Emmy Hosts: A New Era of Comedy and Cultural Commentary
The 2026 Emmy Awards are set to break new ground with an innovative hosting lineup. Isabella Chen dives into what this could mean for television's biggest night.
Read full articleNewsclip · Entertainment
Entertainment
Screens, soundtracks, and the culture-makers we follow
22622 curated stories
Rocky's Legacy: A Biopic That Hits Just Right
The new 'I Play Rocky' biopic isn't just a feel-good flick—it's a cultural touchstone that reminds us why we fall in love with underdog stories. With Oscar buzz building, this is one heavyweight contender worth watching.
Read full articleBrazil Is in Fashion—But Not Just Because of the Clothes
Brazilians are saying Brazil is in fashion, and it's not just about the latest trends. It's a cultural revolution wrapped in a vibrant aesthetic. Here's what's really behind the buzz.
Read full articleWendell Berry's Unlikely Library: A Journey Through the Heart of Rural Wisdom
My visit to LSU's bookstore led me to Wendell Berry, a writer who defied categorization and challenged readers to rethink the boundaries of literature. In an age of genre obsession, Berry's work remains refreshingly unbound by expectations.
Read full articleSeptember 14: The Day the Entertainment World Got Legendary
On this date, the entertainment world welcomed icons whose influence still echoes today. From music to film, these legends shaped culture in unforgettable ways.
Read full articleSOSRiverBoy III: A Local Celebration That's Anything But Ordinary
The third installment of SOSRiverBoy brings a vibrant showcase of local talent to Fort Smith, blending entertainment with community spirit in a way that's both heartfelt and hilarious.
Read full article
Masc Review: A Sensitive Character Study Where Identity is Found in Imitation and Observation
In 'Masc,' director Bertil Nilsson pulls off a nifty trick: He observes an observer. Usually a film's protagonist has the dominant POV, but here, Robin (Joshua Griffin) is trying to find his personality by observing other men in his orbit. He almost never initiates the action...
Read full articleKevin Costner's Secret Love Letter to Jaclyn Smith: A 30-Year-Old Hollywood Tale
In a stunning revelation from 1992, Jaclyn Smith shares a heartfelt letter Kevin Costner wrote after a scathing LA Times article. What happened next is pure Hollywood drama.
Read full article
Yoon Dan-bi's 'The World Before' Gives Its Camera a Soul and Its Island a Voice
Seven years after 'Moving On,' Korean filmmaker Yoon Dan-bi returns with 'The World Before,' a coming-of-age film about desire and first love. Speaking with Variety ahead of the film's Toronto Film Festival Platform world premiere, Yoon discusses her innovative approach to capturing authenticity.
Read full article
September 13: A Day of Historical Firsts and Cultural Milestones
On this day in history, from the birth of a literary giant to the launch of a revolutionary TV show, September 13 has been a landmark for culture and creativity.
Read full article
Shakespeare's 'Much Ado' Gets a Modern War-Zone Makeover
British writer-director Lakeem Rose is reimagining Shakespeare's timeless comedy in a gritty, post-conflict setting that breathes new life into the classic. With genre filmmaking expertise and a fresh visual approach, this adaptation promises to be a bold cultural collision.
Read full articleThe Curiosity Trap: Why Staying Curious Might Be the Worst Thing for Your Career
What happens when we stay curious? Research has some surprising answers for adults. As a culture critic, I'm here to tell you that curiosity might be the most dangerous trait in the modern workplace—especially when it comes to staying curious about your own job.
Read full article
Jay Baruchel's Stunt Driver Is a Tepid Leap into Biopic Territory
Jay Baruchel reteams with 'Goon' director Michael Dowse in 'The Stunt Driver,' but the film's attempt at a comedic biopic falls flat, lacking the wit and charm of its documentary source.
Read full article
Salvation: A Darkly Comic Deconstruction of Male Influencer Culture
Tom Nicoll's debut feature 'Salvation' is a blistering critique of the influencer mindset, examining how self-help culture can become a tool of manipulation. With Liam Harkins delivering a nuanced performance, the film offers a fresh take on personal transformation.
Read full article
Why the 2002 'Family Affair' Remake Was a Disaster — Even Kathy Garver Said So
Kathy Garver doesn't mince words when she talks about the 2002 'Family Affair' remake. She called it terrible, explaining that it failed to capture the warmth and chemistry of the original series.
