Get ready to swoon. The first trailer for The History of Sound has officially dropped, and it’s giving brooding stares, folk melodies, and queer longing in sepia tones.
Starring Paul Mescal (Aftersun) and Josh O’Connor (Challengers), Oliver Hermanus’ latest film is shaping up to be a major awards season contender, and a poetic exploration of a love that echoes across decades.
A Queer Period Piece with Musical Roots
Adapted from Ben Shattuck’s short story of the same name, The History of Sound begins in 1917 at the Boston Conservatory, where Lionel (Mescal), a gifted young music student, meets fellow singer David (O’Connor). The two connect over their mutual passion for folk music, sharing voices and glances in equal measure. But just as quickly as their bond begins to deepen, life intervenes, with David heading off to serve in World War I.
Josh O’Connor and Paul Mescal in ‘The History of Sound.’ Photo: Vanity Fair
Years later, the pair reunite and set out on a journey through the forests and coastlines of Maine to collect and preserve traditional American folk songs. Their expedition becomes the backdrop for a quiet yet powerful romance that profoundly shapes both their lives.
Chris Cooper narrates as an older Lionel, looking back on the season of love that defined him.
Queer Love, Without the Tropes
What’s refreshing about The History of Sound is its decision to take a gentler approach to its central romance. There’s no gratuitous intimacy or trauma porn here. Instead, the emotional charge of the film comes from the tender exchanges between two men navigating affection, companionship, and shared artistry.
Speaking at Cannes, Mescal told IndieWire, “What feels slightly different about this from [other] romantic relationships onscreen… physical touch isn’t the priority. It’s intellectual stimulation, it’s friendship.”
That doesn’t mean the chemistry is lacking. In fact, early reviews from the film’s Cannes premiere praised the subtlety and restraint in the performances.
An Awards Season Favorite in the Making
After a buzzy debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, The History of Sound has already been tipped as one to watch in the upcoming Oscar race. MUBI will release the film in theaters starting September 12, just in time to stir up awards chatter.
Both Mescal and O’Connor are no strangers to critical acclaim, and here they’re perfectly cast, bringing depth, ache, and nuance to a story that could easily veer into melodrama but never does.
Folk Songs and First Loves
The film’s evocative setting, sweeping cinematography, and haunting musical moments only deepen the emotional resonance. As Lionel and David collect forgotten songs in the rural corners of America, they’re also preserving something more fragile, the memory of a love just as fleeting and precious.
For fans of slow-burn romance, period dramas, and queer stories that dare to be quiet, The History of Sound promises to be a must-watch this fall. And with Mescal and O’Connor at the helm, it might just sing its way into your heart, and maybe even onto the Oscars stage.
The History of Sound hits theaters September 12 via MUBI. Watch the trailer below.
The witches are back, and the magic is just getting started.
Nicole Kidman has shared the very first peek behind the scenes of Practical Magic 2, and longtime fans of the 1998 cult classic are already under its spell. The Oscar-winning actress took to Instagram to post a heartfelt video of her and co-star Sandra Bullock on set, officially kicking off production of the much-anticipated sequel.
“The witches are back,” Kidman wrote in the caption. “The Owens sisters’ first day on set!”
In the brief video, Kidman and Bullock embrace in front of a cemetery headstone, an appropriately spooky and sentimental setting for the return of the Owens sisters, Gillian and Sally. Their on-screen bond, which captured hearts more than two decades ago, remains as enchanting as ever.
The original Practical Magic, based on Alice Hoffman’s novel, followed two orphaned sisters raised by their eccentric witchy aunts. Together, they navigate love, loss, and the deadly consequences of a family curse that dooms any man they fall in love with. While plot details for the sequel are under wraps, the film is reportedly inspired by one of Hoffman’s later entries in the Practical Magic book series.
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock in Practical Magic. Photo: Warner Bros.
A Cast Worth Casting a Spell For
Kidman and Bullock aren’t the only familiar faces returning to the screen. Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing will reprise their beloved roles as Aunt Jet and Aunt Frances, respectively, two characters who’ve been internet meme queens long before that was even a thing.
