Entertainment | ELLE https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/ Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:17:07 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 https://api.photon.aremedia.net.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/cropped-ElleFavIcon.png?fit=32%2C32 Entertainment | ELLE https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/ 32 32 227009053 Is Australia’s Josh Heuston Taking The Lead In The ‘Fourth Wing’ Series? https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/fourth-wing-tv-series-cast-release-date-where-to-watch/ Wed, 15 Jan 2025 02:32:54 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1268502 The updates you've been longing for

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The third book in the Empyrean series is about to hit stands, which really gives us one question: Where the hell is our Fourth Wing TV series? The show has been in talks for what seems like forever (ok, a year and a half), and our patience for the romantasy epic’s first on-screen instalment is wearing thin. (Do you hear us, fam?) Fortunately, we finally have a crumb of news regarding the TV adaptationand it has to do with our cast.

While the Fourth Wing series cast has been kept under wraps, fans believe they’ve uncovered the first major lead: the role of Xaden Riorson. And who is the lucky star? Heartbreak High‘s Josh Heuston. The Fourth Wing casting rumour has some substance behind it, with a number of significant clues pointing to Heuston’s involvement. Here’s what we know about the series.

What Is The Fourth Wing About?

If you’re new to the Fourth Wing craze, the first novel of the ‘Emyprean’ series went gangbusters on TikTok, birthing, along with A Court Of Thorns And Roses, a new generation of romance-fantasy (romantasy) fans. It follows Violet, a quiet and frail 20-year-old destined to become a scribe, when her military-leader mother insists she join the dragon rider warriors instead. As a dragon rider in-training amidst a warring realm, the threat of death is always on Violet’s doorsteps. She is particularly wary of the brooding rebel, Xaden Riorson, who is among the strongest of the dragon riders, and whose father was killed by Violet’s mother. However, the connection between Xaden and Violet evolves in surprising ways.

The Fourth Wing TV Series Cast, Rumours

It’s locked down tight, but we have a few cast tidbits that will be of interest.

Xaden Riorson: Josh Heuston

Xaden is the dark and mysterious love interest to our lead, Violet. He’s strong, sharp-tongued, a natural born leader and, well, sexy af. Apart from being gorgeous and also roughly the right age to play Xaden, there are more specific reasons fans are pointing to Josh Heuston as our dark-sided romantic lead.

1. Rebecca Yarros Confirmed Xaden Was A Person of Colour

The novels already describe Xaden as having “warm tawny skin” and dark hair and brows, lending to a person of colour for the role. This is something the Fourth Wing author, Rebecca Yarros, confirmed, telling Variety she wanted “as much diversity as possible”. Responding to some fan art that made Xaden White, Yarros said: “We’re just going to say he’s POC; we’re just going to leave it at that. I didn’t rise to the bait of a lot of those posts, which I think probably got me some flack, but I knew we were already in development for TV, and I want to make sure that role is open to as much diversity as possible. So I was never going to give the readers my vision because I know that once you give the readers your vision, that’s what they’re gonna stick to. And I wanted to make sure we left it open to as much diversity as possible.” Meanwhile Heuston, is an Australian actor of Sri Lankan descent.

2. Josh Heuston’s Fourth Wing Social Media Hints

If these rumours turn out to be true, Heuston has been fairly unsubtle in his Instagram hints. Firstly, he popped a dragon—a dragon—in his Instagram bio. If you’re not familiar, Fourth Wing is about a war school for dragon riders, of which Xaden is one. So, yeah. Sharing a dragon on your social media profile is pretty pointed!

Meanwhile, fans also noticed he follows author Rebecca Yarros and Fourth Wing series producer Michael B. Jordan on Instagram. Is it a wishful campaign or already confirmed?

3. He’s Fresh Off Dune Prophecy

Heuston is no stranger to imaginative worlds on screen, having just starred in sci-fi hit Dune Prophecy. While Josh’s profile was already rising thanks to Heartbreak High, he now has a major international series—and a sci-fi one at that—under his belt. Chances are, he’s put in some hours in front of a green screen.

Other Xaden casting rumours: Michael B. Jordan—he’s already the series’ producer. Might he throw himself into a leading role as well?

Violet Sorrengail: Mackenzie Foy

Violet has some key characteristics that will influence her casting, specifically her physical fragility. Her lack of physical prowess is one of her key obstacles in the series, and the reason she’s different from other dragon riders. She’s described as having “pale skin, pale eyes, pale hair”, with dark brown locks that turn silver at their tips.

mackenzie foy rumoured for the fourth wing series cast
Mackenzie Foy is rumoured for Violet in the Fourth Wing series. Image: @mackenziefoy

Fans have really thrown their weight behind 24-year-old American actress Mackenzie Foy, who played Renesmee in Twilight. Foy’s Instagram shows that’s she’s a keen horse rider (so a dragon should be easy, right?), but also that she follows Rebecca Yarros. While it could be a campaigning project on behalf of Foy, it may also be evidence she’s cinched the role.

Other Violet casting rumours: Fellow young, light-eyed brunettes, including Katherine Langford and Joey King have been floated for the role

Is Taylor Swift Providing The Music For The Fourth Wing TV Series?

This would be a match made in heaven. An avid storyteller with a big imagination, Swift would be perfect to pen at least one key song for the TV series epic. Having lent her musical chops to other Amazon series, like The Summer I Turned Pretty and Wilderness (which debuted her re-recorded version of ‘Look What You Made Me Do’), Swift has an existing relationship with the streamer and production company. Furthermore, Rebecca Yarros follows Swift on Instagram. Given 282 million people follow Swift (and she follows no one), this may not be enough evidence alone. However, we can’t help but ship this collaboration, so please manifest with us.

When Is The Fourth Wing TV Series Release Date?

The only thing we know about the Fourth Wing series is that it’s in development. It was picked up Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan’s production company, Outlier Society in October 2023. However, since then, there’s little news on its production or progress. So, we don’t have a release date yet, but more is likely to come out after the release of the latest book, Onyx Storm, in January 2025.

Where To Watch The Fourth Wing TV Series

The Fourth Wing TV series is set to stream on Amazon’s Prime Video. Stay tuned for its release date!

Related Articles:

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Everything We Know About The Belle Gibson Series, ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/netflix-apple-cider-vinegar-belle-gibson-series/ Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:19:13 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1263748 A gripping new look at the wellness influencer

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The rise and fall of Australian fraudster Belle Gibson is one of the biggest scandals of the wellness world. Rocketing into the spotlight on claims that diet and natural remedies cured her terminal brain cancer, Gibson’s life came crashing down when it came to light that she never actually had brain cancer at all. However, this monumental lie was far from the only skeleton in Gibson’s closet.

Belle was once one of the most followed influencers in Australia, and was one of the first “regular” people (that is, not a celebrity) to amass a monetisable following on social media. Peaking at roughly 300,000 followers, her now-deleted Instagram was the launch pad for a wellness empire. She launched a wellness-based food app, called The Whole Pantry before people were creating apps. It was so successful that when Apple launched its first Apple Watch, The Whole Pantry was one of the few apps preloaded onto the device. 

When journalists unravelled her claims, it wasn’t only lies about her health that were uncovered, but fraudulent charity work as well. Now, Netflix is creating a show inspired by Belle’s life, and naturally, there are some big names attached. Here, everything we know about the Apple Cider Vinegar series.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar’s Release Date, Australia?

If you’re like us, you’ll want to pen the release of this one into your calendar. Apple Cider Vinegar will be released in Australia on February 6, 2025. There will also be a global premiere in Australia on February 3, where the series’ stylish stars will walk a red carpet. (Stay tuned for photos!)

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar About?

Apple Cider Vinegar is a six-part fictional series that follows two women as they try to cure their life-threatening illnesses through wellness and food. According to Netflix, “the six-episode limited series serves as a cultural interrogation of the times, exploring the birth of Instagram; the allure and rise of wellness culture; peak girl boss start-up culture; and the age of innocence on social media with very few checks and balances in place”.

“It’s really interesting to look at how media uses food as a weapon against us and how much we crave the nourishment, but how much of a privilege and how expensive it is to try to be well,” explains the show’s creator, award-winning Australian writer Samantha Strauss (Nine Perfect Strangers, The End, Dance Academy). 

Is Apple Cider Vinegar A True Story?

The series is based on the true story of Belle Gibson’s life, or more specifically, it was inspired by the book The Woman Who Fooled the World by Australian journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano. It was Donelly and Toscano who originally broke the story that unravelled all of Belle’s claims. Read more about Belle Gibson’s real life.

Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar Cast

According to Netflix, though the story is based on the true life story of Belle Gibson and the main character is named Belle Gibson, many of the characters have been fictionalised.  

Kaitlyn Dever as Belle Gibson

Kaitlyn Dever star of apple cider vinegar tv series
Image: Amy Sussman/Getty Images

The Booksmart actor plays Belle Gibson in this series. We know what you’re thinking and no, she isn’t Australian, but she did work very closely with a dialect coach to nail the Australian accent. 

Alycia Debnam-Carey as Milla Blake

Alycia Debnam-Carey star of apple cider vinegar tv series
Image: JC Olivera/Getty Images

Alycia Debnam-Carey is an Australian actor who you may recognise from The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and Fear the Walking Dead. She plays Milla Blake, a woman who builds a platform promoting the power of food to fight cancer.

Aisha Dee as Chanelle

Aisha Dee star of apple cider vinegar tv series
Image: Victor Boyko/Getty Images

Aisha Dee, of The Bold Type and Safe Home, plays Milla’s close friend Chanelle, who meets Belle at an event and starts working with her to build her business into the empire it becomes.

Tilda Cobham-Hervey as Lucy

Tilda Cobham-Hervey in apple cider vinegar tv series
Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty Images

Tilda Cobham-Hervey previously starred in The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and I Am Woman. She joins the Apple Cider Vinegar cast as Lucy, a woman who is diagnosed with cancer and is attracted to the promises both Milla and Belle make online.

Mark Coles Smith as Lucy’s Husband 

Mark Coles Smith in pple cider vinegar tv series
Image: Don Arnold/WireImage

As Lucy’s husband, Mark Coles Smith’s (Mystery Road: Origin) character expresses concern over the impact Milla and Belle’s damaging ideas are having on his wife and her health.

Ensemble Cast 

  • Ashley Zukerman (Succession)
  • Susie Porter (Irreverent, Wentworth)
  • Matt Nable (Transfusion, Last King of the Cross)
  • Phoenix Raei (The Night Agent)
  • Chai Hansen (Night Sky, The New Legends of Monkey)
  • Richard Davies (Offspring)
  • Essie Davis (The Babadook, Game of Thrones)
  • Kieran Darcy-Smith (Mr Inbetween)
  • Catherine McClements (Total Control)

Where Was Apple Cider Vinegar Filmed?

Apple Cider Vinegar was filmed on location in Melbourne, Australia — the same city where Belle Gibson lived, and continues to live.

Apple Cider Vinegar First Trailer

The first teaser trailer for Apple Cider Vinegar was released last year. Now, we have a new full length trailer to pore over. Want to know what you’re in for? Here you go…

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1263748 Netflix's Belle Gibson Series, Apple Cider Vinegar: Release Date A new trailer and Australian release date has been revealed for the much anticipated Belle Gibson Netflix series, 'Apple Cider Vinegar'. Entertainment,Netflix,Belle Gibson 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones – Arrivals Image: Amy Sussman/Getty Images 2024 GQ Men Of The Year Party Image: JC Olivera/Getty Images Lancome X Louvre Photocall – Paris Fashion Week Image: Victor Boyko/Getty Images ‚ÄúYoung Woman And The Sea” UK Gala Screening – Arrivals LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 29: Tilda Cobham-Hervey attends the UK Gala screening for "Young Woman And The Sea" at the Curzon Mayfair on May 29, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) TV WEEK Logie Awards Nominations Event Image: Don Arnold/WireImage elle-1263748
All The Books We’re Excited To Read In 2025 https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/new-books-2025-novels-fiction-for-women/ Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:35:50 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1268249 You'll want to save them to your Goodreads, pronto

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If you’re like me, you’ve started your year with a steep, probably unrealistic reading challenge. And if you’re like me, you probably still have a list of unread books you’re still ticking off from last year’s must-reads list. Meanwhile, 2025 is already coming in hot with some truly exciting books from beloved—and highly decorated—authors. Whether it’s the latest drop from a Nobel Prize winner, the memoirs of Australian media figures, or the next frontier of Romantasy, there will be no shortage of books calling you to their pages. With that in mind, I’m here to make your year of reading less daunting, by narrowing down a few titles I know the ELLE reader will love.

The Most Anticipated Books Of 2025

Expect this list to grow throughout the year… (Note: Some titles will only be available for pre-order until their release date)

best books 2025 bridget hustwaite thirty

Figuring Out Thirty

by Bridget Hustwaite

Following up the brilliant How To Endo, Bridget Hustwaite has turned her attention to life in her 30s in Figuring Out Thirty. While still at the early end of her 30s, Hustwaite, 33, is diving into the decade with infectious enthusiasm and keen analysis. Figuring Out Thirty is like your bestie hyping you up for adulthood.

Release date, Australia: January 7, 2025

Available at:

best books 2025 onyx storm fourth wing book three

Onyx Storm

by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing fans—the wait is over! The third instalment of the beloved romantasy series is arriving in 2025. Following the debut book, Fourth Wing, and sequel, Iron Flame, the latest, Onyx Storm, will see how successful our hero, Violet Sorrengail, is at making allies and fighting her romantic hero-slash-enemy, Xaden.

Release date, Australia: January 21, 2025

Available at:

best books 2025 han kang we do not part

We Do Not Part

Han Kang

How do you follow a novel that won a Nobel Prize? We will find out when South Korean poet-turned-novelist of a generation, Han Kang, releases their first book since 2023’s highly-decorated Greek Lessons. Since her stunning debut with The Vegetarian, Kang has built a loyal following akin to Haruki Murukami or Sally Rooney.

We Do Not Part follows the friendship of Kyungha and Inseon. When the latter is hospitalised, the former must go to her home to care for her pet bird. As one can expect from Kang, darkness awaits.

Release date, Australia: February 25, 2025

Available at:

best books 2025 atmosphere taylor jenkins reid

Atmosphere

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Speaking of cult authors, Taylor Jenkins Reid is back with a new novel that readers of Daisy Jones and the Six or The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo will surely devour within 24 hours of its release. A master of writing nostalgic fiction of a certain era, Reid turns her attention to a space shuttle program in the 1980s. As she explores romance and astrophysics, Reid may be able to answer Olivia Rodrigo’s question: Are men wanting to go to space, red flags?

Release date, Australia: June 2, 2025

Available from:

best books 2025 diana reid signs of damage

Signs Of Damage

Diana Reid

Following Love & Virtue and Seeing Other People, Australian author Diana Reid is returning with Signs Of Damage, a novel about being unable to escape the past and how trauma manifests in the present.

Release date, Australia: March 4, 2025

Available at:

best books 2025 curtis sittenfeld show don't tell

Show Don’t Tell

by Curtis Sittenfeld

Show Don’t Tell is the latest from Romantic Comedy author, Curtis Sittenfeld. However, Show Don’t Tell is a collection of sharp short stories about all manner of relationships.

Release date, Australia: February 25, 2025

Available at:

best books 2025 blob

Blob: A Love Story

by Maggie Su

A hilariously absurd debut by Maggie Su, Blob: A Love Story tells the story of a woman whose life is a mess, when she falls in love with a blob. A perfectly apt coming-of-age story about modern romance in your twenties.

Release date, Australia: January 28, 2025

Available at:

best books 2025 yoko biography

Yoko

by David Sheff

Is there a more polarising or misunderstood cultural figure than Yoko Ono? One of the greatest artists of a generation, Yoko Ono, is the subject of a new biography by David Sheff, best-selling author of Beautiful Boy. For those who know Ono, they full understand and respect her contributions to the art world. For those who don’t know her, she’s the infamous scapegoat blamed for The Beatles’ split. Sheff’s biography of his friend returns Ono’s life to the spotlight.

Release date, Australia: April 2, 2025

Available at:

best books 2025 sad tiger

Sad Tiger

by Neige Sinno

First published in France in 2023, Sad Tiger struck a chord for its unique portrayal of familial abuse. Given its themes, the award-winning literary triumph won’t be for everyone. However, if you’re not afraid of delving into the darkest sides of humanity, Sinno’s semi-autobiographical account pieces together fractured memories of her family members to offer an answer to how we can possibly avoid her horrors.

Per the review of Nobel Prize winner, Annie Erneaux: “Reading Sad Tiger is like descending into an abyss with your eyes open. It forces you to see, to really see, what it means to be a child abused by an adult, for years. Everyone should read it.”

Release date, Australia: April 29, 2025

Available at:

chimamanda ngozi adichie dream count best books 2025

Dream Count

by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

From the award-winning author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists, is the next novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dream Count. The novel follows four women and their desires, to ultimately consider what it means to love and be loved.

Release date, Australia: March 5, 2025

Available at:

best books of 2025 broken brains jamila rizvi rosie waterland

Broken Brains

by Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland

Friends and mainstays of Australian media, Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland, have both struggled with their brains: The former via a rare condition, the latter as a result of childhood trauma. In a new joint memoir and investigation into health, support and survival, Rizvi and Waterland each share their experience with Broken Brains.

Release date, Australia: May 6, 2025

Available at:

best books 2025 confessions catherine aihey

Confessions

by Catherine Airey

A new voice in Irish fiction, Catherine Airey’s Confessions tells the story of a young woman who, after the death of her parents, receives an invitation to visit the Irish hometown where they met. It traces three generations of women as they explore the mysteries, romances and tragedies of the past.

Release date: January 28, 2025

Release date, Australia:

Related Articles:

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Diddy’s Inner Circle Distance Themselves From Mogul In New Documentary https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/diddy-documentary-making-of-a-bad-boy-where-to-watch-australia/ Tue, 14 Jan 2025 04:34:03 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1268431 His team is not happy

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Members of Diddy‘s entourage are sharing new insights into life with the mogul in a new documentary about to drop in Australia. Diddy: The Making Of A Bad Boy interviews a number of people who claim to have known the rapper and Bad Boy Records owner throughout his life and career. Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, is currently in jail on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, and facing a series of sexual assault lawsuits.

The documentary, premiering in Australia on January 15, will reportedly follow Diddy’s childhood and rise to fame, as well as his most recent criminal allegations. Given the documentary contains some pretty wild claims from Diddy’s past, his representatives have condemned its release. “This documentary recycles and perpetuates the same lies and conspiracy theories that have been slung against Mr. Combs for months,” his team told Variety. “It is disappointing to see NBC and Peacock [the American production companies] rolling in the same mud as unethical tabloid reporters. By providing a platform for proven liars and opportunists to make false criminal accusations, the documentary is irresponsible journalism of the worst kind.”

If you’re wondering what why Diddy’s team is riled up—and where you can watch the documentary for yourself in Australia—read on.

What Is The Diddy Documentary About?

