In the savage and war-torn realm of Westeros, survival often depends not on noble birth or political cunning but on raw swordsmanship, battle-hardened skill, and unbreakable willpower. In HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’, a sprawling fantasy epic based on George R.R. Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’, countless characters fight for power, honour, vengeance, and sometimes simply to stay alive. But among the chaos, a few rise above the rest—true warriors whose combat prowess becomes the stuff of legend.

‘Game of Thrones’ is more than just a political drama; it’s also a tale forged in fire and blood. The continent of Westeros breeds fighters of all kinds—knights who live by codes of chivalry, mercenaries who kill for coin, assassins trained in the shadows, and wild warriors who rely on brute strength and instinct. Whether defending castles, charging across battlefields, or duelling in one-on-one combat, these characters prove time and again that skill in battle is a currency that often outweighs crowns and titles.

This list ranks the top 10 fighters in ‘Game of Thrones’, not merely by who wins or loses fights on screen, but by considering their full body of work: training, experience, battlefield effectiveness, duelling ability, reputation, and moments of raw dominance. Some of these warriors are polished and disciplined, trained in Westerosi traditions like the Kingsguard or Unsullied ranks. Others fight with unorthodox tactics, relying on speed, agility, or even psychological warfare. And a few are simply forces of nature—unrelenting in their savagery.

From the elite swordsmen of the Kingsguard to the fearsome Dothraki bloodriders, Westeros is home to warriors whose names are etched into history. These characters are not just killers—they are symbols of the brutal reality of a world where violence shapes destinies. Whether through honour-bound duels or messy battlefield chaos, each has earned a place among the most feared and respected in the Seven Kingdoms.

So, sharpen your blades and prepare for a clash of legends. Here are the ten deadliest and most iconic fighters in ‘Game of Thrones’, ranked by their strength, skill, and impact in the unforgiving world of Westeros.

Arya Stark

Jaqen H’ghar (The Faceless)

The Waif (The Faceless)

Ser Barristan Selmy

Khal Drogo

Jaime Lannister

Arthur Dayne

The Hound

Oberyn Martell

Brienne of Tarth

Jon Snow

Grey Worm

Bronn

–Farheen Ali 

Adrien Brody receives a well-earned Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his powerful performance in ‘The Brutalist’.  The epic, which lasts almost four hours, examines immigration, the conflict between art and business, and the gradual deterioration of the American dream.  Brody plays Hungarian architect László Tóth, who must negotiate the challenges of post-war America.  From an impoverished refugee looking for a new beginning to an unyielding artist, his character experiences a significant metamorphosis before ultimately becoming a man weighed down by pain and addiction.  

Under the careful guidance of filmmaker Brady Corbet, László's voyage develops into a sobering criticism of capitalism.  But in a shocking twist, the movie's ending casts him in a supporting role, leaving viewers to wonder why his storyline isn't addressed.  According to Corbet, this absence illustrates how creative perspectives are frequently ignored in the business sector.

Image Courtesy: People

The Brutalist sticks to a simple storytelling style in spite of its expansive scale.  The first half of the movie shows László's ascent with his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), but the second part takes a more eerie and fantastical turn.  It explores his issues of faith, substance misuse, and the fallout from his association with Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), a wealthy benefactor.  

Although Erzsébet's encounter with Harrison is crucial, the movie skips ahead 20 years to a Venice retrospective of László's art rather than focusing on his immediate aftermath.  Zsófia, his niece, presents his finished arts centre, presenting it as a representation of the tragedy of the Holocaust.  She makes the startling claim that meaning is defined by the destination rather than the journey in a powerful moment, which is ironic considering the film's sudden narrative turn.

Image Courtesy: IMDb Pro

Instead of offering a resolution, Corbet's epilogue purposefully defies expectations.  The film emphasizes how László's identity is progressively destroyed by leaving out significant events from his later years, which supports Erzsébet's request that he seek safety in Jerusalem.  Although his personal journey is overlooked, his work endures.  

