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Le Figaro: France and UK Propose Moth-Long Truce in Ukraine; Europe Moves to Take Control of Peace Negotiations; Israel: Will Block Gaza Aid Until Hamas Agrees to New Terms; Most Republicans Back Trump's Zelenskyy Showdown, but not All; "Anora" Triumphs at Oscars: Best Picture, Director, Actress. Aired 9-10a ET

Aired March 03, 2025 - 09:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[09:00:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BECKY ANDERSON, CNN HOST, CONNECT THE WORLD: Well, this is the scene in Gaza where Israel has said it will block aid in an effort, they say, to put

pressure on Hamas for new ceasefire terms. It's 04:00 p.m. in Gaza. It is 06:00 p.m. in Abu Dhabi. I'm Becky Anderson, this is "Connect the World"

from our Middle East Programming Headquarters.

Also coming up in the next couple of hours. The fallout from President Trump's meeting with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy continues as the schism

between the EU and the U.S. widens over the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, new CNN polling shows an uptick in President Trump's disapproval ratings just

ahead of his State of the Union speech.

And some surprising winners and losers at the 97th Academy Awards. All that coming up in the next couple of hours. Well stock market in New York opens

about 30 minutes from now. The indications, at least as far as the futures markets are concerned, is that this will be a good start for investors as

we open this trading week.

09:30 a.m. the opening of the stock markets on Wall Street, we will be back there for that. We begin, though, with the question a lot of people are

asking this hour, what's next was the fallout grows over that explosive showdown between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy?

The French Foreign Minister, saying the risk of war in the European Union has, quote, never been so high, pointing at the threat from Russia. This

comes after a very visible show of European support for the Ukrainian President at a meeting a summit in London on Saturday, on Sunday, sorry.

Mr. Zelenskyy, saying that the United States and Ukraine's relationship will continue.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE: If the President of the United States of America will invite me for a constructive dialog, I represent the

interests of a country that heavily depends on support from partners. So of course, if I am invited for a constructive dialog, for solving real

problems, for serious questions and real resolute actions and answers, I will be there, out of respect for America, the American people, the

President and the two parties.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Well France's President, meantime, is telling French media that he and the British Prime Minister are proposing a month-long truce in

Ukraine as they work on a peace plan. Look, there's plenty of criticism for President Zelenskyy from Trump Administration officials showing their

support for the U.S. President after Friday's Oval Office blow up.

Well, CNN's Clare Sebastian joining us live from London when this show went to bed as it were, or this team left on Friday evening. We had not

witnessed what we are just showing on our screens. And that the very, very test the exchange between U.S. President, Zelenskyy and, of course, the

Vice President J.D. Vance in Washington.

Since then, there has been an awful lot going on over the weekend on the European side of the Atlantic, very visible support, or at least a show of

support for Zelenskyy from Europe. Just talk us through what we've heard and how, what we've heard might translate into action to help Ukraine.

CLARE SEBASTIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, Becky, look, I mean, I think 72 hours that have really in the words of Keir Starmer last week, before this

all went down, changed everything. What we heard over the weekend, what we saw, a very powerful show of unity. That's not nothing in the current

climate.

I think Zelenskyy left London in a slightly better position, perhaps slightly firmer ground, with a little bit more breathing space. Then, of

course, when he left Washington on Friday, we also heard some baby steps towards a potential plan in London. They had to do something. It had to be

more than just words.

And this is a sort of four stage plan that the British Prime Minister outlined which will include a sort of plan that he says he's crafting with

France and a couple of other countries to stop the fighting. The French came out President Macron spoke to Le Figaro and outlined a month-long

truce that would involve, initially, the air, the sea and critical energy infrastructure, saying that they could monitor that more easily than a

ceasefire involving troops on the ground.

[09:05:00]

We've had some confusion around that. This morning, the U.K. Armed Forces Minister came out and said that they hadn't agreed to anything resembling a

truce at this point, that he didn't recognize that plan. So, I think a measure of just how early days this is, we're still very far off an actual

plan for a truce, let alone having both sides agree to something that could stop the fighting so extremely early days, but at least there are steps.

And we know, for example, that the EU is now crafting a rearm Europe plan to strengthen the defense industry and the military capabilities there. And

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister will address MPs, we expect this afternoon, so he'll perhaps face questions on some of that confusion.