Tracking the rapper and record producer’s life to now, Diddy: The Making Of A Bad Boy purports to “challenge viewers to rethink everything they thought they knew about the mogul behind the music—and the mugshot.” The documentary reviews Diddy’s life growing up in Harlem, making it big on the music scene, and hip hop’s associations with gangs and crime during this era.

Among the specific talking points is the 1997 murder of Notorious B.I.G. It has long been rumoured that Diddy had something to do with Biggie’s death, which he denies. In the documentary, Diddy’s former bodyguard, Gene Deal, recounts being there on the night Biggie was killed in a drive-by shooting.

Insiders also speak at length about Diddy’s relationship with his ex Kim Porter, who died of lobar pneumonia. Several conspiracy theories around her death are also given airtime in the documentary, which Porter’s family and doctors have long denied.

Diddy’s relationship with singer Cassie, who accused him of rape and abuse in 2024 before settling out of court for an undisclosed sum, is also discussed by Diddy’s former makeup artist.

Among others interviewed are childhood friends, parents of people killed at Diddy performance in New York in 1991, and a winner of Diddy’s talent search reality series, Making The Band.

Where To Watch Diddy: The Making Of A Bad Boy In Australia

The Diddy documentary, Diddy: The Making Of A Bad Boy, will be available to watch on streaming service BINGE from January 15, 2025.

Related Articles:

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Meet The Confirmed MAFS 2025 Cast https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/married-at-first-sight-australia-2025-contestants-cast-list/ Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:22:00 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1265113 Including a trad wife and a former Bachelor contestant

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The MAFS 2025 trailer has dropped, and now with the contestants confirmed, we finally have the scalding tea ahead of its return to our screens January 27. Channel Nine was slow to release the official cast list, but it’s been worth the wait, and there’s already been plentiful drama. Allegedly, six contestants quit in the first week, and multiple exes have been paired together. We’re already living for the drama.

If unfamiliar with the premise of the show, the idea is that two strangers—who have been matched by MAFS‘ team of experts—meet on their wedding day, say their vows (or not), and then proceed to ‘date’… while living together and having frequent group dinners with the other contestants. So, without further ado, meet the new cast of Married At First Sight Australia.

Who Is In Married At First Sight 2025?

You can expect your Married At First Sight cast to come from all walks of life. For season 12, MAFS has tapped influencers, DJs, and former Bachelor contestants—the traditional Australian reality TV spectrum—for its chaotic cast list.

First up, a summary of our brides and grooms. Ordinarily, there are 10 main couples in the MAFS cast. In season 12, there will reportedly be two intruder couples who join during the season. Here’s who is speculated to be in the 2025 cast.

MAFS 2025 Brides:

  • Ashleigh Ackerman, dancer
  • Jacqueline Burfoot, lawyer
  • Veronica Cloherty, model/actress
  • Rhi Disljenkovic, fitness blogger
  • Morena Farina, DJ
  • Lauren Hall, CEO
  • Katie Johnson, charity CEO
  • Beth Kelly, operations manager
  • Jamie Marinos, marketing manager
  • Carina Mirabile, actress and fashion influencer
  • Awhina Rutene, unknown
  • Sierah Swepstone, IT consultant and former Bachelor contestant.

MAFS 2025 Grooms:

  • Paul Antoine, fitness coach and former reality TV contestant
  • Adrian Araouzou, leisurewear designer and dessert influencer
  • Billy Belcher, plasterer
  • Eliot Donovan, unknown
  • Jeff Gobbels, actor
  • Tim Gromie, unknown
  • Teejay Halkias, former Big Brother contestant
  • Jake Luik, wellbeing co-ordinator at a public school
  • Tony Mojanovski, council worker
  • Dave Thomas, the TikTok Tradie / caulker

You can watch the trailer below and see who you can spot. Unfortunately, most of the stars have their Instagram accounts set to private for now, per their MAFS contracts. We’ll keep you updated!

Ashleigh Ackerman, 34

Instagram: @a_ackermann

Married At First Sight contestant Ashleigh Ackerman
Image: Nine

Ackerman is a Gold Coast native, where she runs a dance school with her mum and sister. Ashleigh appeared in the trailer and is a confirmed member of the cast. Described as “fun, energetic and loveable she lives with her sister and nephew in a house full of pets. Ash has shared that she’s a longtime watcher of the show, and actually learnt that her previous relationship was toxic when watching it. In the trailer she says she’s looking for a relationship like previous MAFS contestants Jules and Cam. We’re wishing her the best!

Paul Antoine, 30

Instagram: @paul___antoine

mafs-cast-2025-paul-antoine
MAFS 2025 Groom: Paul Antoine. Image: Channel 10

Paul Antoine is no stranger to reality TV, having previously appeared on The Real Love Boat back in 2022. Antoine is from France, and was born in Nice and raised in the coastal town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Now based in Perth, he runs a business as a strength and conditioning coach. Paul looked very dapper in the trailer, and he’s serious about finding true love.

“I offer stability, respect, sensitivity and independence,” he shared. His perfect date? “[A] date that makes me forget that I’m in one. Long chats about our lives, past, present and future. I like it when things are spontaneous, and haven’t been planned ahead too much.”

Paul’s parents have been happily married for 40 years and that’s the kind of love he’s looking for. He’s exhausted the apps in Perth and of course, didn’t find luck on The Real Love Boat Australia.

Adrian Araouzou, 30

Adrian, 36, owns a sportswear brand PAKDsport and is a white belt in jiu jitsu. Dubbed the ‘dessert king’, Araouzou is behind the popular SweeetSundayz dessert Instagram account. He grew up in a Greek family as the eldest of five children. Interestingly, his other siblings are identical twin brothers and a pair of twin sisters. He said he’s looking for a woman who is honest and comfortable in her own skin.

Billy Belcher, 31

Instagram: @billybelcher7

mafs-cast-2025-billy-belcher
MAFS 2025 Groom: Billy Belcher. Image: Instagram

Billy, 31, hails from England and reportedly brings a “bold personality and unique style” to the show, per the Daily Mail. He’s reportedly a plasterer by trade. “Billy brings that unique British charm and authenticity that we believe will resonate well with the audience,” an insider has shared. Billy has shared his ideal woman is positive, confident and enjoys Saturday nights in.

Jacqueline Burfoot, 29

MAFS Contestant Jacqueline Burfoot
Image: LinkedIn

Jacqueline Burfoot is a 29-year-old lawyer from New Zealand with plenty of confidence. She describes herself as having both “beauty and brains” and her CV lives up to the claim. Burfoot has a double degree in law and finance and earnt first-class honours in law. She also won the title of Miss New Zealand in 2012 and is a certified yoga instructor. Burfoot has copped to being “intense” in relationships and shared she’s working on being less needy. She’s also adjusting to single life having moved to Australia from New Zealand following the end of a 7-year relationship last year.

Burfoot’s ideal guy? Tall, blonde, intelligent and open-minded.

Veronica Cloherty, 30

Instagram: @veronicacloherty

mafs-cast-2025-veronica-cloherty
MAFS 2025 Bride: Veronica Cloherty. Image: Getty

Veronica, a former Miss Universe contestant and actress, is reportedly coming in as an intruder bride for Eliot Donovan. Veronica Cloherty is a controversial character in the MAFS universe. In September 2024 reports leaked to Daily Mail Australia from the set that Cloherty was proving a “nightmare bride” causing “nothing but trouble” for groom Eliot Donovan. The production team reportedly labelled her a “high-maintenance diva.”

She was accused of using the series to boost her acting career, rather than genuinely pursue love. “She’s treating this show like a personal audition,” the source told Daily Mail Australia. Sources also reported that Veronica had developed a close friendship with Eliot Donovan’s ex Lauren Hall. “It’s clear she prioritises hanging out with Lauren over connecting with Eliot,” the source complained.

Veronica has previously starred in limited TV series Streets of Colour. Whatever the veracity of the claims, we’re sure Cloherty will provide plenty of entertainment.

Rhi Disljenkovic, 34

Instagram: @rhidisljenkovic

mafs-2025-rhi
MAFS 2025 Bride: Rhi Disljenkovic. Image: Instagram

Rhi Disljenkovic is an IT account manager but has been making a name for herself as a fitness blogger and influencer. She shares a professional Instagram account with friend Shayna Kotzur where the pair review Melbourne locations for fitness training and recovery. Disljenkovic said she is “tired of the modern dating scene”. She’s another bride fresh from a 7-year romance, and despite the length of her previous relationship, she’s admitted she’s “never been in love” (thoughts and prayers to her former boyfriend).

Disljenkovic is keen to settle down and start a family. But, in a turn of events, Rhi has been paired with her ex-boyfriend for her wedding day: Jeff Gobbels.

Eliot Donovan, 35

Instagram: @eliot.donovan

mafs cast 2025 eliot donovan

Eliot reportedly leaves the show early after initially being paired with Lauren Hall. He is later paired with Veronica. The dashing Eliot is a certified cast member, whose flowing head of Disney Prince hair featured prominently in the MAFS 2025 first trailer. However, he placed a very highly value on “authenticity” when he shared what he’s looking for in a lady and it seems like the MAFS girls may have fallen short.

Morena Farina, 57

Instagram: @morenafar1

MAFS 2025 Bride: Morena Farina. Image: Instagram / @djmorenaofficial

Morena is a wedding MC and DJ represented by Top Dog Entertainment. She’s a 57-year-old mother of two. She says that she found a new lease on life at 53 when she became a DJ and her friends describe her as authentic and engaging. She shared that she’s looking for a partner who will treat her like a queen.

Morena was paired with Tony, however, Yahoo! has suggested she may have been removed from production for an unknown reason. Morena was in the first trailer, confirming her place in the 2025 cast.

Jeff Gobbels, 39

Instagram: @jeffgobbels

mafs-2025-jeff-gobbels
MAFS 2025 Groom: Jeff Gobbels. Image: LinkedIn

Jeff is an actor who once has appeared in three episodes of Neighbours. His filmography also includes The Warriors, Undertow, A Promise Carved In Flesh AND The Whistleblower. However, that’s not all he does in his spare time. His LinkedIn lists him as the Founder and Director of Splash Vodka, and an AFL coach and he’s currently working as an electrician.

Jeff describes himself as loving, caring and fun. As he nears 40 he’s looking to settle down and raise a family with a partner whose supportive and shares his values. This could be tricky as he’s “accidentally” been paired with ex-girlfriend Rhi.

Tim Gromie, 38

Tim Gromie describes himself as having been “unlucky in love”. He’s a primary school teacher and says working with kids brings him a lot of joy and he hopes to have his own one day. However, he’s another freshly single contestant. His previous girlfriend suddenly ended their relationship just as he was about to propose and he’s taken 12-months off dating to recover. Now, he’s back in the game in a big way and has allegedly been paired with Katie.

Teejay Halkias

Instagram: @teejayhalkias

teejay halkias mafs cast 2025
MAFS 2025 Groom: Teejay Halkias. Image: Instagram

Reality TV fans might remember Teejay from Big Brother Australia. The striking business development manager from Queensland is back on screen for season 12 of MAFS as an intruder. Indeed, Daily Mail has reported the Greek-Indian 20-something will “save” the series. “Teejay is definitely going to bring some serious vibes to the MAFS experiment,” an insider told Daily Mail, “He’s a lover boy at heart, but he’s not afraid to speak his mind, which could either make him a perfect match or stir up some major drama.”

Teejay has been paired with Beth Kelly for season 12.

Lauren Hall, 37

Instagram: @laurenhall_01

mafs bride 2025 lauren hall
MAFS 2025 Bride: Lauren Hall. Image: Instagram / @mayfairlanegifts.com.au

Lauren is the owner of a corporate gifting business, Mayfair Lane Gifts. As confirmed by the first trailer, Lauren is something of a ‘trad wife’, in that her main goal is to “serve” her man. The MAFS bride was reportedly first paired with Eliot on season 12, but the Daily Mail reports her groom abruptly packed-up and left. Lauren has high standards and is looking for a “real man” who takes the lead. But, it looks like she’s been paired with ex Eliot Donovan who made a quick exit early in the series. We don’t know yet whether Lauren will choose to stay on with a new groom or bail from the series.

Katie Johnson, 37

Instagram: @itswildbykatie

mafs cast contestant katie

Katie runs a social enterprise called EATS HQ. (EATS stands for Empowering All Through Support.) The Australian café and hospitality chain aims to assist communities in Peru. She’s seriously impressive, but apparently, he’s unlucky in love and sick of men falling short. She’s after someone who is “kind, honest, wants a family and knows how to communicate.” In the first trailer, Katie can be seen shedding a tear during the series. It’s early days, but dare we say she deserves better?

Beth Kelly, 28

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MAFS 2025 Bride: Beth Kelly. Image: Instagram

Beth Kelly hails from the UK and is an operations manager at a high-end hair salon. She’s been enlisted as an intruder bride and paired with Teejay Hawkins. Friends have described Kelly as funny, outgoing, charismatic and down-to-earth. “She’s one of those people who lights up the room the moment she walks in,” a friend shared with Daily Mail. “She’s really funny and just so real, I think people are going to love her,” they continued.

Jake Luik, 30

mafs-cast-2025-jake-luik
MAFS 2025 Groom: Jake Luik.

Jake Luik hails from WA, where he works as a well-being coordinator at an independent public high school. He stays off social media and seems like he has a heart of gold. Luik has had two serious long term relationships, one that lasted 10 years and another that lasteed three. He said that in both his struggles with communication caused issues and he’s hoping to find someone who excels in this area who can help him open up. He’s matched with Ashley Ackerman.

Jamie Marinos, 28

Instagram: @jamiemarinos_

mafs-cast-2025-jamie-marinos
MAFS 2025 Bride: Jamie Marinos. Image: LinkedIn

Melbourne-based Jamie is an account manager at a digital marketing firm—and she’s set to bring the drama to season 12. The main thing we know about Jamie is that she confesses to having slept with Teejay at his wedding to Beth, in front of the new bride. Before the show even started, her TikTok account was exploding, and a close friend has shared with Daily Mail that she’s there to make waves. “She’s watched a few seasons of the show and would always joke about wanting to sign up for it. She won’t hold back at the dinner parties and will definitely not put up with anyone else’s shit.”

Jamie has described her ideal partner as covered in tattoos, passionate, patient, kind and calming.

Carina Maribile, 31

Instagram: @carinamirabile

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MAFS 2025 Bride: Carina Maribile. Image: Instagram

Carina is an aspiring actress and digital marketing specialist with a journalism background who originally hails from Western Australia. In the MAFS25 first sneak peek, Carina is seen pulling aside a producer to say she knows her groom, and he “ghosted” her.

Carina hails from a traditional Italian family and is the only one out of five siblings not married. Her mum has prepared a checklist of qualities to look for in a man she should marry and Maribile is keen to settle down. We can only hope the alluded to “ghosting” doesn’t get in the way of this.

Tony Mojanovski, 53

mafs 2025 cast contestant tony

Tony Mojanovski is from Port Kembla, and once made headlines for saving three fisherman who were swept off rocks. Tony is paired with Morena, but things apparently go south for the couple after it’s revealed Tony is still technically married to his ex. Married twice before he is allegedly looking for a committed, genuine and supportive partner. Hopefull the paperwork doesn’t get in the way…

Awhina Rhutene, 30

Instagram: @_awhinarutene

mafs 2025 cast contestant awhina

Channel Nine have described Awhina as one of the series most “opinionated” brides so we can assume she’ll bring some drama to the dinner table. She has a six-year-old son from a previous partner of 15 years, who she met in high school. Needless to say, she’s been out of the dating game and is hoping the MAFS experts can work their magic. She has been paired with Adrian Araouzou.

Sierah Swepstone, 31

Instagram: @sweppo

mafs cast 2025 sierah

You may have seen Sierah before as a former contestant on The Bachelor and Married At First Sight. In 2021, Sierah sought love with Jimmy Nicholson, but was sent home. A self-described “tall, horny bogan”, we hope she can find love this time around. When she’s not dabbling in reality TV, Sierah is a financial advisor. She’s been described as “outspoken, brazen and resilient” and has exacting standards when it comes to men. Her longest relationship to date is 4 months, and she’s sick of dating apps so she’s turning to reality TV again in the hope of her perfect match.

Dave Thomas Hand, 36

Instagram: @dth_9

You may know Dave as the TikTok Tradie. At a towering 6’6″, Dave has nearly 30,000 followers on his company’s TikTok account @siliconevalleycaulking. He runs his own caulking business in Victoria and shares renovation projects online. Last year, his engagement ended and like many of the recently single on MAFS he’s turning to reality TV to give love another shot. Dave describes himself as thoughtful, respectful and goofy and is looking for someone with a natural smile who is comfortable with herself and can make him laugh.

Who Are The MAFS 2025 Couples?

The confirmed couples list for MAFS Australia 2025, season 12, is:

  • Rhi Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels
  • Ashleigh Ackerman and Jake Luik
  • Teejay Halkias and Beth Kelly
  • Lauren Hall and Eliot Donovan
  • Eliot Donovan and Veronica Cloherty
  • Morena Farina and Tony Mojanovski
  • Tim Gromie and Katie Johnson
  • Awhina Rutene and Adrian Araouzou

Related Articles:

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1265113 married-at-first-sight-australia-2025-contestants-cast-list Image: Nine mafs-cast-2025-paul-antoine mafs-cast-2025-billy-belcher jacqueline-burfoot Image: LinkedIn mafs-cast-2025-veronica-cloherty mafs-2025-rhi mafs-cast-2025-eliot morena-farina-mafs-cast-2025 mafs-2025-jeff-gobbels mafs-2025-teejay lauren-hall-mafs-cast-2025 mafs-cast-2025-katie mafs-cast-2025-beth mafs-cast-2025-jake-luik mafs-cast-2025-jamie-marinos mafs-cast-2025-carina mafs-2025-cast-tony-mojanovski mafs-contestant-awhina-rutene mafs-2025-cast-sierah elle-1265113
It’s Official, ‘The Kardashians’ Is Getting More Episodes https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/the-kardashians-where-watch-australia-26661/ Mon, 13 Jan 2025 01:18:58 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/culture/the-kardashians-where-watch-australia-26661 We are ready for more drama.

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We ‘kept up with’ the Kardashians for 20 seasons, yet still, we’re not done with the famous family.

Some major moments in the Kardashians’ lives have happened since KUWTK ended—Kim and Kanye’s divorce to Kourtney and Travis Barker’s wedding, as well as Kylie’s second baby arriving—making the absence even more noticeable.

Well, that was until they announced their new reality TV series, The Kardashians.

After five explosive seasons, The Kardashians is returning for season six, and it looks just as (if not more) spicy than its predecessors.

Intrigued? Below, everything you need to know about tuning in.

Instagram @kimkardashian

Where To Watch ‘The Kardashians’ In Australia

Like much of Hulu’s impressive catalogue including Only Murders In The Building, Pam & Tommy and How I Met Your Father, The Kardashians is available to stream in Australia exclusively on Disney+.

So, you’re probably going to want to sign up here to start streaming immediately.

That of course includes season six, which premieres on February 6, 2025.