And joining this coven of powerhouses is a new generation of stars: Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies), Joey King (The Kissing Booth, The Act), Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones), Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle), and Solly McLeod (The Dead Don’t Hurt). King is reportedly playing the daughter of Bullock’s character, Sally.
A Powerful Team Behind the Camera
Practical Magic 2 is directed by Susanne Bier, whose previous collaborations with both Kidman (The Undoing, The Perfect Couple) and Bullock (Bird Box) promise a thoughtful and emotionally resonant tone. The script is penned by Akiva Goldsman, who co-wrote the original screenplay, alongside Succession writer Georgia Pritchett. With this mix of returning talent and fresh creative minds, the sequel has all the ingredients for a modern magical classic.
Mark Your Calendars (and Your Spellbooks)
Practical Magic 2 will hit theaters on September 18, 2026. With Kidman and Bullock back in black (and likely cloaks), a powerhouse cast, and a fanbase more enchanted than ever, the sequel is shaping up to be a major moment in movie magic.
Lady Gaga launched her highly anticipated Mayhem Ball tour Wednesday night in Las Vegas, and true to its name, it delivered glitter, grit and glorious chaos.
Taking over the T-Mobile Arena, Gaga gave fans a high-octane mix of career-defining hits, new tracks from her Mayhem album, and just enough theatrical flair to make you wonder if Broadway had relocated to the Strip.
A Familiar Blueprint With Fresh Twists
The tour’s opening night closely mirrored the structure of her headline-making Coachella sets from earlier this year, but with several major shakeups in the second half. Longtime fan favorites “Just Dance,” “Applause,” and the deep cut “Summerboy” made triumphant returns to the stage. “Summerboy,” a track from The Fame, hadn’t been performed in 18 years, making it one of the night’s rarest gems.
Gaga also debuted the Mayhem track “Kill for Love” live for the first time, adding to the evolving mythology of her latest era.
Never one to play it safe, Gaga gave her Oscar-winning ballad “Shallow” a complete visual makeover, performing the song mid-air from a Venetian gondola suspended above the crowd. (Because why not?)
Her live version of “Die With a Smile,” the fan-favorite Bruno Mars collab, was also reimagined, stripped of its past polish and injected with moody new energy.
And just when audiences thought the spectacle had ended, after the dramatic crescendo of “Bad Romance” and faux end credits rolled, Gaga pulled a Marvel-style twist. The lights stayed down, the big screens lit up with backstage footage, and the pop powerhouse returned in a Cramps t-shirt for a gritty encore of “How Bad Do U Want Me.” Though it had popped up in previous performances this year, this was the track’s debut as a surprise closer.
While her 2025 U.S. run is limited to just six cities, Gaga is making each stop count. She’ll play multi-night stints in Las Vegas, Seattle, New York, Miami, Toronto and Chicago through September 17 before taking the show overseas to London, Stockholm, Rome, Paris and more. The European leg currently wraps November 20.
Compared to her previous Chromatica stadium tour, this arena-based trek is a more intimate experience. But given the demand, and the scale of her spectacle, it feels less like an underplay and more like a calculated tease.
As for what 2026 holds? Gaga hasn’t said. But if the opening night of Mayhem Ball proved anything, it’s that she still knows how to keep fans guessing, and gasping.
Ariana Grande is booked, busy, and clearly not abandoning music anytime soon.
In a comment that sent fans into a tailspin, the Wicked star popped up on social media this week to set the record straight about her artistic future. Responding to speculation that she might be stepping away from her singing career, Grande wrote: “Very silly of you all to assume that just because I have my hands full with many things that I plan to abandon singing & music… I’m working on a plan to sing for you all next year. Even if it’s just for a little.”
Ariana Grande teases a tour in 2026!