But look, the real big hurdle that we face now this plan that Europe is crafting, the object is not to shut out the U.S. They then plan to present

it to the U.S. So, this is designed to bring in the U.S., to deliver some of what President Trump has been asking for. And we see that over the

weekend, the London summit has done nothing to quell the tide of criticism directed in particular towards President Zelenskyy.

We've heard from, for example, Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, accusing Zelenskyy of, quote, Ukraine explaining in the Oval Office, other

officials have come out and criticized him. And we even heard from the National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, echoing a sentiment that we heard on

Friday from Senator Lindsey Graham about Zelenskyy's status as the President of Ukraine, take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MIKE WALTZ, U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR: We need a leader that can deal with us, eventually deal with the Russians, and end this war. And if it

becomes apparent that President Zelenskyy is either personal motivations or political motivations are divergent from ending the Zelenskyy in his

country. Then, I think we have a real issue on our hands.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SEBASTIAN: So, look, this does echo a Kremlin talking point they have consistently argued, and continue to do so today, that Zelenskyy is

incompetent, legitimate and not willing to seek peace. I think it also underscores the uphill climb that Europe still has in trying to bridge the

gap between Ukraine and the U.S. European leaders will be meeting in Brussels on Thursday.

And I think this will still be high on their list of priorities as they try to push towards a plan that everyone can get behind.

ANDERSON: It's good to have you. Clare, thank you. Well, the west is at a crossroads in history. Those the words from the British Prime Minister Keir

Starmer at what was this crucial summit in London this weekend. And this family photo underscores that new reality Western leaders flanking

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to reinforce their support following that remarkable showdown in the Oval Office on Friday.

The U.K. Prime Minister, Mr. Starmer, is pushing for a European led framework to end the war, but stressed American support is needed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KEIR STARMER, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: The discussions we've had today, particularly the coalition of the willing, is on the basis that this is a

plan that we will work with, with the U.S., and that it will have U.S. backing. So that is the purpose of the plan, and that is why I spoke to

President Trump last night, before we develop the work on this plan.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Well in its efforts to lead the charge on supporting Ukraine, the Prime Minister announced last week that the U.K. would raise military

spending to 2.5 percent of its GDP by 2027. NATO's Secretary General, says more countries are following suit.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY GENERAL: At the table. I heard new announcements, and I am not going to announce them to you, because they

should do this, but this was very good news that more European countries will ramp up defense spending. Of course, U.K. announced this last Tuesday

and Wednesday, but I believe that other countries will follow.

And this is important not because -- only because we need more of a sort of fair balance with the U.S. in terms of defense spending, but also because

we know that our security situation is such that we need to spend more on defense, particularly now on the European and Canadian side.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Well, I'm joined now live by the Estonian President Alar Karis. Mr. Karis joining us live and over the weekend, you reaffirmed Estonia's

commitment to ramping up defense spending, tweeting this photo of a conference call with the British Prime Minister saying security guarantees

must be credible to deter future aggression.

Let's start with that. That was a conference call, as I understand it, attended by leaders from a couple of other Baltic states as well.

[09:10:00]

Firstly, why was it that the Baltic states were not invited to attend that summit in London, out of interest?

ALAR KARIS, ESTONIAN PRESIDENT: Well, it's very difficult to say why, but Prime Minister Starmer also apologize, because it's understandable not all

European countries fit around the table because there are more and 30 of us, but the main thing is to deliver a message to European other countries,

and this is what we did.

And spoke to Prime Minister Starmer and talking about Ukraine's future and also relations between Europe and U.S.

ANDERSON: You have confirmed that you are ready to engage in discussions. You have been very specific about U.S. involvement being absolutely

necessary at this point in terms of security for Ukraine going forward. Correct?

KARIS: Yes, you are absolutely right, because it's important to have this Trans-Atlantic bond and not make it weaker, but make it stronger. That's

why it's also important to mend the relationship between President Zelenskyy and President Trump, because we do find this is important, and

also NATO troops, presence in U.S., presence in Europe is extremely important. We should fight to -- together.

ANDERSON: I have to say, I mean, there will be people listening to you, who understand what you're saying, but will question whether those bonds, those

Trans-Atlantic bonds, that you refer to, still exist or are likely to exist for much longer when you consider where Europe is at with regard this Trump

Administration.

