The 85th Academy Awards
‘Argo’ takes top prize at Academy Awards
The film won best picture as well as the awards for best adapted screenplay and editing, marking a stunning career return for actor-director Ben Affleck.
CRITIC’S NOTEBOOK
Best picture win caps Ben Affleck’s resurgence
CHRIS PIZZELLO/INVISION/AP
With his best picture Oscar win for “Argo,” Affleck has gone from the pit of pop scorn to the apex of Hollywood respect.
TV review
Host Seth MacFarlane balanced class, crass
Host Seth MacFarlane balanced class, crassMacFarlane managed to be both immature and gentlemanly as the host of the Academy Awards, a zany master of voices and a crooner.
Deal on automatic spending cuts is unlikely
The political standoff between the White House and congressional Republicans could result in the loss of thousands of jobs in Mass.
JACQUELYN MARTIN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
John Kerry embarks on inaugural trip in new job
In a nine-nation swing through Europe and the Middle East, a volatile international scene will test the new secretary of state.
Female surgeons note gains, subtle gender bias
The operating room is becoming more welcoming to female surgeons, but the experiences of local doctors suggest that full gender equality has not yet arrived.
Adrian Walker
City Councilor John Connolly’s bold move
It says everything about Mayor Menino’s five terms in office that the boldest act one can commit in Boston politics may be to run against him.
Globe exclusives
Sports
Trail Blazers 92, Celtics 86
Celtics lose to Trail Blazers
Despite awakening late in the game and bringing the score within two, the Celtics couldn’t overcome the Trail Blazers.
Metro
Weather doesn’t spell spring, but grills at Sully’s do
Even with snow and freezing drizzle outside, opening weekend at Sullivan’s on Castle Island signals the imminence of spring.
Columnists
Nation & World
Kabul bars US special forces from province
Afghanistan banned US forces from a strategic province, citing complaints that Afghans working for the US have tortured villagers.
Politics
POLITICAL NOTEBOOK
New group seeks to ‘strengthen progressive movement’
Two top political consultants to President Obama are forming a new public advocacy group.
Business
Hewlett-Packard will make $169 Android tablet
The HP Slate 7 tablet will have a 7-inch screen, similar in size to the Amazon Kindle Fire.
Arts
Book Review
‘If a Stranger Approaches’ by Laura Kasischke
This collection of short stories artfully plays with the line that divides private fantasy from public acts.
Health and wellness
Daily Dose
Quality TV programs lead to better behavior in kids
Research published last week suggests the type of programs children watch on TV can affect their behavior.
68 Blocks