Pop heavyweights Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, and Celine Dion have been drawn into a heated online debate over their chances of entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

They are among the top 50 best-selling music artists of all time who are eligible for the honor but have yet to be inducted, leaving fans with more questions than answers.

Meanwhile, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has specific criteria artists must meet before it can consider them.

Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, And Britney Spears’ Rock Hall Absence Fuels Debate

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Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Britney Spears are at the center of an online debate about music greats who remain outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame despite being eligible for consideration.

Despite their accomplishments and standing in the music industry, the trio has yet to be inducted. They rank among the top 50 best-selling artists of all time and are still awaiting the honor.

What has seemingly left fans dumbfounded is that some have already received recognition from other prominent institutions.

For instance, Carey has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, while Dion’s honors include induction into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame and recognition on Canada’s Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Fans Clash Over Whether The Pop Trio Deserve Induction

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Music lovers took to social media to share why the trio remains outside the Hall despite being eligible for consideration.

“As much as I love Britney, I don’t think she really deserves it,” a Reddit user wrote. “Obviously she was phenomenally successful, but she’s not much of an artist on the technical level (and I think she would happily admit that). Mariah will get it eventually. I think Barbra and Celine are too close to call could go either way.”

“Mariah, maybe. Celine and Britney have always felt like manufactured pop products. Neither generally wrote their own songs. At least Celine always had those vocals,” another user opined.

Others debated whether rock musicians should take priority over artists from other genres, including pop.

“There are plenty of rock acts that should be inducted before the pop acts,” one user noted.

Mariah Carey Brushes Off Third Consecutive Rock Hall Snub

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Carey, who received three consecutive nominations in 2024, 2025, and 2026, was passed over again this year.

The omission came despite an enviable résumé that includes 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, six No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, and five Grammy Awards.

However, she revealed in an April interview with TMZ that it didn’t bother her. Asked whether she was angry about being passed over, she told the interviewer, “No.”

The singer then shared a message for fans who had been defending her, saying, “I love my fans, always.”

When the interviewer noted that she had already won “a lot of awards,” she replied, “Who cares? Like, give it to somebody else, fantastic.”

Rock Hall Sets November Ceremony As Mariah Carey Misses Out

This year’s induction ceremony will be held on November 14 in Los Angeles and air on ABC and Disney+ in December, per Billboard.

Artists set to be inducted in the performer category include Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Wu-Tang Clan, and the late Luther Vandross.

Nominees who missed out alongside Carey include The Black Crowes, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, and Jeff Buckley.

How Artists Make It Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

The induction process begins when a nominating committee of current inductees, artists, historians, journalists, and other music industry figures comes together to create the year’s ballot of eligible nominees.

To qualify, artists must “have had their first commercial release at least 25 years prior to the year of Induction.” They must also demonstrate musical excellence, impact, and influence.

An international voting body of inductees, historians, and music industry members then casts its votes. The aggregate results of the online fan vote count as one ballot.

The final list of inductees is announced across several categories, with the honorees then celebrated at the induction ceremony.

The biggest stars are usually expected to have a victory speech ready. Ella Langley, however, sounded more like someone trying to wake herself up from an unbelievable dream. 

Just hours after making Billboard history and surpassing one of music’s most enduring records, the country singer wasn’t talking about legacy or dominance. 

She was talking about confusion, gratitude, and the strange feeling that somebody might suddenly appear and tell her none of it actually happened.

Ella Langley’s Historic Moment Comes With An Unexpected Reality Check

For months, “Choosin’ Texas” has been impossible to ignore. The song steadily grew from a country hit into a cultural force, turning Ella Langley into one of the most dominant artists in music.

Now, the track has officially spent 23 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a new all-time record and surpassing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” 

According to the Daily Mail, the achievement places Langley alone at the top of a list that also includes blockbuster chart runs from Lil Nas X, Shaboozey, Morgan Wallen, Justin Bieber, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, and Boyz II Men.

What makes the accomplishment even more remarkable is that it arrived only months after another milestone. 

Earlier this year, “Choosin’ Texas” surpassed Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Getting Back Together” for the most weeks at No. 1 by a female country artist.

Yet while the industry was busy measuring records, Langley appeared more focused on processing the moment itself.

