2025 Golden Globes: standout wins, snubs and viral moments
Hollywood’s biggest stars gathered Sunday, Jan. 5, for the 2025 Golden Globes. The night brought not only surprise wins and emotional speeches but also viral moments that continue to trend.
Ariana DeBose opened the night with an unexpected teleprompter glitch meant for host Nikki Glaser. True to her Broadway roots, DeBose turned the slip-up into a comedic highlight, proving her adaptability and charm.
“The Brutalist” took home Best Drama and Best Director for Brady Corbet. Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his haunting role, adding to the film’s impressive sweep.
Corbet gave a heartfelt speech, paying tribute to Aubrey Plaza, who missed the event following the recent loss of her husband to suicide. The moment left the room visibly emotional.
The musical thriller “Emilia Pérez” won big with four awards, including Best Musical or Comedy. Zoe Saldaña, who earned her first Golden Globe, moved the audience to tears with her emotional acceptance speech.
Demi Moore had her own milestone, winning a career-first Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy for “The Substance.” Her portrayal of a star navigating aging and reinvention resonated deeply with viewers, earning her a standing ovation.
In a lighter moment, while Vin Diesel presented an award, he greeted his “Fast and Furious” co-star, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, from the stage. Johnson’s smile and nod marked a rare public display of camaraderie following their reported feud.
Zendaya turned heads on the red carpet, wearing a Bulgari High Jewelry necklace featuring a paraiba tourmaline and 48 carats of diamonds. However, the massive ring on her left hand fueled speculation.
When an L.A. Times reporter asked if she was engaged to her boyfriend of three years, Tom Holland, Zendaya smiled coyly and shrugged, leaving fans buzzing.
Glaser balanced sharp humor with heartfelt moments, garnering high praise as the first woman to ever solo-host the Golden Globes. Compared to last year’s host, Jo Koy, who faced heavy criticism for rushed jokes, Glaser delivered a well-received performance.
Despite being one of the year’s most anticipated films, “Wicked” walked away with only one award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. The category debuted last year, with “Barbie” as the inaugural winner.
Heidi Klum returns to ‘Project Runway’ after 8 years
Heidi Klum is back on “Project Runway” after eight years away. The supermodel is bringing her signature flair to the beloved fashion competition series.
Klum and her co-host Tim Gunn left “Project Runway” in 2017 after 16 seasons, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped fashion reality TV. Together, they built the show’s reputation as a launching pad for aspiring designers.
After their departure, Klum and Gunn launched Amazon’s “Making the Cut,” a show that took their expertise to a global stage. The duo continued spotlighting top-tier design and emerging talent, keeping their dynamic chemistry intact.
Klum’s return to “Project Runway” is a full-circle moment. After hosting 16 seasons and winning an Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program, she’s ready to guide a new wave of designers.
On Friday, People magazine first reported the news. The official “Project Runway” Instagram account also confirmed, teasing fans with the caption, “Some things are just too good to keep buttoned up.”
A new platform for a new season
The upcoming season comes with a twist. Initially on Bravo and later Lifetime, “Project Runway” will now air on Freeform, Hulu, and Disney+. Season 21 will feature 10 episodes filled with fashion drama and innovative designs.
While the exact premiere date hasn’t been announced, fans are already counting down the days.
South Korean investigators suspend efforts to detain impeached president after standoff
The FBI unveils more information about the man who drove a truck into a New Orleans crowd on New Year’s Day, killing more than a dozen. And multiple reports indicate President Joe Biden could make a big decision on the proposed takeover of U.S. Steel. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
South Korean investigators suspend efforts to detain impeached president after standoff
After an hours-long standoff, South Korean investigators suspended efforts to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The standoff between South Korea’s anti-corruption agency and the presidential security service lasted nearly six hours at Yoon’s presidential residence Friday, Jan. 3.
The agency called off its agents due to concerns for their safety after the presidential security service and Yoon’s supporters blocked them from entering Yoon’s residence.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, defied investigators’ attempts to question him for weeks in connection with the short-lived period of martial law he imposed at the beginning of December.