Read full article
Passage: In Memoriam - Remembering Benny Latimore and the Sound of Legacy
As we bid farewell to another week's worth of luminaries, I reflect on the enduring legacy of blues and R&B icon Benny Latimore, whose music bridged generations.
Read full article
Melissa Rivers Makes a Glorious Return to the Red Carpet, Honoring Her Mom Joan
Melissa Rivers is back on the red carpet after two decades, and her return is more than just a fashion statement — it's a tribute to her late mother Joan Rivers. In an intimate conversation, she shares what it means to bring joy back to awards-season coverage.
Read full article
Zachary Levi's Great Escape: From Hollywood to the Ranch
Zachary Levi's move from California to Texas isn't just about location—it's a cultural and creative rebellion. His new venture, Wyldwood Studios, is his vision of a better, more artist-controlled Hollywood.
Read full article
TIFF's Women in Film Gala: A Night of Glamour, Power, and Progress
At the Toronto Film Festival, Chanel and Variety hosted an unforgettable Women in Film dinner that celebrated female creativity and leadership. From Michelle Yeoh to emerging voices like Shannon Walsh, the evening shone a spotlight on Hollywood's most powerful women.
Read full article
Rebel Wilson's 'Girl Group' Is a Sparkling Spectacle of Substantial Nothing
Rebel Wilson's 'Girl Group' is a glittering, gaudy romp that trades substance for style—much like a high-end cocktail that tastes like sugar water. It's fun, yes, but not particularly memorable.
Read full article
Shuhua's Breakout Role and Feng-i Fiona Roan's Bold New Chapter
Feng-i Fiona Roan's second feature, 'Happily Ever After,' marks a bold departure from her acclaimed debut. With K-pop star Shuhua in her film debut, Roan explores complex sisterly dynamics with unprecedented emotional depth.
Read full articleA Munster's Legacy: Remembering the Soul of a TV Icon
The passing of a classic TV actress from The Munsters reminds us how these iconic characters shaped pop culture. Isabella Chen reflects on the enduring charm and cultural impact of the show.
Read full articleWhen Barbershop Harmony Meets Community Heart: A Mohawk Valley Love Story
In the heart of the Mohawk Valley, barbershop quartets are not just singing their hearts out—they're weaving stories of connection, healing, and cultural identity. Isabella Chen explores how these unlikely musicians are reshaping local community life.
Read full articleA Family-Friendly Frenzy: Inside the New Go-Kart and Trampoline Anchor at CT Mall
The newest addition to Connecticut's mall scene is a high-energy family destination that blends nostalgia with modern thrills—complete with go-kart tracks and trampoline parks. Isabella Chen explores what this means for local entertainment and the changing face of retail.
Read full articleFrom X-Rated to X-Change: A Philly Venue's Wild Transformation
What happens when a former adult entertainment venue in South Philadelphia sells for $2.3 million? Turns out, a lot. We explore the cultural and economic shifts behind this unexpected repurposing.
Read full articleA Birthday Bash: Celebrating Tyler Perry and Lili Reinhart's Cultural Impact
On this special day, we honor two iconic figures—Tyler Perry and Lili Reinhart—who've left indelible marks on entertainment. Their stories reflect the evolving landscape of storytelling in modern media.
Read full articleA Country Music Legacy: Remembering a Voice That Defined a Generation
The passing of a beloved country music singer at 56 leaves a void in the genre's rich tapestry. His voice, his story, and his impact are forever etched in our hearts.
Read full articleWhen Reality TV Stars Go Rogue: A 'Swamp People' Incident That's Not Just About the Law
The arrest of a 'Swamp People' star in Louisiana raises more questions than it answers. Is this a one-off incident or a reflection of deeper issues in reality television? Let's dive in.
Read full articleThe Strip's New Billionaire: Caesars Gets a Financial Overhaul
Isabella Chen takes a deep dive into the financial moves behind Caesars Entertainment, uncovering the cultural and economic forces shaping the casino industry. From gaming to glamour, this is more than just a stock pick—it's a reflection of how power shifts in entertainment.
Read full articleReign of the Black Empire: Hearthstone's Next Expansion Is a Love Letter to Its Obscure Past
Blizzard's Reign of the Black Empire expansion for Hearthstone is a nostalgic romp through forgotten mythos, blending classic mechanics with a dark, cosmic narrative. It's both a tribute and a reimagining of the game's deepest lore.
Read full article