Langley Admits The Entire Situation Feels Too Big To Believe

The reaction fans might have expected never came. Instead of delivering a polished celebration, Ella Langley posted an Instagram video that felt almost stunned by the news.

“I’m genuinely trying to find the words to help explain what’s going on in my brain today,” she said from beside her pool.

The 27-year-old thanked listeners for embracing the song but repeatedly returned to one central idea: disbelief.

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“Thank you so much. Thank you for loving this song. For listening to it. I don’t even know what to say at this point. I’m running out of hyperboles to describe how I feel, so I will just let my dog in the background show you his excitement,” Langley explained.

Then came the admission that may have explained why fans connected so strongly with her rise. 

She said, “It doesn’t feel like a real thing. It feels fake and somebody is going to come and say, ‘Haha, we’re kidding the whole time.’”

Ella Langley Says ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Changed More Than Just Her Career

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Long before the record fell, Langley was already grappling with the pressure that came with the song’s explosive success. 

Last year, she stepped away from touring commitments and retreated to Alabama, eventually settling into a secluded waterfront home near her parents as she tried to escape the constant spotlight surrounding her rise.

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That experience seemed to shape how she viewed the song’s success. Rather than focusing on trophies or statistics, Langley emphasized the ripple effect the record had had on the people around her.

In her words, “It’s changing my life. It’s changing the lives of the writers of this song. It’s changing the lives of my family and it is truly growing in atmosphere for something I’m going to be able to do for the rest of my life.”

And with history now officially on her side, Langley seemed ready to stop overthinking and enjoy the moment. 

“I’m going to go out and celebrate tonight and I’m really excited to just experience a moment like this in my life,” the star revealed.

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Langley’s Fans Say The Record Couldn’t Have Happened To A More Authentic Artist

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While Ella Langley was still trying to wrap her head around her history-making achievement, fans in her comment section seemed far more certain about what the moment represented.

The singer’s Instagram video quickly filled with messages from supporters who said the record felt earned after watching her rise over the past year.

One fan wrote, “Never been so proud of a girl I’ve never even met, but I can just tell you deserve it!”

Another fan admitted they had been tracking “Choosin’ Texas” as it chased the record. “Congrats Ella! We’ve been waiting to see if the song would do it and it didn’t disappoint,” the supporter shared.

A recurring theme in the comments was Langley’s authenticity, which many fans credited with her growing success. “Love you Ella! You deserve all the accolades and most importantly thank God it’s to someone with some damn authenticity,” one admirer wrote.

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Even amid the celebrations, some followers hoped the singer would stay grounded as her career reaches new heights.

“You are amazing lady please don’t let fame ruin your life keep your feet firmly on the ground we all love you Ella Langley,” another fan commented.

Ella Langley’s Breakout Year Reaches A New Stage With Nine CMA Nominations

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The headlines surrounding “Choosin’ Texas” have largely focused on records, milestones, and history-making chart runs. However, inside Nashville, another measure of success carries just as much weight.

Earlier this month, The Associated Press reported that the Alabama native emerged as the leading nominee for the 2026 CMA Awards with nine nominations, putting her ahead of every other artist on this year’s ballot. 

The nominations span virtually every major category, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for “Dandelion,” and Single of the Year, where she earned nods for both “Choosin’ Texas” and “Be Her.”

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The recognition extended beyond Langley herself. Her mentor, Miranda Lambert, who co-produced “Dandelion” and helped write “Choosin’ Texas,” also picked up multiple nominations.

Prince William is facing criticism after Tom Cruise offered Kate Middleton a helping hand during the world premiere of his new movie, “Digger.” The Hollywood star held the Princess of Wales’ hand and carefully guided her down a flight of stairs inside London’s ODEON Luxe Leicester Square. William was nearby, but some social media users questioned why Kate’s husband was not the one assisting her. The moment drew even more attention because it wasn’t the first time Cruise had extended his hand to the princess at one of his premieres.

Tom Cruise Holds Kate Middleton’s Hand At ‘Digger’ Premiere

William and Kate, both 44, joined Cruise, 64, and several other stars at the September 22 premiere of “Digger,” the actor’s new dark comedy directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. The Prince and Princess of Wales walked the red carpet before meeting cast and creative team members. However, one of the night’s most widely discussed moments occurred as the group made its way down the theater’s stairs.