This reflects Corbet's own battles for artistic freedom as a filmmaker.  The last scene highlights how art is frequently recycled and reworked for outside goals by switching to low-resolution footage and an outdated disco song.  Even though ‘The Brutalist’ has a daring and unorthodox ending, it solidifies its status as a movie that is open to countless interpretations and discussions.

–Farheen Ali 

Ryan Reynolds clearly enjoys having a bustling household. Although the ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ star, 47, and his wife Blake Lively, 36, are already parents to four children—daughters James, 9, Inez, 7, Betty, 4, and a fourth child born in 2023—Reynolds recently hinted at the possibility of expanding their family further. In a joint interview with Hugh Jackman, Reynolds playfully remarked, “The more the merrier. As many little heartbeats as possible, just running around and wrecking stuff in the house. I love it. Let’s have more!”

Married since 2012, Reynolds and Lively have a close-knit family. Earlier this month, Lively humorously mentioned on Instagram that Reynolds was trying to get her “pregnant again.” She shared a video of him with Dogpool—played by a dog named Peggy—at the London premiere of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. 

Also Read: Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Share How It Is to Have a Beer With Taylor Swift

Lively jokingly captioned the video, “SOS He’s trying to get me pregnant again,” adding a sticker of an alarm and a playful comment about Reynolds' teal suit.

Reynolds also recently discussed how family remains a top priority. He appeared on ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’, sharing a humorous anecdote about a recent date night. He revealed that their oldest daughter, James, wasn’t thrilled about their outing, noting, “We went on a date the other night and our oldest was going to kill us. Just for going on a date; just for tending to the relationship.” 

He added that even during their date, their thoughts were occupied with their children, rather than the date itself.

–Farheen Ali 

During a recent appearance on Jennifer Hudson's talk show, Reba McEntire, the celebrated country music icon, engaged in a lively conversation about the enduring appeal of her long-running sitcom, Reba. 

The discussion centred around the timeless nature of the show's theme song, 'I'm a Survivor,' which McEntire and Hudson spontaneously performed together, much to the delight of their audience.

Also Read: Jennifer Hudson And Orville Peck Set to Receive Honorary GLAAD Awards at New York City Ceremony

Reflecting on the song's universal resonance, McEntire shared insights into its relatability, highlighting themes of resilience and hard work that resonate with people from all walks of life. 

Hudson, an admirer of the song, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to sing alongside McEntire, creating a memorable musical moment filled with energy and emotion.

The duo's impromptu performance was met with applause and cheers, underscoring the song's enduring popularity and the magic of their collaboration. McEntire also hinted at new music on the horizon, teasing an upcoming album and a performance at the upcoming ACMs, where she is set to host.

In addition to her appearance with Hudson, McEntire recently surprised fans with a special performance at Stagecoach alongside Miranda Lambert, adding to the excitement surrounding her ongoing musical endeavours.

-Sushmita Sarkar

Could cinema be on the brink of an exciting new creative partnership? Last year, Celine Song, a filmmaker of Korean-Canadian descent, treated us to her remarkable debut film, 'Past Lives,' which earned an Oscar nomination. Now, her husband, Justin Kuritzkes, has entered the scene with his take on the love triangle genre. His film, 'Challengers,' adds a twist by blending straight romance with queer tennis antics, featuring a character known for his remarkable anatomy.

In the future, film studies might delve into the thematic parallels between these two films. Perhaps another filmmaker will emerge to satirise sexual stereotypes through a similar narrative. 'Challengers' is a captivating and humourous ride, with witty dialogue exchanges that keep viewers engaged. However, its ending might leave some wanting, reflecting the unpredictable nature of both tennis and life itself.

Also Read: ‘Rebel Moon Part 2’ Review: Zack Snyder Can Do Better

Luca Guadagnino's direction infuses style into every frame, while Zendaya delivers a standout performance as Tashi, a former tennis star turned coach. Her character's dynamic with Art, played by Mike Faist, forms the core of the film. Art's struggles on the tennis circuit, coupled with his deteriorating relationship with Tashi, make for compelling viewing.

The introduction of Patrick, Tashi's ex-boyfriend and Art's former best friend adds another layer of complexity to the story. Josh O'Connor's portrayal captures Patrick's charm and talent, despite his current hardships. The ensuing romantic tension between the three characters unfolds through a series of well-crafted flashbacks and flashforwards, revealing the intricacies of their relationships.