“so i’m working on a plan to sing for you all next year. even if it’s just for a little.” pic.twitter.com/eww87K4PKy
Naturally, that little tease was more than enough to ignite dreams of a full-blown 2026 tour. Grande hasn’t toured since 2019’s Sweetener World Tour, and fans are clearly eager to hear her powerhouse vocals live again, especially following her vocal showcase in the upcoming Wicked films.
From Oz to Seuss: Grande’s Next Chapter
While fans await her musical return, Grande is already booked for another fantastical world. Warner Bros. Pictures Animation just revealed that the pop superstar will voice a character in Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, an animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic book.
Announced via Instagram, the film will also star Josh Gad (Frozen, Spaceballs 2), and is being directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, Wicked). The movie will feature original songs by award-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen), promising a musical twist on the iconic story. The film is set to premiere in IMAX on March 17, 2028.
Originally published in 1990, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is one of Seuss’ most cherished titles, offering whimsical encouragement to readers as they embark on life’s unpredictable adventures. Grande’s casting aligns perfectly with her recent pivot into family-friendly blockbusters with major musical elements.
Grande’s Ongoing Rise
The announcement comes on the heels of Grande’s first Academy Award nomination for her role as Glinda in Wicked. She’ll reprise the role in the sequel, Wicked: For Good, set for release on November 21. She’s also been tapped for the next Meet the Parents sequel, joining comedy legends Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller.
Oh, the Places (and Stages) She’ll Go
Whether she’s taking center stage on tour or voicing a dreamy Seussian character, Ariana Grande is clearly far from slowing down. Between new music, movie roles, and major collaborations, 2025 and beyond are shaping up to be a pop princess power era.
And as she cheekily said herself, she’s working on a plan to sing for us next year. Even if it’s “just for a little,” we’ll take it.
Father’s Day is here, and while Hallmark might have you thinking it’s all about grills and neckties, we’re here to celebrate a different kind of daddy. That’s right, we’re tipping our hats (and maybe unbuttoning our shirts) to the proud, loving, hot gay dads who are raising kids, breaking stereotypes, and making parenthood look chic as hell.
From pop stars to political figures, these gay dads are doing it all, with style, substance, and a lot of heart. Let’s give it up for the daddies who have redefined what it means to be a father, one fabulous diaper change at a time.
Ricky Martin: Livin’ La Vida Papi
Ricky Martin may have once been the ultimate Latin heartthrob, but today, he’s better known as a devoted father of four. Since coming out in 2010, the singer has spoken candidly about his journey and the complexities of love and identity.
With twin sons Matteo and Valentino, daughter Lucia, and son Renn, shared with ex-husband Jwan Yosef—Martin has built a loving, modern family. Parenting may not come with backup dancers, but Ricky’s clearly still got all the right moves.
Photo: Instagram (@ricky_martin)
Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka: The Dynamic Dad Duo
When Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka became dads in 2010, they didn’t just double the gay dad energy, they multiplied it. With twins Harper and Gideon born via surrogate, the couple shared their story openly, even joking that they have “suspicions” about which child takes after whom.
But in truth, NPH summed it up best: “We are their parents and I love them both implicitly.” It’s less about genes, more about genius parenting.
Photo: Getty Images
Elton John & David Furnish: Rocket Dads
Sir Elton John may have a legacy in music, but his most cherished role is as a dad. With husband David Furnish, he welcomed sons Zachary and Elijah via the same surrogate.
“They’re our primary concern,” John has said. And if you think that’s sweet, just imagine Elton singing lullabies. Swoon.
(L-R) David Furnish, Elijah Furnish-John, Zachary Furnish-John, and Sir Elton John attend the 23rd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 22, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images
Matt Bomer & Simon Halls: Hollywood’s Handsome Househusbands
Matt Bomer and husband Simon Halls have three sons: Kit, Walker, and Henry. And in perhaps one of the most wholesome parenting anecdotes ever, Bomer once shared that his eldest “came out” as straight at age 14.
It was a moment of comedic love, and a testament to a home built on love and open dialogue. Hollywood, take notes.