Cruise reached out to Kate, who accepted his hand as he guided her down the steps. The Sun described the actor as a “gentleman” for offering his assistance. Footage of the interaction quickly circulated online, where attention soon shifted from Cruise’s manners to William’s apparent lack of involvement.

Prince William Branded ‘Not A Gentleman’

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A Reddit post sharing the footage accused William of failing to help his wife. The discussion attracted several sharply worded reactions about the future king’s behavior.

“William is not a gentleman,” one commenter declared. Another viewer argued that it took “a special kind of skill to make Tom Cruise appear the better man,” while someone else said the actor made up for his lack of height with “manners.”

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One user also told William to “step up” and questioned why Cruise appeared more attentive to Kate on the stairs than her own husband. The reactions represented individual interpretations of a brief public interaction. There is no indication that Kate was upset with William or needed assistance to descend the steps.

Fans Compare Tom Cruise And Prince William

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Several commenters believed the contrast between the two men made William look particularly bad.

“Tom at least recognizes the importance of appearances and looking chivalrous,” one person wrote, noting that Cruise has remained relevant partly because he understands the importance of maintaining his public image. Another commenter claimed that William was “so bad” he made Cruise “look like a saint,” while a third alleged that William did not even look toward Kate as the actor escorted her down the stairs. Others expanded the discussion beyond the premiere and accused the Prince of Wales of habitually walking ahead of his wife during public appearances.

Not Everyone Thought Kate Middleton Needed Help

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The criticism was not unanimous. One Reddit user pointed out that Kate is “a full grown woman” who can navigate stairs without assistance. The commenter suggested Cruise may have been behaving “over the top” because he enjoyed the opportunity to be seen helping a member of the royal family. The princess also appeared comfortable throughout the exchange and willingly accepted Cruise’s hand. Nothing about the interaction suggested tension among the three.

William, Kate and Cruise posed together and appeared in good spirits during the event. People described the evening as a glamorous reunion between the royal couple and the Hollywood star.

Tom Cruise Previously Helped Kate Middleton In 2022

It’s not the first time Tom Cruise was more attentive and gentlemanly to Kate Middleton than William 🤷🏻‍♀️
Willy is literally looking right at their hands….. I have to ask – are WanK swingers 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/jBHjKr7tiw

— Veritas (Eimíle) (@theroyaleditor) September 23, 2026

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The latest interaction recalled a nearly identical moment at the London premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick” in May 2022. Cruise offered Kate his hand as she walked up a set of stairs while wearing a fitted black-and-white Roland Mouret gown. The gesture earned the actor praise at the time, although it also generated debate about whether touching a royal breached protocol.

The Blast previously reported that Cruise escorted the then-Duchess of Cambridge up the stairs while William adjusted his jacket and tie. Four years later, Cruise’s decision to help Kate again has renewed that conversation, only this time, much of the attention has fallen on William. The premiere still seemed like a friendly reunion. William and Cruise share an interest in aviation, while the prince serves as president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. “Digger,” which stars Cruise as an oil tycoon whose actions unleash an environmental catastrophe, is scheduled to arrive in theaters in October. For some viewers, however, the movie was not the biggest talking point of the night. It was seeing Cruise once again extend his hand to Kate while her husband stood nearby.

Tom Cruise is just like Us — a Swiftie, that is.

When asked at the London premiere of his new film Digger if he’d ever say yes to starring in a Taylor Swift music video, the actor, 64, showered praise on the pop star, 36.

“It would be amazing to work with her on anything,” Cruise told BuzzFeed U.K. on Tuesday, September 22. “I make movies, you know, let’s go make a movie. I think she’s such a talent in anything she does. She’s absolutely brilliant. She’s a brilliant writer. Brilliant.”

The Cocktail star, who hit the Leicester Square premiere with Prince William and wife Kate Middleton among a string of celebrities, added that he believes Swift would prove to be an exceptional director should she pursue a cinematic career.

“Her ability, you know, we were talking about … if she ever decided to direct, she could be a director of feature films. I know she does her videos and she does a beautiful job,” he said during the interview, adding that she, her family and her husband, Travis Kelce, were all “very magical.”

