MANAMA: UNESCO on Saturday added eight pre-Islamic Iranian archaeological sites to its World Heritage List, the UN agency announced at a meeting in the Bahraini capital.
The sites collectively appear on the worldwide list as the “Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars region (Islamic Republic of Iran).”
A province in modern-day Iran’s south, Fars was the cradle of the Sassanid dynasty, which appeared at the start of the third century.
After the fall of the Parthian empire, the Sassanids ruled territory that, at its peak, stretched from the west of Afghanistan to Egypt, before falling to the Arab conquest under the Umayyad caliphate in the middle of the seventh century.
“These fortified structures, palaces and city plans date back to the earliest and latest times of the Sassanian Empire,” UNESCO said.
With the latest addition, Iran now has 24 sites on the heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
UNESCO adds 8 pre-Islamic Iranian sites to heritage list
UNESCO adds 8 pre-Islamic Iranian sites to heritage list
- The sites collectively appear on the worldwide list as the “Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars region
- Fars was the cradle of the Sassanid dynasty, which appeared at the start of the third century
Why this year’s Golden Globes race feels so unpredictable
- No dominant frontrunner and openness among voters
- ‘Hamnet,’ ‘Sinners,’ ‘Sentimental Value’ in contention
LOS ANGELES: With the Golden Globes approaching, this awards season has taken on an unusually fluid shape. Instead of a single dominant frontrunner, the race is being defined by range, taste, and a noticeable openness among voters.
Prestige dramas are sharing space with ambitious studio films, while several contenders have built momentum quietly rather than through aggressive campaigns. The result is a season that feels unpredictable — in the best possible way.
That sense of openness is reflected not only in the awards race itself, but also in the broader tone surrounding this year’s ceremony. The 83rd Annual Golden Globes will air live on CBS on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, with comedian and actress Nikki Glaser returning as host.
Recently announced presenters include a wide cross section of film, television, and music figures.
Among them are Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Jennifer Garner, Kevin Hart, Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg, Amanda Seyfried, Ana de Armas, Ayo Edebiri, Colman Domingo, Dakota Fanning, Kathryn Hahn, Queen Latifah, Zoe Kravitz, and Pamela Anderson.
The diversity and generational range of the presenter lineup mirrors the season itself, blending established icons with contemporary voices and signaling a ceremony that leans into variety rather than predictability.
In the drama categories, “Hamnet” has emerged as a serious presence, earning steady respect across critics’ groups and industry conversations. Its restrained approach and emotional weight have resonated with audiences and awards watchers who value craft over spectacle.
At the same time, “Sinners” and “Sentimental Value” remain firmly in contention, particularly if voters gravitate toward character-driven storytelling rather than formal experimentation.
On the musical or comedy side, “One Battle After Another” appears especially well-positioned, carried by strong ensemble work and a level of sustained buzz that has followed it throughout the season.
The acting races are no less competitive. Wagner Moura has placed himself near the front of the Best Actor, Drama conversation for his performance in “The Secret Agent,” a role widely praised for its restraint and complexity.
Michael B. Jordan continues to generate strong support for “Sinners,” reinforcing his position as a consistent awards presence.
In the musical or comedy field, Timothee Chalamet has become a frequent prediction for “Marty Supreme,” a performance many see as both charismatic and strategically timed.
The actress races are equally open, with Jessie Buckley and Rose Byrne widely cited as leading figures, while the supporting categories continue to spotlight standout work from Stellan Skarsgard and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas.
In directing, momentum appears to favor Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another,” reflecting both critical admiration and industry confidence.
Screenplay and score conversations have included “Sinners” and “KPop Demon Hunters,” underscoring a year that balances artistic ambition with broader appeal.
However the night ultimately unfolds, this year’s Golden Globes feels less about safe consensus choices and more about recognizing work that lingered long after the credits rolled.
From the nominees to the presenters taking the stage, the ceremony reflects a film year defined by confidence, creative risk, and a refreshing absence of certainty.
