5 Ways to Make Money Online From Home

It pays to cast your financial net online, where possibilities abound.

Monetizing your expertise -- whether in social networking or transcribing -- is one way to make money while sitting at your computer at home. But others also are popping up, such as taking online surveys or even predicting election results.

The good part: You don't have to pay a dime. And with some sites, you can start to make money online immediately. Most of these gigs are small, steady streams of cash. But they can add up to steady earnings over time.

To avoid scams, forget unknown or untested sites with big promises. "Find out if the site is legitimate," says Nick Mokey, associate editor of DigitalTrends.com. "How long has it been around? And what are they asking you to do?"

Also, keep a clock running so you can maximize your income without wasting your time. Follow these rules, and you'll find the Internet awash in moneymaking opportunities.

Pitch products online

Pitching other people's products is one of the Internet's best-paying gigs.

One method is being an affiliate at a mega-site such as Amazon.com, where commissions are up to 25 percent. Anytime anyone buys a product you're pitching, you get a cut. And you can choose from more than a million products, including gift cards or computers.

At ClickBank, commissions are even higher -- up to 75 percent -- and there are more than 50,000 products to choose from. Signing up is free.

On the downside, some ClickBank products can be of poor quality, says Bethany Mooradian, owner of QueenoftheRandomJob.com. So some products are easier to pitch than others. One solution is to buy the product ahead of time to assess its quality, she says.

Dish out answers

If you're an information junkie, this gig is for you.

There are several to choose from to make money online. At kgbanswers.com and JustAnswer.com, you become an expert after taking a brief test. At these websites, a customer asks a question and receives an answer from an "expert." At kgbanswers, answers come via your smartphone. At JustAnswers, answers come via email or text message. Both offer subscription and per-question alternatives.

Brainiacs are also welcome at ChaCha, which pays you small amounts of money for completing guide tasks. Advice runs the gamut from solving puzzles to answering questions on set subjects. Payouts can be small but steady.

Building a following on ChaCha is the hardest part, though, Mooradian says. The reason: You're listed along with 62,000 other experts. Also, ChaCha rates are pretty slim, ranging from 1 cent to 20 cents per task. Though savvy experts can make money online, don't give up your day job.

Perform a microgig

You can offer your services online at task marketplaces such as fiverr.com or Zaarly.com. At fiverr, workers fulfill tasks starting at $5 per job. Zaarly.com offers a similar service. It has launched its first storefront in San Francisco but has workers performing tasks all around the U.S.

Or, even better, head to Amazon Mechanical Turk, or MTurk.com, says Mokey. More than 200,000 tasks are listed there to make money online, with varying pay and work requirements. Once a task is completed, payments are deposited in your Amazon Payments account.

"In the worldwide marketplace of today, your skills can be used for anything, including mapping," Mokey says. However, you're also competing against people in developing nations who are willing to work for pennies, he says.

To maximize earnings, evaluate tasks carefully.

Can you make accurate predictions?

Are you good at forecasting election results or the price of gold?

Then predictive sites are for you. Introduced by the Chicago Board Options Exchange in 2008, binary options are financial contracts that let you earn money by predicting the rise or fall of financial assets. You can buy them at binary option brokers.

The website Intrade is another twist in prediction-making. You can predict hundreds of events -- such as presidential election results or Academy Award winners -- by buying shares if you think the event will happen or selling shares if you think it won't happen. If your prediction is accurate, you make money. If it isn't, you lose money.

"Some power users buy thousands of shares at a time," says Carl Wolfenden, exchange operations manager at Dublin-based Intrade.com. "Others put $50 down and hold their shares. It's a lot of fun."

You should be warned that you can lose your entire investment, Wolfenden says. On the winning side, your money-making potential is unlimited.

Take an online survey

Put your money where your mouth is by giving advertisers your opinions.

To find a job, head to websites such as MindFieldOnline.com, GlobalTestMarket.com or ZoomPanel.com, Mooradian says. They offer points and rewards for taking wide-ranging opinion surveys.

Another site, eJury.com, will pay you for being part of online mock juries, Mooradian says. EJurors are paid $5 to $10 per verdict.

The attorney prepares the case submission, which consists of facts from the perspective of each party. EJury converts the attorney's case submission into an HTML format and posts it to a secure location on the website where only eJurors can access the case. EJurors review the facts of the case and answer questions, each clicking a "submit verdict" button upon completion.

But don't expect big paydays. "Surveys are good for making pocket change," Mooradian says. "Payouts are only pennies to a few dollars per survey."

More on Jobs From Bankrate.com:

Jobs and careers advice

6 jobs in decline and how to replace them

10 best and real work-at-home jobs

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Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder, BBL 2015-16 final, MCG

Having been cellar dwellers in the tournament's first four seasons, Sydney Thunder sparked a remarkable turnaround to win the title © Cricket Australia/Getty Images

Joining Sydney Thunder the 'best decision' - Michael Hussey

Michael Hussey has admitted that Sydney Thunder were "below ground zero" when he had joined the side. Two seasons on, he departs Thunder, having been cellar dwellers in the tournament's first four seasons, as champions. Hussey has also said that joining the club is "the best decision" he has made.

"Sometimes the most challenging and hardest decisions turn out to be the best," he said. "I've learnt so much about myself as a person and learnt so much about what it takes to build a winning team and it's been a great education for me. I'm just really proud of everyone and happy for everyone that has been involved.