Cruise and Swift’s friendship was on full display during the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14. Spotted enjoying the game alongside the pop star in her private suite, Cruise later revealed that she had taught the actor more than a thing or two about what they were watching.

“She was schooling me on football. She was bringing the football [knowledge],” Cruise told Jimmy Fallon on the Thursday, September 17, episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, before complementing his famous friend again.

“First of all, she’s a genius,” Cruise continued. “I’ve been following her since she was a kid. Everybody there, all their friends … they’re a beautiful couple and magical in their own right.”

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Cruise was in attendance at Kelce, also 36, and Swift’s July 3 wedding at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, which was officiated by fellow film star Adam Sandler.

Earlier this month, Kelce used the same term — “magical” — to describe his nuptials during the September 2 episode of his “New Heights” podcast. “We wanted to do it somewhere where we could have a very intimate and genuine setting without a lot of distractions. We needed it to be a private feel. And MSG went above and beyond to give us that. I can’t thank everybody enough that showed up but also that helped put the show on, and it was a very magical, magical night,” he shared at the time.

He also noted that he wished the evening could’ve “lasted even longer” than it did. “It felt like it just happened in the blink of an eye,” Kelce fondly reflected.

Calling a mystery movie brilliant is always a little risky, because the whole thing can fall apart the second the reveal feels cheap, the clues stop making sense, or the final answer turns out to be less interesting than the questions. A great mystery has to keep the audience curious without cheating them. It has to make every detail feel like it belongs to a larger design.

That kind of control is hard to pull off, especially in modern movies where audiences have seen every obvious twist coming from a mile away. The films on this list avoid that problem. They understand mystery as more than a puzzle. Let’s count down the six movies that actually pull it off in my opinion.

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‘The Handmaiden’ (2016)

Image via Amazon Studios/ CJ Entertainment

The Handmaiden takes the old con-artist setup and turns it into something far richer, stranger, and more intoxicating. The plot kicks off when Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri) arrives at Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee)’s isolated estate pretending to be a naive maid, but she is really there to help Count Fujiwara (Ha Jung-woo) manipulate Hideko out of her fortune. At first, the manor feels like a beautiful trap, all private rooms, heavy fabrics, locked desires, and conversations where everyone seems to be measuring everyone else.

However, this trap is an illusion. The film pulls the floor out from under its own story. The intimacy becomes real. Every touch carries danger. The bath scene, with the thimble scraping against Hideko’s sharp tooth, says more than a whole confession could. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the movie hits rewind and flips the whole perspective. Suddenly, you’re piecing it all together from a totally different angle, watching a dirty hustle turn into a deeply satisfying jailbreak.

5

‘Decision to Leave’ (2022)

Image via CJ Entertainment

Usually crime stories start with a dead body and end in handcuffs. On the other hand, Decision to Leave begins like a murder investigation and slowly turns into a wound that neither person knows how to close. The film follows Detective Hae-jun (Park Hae-il), an insomniac investigator defined by his red eyes, his constant use of eye drops, and a professional calm that looks increasingly fragile. Then the exact wrong case lands on his desk. An experienced climber falls from a mountain peak. But, his widow, Song Seo-rae (Tang Wei), doesn’t shed a single tear.

That calmness pulls Hae-jun in. The interrogation room becomes intimate. The late-night surveillance outside Seo-rae’s apartment feels less like police work and more like a man teaching himself how to want the wrong thing. It nails that weird modern feeling of being deeply connected to someone through a translation app or a recorded whisper, wrapping both of them in a private bubble. As a result, desire eventually overrules the badge. He destroys evidence just to keep her in his orbit, willingly protecting the woman he was supposed to put away. Sometimes, the real mystery is why we look the other way.

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‘Shutter Island’ (2010)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Shutter Island is the kind of mystery that instantly makes the setting feel guilty. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) arrives seasick and war-haunted at an offshore asylum with Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), searching for a missing patient who has somehow vanished from a locked institution. The rain-lashed grounds, suspicious psychiatric staff, barred rooms, and leaking corridors of Ward C all seem designed to keep the viewer uncomfortable before the case even deepens.