Let me ask you, you spoke to Keir Starmer. It is only becoming a little clearer now what this sort of U.K., Ukraine plan might, sorry, Europe,

Ukraine plan might look like. Were there any specific plans or steps towards peace floated with you and your Baltic colleagues in the call that

you had with the U.K. Prime Minister.

KARIS: I mean, till now, there was only one peace plan. It was Zelenskyy's peace plan. Now my colleagues from France and also prime minister from

U.K., are putting together a new plan, because we do need a plan before we sit behind the table and start talking about peace and starting the

negotiations.

So, it is very early stage, as was mentioned already earlier this program. So, we are keeping our eyes wide open and trying to contribute also to this

peace plan is not -- is at this very moment, is about to develop.

ANDERSON: Yeah, and it is only developing as we speak. And let's just pursue what it might look like. Before we talk about how Estonia might play

a role, there's talk of a one-month truce suggested by the U.K. and France. What might that look like, and is that acceptable, as far as you're

concerned?

KARIS: Well, it's very difficult probably to have a ceasefire for one week, one month even, if we don't have security guarantees, because we do need to

have security guarantees for you, Ukraine. So, this is also should be a part of this plan, otherwise, this won't work.

ANDERSON: OK. What's quite difficult this Monday, given what's happened over the weekend, is to really get one's arms around the detail of any sort

of European plan as it develops. And I, you know, I understand that you are also just looking at any early details at this point.

There are some signs of disunity, it has to be said, not least, between the U.K. Ambassador to Washington and what we are hearing from Keir Starmer,

the Prime Minister. Here's the ambassador to Washington, who seems to be diametrically opposed to his Prime Minister.

He's absolutely determined that Europe must listen to the United States at this point and take its steer from Washington and the Trump Administration.

Do you agree with Lord Mandelson?

[09:15:00]

KARIS: Well, you know, we're here. So, as I said, we need this -- psychological bond and these connections and relations, because it has been

a very long relation from the past, so I don't think it's going to break in few days or in new few months. So, we should develop it.

And it is very early stage, and this disagreements between even within the country, is understandable. This is how we build up a new peace agreement,

and this is how it goes.

ANDERSON: We promised or I promised, that we would talk about where Estonia fits into the sort of wider plan going forward. So, I want to get your

sense if the U.S. were to step back, there is a huge disparity between U.S. military aid and support, certainly its involvement in NATO in Europe and

other European countries.

Our viewers can see this chart here. Does Europe even have the funds to cover the difference for Ukraine. And very specifically, what is Estonia

prepared to do in terms of an increase in defense spending? U.K. has already suggested it will increase its defense spending. And two, with any

military support for Ukraine, either in the air or boots on the ground.

KARIS: First of all, Estonia is spending now on fence about 3.4 percent of our budget, and we actually aiming up to 5 percent and it's not like that.

It just comes from a NATO defense plan. So, it's a thing we have to aim that takes maybe not one year, maybe two or three years, but we have to

reach 5 percent of our spending.

And it was understandable even before President Trump mentioned it in one of his speeches. Secondly, we have been supporting Ukraine already, even

before this escalation started in 2022 and we aim now. We, together with our allies, put more than 200 million euros on ammunitions to Ukraine.

And also, U.K. is providing assistance to Ukraine. But to finish it up, first of all, I don't even think that U.S. should take its NATO or U.S.

away from Europe. It's we even don't consider because it's useful for both sides. It's not only for Europe, but it's also for U.S. to stay in Europe.

So, we are working on it, and I'm sure, I'm convinced, U.S. will stay in Europe.

ANDERSON: From your perspective, briefly, certain. Finally, just how worried are you and how close do you believe we could be to war in Europe?

KARIS: I mean, war is actually, it's not very good companion, and you have to be realistic and to make everything that this won't happen. I mean, war

in Europe and deterrence is most important because Russia understands the holy strength, and this is what we are trying to do.

I always been giving an example, but if Russia would have known that Ukraine was that defending the country as we did. I don't think Russia

would have started this escalation in 2022.