What Is ‘The Kardashians’ About?

In season five, Kris, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Kendall and Kylie took us along as they navigate motherhood, co-parenting, and building their own empires.

As always, this family wouldn’t be where they are if there weren’t any ups and downs, so we can’t wait to see what else is in store.

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All The Winners From The 2025 Golden Globes https://www.elle.com.au/culture/golden-globes-awards-nominations-winners-2025/ Mon, 06 Jan 2025 02:08:49 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1265686 The critics have spoken

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The 2025 Golden Globes are upon us, with the awards show currently taking place at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles. The nominees, which were announced in late 2024, confirmed many of the year’s top Oscar contenders and the most talked-about films and series of the past year. From Mikey Madison in Anora, Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown and Pamela Anderson’s first-ever nod for The Last Showgirl, this year’s list of nominees is full of refreshing surprises, as well as some glaring exclusions. Read on for the complete list of nominees and winners for each category.

Where To Watch The 2025 Golden Globes, Australia

Keen viewers will be able to watch the Golden Globes from Australia on 10 Play and Paramount Plus. Stan will stream the red carpet and ceremony live and on demand from 11am AEDT, January 6. The ceremony will start from 11am AEDT.

All The Golden Globes Winners & Nominees, 2025

We’re live updating all the winners as they happen…

Best Picture, Musical or Comedy

  • Anora
  • Challengers
  • Emilia Pérez (WINNER)
  • A Real Pain
  • The Substance
  • Wicked

Best Motion Picture, Drama

  • The Brutalist (WINNER)
  • A Complete Unknown
  • Conclave
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Nickel Boys
  • September 5

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama

  • Adrien Brody – The Brutalist (WINNER)
  • Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
  • Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
  • Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
  • Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama

  • Pamela Anderson – The Last Showgirl
  • Angelina Jolie – Maria
  • Nicole Kidman – Babygirl
  • Tilda Swinton – The Room Next Door
  • Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here (WINNER)
  • Kate Winslet – Lee

Best Television Series, Drama

  • Mr. and Mrs. Smith
  • The Diplomat
  • Shōgun (WINNER)
  • Squid Game
  • The Day of the Jackal

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Drama

  • Kathy Bates – Matlock
  • Emma D’Arcy – House of the Dragon
  • Maya Erskine – Mr. and Mrs. Smith
  • Keira Knightley – Black Doves
  • Anna Sawai – Shōgun (WINNER)
  • Keri Russell – The Diplomat

Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy

  • Abbott Elementary
  • The Bear
  • The Gentlemen
  • Hacks (WINNER)
  • Nobody Wants This
  • Only Murders in the Building

Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

  • Alien: Romulus
  • Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
  • Deadpool & Wolverine
  • Gladiator II
  • Inside Out 2
  • Twisters
  • Wicked (WINNER)
  • The Wild Robot

Best Original Song, Motion Picture

  • Beautiful That Way – Music & Lyrics By: Andrew Wyatt, Miley Cyrus, Lykke Zachrisson – The Last Showgirl
  • Compress / Repress – Music & Lyrics By: Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Luca Guadagnino – Challengers
  • El Mal -Music & Lyrics By: Clément Ducol, Camille, Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez (WINNER)
  • Forbidden Road – Music & Lyrics By: Robbie Williams, Freddy Wexler, Sacha Skarbek – Better Man
  • Kiss The Sky – Music & Lyrics By: Delacey, Jordan K. Johnson, Stefan Johnson, Maren Morris, Michael Pollack, Ali Tamposi – The Wild Robot
  • Mi Camino – Music & Lyrics By: Clément Ducol, Camille – Emilia Pérez

Best Original Score, Motion Picture

  • Volker Bertelmann – Conclave
  • Daniel Blumberg – The Brutalist
  • Kris Bowers – The Wild Robot
  • Clément Ducol, Camille – Emilia Pérez
  • Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross – Challengers (WINNER)
  • Hans Zimmer – Dune: Part Two

Best Director, Motion Picture

  • Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez
  • Sean Baker – Anora
  • Edward Berger – Conclave
  • Brady Corbet – The Brutalist (WINNER)
  • Coralie Fargeat – The Substance
  • Payal Kapadia – All We Imagine as Light

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy

  • Jesse Eisenberg – A Real Pain
  • Hugh Grant – Heretic
  • Gabriel LaBelle – Saturday Night
  • Jesse Plemons – Kinds of Kindness
  • Glen Powell – Hitmen
  • Sebastian Stan – A Different Man (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy

  • Amy Adams – Nightbitch
  • Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
  • Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
  • Demi Moore – The Substance (WINNER)
  • Zendaya – Challengers
  • Mikey Madison – Anora

Best Performance by an Actress, Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television

  • Cate Blanchett – Disclaimer
  • Jodie Foster – True Detective: Night Country (WINNER)
  • Cristin Milioti – The Penguin
  • Sofia Vergara – Griselda
  • Naomi Watts – Feud: Capote vs. The swans
  • Kate Winslet – The Regime

Best Performance by an Actor, Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

  • Colin Farrell – The Penguin (WINNER)
  • Richard Gadd – Baby Reindeer
  • Kevin Kline – Disclaimer
  • Cooper Koch – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
  • Ewan McGregor – A Gentleman in Moscow
  • Andrew Scott – Ripley

Best Picture, Non-English Language

  • All We Imagine as Light (India)
  • Emilia Pérez (France) (WINNER)
  • The Girl with the Needle (Denmark)
  • I’m Still Here (Brazil)
  • The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany)
  • Vermiglio (Italy) 

Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy or Television

  • Jamie Foxx – What Had Happened Was
  • Nikki Glaser – Someday You’ll Die
  • Seth Meyers – Dad Man Walking
  • Adam Sandler – Love You
  • Ali Wong – Single Lady (WINNER)
  • Ramy Youssef – More Feelings

Best Screenplay, Motion Picture

  • Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez
  • Sean Baker – Anora
  • Brady Corbet & Mona Fastvold – The Brutalist
  • Jesse Eisenberg – A Real Pain
  • Coralie Fargeat – The Substance
  • Peter Straughan – Conclave (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy

  • Adam Brody – Nobody Wants This
  • Ted Danson – A Man on the Inside
  • Steve Martin – Only Murders in the Building
  • Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building
  • Jason Segel – Shrinking
  • Jeremy Allen White – The Bear (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Television Series

  • Tadanobu Asano – Shōgun (WINNER)
  • Javier Bardem – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
  • Harrison Ford – Shrinking
  • Jack Lowden – Slow Horses
  • Diego Luna – La Maquina
  • Ebon Moss-Bachrach – The Bear

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Television Series

  • Liza Colon-Zayas – The Bear
  • Hannah Einbinder – Hacks
  • Dakota Fanning – Ripley
  • Jessica Gunning – Baby Reindeer (WINNER)
  • Allison Janney – The Diplomat
  • Kali Reis – True Detective: Night Country

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Drama

  • Donald Glover – Mr. & Mrs. Smith
  • Jake Gyllenhaal – Presumed Innocent
  • Gary Oldman – Slow Horses
  • Eddie Redmayne – The Day of the Jackal
  • Hiroyuki Sanada – Shōgun (WINNER)
  • Billy Bob Thornton – Landman

Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In Any Motion Picture

  • Ariana Grande – Wicked
  • Selena Gomez – Emilia Pérez
  • Felicity Jones – The Brutalist
  • Margaret Qualley – The Substance
  • Isabella Rossellini – Conclave
  • Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy

  • Kristen Bell – Nobody Wants This
  • Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
  • Ayo Edebiri – The Bear
  • Selena Gomez – Only Murders in the Building
  • Kathryn Hahn – Agatha All Along
  • Jean Smart – Hacks (WINNER)

Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role In Any Motion Picture

  • Yura Borisov – Anora
  • Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain (WINNER)
  • Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown
  • Guy Pearce – The Brutalist
  • Jeremy Strong – The Apprentice
  • Denzel Washington – Gladiator II

Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television

  • Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
  • Disclaimer (Apple TV+)
  • Monsters: The Lyle and Eric Menendez Story (Netflix)
  • The Penguin (HBO)
  • Ripley (Netflix)
  • True Detective: Night Country (HBO)

Best Motion Picture, Animated

  • Flow (WINNER)
  • Inside Out 2
  • Memoir of a Snail
  • Moana 2
  • Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
  • The Wild Robot

The Biggest Snubs & Surprises

Small screen frontrunners The Bear (five nominations), Only Murders in the Building (four nominations) and Shōgun (also four), were predictably represented, while Guy Richie’s The Gentlemen received an unexpected placement for Best Comedy/Musical Series, despite its earlier Emmys snub.

On the big screen, Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical melodrama, Emilia Pérez, swept the list with ten nominations, overtaking Barbie and Cabaret as the most nominated Musical/Comedy film in the category’s history.

But perhaps the most surprising snub of all went to Wicked director Jon M. Chu, whose name was notably absent from the Best Director category. The misstep was made all the more confusing by the film’s four other nods including Best Picture, Cinematic Box Office Achievement, and a Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress inclusion for stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

When Are The 2025 Golden Globes?

The 82nd Golden Globes will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 5 2025. The time difference means the awards ceremony will reach Australia on Monday, January 6, around 11am.

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The 2025 Golden Globes Giftbag Is Worth Over $1 Million https://www.elle.com.au/culture/golden-globes-gift-bag-2025/ Fri, 03 Jan 2025 11:51:46 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1266626 From a $40,000 facial to a $15,000 workout here's what you get for the on percent

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The Golden Globes gift bag is one of Hollywood’s strangest traditions, and with the event only weeks away, its contents have dropped. The Golden Globes gift bag is a luxury show bag offered to select guests, including nominees, packed with an array of beauty, travel, fitness and wellness indulgences. Last year, its contents came to an impressive US$500,000. This staggering figure was met with some criticism, given statistics around wealth disparity in the US, but if the Golden Globes organisers heard it, they disregarded. This year, the Golden Globes gift bag contents are ringing in at US$1 million (approx. AU$1.6m) . Is it inflation? Or are they committed to the bit? We don’t know, but we desperately want to know what the world’s one-percenters will be gifted this year.

Traditionally, the contents have bordered on surreal, from tattoo sessions with celebrity artists to actual plots of land. This year, the gifts are a little more practical, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less intriguing.

Here’s everything we know about the 2025 Golden Globes gift bag. Remember, all prices are in US dollars, so mentally add some extra digits here and there.

What Is The Golden Globes Gift Bag?

This year, the gift bag itself is a suede weekender from Atlas Bespoke, complete with a brushed stainless steel Golden Globes travel tag. But if you’re wondering how the gift bag actually works, we’ve investigated. The gift bag is curated by The Robb Report a publication dedicated to “luxury living.” Perfectly positioned to answer the question, “What do you get for the person who has literally everything?” the people behind the publication handpick the most extravagant experiences and items, from exclusive travel and dining experiences to cutting-edge beauty treatments, bespoke fashion and boutique fitness sessions to offer up to some of the world’s wealthiest people.

Think $40,000 stem cell facials and workouts at Kristin Sudeikis’ (Jason Sudeikis’ sister) Forward_Space fitness studio.

The Robb Report and the Golden Globes previously shared a parent company, making the collaboration a strategic cross-brand marketing opportunity. The partnership has continued and we can assume a web of advertiser relationships influences some brands and companies that make it into the catalogue and are afforded a prime chance to get in front of some of the most influential celebrities in the world.

“This year’s collection embodies the pinnacle of luxury, offering recipients an extraordinary journey through bespoke craftsmanship and exclusive experiences, and iconic brands that define excellence,” said Luke Bahrenburg, President of The Robb Report and Head of Luxury Sales at Penske Media Corporation, in a statement.

Let’s dig in.

What’s Included In The $1 Million 2025 Golden Globes Gift Bag?

It looks like The Robb Report got the memo on our love of suede and oversized brown bags because this year the gift bag is a suede weekender from Atlas Bespoke, complete with a brushed stainless steel Golden Globes travel tag. While it’s a large bag, it doesn’t actually hold the gifts. Instead, it contains a catalogue with 25 extravagant options for the nominees to choose from. But, there are restrictions. For example, only three nominees can claim a custom-designed suit handcrafted in Italy. Other lesser gifts, like a $60,000 five-day luxury yacht charter in Indonesia, are available to everyone.

Keeping in mind these gifts are being presented to some of the only people who could purchase them themselves (or are gifted them free of charge) let’s dig in.

Beauty, Fashion And Wellness:

  • Beau Domaine: The Fluid Cream, $209 (available to all participants)
  • Coyuchi: Participants can select from a range of organic-linen or cotton sateen sheets valued from $572-$1392 (available to all participants)
  • CurrentBody: LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2, $469 (available to all participants)
  • Dr. Simon Ourian: A non surgical Stemcell Facelift, $40,000 (available to one participant)
  • Exponent: Vitamin C serum and COQ10, $98 (available to all participants)
  • Femmue: Skincare essentials kit, $290 (available to all participants)
  • Forward_Space: A personalized dance workout and wellness experience, $15,000 (available to 25 participants)
  • La Prairie: Pure Gold Radiance Concentrate Serum, $935 (available to 40 participants)
  • NB44: A custom-designed suit handcrafted in Italy, $11,400 (available to three participants)
  • NordicTrack: A NordicTrack Ultra 1 treadmill, $15,000 (available to four participants)
  • Perfumehead: A small-batch fragrance from an award-winning LA Collection, $615 (available to 50 participants)
  • The Maybourne Beverly Hills: Oxygen Facial, $1,400 (available to 10 participants)

Travel And Experiences:

  • CX Access and Helsinki Citycopter: Private flight and stay in Finland to see the Northern Lights, $48,000 (available to one participant)
  • The Reserve at Grace Bay by Beach Enclave: Three nights at a beachfront villa in Turks and Caicos, $507,492 (available to nine participants)
  • Celestia Phinisi Yacht: Five-day luxury charter through the. Coral Triangle in Indonesia, $60,000 (available to all participants)
  • Joali Being: Five nights and a wellness experience in the Maldives, $33,800 (available to 50 participants)
  • L’Ermitage Beverly Hills: One night at the Beverly Hills suite, $1,500 (available to all participants)
  • Mandapa, Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Three nights in the Bali Jungle, $5,800 (available to three participants)
  • Round Hill Hotel and Villas: Three nights in a 6-bedroom Caribbean estate villa, $35,000 available to one participant
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: Five nights at the Grand Cayman resort, $55,000 (available to all 100 participants)
  • The Tasman, Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart: Two night whisky experience in Tasmania, Australia, $4,935 (available to five participants)

Wine, Spirits And Cigars:

  • Casa Komos Brands Group: A rare bottle of Komos XO tequila, $2,000 (available to 10 participants)
  • Casa Komos Brands Group: A collection of Reposado Rosa, Añejo Cristalino, Añejo Reserva, and Extra Añejo, $950 (available to 15 participants)
  • Casa Komos Brands Group: A sustainability-minded trip to the Komos Foundation in Tequila, Mexico, $5,500 (available to one participant)
  • Davidoff Cigars: A humidor designed for travel, $440 (available to 20 participants)
  • Isle of Harris Distillery: Hearach Single Malt Scotchy Whisky and/or Isle of harris Gin, $90 and $150 respectively (available to all participants)
  • Liber Pater: Wine tasting and dinner experience in Bordeaux, France, $272,000 (available to one participant)
  • Liber Pater: A trio of rare 2015, 2018 and 2019 wines, $34,800 (available to one participant)

Not a bad haul, right?

Related Articles:

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‘Culpa Tuya’ Taught Nicole Wallace The Importance Of Trust https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/culpa-tuya-nicole-wallace/ Fri, 27 Dec 2024 07:28:27 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1267129 The hit film returns with more drama

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The first film adaptation in Mercedes Ron’s the Culpables trilogy, Culpa Mia (My Fault), was an instant hit. Despite being filmed in Spanish, the movie—which centres on a forbidden love story between Nick Lester (Gabriel Guevara) and his new stepsister, Noah Morgan (Nicole Wallace)—became one of Prime Video’s most-watched titles in over 190 countries, including Australia.

At the core of the franchise is a question of fault—who is to blame for the drama that has unfolded? It’s a topic hotly debated amongst fans of the books. And, as the second instalment, Culpa Tuya (Your Fault) drops on the streaming platform fans are again faced with the same question.

When we last saw Nick and Noah, they’d overcome their challenges and chosen to be together, but in Culpa Tuya we see that not everyone’s happy about the coupling.

On top of the changes that work and college bring, Noah and Nick face the surprise appearances of a revenge-seeking ex-girlfriend and Nick’s mother.

culpa tuya

In this new, challenging chapter of their romance, the question of fault rises again, but as the series’ author tells ELLE Australia, the answer isn’t a simple one.

“I think everyone is guilty of something,” Mercedes tells us before adding with a laugh, “So, I’m not going to say who’s at fault because they’re [the fans] going to hate me.”

The notion of blame and guilt not solely lying with one person will play into the story to come in the third film, Culpa Nuestra (Our Fault).

“I think everyone like makes mistakes in this movie, in this book. They need to learn how to get out of that and that’s what we want to see in the third movie,” she teases.

culpa tuya

Noah and Nick’s relationship not only faces increasing challenges in the second film but changes in dynamic. Where Culpa Mia explored lust, longing and forbidden love, Culpa Tuya delves into trust and betrayal.

When it comes to portraying this evolution and having that very trust in your acting partner, Nicole says it’s less about who you’re working opposite, and more about yourself.  

“There’s two things; knowing the person, how that person acts, how that person is on set and how you can work with that and then there’s trusting yourself,” Nicole says.

“I think when you trust yourself, it doesn’t really matter what you have in front [of you] because you know that you can do a good job even if you have to like act with a wall,” she laughs.

In fact, Nicole felt she could relate to Noah’s journey from the first film to now in trusting herself.

“Noah trusts herself completely in this film, which I don’t think is [the case] in the first one. I think it’s the same for me,” she says.

She adds: “If I have an amazing partner and I don’t trust myself, it’s not going to work. And if I have a shady partner but I trust myself, it’s going to be amazing. So, I think that’s very important.”

Culpa Tuya is available to stream on Prime Video from December 27th.

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MAFS 2025 Drops Its First Trailer & An Unexpected Twist https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/mafs-2025-australia-where-to-watch-release-date-time/ Sun, 22 Dec 2024 20:29:28 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1265103 Ready yourselves for season 12

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Married At First Sight 2025 has dropped its first trailer, with Channel Nine confirming the beloved (and loathed?) reality series has packed some unexpected twists into season 12. It’s the 10-year anniversary of the Australian MAFS franchise, and producers are keen to shake up the format. Namely, the season promises the couples’ “biggest challenge yet” in the form of ‘Final Test Week’. “An international MAFS first, participants will be confronted with the age-old question, ‘is the grass greener on the other side?'” a statement from Nine read. Ooh, what does it all mean? It seems as though the first MAFS partner swap is before us.

Meanwhile, the MAFS 2025 rumour mill is already going bonkers with hot gossip. One of the grooms was already married, someone confesses to having slept with another groom at his wedding, exes are ‘accidentally’ paired together, and six contestants reportedly jump ship in the first week. It’s going to be nuts!