Once that initial discomfort sets in, the movie itself starts losing its grip on reality. Continuity errors, strange edits, patient interviews, missing files, migraine flashes, and notes about “The Law of 4” keep nudging Teddy and the audience toward paranoia. The storm outside is nothing compared to the one inside Teddy’s mind. Hallucinations of fire, ash, and his wife’s yellow dress keep halting the investigation. The missing-patient case is just bait. The real mystery is the lengths a shattered identity will go to avoid looking at its own tragedy.

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‘Gone Girl’ (2014)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Long before it became a pop-culture blueprint for toxic suburban warfare, David Fincher’s Gone Girl turns a failing marriage into a crime scene and then lets the whole country contaminate it. The story starts with Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) returning home on his fifth wedding anniversary to an open door, a shattered living room table, and Amy Elliott Dunne (Rosamund Pike) gone. Consequently, when Detective Rhonda Boney (Kim Dickens) walks in, the mess feels completely staged. Soon after, diary entries, resentment, and awful timing start building Nick into the perfect monster.

The trap is set with ice-cold, vicious humor. Nothing escapes notice. Even Nick’s sideways half-smile beside the missing poster becomes its own piece of evidence once the cameras catch it. Luminol reveals cleaned blood in the kitchen. Cable news turns grief into performance. Every jaw clench, rehearsed smile, and passive-aggressive memory becomes part of the trial before the trial. Finally, Amy takes ownership of the story, and the film becomes a masterclass in weaponized image-making. The mystery is brilliant, but the satire is even sharper.

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‘Prisoners’ (2013)

Image via Warner Bros.

Prisoners hits hard because it turns a normal Thanksgiving into panic almost immediately. It starts with Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), who is with family and neighbors when two young girls vanish from the street, and the whole movie tightens from there. Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) takes the case, but when Alex Jones (Paul Dano) is released for lack of evidence, Keller decides to take the matter in his own hands.

The film moves with a nasty, rain-soaked urgency. Every new lead feels like a breakthrough. Every dead end makes Keller more dangerous. Meanwhile, Loki’s twitchy focus keeps the collapsing investigation alive. Keller keeps spiraling into total darkness, yet the movie never lets the search lose momentum. Then that distant whistle echoes from the pit, and the entire movie just locks its grip on your chest.

1

‘Knives Out’ (2019)

Image via Lionsgate

Knives Out locks down the top of the list because it makes the old mansion murder mystery feel alive again without treating the genre like a museum piece. The film begins with Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), who is found with his throat cut after his 85th birthday party, and the family instantly turns grief into theater. Everyone talks about love, loyalty, and legacy. Meanwhile, they are all quietly measuring their distance to the inheritance. The house helps sell that pleasure too, with its staircases, hidden corners, strange antiques, and that absurd wheel of knives looming behind Harlan like the whole room is waiting to accuse someone.

The film is special because Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas) is stuck at the center of the mess. She is scared. She is decent. And she is carrying a secret so dangerous that every casual question from Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) feels like a steel trap snapping shut. Her vomiting reflex turns lying into physical suspense, which is such a perfect murder-mystery device. Marta outlasts a family that completely underestimated her kindness. That balcony shot with the mug? Ridiculously satisfying. It is clever, funny, mean when it needs to be, and built to be watched on repeat.

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Knives Out

Release Date

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November 27, 2019

Runtime

131 minutes

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Director

Rian Johnson

Writers

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Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman

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Emma Roberts gave Us another reason to trade basic ballet flats for something with a little more personality this fall. Her T-strap Mary Jane style has the same easy, walkable appeal, but with a throwback silhouette that makes even everyday denim feel intentional. Add a rich burgundy finish, and the vintage-inspired style feels especially fitting for fall 2026.

With out to dinner with husband Cody John and a friend, Roberts stepped out in burgundy T-strap Mary Jane flats, which she paired with dark-wash jeans, a blue and white tee and a beige scarf tossed around her neck. The combination had French girl charm and a little old Hollywood appeal. She inspired Us to find a similar pair on Amazon to channel her look for the season.

Get the Dream Pairs T-Strap Mary Jane Flats for $31 (was $40) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Dream Pairs T-Strap Mary Jane Flats capture the classy feel of Roberts’ shoes with a semi-square toe, slim T-strap and silver buckle hardware. A soft-touch faux leather upper gives them a polished finish, while a plush insole and padded heel are designed to keep you comfortable for hours. And unlike heels, these shoes are easy enough to wear for everything from dinner dates to a full day of walking.

