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Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth Says U.S. ‘Prepared’ for War with China Amid Trade Dispute

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared Wednesday that the United States is “prepared” to go to war with China if necessary, as tensions between the two global superpowers escalate over trade and military posturing. 

Speaking on *Fox & Friends*, Hegseth responded to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, which posted on X late Tuesday: “If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end.” 

“Well, we’re prepared,” Hegseth said. “Those who long for peace must prepare for war.” He emphasized the administration’s commitment to military strength, adding, “That’s why we’re rebuilding our military. If we want to deter war with the Chinese or others, we have to be strong, and that president understands peace comes through strength.” 

While trade hostilities between Washington and Beijing have intensified, Hegseth insisted that President Donald Trump maintains a “great relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and is still seeking diplomatic solutions. 

“Where we can cooperate, we will. The president is looking for peace and opportunities,” Hegseth said. “But my job as secretary of defense is to make sure we’re ready. We need the defense spending, the capabilities, the weapons, and the posture in the Indo-Pacific, which is something we’re very much focused on.” 

China recently announced a 7.2% increase in its defense budget as it continues modernizing its military and asserting its global influence. The country ranks as the world’s second-largest military spender behind the United States and maintains the largest navy in terms of fleet size. 

The latest tensions come as the U.S. dramatically escalated its trade war with China this week, with Trump doubling tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%. Beijing retaliated with up to 15% tariffs on key U.S. agricultural products, including wheat, corn, and pork. 

Chinese officials have accused Washington of using fentanyl trade as an excuse to impose tariffs, arguing that the U.S. must take responsibility for its own opioid crisis. Trump, however, has repeatedly blamed China for failing to curb the production of fentanyl, which has fueled America’s overdose epidemic. 

In addition to targeting China, Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada, citing their role in fentanyl trafficking and border security failures. 

Despite the heightened tensions, reports indicate that the White House could announce some tariff carveouts as early as Wednesday in an attempt to mitigate the economic fallout. 

China Warns It Is Ready for ‘Any Type of War’ as Trade Tensions with U.S. Escalate

China issued a stark warning on Tuesday, declaring it is prepared for “any type of war” after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, escalating an already fraught trade war. 

The latest U.S. tariffs, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, include a 25% levy on imports from Mexico and Canada, along with a doubling of tariffs on Chinese goods from 10% to 20%. The move prompted swift retaliation from Beijing, which imposed additional tariffs on key U.S. agricultural products. 

In his first address to Congress of his second term, Trump signaled that further tariffs would be introduced in early April, including reciprocal duties and non-tariff measures aimed at what he described as “years of trade imbalances.” 

“Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it’s our turn,” Trump said, citing what he characterized as unfair trade practices by China and the European Union. 

Beijing responded with a defiant message, warning of prolonged economic confrontation. 

“If war is what the U.S. wants—be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war—we’re ready to fight till the end,” China’s Foreign Ministry stated. 

China Retaliates with Tariffs on U.S. Agricultural Exports

In response to the latest U.S. trade measures, China announced a 15% tariff on American agricultural exports, including chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton. Additional 10% tariffs were imposed on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. 

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reinforced China’s position, warning against attempts to pressure Beijing into submission. 

“I want to reiterate that the Chinese people have never feared evil or ghosts, nor have we ever bowed to hegemony or bullying,” Lin said. “Pressure, coercion, and threats are not the right ways to engage with China. Trying to exert maximum pressure is a miscalculation and a mistake.” 

Trump has justified the tariff escalation in part by accusing China of failing to curb the production of chemicals used in fentanyl, a claim Beijing has rejected. China has also filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization, calling the tariffs a “serious violation” of trade rules. 

Economic Fallout and Rising Consumer Costs

The U.S. tariffs, which target the country’s three largest trading partners, are expected to have widespread economic consequences. Analysts warn that American consumers will likely face higher prices on goods ranging from cars and electronics to groceries and alcohol. 

The United States sources 75% of its imported toys and sports equipment from China, while a significant portion of vehicles sold in the U.S. are assembled in Canadian or Mexican factories. 

Despite concerns over the economic impact, Trump remained firm in his stance, writing on Truth Social, “If companies move to the United States, there are no tariffs!!!” 

Canada Responds with Counter-Tariffs 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the new tariffs and announced retaliatory measures, placing 25% levies on a range of American goods. 

“Today, the United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally and their closest friend,” Trudeau said at a press conference. “At the same time, they’re talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense.” 

Trudeau acknowledged the economic strain the tariffs could place on Canadians and warned that their long-term implications remain uncertain. 