Photo: X (@mattbomer)
Cheyenne Jackson & Jason Landau: Serving Sass and Sandwiches
Actor Cheyenne Jackson and his husband Jason Landau are raising twins Ethan and Willow with humor and heart. During dinner one night, Willow proclaimed, “I don’t think I’m gay,” and Ethan chimed in: “Yeah, I’m not gay either… but I want to go to the parade.”
Not all heroes wear capes. Some just want to support Pride and finish their mac and cheese in peace.
Photo: Instagram (@mrcheyennejackson)
Pete & Chasten Buttigieg: From Cabinet to Crib
America’s first openly gay Cabinet member, Pete Buttigieg, and his husband Chasten became parents in 2021 to twins Gus and Penelope. Parenthood, Pete says, has been full of joy, even in the chaos.
“It’s the most demanding thing I’ve ever done,” he admitted. That’s saying something from a man who’s faced congressional hearings and toddler tantrums.
Design gurus Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent are raising daughter Poppy and son Oskar with impeccable taste and profound love. Their emotional journey to parenthood, via surrogacy, remains a powerful example of perseverance and possibility.
When Nate cried in Poppy’s nursery before she arrived, hearts across America melted faster than a candle in a West Elm showroom.
Tan France & Rob France: Queer Eye, Baby’s First Year
Tan France and husband Rob are raising sons Ismail and Isaac, with all the grace and glam you’d expect. Tan has spoken lovingly about giving his children the sibling bond he and Rob each cherished growing up.
Karamo Brown: From Surprise Fatherhood to Super Dad
Queer Eye star Karamo Brown didn’t expect fatherhood, until he discovered he had a 10-year-old son named Jason. He not only embraced the challenge, but went on to adopt Jason’s half-brother, Chris.
Karamo’s advice to other parents? “Do just as much listening as you do talking.” And that, friends, is dad wisdom 101.
Photo: Tasia Wells/Getty Images
Andy Cohen: Bravo, Daddy!
TV host Andy Cohen welcomed Benjamin in 2019 and daughter Lucy in 2022. He’s been refreshingly candid about his journey, admitting he never thought it was possible for a gay man to have a family.
And now? He’s juggling diaper duty and Real Housewives reunions like a pro.
Photo: Instagram (@bravoandy)
Anderson Cooper & Benjamin Maisani: News Anchor, Nurturing Dad
CNN’s silver fox Anderson Cooper shares two sons with ex Benjamin Maisani. And while the nightly news can be bleak, fatherhood, he says, is “an extraordinary blessing.”
Grateful to his surrogates and hopeful for the future, Cooper is proof that journalistic integrity and fatherly warmth aren’t mutually exclusive.
Photo: Instagram (@andersoncooper)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson & Justin Mikita: Modern Family, Real Life
Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband Justin Mikita are raising Beckett and Sullivan. Ferguson jokes that Justin is the real “superpower” in the family—keeping everyone on schedule while he holds down the chaos.
The only thing more impressive than their parenting skills? That they’re still standing.
Photo: Instagram (@jessetyler)
Tom Daley & Dustin Lance Black: Diving into Dad Life
Olympic diver Tom Daley and Oscar-winning husband Dustin Lance Black became dads to son Robbie via surrogate. Tom has spoken about the pressure gay dads face to “overachieve” in parenting, just to prove they’re capable.
Spoiler alert: They are. And they’re doing it in gold-medal fashion.
Photo: Instagram (@dlanceblack)
Perez Hilton: Paparazzi Turned Papa
Longtime media personality Perez Hilton is raising three kids, Mario, Mia, and Mayte, all born via surrogacy. And while Perez once thrived on celebrity gossip, he’s now a vocal advocate for surrogacy rights and parenting equality.
These gay dads are not just breaking barriers, they’re building families full of love, laughter, and a little bit of sass. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate all the queer fathers out there redefining what it means to be a “dad.” Whether they’re famous or not, each of them is proof that love makes a family, and that sometimes, the hottest thing a man can be is a good parent.