"This is what you plan for and you hope to achieve but when you actually do it, it takes a bit of time for it to sink in. There's been a bit of heartache along the way, but to reach the summit with these guys has been reward for a lot of hard work, not just by the player but by the backroom staff too."

Hussey walked out to bat to a guard of honour, and left the field, with the game still not won, to a standing ovation. While flattered and a touch bashful afterwards, Hussey was, as ever, keen to deflect attention from himself, and admitted his head was thoroughly in the game.

"That was all really nice," he said. "As I was walking out it wasn't something I was expecting. So it was a nice touch. As I walked off I was more annoyed with myself for playing such a silly shot at that stage and I wanted 35 more runs. But I did think to myself I've got to give myself a couple of moments and soak this in because this is an amazing stadium to play at and as a player it's a privilege and honour to play on this hallowed turf. Soak it in, then the stress started again as we had to get those 35 runs."

Without question, Hussey leaves Thunder in good shape. They have benefitted from a well-balanced, experienced list (at an average of 33y, 52d, theirs was the oldest team to play a T20 final) that has not been hit too hard by national call-ups.

What would the younger players learn from playing with him. "A good work ethic," Hussey said."To keep calm under pressure. That it's important to have good players, but equally important to have good characters in a successful team. That's what we have tried to bestow on our players. To win humbly, be modest, be respectful of the game and each other."

There remains a nagging sense that Hussey is not quite done yet. He says ending now was "all part of the plan," but is so fit and able that it feels almost wasteful to bid him farewell. "I was going to finish last year but through succession planning and building the squad further it was prudent to play one more season. It's never been about me, it's about building the club for sustainable success. There's no point hanging on too long."

Thomson and Grout to join Hall of Fame

Jeff Thomson was one of the fastest and most fearsome bowlers cricket has seen Adrian Murrell / © Getty Images

Jeff Thomson and Wally Grout will become the newest inductees into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame at the Allan Border Medal night in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Thomson was one of cricket's most fearsome pacemen and took 200 wickets at 28.00 from 51 Tests, and was also regarded by many who faced him as the fastest bowler the game has seen. He formed a terrifying partnership with Dennis Lillee during the 1970s and in particular demolished England during the 1974-75 Ashes, which was just Thomson's second Test series.

"Only a handful of Australian cricketers had taken 200 Test wickets and Jeff did it at a strike rate of almost four wickets a Test, which is exceptional," David Crow, the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame chairman, said. "But of course he was most famous for his pace and outright aggression, and it is was these qualities that people came to see when he played. He was a major drawcard for Australian cricket."

Thomson, now 65, rates the 1974-75 Ashes as a career highlight, along with playing in the 1975 World Cup final, and beating West Indies during 1975-76. He had made his Test debut in 1972-73 against Pakistan but went wicketless in his one Test appearance that season, which he played with a broken foot, and he was finally given another chance two years later.

"I had to work really hard to get back (into the Test side), and I never doubted I was good enough," Thomson said. "I always knew I was going to brain them, I just needed the opportunity."

Of the Hall of Fame honour, Thomson said: "It's for my wife and kids, my parents, my brothers, my mates, all those people who took me to cricket when I was young and helped me along the way. I got a ring from a mate of my brother's who I hadn't spoken to for 30 years. He was rapt and said how weird it was for a bunch of kids who used to play cricket for hours against a telephone pole that one of us was now in the Hall of Fame."

Like Thomson, Grout also played 51 Tests, and he finished his career with 187 wicketkeeping dismissals, which at the time made him the Australian record holder and the second most prolific keeper in Test history behind England's Godfrey Evans. His Test career lasted from 1957 to 1966, and he died of a heart attack at the age of 41, less than three years after his last Test.

"Wally Grout was one of Australia's finest wicketkeepers," Crow said. "Luminaries such as Bob Simpson and Wes Hall claimed he was the finest gloveman they had ever seen. Wally Grout was the first player in Test history to claim six dismissals in an innings and that remains an Australian record which has since been matched by Rod Marsh, Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

"Wally also set the record for the most catches taken in a Sheffield Shield innings, eight, which is now held jointly with Darren Berry. But Wally's contribution went beyond immaculate wicketkeeping. He was highly regarded for his honesty, integrity and sense of humour. As captain, Richie Benaud relied on Wally for the team's strategy because of his great understanding of the game."

Grout and Thomson take the number of Hall of Fame inductees to 43 since its inception in 1996.

Hall of Fame inductees Warwick Armstrong, Richie Benaud, John Blackham, Allan Border, Sir Donald Bradman, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Alan Davidson, George Giffen, Adam Gilchrist, Clarrie Grimmett, Wally Grout, Neil Harvey, Lindsay Hassett, Ian Healy, Clem Hill, Bill Lawry, Dennis Lillee, Ray Lindwall, Charles Macartney, Rod Marsh, Stan McCabe, Glenn McGrath, Graham McKenzie, Keith Miller, Arthur Morris, Monty Noble, Bill O'Reilly, Bill Ponsford, Jack Ryder, Bob Simpson, Fred Spofforth, Mark Taylor, Jeff Thomson, Hugh Trumble, Victor Trumper, Charlie Turner, Doug Walters, Shane Warne, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh, Bill Woodfull.

