fisher said.
"Fury didn't have the performance that we thought he would against Ngannou, but then in recent times I would back Fury.
"As boxing fans we now get to deliberate and debate and see all the platforms talking about it."
Watch Fisher vs Pirotton this Saturday live on Sky Sports.%!s()
Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador previews the key contests at Newmarket on Friday and Saturday, including the Group 1 Cheveley Park and Middle Park Stakes.
New York to gain reward in Friday highlight
I'm looking forward to a great weekend of action at Newmarket, including the mouthwatering Group 2 Betway Joel Stakes (3.00) - for me the highlight of an exciting card on Friday.
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Godolphin's 116-rated colt Talk Of New York is the one I believe they all have to beat following his eyecatching run at the Qatar Goodwood Festival when he made up a lot of ground to be second in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes.
Before that he got within two lengths of the brilliant Bow Echo in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and can gain his reward at the probable expense of the ever-reliable Persica - such a solid horse who has done nothing wrong this year.
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He had Hankelow behind in a Group 3 at Haydock Park last time and can confirm that form with Karl Burke's colt, who hasn't hit the heights expected of him this year but showed a glimmer that day and should appreciate a sounder surface.
Dawn can put her name in Lights
The Group 2 Betway Rockfel Stakes (2.25) on Friday can go to Wathnan Racing's Goodwood winner Light Of Dawn who relished the step up to this seven furlongs when taking the Group 3 Prestige Stakes so emphatically.
Karl Burke's filly steps up in grade but has hopefully taken another step forward since we last saw her and can get the better of Eve Johnson Houghton's Sugar Yes Please - another filly I admire.
She also won a Group 3 over seven furlongs, taking the Sweet Solera on Newmarket's July Course, while Ed Walker's Siena Storm could have more to offer after finishing three lengths behind Light Of Dawn in the Prestige.
Class dropper tough to beat in Princess Royal
Inis Mor has been keeping some pretty hot company this season and can enjoy the spotlight in the Princess Royal Stakes (1.50) on Friday.
David Menuisier's filly has been placed in both the French and Irish Oaks since scoring at Listed level and has been found a great opportunity to win in Group 3 company with Ryan Moore on top and a 7lb weight for age allowance in her favour.
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David Menuisier, trainer of Inis Mor
Coedana has made strong progress this season and showed her potential behind subsequent Irish Champion Stakes hero Hotazhell and close second Wimbledon Hawkeye in a Group 1 in Germany. That's solid form and this big, galloping track will play to her strengths.
Goddess to have another day in the Sun
The race of the day at Newmarket on Saturday is the Group 1 Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes (2.27). The fillies' showpiece pitches Aidan O'Brien's prolific Sun Goddess against runaway Prix Morny winner Senorita Bonita and Albany heroine Libertango.
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Sun Goddess
Sun Goddess was behind Libertango in the Albany but has since gone on to win two Group 1s as well as the valuable Sales race at York's Ebor Festival and sets the standard for me.
George Boughey's filly found Senorita Bonita too good in the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket so there's not a great deal between the principals, but I do think Aidan's filly can edge it.
At a bigger price, I'd love to see Andrew Balsing's Moonrise get into the act. I've followed this tough filly closely this summer and expect her to pay the form of her Group 3 win on Polytrack a huge compliment.
Blue is the colour in Middle Park
Clive Cox's concerns about testing ground in France were vindicated when his Norfolk Stakes star Orthodox lost his unbeaten record in the Group 1 Prix Morny last month and he can prove that run all wrong in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes (3.00) on Saturday.
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Sun Goddess
That said, it's going to take a big performance to put a dent in the flawless record of Godolphin's Inner City Blues, who has been kept under wraps since taking the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket.
The Dewhurst entry gets my vote just ahead of Orthodox while Aidan O'Brien's Marco Polo is a fascinating runner after putting his Gimcrack disappointment behind him in a Curragh maiden. Aidan wouldn't be pitching him in at this level if he didn't think he had the class to go well.