At this point, asking whether the Tony Awards are queer is like asking if Broadway has ever met a jazz square. The answer is a resounding yes, darling. But even by its own rhinestone-encrusted standards, the 78th Annual Tony Awards delivered a sparkling showcase of LGBTQ+ excellence, drama, and cheeky acceptance speeches that had us cheering louder than a stage mom on opening night.
From historic wins and glittering gowns to impromptu dating app shoutouts and numbers choreographed “for the gaze” (not the gaze, the gays), this year’s Tonys offered a masterclass in fabulousness. Let’s pull back the curtain on the most iconic queer moments that had us tossing roses at our screens.
Cynthia Erivo Hosted, and Her Wardrobe Deserved Its Own Tony
Let’s get one thing straight, Cynthia Erivo is not. But also, she’s not just a host. She’s a moment. Fresh off a WorldPride concert, an album drop, and promoting Wicked: For Good, Erivo moonwalked into Radio City Music Hall and somehow made ten outfit changes look easy.
No opening monologue, no faux comedy routine, just pure star power, powerhouse vocals, and couture worthy of a museum. One look in particular, a glimmering red gown with white satin trim, gave heavy Annie-meets-Elphaba energy. It was co-designed by Zac Posen and Jason Bolden, but the real magic was Erivo’s calm, commanding presence.
Someone give her dresser a Lifetime Achievement Award. Stat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP8YtvXHxAw
Jonathan Groff Straddles Keanu, Remains Dry
Groff may not have taken home a trophy this year (Darren Criss beat him for Maybe Happy Ending), but he still delivered a high-octane tribute to Bobby Darin in Just in Time. Known for sweat-soaked performances that require a splash zone warning, Groff miraculously stayed dry while serenading, then straddling, Keanu Reeves.
Waterproof Groff is still gay rights.
Jonathan Groff climbing over Keanu Reeves in the audience and then straddling him while performing at the Tonys omg lol pic.twitter.com/Yg5BcEtLgc
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) June 9, 2025
Cole Escola, comedian, playwright, wig enthusiast, stole the show and the Tony for Best Leading Actor in a Play for Oh, Mary!, becoming the first non-binary actor to do so. Dressed in a custom silver Wiederhoeft gown with enough sparkle to blind George Clooney (who was also nominated), Escola offered the queerest acceptance speech of the night.
“Hi Mom. I love you. I’ll call when I can. Oh, and thank you to T-Bone from Grindr,” Escola quipped, casually cementing their legacy and their contact list in Tony history.
Oh, Mary! also snagged Best Direction for Sam Pinkleton and delivered a delightfully deranged take on Mary Todd Lincoln’s inner turmoil. It’s queer. It’s weird. It’s wonderful.
Maybe Happy Ending swept the Tonys with six wins, including Best Musical and Best Score, thanks to the writing duo of Will Aronson and Hue Park. During one of many acceptance speeches, Park charmingly let the world know he’s single. That tidbit echoed through the evening, with presenters and winners giving it playful shoutouts.
Cue the DM flood.
Jinkx Monsoon Pirates the Stage
Drag legend and two-time Drag Racewinner Jinkx Monsoon took to the stage as a pirate wench in Pirates! A Penzance Musical alongside David Hyde Pierce. Was the show snubbed? Sadly, yes. Was Jinkx playing a washboard in full swashbuckler drag a peak moment of the night? Absolutely.
Death Becomes Her Gives a Dazzling Queer-Encapsulated Performance and Paul Tazewell is on a Roll!
While we didn’t get BOOP! The Musical (justice for Betty!), we were gifted the gloriously camp spectacle of Death Becomes Her’s number “For the Gaze.” Picture Liza Minnelli doing a costume-change challenge with backup dancers in rainbow sequins and you’re still only halfway there.
Madeline Ashton, multiple wigs, and a final tableau that probably left several straight viewers emotionally unprepared, Broadway’s never been more in on the joke. Choreographer Christopher Gattelli really said, “Subtlety? Never met her.”
