T LOunge for March 4th 2025

Pin

Pin

Pin

Pin

PinGulliver Restaurant – Valencia, Spain

This is normally the time and place in which we would bitch and moan about it being TUESDAY, aka the most hellish day of the week, but we are entirely too busy for such matters. Settle in for another day of Oscars recapping and red carpetry, darlings. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

Demi Moore’s Oscars Loss Doesn’t Take Away From Her Impact
It was only once Moore stopped believing the lies about her own inadequacy that she was able to find the role she was made for, and that will resonate for much longer than any awards show.
During a night that had few surprises, Demi Moore’s Oscars loss for best actress stood out as unequivocally the biggest upset.
In a scene that seemed straight out of The Substance, Moore, the frontrunner for the Oscar for her lead role in the film, lost to Mikey Madison, the 25-year-old newcomer and star of the night’s best picture, the indie Anora.
As the camera trained its eye on her in front of the world, Moore looked a little shocked but quickly recovered to smile and applaud. Madison looked similarly surprised and immediately overcome as she walked to the stage, the win capping off her meteoric rise from unknown to one of the most celebrated actresses in Hollywood.

‘Anora’ Is A Modern Cinderella Story For Our Times
The Sean Baker-directed film, which stars Mikey Madison as a Brooklyn-based sex worker, won five Oscars at this year’s ceremony.
Anora, the scintillating and simmering Sean Baker-directed dark non-love story film, was finally rewarded for being the cinematic triumph that it is at this year’s Oscars ceremony, where it took home five awards, hot on the heels of a successful award season run.
The Palme d’Or-winning film, which has been considered the underdog of this year’s award season, tells the story of a meeting, marriage (and subsequent divorce) between sex worker Anora, Ani (Mikey Madison) and a rich scion Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn). It’s a modern-day Cinderella story that has nods to Pretty Woman. It’s fast, funny, frenetic, and Madison dazzles as Ani who is as fierce as she is fearless. It is a that’s whip-smart and wildly entertaining, but creeping under the surface of Anora’s appeal are its timely and pertinent political metaphors, which feel cacophonous against the backdrop of today’s America.

Did the Academy Get It Right? It’s Your Turn to Weigh In on the 2025 Oscar Winners
Was the Academy spot-on with this year’s Oscar winners, or did they miss the mark? Vote in our gallery to make your voice heard.
The only thing more fun than speculating every year about who will win an Oscar is arguing about whether the Academy Awards crowned the correct winners—or if you think the voting body somehow missed the mark. Below, we’ve listed all the winners from the 2025 Oscars. Scroll through and sound off on whether you think the ceremony was on-point with each one, then look to see if the rest of our readers agree with you. (And if you find yourself on the opposite side of the majority—well, that’s showbiz, kid!)

11 Oscar films that are considered problematic today
Looking back, these ones hit different.
The decision for the Best Picture accolade at the Oscars is always controversial. There are far too many different opinions, critics and fans to always make a good choice.
But if you look at a few old Oscar winners in preparation for and celebration of the 2025 Oscars, some films show their age more than others.
Our society is evolving – and that’s a good thing. Many things that might have been accepted by society in the past would no longer be said or even written into a script today. Moreover, a medium does not exist in a vacuum, and the behaviour of directors and actors also influences our view of films and series today.
These films are a product of their time – when they were made, many of them were not seen as problematic, perhaps because the cultural climate was different or certain actions of the actors and directors were not yet known. Nowadays, some statements or narratives would perhaps no longer be written into the script.

Barn jackets are still trending – here’s why they’re the perfect transitional cover up for Spring
Practicality meets style? Sign us up
While so much of fashion is about show stopping pieces that enter boldly into our consciousness until we can’t help but add them to our basket, sometimes it’s an unassuming item that takes hold. Occasionally a trend comes along so quietly that it isn’t until it gains momentum and you find yourself questioning why you don’t have one in your wardrobe already, you notice its influence.

Even though I’m a beauty editor, I wasn’t that familiar with this iconic brand’s products—these 6 have truly wowed me
I put them to the test
As a big feature of beauty department stores worldwide, I am confident I won’t be the first to introduce you to La Mer. With an undeniable luxury status, this brand’s products are also famous for being rather… expensive. For the uninitiated, part of what makes the best La Mer products so pricey is a little thing called “Miracle Broth”.
The brand’s story began when the founder, Dr Max Huber, was burned in a lab accident. This inspired him to research the healing powers of the sea and, some 12 years and 6,000 experiments later, the fermented concoction known as “Miracle Broth” was born. Made with hand-harvested sea kelp, known for its self-regenerative properties, this broth transformed the look of his skin. Every batch—which takes three to four months to develop—is formulated with a few drops of the batch that was made before it, meaning they all tie back to the original concoction.