The tennis sequences are convincingly executed, adding to the film's authenticity. Unlike previous tennis-themed movies, such as 'Wimbledon' and 'School for Scoundrels,' 'Challengers' presents a more nuanced portrayal of the sport and its players.

KJ Apa and his girlfriend Clara Berry have called it quits after being in a relationship for four years. The news of their breakup surfaced during an Instagram Q&A session when a fan asked Berry if she was still with the New Zealand actor, to which she responded with a simple "No."

The couple, who welcomed their two-year-old son in September 2021, had been together since 2020, with Apa confirming their relationship by sharing a nude picture of Berry on social media.

Also Read: Barry Keoghan Supports Rumoured Girlfriend Sabrina Carpenter at ‘Eras’ Tour

Following their split, Apa and Berry were spotted together for the first time since the breakup during Paris Fashion Week. Despite their separation, the duo appeared amicable and even shared a hug on the red carpet, indicating a civil approach to their relationship.

In a video addressing their separation, Clara Berry expressed her belief that parents should separate if they can be happier and the best versions of themselves apart rather than staying together in an unhappy relationship.

However, she revealed that one of the hardest parts of the breakup is not being able to spend 50 per cent of the time with her son, Sasha, whom they welcomed into the world in 2021. Despite the pain of the separation, Berry remains optimistic and wishes for her son to have a happy life, drawing from her own experiences growing up with separated parents.

KJ Apa and Clara Berry's romance first made headlines in 2020 when Apa posted a nude photo of Berry, sparking dating rumours. The couple confirmed their relationship after being photographed sharing a kiss. In May 2021, they announced the exciting news of Berry's pregnancy on social media, welcoming their son later that year.

Barry Keoghan was recently spotted supporting his rumoured girlfriend, Sabrina Carpenter during her performance at Taylor Swift's Eras tour in Singapore's National Stadium. In a fan video capturing the moment, Barry can be seen clapping and smiling as he watches Sabrina sing, particularly during her improvised outro to 'Nonsense,' the final song of her setlist.

This isn't the first instance of Barry publicly supporting Sabrina. Last February, Sabrina shared a video of herself performing with Taylor Swift in Sydney, expressing her gratitude to Taylor and the audience. Keoghan, known for his subtle gestures, left a queen emoji on Sabrina's Instagram video, subtly acknowledging their connection.

Also Read: Rumoured Couple Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan Attend Grammys After-Party Together

Their relationship, speculated to have begun in December 2023, has yet to be officially confirmed by either party. However, Barry's supportive gestures, like the emoji on Sabrina's post, suggest a close bond between them. When questioned about his dating life, Barry focused on being present and engaging in personal activities like boxing and playing PlayStation.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Barry reflected on the attention surrounding his personal life, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks from the online world. "You gotta take it with a pinch," he remarked, acknowledging the speculation. "It’s about putting the phone down or whatever and taking time for yourself. Be nice to yourself.”

With Barry's discreet support for Sabrina and their shared moments captured by fans, their relationship continues to intrigue fans and media alike, adding an element of mystery to their blossoming romance.

Jodie Foster had a surprise back in 1995 when she found out she had won a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award — and it wasn’t just because of the win itself, but because she didn’t even know the awards existed.

In a recent interview with Netflix’s Tudum, the 61-year-old actress shared her initial disbelief upon hearing about her win for her leading role in the movie Nell. “I first heard about my win the next morning,” Foster recounted. “I’d never heard of the nomination,” she added, describing the moment as a sudden shock, feeling like someone had made a mistake.

Also Read: Jodie Foster Thinks Everyone Must Watch These Films

Kathy Connell, a founding member of the SAG Awards Committee and former executive producer, reflected on the early days of the awards show, recalling how it wasn’t an immediate hit during awards season.

"People would say, 'SAG awards, what SAG awards?' It was so nerve-racking because we were throwing one of the biggest parties in Hollywood and we didn't know if anybody would come," Connell remarked.