Costume designer Paul Tazewell earned a Tony for his breathtaking work on the show, adding to a trophy shelf that already includes a BAFTA and an Oscar for Wicked. Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Costume Design and remains a trailblazer in every sense.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_S_JjZh76s
Harvey Fierstein Finally Gets His Flowers
Harvey Fierstein already had four Tonys, but the Special Lifetime Achievement Award was long overdue. Though his award wasn’t televised (rude!), the moment was still monumental. Fierstein’s decades of blazing trails, be it with Torch Song Trilogy, La Cage aux Folles, or simply existing unapologetically, paved the yellow brick road for this new queer wave of thespians and theater connoisseurs.
Tears were shed were definitely shed in this poignant moment.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Francis Jue Round Out the Rainbow
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose won Best Play, adding to his Pulitzer Prize haul. Meanwhile, veteran actor Francis Jue won hearts (and critical acclaim) for his role in Yellow Face, reminding us all that queer Asian excellence has always been part of Broadway’s DNA.
Curtain Call
From Cynthia’s 10 looks to Cole’s historic win and Jinkx’s pirate couture, the 2025 Tony Awards proved once again that queerness isn’t just part of Broadway, it is Broadway. And as long as we have chorus boys in sequins and monologues that end with “I’d like to thank Grindr,” the theater will be in fabulous hands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBtzq3C-Wlc
Full List of Winner Below
Best Musical
Maybe Happy Ending
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Nicole Scherzinger, Sunset Blvd.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Darren Criss, Maybe Happy Ending
Best Revival of a Musical
Sunset Blvd.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!
Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending
Best Direction of a Play
Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary!
Best Revival of a Play
Eureka Day, Jonathan Spector
Best Play
Purpose
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Natalie Venetia Belcon, Buena Vista Social Club
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Kara Young, Purpose
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Jak Malone, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Francis Jue, Yellow Face
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Sarah Snook, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Maybe Happy Ending, Will Aronson (music and lyrics) and Hue Park (lyrics)
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Paul Tazewell, Death Becomes Her
Best Costume Design of a Play
Marg Horwell, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Dane Laffrey and George Reeve, Maybe Happy Ending
Best Scenic Design of a Play
Miriam Buether and 59, Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Jack Knowles, Sunset Blvd.
Best Lighting Design of a Play
Jon Clark, Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Best Choreography
Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck, Buena Vista Social Club
Saddle up, gays. This cinematic love story isn’t riding off into the sunset just yet.
Focus Features is celebrating 20 years of Brokeback Mountain with a limited theatrical re-release on June 22 and 25. The two-night-only event will feature the original film in all its sweeping, heartbreaking glory, plus a brand-new poster and promises of fresh merchandise. Yeehaw, but make it gay.
Directed by Ang Lee and starring Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams, the film broke box office expectations and cultural barriers when it premiered in 2005. It went on to gross more than $178 million worldwide and earned eight Academy Award nominations – winning three, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Photo: Focus Features
Photo: Focus Features
Photo: Focus Features
Photo: Focus Features
The Costume Fittings We Can’t Stop Staring At
Sure, we’re excited to see Brokeback in theaters again, but what’s really got the gays buzzing? The newly released behind-the-scenes and costume fitting photos. These rare gems show the cast in early wardrobe tests, serving peak Western realness and quiet intimacy before the cameras even started rolling.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s cowboy hat and tan button-downs? Heath Ledger’s corduroy and wool-inlined winter jacket? Brokeback Mountain definitely knew how to channel that cowboy couture in a way that left queer fans intrigued and yearning for more. These looks weren’t just outfits, they were character blueprints, layered in emotional nuance and, yes, pure gay fantasy.
Photo: Focus Features
Photo: Focus Features
Photo: Focus Features
Photo: Focus Features
The photos aren’t just a fashion moment, they’re a time capsule. You can almost feel the tension, the tenderness, the sheer weight of what was about to unfold onscreen.
A Love Story That Changed Cinema
If you’ve somehow never seen it, Brokeback Mountain follows Ennis Del Mar (Ledger) and Jack Twist (Gyllenhaal), two Wyoming ranch hands whose summer job in 1963 sparks a complex, decades-long love story. Adapted from Annie Proulx’s award-winning short story, the film is a masterclass in restrained passion, gut-punch heartbreak, and tender masculinity.
