Steve McQueen’s slavery drama won for best picture, making it the first movie from a black director to win the prize in 86 years of the Oscars.

The Hollywood film industry has recognised Angelina Jolie with a humanitarian award for her work with refugees and advocating for human rights.

"Breaking Bad" is the show to beat for the top honour – best drama series – at this weekend’s Emmys, which could make it a great year for gritty TV.

Republican Newt Gingrich restarted his troubled run for the US presidency with an appeal on Sunday to Jewish voters in California.

California voters rejected a ballot measure on Tuesday that would have made it the first US state to legalise marijuana for recreational use.