Updos were everywhere at the Oscars, but Margaret Qualley’s sculptural look has started a new trend—here’s how it was created
Inspiration came from Audrey Hepburn and Catherine Deneuve
I’d need more hands to count the number of updos at the Oscars last night— and I watched the whole thing. While there were several standout looks, the collective memo seemed to be that of old Hollywood glamour—and is there anything more fitting? It is the biggest night in showbiz, after all.
There was Elle Fanning’s incredible precise, middle-parted bun, which sat high on the head. Ariana Grande’s Glinda-worthy look, and Lupita Nyong’o’s braided bun, which was adorned with pearls, but it was Margaret Qualley’s super sculptural, retro-inspired, coifed updo, which elicited a small gasp from me. The look, which was created by Anna Cofone—celebrity hairstylist and global creative advocate for Authentic Beauty Concept—saw The Substance actor’s hair pulled tight on top of her head, and then arranged into different coifs or rolls all over.

I test fragrances for a living—these 12 Zara perfumes give luxury alternatives a run for their money
Yes, while it was once a bit of a beauty insider secret, many of Zara’s perfumes have now reached viral status for their wide range of scents and affordable price point. In fact, they even previously collaborated with Jo Malone CBE on a special line of fragrances—proving that you really can enjoy expert-created scents without dropping hundreds of pounds.
Not only do they smell amazing, but all of these perfumes are under £30 which makes them even more appealing. They are perfect for throwing in your bag to apply throughout the day, and I always get compliments whenever I wear them out and about. In fact, after borrowing them, most of my friends have gone to Zara and purchased the perfumes themselves.

I just asked a make-up artist exactly how to contour lips for a fuller, more defined pout—and it’s surprisingly easy
Plus, the best products to use
As someone who would rate themselves as having absolutely zero make-up application skills, whenever I see a new make-up trend or technique take off I tend to put my head in the sand. You see, despite it being my actual job to write about the new trends, I know that there’s absolutely no chance of me being able to nail them myself or for them to have any impact at all on my everyday routines. I tend to move right along and explore something else. So it’s as much of a surprise to me as it is to anyone that I’ve been totally taken by one make-up trend that’s been dominating my social feeds over the last few weeks—lip contouring.

I’ve been stressed so tried the viral colour walk every day for a week – and am blown away by how calm I feel
Walking my way to zen.
For something that’s essentially one of our most basic human functions, there sure are a lot of different ways to walk. Rucking, Nordic walking, wellbeing walks, walking challenges – you name it, there’s a walking trend for it.
While I’ve long been a fan of the humble stroll, I must admit that my motivation to lace up my trainers when it’s grim outside can be low – but when I came across the viral colour walk trend while (ironically) mindlessly scrolling, my interest was piqued. I’ve long been a fan of the five senses grounding technique to calm my racing mind (in a nutshell, this is about bringing awareness to all of your senses to relieve stress) and the idea of a colour walk aligns well with everything I know about my nervous system – i.e. that distraction is a gift.

19 Pancake Day recipes for a next-level Shrove Tuesday, courtesy of TikTok
Can every day be pancake day?
Sweet-toothed readers, rejoice, as Pancake Day is officially upon us! This Shrove Tuesday falls on Tuesday 4th March and we could not be more excited to eat pancakes exclusively for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And perhaps a crêpe or two as a between-meal snack.
But what if you’re finding yourself stuck for pancake inspo? While we’re not averse to the traditional lemon juice and sugar toppings (sometimes the simplest combos are the best), we also can’t help but feel that Pancake Day is the perfect opportunity to get creative and try out combos that would usually have no place together on your plate. And where do you turn when you’re craving extra AF culinary wizardry? TikTok, of course!

Is ADHD making me a bad friend?
“It all started to click for me: ADHD might have contributed to my dwindling capacity for other people.”
The day I got my ADHD diagnosis, I didn’t have any mates to call. That was a stark reminder that, to date, I had lost countless special people. Having jumped from one ‘best friend’ to another from a very early age, always teetering on the edge of rejection with each person, I’d reached a point in life where there was no easy way to meet new friends, and the lost friendships were irretrievable.
During my ADHD assessment, one questionnaire asked me to rate my impairments in forming and maintaining close relationships and my ability to socialise. Another asked if I was unpopular with other children, was bossy or teased other children growing up. It all started to click for me: ADHD might have contributed at least to my general arseholeness and dwindling capacity for other people.