Sachin Tendulkar: Singing national anthem before 2011 World Cup final my 'proudest feeling'

New Delhi: Ahead of India's 70th Rupublic Day, an emotional Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday said that singing the national anthem in front of a packed Wankhede Stadium before the 2011 World Cup final is the “proudest feeling” he has ever had in his life.

Besides being a sporting icon, the batting legend is known for his exemplary duties towards the nation, which includes many social works. And describing the moment in his own words, Tendulkar provided an altogether different charm to the events which unfolded on that fateful day on April 2, 2011.

“But it (singing of national anthem) goes to a different level altogether, when you are playing against Pakistan in 2003 World Cup (in Centurion), standing inside the stadium, in the middle of the group, with 60,000 people singing ‘Jana Gana Mana’,” he said.

The 42-year-old was speaking at the unveiling of the album ‘The Sport Heroes’, which features himself, and hosts of other Indian sporting icons.

“When you sing the ‘Jana Gana Mana’, your head is always held high, but when you sing it (standing) in the centre of the ground, then…seena chauda ho jata hai (chest swells with pride),” Tendulkar said.

“A couple of experiences, one was that (against Pakistan). The other one was when we played the 2011 World Cup finals, I can never forget that experience, the entire stadium singing ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and it still reverberates in my ears. It’s the proudest feeling I have ever had in my life,” the master blaster said.

“We achieve so many personal goals, also team milestones are achieved, but when its comes to our national anthem, everything else takes a backseat,” he feels.

The video “The Sport Heroes”, directed by Abhijit Panse, features the national anthem sung by – Sachin, Sunil Gavaskar, Sania Mirza, Mahesh Bhupati, Dhanraj Pillay, Baichung Bhutia, Gagan Narang and Sushil Kumar.

It was launched by International Institute of Sports Management, which is founded by former India and Mumbai cricketer Nilesh Kulkarni.

'Bigg Boss 9' finalist Mandana Karimi wishes to marry and have kids

New Delhi: Although Mandana Karimi's latest release 'Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3' did fairly well on the first day, the actress and 'Bigg Boss' contestant lost the 'Bigg' trophy of the show.

Bigg Boss 9' announced the season's winner on Saturday night. Punjab da puttar Prince Narula won the show, hands down.

According to a recent report in DNA, post her eviction, Mandana told that she wants to get married to boyfriend Gaurav and have children.

It was rumoured that the couple's relationship was hitting rock bottom, and earlier reports even suggested that he won't be showing up in the finale. But we did get to see a glimpse of her boyfriend in the finale, so it seems like it is not that bad, guys.

And who knows, we will soon witness another Bollywood wedding?

U-19 Cricket World Cup: Time to see a glimpse of future stars

Once again the focus is set to shift from big boys to the finest young talents as ICC’s marquee event – U-19 Cricket World Cup – is to be played in Bangladesh from January 27 to February 14, 2016.

The biennial tourney is the biggest platform available for young and promising cricketers around the globe to hog the limelight and put a giant step forward towards fulfilling their dreams to play at the highest level.

For most youngsters it would be an all new experience to perform in front of cameras and handle the media and fame on offer.

Among the top contemporary cricketers, many have used U-19 WC as a platform to break into their respective national teams. One can easily sense the importance of this youth tournament from the fact that eight of the ten current Test captains have learnt the cricketing traits while playing in the U-19 extravaganza.

Pakistan’s Misbah-ul Haq and AB de Villiers of South Africa are the only two captains to not have emerged from the U-19 set up.

In the 11th edition of the World Cup, sixteen teams will fight for the prestigious trophy, where South Africa will be the defending champions.

However, the big blow for the organizers and host country – Bangladesh – came just ahead of the tournament, when one of the most successful teams of the event, Australia, decided to pull out of the tournament citing security concerns.

Later, Ireland were invited as a replacement for the Aussies by the ICC. It means the upcoming tournament will feature nine Test-playing nations and seven Associate and Affiliate members, which includes – Scotland, Canada, Fiji, Afghanistan, Ireland, Namibia and Nepal.

Bangladesh, who are hosting the tournament for the 2nd time, first was way back in 2004, are using seven venues and five cities to conduct all 48 matches of the event.

Talking about the format, sixteen teams are divided into four groups and each win gives a team two points. Two top teams from each group will qualify for the Super League quarterfinals. Both the semi-finals and final are scheduled to take place at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

In the absence of Australia; Asian powerhouses India and Pakistan have a good chance to lift the trophy. The host nation is also expected to reach till the quarterfinals due to the home advantage.

India, who have won the tournament on three occasions in the past, are managed by the legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid, who might be one of the major attractions of the event.

Two years back, defending champions South Africa discovered a potential superstar in Kagiso Rabada, who went on to cement his place in the senior team. Similarly, Virat Kohli, who led India to a win 2008 edition, has shared his experience of how the U-19 WC helped him shape his career.

"It was an opportunity for everyone to showcase their talent because the whole world was watching it. A lot of players I played against in 2008 are now playing for their respective nations. You get quality players and you get an opportunity to show the world what you have,” said Kohli.

Veteran South Africa batsman Hashim Amla, also backed the event as he praised the sudden rise of Rabada into the national team. "I don't think we have a better success story from the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup like we do in the form of Kagiso Rabada. He was one of the highlights from the competition in 2014 and today he continues to lead the way with performances for the Proteas.”

