Good week
David Bowie
We barely knew how much we missed him until he returned – the Thin White Duke pulled off the biggest surprise in recent music history by releasing a new track during the week, and the world was grateful
Emmanuelle Riva and Quvenzhané Wallis
Respectively the oldest and youngest Oscar nominees for Best Actress ever, recognising two marvellous performances
Lionel Messi
After winning a record fourth Ballon D’Or for player of the year, the only debate left is whether the little Argentinian is the best ever
*****
Bad week
Kathryn Bigelow
The celebrated director was considered a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination for her newly released film, Zero Dark Thirty, about the hunt for Osama bin Laden. But controversy about the film’s treatment of CIA torture seems to have counted against her as she failed to get a nod
Boeing
The Dreamliner 787 aircraft was supposed to ensure the future of the aviation giant, but a series of mishaps has forced a safety review by US regulators
Aengus Mac Grianna
Even the most polished newsreaders are vulnerable to events outside their control – such as the camera cutting to you moments too early while you prepare for broadcast. Mac Grianna, of course, has handled the embarrassing clip with customary good grace