ANDERSON: Sir, I thank you for joining us. I know these are very, very busy times. Your perspective is incredibly important to us. Thank you very much

indeed. We are back after a quick break. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:20:00]

ANDERSON: Well, here in the Middle East, Israel says it will block all humanitarian aid from going into Gaza until Hamas agrees to new conditions

in the current ceasefire plan. The initial phase of that ceasefire expired over the weekend. Israel missed a deadline early last month to start talks

over phase two.

That was the framework agreement. Both sides have been split over how to move forward now. Israel's Prime Minister says a proposed temporary

extension, good run through the end of both Ramadan and Passover next month. Jeremy Diamond following developments from Jerusalem, and he joins

us now.

I wonder what is Israel asking of Hamas in terms of this extension, and how is Hamas responding, Jeremy?

JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN JERUSALEM CORRESPONDENT: Well, the bottom line is that Israel is asking for more hostages to be released without agreeing to an

end of the war. And of course, that goes against how this ceasefire was supposed to unfold as we reach the end of the phase one of this ceasefire

agreement.

Phases two and three ultimately called for an end of the war, the withdrawal of all Israeli troops from Gaza and the release of all of the

remaining hostages, getting there, of course, required -- would require a very difficult negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which really have

barely happened over the course of the last several weeks.

And instead, what we are now seeing from Israel is this demand that Hamas release half of the living and deceased hostages in exchange for about

seven more weeks of ceasefire, extending phase one of this agreement, essentially through the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday

of Passover until mid-April basically.

Hamas is effectively rejecting this notion out of hand, saying that it is willing to engage in negotiations over phase two, but says that what Israel

is doing now amounts to black mail. And Hamas isn't the only one accusing Israel of black male. We've also heard similar statements from Egypt, one

of the key mediators here, from Saudi Arabia as well.

Other words that are being thrown around are collective punishment and war crime allegations from human rights organizations and the United Nations,

which say that Israel, in choosing to cut off Gaza from all humanitarian aid going forward unless Hamas agrees to this new proposal is risking

violating international law.

And, of course, sinking Gaza population, which has only begun to recover over the course of the last six weeks from dire humanitarian conditions,

putting them at risk of plunging deeper into a situation of despair. And of course, it comes at this very critical time as many Palestinians in Gaza

have now begun to celebrate the month of Ramadan.

Some have already reported that in the markets in Gaza, prices have already begun to shoot up today in response to this plan by Israel to block all

humanitarian aid going forward. So certainly, there are a number of questions about what this will mean for the people of Gaza, and of course,

whether or not this will shift Hamas' position at the negotiating table.

The Israeli government says that this was a proposal by Steve Witkoff, this extension of the ceasefire in exchange for half of the hostages. The White

House hasn't confirmed that, but what they have said is that they support Israel's decisions on the quote next steps, given what they say is Hamas'

unwillingness to engage in a in continuing this negotiated ceasefire.

Hamas, of course, says that it is willing to engage but it wants to do so along the lines of the deal that was originally brokered between Israel and

Hamas, Becky.

[09:25:00]

ANDERSON: Understood. Jeremy, thank you. Appreciated. Well, Gazans are a few hours away from sunset as we mark the third day of Ramadan. Let's take

a look at how they spent the first day of the holy month. Fairy lights, long tables surrounded by ruins of destroyed homes.

This is how Palestinians in Rafah broke their fast on Saturday. The communal iftar meal in the rubble was on the same day, the first phase of

the ceasefire deal there expired. Ramadan festivities have been affected by Israel's blockade of aid going into the enclave as the next phase of the

truce, as Jeremy reports, remains very much undecided.

One person told CNN that prices for basic food stuffs were already rising amid the hardship. One man, though, says the iftar was about lifting

others.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WALID ABDEL WAHAB, IFTAR GROUP EVENT ORGANIZER: Today, we draw joy on people's faces here in this destruction and under this rubble and debris.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Well, this is "Connect the World". A lot more coming up, including the clock winding down for America's three largest trading

partners. But will Mr. Trump follow through with sweeping tariffs? And how will markets react if he does the start of the week's trading on Wall

Street is just after this short break. We will be there for the opening bell. Join us for that after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: Welcome back. I'm Becky Anderson in Abu Dhabi. You're watching "Connect the World". These are your headlines. And a Senior Western Defense

Official telling CNN, there's quote, broad support in Europe for boots on the ground in Ukraine. That's part of a potential British and French peace

plan discussed on Sunday.