First Law to extend unbeaten run
The Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes (1.55) on Saturday is a strong renewal, with Aidan O'Brien's proven Group winner Haffner stepping up to 1m for the first time. The Acomb hero is better than he showed in testing ground last time in the National Stakes and is a threat to all.
However, I like the progressive profile of Charlie Appleby's Godolphin colt First Law who won his maiden at Sandown before seamlessly stepping into Listed company at Haydock Park at the beginning of the month.
Karl Burke's Burning Up is also unbeaten in two starts and has a similar profile but has a bit more to prove at this stage so I'm pinning my hopes on First Law staking his Classic claims under William Buick at a track where the Appleby team excels.
Banking on Harry in Cambridgeshire
There's a big handicap in Hand Of God who can come good in the £200,000 bet365 Cambridgeshire (3.40) at Newmarket on Saturday. Harry Charlton's five-year-old confirmed the promise of his Newbury win in the spring with a huge second in the John Smith's Cup at York when he didn't get the rub of the green.
He can be forgiven his defeat in Group company in France lasty time and looks better value than likely favourite Gavriel, whose Ascot win for Team Gosden has been franked. Though penalised for that, he's progressive and should be in the mix.
I'd like to see Alan King's Alcarath go well at bigger odds with conditions in his favour. He's been running well without winning and remains well handicapped off a mark of 92, particularly if the first-time cheek pieces give him an edge.
Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing's Simon Mapletoft.%!s()
The Premier League and three of its top European counterparts will on Friday issue a joint call for urgent governance reform at FIFA amid the crisis engulfing its president, Gianni Infantino.
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Sky News can reveal that English football's top flight and the top domestic leagues in Germany, Italy and Spain will publish a collective statement demanding greater consultation on key issues such as the global football calendar.
The statement was still in the process of being formally agreed between the quartet of domestic leagues on Thursday afternoon and it was unclear whether it would specifically call for Infantino to stand down.
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One football insider said: "The Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A are going to issue a joint statement insisting that FIFA must reform to have more independent oversight and give stakeholders, including leagues, a meaningful role in decision-making."
The source said it followed a legal complaint filed nearly two years ago by the European Leagues Association - including the quartet behind Friday's planned statement - to the EU about FIFA's handling of the International Match Calendar.
The Premier League, along with others in Europe, have been at loggerheads with FIFA for some time over so-called 'calendar creep', with the potential for more frequent Club World Cups and expanded national team competitions causing alarm among the game's most important domestic leagues.
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FIFA President Infantino confirmed he will stand for re-election next year
Earlier this week, Sky News reported that Infantino, who is said to be increasingly confident about surviving in his job when he comes up for re-election next year, had written to football chiefs across the globe saying he was open to talks about reforming the organisation.
Infantino has been lambasted by football industry executives and associations over his proposal to sell a 20 per cent stake in FIFA's commercial rights, including the World Cup, to private investors - including Joshua Kushner, brother of President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal was abandoned in July after a maelstrom of global opposition and threats to boycott tournaments organised by FIFA.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF - which represents countries in North and Central America and the Caribbean - called for changes to FIFA's leadership.
In a letter seen by Sky News this week, Infantino wrote to the heads of all its 211 member nations and his FIFA Council, saying he will ask the council whether it wants to launch an "independent external review of FIFA's current governance framework for major strategic initiatives and recommend potential improvements".
In the note, he also said he would offer to hold talks with confederations, member associations and other stakeholders on strengthening FIFA's decision-making.
The proposals would examine who has a say in major initiatives, including the respective roles of the president, bureau, council and congress, and how to improve transparency and accountability.
Promising not to pre-judge discussions, he said proposals could be discussed when the council meets next month.
His responsibility, he said, is to serve "all 211 member associations fairly, regardless of their position on any individual matter," adding that "strong institutions do not wait for their systems to fail before considering how they can be improved".
But there was no mention of reviewing his position. Instead, the letter affirmed his intention to remain FIFA president, arguing his responsibilities are "larger than any individual proposal or disagreement".
The Premier League declined to comment on Thursday. %!s()