“This trade war hurts American families and Canadian families,” he said. “Perhaps he wants to sink the Canadian economy so that he can annex Canada. That’s never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state.” 

With tensions rising and both sides digging in, the economic standoff between the U.S., China, and Canada is set to intensify, raising fears of broader global financial instability. 

Supreme Court Rejects Trump Administration’s Attempt to Withhold USAID Contractor Payments

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled against the Trump administration’s effort to withhold $2 billion in payments owed to U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) contractors. However, the decision did not mandate immediate disbursement of the funds. 

In a 5-4 vote, the justices denied an emergency request from the Justice Department, which sought to block U.S. District Judge Amir Ali’s rulings ordering the government to unfreeze the funds. President Donald Trump had halted the payments through an executive order. 

The court stated that the deadline for immediate payment had passed and that the case remains active in the lower court. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday, where Ali is expected to clarify the government’s obligations under the temporary restraining order issued on February 13. The justices also advised the district court to consider the feasibility of compliance deadlines. 

Four conservative justices dissented from the ruling. Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh, argued that Ali lacked the authority to order the government to disburse taxpayer funds. 

The Trump administration maintained that it could not meet the deadline set by Ali to release the $2 billion in payments by last Wednesday night. 

The payment freeze has impacted several foreign aid projects, including irrigation and water infrastructure in Ukraine, waterworks improvements in Lagos, Nigeria, medical equipment distribution in Vietnam and Nepal, and malaria prevention efforts in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, and Ethiopia. 

Meanwhile, the administration recently concluded a review of USAID’s expenditures, confirming plans to eliminate thousands of programs valued at up to $60 billion. Although not part of the Supreme Court case, these broader cuts are expected to face legal challenges. 

Chief Justice John Roberts issued an administrative stay last week, temporarily blocking Ali’s ruling while the Supreme Court considered the appeal. 

The underlying lawsuit was filed by nonprofit organizations and private contractors reliant on USAID funding. A separate lawsuit was also initiated by unions representing USAID employees. 

Since taking office, Trump and his ally Elon Musk have pursued a strategy of downsizing the federal government, with USAID identified as a primary target. On Thursday, USAID staff affected by layoffs were seen vacating their offices in Washington, D.C., while demonstrators gathered outside. 

Contractors claim the administration’s abrupt decision left them financially strained despite fulfilling contractual obligations. They assert that the government did not adhere to the proper legal process under the Administrative Procedure Act. 

Ali initially ruled against the Trump administration’s sweeping termination of foreign aid funding, stating that the government must conduct case-by-case evaluations. He later ordered the administration to issue immediate payments for completed contracts, prompting the appeal. 

Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris argued before the Supreme Court that while the government is committed to paying valid claims, Ali overstepped his judicial authority by compelling specific payments. 

Contractors, however, say the funding delay has led to severe financial consequences. One organization laid off 110 workers due to the nonpayment, while another faces legal challenges for failing to meet severance obligations. Employees working on U.S.-funded aid projects in Ukraine, Georgia, and Nigeria have also reported concerns over safety due to unpaid wages. 

In their Supreme Court filing, attorneys representing the contractors accused the Trump administration of disregarding Ali’s restraining order for nearly two weeks. They further argued that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction to intervene at this stage. 

With the justices refusing to enforce immediate payment, the case will continue in the lower court. The upcoming Thursday hearing could determine whether the administration will be compelled to release the funds or if further legal proceedings will delay payments indefinitely. 

U.S. Cuts Off Intelligence-Sharing with Ukraine, Impacting Military Operations

The United States has halted intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed Wednesday, a move that could significantly weaken Kyiv’s ability to target Russian forces. 

The suspension of intelligence-sharing, coupled with the pause in military aid, highlights the Trump administration’s aggressive approach to pressuring Ukraine into peace negotiations with Russia. 

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he had received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which the Ukrainian leader expressed openness to diplomatic talks aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. 

“I think on the military front and the intelligence front, the pause that prompted Ukraine’s president to respond will go away,” Ratcliffe told *Fox Business Network*. “I think we’ll work shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine as we have to push back on the aggression that’s there, but to put the world in a better place for these peace negotiations to move forward.” 

Three sources familiar with the situation confirmed that U.S. intelligence-sharing with Ukraine had been suspended, though the exact scope of the reduction remains unclear. One source indicated that intelligence-sharing had only been “partially” cut but did not provide further details. 

Since the war began in 2022, the U.S. has supplied Ukraine with critical battlefield intelligence, including key targeting data for military operations against Russian forces. The sudden suspension raises concerns about Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defensive and offensive strategies. 