20 March Nail Ideas to Bookmark This Spring
Bring on the colorful designs.
A new month is upon us, and with that comes the excuse to try out a new nail color. March marks the start of the spring season where our cold-weather neutrals get swapped out for a brighter array of hues ranging from pastel pinks to sage green. It also means getting to experiment with some fun whimsical designs if you’re feeling adventurous.
Not sure where to start looking for inspo? Truly, there are so many different directions you could take your March nail mood board in. Whether you’re looking for something to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with or you’re excited to welcome back florals into your look, the world is your oyster.

What Makes Stinky Cheese, Well, Stinky, and Why You Should Try It
Behind that aroma is a complex cheese packed full of flavor.
Just because an ingredient or dish is polarizing doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. As a child I didn’t like mushrooms — their somewhat slippery texture can be off-putting — but learning to love them over the years has opened up new opportunities to enjoy a meaty, umami-packed, and versatile ingredient. What would I do without buttery mushroom pastas and crispy fried fungi in my life now?

Gumbo Is a Taste of Louisiana History — Here’s What to Know (and How to Make It)
This iconic stew has a complicated history. Here’s how gumbo became emblematic of both Creole and Cajun cuisines.
A mouthwatering bowl of gumbo is not just an iconic dish, but an invitation to learn about the foodways of Louisiana.
“I have to be careful about speaking in terms of specific rules [about gumbo],” says author, journalist, and New Orleans native Lolis Eric Elie, a former columnist for The Times-Picayune and script editor for acclaimed television series like Treme and Hell on Wheels. “I have a very dear friend from Cajun country who makes a very good dish he calls gumbo, but that’s not at all what I’d call gumbo.”
Whether the gumbo you deem “authentic” is Creole or Cajun, thinner like at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant or thicker like the version served at Radosta’s in Metairie, Louisiana, and whether it’s thickened with okra or roux, it’s crucial to maintain a dialogue with the dish’s tradition, says Elie.

Forget Meat and Potatoes, Ireland’s Seafood Era Is Upon Us and It’s Delicious
A new cohort of chefs is embracing locally caught seafood like never before; here are the restaurants, oyster shacks, and fish and chippers you should visit.
If you love seafood, Ireland is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the fishy side of the menu. Astonishingly, this has not always been the case. You’d figure that, with its thousands of miles of coastline and its prime position as one of the North Atlantic’s richest fishing grounds, this island nation would be a venerable bastion of seafood cookery. Instead, the Irish have traditionally looked landward for their ingredients: beef and butter from Kerry cattle and heaping plates of bacon and cabbage.

Millie Bobby Brown Calls Out Journalists for Criticizing Her Appearance: “This Isn’t Journalism, This Is Bullying”
The ‘Stranger Things’ actress has faced a barrage of negative comments on social media and from some media while she has been conducting ‘The Electric State’ press tour.
Millie Bobby Brown has had enough. The British actress took to Instagram on Monday night, to hit back more forcefully at people on social media and the press who have commented on her appearance during the press tour for her new movie The Electric State, and also went so far as to name the journalists who have written stories about her appearance publicly.
In a near three-minute video, Brown discussed how she had been in the public eye since the age of 10, when she was breakout star on Netflix’s monster hit series Stranger Things. “I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason people can’t seem to grow up with me,” Brown said. “Instead, they act like I’m supposed to stay frozen in time, like I should still look the way I did on Stranger Things season one, and because I don’t, I’m now a target.”

20 Times the Oscars Got It Wrong
Yes, we’re still talking about ‘Crash’ winning the best picture over ‘Brokeback Mountain,’ but we also can’t get over snubs for ‘Selena,’ ‘The Lego Movie,’ ‘Hoop Dreams,’ ‘L.A. Confidential’ and more. Also, how have Glenn Close and Annette Bening never won an Oscar?!
Do the Oscar voters always get it right?
We don’t think so. They are not infallible, just like the rest of us. Sometimes a movie or performance gains momentum for any number of reasons and goes on to win — but in retrospect, it perhaps was not actually the best of that year.
That got us thinking. What would we change if given the opportunity? Here, The Hollywood Reporter staffers share their picks for the films that should have won, the performances that should have been recognized, and the snubs we just can’t get over. (Click here to see what folks in Hollywood think were overlooked.)
Will the films that win at Sunday’s Oscars ultimately be deemed the most deserving in 10, 20, 30 years? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, take a look at some of the folks and films we believe were egregiously overlooked and snubbed throughout Oscars history.