Aid groups in the United Nations condemning Israel's decision to refuse to allow aid into Gaza unless Hamas agrees to new conditions in the ceasefire

agreement. Initial phase of the plan expired on Saturday.

[09:30:00]

Donald Trump is preparing to make his first joint address. The Congress since taking office's speech on Tuesday comes after a frenetic six weeks of

executive orders amid are aimed at reshaping the U.S. government. And that is the opening bell on Wall Street. The U.S. markets out of the gate and

investors do seem to be in a relatively positive move, or at least that is what the futures markets were indicating.

As these markets begin to settle just a little bit, you can see there in not bad shape. There are some jitters out there, of course, around these

tariffs. Let's see what happens with that. But certainly, Monday morning the picture relatively good one for investors, if you're hoping those

shares go higher, of course.

Well, the United States is set to impose tariffs on its top per three trading partners on Tuesday. The U.S. Commerce Secretary says the 10

percent tariff on China remains on the table, but the situation regarding Mexico and Canada is fluid.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HOWARD LUTNICK, U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY: There are going to be tariffs on Tuesday on Mexico and Canada, exactly what they are. We're going to leave

that for the president and his team to negotiate. And obviously I'm talking to him all the time.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Well, we will be keeping a close eye -- on whether these steep tariffs snap into place. China expected to see an extra 10 percent as I

say, levied on its goods. Canada and Mexico may see as much as 25 percent. Well, breaking this hour in Germany, at least one person has been killed

and several others have been injured after a car rammed into pedestrians in the City of Mannheim.

Police say a suspect has been arrested. CNN's Fred Pleitgen is following this breaking story for us, and he joins us now, Fred.

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Becky, how old is still very fresh. This attack appeared to or this incident appears

to have taken place around mid-day local time there in the City of Mannheim, which is in the southwest of Germany.

The latest that we're getting from the authorities there is that one person right now, as you mentioned, has been confirmed killed. It seems as though

a considerable amount of people appears to be injured, some of them severely injured. One of the things that we know is that the local

hospitals in that region are preparing for a mass casualty event.

So, they do think that this is a very severe incident. The other thing that we're also both seeing and hearing is that the large portions of the inner

City of Mannheim have now been closed to the general public. People are being advised not to go to that area, to get away from that area.

The police says that this was a compact car that rammed into a group of people, and this took place in the inner City of Mannheim, and what is

normally a pedestrian zone in that city. However, that pedestrian zone does have some tramlines running through it, and it appears as though this

incident took place near one of the stations of that tram where, of course, on a day like this Monday, a lot of people will have been out there.

There is also a festival that is actually going on in Mannheim today. It's unclear whether or not more people might have been on the street because of

that, but certainly the authorities there taking all of that very seriously, also, of course, Becky, in light of the fact that Germany has

suffered through a string of attacks in the past couple of months.

Of course, another major ramming attack that took place in Germany only a couple of weeks ago as the Munich Security Conference was getting underway

in the City of Munich, and then, of course, so the big Christmas market attack that took place in the City of Magdeburg not too long ago as well,

around Christmas time.

So, the Germans right now very wary the security situation here, very tense at the moment here in this country, but the authorities right now are

saying that they don't know what is behind all of this. They don't know whether it was an accident or whether all of this was done deliberately.

They do say that one person so far is in custody, and of course, the vehicle that was used for this is being inspected as well, Becky.

ANDERSON: Fred, thank you. More on that as we get it. Still to come, the incredible comeback story of a professional golfer who spent five years in

prison. Well now he is a tournament champion. More on that is after this. And the Oscar, I'll -- with that.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:35:00]

ANDERSON: U.S. President Donald Trump will face lawmakers on Tuesday, addressing a joint session of Congress for the first time in his second

presidential term. It is another opportunity for him to inform both lawmakers and the country about his administration's agenda. Its

accomplishments and its goals for the year ahead.

CNN poll taken ahead of that address, shows that 52 percent of Americans are unhappy with how Mr. Trump is handling his job as president. So far,

only 48 percent approve for the president still widely popular -- wildly popular with Republicans with a 90 percent approval rating.