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz told reporters Wednesday that the administration is reassessing all aspects of its intelligence cooperation with Ukraine. 

“We’ve taken a step back and are reviewing our intelligence relationship,” Waltz said. 

He also confirmed that the U.S. is engaged in discussions with Ukraine regarding a minerals agreement and potential peace talks with Russia. 

“I think we’re going to see movement in very short order,” Waltz said. 

The decision to limit intelligence-sharing comes at a crucial moment in the war, as Ukraine seeks continued U.S. support while navigating diplomatic pressure to negotiate with Moscow. 

Hegseth Suspends Pentagon’s Offensive Cyberoperations Against Russia

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a halt to offensive cyberoperations against Russia by U.S. Cyber Command, scaling back efforts to counter a key adversary despite growing calls from national security experts for expanded cybersecurity measures. 

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the operations, confirmed the suspension on Monday. 

Hegseth’s decision does not impact cyberoperations conducted by other agencies such as the CIA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). However, the Trump administration has also rolled back cyber-focused initiatives at the FBI and other agencies tasked with countering digital and cyber threats. 

The Pentagon’s decision, first reported by *The Record*, comes at a time when cybersecurity experts and national security officials are advocating for increased investment in cyber defense and offensive capabilities. China and Russia, in particular, have been accused of attempting to disrupt the U.S. economy, elections, and national security through cyberattacks. 

Lawmakers from both parties have urged a stronger offensive cyber posture. During his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this year, CIA Director John Ratcliffe emphasized that America’s adversaries view cyberespionage—including the theft of sensitive data and disruption of critical infrastructure—as a vital tool in modern warfare. 

“I want us to have all of the tools necessary to go on offense against our adversaries in the cyber community,” Ratcliffe said. 

U.S. Cyber Command, which oversees the Pentagon’s cybersecurity strategy, is regarded as the nation’s frontline defense in cyberspace. It is also responsible for planning offensive cyberoperations against foreign threats. 

The timing of Hegseth’s directive has raised questions, as it preceded a diplomatic dispute between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. While it remains unclear whether the suspension is tied to negotiations, some speculate it could be part of a broader strategy to pressure Moscow into peace talks regarding Ukraine. 

Trump has previously vowed to end the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago. On Monday, he criticized Zelenskyy for suggesting that peace remains a distant goal. 

The White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding Hegseth’s order. 

Cyber warfare is an increasingly attractive tool for nations seeking to challenge the U.S. without traditional military force. It offers a low-cost, covert means of economic and political disruption with reduced risk of direct military retaliation. 

“Cyber-enabled economic warfare is now a nation-state-level threat,” said Snehal Antani, CEO of cybersecurity firm Horizon3.ai. “We are in a critical period where offensive capabilities significantly outpace defensive measures.” 

Artificial intelligence has further transformed cyber conflicts, enabling adversaries—including Russia, China, and North Korea—to execute large-scale attacks more efficiently. AI can now automate hacking, generate disinformation, and identify vulnerabilities faster than human operators. 

Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi has disbanded an FBI task force dedicated to combating foreign influence operations, such as Russia’s previous interference in U.S. elections. Additionally, over a dozen election security specialists at CISA have been placed on leave. 

These policy shifts have left the U.S. increasingly vulnerable, according to Liana Keesing, campaigns manager for technology reform at *Issue One*, a nonprofit that analyzes technology’s impact on democracy. 

“Instead of confronting this threat, the Trump administration has actively taken steps to make it easier for the Kremlin to interfere in our electoral processes,” Keesing said. 

As cyber threats continue to evolve, national security experts warn that limiting U.S. offensive capabilities could weaken America’s ability to deter future attacks. 

Trump’s Trade War Sparks Retaliation from Mexico, Canada, and China-AP

President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions Tuesday by imposing new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, triggering swift retaliation from the U.S.’s largest trading partners. The move sent global financial markets into turmoil, raising concerns about inflation and economic instability. 

Shortly after midnight, Trump enforced a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports, while limiting the levy on Canadian energy products to 10%. The administration also doubled tariffs on Chinese imports, increasing them to 20%. 

In response, Beijing announced tariffs of up to 15% on a range of American agricultural exports. The Chinese government also expanded restrictions on U.S. businesses, adding approximately two dozen companies to its controlled export list. 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the tariffs, vowing to impose more than $100 billion in countermeasures against American goods within 21 days. “The United States has launched a trade war against its closest ally,” Trudeau said, criticizing the Trump administration’s policies while contrasting the U.S. stance on Russia. 