Related: Get Katie Holmes’ Sporty NYC Rich Mom Matching Set Look for $25

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Katie Holmes has basically mastered the art of looking like an NYC rich mom, and her latest outfit might be one of the easiest to copy yet. Instead of jeans or leggings, the actress reached for a relaxed matching set that somehow made loungewear feel appropriate for a coffee run, lunch date and everything in […]

Shoppers are equally into their mix of pretty and practical style. One reviewer called them “cute and feminine,” adding that they’re an “easy way to dress up an outfit without having to wear heels.” That makes them an especially easy swap when ballet flats feel too basic but heels sound like a pain.

Another shopper described them as “comfortable and versatile,” noting that they “make great seasonal transition shoes.”

Along with the deep burgundy shade that channels Roberts’ pair, the flats come in brown suede, classic black and several other finishes that work beyond autumn. They’re also available in sizes 6 through 11, making it easy to find the most ideal fit for you.

These $31 T-strap Mary Janes are easy way to give jeans, trousers and fall dresses a retro twist without completely changing your wardrobe. Wear them now with cropped denim and a trench, then add tights and a midi skirt once temperatures drop. If anything, Roberts’ shoe style confirms that the throwback silhouette is the prettiest way to give your everyday flats a fall 2026 update.

Get the Dream Pairs T-Strap Mary Jane Flats for $31 (was $40) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Dream Pairs here, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –> 

Related: Jessica Alba’s Luxe Loafer Style Is the Rich-Lady Shoe of Fall 2026

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If sneakers have been dominating your fall wardrobe, Jessica Alba might convince you to give them a day off. The actress just stepped out in chunky black loafers that made even the simplest basics look expensive. With their platform sole and classic shape, they have the rich-lady energy we want from fall shoes. On September […]

Star Wars: Ahsoka officially returns for its second run in early 2027 after almost four years away. The new season, currently in post-production, will see Rosario Dawson reprise her role as the title character, with Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ivanna Sakhno, Eman Esfandi, and Hayden Christensen. While fans eagerly await the sci-fi hit’s grand return, creator Dave Filoni has some interesting Season 2 news, particularly involving Star Wars‘ strangest era.

When Ahsoka Season 1 ended, the eponymous character and Sabine were left stranded on Peridea along with master-and-apprentice duo Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati (Sakhno). Skoll, who will be played by Rory McCann in Season 2, replacing the late Ray Stevenson, was there to explore some mysterious, ancient Force mysteries. He was last seen among massive statues of the Mortis Gods (the Father, the Son, and the Daughter), characters first introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series as physical manifestations of the Force.

Now, according to Filoni, the Mortis Gods will play a major role in Ashoka’s coming season. “It’s definitely a thing,” the showrunner said in an interview with Empire. He, however, didn’t confirm whether any of the Mortis Gods would appear as live-action characters, but teased that their presence would essentially test Ahsoka’s beliefs and, at the same time, answer longtime fans’ prayers.

“What we’re dealing with is: are you going to believe in this, or not? And what is the danger if it’s real? And how are you going to prioritize your goals here? What would a Jedi do, versus what would a regular person do? Those things come up through the course of the season.”

‘Ahsoka’ Season 2 Will Revive The Mortis Gods

The Mortis Gods remain one of Star Wars’ strangest explorations of the Force, with The Clone Wars depicting the Daughter representing the light side, the Son representing the dark, and the Father trying to maintain the balance. Across three episodes of the animated series starting with Season 3, Episode 15, titled “Overlords” and which aired on January 28, 2011, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka are caught in a battle for power between the mythological trio. Elaborating on their Ahsoka debut, Filoni noted how challenging it is to translate such a mysterious concept to the screen. He then acknowledged the idea behind the beings’ existence, which, as he teased, will be explored further.

“It’s a challenge, I can tell you. It was so surprising when George [Lucas] created these archetype god characters. What were we examining there in Clone Wars? What was the metaphor? A lot of it is about power, and what you do with power, and how you wield power. For a Jedi, I think it’s a natural story path to get into these questions.”