If you’re not on the Married At First Sight train (or MAFS, as its widely known), and don’t really understand how it works, here’s a summary. The reality series invites strangers to walk down the aisle and marry someone they’ve never seen before. The contestants then agree to say their vows—or leave—after which they go on a honeymoon, move in together, hang out with the other couples, complete ‘tasks’ and explore the relationship before eventually deciding if they like each other enough to continue the commitment.

And, if you’re thinking that it sounds bananas for people—especially ‘reality TV people‘—to say ‘I Do’ before ever having met, you’d be correct. The show is drah-mah at its most unhinged… with a few tender moments here and there. In fact, apparently a record number of couples decided to stay together this year. So, perhaps haters will have to eat their words? Here, everything we know about the show so far.

MAFS 2025 Cast

Reality TV’s gossip hounds at the Daily Mail have apparently tracked down all the contestants before the official announcement. There was a lot to cover, so we’ve covered a full cast list over here.

MAFS 2025 Gossip

Expect SPOILERS ahead! And in the mean time, you can watch the first trailer for MAFS 2025, here.

One Cast Member Is Already Married

Apparently bride Morena Farina quit the series after discovering her ‘husband’, Tony Mojanovski, is already married. According to the Daily Mail, Tony was separated—but not legally divorced—and drops the bombshell on his honeymoon with Farina. Can they work it out?

Two Exes Were Accidentally Paired Together

According to the Daily Mail, one couple, Rhi Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels, actually dated before the show. However, it’s possible the Mail got it wrong. According to the trailer, contestant Carina appears to be the bride who knew her groom before the show—and he reportedly ghosted her once before. Is second-time the charm?

However, is it possible Rhi and Jeff also know each other? Per the Daily Mail report, the two will be reunited on their wedding day, with cameras there to capture the encounter. Fortunately, the former (and now current?) couple were on good terms, appearing to laugh off the confusion among family and friends. Interesting…

An Awkward Affair Reveal

One MAFS bride, Jamie, reveals that she slept with intruder groom Teejay… at his wedding to former MAFS UK bride, Beth Kelly. At the reception, Jamie allegedly just threw out the confession. “We were all sitting at the main table, enjoying the wedding, and then Jamie just walked over and said, ‘I slept with Teejay’,” an insider told the Daily Mail. “The entire room froze. It was like a grenade had gone off—nobody could believe what they were hearing.” Eep, awks.

A Record Number Of Couples Stay Together

…But a few don’t. Apparently six cast members leave in the first week, an unprecedented number for the programme. Nevertheless, Yahoo Lifestyle! reports the season will bring its happiest endings yet, with a ‘record breaking’ number of couples still together. An insider said, “Everyone thought this season was a lost cause but a surprising amount of couples have really pulled through and made it to the end of the experiment.” For the record, it sounds like the ‘lost cause’ part was due to the lack of drama hitting the happy couples. But, given the aforementioned scandals, it seems producers figured that out…

MAFS 2025 Release Date: When Is It Coming Back?

We now know Married At First Sight season 12 will return on January 27 2025.

What Time Is MAFS On? (And Where Can I Watch It?)

Last year, there were five episodes per week, which could be watched on Channel 9 or streamed online at 9Now. The shows aired on:

  • Sundays at 7pm
  • Mondays to Thursday at 7:30pm

Mark it in your calendars—your weeknights will be busy from January!

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Why Is It Called ‘Wicked: For Good’? https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/wicked-part-two-release-date-songs-plot/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:15:07 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1264763 Wicked part two has a new name—and it has a secret meaning

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In a year of hyped movies (Challengers, Gladiator), Wicked emerged as the one people could not stop raving about. Most of us simply didn’t expect to be so moved by the year’s most thought-provoking musical allegory. Naturally, we are now irrevocably invested in Part Two—which has just been given a new name. Director John M. Chu has unveiled the official title for part two is Wicked: For Good—and we have some questions. Here, everything you need to know about the Wicked sequel, coming out in 2025.

Is It The Same Cast For Wicked Part Two?

Part one introduced us to the main players of the Oz-verse, and the same beloved actors will reprise their roles in Wicked Part Two. This means you can expect to see Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard), and others in part two. Other cast members, Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Ethan Slater (Boq), Melissa Bode (Nessarose) and Bowen Yang (Pfannee) will also return. The two parts of the Wicked film franchise were filmed together, so Part Two is all ready and raring to go with the cast (and production) locked in.

WhyWicked: For Good?

Part two of the Wicked films has received the official name Wicked: For Good. If you’re scratching your head, don’t worry. We theatre nerds have got your back. ‘For Good’ is the major number of the second act—part two’s ‘Defying Gravity’, if you will. Marking the final time Glinda and Elphaba ever see each other, ‘For Good’ is the emotional final goodbye between the two, and will probably be the sequel’s defining song.

In the Broadway musical, ‘For Good’ is the show’s ’11 O’Clock number’. Like most genres, musicals have a traditional form and structure. The 11 O’Clock Number is the BIG song that marks the final turning point, climax or revelation in the plot. When Broadway shows used to begin at 8:30, this song would have almost always occurred around 11pm, hence the name. Just a little Broadway lore, for those interested…

Will Dorothy Be In Wicked Part Two?

Those familiar with Wicked the stage musical, or the source novel by Gregory Maguire, will know that the The Wizard Of Oz timeline will be picked-up in Wicked Part Two. While in the stage musical, Dorothy’s role is minor (she only as a voice), she did appear (very) briefly in Wicked Part One, along with the Scarecrow, Tinman and the Cowardly Lion. Director John M. Chu made the distinction that The Wizard Of Oz was established as Dorothy’s dream, but the world of Wicked is very much real to its characters. “It’s this living, breathing place with real cultures, so we immediately establish this is not a dream world. After we go somewhere over the rainbow, we see that those four iconic characters exist in this real world. And we will revisit those characters in movie two,” he told Variety.

wicked part two what happens to fiyero
Fans will already know Fiyero’s fate in Wicked Part Two… Image: Wicked / Universal

SPOILERS for Wicked Part Two! Fans will know that Dorothy’s friends in Oz are actually known to Elphaba. The Cowardly Lion was a cub rescued by Elphaba and Fiyero at Shiz University. Meanwhile, Boq becomes the Tinman and Fiyero, the Scarecrow.

What Is The Plot Of Wicked: For Good?

Wicked Part Two takes place at the same time as The Wizard Of Oz. The first film (and the first act of the stage musical) establishes the back stories to the characters we know from this film. Elphaba is, of course, the ‘Wicked’ Witch of the West. Galinda is Glinda, the Good Witch. See above spoiler for who becomes Dorothy’s comrades, the Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion. Elphaba’s sister Nessarose is the Wicked Witch of the East, who, famously, has a house dropped on her at the start of The Wizard Of Oz.

Wicked Part Two will follow Elphaba’s attempts to bring justice to the animals of Oz, while the powers that be (The Wizard and Madame Morrible) continue their smear campaign against her. It culminates in her ‘death’ at the hands of Dorothy, which turns out to be a plot devised between Elphaba and Fiyero to (hopefully!) save her life.

Which Songs Will Be In Wicked: For Good?

The soundtrack to part one is already racking up millions of listens on Spotify, so what songs are on the soundtrack for Wicked Part Two? It’s expected these from the musical will be on the list… plus a couple of extras.

  • “No One Mourns The Wicked” (Reprise) – Ozians
  • “Thank Goodness” – Glinda, Madame Morrible and Citizens of Oz
  • “The Wicked Witch of the East” – Elphaba, Nessarose and Boq
  • “Wonderful” – The Wizard and Elphaba
  • “I’m Not That Girl” (Reprise) – Glinda
  • “As Long As You’re Mine” – Elphaba and Fiyero
  • “No Good Deed” – Elphaba
  • “March of the Witch Hunters” – Boq and Ozians
  • “For Good” – Elphaba and Glinda
  • “The Melting” – Ozians
  • “A Sentimental Man” (Reprise) — The Wizard
  • “Finale” – Glinda, Elphaba and Ozians

Wicked‘s composer, Stephen Schwartz, revealed that two new songs would appear in Part Two as a vital companion to the story. One will be performed by Elphaba (Erivo)n and the other by Glinda (Grande).

How Many Wicked Movies Are There?

It’s just the two. Universal’s big-screen adaptation of Wicked will be told via two films, which will premiere a year apart. While it was initially supposed to be one film, director Chu wrote on Twitter: “As we prepared this production over the last year, it became increasingly clear that it would be impossible to wrestle the story of Wicked into a single film without doing some real damage to it. As we tried to cut songs or trim characters, those decisions began to feel like fatal compromises to the source material that has entertained us all for so many years. So we decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one Wicked movie but TWO!!!”

What Is The Release Date For Wicked: For Good Australia?

Wicked: Part Two is coming almost exactly a year after part one. Its release date is slated for November 27, 2025.

Related Articles:

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The Best Shows We Binged In 2024 (And Would Watch Again) https://www.elle.com.au/culture/best-tv-shows-2024/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:20:28 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1266492 The series we're not ready to let go of

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As we await the windfall of excellent TV set to arrive in 2025 (The White Lotus! Stranger Things! Wednesday! More Bridgerton!), we’re looking back on the year that was in 2024. While Hollywood strikes from the previous year set a lot of shows back in production, 2024 still managed to deliver some unique and enthralling bangers. While most received the recognition they deserved (Baby Reindeer), others flew criminally under the radar (My Lady Jane). Just trust us when we say, if you didn’t get around to watching these—this is your time to start!

The 10 Best TV Shows Of 2024

And where to watch them in Australia…

best tv shows 2024
Image: Netflix

Baby Reindeer

Netflix

Baby Reindeer is the (somewhat) true story of an aspiring comedian and the relationship he has with his stalker. It’s a layered exploration of trauma, abuse, and mental health. Almost in spite of this, a fast pace, occasionally humorous script and glimmers of romantic hope mean it’s not as heavy as you’d think.

Written by and starring Scottish actor Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer took home five Emmys, including one for Gadd and his excellent co-star, Jessica Gunning. The series and its two leads have also earned themselves Golden Globe nods for 2025.

Nobody Wants This

Netflix

Nobody Wants This, a romantic comedy series starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, took everyone by surprise when it landed on Netflix in September 2024. In a year that failed to provide a single good rom-com film (perhaps excepting The Idea Of You), Nobody Wants This filled that void and then some. The premise is boy and girl meet, boy is a rabbi and girl is a sex and relationships podcaster. They have some offbeat siblings, and also must overcome their cultural divide to be together.

In addition to supplying the Adam Brody renaissance, the series gave us hope that hot, funny, available guys who say things like “I can handle you”, still exist.

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One Day

Netflix

When Netflix announced it was rebooting One Day, loyalists were sceptical the mini series could hold its own against the original novel or the Anne Hathaway film. Nevertheless, Netflix’s One Day not only brought in new fans, but it still managed to hook those who knew the devastation that awaited them—and tortured themselves anyway.

The series followed Dex (Leo Woodall) and Emma (Ambika Mod) over a 20 year relationship that spans the ups and downs of growing up. It is a must watch, and re-watch, for any romance lovers.

America’s Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders

Netflix

If you didn’t think you’d be interested in a show about the world of elite football cheerleading—you were wrong. America’s Sweethearts, a show about the rigorous selection and training of the NFL’s premier cheer squad, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, quickly became a global hit. Gripped by the athleticism and the sisterhood, we are still rooting for our favourite cheerleaders, who bled and sacrificed for their dreams.

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Bridgerton

Netflix

Everyone’s favourite bodice-ripping regency series, Bridgerton, reached a peak in season three with the undoing (or becoming?) of the series’ key troublemaker: Lady Whistledown. However, dare I say, we weren’t watching for the plot. Although, initially drawn in by Colin’s glow-up (played by Luke Newton), we stayed for the incomparable Nicola Coughlan—and glimpses of Jonathan Bailey. With season four (Benedict’s season!) already in production, we’re counting down the days until we return to The Ton.

My Lady Jane

Prime Video

Consider this our submission for the most overlooked series of the year! We are among the loyal My Lady Jane fanbase, who were absolutely livid when it was announced Prime had cancelled a second season. Fortunately, the first of the fantasy-romance series can stand on its own as a complete piece, following the enemies-to-lovers romance of a headstrong lady and her rapscallion husband.

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(Credits: Image: FX Entertainment)

The Bear

Disney+

Three seasons in and we’re still addicted to the fast-paced chef’s drama, The Bear. Imbued with an energy

 Shōgun

Disney+

At this year’s Emmy Awards, Shōgun swept the field a total 18 awards, cementing its place as the best show of the year. The Japanese-language historical drama is a perfect intro to samurai culture, via an English sailor (Cosmo Jarvis) who becomes a samurai in 1600s Japan.

Emily In Paris
Image: Courtesy of Netflix.

Emily In Paris

Netflix

Emily may be in it for the plot, but we’re into Emily In Paris for its addictive chaos, its charming delights, it’s inspiring scenery and its dreamy array of cast members. So, you better believe we’ll be back for season five.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

Netflix

One of more intriguing docuseries of the year, Monsters took the tale of the Menendez brothers—who are currently serving life in prison for murdering their parents in 1989—and transformed it into a gripping series starring Oscar-winning actors and some new breakthrough stars.

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Meet All The Guests Staying At The White Lotus In Season 3 https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/white-lotus-season-3-cast-location-28026/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 01:20:53 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/culture/white-lotus-season-3-cast-location-28026 Everything we know about 'The White Lotus' season 3.

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Season three of The White Lotus is officially in publicity mode, with HBO releasing its first official trailer and dropping the release date. After keeping us waiting for months (years?!), HBO has announced The White Lotus season three is coming in February 2025. We also have official details of the guests staying at the White Lotus Thailand.

HBO’s previous teaser gave us our first look at Blackpink’s Lisa in her debut acting role, as well as several cast members doing prayer hands, featuring the iconic, sepia toned holiday vibe over various shots of the cast and location. Most notably, the teaser features the phrase “what happens in Thailand, stays in Thailand.”

From the cast, the location and the release date, keep scrolling below for everything to know about The White Lotus season 3.

The White Lotus Season 3 Cast & Characters

The White Lotus Thailand will welcome a new roster of characters, except for Natasha Rothwell, who you may recognise from The White Lotus season one. The latest trailer reveals Rothwell’s character, Belinda, is “on exchange” at the Thai resort. In the first season, she became the confidante for Jennifer Coolidge’s character, Tanya. Will her famous healing hands bring blessings or strife to the new guests?

If you’re curious as to who else is on the guest, er, we mean cast list for The White Lotus season three, here’s a complete list.

The Girls Trip Trio: Kate, Laurie & Jaclyn

White Lotus season 3 characters
Carrie Coon as Laurie, Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn and Leslie Bibb as Kate play three long-time friends on a well-overdue girls’ trip. (Credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO)
  • Leslie Bibb as Kate
    One of three estranged friends on a girls’ trip.
  • Carrie Coon as Laurie
    Another of the three friends
  • Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn
    The third of the trio, Jaclyn appears to be the wildest of three, keen to flirt and have fun on vacation.

The Odd Couple: Rick & Chelsea

Aimee Lou Wood White Lotus 3
Walton Goggins plays Rick Hatchett, a “rugged man with a chip on his shoulder” who is traveling with his younger, free-spirited girlfriend Chelsea, played by Aimee Lou Wood. (Credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO)
  • Walton Goggins as Rick
    A bit of a curmudgeon, Walton Goggins plays the grump Rick, who is travelling with his (much younger!) girlfriend, Chelsea
  • Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea
    Sex Education actress Aimee Lou Wood plays Chelsea, an open and curious free spirit, keen to dive into the spiritual offerings of the resort

The Ratliff Family: Timothy, Victoria, Saxon, Piper and Lochlan

White Lotus Season 3 cast members Jason Isaacs plays Timothy Ratliff, a wealthy businessman vacationing with his wife Victoria, played by Parker Posey, and their three children played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook and Sam Nivola. Saxson (Schwarzenegger) is the eldest son who works for his father’s successful company, Piper (Hook) is the college senior and middle child who is a religion studies major, and Lochlan (Nivola) is the youngest, a high school senior.
Introducing the Ratliff family. Image: HBO
  • Jason Isaacs as Timothy
    A wealthy businessman
  • Parker Posey as Victoria
    Doing what she does best, Parker Posey appears to play a neurotic wife to Isaacs’ character
  • Patrick Schwarzenegger as Saxon
    The eldest of the Ratliff children, Saxon has been looped into his father’s business. He appears to be in his early to mid-20s.
  • Sarah Catherine Hook as Piper
    Piper is the middle child: a college senior with a religion studies major
  • Sam Nivola as Lochlan
    The youngest Ratliff is still in high school but seems to go out partying under his big brother’s wing

The White Lotus Staff: Mook, Sritala, Gaitok and Belinda

Lalisa Manobal is Mook, one of the health mentors for guests staying at The White Lotus hotel, and Tayme Thapthimthong is Gaitok, a security guard.
Lalisa Manobal and Tayme Thapthimthong in The White Lotus season three. (Credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO)
  • Lalisa Manobal as Mook
    Blackpink’s Lisa is using her given name for her acting debut. Lisa’s character, Mook, works at the White Lotus resort in Thailand as a ‘health mentor’
  • Tayme Thapthimthong as Gaitok
    Tayme is a security guard at the White Lotus, and it seems he and Mook might have a relationship (friends or lovers? We’ll find out…)
  • Lek Patravadi as Sritala
    One of the owners of The White Lotus, and the so-called ‘visionary’ of its wellness program
  • Natasha Rothwell as Belinda
    Belinda was the spa manager at the White Lotus Hawaii (aka, the White Lotus in season one). In season three, she is taking advantage of the resort’s “exchange program”, becoming the spa manager in Thailand.

Other cast members have been announced, but they aren’t on the main cast list. While we don’t know much about their characters, we do have their names…

  • Dom Hetrakul
  • Nicholas Duvernay
  • Arnas Fedarvicius
  • Christian Friedel
  • Scott Glenn
  • Julian Kostov
  • Charlotte Le Bon
  • Morgana O’Reilly
  • Shalini Peiris

About The White Lotus Season 3 Location

As we know, each season of The White Lotus takes place at a different location, emblematic of its theme. The show famously brings local lore and cultural legends of the location to its season. Here’s a rundown:

  • The White Lotus season 1: Hawaii — class, elitism and the exploitation of indigenous populations
  • The White Lotus season 2: Sicily — sex, lust, power and revenge
  • The White Lotus season 3: Thailand — spirituality, death, white privilege

Read more about The White Lotus season three filming location.

The White Lotus Season 3 Theme Song

For viewers of The White Lotus season two, the series’ theme song became famous in its own right. With 24 million (!) streams on Spotify, the title theme by Cristobal Tapia De Veer became an unexpected dance floor favourite. Naturally, we’re expecting another banger for season three. The season one theme song was called ‘Aloha!’, and featured Hawaiian singing and instruments. Meanwhile, the second season’s theme song was dubbed ‘Renaissance’ and added a harp, some opera singing and a techno-style drop.