So just book block the dates to track the fortunes of these young men, who could be future superstars of the cricketing world.

Watch: Deepika Padukone sweating it out for Vin Diesel starring 'XXX 3'

New Delhi: 'Mastani' Deepika Padukone seems to be in full swing for her upcoming Hollywood flick 'xXx: The Return of Xander Cage'. This is the first time the 'Bajirao Mastani' actress will playing the Hollywood card. Padukone has already made her mark in Bollywood and after Priyanka Chopra, she seems to be the next Bollywood heroine who is all set to rock Hollywood.

I have ambitions and work hard to achieve them: Priyanka Chopra

Mumbai: Actress Priyanka Chopra has made a name for herself both nationally and internationally, and says she has ambitions and works very hard to achieve them. The former Miss World made her Bollywood debut with 'The Hero'. The National Award-winning actress has become a household name not only in India, but globally too with her American TV show 'Quantico'.

"My life is pretty much same as everyone else's, in the sense that I have dreams and ambitions and work very hard to achieve them," Priyanka told PTI.

"We each of us have our own personal struggles of trying to maintain the balance, finding time for ourselves, investing in our relationships and being the best person you can be...I'm also human," she said.

Priyanka has turned co-producer and joined hands with nexGTv, a subscription-driven video entertainment mobile App, and celebrity digital network Fluence, to create a 14-part mobi-series "It's My City". It premiered on January 22.

"The creation of this show is more a collaborative effort than anything else between nexGTV, Fluence Endemol and Purple Pebble Pictures. It was the similarity in our thinking and our collective hunger to do something new and exciting that sealed the deal for me," the "Fashion" star said.

'It's My City' revolves around the everyday lives and struggles of four young girls ? Manika, Sonali, Tina and Nikki ? living together in the same flat in Mumbai. The series captures the trials and tribulations, ups and downs of these girls as they set out to achieve their dreams and conquer the world.

"The concept of four different people, with different backgrounds coming together under one roof and becoming a sort of family is something that you see very often in Mumbai. I myself have had a similar experience in this amazing city," she said.

"Mumbai and Bollywood have been extremely kind and generous to me and have in many ways shaped who I am today. I will be forever grateful," she added.

Anushka Sharma Posts Pic of Her First Day Filming Sultan

Anushka Sharma photographed in Mumbai

Actress Anushka Sharma, who plays the female lead in Salman Khan's Sultan, shared a picture from her first day on the sets of the film.

The Ali Abbas Zafar-directed Sultan stars Salman Khan as a Haryanvi wrestler. Several actresses, including Parineeti Chopra and Kriti Sanon, were reported to have been approached for the film. However, Yash Raj Films announced on January 9 that Anushka had been signed. (Also Read: For Anushka Sharma, There is 'Nobody' Like Salman Khan)

Anushka made her debut in Bollywood with 2008's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi opposite Shah Rukh Khan. With Shah Rukh, Anushka also featured in 2012's Jab Tak Hai Jaan. The actress also worked with Aamir Khan in PK. This is the first time that Anushka will share screen space with Salman. She is also making Ae Dil Hai Mushkil with Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai.

Sultan is scheduled to release on Eid this year along with Shah Rukh Khan's Raees.

The Only Award Nawazuddin Siddiqui Won For Gangs of Wasseypur

The Only Award Nawazuddin Siddiqui Won For Gangs of Wasseypur

A National Award-winning actor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui said that he remains unaffected when his critically acclaimed movies fail to be recognised at any "commercial" award ceremonies. 

At most Bollywood award galas, it is Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Piku and Bajirao Mastani, which won the top honours. Clearly, Nawazuddin's Manjhi - The Mountain Man, a story based on a man who cut a road through a hill to connect his village, has not been in the picture. 

Nawazuddin, who appeared at the 22nd Lions Gold Awards in Mumbai, said: "Commercial awards don't affect me anymore. Those who get the awards, they feel happy and those who are not, feel upset." 

"This award is important for me as they select only those actors whose performances have been really good, compared to other awards functions. Nobody gave me award for Gangs of Wasseypur except Lions Gold Award for the character of Faisal Khan, which became iconic. Now, I am receiving an award for Manjhi, which went unnoticed in all award events even after audience liked the movie," he added. 

Ketan Mehta's Manjhi - The Mountain Man failed to be a commercially successful movie. But it was the performances of Radhika Apte and Nawazuddin that attracted more audience. 

The 49-year-old actor, who has dabbled in a variety of roles, said: "Stardom is something I do not think about. I am still trying to be an actor."

He will next be seen in Raees and Te3n. (Also Read: More From Amitabh Bachchan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Te3n Diaries)

#OscarsSoWhite: Will Smith to Join Wife Jada Pinkett in Boycotting Show

Image on the right was posted on Facebook by Jada Pinkett Smith

An Academy Awards boycott that stemmed from a lack of racial diversity among Oscar nominees has grown, with Will Smith saying on Thursday that he is joining his wife in skipping this year's ceremony.

"No, my wife is not going. It'd be awkward for me to show up with Charlize (Theron)," the actor said on Good Morning America. "So, no. We've discussed it and we're a part of this community, but at this current time, we're uncomfortable to stand there and say that this is OK."