And he is very unpopular amongst Democrats, with a 90 percent disapproval rating. When the U.S. Presidents join address to Congress is tomorrow, we

may see him take a bow for that Oval Office showdown with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The White House saw that as a win for its America First policy,

and a lot of Republican lawmakers agreed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC): I have never been prouder of the president. I was very proud of J.D. Vance standing up for our country. We want to be

helpful. What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful, and I don't know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again. He either needs to resign

and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Well -- Father Republicans broke with the party line, joining Democrats to criticize that Oval Office meeting, or simply reiterating

their strong support for Ukraine. And more on that the second hour of "Connect the World" about 20 minutes from now. And the Oscar goes to

"Anora" the dramatic comedy from Director Sean Baker.

It was the big winner at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, taking home five Oscars. Or highlights of the show included an emotional acceptance

speech from Zoe Saldana, winner of the Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in "Emilia Perez". Saldana calling herself a proud child of

immigrant parents.

And "No Other Land" that triumphed in the Best Documentary Feature film category that chronicles a struggling Palestinian community in the occupied

West Bank. Well, CNN Entertainment Correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister joins us with more highlights from Hollywood's biggest night.

Surprises "Anora", perhaps a low budget film compared to some of the other big blockbusters. Were you surprised?

ELIZABETH WAGMEISTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: You know, Becky, I wasn't, and I actually predicted that "Anora" was going to have a huge

night. But the big shocker of the night, you are absolutely correct, was when Demi Moore did not win for Best Actress, and that went to Mikey

Madison, who is the star of "Anora".

Now, every time that we talk about the snubs and surprises, of course, it's an embarrassment of -- right? These people, they're nominated for Oscars.

They're all incredibly talented. Mikey Madison was phenomenal in "Anora". She really gave such an incredible performance, but so did Demi Moore.

[09:40:00]

So that was really the big surprise of the night. Demi Moore, of course, in industry veterans, she had never won an Oscar. She had been a front runner,

but there we see Mike Madison, the star of "Anora", taking the stage, and she won the BAFTA Award, which, of course, you know, is like the British

Oscars.

So that was a good indicator that she could have come out on top last night, particularly as the voting body of the Oscars, the academy is

becoming more international, so more international voters. You know that BAFTA was a good predictor, but yes, "Anora" coming out with five awards,

the "Brutalist" coming with three awards.

Other than that, Becky, though it wasn't a huge night of surprises, it was a pretty calm show, considering some other years that have had some more

drama.

ANDERSON: Yeah, absolutely. "Emilia Perez", nominated with 13 nominations only took home two Oscars. Why?

WAGMEISTER: Yes. So "Emilia Perez" 13 nominations, the most of any movie going into the night. But the star, "Emilia Perez" herself, Karla Sofia

Gascon, she had a huge scandal earlier in the season this year. Offensive tweets of hers resurfaced, and it really derailed her entire campaign,

certainly, but also impacted "Emilia Perez".

So, Zoe Saldana, as you said, she won her first Oscar. She had a great acceptance speech that you spoke about up top there, talking about how she

is the child of immigrants. She was crying as she looked out to her mom in the crowd, but Karla Sofia Gascon she made history, becoming the first ever

transgender actor nominated at the Oscars. But as you said, Becky, the film only coming out with two, last night.

ANDERSON: Good to have you. Thank you. A professional golfer who once served five years behind bars for assault is now a tournament winner. Ryan

Peake's victory in New Zealand -- Hollywood style comeback story for the former member of an Australian motorcycle gang.

"World Sport's" Coy Wire joining us now, and this really is stuff of legends, really, and the stuff that you might say you can make it up top

shifting.

COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT: Becky, have you ever been a member of a motorcycle gang?

ANDERSON: No.

WIRE: I mean, I would imagine it's pretty tough to have that sort of life and now find yourself nearing the top of your sport, right? This is a guy

who at 21 years old. He's 31 now 21 he's hanging with the wrong crowd. He was arrested for assault, spent five years in jail, so just four years ago,

Becky, was still picking up the pieces.

But here he was this weekend, winning down in New Zealand and earning a spot in the Open Championship. He said it's turned his whole life around.

We'll have that and much more coming up on "World Sport".

ANDERSON: Well terrific stuff. Thank you, sir. We'll be back with "Connect the World" in 15 minutes. Coy up after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:45:00]

(WORLD SPORT)

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