The inaugural SAG Award winners, alongside Foster, included Tom Hanks for Forrest Gump, Dianne Wiest for 'Bullets over Broadway' and Martin Landau for 'Ed Wood.' The ceremony took place at Stage 12 at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, with winners voted upon by members of SAG-AFTRA, a tradition that continues today.

Dennis Franz, known for his role in NYPD Blue, remembered attending the ceremony between appearances at Frank Sinatra’s golf tournament, initially sceptical but later appreciating the unique concept of actors acknowledging their peers.

Reflecting on her experience, Foster expressed gratitude for the recognition from her fellow actors, especially for a performance that may not have been a critics’ favourite but was personally significant to her.

Foster, nominated once again for a SAG Award this year in the supporting movie actress category for her role in 'Nyad,' highlighted the importance of actors recognising each other's work, emphasising the often overlooked aspect of ensemble performances in the film.

Renowned music moguls Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg have teamed up to introduce a fresh line of alcoholic beverages under the banner of 'Gin & Juice.' This exciting venture pays homage to their iconic 1994 track, 'Gin and Juice,' a hit from Snoop Dogg's debut album 'Doggystyle,' which was masterfully produced by Dr. Dre himself.

Available in four tantalizing flavours - Citrus, Melon, Passionfruit and Apricot - these pre-mixed cocktails are now hitting shelves in stores across the United States. The 'Gin & Juice' range marks the inaugural offering from the dynamic duo's new premium spirits company.

Also Read: CEO Fired After Snoop Dogg’s “Giving up Smoke” Campaign “Did Not Lead to Sales”

"Together, we always strive to create something magical. We're having a blast being creative, and this product truly reflects our essence," remarked Dr. Dre in a recent press release. Snoop Dogg added, "Often, people find themselves in relationships for decades without being able to connect or have fun together. So, it's a joy to partner with people you genuinely care about."

In addition to their entrepreneurial pursuits, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg have collaborated on numerous chart-topping tracks, including classics like 'Still D.R.E.' (1999), 'Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang' (1992) and 'Kush' (2010) among others.

The dynamic duo has also teased fans with plans for a sequel to the legendary 'Doggystyle' album, aptly titled 'Missionary'. Although the anticipated release date of November 2022 came and went without the album's debut, 'Missionary' is slated to feature Dr. Dre as a producer, marking the pair's first collaboration in nearly thirty years.

"I've been working on a record with Dr. Dre for the past eight months," revealed Snoop Dogg earlier this month. "We're gearing up to drop a single in a couple of weeks, so that's what I've been cooking up."

Amid the forensic-focused trend in crime dramas, some TV shows are standing out by going back to the basics. These hidden mystery gems rely on good old observational skills, analytical thinking and creativity, breaking away from the dominance of forensic investigations influenced by shows like 'CSI.'

By embracing the classic detective approach, these shows not only honour the genre's roots but also encourage viewers to pay close attention to clues and join in solving the case.

Having sharp protagonists is crucial for these crime dramas. While great characters exist in every genre, those at the heart of mystery dramas bring a unique perspective with their infectious curiosity, exceptional determination, and relentless pursuit of unsolved mysteries. Their impressive skills and intricate backstories add depth to the genre, illuminating the ever-deepening shadows within it.

Check out the top thrilling crime drama films and TV shows below.

-Farheen Ali

Oscars categories frequently evolve, with new additions and retirements. In 2000, the Academy introduced the 'Best Original Musical' category, intending to honour original musical films. However, despite its existence for over two decades, this category has never seen a winner or even nominees.

To be eligible, a film must be an original musical, featuring not less than five original songs by the same writers, created specifically for the screen. This requirement has made it challenging for the Academy to gather enough contenders for a competition, leaving the 'Best Original Musical' Oscar unclaimed since its inception.

The intricacies of this category have kept it largely unnoticed, even as the cinematic landscape continues to evolve.

This wasn't always a challenge. Until the 1960s, the era of classic movie musicals like ‘Singin' in the Rain’, ‘The Sound of Music’ and Disney favourites ensured a steady supply of original musicals made exclusively for the screen. 