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith announced her boycott on Monday via a Facebook video. Filmmakers Spike Lee and Michael Moore have also said they won't be attending the Academy Awards this year, as the #OscarsSoWhite backlash has picked up steam. Tyrese Gibson and 50 Cent both called on Chris Rock to quit his hosting duties in protest, and Mark Ruffalo, nominated for best supporting actor for his role in Spotlight, said he's "weighing" whether to attend. (Also Read: #OscarsSoWhite: Jada Pinkett Smith, Spike Lee to Boycott Show)

"That's where I'm at right now. I woke up in the morning thinking, 'What is the right way to do this?' " Ruffalo told the BBC, going on to cite the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message that "the good people that don't act are much worse than the people, the wrongdoers, who are purposefully not acting and don't know the right way."

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences faced a similar critique last year after Selma was snubbed. But this year, black actors and directors who worked on numerous films received considerable awards buzz, including Smith for his star turn in Concussion. 

"Had I been nominated and no other people of colour were, she would have made the video," he said of his wife's boycott. "We'd still be here, having this conversation. This is so deeply not about me. This is about children that are going to sit down and are going to watch this show, and they're not going to see themselves represented."

The academy, with its overwhelmingly white voting membership, has taken notice. Academy President Cheryl Boone said on Sunday that she was "heartbroken and frustrated about the lack of inclusion" and pledged to take "dramatic steps to alter the makeup of our membership."

The academy has stepped up efforts to boost diversity in recent years, such as expanding the number of invitations to join. But the addition of more diverse members has done little to move the needle on the overall demographic breakdown.

Boone Isaacs - who is black and was once the only person of colour on the academy's board of governors - said that "the change is not coming as fast as we would like" and that "we need to do more, and better and more quickly."

Smith, who said he wasn't aware of his wife's boycott video until he returned from an overseas trip, lauded the nominees as "deserving" and "fantastic," but added: "It feels like it's going in the wrong direction."

"The Academy reflects the industry, reflects Hollywood, and the industry reflects America, reflects a series of challenges that we're having in our country at the moment," Smith said. "There's a regressive slide toward separatism, toward racial and religious disharmony, and that's not the Hollywood I want to leave behind, that's not the industry, that's not the America I want to leave behind."

#OscarsSoWhite: Reese Witherspoon 'Disappointed' by Nominations

This image was posted on Facebook by Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon has joined the list of celebrities who have commented on this year's Oscars controversy and the actress blasted the Academy Awards for its lack of diversity amongst this year's nominations.

The 39-year-old Hot Pursuit star, in an online post, has called for a "more diverse voting membership".

Sharing an article on Facebook, she wrote, "So disappointed that some of 2015's best films, filmmakers and performances were not recognized. Nothing can diminish the quality of their work, but these filmmakers deserve recognition. As an Academy member, I would love to see a more diverse voting membership."

Meanwhile, Will Smith, his wife Jada Pinkett and filmmaker Spike Lee have confirmed they will not be attending the ceremony this year. (Also Read: #OscarsSoWhite: Will Smith to Join Wife Jada Pinkett in Boycotting Show) 

When asked if he was attending, Will said, "No, my wife's not going. It would be awkward for me to show up with Charlize Theron. We've discussed it. We're part of this community, but at this current time, we're uncomfortable to stand there and say that this is OK."

Amid #OscarsSoWhite Backlash, Academy Announces 'Historic Changes'

Cheryl Boone Isaacs at the Oscar nominations announcement on January 14 in Los Angeles.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday promised sweeping reforms designed to help diversify its membership in the face of a major controversy over the second straight year of all-white Oscar acting nominations.(Also Read: #OscarsSoWhite: Will Smith to Join Wife Jada Pinkett in Boycotting Show)

The Academy's board said it was taking 'historic action' to double the number of women and minority members by 2020 and launch a global effort to 'recruit qualified new members who represent greater diversity.'

"These new measures regarding governance and voting will have an immediate impact and begin the process of significantly changing our membership composition," said Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs. The changes were approved in a unanimous vote by the Academy's board of governors on Thursday, following days of criticism that for a second year in a row, all 20 actors nominated for Oscars were white.

Acclaimed director Spike Lee, who won an Oscar last year honoring his lifetime achievements, wrote an open letter to the Academy decrying the 'lily white' nominations.

Mega-star Will Smith -- one of the black actors seen as having been passed over for a nomination this year -- and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith followed Spike Lee in announcing that they too would stay away from the ceremony on February 28.

On Friday, British actress Charlotte Rampling -- nominated for best actress for 45 Years -- waded into the row by saying Spike Lee had been 'racist to whites' in his criticism.

"You can never know for sure, but maybe black actors did not deserve to be in the final selection," Ms Rampling told Europe 1 radio, speaking in French.

The Academy announced that beginning later this year -- not affecting votes for the 2016 Oscars -- each new member's voting status will last 10 years, and be renewed if they have been active in movies during that time.

Members will get lifetime voting rights after three 10-year terms, or if they win or are nominated for an Academy Award. The same standards will apply retroactively to current members.

Those who do not qualify for active status will not be able to vote. To increase diversity on the board of governors immediately, the Academy said it would establish three new governor seats that will be nominated by the president for three-year terms and confirmed by the board.

It will also involve new members on decisions about membership and governance, giving them a chance to become more active in decision-making and to help spot and nurture future leaders.

'Good step'

The announcement was quickly welcomed by Ava DuVernay, director of civil rights movie Selma, which was nominated for best picture last year -- but not for best director or actor.