A Seoul court issued a warrant for Yoon’s detention Tuesday, Dec. 31, but enforcing it is complicated. Yoon’s lawyers, who filed a challenge to the warrant Thursday, Jan. 2, said it could not be implemented at his residence due to a law that protects locations potentially linked to military secrets from search without the consent of the person in charge.
The anti-corruption agency said it would discuss the next steps but did not immediately say whether it would make another attempt to detain Yoon. The warrant for his detention is valid for one week.
New Orleans attack investigation continues as city hosts Sugar Bowl
The FBI now believes the suspect in a deadly New Orleans truck attack on New Year’s Day likely acted alone. The agency said Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, killed 15 people and injured dozens more early Wednesday, Jan 1, after driving into a crowd on Bourbon Street in the city’s French Quarter.
The agency called the attack “a deliberate act of terror,” and said Jabbar was “100 percent inspired” by the radical Islamic terror group ISIS.
The FBI concluded this after conducting hundreds of interviews, reviewing phone calls, social media accounts and electronic devices connected to the suspect.
Investigators said there appears to be no “definitive link” between the New Orleans attack and the explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas at this time.
Law enforcement investigating the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas identified the man who carried out the attack as Matthew Alan Livelsberger on Thursday, Jan. 2.
Livelsberger was an active-duty U.S. Army Green Beret. He was reportedly on leave at the time of the attack.
Authorities identified Livelsberger’s burned body by matching his tattoos.
Back in New Orleans, life started to return to normal Thursday as the city hosted the Sugar Bowl at the Superdome. Plus, visitors were once again allowed back into the French Quarter.
Notre Dame went head-to-head with the Georgia Bulldogs and came out on top. With Notre Dame’s victory, the college football playoff semifinals are now set.
The Fighting Irish will face Penn State in the Orange Bowl next Thursday, Jan. 9. Texas will meet Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10.
The two winners will play in the National Championship game on Monday, Jan. 20. It will be the first championship game since the NCAA went to a 12-team playoff format.
2 dead, 19 hurt after small plane crashes into California building
Two people are dead and 19 more injured after a small plane crashed into a furniture manufacturing building in southern California on Thursday.
The people who died were believed to have been on the plane while those injured were among the 200 or so people inside the building. Paramedics transported 11 people to the hospital and treated eight others at the scene.
The crash occurred about half a mile from the Fullerton Municipal Airport. Investigators are working to learn what led up to the incident.
Biden to block Nippon Steel’s bid to take over US Steel: Reports
President Joe Biden decided to block Nippon Steel’s bid to purchase U.S. Steel due to national security risks, according to multiple reports. Biden is expected to announce his decision as early as Friday, reports said.
Senior advisers warned Biden that the U.S. rejecting the Japanese corporation’s $14.9 billion offer could damage relations between the two countries.
Biden’s decision comes after the interagency Committee on Foreign Investment could not conclude the risks of Nippon’s offer, leaving the decision up to the White House.
While U.S. Steel shareholders backed the takeover, the proposed deal faced opposition from union members and politicians.
President-elect Donald Trump, who a group of American steelworkers backed during his campaign, also vowed to block the deal when he takes office later this month.
Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel indicated they would take legal action if the federal government blocked the deal.
119th Congress begins Friday with GOP taking control of House and Senate
The 119th Congress starts Friday with Republicans in full control of the House and Senate for the first time since 2019. The new term, which lasts two years, begins when House members are sworn in.
Despite narrowly hanging on to the GOP majority 219-215, Rep. Mike Johnson’s speakership hangs in the balance. At least one Republican said he would not back Johnson and others expressed concerns about his leadership.
Johnson received a major boost this week when Trump publicly backed Johnson.
In the Senate, Republicans will officially take the reins after flipping the majority in the November election. The new Senate Majority Leader will be Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.
Golden Globes kick off award season this Sunday
Hollywood’s award season officially kicks off Sunday, Jan. 5, with the Golden Globes.
Nominees include Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez and Angelina Jolie.
Movies looking to win big include “A Complete Unknown,” “Emilia Perez,” “Wicked” and “The Brutalist.”
“The Bear,” “Shogun,” “Nobody Wants This” and “Only Murders in the Building” are among the television series looking to take home trophies.