While the theme song for The White Lotus season three is yet to drop, best believe we’re waiting with bated breath.

The White Lotus Season 3 Release Date, Australia

The White Lotus season three will premiere in Australia on February 17, 2025. The series will have eight episodes, expected to drop weekly on Binge.

Where Can You Watch The White Lotus In Australia?

The White Lotus season three will stream on BINGE. In the meantime, you can catch up on everything you missed in season one and season two on the streamer.

Related Articles:

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28026 The White Lotus Season 3: Cast, Trailer & Release Date The White Lotus Season 3 has revealed more about its cast, characters, plot and release date thanks to a new trailer. Here's everything we know. white lotus season 3 White Lotus season 3 characters Carrie Coon as Laurie, Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn and Leslie Bibb as Kate play three long-time friends on a well-overdue girls’ trip. Aimee Lou Wood White Lotus Walton Goggins plays Rick Hatchett, a "rugged man with a chip on his shoulder" who is traveling with his younger, free-spirited girlfriend Chelsea, played by Aimee Lou Wood. White Lotus season 3 Lisa Black Pink White Lotus Season 3 Lalisa Manobal (Blackpink's Lisa) is Mook, a health mentors for guests staying at The White Lotus hotel, and Tayme Thapthimthong plays security guard, Gaitok. elle-28026
ELLE’s Favourite Book Releases Of 2024 https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/best-books-2024/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 04:49:30 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1266320 Our picks for your summer reading list

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As the Christmas holidays approach, you could be looking for the perfect book with which to curl up by the pool. As we wait for the best books of 2025 to arrive, this festive season break is the perfect time to tick off some 2024 must-reads from your list. Whether they’ve simply fallen to the bottom of your Goodreads, or you were too busy reading the latest Miranda July to get your hands on the new Sally Rooney, allow us to jog your memory of the year’s best book releases that are actually worth your time.

2024’s top books

  1. All Fours by Miranda July (here’s why)
  2. Cher the Memoir, Part One by Cher (here’s why)
  3. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (here’s why)

Best Books Of 2024, Australia

best-books-2024 miranda july all fours

01

All Fours

by Miranda July

This offbeat read cuts to the heart of what it means to be human, by examining connection via a woman who spends part of her life living as an animal. July, who is better known as the indie filmmaker extraordinaire, brings a unique blend of humour and heartbreak to the novel.

Available at:

best-books-2024 cher biography

02

Cher, The Memoir (Part One)

by Cher

Musician, Oscar-winning actress and certified style icon Cher has lived a wild (wild!), full life. So much so, that it couldn’t be contained to one memoir. The first part (the second is due out next year) tracks her childhood and early years of stardom, including her relationship with Sonny Bono. Other revelations include a dalliance with Warren Beatty and walking in on an orgy with Salvador Dali. The name-dropping does not get better than this.

Available at:

best-books-2024 sally rooney intermezzo

03

Intermezzo

by Sally Rooney

Surely the year’s most anticipated release was the fourth novel by Normal People writer, Sally Rooney. The novel, about two very different brothers, is a study on what it means to love.

Available at:

best-books-2024 blue sisters coco mellors

04

Blue Sisters

by Coco Mellors

If you have sisters, this is one for you. Three estranged sisters come together at their family home after the death of their fourth sister. It’s about the struggle between family and individual identity.

Available at:

best-books-2024 lucinda price

05

All I Ever Wanted Was To Be Hot

by Lucinda Price

A new voice in the Australian memoir space, Lucinda Price—better known online as ‘Froomes’—tracks her relationship with her body, while also tackling some uncomfortable realities about body image in Australia.

Available at:

best-books-2024 didion babitz

06

Didion & Babitz

by Lili Anolik

Two authors who defined 1970s California, Joan Didion and Eve Babitz are well-known separately. However, it wasn’t until now that biographer Lili Anolik discovered the creative and personal relationship these two had with each other. Read more about these artistic frenemies.

Available at:

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07

Martyr

by Kaveh Akbar

If you want a book full of poetic prose that will make you feel something for years to come—it’s Martyr!, the debut novel by Kaveh Akbar. The novel follows Cyrus, a Brooklyn-based writer of Iranian descent, whose research into a new book has him grappling with identity, faith, grief and addiction.

Available at:

08

From Here To The Unknown

by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

Following in the footsteps of the Sofia Coppola masterpiece, Priscilla, From Here To The Unknown, by Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie, and granddaughter, Riley Keough, allows us further insight into life in the wake of The King. This autobiography by Lisa Marie Presley was in the works until her death in 2023. After this, it was picked up by her the Daisy Jones & The Six star, who finished her mother’s work.

Available at:

best-books-2024 modern guide to sex

09

The Modern Guide To Sex

by Georgia Grace

Despite being more manual than narrative, you may want to sit down and read Georgia Grace’s The Modern Guide To Sex from cover to cover. Known and loved online per her handle g.spot, Grace has distilled her expertise as a somatic sexologist and sex & relationships therapist into this handy (and gorgeous) hardcover, coffee table-style book.

Available at:

best-books-2024 bri lee the work

10

The Work

by Bri Lee

Thanks to her works Eggshell Skull and Who Gets To Be Smart, Bri Lee earned her reputation as one of Australia’s sharpest young non-fiction authors. Unveiling her first novel in 2024, she can now say she’s a fabulous author of fiction as well. An adept evaluation of art, power, money and romance, The Work is a cutting critique of modern life.

Available at:

Related article:

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Ranking The Best Netflix Christmas Movies So You Can Prioritise Your Watch List https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/best-christmas-movies-netflix-australia/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:11:46 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1264165 Unashamedly cheesy

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‘Tis the season…to watch movies you’ve ignored for the other 325 days of the year. Each December, we trawl our streaming platforms for the ultimate Christmas flicks to make us feel warm and fuzzy. While there are well worn classics (Love Actually, The Holiday), one streamer is intent on ringing in each year with a slate of new holiday films for the Christmas tragics. (Hi, have we met?) Each year, Netflix churns out a new festive favourite, and we love to eat them up like an advent calendar before the first week of December.

On top of a new Sabrina Carpenter Christmas variety special, this year Netflix has given us the Chad Michael Murray renaissance and a new “animated Love Actually“. Written by Richard Curtis, who also wrote Love Actually and other rom-com favourites, like Notting Hill and Bridget Jones’ Diary, this new animated Netflix Christmas movie could be the best of 2024. Similar to Love Actually, That Christmas follow intertwining storylines of those living in a quaint English village. Within weeks of its release on the streamer, the film has quickly jumped to the platform’s Top 10.

Meanwhile, Netflix’s 2024 Christmas release schedule also includes The Merry Gentlemen. Starring Chad Michael Murray, it’s Magic Mike meets… Jingle Bell Rock? Frankly, it doesn’t matter because it’s also Christmas-meets-abs, and Netflix knows their target audience. We don’t quite care if it’s lowbrow trash! We’re here for the vibes only. And if that’s you too, these are the Netflix Christmas movies you should put on your list in 2024.

Netflix Christmas Movies, 2024—Ranked

best-netflix-christmas-movies-merry-gentlemen

8. The Merry Gentlemen

2024

Chad Michael Murray. Need we say more?

Ok, The Merry Gentlemen is about a woman who attempts to save her parents bar by staging a Magic Mike-esque revue. Be warned: Adults expecting the raunch of Magic Mike will be severely disappointed. This one is rated PG.

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7. Falling For Christmas

2022

You could say this Christmas movie marked Lindsay Lohan’s triumphant (and overdue) return to screens. Plot-wise, a wealthy heiress (Lohan) suffers amnesia after falling down a mountain at a ski resort. She is restored to health (and conscience) by a local do-gooder and single dad (Glee‘s Chord Overstreet). You may just spend two hours looking at Lindsay Lohan’s impeccable blow dry.

best-netflix-christmas-movies-last-christmas

6. Last Christmas

2019

With a cast like this, we all expected a little better from Last Christmas. With stars like Emilia Clarke (Game Of Thrones), Henry Goulding, Michelle Yeoh (both Crazy Rich Asians) and Emma Thompson, it’s safe to say it wasn’t the acting that let this one down. For that reason, it’s worth a watch.

best-netflix-christmas-movies-let-it-snow

5. Let It Snow

2019

For an underrated Christmas hit, Let It Snow brings all the feels. It follows a group of young mid-westerners throwing a party in a snowstorm. Like a YA Love Actually, the film mixes and mingles three different love stories throughout.

best-netflix-christmas-movies-holidate

4. Holidate

2020

Is there a more polarising movie on this list? Holidate starts with a strong premise: two hot strangers agree to be each other’s dates to their holiday events. It then follows a predictable (or is it ‘classic’?) formula to the very end.

netflix-christmas-movie-2024-that-christmas

3. That Christmas

2024

Dubbed the “animated Love Actually“, That Christmas was indeed created by the festive rom-com king himself, Richard Curtis. Apart from starring Bill Nighy, it also shares Love Actually‘s format of perfectly intertwined Christmas plotlines. The basic theme is that a historic Christmas snowstorm changes the lives of everyone in a quaint English town. Caught in the fray is, of course, Santa (played by Succession‘s Brian Cox). That Christmas is sure to become a favourite for young and old.

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2. Dash & Lily

2020

Technically not a movie, but a series (sue me!), Dash & Lily follows two teens and their shared notebook filled with dares. The two attempt to one-up each other all over New York, meaning it gets bonus points for Manhattan scenery. The perfect YA Christmas rom-com.

best-netflix-christmas-movies-klaus

1. Klaus

2019

While each of the aforementioned Christmas movies have their merits, most are ‘good’ in the ‘good-bad’ way. Klaus, on the other hand, could go down as one of the best Christmas movies of a generation. This animated tale of a postman and a toymaker is the definition of heartwarming.

Related articles:

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The ‘Wuthering Heights’ Adaptation Release Date Has Been Revealed https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/wuthering-heights-movie-jacob-elordi-margot-robbie-release-date/ Sun, 15 Dec 2024 21:14:31 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1258142 Our Heathcliff and Cathy have been chosen.

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Summon your English classmates, for Wuthering Heights is getting a new adaptation with some *very* exciting names attached. The Emily Brontë classic is officially an Australian affair, with two of our greatest acting exports to take the lead. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have been tapped to star as Catherine and Heathcliff in the latest adaptation to be directed by Emerald Fennell.

The gothic novel is considered to be one of the most romantic (or rather, anti-romantic) stories of all time, following the obsessive bond of two star-crossed lovers as they traverse the limits of social class, passion and revenge in late 18th Century England.

The subject matter is not unfamiliar for the film’s director, Fennell, who earned popular praise for her 2023 film Saltburn. This will also therefore be Fennell’s second time working with Elordi. The 27-year-old Australian will be well-versed in period dramas and literary adaptations by the time Wuthering Heights begins production, with the Euphoria star currently filming Frankenstein. Meanwhile, this will be a bit of a departure for the blockbuster-friendly Robbie.

emerald fennell
Emerald Fennell will write and direct the new Wuthering Heights adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Image: Getty

The film is set to be produced by Robbie’s production company LuckyChap, which has previously produced Fennell’s Saltburn and Promising Young Woman. Here’s everything we know thus far.

What Is Wuthering Heights About?

Wuthering Heights follows a young orphan, Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi), who is adopted by the wealthy Earnshaw family and made to work in their household. He and the family’s daughter, Catherine (Margot Robbie) form a bond which grows into a rather toxic romance and eventual obsession. The two are kept apart, mostly by Cathy’s controlling brother, with Heathcliff swearing revenge on those who have stood between the lovers. As time passes the memory of the connection persists as our leads grapple with their tortured, forbidden relationship. Despite the novel being nearly 200 years old, we’ll hold major spoilers for a new generation!

Will Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi’s Wuthering Heights Be Different From The Original?

Plot details are yet to be released regarding Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Stay tuned.

Who Is In The Cast Of Wuthering Heights?

So far, the only cast announcements include Jacob Elordi as Heathciff and Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw. Elordi is following in the footsteps of actors like Tom Hardy, Ralph Fiennes and Laurence Olivier, who have played the story’s romantic hero in previous adaptations. Meanwhile, other actresses to step into the role of Cathy include French actress Juliette Binoche and Skins star Kaya Scodelario.

As well as directing the latest Wuthering Heights film, Emerald Fennell will also pen the script.

Wuthering Heights Release Date

The release date for Emerald Fenell’s adaptation has finally been announced and is slated for Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026.

Where To Watch Wuthering Heights

While there will be a wait on the Robbie/Elordi version, there are several existing adaptations ready for you to stream. (There is, in fact, an entire Wikipedia page dedicated to the many (many!) existing adaptations, but we’ve cherry-picked a few you can watch below…

  • Wuthering Heights (2011), starring Kaya Scodelairo and James Howson — Binge, Foxtel
  • Wuthering Heights (1992), starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes — Apple TV+, Kanopy
  • Wuthering Heights (2009, mini series), starring Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy — Apple TV+
  • Wuthering Heights (1939), starring Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier — Prime Video

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Austin Butler Has Been Cast In ‘American Psycho’ https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/austin-butler-american-psycho-remake/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 02:38:47 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1266052 We have our new Patrick Bateman

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Ever since news that Luca Guadagnino was remaking American Psycho broke, we’ve wondered which Hollywood baby girl would be cast as pop culture’s most type-A killer. 

Some of us who remember Christian Bale’s lean, long and muscled physique from the 2000 film adaptation had Jacob Elordi in mind for the role. But Austin Butler, the star of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis will be stepping into Bateman’s Ferragamo loafers for the American Psycho remake.

Guadagnino’s film won’t remake Mary Harron’s 2000 picture. Instead, it will be a fresh adaptation of the original 1991 book about a wealthy, psychopathic young banker struggling to juggle his social calendar with his mounting murderous rage. 

We’re intrigued to see how Austin Butler, who is establishing himself as a method actor, tackles his role in the American Psycho remake. In the infamous method, Christian Bale whipped himself into shape in three months to play the ab-curl-obsessed Bateman after being deemed too thin to play the character, so Butler has significant method-acting shoes to fill. 

Here’s what we know about American Psycho so far. 

What Will American Psycho Be About? 

Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in the 2000 American Psycho
(Credit: Lions Gate)

American Psycho was written by 26-year-old Bret Easton Ellis in the late 1980s and published in 1991. It details the life of Patrick Bateman, a 20-something-year-old finance bro and closet serial killer who is as obsessed with fashion, working out, and getting the right table at a fictional restaurant named Dorsia as he is with killing people. 

How Is The American Psycho Movie Different From The Book? 

If you’ve seen the movie you’ll be surprised to know that the original text is far bloodier. Written by 26-year-old Bret Easton Ellis and published in 1991, American Psycho is so graphic it was classified R18+ under Australian censorship legislation and sold in sealed plastic shrink wrap in bookstores (in 2015, an Adelaide bookstore was raided by police after failing to comply). 

Director Mary Harron, whose background was in documentary filmmaking and gritty biopics, decided to play to the satirical elements of the novel rather than delivering a blow-by-blow of its graphically violent content—her movie skewers male vanity, misogyny, consumerism and the vapid social scene of 1990s New York. “I had a lot of thoughts about the 1980s and many things I wanted to criticise and make fun of about the 1980s. And I thought this film could be about something more interesting that was not about the violence or torture,” Harron told the London Review

Christian Bale and Chloe Sevigny in American Psycho 2000
(Credit: Lions Gate ) Chloë Sevigny and Christian Bale in American Psycho

One of the most iconic scenes is Bateman’s lengthy narration of his morning skincare routine, his panic attack over a lacklustre business guard and an obsession with securing reservations at a fictional restaurant called Dorsia

Luca Guadagnino is a very different director; his best-known films, Challengers and Call Me By Your Name, deal with the murky world of relationships, emotion and sexuality. His upcoming film Queer is an adaptation of beat author William Burrough’s unfinished autobiography. While American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman is heterosexual, the novel is charged with homoerotic moments between him the Wall Street men he obsessively compares himself to. Bret Easton Ellis’ other books examine identity, masculinity and sexuality closely with Less Than Zero, Glamorama and his most recent novel The Shards, featuring queer, cis young men coming of age in the conservative 1980s and 90s. Whether Guadagnino teases out these themes in his American Psycho will be interesting to see. 

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What Will Austin Butler Be Wearing? 

Austin Butler attends the photocall for "Elvis" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 26, 2022 in Cannes, France.
(Credit: Getty/Daniele Venturelli )

The original American Psycho film was released only nine years after the book was published and is set during the same period—it’s a fashion time capsule for the 1990s.

 Harron and costume designer Isis Mussenden stayed close to the source material for the film’s look, calling in designer suits, Rolex watches, and Gucci loafers for Christian Bale’s Bateman and his friends. We don’t know if Guadagnino will set his film in the 1980s and 90s or if he’ll keep the same aesthetic. 

We do know he’s shown a penchant for colourful leisurewear in Call Me By Your Name and Challengers, and that his friend, designer Jonathan Anderson, is costume designer on Queer. We could see Butler’s Bateman swapping steel grey suits for colourful knits. 

Who Else Is In The American Psycho Cast?

The original American Psycho starred a host of young actors on the cusp of A-list stardom, including Reese Witherspoon, Jared Leto, Chloë Sevigny and Bale himself. So far, no casting announcements have been made for Guadagnino’s production and the characters from the book that will be included, like Bateman’s girlfriend Evelyn and his rival Paul Owen, haven’t been confirmed.

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Internet Babygirl Aaron Taylor-Johnson Is Fighting Zombies In The 28 Years Later Trailer  https://www.elle.com.au/culture/28-years-later-release-date/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:03:36 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1265872 He's looking to die for

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Horror fans can slip on their sneakers because Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s world of fast-moving zombies is back with the first official trailer for 28 Years Later.

This is the third instalment of the 28 Days Later series and it looks like a promising bloodbath with a hot new cast.

In the trailer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes are somewhere in the British aisles.

And we’re thrilled to see the first looks of Taylor-Johnson looking rugged, very rugged; turns out a crossbow suits him. Here’s everything you need to know about Taylor-Johnson’s new bloodthirsty blockbuster.

What’s The Plot of 28 Years Later 

A lot of time has passed between the chaos depicted in 28 Weeks Later and the third instalment. Aaron Taylor Johson, Ralph Fiennes and Jodie Comer seem to be living in a stable seaside suburb in relative normalcy. However, there are signs that things haven’t fully recovered. The trailer opens with Comer sitting with several children watching Telly Tubbies on an old TV. So, technology and children’s entertainment seem to have stalled. Their Telly Tubbies viewing is interrupted by groaning and scrambling at the door. Things kick off in their usual fashion, with three lead actors being chased by zombies and wandering through what looks like suspiciously culty terrain – blood-soaked pikes, artfully arranged spikes, terrifying masked figures- you get the picture.

Aaron Taylor-Johson in 28 Years Later
(Credit: Sony Pictures)

Is Cillian Murphy In 28 Years Later?

