Perugorria portrays difficult character with ease ‘Strawberry’ revives Cuban film industry with strong acting, Oscar nomination By Lael Loewenstein Daily Bruin Staff It may have lost the Best Foreign Film Oscar to Russia’s Burnt by the Sun last week, but the Cuban entry Strawberry and Chocolate got more mileage out of its nomination than most films do by winning awards. Read more...

Walk’s volunteers keep stars shining By Annie Shooman The Associated Press John Wayne has a little too much true grit. But Barry Manilow’s star shines brightly, thanks to people who take it upon themselves to clean and polish some of the big names on Hollywood Boulevard. Read more...

Back to basics A new breed of ‘alternative’ country artists are challenging the hegemony of mainstream Nashville, and people are listening. By Michael Tatum Daily Bruin Senior Staff Don’t bother asking Dave Alvin about modern country music. Read more...

Dreyfuss and Lahti shine in dim ‘Hotels’ By Jennifer Richmond Daily Bruin Staff Jon Robin Baitz’s "Three Hotels," the Mark Taper’s newest production, proves once again that just because you have great actors doesn’t mean you have a great play. Read more...

New audio-visual CD will change face of music By Brian Remick There was a time when you had to explain that "CD" meant "compact disc." No one owned them. Read more...

‘Circle’ boy wonder takes leap into ‘Batman Forever’ as Robin By Lael Loewenstein Daily Bruin Staff His latest role is the most recent in a long line of clean-cut Golden Boys, but come this summer Chris O’Donnell will be in for a major image overhaul. Read more...

LACMA showcases American spirit in modern art By Kristin Fiore What defines the American spirit? This question has come to a head in the ’90s, and nowhere more so than right here in Los Angeles. Read more...