Comedian Nikki Glaser, who hosted the Tom Brady roast, will lead the award ceremony. This year, the Golden Globes will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Meghan Markle kicks off 2025 with Instagram return and Netflix series
Meghan Markle is starting the year with big moves. The Duchess of Sussex returned to Instagram and announced a new Netflix series, marking a fresh chapter in her public life.
The Instagram comeback follows a seven-year hiatus. Markle’s first post features a video of her on the beach, drawing “2025” in the sand on New Year’s Day. Within hours, her account gained 200,000 followers and currently boasts over one million.
Social media return after ‘Suits’ fame
Markle was an active Instagram user during her time on the hit drama “Suits.” However, she stepped away from social media when her relationship with Prince Harry became public. Over the years, Markle has shared her reasons for leaving, citing heavy online bullying.
Her new Instagram account has comments turned off, likely as a way to focus attention on her content while minimizing negativity.
‘With Love, Meghan’ premieres on Netflix
The Instagram debut isn’t the only major moment for Markle this year. Her new Netflix lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan,” premieres Jan. 15.
The show blends how-tos on topics like cooking and gardening with personal insights. It also features appearances by celebrity friends, including Mindy Kaling, and her husband, Prince Harry.
Upcoming ‘Love Me’ film explores the future of AI relationships
Love in the digital age just got a futuristic twist. Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun star in “Love Me,” a post-apocalyptic story about artificial intelligence constructs exploring life, love and connection.
The first trailer for “Love Me,” released on New Year’s Day, introduces viewers to a buoy, played by Stewart, and a satellite, portrayed by Yeun. Both characters boast heavy online presences as former social media personalities, adding an intriguing layer to their journey.
The real-world impact of AI on relationships
While “Love Me” explores fictional AI companionship, the concept isn’t far-fetched. AI is already enhancing dating apps by refining profiles and helping users find connections. For some, AI companionship goes even further.
Apps like Replika allow users to create custom AI chatbots that send voice messages, make video calls and act as mentors or companions. Some users even develop deeper emotional bonds with these chatbots.
Could AI fill the dating gap?
As younger generations step back from online dating, the appeal of AI grows. A 2023 Statista survey found that many Gen Z daters are opting out of traditional dating apps, citing rejection fears. Meanwhile, a survey by the dating app Hinge revealed that while Gen Z users want love, they often struggle to take the first step.
Eugenia Kuyda, CEO of Replika, told The Verge that AI-human relationships could become the norm.
“As long as your emotional well-being is improving, you are less lonely, you are happier, you feel more connected to other people, then yes, it’s okay,” Kuyda said.
Whether you’re curious about love in a tech-driven world or just want a fresh cinematic experience, “Love Me” premieres in theaters on Jan. 31.
Americans cut back on streaming services in 2024: Report
Americans are hitting pause on streaming services. Spending on subscriptions dropped by nearly a quarter in 2024.
A report from Reviews analyzed consumer spending trends in 2024. According to the December report, the average American spends $42.38 monthly on streaming services. Over a year, that’s more than $508. Over a lifetime, it adds up to more than $30,000.
Most households subscribe to two streaming platforms. On average, Americans watch nearly four hours of streaming content daily.
With more than 200 streaming services available worldwide, the options may feel endless, but they come at a cost.
Streaming services have steadily increased their prices. In 2023 alone, major platforms implemented price hikes.
Netflix and Disney+ raised their rates in October, while YouTube TV’s monthly fee increased in March. Even budget-friendly options like Peacock saw price increases.
As wallets tighten, many consumers are reevaluating their subscriptions.
Netflix also disrupted the streaming market in 2023 by cracking down on password sharing. The platform introduced additional fees for accounts shared outside of a household, forcing users to consider whether the streaming giant’s content was worth the cost.
The drop in spending isn’t just about higher prices. According to Reviews, streaming fatigue also plays a significant role. Consumers report feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of streaming apps and subscription costs.
Justin Baldoni sues The New York Times for $250 million for Blake Lively story
Blake Lively says Justin Baldoni sexually harassed her on the set of “It Ends With Us.” Now, Baldoni is suing The New York Times for $250 million, claiming its coverage was deliberately misleading.
According to an exclusive report by Variety, Baldoni filed his lawsuit Tuesday, Dec. 31, in Los Angeles Superior Court. His new 87-page complaint argues that Lively’s claims were distorted by “cherry-picked” texts.