With a haunting score by Gustavo Santaolalla and songs from Willie Nelson and Rufus Wainwright, the film quickly became a touchstone for LGBTQ+ audiences, and a cinematic breakthrough that helped bring queer stories to the mainstream without compromise.
Why It Still Matters
Two decades later, Brokeback Mountain still hits hard. It was never just about cowboys, it was about shame, secrecy, longing, and love that refuses to be erased. And with these newly unearthed images, we’re reminded of just how much care and chemistry went into telling that story.
Whether you’re returning to Brokeback or riding into it for the first time, this anniversary re-release is more than just a movie, it’s a moment. Don’t miss it.
Why wait for the weekend? It’s 5 o’clock somewhere and Ma is back! She’s just picking up a few things… camp, chaos, and that iconic bob.
Blumhouse Productions has officially confirmed that a sequel to the 2019 cult horror-thriller Ma is in the works, with Academy Award-winnerOctavia Spencer set to reprise her instantly iconic role as Sue Ann, the small-town woman who just wanted to party with the teens… and maybe traumatize a few along the way.
One Woman, One Basement, Infinite Camp
When Ma first dropped in 2019, it quickly became more than just a box office surprise, it became a queer cult classic. With its blend of psychological horror, unhinged plot twists, and Spencer’s wild-eyed monologues (“Don’t make me drink alone!”), Ma became an instant camp classic.
Spencer’s character, Sue Ann, isn’t just a villain — she’s a moment. Equal parts menacing and meme-worthy, her line deliveries (“It’s five o’clock somewhere, haaaa!”) turned her into a gay icon practically overnight. The film’s tone, part thriller, part WTF fever dream, struck a particular chord with LGBTQ audiences, who embraced Ma’s chaotic energy like it was the final performance at a drag brunch.
So it’s no surprise that the gays (and the horror girlies) have been begging for a sequel. And now, it’s finally happening.
“Don’t Make Me Drink Alone” — Again
Blumhouse founder and CEO Jason Blum confirmed the news, saying:
“Ma has proven to be a social phenomenon since its release in 2019, with fans eagerly embracing the film and Octavia’s iconic performance as Ma. Ma likes to say ‘don’t make me drink alone,’ so we’re thrilled Octavia will join us again for a second round.”
At the time of writing, Spencer is the only original cast member attached to return, but the door is wide open for more familiar faces (and possibly some flashbacks, resurrections, or Ma’s twisted revenge fantasies). Fans are especially hoping Juliette Lewis will return for another round of awkward wine mom drama.
What Was Ma All About Again?
The original film followed Sue Ann, a lonely veterinary assistant in Ohio who befriends a group of teenagers by buying them alcohol and offering up her basement as a no-parents-allowed party zone. But things take a sharp turn when Ma begins inserting herself into the teens’ lives and revealing a sinister agenda rooted in her traumatic past.
By the time the credits roll, Ma’s home is in flames, literally, but as we all know, horror villains rarely stay down for long.
Since the announcement, Ma has been trending across social media platforms, with fans gleefully dusting off their favorite memes and catchphrases.
One user wrote, “MA 2 is finally happening with icon Octavia Spencer returning!! Even though there’s no correlation I feel like this is a win for Pride Month!! 🙂 lol,” while another joked, “ma 2 = ma² = MAMA”
The LGBTQ community in particular has welcomed the news with open arms (and open bottles). For many queer fans, Ma hit that sweet spot between psychological terror and sheer theatrical absurdity. It’s Showgirls meets Psycho, with a twist of boxed wine.
MA 2 is finally happening with icon Octavia Spencer returning!!
Beyond the jump scares and viral quotes, Ma carved out a unique space in the horror genre. It gave a powerhouse Black actress a rare opportunity to play a leading villain in a genre film, something still far too uncommon in Hollywood. Spencer’s performance managed to be hilarious, heartbreaking, and genuinely terrifying, often all in the same scene.