Ahsoka Season 2 premieres January 20, 2027, on Disney+. Stay tuned to Collider for more information.

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Release Date

August 22, 2023

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Network

Disney+

Directors

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Steph Green, Jennifer Getzinger, Peter Ramsey, Rick Famuyiwa

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Tom Cruise might be Digger’s star, but Kate Middleton undoubtedly stole the show at the upcoming film’s London premiere.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 44, dazzled in a plum Jenny Packham gown and the rare Queen Mother’s Amethyst Sautoir Necklace on Tuesday, September 22, as she shared a sweet moment with Cruise, 64, at the Leicester Square event.

The ritzy royal accessory, which was originally given to Queen Elizabeth II’s mother, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, in 1923 as a wedding gift, features pearls, diamonds and the matching purple stone. Its value is upwards of $66,000, per The Court Jeweller.

As Cruise, who looked equally dashing in a black tuxedo, made his way into Leicester Square’s ODEON Luxe cinema, he held Kate’s hand to assist her in walking down a set of stairs. Kate’s husband, Prince William, walked on the other side of her.

Related: Every Time Princess Kate Paid Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II With Her Jewelry

A royal tribute. It was considered a high honor whenever the late Queen Elizabeth II would allow family members to borrow her jewels — and Princess Kate Middleton made sure to return the favor by honoring the late monarch with her chosen gems. Throughout her seven decades as Britain’s longest-reigning sovereign, the queen — who died […]

Kate, William, 44, and Cruise were then snapped chatting warmly together inside the venue with the actor holding onto Kate’s arm as they engaged in conversation.

The trio were also captured enjoying time together on the red carpet, with the royal couple joining Cruise and Digger director, Alejandro González Iñárritu, for snaps alongside David Beckham.

According to a report by Hello!, Cruise spoke about the royal couple to reporters covering the event. “I just love them. They are lovely people, and I have great respect for them,” he reportedly said.

Kate and William appear to be fans of Cruise’s work, attending the 2022 premiere of Top Gun: Maverick, in which Cruise reprised his 1986 Top Gun role of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Just like this time, Cruise had offered his arm to Kate to help her navigate her entrance into the same London venue.

At the time, Cruise had spoken to members of the press about his connection with William. “[William and I] have a lot in common. We both love England and we’re both aviators, we both love flying,” he said at the time, per The Daily Mail.

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It’s been a busy public-facing month for Kate, who ushered her eldest son, Prince George, 13, into his first day at Eton College on September 8. (Kate and William also share Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8.)

Three days later, she visited cancer patients at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital — the same venue that she previously underwent treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. (Kate announced in January 2025 that she is in remission.)

The princess reflected on her visit in a September 11 Instagram post. “Wonderful to spend time with patients, staff and families at The Royal Marsden Hospital, to see their vision for holistic cancer care first-hand,” she wrote at the time. “From plans for a new specialist Centre for Holistic Wellbeing and Recovery to the complementary support already available, inspiring to see how these services, alongside clinical care, can make a meaningful difference to people through treatment, recovery and beyond.”

Christina Applegate has returned to social media with a new look following her months-long hospitalization. The 54-year-old actress revealed freshly colored blonde hair in an Instagram video shared Monday, marking her first video appearance since returning home from the hospital in August. Applegate smiled for the camera and thanked hairstylist David Stanwell for lifting her spirits as she continues navigating serious health challenges, including multiple sclerosis.

Christina Applegate Shows Off Her Fresh Blonde Hair

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The “Married… With Children” alum wore her newly colored hair straight and parted down the middle in the brief video.

“Fresh hair color, new weird spot on my cheek haha,” Applegate wrote in the caption, referencing a mark visible on her face. “Thank you @davestanwell for brightening up my cloudy day. Love you and love to you all out there.”

The Actress Returned Home After A Lengthy Hospital Stay

Applegate was reportedly discharged in August after being hospitalized in Los Angeles since late March. Sources told TMZ that she was doing well after returning home. However, few details about her treatment have been released. It remains unclear whether the hospitalization was directly connected to her MS or another medical condition.

Applegate’s representative previously declined to confirm the reason for her hospital stay. “I have no comment on whether she is in the hospital or what her medical treatments are,” the representative told Entertainment Weekly. “She’s had a long history of complicated medical conditions that she has been refreshingly open about, as evidenced in her memoir and on her podcast.”