Before he was an Oppenheimer Oscar winner Cillian Murphy was best known for his role as Jim, the hero of the 28 Days Later franchise. Jim became survivalist when a “rage virus” escaped from a biological weapons laboratory in America. A few escaped to island quarantines connected to the zombie-populated mainland by one heavily defended bridge. 

Jim returned for the sequel 28 Weeks Later, but he’s notable for his absence in the 28 Years Later trailer, leaving fans wondering if he’s dead.

According to IMDB Cillian Murphy is still on the cast list as Jim and is also an executive producer on the film – so what’s happened to him?

Is Cillian Murphy A Zombie In 28 Years Later? 

Cillian Murphy’s absence from the trailer and one unfresh, skeletal-looking zombie have led fans to conclude that their favourite hero became infected long before the period 28 Years Later is set in.

But there are a few other theories. In the trailer, for a split second, you see a wall covered in paint-splattered words: “Behold Jimmy, he is coming in the clouds.” Then, J I M M Y is carved into the back of a figure hanging upside down. It is creepy stuff, implying Murphy’s Jim may have a bigger role in the film than an unfortunate zombie. 

At Cinemablend fan Mike Reyes has published yet another theory: Jimmy has become an apocalyptic warlord. In the sequel, which saw a second, more severe outbreak of the rage virus, Jim started getting fed up with the people around him. He seemed “ready to reshape the world” into an organised community of survivors. Leadership in an undead-riddled apocalypse can be challenging. He points out that skeletal-looking “zombie” who pops up out of the bushes looks far too decayed to be infected and do not move slowly when they’re active. 

We’ll need to wait and see. 

Who Is Aaron Taylor-Johnson Playing?

Fans of Aaron Taylor-Johnson have been delighted to see him in the zombie flick, cementing his turn as a horror favourite following his turn in Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu. There’s not much information about any of the newcomers to the franchise, with Taylor-Johnson merely listed as “Jamie” on IMDB although fans on X are referring to him as “Tom Harper” – confusing!

In the trailer, he looks like a war-torn survivalist carrying a crossbow. 

We’re into the new look. 

Who Is The 28 Years Later Cast? 

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes are taking “main character” roles and Cillian Murphy will appear somewhere

What Is The 28 Years Later Australian Release Date? 

28 Years Later will be released on June 19th 2025.

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1265872 Is Cillian Murphy In 28 Years Later? Fans Are Speculating The 28 Years Later trailer is here, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson taking the lead role. But where is Cillian Murphy? There are theories. 28 years later 28-years-later-release-date (1) elle-1265872
Lily-Rose Depp’s Nosferatu Finally Flips The Dated Vampire Seduction Narrative  https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/lily-rose-depp-nosferatu-review/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 04:48:57 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1265753 It's a very modern nightmare for Depp's Ellen

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Content warning: this article contains descriptions of coercive control

In Robbert Eggers’ Nosferatu Ellen Hunter, a newlywed young woman played by Lily-Rose Depp finds herself locked in a nightmarish psychosexual battle with a vampire played by Bill Skarsgård. Unfortunately for Hunter, her tormentor is nowhere near as hot as the sexed-up cinematic bloodsuckers we’ve seen in recent decades.

Director Robert Eggers has kept Count Orlok’s look under wraps in the film’s promotion. But he has teased details. In an interview with Vanity Fair he said Orlok would look more like a “folk vampire” than the heartthrobs of recent cinema. “That means he’s a dead person,” Eggers said. “And he’s not like, I look great and I’m dead’. Folk vampires, in some ways, are more visually similar to zombies.” We can confirm that Eggers’ Orlok looks every bit like his pre-historic age as he “courts” Ellen, and that’s where the magic and horror of Nosferatu resides.

Robert Eggers’ interpretation of the 1922 F.W. Marnau classic Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror and a film that turns one of horror’s most dated tropes on its head.

The Heartthrob In The Vampire Horror Genre

Kirsten Stewart and Robert Patterson in Twilight
(Credit: Lionsgate) Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in Twilight

When vampires leapt from folklore into entertainment during the Enlightenment period, they were portrayed as deviants through whom young women explored their developing sexuality. In the 1800s when Bram Stoker published Dracula and John William Polidori The Vampyre no sexual deed went unpunished and most of these women met their eventual doom, seduced on a four-poster bed. Unlike many of their peers, they didn’t die bored, and vampires soon became sexy.

From Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in Interview With A Vampire to Robert Pattinson in Twilight, vampires have been played by literal teen idols for decades. They’re often presented as central players in young women’s sexual awakening. This trope hasn’t gone without criticism. UK Charity Women’s Aid expressed concern about Twilight, a tale that could be interpreted as the story of a many-centuries-old stalker who grooms an insecure teenager, in 2020. “Coercive and controlling behaviour can be mistaken for romantic behaviour at early points in relationships, and our culture all too frequently reinforces this confusion,” a spokesperson told the BBC ahead of Meyer’s final series instalment. 

In Nosferatu, Lily-Rose Depp’s Ellen is a lonely teenager exploring her fledgeling sexuality when she accidentally summons Orlok. “Come to me, come to me, here is my call,” a teenage Ellen whispers as a hand reaches out to her in the darkness. Ellen promises herself to Orlok, and an implied erotic encounter follows.

From then on, Hutter is haunted by memories and nightmares of what she describes as “my shame.”

She attempts to move on, falling in love with Adam Hutter, played by Nicholas Hault. He’s a junior solicitor and a naive and inexperienced young man. Ellen loves him in the ardent, lonely fashion that anyone who has kept a major secret from their partner to preserve their lover’s image of them will understand.   

Tom Cruise as Lestat in Interview With A Vampire
(Credit: Warner Brothers) Tom Cruise as Lestat in Interview With A Vampire

When Adam is summoned away to execute a real estate deal with an eccentric client, Count Orlok, in a distant land, Ellen is seized by panic and begs him not to leave. His worry about their finances outstrips his worry about her mental health, and he takes the assignment, leaving her with friends played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin.

Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hault as husband and wife in Nosferatu.
(Credit: Universal Pictures) Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hault as the Hutters

Lily-Rose Depp And The Ingenue Trope In Nosferatu 

Skarsgård’s Orlok is not the seductive vampire villain we’ve come to expect from these narratives, and Ellen is far from his passive victim.

She’s sexually rapacious (her young husband seems at times overwhelmed by her enthusiasm) and demanding. 

And as Orlok encroaches on her life, she’s terrifying as much as she is terrified. 

According to Deadline, the instruction of choreographer Marie-Gabrielle Rotie Lily-Rose Depp learnt a form of Japanese dance called the Butch or “dance of utter darkness.” Her scenes of possession are violent. As male doctors gather around her, wondering if her malady is caused by her period, she writhes and contorts her body with jerky movements, leering uncannily and jerking about like a marionette on a string.

Lily-Rose Depp in Nosferatu
(Credit: Universal Pictures)

Anyone who has watched even a handful of vampire movies would expect, or wish, Skarsgård to disregard his prosthetics and appear in the hauntingly dashing form when he arrives to seduce Depp. But as Orlok demands not only her body but the fulfilment of a promise she made as a child that she be “his” for eternity, he stays a hulking scabrous monster.

His interactions with Hutter aren’t aestheticised, and while they’re sexual, they’re not sexy. This makes his coercion of Hutter, which ranges from supernatural erotic trickery to crude blackmail and threats, more obvious. She’s not a young girl fascinated; she’s an adult woman entangled with an abusive and controlling centuries-old stalker. 

Aaron Taylor Johnson and Nicholas Hault in Nosferatu
(Credit: Universal Pictures )

Her choice is less about leaving her husband for a supernatural “bad boy” and more about saving her loved ones and city from death. 

Nosferatu is a haunting interpretation of Marnou’s original. It is worth seeing alone for the attention to detail in costumes, exemplary cast, including Emma Corrin, Samuel Taylor Johnson, and Willem Defoe, and tight script. Egger’s decision to make Orlok a frightening figure elevates the narrative.

Nicholas Hault becomes a genuinely heartbreaking figure as he realises his wife isn’t simply melancholy and needy. She’s a victim of childhood abuse locked in an ongoing battle with her predator beyond his understanding, and far from saving her, she may need to rescue him. 

It’s an unusual scenario for a relatively innocent young man living in the conservative 1830s to find himself in, making the pair’s dedication to each other even more moving. 

Eggers’ Nosferatu imbues one of the oldest horror stories in the genre with a modern interpretation of domestic terror, and Lily-Rose Depp delivers what will surely be considered a career-defining performance.

Who Is In The Nosferatu Cast?

Nosferatu has a packed cast. Along with Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hault, and Bill Skarsgård, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin play the Hutter’s friends, Anna and Friedrich Harding. Willem Defoe plays the professor who comes to their aid, Albin Eberhart von Franz and Ralph Inerson appears as Dr Wilhelm Sievers.

Nosferatu Release Date

Nosferatu will be released in Australia on January 1st, 2025.

Help Is Available:

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse contact:

  • National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
  • 24-hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588
  • Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or chat online
  • If you require immediate assistance call 000

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Timothée Chalamet Could Win His First Oscar For Bob Dylan Biopic https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/a-complete-unknown-bob-dylan-movie-release-date-where-to-watch/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 02:29:45 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1265738 Your next musical must-watch

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Awards season has officially begun with the release of 2025’s Golden Globes nominations, which means we have confirmation that A Complete Unknown—aka the Bob Dylan movie—is a must-watch. The bopic, directed by James Mangold, received nods in the Best Picture, Best Actor (Timothée Chalamet) and Best Supporting Actor (Edward Norton) categories, it’s shot to the top of the list. Being in Australia (and thus, tragically, a little bit behind Hollywood’s film release schedule), some of the year’s buzziest films, including Anora and A Complete Unknown, are yet to hit our screens. And although we’re waiting for the latter to arrive, if you’ve seen the trailer, you’ll be marking the release date in your calendars. If you’re wondering what you’re in for—and when exactly the Bob Dylan biopic will hit Australian theatres—scroll on.

What Is The Bob Dylan Movie, A Complete Unknown, About?

The plot of A Complete Unknown hones in on Bob Dylan’s life between 1961 to 1965. Specifically, it tracks his move to New York, his controversial switch to electric and how this impacted music, at large. The movie ends just before his famous performance at Newport Folk Festival in 1965. On top of his musical transformation during this time, A Complete Unknown touches on his personal and creative relationships with Sylvie Russo (a stand-in for the real-life Suze Rotolo), and Joan Baez.

The film is based on a 2015 biography of these Dylan years, Dylan Goes Electric!: Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties, by Elijah Wald. You can watch the A Complete Unknown trailer, here:

A Complete Unknown Cast—And The Famous Musicians They Portray

Bob Dylan isn’t the only influential music figure portrayed in A Complete Unknown. Here’s who else you might recognise:

  • Bob Dylan is Timothée Chalamet
  • Sylvie Russo is Elle Fanning (Sylvie is not technically a real person, but more on that below)
  • Joan Baez is Monica Barbaro
  • Woody Guthrie is Scoot McNairy
  • Pete Seeger is Edward Norton
  • Johnny Cash is Boyd Holbrook
  • Dave Van Ronk is Michael Chernus
  • Al Kooper is Charlie Tahan
  • Maria Muldaur is Kayli Carter

While you may not know their faces, you may know of Albert Grossman, Dylan’s manager, portrayed by Dan Fogler, and Harold Leventhal, played by P.J. Byrne.

Did Timothée Chalamet Sing In A Complete Unknown?

Timothée Chalamet actually did sing as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Chalamet’s covers will even be released on a soundtrack, available from the film’s release on December 25. (They’ve already release ‘Girl From The North Country’ and ‘Like A Rolling Stone’ on music streaming services.) In fact, it seems each of the actors performed the singing parts for their respective roles. For example, Monica Barbaro also really sings the parts of Joan Baez.

The film’s director, James Mangold, said: “To me, there was only one way to make this film—to cast actors that are profoundly talented, ambitious (and brave enough!) to inhabit the whole of the artists they would portray. And in order to inhabit that world those artists had to be able to sing the songs. We were never out to replace the power, beauty and majesty of what exists, but rather, to celebrate it.”

Who Is Sylvie Russo Based On?

a-complete-unknown-bob-dylan-movie-freewheelin-bob-dylan-album

Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning) in A Complete Unknown is a fictionalised version of American artist Suze Rotolo. Rotolo was Dylan’s girlfriend from 1961 to 1964, and famously featured alongside Bob on the cover of his 1963 album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. Suze was an activist, and was said to have been a major influence on Dylan’s more political song writing. Rotolo died of lung cancer in 2011, at the age of 67.

A Complete Unknown Release Date, Australia

A Complete Unknown is coming to Australian cinemas from January 23, 2025.

Where To Watch A Complete Unknown

Bob Dylan’s biopic will receive a theatrical release in Australia. It is not yet known which streaming providers will pick up the film, or when.

Related Articles:

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1265738 'A Complete Unknown': Bob Dylan Movie's Australian Release Date The Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, is garnering awards buzz for 2025. Here's the plot, cast and Australian release date for the biopic. a complete unknown a-complete-unknown-bob-dylan-movie-freewheelin-bob-dylan-album elle-1265738
Critics Are Calling Modern Day Fairytale ‘Anora’ The Film Of The Year https://www.elle.com.au/culture/where-to-watch-anora-australia/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 23:12:16 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1262569 This love story starts in a strip club and is tipped for an Oscar

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Anora has been sweeping awards season, first winning the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and now being voted best picture by Los Angeles film critics. So, if you haven’t heard of the indie romance, you will soon.

Anora is a Cinderella story depicting a romance between a 23-year-old stripper and sometimes-sex worker, Anora, and a 21-year-old Russian oligarch, Ivan. By all reports, the film’s lead, Mikey Madison, who plays Anora, is expected to become the 9th youngest best actress nominee for an Academy Award. So what’s Anora all about? Why are people so excited about it, and where can we see it? 

What Is Anora About? 

Mikey Madison and Mark Eidelstein in Anora
(Credit: Neon)

Anora “Ani” Mikheeva (Mikey Madison) is 23 years old and enjoying her life as a stripper and sometimes escort in Brooklyn when she meets Ivan, a capricious 21-year-old playboy who loves video games and happens to be the son of a Russian Oligarch Ivan’ Vanya’ Zakharov. Ivan is looking for a Russian sex worker; Anora speaks Russian. Her young beau offers her $15,000 to be his girlfriend for the week and falls in love. Anora does, too, and the two have a shotgun wedding. Between this, there’s an avalanche of looks with leopard print coats (Ivan’s), vintage Hervé Léger bandage dresses, low-slung bedazzled pants (Anora’s) and diamante nail extensions and glitter eyeshadow (Anora’s). 

But when Ivan’s family finds out, they express their disapproval via violent henchmen. Anora finds herself in an emotionally fraught game of cat and mouse. 

Why Is Anora Getting Such Great Reviews? 

In an interview with The Guardian, Sean Baker said he was surprised to win the Canne d’Or, and he thought he’d made a seedy exploitation movie. 

But, many have found Anora‘s unflinching portrayal of sex work, mingled with a tender depiction of young love, mingled with class commentary, gripping. Slug Magazine wrote that amongst genuine comedy, Anora deals with “the commoditisation of women, violence and the ability of those with an unlimited bank account and very limited conscience to set their rules.” It’s had an overall warm reception from sex workers. While a film about women’s sex work by a white man can (and should) be met with scepticism given the glut of superficial depictions in popular media, Anora has had an overall warm reception by the people whose world it strives to depict. At a special screening in New York, dancers in the audience allegedly clacked their Pleaser heels in appreciation and fellow stripper Lily Burana described the film as “more sincere than sensationalist” in her review for Rolling Stone

Anora explores the reality of Pretty Woman narratives that are still popular today (hello, sugar babies) in the context of the American dream. Burana writes that when Anora meets Ivan’s family, the film becomes as much about the haves and the haves not conducting relationships in the context of yawning social inequality as it is about gritty glamour and love and sex in the underground.

The cast of Sean Baker's new film Anora
(Credit: Neon )

And… The Fashion And Beauty Looks

From the trailer, Anora is full of looks that will no doubt trickle down into our wardrobes. Costume designer Jocelyn Pierce pulls together Hervé Léger bandage dresses (she described them in an interview with Harpers Bazaar as “such a slay”) and hoodies and necklaces crafted by Brooklyn artists like Mike Novak and Atticus Torre to bring Anora and Ivan to life. Ivan wears necklaces made by Brooklyn artist Mike Novak and custom hoodies decorated by Atticus Torre. Meanwhile Anora wears piles of glitter eyeshadow and silvery tinsel in her hair

Who Is Sean Baker, Anora‘s Director?

Sean Baker is best known for his fly-on-the-wall movies that take place in marginalised American communities. He directed Tangerine, the story of a sex worker in Hollywood and the Florida Project a portrait of Florida’s untouristed, less Disney-centric side.  His film Red Rocket is set in small-town industrial Texas during the (first) Trump presidential campaign. It was called out on social media for its depiction of a 47-year-old ex-porn star who attempts to seduce and recruit a 17-year-old into porn. 

While Baker faced criticism, Madison spoke glowingly of her experiences on set during Anora. “Sean has dedicated his career to destigmatising sex work and telling stories about marginalised people,” she said. He deals with dark subject matter, but he’s constantly flipping that on its head and injecting it with humour. So I trusted Sean completely and knew he would be a true collaborator with me.” 

Mikey Madison and Mark Eidelstein in Anora
(Credit: Neon )

Who Is Mikey Madison? 

Mikey Madison is the 25-year-old star of Anora, tipped to be in line for an Oscar nomination.

Her first major role was in 2017 independent film Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey. Appearances followed this in Imposters (Bravo) and the TV show Better Things. She had a small appearance as one of Charles Manson’s girls in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood alongside Margaret Qualley and Lena Dunham. Her break into the mainstream alongside Jenna Ortega in Scream V where Baker spotted her.

The director wrote Anora with Madison in mind for ‘Ani’ after watching the slasher struck by her sense of humour and “amazing scream.” 

She told ELLE Canada, “I was floored that Sean wanted to meet me, but I wasn’t about to question it. I immediately said yes. I felt like the luckiest actress in the world that he wanted to work with me.” Madison learnt Russian, perfected a Brooklyn accent and mastered pole dancing for the role. 

Who Else Is In The Anora Cast? 

Actor Mark Eidelstein has been referred to as “Russia’s Timothée Chalamet” plays Anora‘s suitor Ivan and, according to Variety, read for the movie naked and puffing a vape. Other cast members include actress, director, writer, singer, and stripper Lindsey Normington, who plays Anora‘s workplace rival and controversial internet personality, as well as It-girl Ivy Wolk. 

When Is The Anora Release Date, Australia?

Anora debuted in limited theatres in the US on October 18th, 2024. It will have a wider release on November 8th. In Australia, Anora will be released in Australia on December 26 or Boxing Day 2024! Previews will start to hit cinemas from early December.