Death Match: The Annual Drama Over the Oscars In Memoriam Segment
Where will Gene Hackman fit? Michelle Trachtenberg? Shannen Doherty? An inside look at the show’s most fraught four minutes.
The Oscars’ annual In Memoriam segment is a cathartic palate cleanser, a chance to take a break from all those speeches and prize festivities.
And a source of intrigue, suspense, shock and outrage.
“It’s an Oscar ritual that always has a rustle of drama beneath the surface,” says Michael Schulman, an Academy Awards expert and author of the 2023 book Oscar Wars. “No matter what happens, there will be 10 headlines about who was snubbed posthumously, and there’s nothing that can be done about it.” (Anne Heche’s friends could tell you something about that.)

Dolly Parton’s Ultra-Private Husband of Nearly 60 Years, Carl Thomas Dean, Dies at 82
The couple wed in 1966 but Dean avoided the spotlight
Carl Thomas Dean, Dolly Parton’s ultra-private husband, has died at the age of 82.
Dean married the country legend in 1966 but eschewed the spotlight. He never attended public events with his wife, and the singer shared only a handful of photos of him over the years.
Parton shared the news of her longtime spouse’s death via Instagram on Monday, March 3. His cause of death was not immediately announced.
“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie,” the post read.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy,” Parton’s post continued. “The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”

Walton Goggins and Danny McBride on Nervous Breakdowns and Spiritual Awakenings
Walton Goggins is a searcher. On-screen or in life, he’s always chasing something—truth, connection, the perfect story. From Boyd Crowder’s ruthless charisma in Justified to Venus Van Dam’s raw vulnerability in Sons of Anarchy, Goggins has built a career on exploring the uncharted depths of his characters. Recently, the 53-year-old Alabama native has found a creative home alongside Danny McBride, delivering outrageous performances in the HBO comedies Vice Principals as the conniving Lee Russell and The Righteous Gemstones as the wild-eyed grifter Baby Billy Freeman. Now, Goggins is bringing his offbeat charm to Mike White’s sun-soaked, morally tangled universe in season three of The White Lotus—an experience, he tells McBride, that defied all expectations.

Jaws: The Exhibition
Experience Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) like never before. Jaws: The Exhibition is the first-ever exhibition of this scale at the Academy Museum, focused exclusively on a single film, and the largest mounted exhibition ever for Jaws, the Oscar®-winning film from Universal Pictures. It celebrates the film’s 50th anniversary and revisits Jaws scene by scene, through original objects, behind-the-scenes revelations, and interactive moments. Curated with direct access to the collections from Steven Spielberg and The Amblin Hearth Archive, NBCUniversal Archives & Collections, and more, the exhibition dives deep into the film’s production history and explores its enduring impact.

7 Common Hosting Mistakes to Avoid at Your Next Party, According to Event Planners
Nail your next celebration, from invites to clean-up, with these expert suggestions.
Hosting a party of any size—whether it’s your extended family for Thanksgiving or your college roommates’ annual reunion—can feel like it requires an overwhelming amount of planning. From knowing when to send the invitations (and if you should!) and how to set up the bar to ordering the right number of glasses and remembering an extra trash can, keeping the details of your event on track is key to a successful gathering. And it’s not always easy.
To stay a step ahead, we asked event experts to lay out the most common obstacles that trip up both amateur and experienced hosts so that you can learn from everyone else’s mistakes—instead of making your own.

How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine So They’re Like New Again
You’re going to want to read this first before you hit start.
A pair of scuffed-up shoes can ruin the look of an outfit. Frustrating, yes—but before you banish them from your closet, know that your shoes may have a lot of life still left in them. Before you give up on them entirely, try cleaning them first. You might be surprised by the results. And if the particular pair is machine-washable, cleaning your shoes can be as simple as hitting a few buttons.
We turned to our laundry experts for the safest way to wash shoes in a washing machine that will have them looking like new again.

[Photo Credit: laurayerpes.com, restaurantegulliver.es]

• T LOunge