It's been a week of whiplash at Ohio State University, with one president stepping down, another stepping in, and plenty of questions about what comes next.

Why it matters: Ravi V. Bellamkonda's rapid ascent into the presidency after just one year as provost signals the university's desire to quickly move forward during a turbulent time.

Catch up quick: Former president Ted Carter Jr. abruptly resigned last weekend due to an "inappropriate relationship."

• The board of trustees unanimously approved Bellamkonda's promotion yesterday, a move they'd been discussing since Sunday, he told reporters.
• A bioengineer and neuroscientist, Bellamkonda brings a vast health and tech background to the role, plus about 20 years of academic leadership.

What he's saying: "One event, one person or one news story does not define The Ohio State University," Bellamkonda said.

• "The way we rebuild trust is to stay focused on our mission."

Follow the money: The quick pick means the board of trustees avoided its third costly presidential search in six years.

• The search to appoint Carter's predecessor, for example, cost more than $400,000.
• Bellamkonda signed a five-year contract with a $1.4 million annual base salary.

Referencing the lack of search, board chair John Zeiger said yesterday that "the right leader is already at our university."

• He complimented Bellamkonda's "vast experience, his personal values and management skills, and his strong record here."

Flashback: Bellamkonda's academic career began as a Case Western Reserve University professor in Cleveland in 1995. He has also held positions at Emory University, Duke University and Georgia Tech.

• At OSU, he's been heavily involved in developing a new strategic plan and launching an "AI Fluency" initiative embedding artificial intelligence into the general education requirements of all undergraduate degrees.

Zoom in: Bellamkonda's priorities as president will include advancing research, being on the "leading edge" of the AI revolution, and "shaping the future through our students."

• Asked about recent debates regarding DEI on campus, he said he's "very committed to intellectual diversity."
• He also said OSU will continue its "thorough, fair and open" process of considering calls to rename Wexner Medical Center, another hot-button issue.

What we're watching: Bellamkonda expects to appoint an interim provost and search nationally for a permanent replacement for that role.

• Officials gave no updates on the investigation into Carter's misconduct yesterday, but acknowledged the investigation is ongoing.

Ohio State's new president didn't just talk business — here are a few fun facts mentioned during his first day on the job.

• He holds 11 U.S. patents focused on new ways to treat cancer, brain diseases and nerve injuries.
• His middle-aged goldendoodle, C.J., is the first pet he's ever owned.
• He roots for Cleveland sports, calling the day the Cavs won the 2016 championship "one of the best days of my life."

👋 Andrew here. I love movies, and do my best to watch the Academy Award contenders each year.

• Admittedly, a new baby in 2025 did not help, so I missed a couple I didn't feel like prioritizing. Sorry, "Frankenstein."

Ahead of Sunday's show, here are my personal picks for the major awards:

🏆 Best Picture: "One Battle After Another"

My favorite movie of the year, and one I'll be watching for a long time. OBAA is truly a special film.

• What a year for "girl dad" movies, the year I became one myself.

🏆 Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

The boring pick, but an easy one — the person who put together "One Battle After Another" deserves this award.

🏆 Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet

This is a stacked category, and I won't be mad about anyone winning, but it's hard to watch "Marty Supreme" and imagine anyone else as the magnetic lead that pulls this movie together.

🏆 Best Actress: Jessie Buckley

"Hamnet" is one of the most emotionally devastating movies I've ever seen, and all of that emotion hinges on whether you buy Buckley's performance — she delivers.

• Shoutout to Renate Reinsve in "Sentimental Value," one of our greatest working actors.

🏆 Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn

I know, I know — more OBAA love. But if you've seen Penn in this movie, you won't be surprised.

🏆 Best Supporting Actress: Teyana Taylor

Taylor isn't in "One Battle Another" for all that long, but she absolutely steals the entire film, making you feel both her presence and her absence.

• I kind of hope Amy Madigan wins for the amazing "Weapons," though.

Cramming for an Oscar party Sunday night?

Catch up quick: It's hard to see all the nominees, but if you've got a few free hours this weekend, these are the three movies to prioritize.

"One Battle After Another"

• If you've only got time for one, this is it. It's an action flick, a satirical comedy and a political statement all at once, so there's something for everyone.

Now streaming on HBO Max.

"Sinners"

• What's better than a powerhouse Michael B. Jordan performance? Michael B. Jordan playing twins!

Now streaming on HBO Max.

"Sentimental Value"

• Renate Reinsve shows why she's set to be a star, but the relatively unknown Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas steals the show. If you've got siblings, get the tissues ready ahead of their climactic scene together.

Available via VOD ($5.99 rental) on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and YouTube.

The Oscars' recent support of foreign-language cinema marks one of the most rapid taste turnarounds for the awards body in recent history.

By the numbers: Before "Parasite" broke the foreign-language barrier and took home Best Picture in 2020, only 11 non-English films were nominated for the top award. In the six years since, 10 have been in contention for Best Picture.

Driving the news: Two foreign-language films — Norway's "Sentimental Value" and Brazil's "The Secret Agent" — are vying for the top prize this year.

The big picture: This awards trend comes as more Americans than ever are tuning into foreign films and TV. Demand for non-U.S. titles hit 25.3% last year, an all-time high.

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