Where To Watch Anora 

Anora will have a cinema release in Australia, so check your local cinema to see if it’s on. Anora is not yet available on streaming platforms. It’s anticipated that Anora will screen on Hulu in the States, given that other films produced by Neon have ended up on the platform. This means Disney+ is the best bet for Australian audiences. 

Related Articles:

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Paul Mescal’s SNL Debut Proves He’s Ready For His Rom-Com Era https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/paul-mescal-saturday-night-live-best-moments/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:54:35 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1265525 We've been ready for a while

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Who knew Paul Mescal could do comedy? The world-famous softboi has been breaking the mould of his repertoire this year, shifting away from weepy dramas and moving into action blockbusters (Gladiator II) and, now, comedy (Saturday Night Live). Paul’s hosting gig on SNL originally had its sceptics. ‘Could this (very good) dramatic actor really do both?’ we wondered. Don’t worry. Paul knew what we were thinking. He even poked fun at himself in the opening monologue with compilation clips of him crying (comedically) on screen.

Throughout the show, he proved he could sing (fortunate for someone currently filming a 20-year musical), by doing his rendition of the climactic ‘Defying Gravity’ note. In the vital Wicked/Gladiator mash-up, Paul sang a triumphant “Ro-o-o-ooome’ while wearing full gladiator garb and sitting on a broomstick. In the grand tradition of the Natalie Portman rap, Mescal also broke his dramatic-actor persona by rapping and flossing with a Gladiator-themed rap penned by Lin Manuel Miranda.

Of course, Mescal’s comedy and musical chops aren’t the only reason his SNL appearance is garnering attention. Paul has continued to titillate his many admirers by wearing a sheer shirt and trousers. This is not Paul’s only exciting sartorial escapade. Of course, the comedy show couldn’t feature Paul Mescal without featuring his iconic short-shorts. Unfortunately (or not), they were only donned by newly-minted babygirl and internet boyfriend, Marcello Hernandez. “You know what they say, the shorter the shorts, the taller you look!” Marcello joked, while looking equally dishy in the shorts.

paul mescal hosting snl with marcello hernandez wearing short shorts
Paul Mescal with Marcello Hernandez wearing THE shorts. Image: Getty

Mescal’s influence in this area has not gone unnoticed. After making a case for five-inch seams, we’ve seen other celebs, from Jonathan Bailey to Jacob Elordi, slip into their own slutty, little shorts. Whatever the occasion, we’re always happy to see Mescal show off his fashion excellence, acting skills and softboi charisma. The only question remaining is, where is the rom-com, Paul?

Related Articles:

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Who Were The Top Streamed Artists Of 2024? https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/spotify-wrapped-most-streamed-songs-artists-2024/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 20:26:55 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1265232 Happy Spotify Wrapped to all who celebrate

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There’s not time quite like Spotify Wrapped season to offer the opportunity to snoop other people’s music tastes and reflect on your own good (or questionable) year in listening. After what felt like eons of waiting, Spotify finally dropped its Wrapped intel, with millions of users discovering their most-listened to songs and artists of 2024.

Fortunately, the tech-music wizards also released a list of the most streamed artists globally. And this year it is, drum roll please… Taylor Swift!

While this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who followed (nay, existed during) her Eras Tour, Swift came out on top as the most streamed artist, with a total of 26.6 billion streams, worldwide. She was also the most streamed artist in Australia, and her album, The Tortured Poets Department, was the top streamed album.

However, there was another artists who pipped Ms Swift for the most listened-to song of 2024. And that was her Eras Tour opening act-turned-global sensation, Sabrina Carpenter, and her track ‘Espresso’.

Locally, the most streamed Australian artist(s) were The Wiggles, followed by The Kid Laroi. Below, all the top streamed songs and artists on Spotify in 2024.

Most-Streamed Artists 2024, Globally

1. Taylor Swift
2. The Weeknd
3. Bad Bunny
4. Drake
5. Billie Eilish
6. Travis Scott
7. Peso Pluma
8. Kanye West
9. Ariana Grande
10. Feid

Most-Streamed Artists 2024, Australia

1 Taylor Swift
2 Drake
3 Zach Bryan
4 Billie Eilish
5 The Weeknd

Top Local Artists 2024, Australia

1 The Wiggles
2 The Kid LAROI
3 AC/DC
4 Vance Joy
5 RÜFÜS DU SOL

Most-Streamed Songs 2024, Globally

1. Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter
2. Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
3. BIRDS OF A FEATHER by Billie Eilish
4. Gata Only by FloyyMenor, Cris Mj
5. Lose Control by Teddy Swims

Most-Streamed Songs 2024, Australia

1 Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
2 Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter
3 Stick Season by Noah Kahan
4 A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shabooze
5 Lose Control by Teddy Swims

Most Streamed Songs By A Local Artist 2024, Australia

1 Riptide by Vance Joy
2 Stumblin’ In by CYRIL
3 Saving Up by Dom Dolla
4 NIGHTS LIKE THIS by The Kid LAROI
5 You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC

Most-Streamed Albums 2024, Globally

1 THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY by Taylor Swift
2 HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish
3 Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
4 MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO by Karol G
5 eternal sunshine by Ariana Grande

Most-Streamed Albums 2024, Australia

1 THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY by Taylor Swift
2 Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
3 HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish
4 Stick Season by Noah Hakan
5 One Thing At A Time by Morgan Wallen

Most Viral Songs 2024, Globally

1 Die With A Smile by Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga
2 BIRDS OF A FEATHER by Billie Eilish
3 Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
4 Lose Control by Teddy Swims
5 Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan

Spotify also included its audio streams in its Wrapped list, including audio books for the first time. Fascinatingly, the romantasy and fantasy categories swept audiobook offerings, with so-called ‘fairy porn’ sensation A Court Of Thorns And Roses taking the top spot. Per tradition, it also included podcasts.

Top Podcasts 2024, Globally

1 The Joe Rogan Experience
2 Call Her Daddy
3 Huberman Lab
4 This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
5 The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
6 Serial Killers
7 Relatos de la Noche
8 Crime Junkie
9 Café Com Deus Pai | Podcast oficial
10 El Podcast de Marian Rojas Estapé

Top Podcasts 2024, Australia

1 The Joe Rogan Experience
2 The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
3 Huberman Lab
4 Casefile True Crime
5 Call Her Daddy

Top Audiobooks 2024, Globally

1 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
2 The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
3 I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
4 A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
5 It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
6 The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
7 A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
8 A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One by George R. R. Martin
9 Icebreaker: A Novel by Hannah Grace
10 Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Top Audiobooks 2024, Australia

1 Spare by Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
2 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
3 Atomic Habits by James Clear
4 It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
5 The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

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Spotify Wrapped 2024 Is Almost Upon Us https://www.elle.com.au/culture/spotify-wrapped-2024-release-date/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 21:10:44 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1265085 Get ready for the memes

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The time has come when we take a long, hard look at ourselves and our music taste, with Spotify Wrapped 2024 rumoured to be dropping soon. 

This yearly event in the musical calendar might leave you wondering how many times it is acceptable to listen to Midnights in a 12-month period or realise just how much you backed Charli XCX and the SWEAT tour. Either way, Spotify Wrapped has the same shareable appeal as astrology memes as we see ourselves reflected back in the music we listened to most during the year. From the good times to the tough moments, our Spotify playlists often serve as nostalgic markers for the year that was – think, a less cringe-worthy New Year’s Eve reflection post.

When Will Spotify Wrapped 2024 Be Released? 

The music streaming giant has said Spotify Wrapped 2024 is coming soon, posting on X on December 2nd, “Any guesses on your Top 5 songs of 2024?” 

Last year Spotify Wrapped was released on November 29 and in 2022 it dropped on November 30. In 2021, it was released on December 1st, meaning this year’s Spotify Wrapped is a little late. We speculate it will probably drop in the next two days (or today).

How Do I Find My Spotify Wrapped? 

Spotify Wrapped is available exclusively on the Spotify mobile app, and you’ll find it on a dedicated ‘Wrapped’ banner on the app’s home screen. Tap in for your Wrapped story, an interactive mini-theatre production that will take you through your top music-listening moments for the year. If you’re worried about missing out, don’t. Turn your Spotify notifications on, and the app will give you a nudge. You can bookmark the Spotify Wrapped holding page here.

How Do I Share My Spotify Wrapped? 

Pamela Anderson wearing headphones with a perplexed expression
(Credit: Instagram: @wireditgirls) Listening back on your Spotify Wrapped and wondering who you are

The joy of Spotify Wrapped is the memes it creates and the memories we share. Expect to be inundated with friends’ and families listening tastes and to inundate in turn. Whether you are ready to share with the world that you are still ABBA’s number one fan or are surprised by just how much you hit the Espresso button in 2024, sharing your deepest, darkest musical secrets with the world is easy. Once your Spotify Wrapped is live, go to the Your Stories Box under the Wrapped header; on each shareable stat, there will be a “Share this story button” at the bottom of the page; you can select the platform you want to share it to be it Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat or TikTok. 

What Is Spotify Wrapped? 

Last year, 574 million people listened to music on Spotify. It’s the world’s most popular streaming subscription service, with over 640 million users and 252 subscribers across 180 markets. While Wrapped varies a little bit year to year, past versions have included the ability to download your top 100 songs for the year so you can hit replay when you’re feeling nostalgic for that specific summer romance from two years ago or want to zone out and pretend your back on your 2022 three month European vacation. You can also tap into playlists that reflect national and global listening trends. 

Who Are The Most Popular Artists On Spotify 

In 2023, Taylor Swift was unsurprisingly the platform’s most popular artist, tipping Bad Bunny for the top spot after three years in a row. We have suspicions about who we’ll see in the top spot this year, but we’re willing to be surprised. 

Will There Be A Theme This Year? 

Last year, Spotify offered ‘Sound Town’ a feature that matched your listening tastes to your state – from cities worldwide. We don’t know if they’ll keep or vary the feature this year.

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Everyone’s Talking About Drew Starkey’s New Film, ‘Queer’ https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/queer-film-cast-plot-release-date/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 06:26:23 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1265075 Us and everybody else

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The internet has a lot of boyfriends, but this year, Drew Starkey has been making a case for top position on the list.

From his contentious Outer Banks character, Rafe, to his newfound place in the FROWs of fashion weeks sporting his little hoop earring, the 31-year-old has quickly become one of Hollywood’s hottest assets.

His latest but also first major film, Queer, is only affirming his status. Buzz is quickly growing for the new movie, and with not only Starkey but Daniel Craig starring, legendary director Luca Guadagnino at the helm and Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson doing costume design, it’s frankly no surprise.

Here’s what you need to know about Queer

queer movie with Drew Starkey and Daniel Craig

What Is The Movie Queer About?

Queer is based on the 1985 novella of the same name by William S Burroughs. The work is somewhat of a sequel to his 1953 novella, Junkie, and considered semi-autobiographical as well as politically charged.

The book’s synopsis reads: “Set in Mexico City during the early fifties, Queer follows William Lee’s hopeless pursuit of desire from bar to bar in the American expatriate scene.”

Fleeing a drug bust to wander the city’s nightlife, the American writer (played by Daniel Craig) crosses paths with a young ex-Navy serviceman, Eugene Allerton (played by Starkey), and quickly becomes utterly infatuated by him.

Only fuelling the excitement behind the daring adaptation is the director at the helm, Luca Guadagnino. Known for Call Me By Your Name and recent hit, Challengers, Guadagnino brings his distinct touch to the raw, lurid and intense film, both from a visual and emotional lens.

queer movie with Drew Starkey and Daniel Craig

Let’s Talk About Sex (Scenes In Queer)

Sex is a mere fraction of the connection that’s explored between Lee and Allerton in the film, but there’s certainly no shortage of it, either.

Speaking to ELLE US on preparing for scenes with Craig, Starkey says, “I’ve never had a process like this.”

“But then it became very ritualistic… and by the time we got to [filming] it, we were like, ‘Just fucking go for it.’”

For Craig, he found the most interesting work happened during scenes outside the bedroom.

“I feel like the physical act is the least interesting thing. We’re all grownups. This is what people do. But the only thing that’s interesting, and what I think hopefully works about the scenes, is the emotional journey of each character,” he tells EW.

When And Where To Watch Queer In Australia

For the chronically online, talk of the film is already rife, thanks to an early release in the United States. Following its premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September, Queer had a limited theatrical release on November 27th which will be followed by a US-wide roll out on December 13th.

Australians will need be a little more patient, with Queer set to premiere at Westpac OpenAir on January 29, 2025, before hitting cinemas shortly after.

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The Politics Of ‘Wicked’, Explained https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/wicked-politics-fascism-explained/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:37:11 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1264911 The most political film of the year

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Who would have thought the film of the year would be a rather intense political allegory disguised as a bubblegum musical? Wicked has stunned audiences with its screen adaptation of the Broadway show, which is in turn an adaptation of a 1993 book by Gregory Maguire, which is itself a prequel to the 1900 novel and subsequent 1939 film, The Wizard Of Oz.

Between the two key texts—and their several interpretations—the lore of Glinda, Oz, and the Wicked Witch Of The West runs deep. A fascism allegory and an exposé on political strategy, people are becoming English undergrads in their study of the film. If you’ve found yourself wondering what Wicked means, who or what it represents, allow us to unpack its politics. (Needless to say, spoilers ahead!)

What Are The Politics Of Wicked?

While at first, Wicked may seem to be an odd-couple comedy about two very different roommates, navigating friendship and the social politics of college life, one needn’t scratch the surface far before we unearth some pretty heavy themes.

On a micro level, it is indeed about two, different women: one who represents what it’s like being raised at the forefront of privilege (Glinda), and one who represents marginalisation since birth (Elphaba). On a macro level, it’s about the political machinations of a fascist regime.

In Wicked, the land of Oz has been experiencing a drought that has led to economic hardship. The people are doing it tough, and they’re not-so pleased. To maintain his power, The Wizard realises he must unite the public against a common enemy. He chooses the animal race. This is where the apartheid-fascist playbook begins. The Wizard positions himself as possessing exemplary (perhaps God-given) powers. This then allows him to sow the propaganda that animals are not to be trusted or liked. So, when he begins to remove animal rights (including the right to speak), people are more-or-less okay with it. Except Elphaba, that is…

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The Wizard represents a fascist dictator who has used political trickery to manipulate the masses. Image: Universal

Is Wicked About American Politics?

To an extent, yes. The Wizard Of Oz was about American politics in the 1900s. The various coloured commodities—the ruby slippers (which were originally silver), the yellow brick road, the Emerald city—each symbolised different currencies or valuable goods. The Wizard himself was believed to be a stand-in for then-President William McKinley.

Meanwhile, when Wicked the musical premiered on Broadway, it drew many parallels to US politics at the time, namely President Bush and the invasion of Iraq.

In 2024, the movie has people side-eyeing Trump and the recent election. Trump frequently deploys the kind of fascist tactics, like scapegoating (of trans people, of immigrants, to name two examples), to encourage the belief that someone is to blame for American hardships, like the cost of living crisis, poor employment prospects, and a decline in conservative ‘family values’. Speaking with Indiewire, Wicked director John M. Chu even joked about parallels between Trump and the Wizard, and Elphaba and Kamala Harris. “A charismatic leader who gaslights a community that this woman is wicked just because she’s standing up for a marginalised group of people in the society? How could that be [political]?”

Meanwhile, others have drawn lines to international politics, particularly the Netanyahu regime in Israel and the state’s positioning of Gaza.

Overall, Wicked can represent any political system that uses fascist strategies.

What Do All The Characters Symbolise In Wicked?

And what can they teach us about politics…?

Elphaba

Elphaba is originally seized-upon by Madame Morrible for possessing the rare skills of natural sorceress. Madame realises this skill could be a powerful tool for the Ozian regime. Unfortunately for them, Elphaba won’t play ball in oppressing this group, and thus becomes a fascist scapegoat. As we saw in Madame Morrible’s broadcast to Oz, Elphaba was painted as a terroris or enemy of the state. She is also a symbol of how racism can be used to instil fear and hatred based on appearance. During her address, Madame Morrible says “[Elphaba’s] green skin is but a manifestation of her twisted nature”. This is an example of the kinds of rhetoric often used to vilify racial minorities.

On that note, Elphaba also represents what it can be like to belong to a marginalised group. Unlike Glinda, who is wealthy and blonde (and thus adored), Elphaba is automatically scorned due to the colour of her skin. She develops a disposition that is 1) defensive against a society that has never been kind to her, and 2) more inclined to show empathy to other marginalised groups, like the animals of Oz, and not fall into line when called by the Wizard.

Glinda

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Glinda is the epitome of privilege. Image: Universal

Glinda represents the privileged elite for whom life tends to come rather easy. While colourism, ableism and financial hardship affect some of her peers, these are things Glinda does not have to deal with herself—the very definition of privilege. Despite having to do very little to aspire the affections and reverence of her peers, Glinda loves to nurture the perception that she is virtuous and altruistic. This natural adoration from the public makes her a perfect tool for the Wizard, in disseminating the hate campaign against Elphaba.

In an episode of his A Bit Fruity podcast, titled ‘Is Glinda Good?’, political commentator Matt Bernstein also points out that Glinda is comparable to some evangelical figures, and as a figurehead of white feminism. To that end, he says she is capable of great cruelty, if she believes she’s being good. For example, her treatment of Boq and Nessarose. “I think the fact that Glinda ends up being known as ‘The Good Witch’ is kind of a parody on how we view goodness. If you look the part, and sound the part, the material consequences of your actions, don’t really matter.” Bernstein also suggests Glinda is comparable to some evangelical figures, and as a figurehead of white feminism.

Dr Dillamond

Dr Dillamond is a literal scapegoat. The animals of Oz are being used as a political tool to convince the masses that their hardships are being caused by this specific group—and not those in power. Dr Dillamond is our prime example of this in the film. A clear line can be drawn between Dr Dillamond and members of the Jewish academic elite, who were targeted by Hitler in Nazi Germany.

The Wizard Of Oz

In The Wizard Of Oz, the Wizard represents the American president. As in Wicked, he’s a man who is held to the highest esteem but is proven to have no real power. Despite proclaiming to be able to ‘rescue’ the land of Oz, he’s all smoke and mirrors. In Wicked, he may not specifically be an American president (although, he equally could be). He also parallels other prophet figures, who inspire followers through talk, charisma and—most importantly—manipulation. This could indicate cult-like leaders who have been exalted for unclear reasons.

The Flying Monkeys

When The Wizard manipulates Elphaba into giving the monkeys wings, it represents during the Holocaust when Nazi doctors would conduct medical experiments on Jewish people.

While more examples will be revealed in Part Two, these are just some reasons why Wicked is the most political film of the year—and why it should be viewed before any election!

Related Articles:

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Tom Sandoval “Overwhelmed” By The Vanderpump Cast News https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/vanderpump-rules-reacts-new-cast/ Sun, 01 Dec 2024 20:38:32 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1264451 Well, this is big

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In a huge shakeup to reality TV, Bravo has announced that Vanderpump Rules will be getting rid of its entire cast for season 12. While cast members have come and gone from the Vanderpump crew over the years, this is the first time the reality series has cleaned house entirely. While we’re waiting to find out who will make the new set of SUR-vers, the casts’ reactions to the news are slowly eking out. Here’s what they had to say.