Yet, despite the abundance of such films, the Academy faced difficulties in honouring them. The history of scoring and musical categories at the Oscars dates back to 1935 when the first Best Scoring award went to ‘One Night of Love’. However, this category faced issues in 1938 when ‘One Hundred Men and a Girl’ won, featuring a score entirely composed of pre-existing classical compositions. This led to the introduction of a new category in 1939, recognizing Best Original Score. 

The 1942 Oscars saw the addition of 'Best Scoring of a Musical Picture,' won by Frank Churchill and Oliver Wallace for their work on ‘Dumbo’, marking a division between musical and dramatic films. This trend persisted until 1985 when the focus shifted to separating original from adapted scores, leading to various category name changes while maintaining the core distinction between original creations and adaptations.

In the 1980s, the Academy consolidated its music categories, leaving only one: Best Original Score, exclusively for films with compositions created specifically for them. Initially, this seemed unproblematic, with winners like Maurice Jarre for ‘A Passage to India’ and John Barry for ‘Out of Africa’.

However, the pattern shifted in 1990 with Disney's resurgence in animated musical films. Alan Menken received two consecutive awards for ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’, followed by Hans Zimmer's win for ‘The Lion King’ in 1995. 

This dominance sparked controversy, as the distinction between songs and instrumental music was blurred, leading to a split in the category. The Academy introduced Best Original Dramatic Score and Best Original Musical or Comedy Score to differentiate between genres, responding to concerns that evaluating scores for different film types was challenging.

Despite initial reluctance from composers, this change marked a shift away from Disney's stronghold, with non-Disney films winning in the late 1990s.

In 2000, the Academy modified its approach by combining comedies and dramas in the Best Original Score category, while creating a separate category for Best Original Musical. To be eligible for the latter, a film must feature a minimum of five original songs integral to the storyline. 

Despite seeming ideal, this division faced challenges immediately. Two popular animated musicals from 1999, ‘Tarzan’ and ‘South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut’, had approximately 45 minutes of music, falling short of the Academy's criteria for an original score. Yet, being the sole musical entries that year, they couldn't qualify for Best Original Musical, as the category requires a minimum of ten competing films.

– Farheen Ali 

Jodie Foster revealed on a recent episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' that her co-stars Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese were a bit "scared" of her during the filming of 'Taxi Driver'. The two-time Oscar-winning actor, who was on the show to discuss the new season of 'True Detective', delved into her early experiences as a child actor, particularly her significant role in Scorsese's 1976 film.

In 'Taxi Driver,' Foster portrayed the character of Iris, a young sex worker, alongside De Niro, who played a lonely Vietnam veteran grappling with mental health issues. Recollecting her time on set at the age of 12, Foster shared some amusing anecdotes. "I had to do things like, you know, 'Can you pull his fly down?' And it was a little awkward," she reminisced.

Interestingly, Foster pointed out that, despite her age, she had more on-set experience than Scorsese and De Niro at that time. This led to a unique dynamic where her elder colleagues felt somewhat intimidated by her presence. "Yeah, they were a little scared, especially Scorsese, who kept giggling every time he talked to me. He'd start giggling, and De Niro had to take over," she explained.

When Jimmy Kimmel inquired about whether her relationship with Scorsese had changed over the years, Foster humourously replied, "Scorsese giggles with everybody."

A sneak peek of the upcoming Netflix movie ‘Spaceman’ starring Adam Sandler and Carey Mulligan has just been revealed. Directed by Johan Renck of ‘Chernobyl’ fame, the sci-fi film, adapted from Jaroslav Kalfař’s novel, follows astronaut Jakub (Sandler), returning from a six-month solitary mission to the solar system's edge to win back his wife Lenka (Mulligan). 

Seeking romantic advice from the mysterious alien Hanuš (voiced by Paul Dano), Jakub faces unexpected challenges. Produced by Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin, and others, the movie also features Kunal Nayyar, Lena Olin, and Isabella Rossellini. 

Following Sandler's successful ‘You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah,’ ‘Spaceman’ is set to premiere on March 1, 2024, marking Sandler's next venture on Netflix. 

