Vanity Fair's Hollywood Issue: A Boys' Club in 2025

Analyzing Vanity Fair's Bold Move

This year, Vanity Fair's much-anticipated Hollywood issue appears under the new editorship of Mark Guiducci, and the theme might raise more than a few eyebrows. Titled "Let's Hear It for the Boys!", this issue boldly features a cast of male actors, asserting a nostalgic yet contemporary narrative about masculinity in entertainment.

"For a long time Hollywood was the land of make believe. It was historically the place that people went to become someone else, to choose a different name, to assume a different identity." – Mark Guiducci

Guiducci, who previously served as creative editorial director at Vogue, seems to weave modernity with nostalgia—prompting us to ponder: what does it mean to be a man in Hollywood today?

A New Class of 'Leading Men'

The Hollywood issue, set to hit newsstands in early December, presents what Guiducci refers to as “our new class of leading men.” The covers feature notable figures like Jeremy Allen White and A$AP Rocky, each styled in high fashion yet relatable settings. The imagery brings forth a lighthearted yet striking atmosphere, reminiscent of millennial aesthetics, where male stars are portrayed as your friendly neighbor rather than untouchable icons.

The stark absence of women from these covers marks a seismic shift. In today's world where conversations surrounding gender representation are more relevant than ever, Guiducci's choice seems both deliberate and provocative.

Nostalgia Meets Contemporary Masculinity

Inside the issue, the photoshoot by Theo Wenner captures these men in poses that ooze camaraderie, like a relaxed college reunion rather than a Hollywood production. This representation mirrors a specific form of modern masculinity, tapping into the idea that today's actors aren't just untouchable heartthrobs but rather relatable figures– your Internet boyfriend, as Guiducci puts it.

• Riz Ahmed: An everyday hero in a Tom Ford robe
• Jeremy Allen White: The charmingly disheveled, shirtless star
• A$AP Rocky: Commanding in a Dior hussar jacket

Reflecting Cultural Conversations

The presence of these stars comes at a time when the box office continues to struggle, particularly for non-franchise films. As they pose for the camera, these men encapsulate a fleeting moment in Hollywood—where the legendary 'movie star' appears to be dwindling.

“Today's leading men aren't unreachable idols. They feel like real people, very special people who hover just half an inch beyond our grasp.” – Ottessa Moshfegh

This sentiment resonates as Guiducci strives to make the male image feel more accessible—if not alas, less daunting. Interestingly, as the magazine embraces this bold male-centric issue, it hints at broader conversations about masculinity that permeate our cultural landscape.

Conclusion: The Evolution of Hollywood and Masculinity

While this issue continues to cater to a traditional audience, it also offers insight into the changing tides of Hollywood itself. Guiducci acknowledges the critical transitions at play, explaining, “I wanted to just be a little looser.” His candid admission suggests a blend of awareness with an intention to shape Hollywood as it transforms.

Through humor and serious commentary, this Vanity Fair issue represents an exciting, albeit contentious moment in Hollywood's narrative. Is it a step forward or a regression? Only time—and perhaps the Oscars—will tell.