"One good step in a long, complicated journey for people of color women artists," she wrote on Twitter.

Tom O'Neil, founder of awards prediction site goldderby.com, told AFP it was a "dramatic first step" but urged caution on the numbers. The Academy currently has 6,261 voting members, all of whom work in the film industry.

According to a 2012 study by the Los Angeles Times, nearly 94 percent of the Academy voters are white and 77 percent male. Twenty-three percent are women.

"If the academy is going to double that number, that's a huge leap up," said Mr O'Neil. The Times study found blacks make up two percent of the Academy and Latinos less than two percent.

But O'Neil added: "Is it enough (to double up?) -- these numbers are so small."

In his open letter on Monday, Spike Lee suggested that studios adopt a system akin to that used by the National Football League, which requires that minorities be interviewed when coach or executive positions open up.

Hollywood A-lister George Clooney, himself an Oscar winner, has said the problem is the lack of options available to minorities in quality films.

Smith, whose role in NFL drama Concussion was overlooked this year, announced Thursday that he would follow his wife in not attending the ceremony.

"There is a position that we hold in this community, and if we're not part of the solution, we're part of the problem," he told ABC's Good Morning America show.

"It was her call to action, for herself, and for me and for our family to be a part of the solution," added the two-time Oscar nominee for his roles in "Ali" and "The Pursuit of Happyness."

"There is a regressive slide towards separatism, towards racial and religious disharmony and that's not the Hollywood that I want to leave behind," he said.

Why Daniel Radcliffe's New Movie Has People Walking Out Of Theaters

Everyone’s favorite boy wizard has been getting a ton of work lately. While Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have been doing pretty well in regards to film projects, Daniel Radcliffe’s resume is quickly overpowering the other two. Of course, not all of Mr. Potter’s film ventures have been successes, and now his most recent credit is causing quite the controversy. 

Daniel Radcliffe’s latest film project, titled Swiss Army Man, recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, to less than favorable response. In fact, Variety is reporting that a mass of audience members walked out of the sold-out theater once the film was screening. Why? Well, the movie is chock full of farts. That’s right, farts. 

Swiss Army Man revolves around a lost traveler played by Youth actor Paul Dano. During his journey, he finds himself on a beach where a corpse, played by Daniel Radcliffe himself, washes ashore. That corpse becomes his traveling companion, and it continually passes gas throughout the 90 minute bizarre romp.

Obviously in a strange genre of its own, the indie also contains a long sequence where Daniel Radcliffe’s character maintains and erection, as well as a homoerotic kiss between the two stars. So it seems the main plot of Swiss Army Man revolves around flatulence, necrophilia, and masturbation. Not exactly a crowd pleaser.

The Sundance Film Festival is known for having some of the most highbrow films that the entertainment world has to offer. An indie audience seems like an appropriate place as any to feature a film which includes a farting former wizard. However, the fact that so many audience members walked out of this premiere might be speaking volumes to the quality of the film. While everyone loves a good fart joke, perhaps Swiss Army Man fails to actually make the transition from crude to humorous. The film is also being billed as somewhat of a drama, though it’s surely hard for an audience to find emotional honesty in such a ridiculous and raunchy concept. 

While there is not much footage for Swiss Army Man currently available, that first screening is resulting in some reviews. The few print reviews have been fairly mixed, although the film currently holds a mere 5.4 out of 10 on its imdb page.

This wouldn’t be the first time that Daniel Radcliffe chose to participate in an acting project that didn’t quite work out. We recently saw him in Victor Frankenstein, which was an overall box office bomb. He was also recently seen in a similarly strange movie, Horns, which got mixed to poor reviews. The Harry Potter actor has been seemingly taking very unique projects, peppering in bits of stage work between his movies.

We’ll keep you updated on Swiss Army Man as it continues to be shown, although with strong reactions like this I doubt we’ll be seeing it in wide release anytime soon.

Sundance's Catdance: A Purrfect Evening Affair

A virtual reality experience and a giant sequined litter scoop were at the fourth annual event held on Main Street in Park City Saturday night.

The Sundance Film Festival is known for a lot of things: movies, celebrities, snow and now, cats.

This year marks the fourth annual Catdance Film Festival, which is like Sundance but with -- you guessed it -- cats.

New Girl's Hannah Simone, owner of two cats herself, hosted the Saturday evening event and spoke to THR while sitting one faux grass playing with a calico kitten.

"I'm here for these guys," Simone said, motioning to the ball of fur that calmly sat at her the base of her stilettos. "I love that Catdance really promotes cat adoptions and tries to place them in beautiful homes."

THR's Photo Lounge at Sundance: Don Cheadle, Ellen Page, Nick Jonas and More Stars of Park City

Catdance, which took place at the Italian restaurant Cisero's, was strangely exclusive, boasting a line of hopeful attendees that rivaled many of the bars and parties on Main Street in Park City.  

The whole event was meant to be an immersive experience that aimed to put you in the mindset of a festival-going cat. At the start of the party, guests were given sequined cat ears, while a few self-applied black whiskers and noses.     

Also available for attendees was a virtual realty experience that featured a two-minute long video meant to put the user in the body of a cat waiting to get adopted. Viewers were taken on an emotional rollercoaster, as they go through the heartbreak of being turned down by gentleman who nudges you out of the way with his boot to the joy of being taken in a cat carrier to a home where the user got to roam around until finding a stash of Fresh Step litter, Catdance's corporate partner.  