Also Read: Keith Richards Marks 40th Anniversary With Heartwarming Wedding Photo 

Mulligan, fresh from her role in the Netflix biopic ‘Maestro,’ will showcase her talent alongside Sandler in this weightier role. The anticipation for Spaceman builds on the heels of Sandler's recent Netflix animated film, ‘Leo,’ which garnered over 34.6 million views in its first week, praised for its humour, soundtrack, and handling of sensitive subjects.

It seems that ‘Spaceman’ will take a more serious tone compared to Adam Sandler's previous Netflix films. While his 2022 basketball movie, ‘Hustle,’ had some dramatic elements, Sandler is widely recognized for his dramatic performances in films like the Safdie brothers' crime thriller ‘Uncut Gems,’ which earned him an Independent Spirit Award, and Paul Thomas Anderson's classic, ‘Punch Drunk Love.’

Sandler's recent Netflix animated feature, ‘Leo,’ had the biggest debut ever for a Netflix animated film when it premiered on November 21st. Earlier in the year, he achieved success on the platform with the comedies ‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’ and ‘Murder Mystery 2.’

– Farheen Ali 

Quentin Tarantino seems to have given the warp drive a miss for his take on 'Star Trek,' fearing it might boldly go where no director wants to end – the final frontier of their career.

Currently immersed in what he claims to be his tenth and curtain-closing film, 'The Movie Critic,' Quentin Tarantino had hinted at an R-rated addition to the 'Star Trek' universe back in 2019. At the time, Paramount had a trio of 'Star Trek' films on its radar for a potential franchise reboot, with Tarantino's project in the mix.

However, according to screenwriter Mark L. Smith, who collaborated on the script, the starship never left the dock.

Also Read: Christopher Nolan Won’t be Directing The Next James Bond Film

Smith shed some light on the matter, stating, "Quentin and I went back and forth, he was gonna do some stuff on it, and then he started worrying about the number, his kind of unofficial number of films."

The stumbling block seemed to be the daunting prospect of Star Trek being Tarantino's cinematic swan song. Smith recounted, "If I can just wrap my head around the idea that Star Trek could be my last movie, the last thing I ever do. Is this how I want to end it? And I think that was the bump he could never get across, so the script is still sitting there on his desk."

Despite Tarantino's admiration for the project, Smith doesn't hold out hope for it materializing. He expressed, "It’s just one of those things that I can’t ever see happening. But it would be the greatest 'Star Trek' film, not for my writing, but just for what Tarantino was gonna do with it. It was just a b*lls-out kind of thing." Drawing a parallel, Smith likened the script to Taika Waititi’s 'Thor: Ragnarok,' envisioning a fresh and distinct vibe compared to the established 'Star Trek' canon.

As for Tarantino's imminent tenth venture, it's poised to delve into the world of a genuine film critic associated with an adult magazine. While the cast remains officially unconfirmed, the grapevine suggests that Paul Walter Hauser, John Travolta, and Samuel L. Jackson are hitching a ride on this project.

Kristen Stewart is set to receive the Visionary Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, as announced by the Sundance Institute on 14th December. The award aims to acknowledge Stewart's "uncompromising work as an artist and contributions to the field of independent film" throughout her two-decade-long career. The press release highlighted Stewart's bold and risk-taking storytelling, pointing out her 2022 Oscar nomination for her role as Princess Diana in ‘Spencer.’

The Sundance Institute emphasized Stewart's connection to the festival, noting that ten movies featuring her work have been screened over the years, including her 2017 directorial debut short film, ‘Come Swim.’

Also Read: Shakira Will be Honoured With The Video Vanguard Award at The 2023 MTV VMAs

In a statement, Stewart expressed her honour at being acknowledged by the beloved institution, praising Sundance for its purity, lack of pretension and commitment to supporting independence in the film industry.

Kristen Stewart has a pair of films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January. She takes on a lead role in ‘Love Lies Bleeding,’ a romantic drama directed and written by Rose Glass, featuring a cast that includes Katy O'Brian, Ed Harris, Dave Franco, and Jena Malone. Additionally, Stewart will be seen alongside Steven Yeun in ‘Love Me,’ a film by the filmmaking duo Sam and Andrew Zuchero.