The movie’s depiction of small-town trauma, bullying, and isolation also resonated with viewers who’ve felt like outsiders. Sue Ann is unwell, sure, but she’s also the product of a world that overlooked and ridiculed her. She’s not just scary; she’s complicated.
And with a sequel on the way, it looks like we’ll be getting more of that deliciously twisted cocktail of camp and commentary.
Mother Monster racks up more history-making milestones, including Coachella, Spotify, and a record-breaking tour.
Lady Gaga is one step closer to achieving EGOT status — and she’s doing it in true Gaga fashion: boldly, iconically, and with just the right amount of sparkle.
On May 20, the multi-hyphenate superstar added a Sports Emmy to her ever-growing trophy shelf for her emotional performance of Hold My Hand ahead of Super Bowl LIX. The pre-game moment doubled as a tribute to victims of the New Orleans truck attack, California wildfires, and Hurricane Helene — blending Gaga’s signature theatricality with heartfelt advocacy.
The Sports Emmy is just one headline in what may be Gaga’s most electrifying year yet.
In early 2025, she dropped her seventh studio album Mayhem — a critical and commercial juggernaut. The record earned the biggest debut of the year for a female artist on Spotify, anchored by standout singles like Abracadabra, her highest solo debut to date.
Not to be outdone, Gaga’s Bruno Mars collab Die With a Smile shattered Spotify records for the longest-running daily No. 1 and picked up a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. In April, she surpassed Ariana Grande to become the most-streamed female artist globally, currently ranking third overall behind Bruno Mars and The Weeknd with more than 116 million monthly listeners.
Live Shows and Legend Status
Gaga’s stage dominance continues. She wowed festivalgoers during back-to-back Coachella headlining sets in April, then broke global records with a free Copacabana Beach concert that drew over 2.1 million attendees — the largest audience ever for a female performer.
In March, she accepted the iHeartRadio Innovator Award, delivering a powerful speech that called out ageism and sexism in the music industry.
“Even though the world might consider a woman in her late 30s old for a pop star — which is insane — I promise that I’m just getting warmed up,” she said.
The MAYHEM Ball Is Coming
Next, Gaga is taking Mayhem on the road. Her MAYHEM Ball Tour kicks off July 16 in Las Vegas and will travel through North America and Europe with stops in New York, Toronto, London, Barcelona and more.
If one thing’s clear, it’s this: Gaga’s not slowing down. EGOT status may be next, but she’s already a legend in her own right.
Oz fans, prepare to fly. Academy Award nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have announced a magical event that’s sure to send Ozians everywhere into a full-on Glinda twirl.
In a joint announcement on Wednesday, May 14, the duo revealed that the Wicked movie will return to theaters across the U.S. and Canada for one night only on Wednesday, June 4—and this special re-release comes with a long-awaited bonus: the debut of the first official trailer for Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated second installment of the two-part film adaptation.
We have an announcement! Wicked returns to theaters for one night only in the US & Canada on June 4 with a special first look at the Wicked: For Good trailer. Tickets on sale now. pic.twitter.com/F7SJHVSJo3
“We know you’ve been waiting for this, and it’s finally coming,” Erivo says in a teaser video, dressed in classic Elphaba green glamour.
“You will be changed,” adds Grande, alluding to one of the musical’s most iconic lines.
“…For good!” Erivo finishes with a wink.
The short video sent fans spiraling into full Broadway-fandom mode, trending across social media within hours. With over a year still to go before the sequel premieres, the trailer release marks the first major peek at what’s to come in Wicked: For Good.
Fans will be able to relive the magic of Wicked: Part One—which enchanted box offices in 2024—and be the first to witness the next chapter on the big screen. The limited-time theatrical return of the first Wicked film serves as a lead-up to Wicked: For Good, which is set to hit theaters on Friday, November 21, 2025.
Tickets for the June 4 event are available now through WickedMovie.com, and seats are expected to sell fast.