In the screening room, which was flanked by two bars, partygoers sat on bean bag chairs, drank and watched cat videos like it was an average college party.

Catdance is meant to be a cross-section between cinephiles and feline aficionados, where films that feature shelter cats are screened onstage next to a four foot-tall sequined litter scoop that was to be awarded to the grand prize winner. Also being awarded to the grand prize winner: $25,000. 

"This is all to elevate the cats," one partygoer said.

And elevate it did.

SRK’s Dilwale becomes second highest grosser of 2015 worldwide

Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Dilwale’, which collected Rs 365 crore overseas, has become the second highest grosser of 2015.

Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Dilwale’, which collected Rs 365 crore overseas, has become the second highest grosser of 2015.

‘Dilwale’ had become the highest collecting film in Singapore (only Bollywood film to cross Singapore $ 1 million), South Africa, Netherlands, Malaysia (6 times bigger than the last highest grosser), West Indies & Jordan.

Dilwale is also the second highest collecting film of all time in overseas markets such as UAE –GCC (which also had the highest opening weekend for any Bollywood film), Peru, Kuwait, Indonesia, Egypt and Morocco.

Some other countries that saw the highest opening weekend for a Bollywood film include Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Pakistan.

Also read: There’s certain insensitivity in India: Kajol

Pakistan and Australia saw trends of a different kind, where Dilwale became the 3rd film ever to cross $ 2 million and the first ever SRK film to cross AUD 1 million, respectively. While in UK, which is one of the biggest overseas markets for Bollywood films, it had collections, which were unbelievable. UK crossed GBP 1 million in just five days and it was the fourth SRK film to cross GBP 2 million. Only seven films have done it so far.

Only 16 films so far have crossed $10 million overseas, in which SRK has 9 films, which shows the reach and following he enjoying in overseas.

The film was released on December 18, 2015.

Airlift box office collections: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur’s film earns Rs 12.35 cr. on opening day

Superstar Akshay Kumar’s “Airlift” collected Rs. 12.35 cr. on its opening day. The film, which is about the evacuation of Indians during the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Iraq has been appreciated by the fans and critics alike. (Read: Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 box earns Rs 8.15 cr. on opening day )

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted the first day collections of the film. (Read: Airlift movie review)

Talking about the film Indian Express critic Shubhra Gupta wrote: “It is the sort of awakening that shakes loose Katyal from his cocooned wealthy life, which he shares with his wife Amrita (Nimrat Kaur) and young daughter, forcing him to deal with a series of dangerous situations, and leading to the evacuation of more than a lakh Indians stuck between Saddam Hussain’s brutal forces and an alarmingly slow-to-take-heed Indian state.”

Airlift takes off in style, Kya Kool Hain Hum 3 gets thumbs down from audience, Watch video 

“Airlift”, directed by Raja Krishna Menon, also stars Nimrat Kaur and Purab Kohli in key roles. The film clashed with Ekta Kapoor’s adult comedy, Kya Kool Hain Hum 3. (Read: Kya Kool Hain Hum 3 movie review)

Freida Pinto to co-host a special dinner at the World Economic Forum

International actress Freida Pinto has time and again extended her support for varied social causes and promoted them across the entertainment world through various events. The actress is alsoa representative of the The Global Citizen Initiative (TGCI) and is now all set to host a special dinner on January 21, that is today in Switzerland. 

TGCI helps in building the global citizenship skills in order to overcome issues pertaining to human rights, gender equality, the environment, global peace among others across the world. The said dinner will be hosted at the World Economic Forum in Davos. If sources are to be believed, Freida will be hosting the dinner and speaking to the gathering on Global Goals with a special focus on India and the plans ahead. 

The special guests at this dinner would be Melinda Gates and the legendary musician Bono along with Oprah Winfrey and Sheryl Sandberg. The dinner will also be attended by major HNIs and influencers including Heads of State, CEOs and other key voices and opinion leaders.

Varun Dhawan injures his knee whilst shooting for Dishoom

Of late, there have been several reports of many actors suffering injuries on the sets of their films, especially whilst shooting for the ones which have some heavy dose of action. After John Abraham who suffered a knee injury, it is now his co-star Varun Dhawan who experienced something similar on the sets of Dishoom. 

Just a day ago we had reported that the actor is undergoing rigorous physical training for the film which promises to be an action packed one. However, whilst filming it the actor ended up hurting his knee. Talking about his injury, Varun said, "I was hurt while shooting for Dishoom. I was advised a week's rest, but I could only manage three days." Though he is busy nursing his injured knee, he doesn't have much time to recuperate as there's an action-packed 40-day schedule in Abu Dhabi coming up. 

Elaborating on how the injury affected his workout regime, Varun said, "My workout now includes more of cardio. I am aiming to go more towards the lean look." He is currently training with fitness instructor Prashant Sawant. Varun also added, "It's a 40-day schedule, which includes a lot of action...a lot of running, skidding, hanging by helicopters. When I was training before I got injured, along with weights, my regime also included pilates for flexibility. Also, I play football, and that really helps you look bright. It also helps with agility and adds a natural flush to your skin." 

Besides coping up with the action the actor will also go bare-bodied in the movie. Speaking on his current physique he said, "No, I am not in the shape that I want to achieve. But there's still a month. Once we get to Abu Dhabi, I will work to get into the best shape possible. Plus, there's John over there. We have a good gym there, and John knows so much about fitness I am going to use him to train better." 