Sundance Institute CEO Joana Vicent praised Stewart for her captivating performances across a diverse body of work and her commitment to independent cinema. The festival, running from 18th to 28th January, will also honour ‘Oppenheimer’ director Christopher Nolan and ‘Past Lives’ director Celine Song with special awards at its opening night gala. Nolan will receive the Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award, while Song and filmmaker Maite Alberd will each be honoured with the Vanguard Award.

Recently, Kristen Stewart was seen in the science fiction horror film ‘Crimes of the Future,’ released last year. In 2023, she made an appearance in the music video for Rita Ora's song ‘You Only Love Me’ and took on the role of directing the music video for Boygenius' ‘Boygenius: The Film.’

–Farheen Ali 

YG Entertainment disclosed the news in a regulatory filing this week

The K-pop girl group, Blackpink has officially renewed contracts with YG Entertainment. In the filing, YG Entertainment stated, “The board has completed a resolution about renewing the contracts with Blackpink’s four members”

Image Courtesy: Wallpapercave

The company announced in a press statement that Blackpink is gearing up for a new album and a world tour. YG founder Yang Hyun Suk expressed satisfaction in continuing their partnership, stating, “Blackpink will continue to do its best to shine even brighter in the global music market as an artist representing not only our company but also K-pop. And we send our unwavering support and faith to fans”. Sources revealed that negotiations are still ongoing for the individual contracts of the four group members.

Image Courtesy: billboard.com

Blackpink's recent world tour of 66 performances across 34 cities, drew an audience of 2.1 million! The K-pop girl group was initially formed under YG in 2016. As the quartet achieved heightened recognition and global popularity, there has been speculation that the original seven-year deal would require significant renegotiation in favour of the artists. 

Image Courtesy: wallpapers.com

Blackpink's performance at Coachella highlighted the group's undeniable confidence and stage presence, emphasizing their top-tier position in the lineup. Jennie Kim, Lisa, Rose, and Jisoo, accompanied by skilled dancers and a talented band, delivered a stellar show featuring songs such as ‘How You Like That’ and ‘Tally’

- Sushmita Sarkar

The Rolling Stones are back in action, and they've just announced a new live album companion to their latest full-length, 'Hackney Diamonds'. A surprise gig at New York's Racket Club on 19th October 19, marked the kick-off of their 24th studio album. The setlist? A snappy seven-song performance, featuring tunes from 'Hackney Diamonds' and some classics from their extensive repertoire, like 'Shattered' and 'Jumping Jack Flash'.

To add a cherry on top, Lady Gaga joined the band on stage for the live debut of 'Sweet Sounds Of Heaven' during the encore.

Now, here's the scoop on the live edition. The recorded magic from that memorable night will make up the second disc of 'Hackney Diamonds (Live Edition)', hitting the shelves on 19th January. As a bonus treat, The Rolling Stones have treated us to a lyric video for 'Bite My Head Off', featuring Sir Paul McCartney, spliced with scenes from the Racket gig.

Also Read: The Rolling Stones Become The First Band With Top 10 Albums in Each Decade Since The 60s

The band also announced their North American tour in 2024, hitting 16 cities across the United States and Canada. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are set to bring the house down with their legendary performances.

Now, let's talk 'Hackney Diamonds'. It marks a significant milestone as The Rolling Stones' first album in 18 years featuring all-new material, since the iconic 'A Bigger Bang' in 2005. The inclusion of tracks featuring the late drummer Charlie Watts added a poignant layer to the album. The last time we had a full-length treat from the band was back in 2016 with 'Blue And Lonesome', a soulful cover album of blues standards.

Critics applauded its spirited execution. He aptly summed it up, suggesting that if this album marks the end of the Stones' unparalleled rock journey, it's a natural conclusion – not a regular one. The Rolling Stones continue to leave their mark, proving that age is just a number in the realm of timeless rock.