Mexico also announced retaliatory tariffs. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico will reveal targeted products on Sunday, signaling a potential effort to negotiate a resolution before further escalation. 

Addressing Congress on Tuesday night, Trump defended his decision, citing trade deficits with Mexico and Canada. He also linked the tariffs to drug policy, claiming that both nations had failed to curb fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. 

The president acknowledged potential economic disruption, including sharp declines in the stock market and inflation concerns, but framed the tariffs as part of a long-term economic strategy. “It may be an adjustment period, but this will ultimately benefit American farmers and businesses,” Trump said. 

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that the U.S. might seek a compromise with Canada and Mexico, hinting at possible negotiations by Wednesday. While affirming that tariffs would not be lifted immediately, Lutnick suggested that the administration could modify its stance based on reciprocal concessions. 

Meanwhile, tensions continued to mount between American and Canadian officials. A senior Canadian government representative revealed that Lutnick urged Ontario Premier Doug Ford to de-escalate rhetoric against the U.S. However, Ford reportedly vowed to push back even harder. 

Trudeau is expected to speak with Trump in the coming days, though it remains unclear whether discussions will lead to a resolution or further deepen trade hostilities. 

Dolly Parton’s Husband, Carl Dean, Dies at 82 After 60 Years of Marriage

Carl Dean, the longtime husband of country music legend Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 82. Parton, 79, announced his passing on Monday, sharing a heartfelt tribute to her late husband on Instagram. 

“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Parton wrote. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.” 

Dean, a private individual who largely stayed out of the spotlight despite his wife’s global fame, passed away in Nashville. His family will hold a private ceremony in his honor. 

While Parton did not disclose the cause of death, Dean was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2019. He is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie. 

Dean and Parton first met outside a laundromat in Nashville when she was just 18 years old. Their relationship began with what they described as “love at first sight.” 

“My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl,'” Dean once wrote on Parton’s official website. “My second thought was, ‘Lord, she’s good lookin’.’ And that was the day my life began.” 

The couple married on May 30, 1966, and remained devoted to one another for nearly 60 years. In 2016, they renewed their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary. 

“If I had it to do all over, I’d do it all over again, and we did,” Parton told *Entertainment Tonight* at the time. 

Though Dean avoided public life, he was the inspiration for some of Parton’s most beloved songs, including *I Will Always Love You* and *From Here to the Moon and Back*. 

Born in Nashville on July 20, 1942, Dean ran a successful asphalt paving business in Tennessee. Despite being married to one of the most recognizable names in music, he remained fiercely private and rarely appeared in public with Parton. 

The couple would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in May.

Over 1,000 Protest NOAA Scientist Layoffs in Colorado Amid Trump Administration Cuts

More than 1,000 protesters gathered outside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) building in Boulder on Monday, voicing outrage over mass layoffs of scientists under the Trump administration. Two NOAA employees estimated that at least 10% of the agency’s Boulder staff was dismissed last week as part of broader federal workforce reductions. 

The demonstration, organized by former U.S. Congressman David Skaggs, exceeded expectations, with Skaggs noting he had anticipated around 100 attendees. Police at the scene estimated the crowd at over 1,000. 

“The size of this protest reflects the deep concern Americans feel as the Trump administration dismantles critical scientific institutions,” Skaggs said. “We must stand up for what we know is right.” 

Last week, the Trump administration fired over 800 NOAA employees nationwide, according to congressional sources. NOAA has not responded to requests for comment on the layoffs or the specific number of employees affected in Boulder. 

Scientists at the rally warned that NOAA staffing cuts could undermine essential services, including space weather forecasts critical for satellite and power grid operations, as well as life-saving wildfire, tornado, and hurricane warnings. 

Susan McLean, a retired NOAA manager, expressed concern that the abrupt dismissals would make it harder to attract top scientific talent to federal agencies. 

“We used to draw skilled professionals despite lower pay because they believed in our mission,” McLean said. “These cuts make it clear that mission is no longer valued.” 

McLean compared the layoffs to previous federal workforce reductions, noting that during the Clinton administration, staffing cuts were planned in coordination with agency leadership over several years to minimize disruptions. 

“Those cuts were done with a scalpel,” McLean said. “This is being done with a wrecking ball—indiscriminate and without thought.” 

Brenna Raeder, one of the demonstrators holding a sign reading “National Weather Service Saves Lives,” echoed concerns that NOAA’s downsizing would have dire consequences. 

“It’s completely insane to defund these vital services, including wildfire forecasts that save lives right here in Colorado,” Raeder said. 

The layoffs follow policy recommendations from Project 2025, a conservative initiative advocating for NOAA’s downsizing. The group has argued that NOAA “has become one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry” and should be broken up. 