Among these texts, one publicist working with Baldoni stated an intention to “bury” Lively. Crisis management expert Melissa Nathan responded, “You know we can bury anyone.”
Baldoni and nine other plaintiffs allege the Times “deliberately spliced” communications to mislead readers. Meanwhile, Lively’s suit accuses Baldoni and his team of orchestrating a smear campaign against her.
However, Baldoni insists that Lively launched a “strategic and manipulative” smear to control the production. He also believes Lively used her influence against him.
Baldoni says Lively’s husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, confronted him at their penthouse and accused him of fat-shaming Lively. For context, Lively’s suit reveals a meeting to address Baldoni’s actions involving Reynolds.
Baldoni’s lawsuit further states that Reynolds pressured the director’s WME talent agent to drop him as a client. WME did, in fact, part ways with Baldoni just hours after the Times article was published.
In the $250 million “Blake Lively ‘It Ends With Us’ lawsuit” dispute, Baldoni hopes to refute claims of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear.
In another exclusive from TMZ, Lively reportedly filed a separate suit demanding more money for mental pain, anguish, emotional distress and lost wages.
Biden, Trump, former US presidents pay tribute to Carter
Tributes are pouring in for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in Plains, Georgia, at 100 years old Sunday. And 179 people are dead after a plane crash in South Korea. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.
Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100
Former President Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, who served as the 39th president of the United States and the longest-lived president in American history, died Sunday, Dec. 29, at 100 years old.
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The Carter Center, a nonprofit organization founded by the former president and his wife, said there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. President Joe Biden issued a proclamation Sunday evening declaring Jan. 9 a National Day of Mourning.
Biden, Trump, former US presidents pay tribute to Carter
Over six decades, Jill and I had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend.
But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. pic.twitter.com/irknhZ6CJY
Tributes from around the world poured in after the news of Carter’s death hit Sunday afternoon. Biden, President-elect Donald Trump and other former presidents were among those who paid tribute to Carter.
Biden delivered remarks in a live broadcast Sunday evening, calling Carter a “remarkable leader” and a “dear friend.”
“What I find extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people all around the world, all over the world, feel they lost a friend as well, even though they never met him, and that’s because Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words but by his deeds. Just look at his life, his life’s work. He worked to eradicate disease, not just at home, but around the world. He forged peace, he advanced civil rights, human rights, promoted free and fair elections around the world. He built housing for the homeless with his own hands, and his compassion and moral clarity lifted people up and changed lives and saved lives all over the globe. We may never see his like again. You know, we can all do well to try to be a little more like Jimmy Carter.”
President Joe Biden
Trump released a statement saying, “The challenges Jimmy faced as president came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Former President Bill Clinton also issued a statement, saying, “From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as president to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at habitat for humanity—he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.”
Former President George W. Bush called Carter a man of “deeply held convictions.” Bush added, “His efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.”
Former President Barack Obama highlighted Carter’s single term as president, saying, he “believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion.” Obama added, “Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image.”
179 killed, 2 survive plane crash at South Korean airport
More details emerged from a fiery plane crash in South Korea that left 179 people dead in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. It happened Sunday at Muan International Airport, 180 miles south of Seoul.
The jetliner skid off the runway into a concrete fence and burst into flames after its landing gear possibly failed to deploy. Only two people survived. South Korean officials said the survivors were crew members and did not appear to have any life-threatening injuries.
Not long before the crash, the control tower issued a warning about birds and gave the crew permission to land in a different area. The pilot reported a bird strike, but the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Officials said the crew also sent out a distress signal shortly before the crash.
South Korean transportation officials said it could take months to figure out exactly what happened.
The plane that crash-landed was a Boeing 737-800, marking the latest incident involving the company. Boeing’s 737-800 is in a different class than its 737 Max jets, which were involved in fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.
At least 4 killed by storms that spawned tornadoes across the Southern US
A least four people are dead after a storm system tore across the Southern U.S. over the weekend. National Weather Service meteorologists received dozens of reports of tornado damage across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Crews are conducting surveys to assess the damage.
