No One Knew Why Eminem Was at the Oscars
“Lose Yourself” was not celebrating any anniversary, nor gaining new relevance. But it did pass the time okay.
Film
The Best Speech of Oscars Night
When Bong Joon Ho accepted the directing trophy for Parasite, his heartfelt remarks flipped a predictable-seeming ceremony into must-see live television.
How Joaquin Phoenix Disrupted Awards Season
The recalcitrant star—who won his first Oscar last night for Joker—turned industry recognition into an opportunity.
Parasite Won So Much More Than the Best Picture Oscar
Bong Joon Ho’s drama became the first South Korean film to nab the top prize. But its success as a global phenomenon was cemented long before last night.
The Lodge Is an Unsettling but Underwhelming Thriller
The new horror film from the creators of Goodnight Mommy features a nightmarish battle of wills between two kids and a mother figure whom they don’t entirely trust.
When Hollywood’s Power Players Were Women
Female writers, directors, and producers were pioneers of the silent-film era—but were pushed out of the industry as its influence grew.
The Long-Overdue Rise of Harley Quinn
The bombastic new film Birds of Prey helps the popular character build her own legacy apart from the Joker.
Kirk Douglas Was a Movie Star Ahead of His Time
The film legend, who died at age 103, was a bridge between cinema’s fusty beginnings and its more adventurous future.
The DC Comics Universe Is Ready for a Rebound
In Birds of Prey, both Harley Quinn and the studio behind her are reckoning with past mistakes.
The Assistant and the Messes Women Clean Up
Kitty Green’s new film portrays the cover-up of abusive behavior as both a menial everyday task and a slow process of desensitization.