Dishoom starring Varun Dhawan, John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandez is directed by Rohit Dhawan. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film is slated to release on July 29, 2016.

Counter FIR filed by Nawazuddin Siddiqui's wife

Just a couple of days ago we reported about an FIR filed against popular actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui by a woman named Hina Sheikh at Versova Police station accusing the actor of assaulting her over a parking quarrel. And now we hear that Aaliya Siddiqui, wife of Nawazuddin has filed a counter FIR against a few people over the issue like Khaleel and Soni Dandekar from their society who had accompanied Hina to the police station.

According to the FIR filed by Aaliya at Versova Police Station, she claimed that Khaleel marched into their apartment to find the actor. When Aaliya mentioned that he is in the washroom, Khaleel even touched her inappropriately whilst pushing her aside and even threatened Nawaz after the latter question Khaleel about entering his house without permission and for misbehaving with his wife. The FIR against Khaleel has been filed by Aaliya under sections 143, 147, 149, 354, 452 and 506 that includes criminal intimidation and misbehaving with a woman with the intention of outraging her modesty. 

On the other hand, Nawaz's brother Shamas who was present at their residence during the time of this incidence further claimed that this is a conspiracy by a few residents of their society against others over certain issues and disagreements over elections for the post of chairman and secretary of their society. He further also maintained that Nawaz was targeted due to his celebrity status and that even the watchman of the society denied allegations of assault against Siddiqui.

Maharashtra govt moves SC against Salman Khan's acquittal

In December last year, the Bombay High Court acquitted actor Salman Khan in the 2002 hit and run case. However little over a month after the verdict, we hear that the Maharashtra government has decided to approach the Supreme Court against Salman Khan's acquittal.

According to Sandeep Shinde, the public prosecutor who has been associated with the case, the Bombay High Court has erred in not appreciating the prosecution evidence. Further he adds that the trial court's order convicting Khan was correct and should be upheld. 

For those still wondering about the case, in May, a trial court had held Khan guilty of killing a man with his SUV on September 28, 2002, after the actor's Land Cruiser had crashed into five people sleeping outside a bakery in Bandra. However on December 10, 2015, the High Court overturned that order, acquitting the actor of all charges and cancelling his five-year jail sentence. In its ruling acquitting the actor, the court stated that the prosecution had failed to establish beyond doubt that Salman Khan was driving and was drunk at the time of the accident. Further, the High Court also discredited the testimony of a key prosecution witness - Ravindra Patil - who had said that Khan was driving drunk and had ignored his repeated warnings.

Amitabh Bachchan & Priyanka Chopra to be the brand ambassadors of 'Incredible India'

The infamous controversy trigged by Aamir Khan's statement regarding intolerance resulted in a big uproar on social media followed by huge unrest. This also meant that, his 'tenure' as the brand ambassador of 'Incredible India' had come to an end. No sooner did that happen; there were names being tossed around about his 'successor' who could represent India in a positive light that ranged from Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar and a handful of others which also included famous sports personalities.

Now after several speculations we hear that the megastar Amitabh Bachchan along with the international icon and Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra have been roped in as the face of 'Incredible India'. Besides the fact that Amitabh Bachchan is a living legend, the superstar has also worked towards several causes and has previously been a part of the polio campaign. On the other hand, Priyanka Chopa apart from being a successful Bollywood star as well as an award winning actress and singer internationally, is also the face of UN for several programs that focuses on the development of girl child.

Ekta Kapoor holds special puja for Kya Kool Hain Hum 3

It is a known fact that Ekta Kapoor is a rather superstitious filmmaker, but taking things to the next level recently we hear that Ekta held a special puja for her soon to release film Kya Kool Hain Hum 3 at Balaji office for the success of the release. However, what caught our attention was the fact that Ekta apparently issued a diktat to all the people involved in not just the making of the film but also all key members of her TV production stating that attendance at the puja was mandatory. 

While, obviously seeking divine blessing for the release of the film, especially since it will be clashing with the Akshay Kumar - Nimrat Kaur starrer Airlift on the big screen. In fact, if what we hear is to be believed, Ekta and the makers had apparently sent the script of the film to the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before they commenced the shoot. Further, once a go ahead was received from the members of the CBFC, did the on ground shoot for the film commence. This probably the first to happen in Bollywood. 

With such preparations being made to ensure a smooth and unhindered release we hope the film Kya Kool Hain Hum 3 does well at the box office.

Priyanka Chopra's Jai Gangaajal gets UA certificate from censors

Earlier it was reported that Prakash Jha's film Jai Gangaajal that features Priyanka Chopra had hit a road block with the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanding 11 cuts in the film, sans which it would receive an 'A' rated certificate. However, now we hear that the makers of the film have received clearance for the film from the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT).

Though the FCAT has cleared the film with a 'UA' rating, they have requested for two minor chances in the film. Commenting on the same, an elated Jha said that while the cuts are minor this clearance termed the CBFC chief Pahlaj Nilhani's actions as 'questionable' and said that it appeared as if Nihlani had some personal agenda. 

As for the film, Jai Gangaajal, which is a sequel to Jha's 2003 release Gangaajal, is slated to release on March 4.

FIFA WINNER'S of 1930 to 2014