Similar protests erupted outside another NOAA facility in Silver Spring, Maryland, where 1,000 demonstrators demanded the reinstatement of fired scientists. 

“NOAA is critical to the safety of the seafood we eat, to forecasting deadly hurricanes, and to a million other aspects of our daily lives,” said protester Mike Tidwell. “We need to keep this agency strong.”

Trump Halts U.S. Aid to Ukraine After Oval Office Clash, Pressuring Zelenskyy on Peace Talks

President Donald Trump has ordered a pause on U.S. assistance to Ukraine following a tense Oval Office meeting, as he pushes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in peace negotiations with Russia. 

A White House official stated that Trump’s primary focus is achieving a peace deal to end the ongoing war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The official, speaking anonymously, said the U.S. is reviewing its aid to ensure it is helping to reach a resolution. 

Earlier, Trump criticized Zelenskyy for saying that an end to the war remains “very, very far away.” Trump’s allies have intensified pressure on Zelenskyy to alter his approach or step aside, as the U.S. president prioritizes a swift resolution to the conflict. 

The already strained relationship between the two leaders deteriorated further after a contentious White House meeting, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly chastised Zelenskyy for not expressing enough gratitude for U.S. support. 

“This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!” Trump wrote on Truth Social in response to Zelenskyy’s remarks. 

At a White House event later in the day, Trump reiterated his concerns, warning, “If somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long.” He further suggested that Zelenskyy’s reluctance to negotiate could impact U.S. backing. 

Zelenskyy, who has emphasized the need for substantive diplomacy, responded indirectly to Trump’s criticism, stating, “We need real peace, and Ukrainians want it most because the war ruins our cities and towns. We lose our people. We need to stop the war and guarantee security.” 

Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, questioned whether Zelenskyy is personally and politically ready to work toward ending the war. Other Trump allies, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Lindsey Graham, have expressed growing frustration with Zelenskyy’s leadership. 

The rift between Trump and Zelenskyy has raised concerns in Europe, where leaders fear it may weaken the Western alliance against Russia. Angela Stent, a former U.S. intelligence officer, suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin sees the divisions as an advantage, believing that the West will become increasingly fractured. 

Plans for a U.S.-Ukraine economic deal, which would have granted the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals as partial repayment for more than $180 billion in aid, were derailed after the Oval Office confrontation. However, Trump hinted on Monday that he still supports the agreement, calling it “a great deal” and indicating he may address it in his upcoming congressional speech. 

Despite the setback, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, spoke with Zelenskyy’s chief of staff and expressed optimism that the mineral rights deal will soon be finalized.

Complete List of Winners at the 97th Academy Awards

The 97th Academy Awards saw Adrien Brody claim his second Best Actor Oscar for The Brutalist, while Mikey Madison won Best Actress for Anora, which also took home Best Picture and a total of five awards. 

Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, and Zoe Saldaña received Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez. Meanwhile, Sean Baker had an exceptional night, winning for Best Director, Original Screenplay, and Film Editing for Anora. 

In animation, Flow triumphed over The Wild Robot for Best Animated Feature, while Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for Costume Design for his work on Wicked. 

Complete List of Winners at the 97th Academy Awards 

Best Picture 

– Anora 

Best Actor 

– Adrien Brody, The Brutalist 

Best Actress 

– Mikey Madison, Anora 

Best Director 

– Sean Baker, Anora 

Best Supporting Actress 

– Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez 

Best Supporting Actor 

– Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain 

Best International Film 

– I’m Still Here 

Best Documentary Feature 

– No Other Land 

Best Original Screenplay 

– Anora – Sean Baker 

Best Adapted Screenplay 

– Conclave – Peter Straughan 

Best Original Score 

– The Brutalist – Daniel Blumberg 

Best Original Song 

– “El Mal” – Emilia Pérez 

Best Animated Film 

– Flow 

Best Visual Effects 

– Dune: Part Two 

Best Costume Design 

– Wicked – Paul Tazewell 

Best Cinematography 

– The Brutalist – Lol Crawley 

Best Documentary Short Film 

– The Only Girl in the Orchestra 

Best Sound 

– Dune: Part Two 

Best Production Design 

– Wicked 

Best Makeup and Hairstyling 

– The Substance 

Best Film Editing 

– Anora – Sean Baker 

Best Live Action Short Film 

– I’m Not a Robot 

Best Animated Short Film 

– In the Shadow of the Cypress 

The night was filled with emotional speeches, historic wins, and stunning performances, cementing this year’s Oscars as one to remember.