Tom Sandoval

It’s an emotional time for Tom who’s already going through an ending of his own—the closure of his bar, Sandy’s. He and Tom Schwartz announced the closure of the bar the day before news of the new cast broke. It’s taken days for Tom to address the Vanderpump Rules new cast announcement, however he’s now taken to Instagram to share his feelings.

“I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions right now… The unbelievable series of events that brought this group together still blows my mind to this day. From a random meeting with Jax while modeling in Miami, to responding to a Craigslist ad for another Tom looking for a roommate,” Tom wrote in an Instagram post.

He went on to add: “Who would’ve thought that a stop along the way while chasing our dreams would turn into the cultural phenomenon that is Vanderpump Rules. We were unaware as to the effect this show would have on our lives. The foundation of Vanderpump Rules was built on pure honest raw emotions… triumphs, struggles, and love that happen between a group of real friends and our relationships.”

The centre of one of the biggest scandals—or as fans aptly dubbed it, ‘Scandoval’—of the show when it was revealed he had been having an affair with fellow VP star, Raquel Leviss behind longtime girlfriend and Vanderpump star Ariana Madix’ back, Tom also seemingly touched on the drama.

“Some of my past decisions led to incredibly challenging times, from which I’ve learned valuable lessons and experienced personal growth. Despite the difficulties, I’m filled with gratitude for the learning experience and forever grateful for all of the memories. 🩵

Ariana Madix

The beloved Ariana Madix took to Instagram to share an emotional farewell to the series alongside a carousel of highlights. She said she was grateful for her chance to be part of the “phenomenon” and that she was “at peace with closing this chapter”. Read her full statement below.

“Vanderpump rules, you will forever be that girl 💖 i was up til 4am looking for all the right pics and the right words, but there’s no post or caption that could ever encapsulate everything,” she began. “i am forever grateful to have been a part of such an incredible cultural phenomenon. thank you @bravotv , @lisavanderpump@evolutionusa for every experience over the last 10+ years. thank you to every single crew member, producer, and our showrunners. seeing you guys every summer was like coming home to see family! that i will miss very much but you have my number so… just text me 😂 thank you especially to the fans. you’ve been the constant over the last decade your love and support is what I’ll miss the most about it ending. you made this show what it is. to the fans who have shown up for us, old and new, it’s all because of you that we are here. im feeling at peace with closing this chapter and im excited for everything that is to come. i don’t know that these were the best days of our lives, but they were definitely something special 💖

Former castmate Kristen Doute, who has moved to sister-series The Valley commented: “I am so grateful because without it, would we have found eachother?! cheers to the memories and making new ones.” Does this hint that Madix will move over to The Valley?!

Lala Kent

Lala Kent has never been one to shy away from sharing her thoughts, but her farewell to Vanderpump was surprisingly tender.

“Where to begin. I was a young girl from Salt Lake City who made her way to L.A. I would introduce myself as Lauren, but because my childhood best friend referred to me as Lala, my nickname quickly stuck,” she wrote on Instagram. “Sur was a place that became home. I found myself not only sipping on vodka sodas there, but behind a hostess stand… it still to this day is the most intimidating job I’ve ever had. A short time later the opportunity to be on a show called Vanderpump Rules landed in front of me. I have such mixed feelings right now. It’s no secret I do not like change. This is the exception. I want to say thank you for rocking with us for so many years. This show changed my whole life. I’m unbelievably grateful for every moment. I’m unbelievably grateful for Bravo, for NBCU, for our crew, the entire cast, and most importantly all of you. We rocked this bitch until the wheels fell off 💃

Katie Maloney

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Katie was not-so emotional over the news, it seems. “It’s a mixed bag,” she wrote on Instagram stories. “But I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you for the memories and the love the last 11 years.” She then shared a series of photos throughout the years with her female castmates. Meanwhile, Katie’s brother, Joey, chimed in with his own comments. “After 11 seasons I will not returned as #backgroundbrother on #pumprules,” he commented, adding, “Real talk… Proud of you [Katie] for making it through it all.” Katie shared the Instagram story and added: “You killed it brother”.

Lisa Vanderpump

Lisa, the SUR restaurant owner who is the only cast member returning for season 12, bid a succinct farewell to her main cast on Instagram. “What a wild ride the last 11 years have been. Thank you to all of our cast for sharing your lives and stories and for being a part of this journey. How I’ve loved each and every one of you,” she wrote.

James Kennedy

James is yet to publicly respond.

Tom Schwartz

Tom reacted to the news by sharing a mash-up of Vanderpump clips, set to the Friends theme song. He kept his statement brief, writing: “How the last 12 years replays in my mind.”

Stassi Schroeder

Stassi is yet to post anything on her own Instagram, but she did comment on Schwartz’s post with: “Oh man this ❤”.

Scheana Shay

Scheana is yet to comment.

What’s Next For The Vanderpump Rules Cast?

It’s been a long journey for many members of the cast, who started as restaurant waitstaff and wound-up reality TV megastars. Many also have families of their own to care for. However, it’s not the end of the reality road for some cast members, who will join fellow Vanderpump alum Kristen Doute, Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor on The Valley.

Which Vanderpump Stars Are Moving To The Valley?

While they won’t return to Vanderpump season 12, but Deadline reports some will make a move to Vanderpump spin-off, The Valley. While we don’t know the extent of their roles—are they cameos? Season regulars? New stars?—these four Vanderpump cast members filmed something for the new season.

  •  Lala Kent
  • Scheana Shay
  • Brock Davies
  • Tom Schwartz

Stay tuned as we find out if they’ll make the big move, or stay away.

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7 Celebrities Who Auditioned For The ‘Wicked’ Movie https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/wicked-movie-who-auditioned/ Wed, 27 Nov 2024 21:17:55 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1264601 It was popular

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It seems everyone in Hollywood wanted to be in the Wicked movie, with dozens of well-known celebrities auditioning for the starring roles. As we now know, the leading parts of Elphaba, Glinda and Fiyero went to Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey respectively. However, as one of the most beloved recent musicals, competition was understandably fierce. The film has been in talks for so long, that originally, it was even believed the original Broadway stars, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth would reprise their roles on the big screen. Now, we have a fair list of just how many famous faces (and voices) auditioned for the role.

Who Auditioned For Elphaba In The Wicked Movie?

Lady Gaga

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Lady Gaga was actually attached to the role when the Wicked movie first began. The original on-screen adaptation was helmed by director Stephen Daldry. A source told Page Six that she was more-or-less locked in for that version. Alas, the movie that made it to screens would be directed by John M. Chu, and star Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.

Who Auditioned For Glinda In The Wicked Movie?

Amanda Seyfried

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Amanda Seyfried, who has starred in her share of movie musical adaptations (Les Miserables, Mamma Mia!), was desperate for the role of Galinda/Glinda. While filming her Emmy-winning part in The Dropout, Seyfried was apparently auditioning for Glinda. ““I wanted it that much that I was like, ‘You know what? Yeah, I have to play the last scene of The Dropout on Tuesday. I’ll give my Sunday to you.’ I literally bent over backwards while playing the hardest role of my life,” she told Backstage.

Dove Cameron

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Having played Kristin Chenoweth’s daughter in a version of Hairspray, Cameron seemed like a shoe-in for Chenoweth’s Glinda on the big screen. Chenoweth reportedly even endorsed her for the role. Alas, after making it pretty far, Cameron was unsuccessful. “I know that for everybody who did go out for it, it was a very long process. It was one of the longer processes I’ve been a part of,” Cameron told The Wrap. A good friend of Grande, Cameron said she was excited for her to nab the role instead.

Renee Rapp

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Mean Girls star Renee Rapp also confessed to joining the Glinda audition train. However, she was thrilled the role went to Grande. “Ariana’s gonna be… can I cuss? She’s going to be f*cking amazing,” she said on Watch What Happens Live. “I’m so excited.”

Who Auditioned For Fiyero In The Wicked Movie?

Shawn Mendes

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Unlikely as it sounds, Mendes was reportedly attached to the same version of Wicked as Lady Gaga.

Nick & Joe Jonas

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What, no Kevin?! Two of the Jonas Brothers auditioned for the role of Fiyero. While we know they both have the pipes, Nick has cut his teeth in the musical scene, starring on Broadway in a number of productions as a child.

Related Articles:

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Praise Be, We Finally Have A Date For Lana Del Rey’s Next Album https://www.elle.com.au/culture/lana-del-rey-the-right-person-will-stay-album/ Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:31:34 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/?p=1264357 And it's not 'Lasso'

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Our loved-up alligator princess Lana Del Rey has officially confirmed that she’s releasing a new album, The Right Person Will Stay. 

The news dropped on Instagram with the Del Rey writing: 

“Out may 21 so grateful that my 13 tracks came together with my beautiful work between Luke, Jack and Drew Erickson amongst others. Happy for you to hear a few songs coming up before Stagecoach 🚴 🧣 starting with Henry.

Love Always”

The post was accompanied by a portrait of Del Rey in profile, hair styled in a post-war-era updo, wearing a white crochet top. Beneath the image, “The right person will stay” was scribbled in pen. 

Lana Del Rey‘s last album, Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, was released in 2023, and fans have been thirsty for more and waiting patiently. They celebrated by dropping comments like “SCREAMING CRYING” and “SO BEAUTIFUL.” 

Here’s what we know about the album that will be top of our Spotify 2025 wrap next year. 

When Will Lana Del Rey’s The Right Person Will Stay Be Released? 

According to the singer’s post, the Right Person Will Stay will be our soundtrack for autumn winter, dropping in May 21st. 

If you want to get a sense of the album’s mood, Del Rey previewed a track, ‘Henry Come On,’ which she’d initially released as a teaser to her unreleased album Lasso. We can assume it will now be one of the 13 tracks on the new album. 

What Happened To Lasso? 

Some fans noted that the ‘Blue Jeans’ singer had promised an album “Lasso” for September 2024. One fan explained: “Lasso was announced to drop in September, but she, of course (like always) completely ghosted it, and now it’s a new date and new title (again, like always.” 

Del Rey had teased Lasso at Billboard’s pre-Grammy event in Los Angeles earlier this year. “If you can’t already tell by our award winners and our performers, the music business is going country,” she told attendees. “We’re going country. It’s happening. That’s why Jack [Antonoff] has followed me to Muscle Shoals, Nashville, Mississippi, over the last four years.” 

Del Rey seemingly wasn’t feeling Lasso’s creative vibe. She said earlier this year, “I didn’t want to turn it into something that’s half cooked, even if it’s super stripped-back. I want it to be what it was supposed to be.” 

Who Else Has Worked On ‘The Right Person Will Stay’? 

There’s no news about whether Lana’s album will feature other artists, but based on her post, it seems long-time producers Jack Antonoff, Luke Laird, Caroline Grant and Drew Erickson were involved in the project. 

Antonoff and Erickson were both involved in “Do You Know There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.” If fans were excited to see the singer take a spin at country music, there’s reason to believe The Right Person Will Stay will still be influenced by country music. Laird is a country songwriter and producer who has worked with Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, and Thomas Rhett, suggesting Del Ray hasn’t wavered in her commitment to exploring country music.

What Will ‘The Right Person Will Stay Be About’?

Lana Del Rey got married this year following a whirlwind courtship with alligator tour guide Jeremy Dufrene. She’s provided us with endless love songs to yearn to over the years, and while the singer has yet to share the inspiration behind The Right Person Will Stay, we can guess from the title and her glowing comments about her new relationship it will be a loved-up drop. We can’t wait.

Related Posts:

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Did Taylor Swift Just Hint That ‘Reputation (Taylor’s Version)’ Is Imminent? https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/reputation-taylors-version-release-date-track-list-29016/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:39:41 +0000 https://www.elle.com.au/culture/reputation-taylors-version-release-date-track-list-29016 The queen of Easter eggs strikes again!

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Ever since Taylor Swift began re-releasing her albums, we’ve had one question on our minds: When will she drop Reputation (Taylor’s Version)? While there have been several clues over the past few months that have lead fans to believe that the re-release of Reputation is imminent, the latest Easter egg might just be the most convincing yet.

On Saturday, Swift played her final Eras Tour show in Toronto, dropping a few hints that Rep is coming sooner than we thought. As we know, Swifties are well-versed in following their messiah’s hints and clues. The major hint that Reputation (Taylor’s Version) is coming, lay in the set’s acoustic ‘surprise songs‘. For each stop on the Eras Tour, Swift plucks a handful of songs from her catalogue, often mashing-up two fan favourites. And in Toronto, she mashed three songs: ‘Cassandra’ from The Tortured Poets Department, ‘Mad Woman’ from Folklore, and ‘I Did Something Bad’ from Reputation. Each of these songs is about Swift’s public perception, the sale of her masters (which triggered the re-recording journey), and her feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (which led to Swift’s ‘rebranding’ and a lot of the themes on Reputation). This follows a rumour circulated by Deux Moi that the Reputation release is coming specifically on December 6.

Fans have long been waiting for the release of Reputation (Taylor’s Version), eagerly interpreting clues dropped for more than six months. Most recently, when Swift resumed her Eras Tour in north America, the singer changed-up the snake-adorned jumpsuit she wears for her Reputation set. Here, previous clues Swift has offered for the Reputation re-release, and its rumoured release date.

What Is The Release Date For Reputation (Taylor’s Version)?

That’s the Sphinx-level riddle, right? While this is the question on everybody’s lips, gossip site Deux Moi suggested Reputation (Taylor’s Version) is going to be released on December 6, 2024. A ‘blind item’—an unverified tip from the Deux Moi community—suggested “record stores have been alerted” for a new album. “Have it on good authority that Taylor Swift is dropping an album December 6. Unclear whether it’s a new album or a re recording. But record stores have been alerted.” Whether this is Reputation or something entirely different remains to be seen. We’ll keep you posted!

All The Clues That Reputation (Taylor’s Version) Is Coming

November 2024: Another Reputation-Themed Mash-Up

As explained above, the mash-up of songs ‘Cassandra’, ‘Mad Woman’ and ‘I Did Something Bad’ told Swifties that Reputation is on Taylor’s mind—and should be on yours too?

October 2024: A New Reputation Bodysuit

In October, Swift retired the red and black Reputation bodysuit she’d worn throughout previous stops on the Eras Tour. The new silver and gold snakes suggested the singer was about to embark on a new album release. Previously, fans had speculated that in the red and black costume, the snakes appeared to be ‘shedding’ their skins. The new iteration, therefore, led them to believe the ‘transformation’ was ‘complete’.

July 2024: An Accidental Piano Malfunction?

During her second Eras Tour concert in Milan, Swift began a rendition of two Reputation tracks: ‘Getaway Car’ and ‘Out Of The Woods’. But as she took to her piano to perform the acoustic mashup, it appeared to malfunction. A crew member rushed to the stage to rectify the issue, opening the top of the piano to look inside. Once open, however, the pair struggled to get it closed again, with Swift telling the crowd, “You know what, we finally broke it.” While they did eventually manage to get the piano working, some fans have since speculated whether the malfunction wasn’t entirely accidental. Over on X, some fans even reported hearing hissing sounds when the piano lid was opened — perhaps a reference to the snake that is often associated with Swift’s Reputation era.

Then there’s the question of her costumes. At the first Milan show, Swift added a look to her impeccable tour wardrobe — and it’s very Reputation coded indeed.

May 2024: A New Re

When it comes to her famous asymmetric Reputation bodysuit, fans have noticed a subtle — but highly suggestive — change: it appears that the sequinned snakes are ‘shedding.’

Specifically, TikTok sleuths have noticed that the red sequins appear to be slowly changing to cream — as though to replicate a snake shedding it’s skin. The dominant theory here, is that, once all the snakes have transformed, Swift will announce the release of Reputation (Taylor’s Version).

Adding fuel to the flame, other Swifie’s have noticed a subtle change to Taylor’s makeup on the European leg of the tour: her eyeliner is noticeably thicker and more pronounced. As we know, when it comes to Taylor Swift, nothing is coincidental. So could this slight change be a hint that Reputation — aka Swift’s edgiest album yet — is about to be re-released? We certainly hope so.

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The eyeliner in question.

So while we wait patiently to hear more from the Queen of pop herself, we’re delving back in time, to look at all of the Reputation (Taylor’s Version) clues Swift has gifted us so far.

February 2024: Reputation Clues At The 2024 Grammy Awards

Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey arrive at the 66th Grammy Awards. Image: Getty

Earlier this year, fans were convinced that Swift had chosen the 2024 Grammys to announces the re-lease of Reputation. Instead, however, to the internets surprise, she released a new album all together: The Tortured Poets Department. Swift made the announcement in her Grammys 2024 acceptance speech for best pop vocal album for “Midnights”.

So, if it wasn’t a Reputation (Taylor’s Version), what had fans so sure that it would be? Well, Taylor arrived at the Grammys in a white Schiaparelli gown, with elbow-length globes and some suspiciously gothic hair and accessories that scream ‘Reputation era’. From the clock necklace to the dark lipstick, it’s definitely Reputation coded, to say the least. The Grammys look comes after all of Taylor’s inner squad changed their Instagram profile pics to black and white — the Reputation colours.

August 2023: Taylor Swift Drops ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ (Taylor’s Version)

Swift in the ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ video clip.

(Image: Look What You Made Me Do) (Credit: Image: Look What You Made Me Do)

Last year, Swift surprised fans by dropping the lead single from Reputation, ‘Look What You Made Me Do’, early. The reason? It appeared in a revenge-themed series on Amazon Prime.

The trailer of Prime Video’s UK thriller series Wilderness was set to Swift’s re-recorded hit single from Reputation, ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ (LWYMMD). Yes, it’s her second Prime Video collab. The upcoming series tells the story of Liv (Jenna Coleman) realising that her ‘happily-ever-after’ with husband Will (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) is actually a nightmare, because he’s having an affair. A furious Liv forces herself to embark on a trip across America with Will, as he wants to make amends. But for her, it’s only revenge on the mind. The series launched on September 15, 2023, over a month before 1989 (Taylor’s Version), and months before fans expected the drop of Reputation (Taylor’s Version).

As to be expected of Swift, there were layers of significance for releasing ‘LWYMMD’ so early. The date of the trailer launch interestingly matches the date the original single was launched for ‘Look What You Made Me Do’, on August 24, 2017. It marks the 6 year anniversary of when the song came out. August 24 is also the day after Lover was released back in 2019, causing fans to joke that they are exiting their Speak Now era, and trying to enter their 1989, Lover and Reputation eras all at once. In time we’ll surely find out what Swift is planning but there’s no denying that it’s a great time to be a Taylor Swift fan.

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29016 taylor-swift-reputation-bodysuit-1 taylor-swift-reputation-bodysuit taylor-swift-eyeliner The eyeliner in question. grammys-2024-red-carpet-taylor-swift-lana-del-rey <p>Swift in the 'Look What You Made Me Do' video clip.</p> elle-29016