IlluMyFi

Andrea Mandell is the Senior Editor of Entertainment Projects at PEOPLE Magazine. She joined the brand in 2022 and helps lead special projects, film coverage, festivals, awards and more. Mel Brooks can put another accolade on his resumé, with the legendary comedian and filmmaker receiving an honorary Oscar at the 14th Governors Awards. "This is beautiful," Brooks, 97, began his acceptance speech after presenters Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick serenaded him with songs from his storied career. "I got to tell you, this means a lot to me. It really means a lot." Brooks vowed to never sell his second Oscar, jokingly telling the crowd he regretted selling his first. In 1968, Brooks won best original screenplay for The Producers. "I miss it so much," he said of his first trophy. "I never should have sold it." The Young Frankenstein director recalled how it "meant a lot" to be awarded a place in his family as the youngest of four boys. "It's the same thing in showbusiness," Brooks said. "If your fellow writers, directors, etc. like you and appreciate your work, it means a lot. It means a whole lot." "When your peers appreciate your work and they salute you with this golden statue, it means a great deal," the spry Brooks continued, before calling the award "terrific." "I won't sell this. I swear to God," Brooks said before leaving the stage. On June 26, 2023, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed that Brooks, along with actor Angela Bassett and film editor Carol Littleton, would receive the award at the November ceremony for their contributions to the industry. "First of all, I am very happy to still be alive!" Brooks told PEOPLE in a statement after the award's announcement. "But secondly, it is so nice to be recognized by my peers in The Academy over 50 years after my last Oscar," He added, "A long time ago I was given a choice: I had an offer to be working as an apprentice accountant or as a coffee runner in show business. I'm still glad I chose the coffee." Brooks is one of 23 individuals to achieve an EGOT -- an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. Brooks earned two more Oscar nods in 1975 for best adapted screenplay for Young Frankenstein and best original song for Blazing Saddles. "Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment," Academy President Janet Yang previously said in a press release. Voted on by the Academy's Board of Governors, the Honorary Award is "given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy."

Sentiment

Bearish/Bullish

13.01.24 01:51

by people.com

These Are the 15 Best Laptop Backpacks for Travel

Things to Consider Before Buying a Laptop Backpack for Travel When you're buying a backpack for travel, especially one for transporting a laptop, you should consider the capacity and how much will fit. Some laptop backpacks for travel only fit certain size laptops, others might just fit a laptop and a few other things and some can store several clothes as well as notebooks, laptops, toiletry bags, and more. In some cases, laptop backpacks for travel with higher storage capacity can function similarly to a weekender bag. And bonus points if there are lots of pockets and compartments for organizing your items. "Compartmentalizing work items creates ease of navigation on the go," Volpe says. "Another factor in purchasing a travel laptop bag is durability," says Volpe. She points out various travel hazards like spilled coffee on planes and rainstorms where a good backpack material can be the difference between a ruined day and momentary inconvenience. You want to make sure that, like other types of underseat luggage, your laptop backpack for travel can withstand the wear and tear of being shoved by your feet on an airplane. "Durable materials like leather are luxe and long-lasting," says Volpe. "They also take wear and tear nicely." She points out that the look of leather improves over time, so even once it has worn down over time, it will retain that vintage leather feel. "Another great option for durability is high-quality polyester," she says (as well as nylon). She adds that this material generally costs less than leather, and can "outlast torrential downpours and being crammed into an overhead compartment." Our best overall laptop backpack for travel is the Solo Re-Define Backpack, partly due to its lightweight, durable, water-resistant polyester material. The design of a laptop backpack for travel can either aid or hinder your travels, so you want to look for features that add to the overall comfort, durability, and use of the bag. Features like adjustable straps, the ability to connect to a charger, and the number of pockets and storage compartments are all important factors to look for. Also, an ergonomic top handle is great for those who prefer carrying tote bags. "Instead of being too trend forward I look for a travel laptop bag that has an aesthetic which can last for three to four years versus one season," Volpe says. She suggests avoiding wild prints/patterns and looking for solid colors that will pair well with many outfits and occasions. "A travel laptop bag isn't something you just throw away like a budget-friendly evening clutch," exclaims Volpe. "It has to be appropriate to take to business meetings and while working from your local coffee shop." It's not unlike investing in a great functional women's work bag. But a laptop backpack for travel doesn't have to be boring. "Color is A-okay for the creative and fun-loving types," she says. "Combination neutrals like cream, brown, and gray are chic, mature, and versatile to coordinate with any outfit." And for the tech-s...