Sisters on the silver screen bring a special kind of magic to the movies. From heartwarming tales of ‘Lilo and Stitch’ to the dynamic duos like in ‘The Parent Trap,’ the bond between siblings takes centre stage. It's not just about blood; it's about the unique connection that only sisters share. Some are partners in crime, lifting each other on life's crazy rollercoaster. But hey, drama is part of the deal too. Sibling rivalry, like Gamora and Nebula in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ adds that extra punch. No matter the storyline, the best sister duos in movies always leave us hooked. Let’s check out the most iconic sister duos in movie history below. 

Elsa and Anna (‘Frozen’)

Gamora and Nebula (‘Guardians of The Galaxy’) 

Kat and Bianca (‘10 Things I Hate About You’)

Annie and Hallie (‘The Parent Trap’)

Katniss and Prim (‘The Hunger Games’)

Kate and Maura (‘Sisters’)

Lilo and Nani (‘Lilo and Sitch’)

Wichita and Little Rock (‘Zombieland’)

Ramona and Beezus (‘Ramona and Beezus’)

Alison and Debbie (‘Knocked Up’)

Black Widow and Yelena Belova (‘Black Widow’)

Elizabeth and Jane Bennet (‘Pride and Prejudice’) 

-Britney Jones

Even though Beyoncé joined TikTok last year, she hasn't yet uploaded anything to the video-sharing website until now.

On 14th July, Beyoncé shared a collection of videos from other TikTok users dancing and responding to her most recent track, 'Break My Soul.' There is a clip of Cardi B screaming along to the line in the footage- “In case you forgot how we act outside.”

“Seeing y’all release the wiggle made me so happy!” Beyoncé captioned the TikTok, which has garnered 3.6million views. “Thank you so much for all the love for BREAK MY SOUL!”

The song ‘Break My Soul,’ featuring Robin S and Big Freedia, was released by Beyoncé last month. Speaking about the single in a four-star review, NME’s Kyann-Sian Williams said: “With dance music (especially disco) being the sound of revolution when ballroom culture started to evolve, electronic music has always been significant to queer spaces.”

“So, with Beyoncé using the genre to tell those ‘searching for something that lives inside [them]’ to get motivation to build their own foundations, this is a motivation track. And if you don’t need any motivation, then you can simply enjoy this track, turning any walkway into a runway.”

The song is the first single from Beyoncé's upcoming seventh studio album, 'RENAISSANCE' which is set for release on 29th July. Following her 2016 LP 'Lemonade,' it will be the singer's first release in six years.

“Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world,” Beyoncé wrote last month. “It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving.”

“My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration.”

---Silviya.Y

Following their public fallout, Noah Schnapp has stated that things between him and Doja Cat are "all okay." On 13th July, the Stranger Things actor posted a video of himself playing a game to a cover of the musician's song 'Kiss Me More' on TikTok.

“Guys everything is all good I apologized and I still follow her and love her music no hard feelings,” Schnapp wrote in the caption.

Last week, Schnapp stated that Doja Cat had requested information about his Stranger Things co-star, Joseph Quinn and urged him to tell Quinn to "hmu."

After the conversation was made public, Doja criticised Schnapp, claiming in an Instagram Live that she "didn't feel comfortable" with the singer disclosing the information in public and labelling the action as "socially unaware and whack."

“First, let’s try to be chill about it,” Doja said. “To be fair, this is like a kid. Noah, I don’t know how old he is, but he’s not even like over 21”.

“When you’re that young, you make mistakes, you do dumb s**t. I’m trying to be super fair. You do dumb s**t, you say dumb s**t. You f**k up relationships with people. You make mistakes. You’re supposed to do stuff like that so that you know not to do it in the future. I did my share of f**k-ups so that I don’t f**k up again”.

“But the fact that Noah did that, like went and posted a private conversation between me and him is so unbelievably like socially unaware and whack. That’s like borderline snake s**t. That’s like weasel s**t.”

She added: “I’m not saying that encapsulates his entire personality. I wouldn’t imagine he is. Maybe he is, like a whole snake. But I didn’t see him that way. I made an assumption that he was gonna be chill about it and he went and shared information that I didn’t feel comfortable with him sharing.”

--Silviya.Y