The NWS confirmed at least five tornadoes hit near Houston, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 28, killing one woman and destroying or damaging dozens of homes. A man in North Carolina died in what a state trooper described as a “freak accident” after a tree fell on the pickup truck he was driving.
The storms also killed two people in Mississippi, while at least 10 other people were injured across the state.
2 men found dead after failing to return from Sasquatch search
Two Oregon men were found dead in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwestern Washington on Saturday after they disappeared last week while searching for Sasquatch. Sasquatch, also known as “Bigfoot,” is a mythical creature said to inhabit forests in North America.
A relative reported the men missing Christmas Day after they failed to return from their search.
Authorities said the men appear to have died from exposure and were not prepared for the “brutally cold weather”. They have only been identified as a 37-year-old and a 59-year-old from Portland.
‘Mufasa,’ ‘Sonic’ battle for top spot at holiday box office
It was a battle at the box office over the holiday weekend between a fast-moving hedgehog and a brave lion. In the end, Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” overtook Sony’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” on the Christmas box office leaderboard.
The “Lion King” prequel edged out the “Sonic” sequel over the five-day stretch, bringing in nearly $64 million. “Sonic” garnered just under $60 million.
However, according to traditional weekend box office numbers, it was “Sonic” that came out on top $38 million to $37 million.
Netflix delivered a Christmas gift for “Squid Game” fans this week. Its most-watched show of all time is officially returning for a second season.
The first season of the South Korean drama captivated audiences worldwide in 2021. Known for its colorful set designs, violent competition, and relatable storylines of survival, “Squid Game” became a cultural phenomenon.
Its impact extended beyond the screen. YouTuber MrBeast famously created a real-life, non-violent version of the games. Earlier this month, Netflix hosted a promotional event in Paris, bringing the iconic “Red Light, Green Light” game to life.
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk reflects on success
Behind the global success lies the personal toll on creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. In a recent BBC interview, he revealed losing eight or nine teeth due to the stress of producing season one. Despite the strain, he pushed forward, driven by the show’s massive potential.
“Even though the first series was such a huge global success, honestly, I didn’t make much,” Hwang told BBC. “Doing the second series will help compensate me for the success of the first one too.”
Not all reactions to “Squid Game” have been positive. In 2021, North Korea banned the show. According to Radio Free Asia, authorities cracked down on anyone caught smuggling or watching the series.
Reports claim one individual was sentenced to death for distributing copies of the show. Seven high school students caught watching it faced severe punishments, including a life sentence and years of hard labor.
Ironically, one of the first season’s most beloved characters, played by Jung Ho-yeon, was a North Korean defector striving to win money to help her family escape the country.
What’s next for ‘Squid Game’?
“Squid Game” fans have even more to look forward to. Seasons 2 and 3 were filmed back-to-back, with season 3 expected to premiere in 2025.
Christopher Nolan takes on ‘The Odyssey’ for IMAX adaptation
Christopher Nolan is adapting Homer’s sprawling tale, “The Odyssey,” into a groundbreaking IMAX film. Universal Studios described the project on X as “a mythic epic shot across the world using brand-new IMAX film technology.” The highly anticipated film is set for release on July 17, 2026.
Hollywood’s history with Homer
Homer’s epics has long intrigued Hollywood. Wolfgang Petersen’s 2004 film “Troy,” based on “The Iliad,” grossed $497 million globally but faced criticism for lacking authenticity. Lead actor Brad Pitt later expressed disappointment, stating that the experience shaped his focus on quality stories.
The Coen Brothers took a different approach with “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” offering a loose, quirky adaptation. This year, “The Return” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, focusing on the final chapters of Homer’s 24-book epic.
The challenge of filming “The Odyssey”
Homer’s “The Odyssey” presents unique challenges due to its episodic structure and mythical elements. Long considered “unfilmable,” the story follows protagonist Odysseus’ 10-year journey home after the Trojan War, an adventure filled with divine intervention and mythical creatures.
Nolan’s track record inspires hope
Despite these challenges, Nolan’s history of tackling complex projects inspires confidence. Films like “Dunkirk,” “Tenet” and “Oppenheimer” have achieved critical and box-office success. With a cast that The Hollywood Reporter says will include Matt Damon, Zendaya and Lupita Nyong’o, fans are eagerly awaiting the cinematic epic.