Christina Applegate Reassured Fans During Her Hospitalization

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Applegate first addressed her health publicly in April, approximately one month after she was reportedly admitted to the hospital. The actress shared a photograph of her memoir, “You With The Sad Eyes,” and explained that she needed time to prioritize her recovery.

“Thank you for the outpouring of love and well wishes. Health issues are a constant for me, but I’m a strong chick, and I’m getting stronger and better every day. I’m taking a moment to focus on my health, but I’ll be back with more to say soon enough,” she wrote.

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Her latest video appeared to fulfill that promise by allowing fans to see her smiling and enjoying a moment of self-care. Applegate has not announced whether she has resumed any professional projects. Her public comments remain focused on her health, family, and the realities of living with a chronic illness.

The ‘Dead To Me’ Star Has Been Mostly Confined To Bed

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Earlier this year, Applegate revealed that pain and exhaustion had left her spending much of her time in bed. She told PEOPLE that she still makes an effort to take her teenage daughter, Sadie, to school because the drive gives them private time together.

“I want to take her; it’s my favorite thing to do. It’s the only time we have together by ourselves,” Applegate said. “I tell myself, ‘Just get her there safely and get home so you can get back into bed.’ And that’s what I do.”

Applegate has emphasized that she does not want to present her health journey as a neatly packaged inspirational story. “My life isn’t wrapped up with a bow. People’s lives, sorry for lack of a better term, f-cking suck sometimes. So I’m being as honest and raw as I possibly can,” she said.

Christina Applegate Described The Exhaustion Caused By MS

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Applegate announced in August 2021 that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, MS occurs when the immune system attacks myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers. That damage can interfere with communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Symptoms can include weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, and changes to a person’s vision. The condition can affect each person differently.

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The Actress Says Hospital Visits Have Become A Regular Part Of Her Life

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Applegate has previously revealed that her recent extended stay was far from her only hospitalization since receiving her diagnosis. During an episode of her “MeSsy” podcast, which she co-hosts with fellow actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate said she had repeatedly returned to the hospital for testing and treatment.

“For three years since I was diagnosed, I’ve been in the hospital upwards of 30 times,” she said. “That is unimaginable, okay? They’ve done every test known to man on me, put so much radiation into my body from CT scans to everything else.”

Despite the toll of her illness and recent hospitalization, Applegate’s new video showed her embracing a brighter moment.

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson have spent nearly three decades proving that Hollywood friendships can survive just about anything. Their bond has produced hit movies, unforgettable interviews, and even speculation that they might actually be related. 

Yet behind the laughs and brotherly affection lies a competitive streak that occasionally spills over into something far more physical. 

As the longtime friends prepare to bring their off-screen chemistry to a new series, McConaughey is making it clear their relationship remains as unpredictable as ever.

Matthew McConaughey Says Fights With Woody Harrelson Have Left Their Mark

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The upcoming release of “Brothers” has revived interest in one of Hollywood’s most enduring friendships, but Matthew McConaughey isn’t pretending the relationship has always been smooth sailing. 

While discussing their decades-long bond with Entertainment Weekly, the Oscar winner admitted some of their disagreements have gotten physical enough to leave visible damage.

“Blood has been drawn,” McConaughey revealed while speaking about Harrelson, adding, “No broken bones. Blood has been drawn, though, and will be drawn again.”

Harrelson quickly added another injury to the list, recalling a “chipped tooth” incident. McConaughey clarified that his friend caused that particular mishap, while Harrelson followed up with, “Cracked lip.” 

The actor then summed up the nature of their altercations with, “That kind of thing.”

McConaughey couldn’t resist poking fun at his longtime pal’s explanation for one of the accidents. Joking that Harrelson had “accidentally overswung” and caught him in the jaw, he dismissed the excuse entirely.

“One of the great athletes of all of time with incredible special sense,” McConaughey quipped, adding, “Such a bulls— excuse when he says, ‘Oh, I didn’t mean to extend it, miss it by four inches long.’ He knows exactly where every part of his body is.”

McConaughey And Harrelson Turn Conflict Into Brotherhood

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What makes the pair’s friendship unusual is not that they clash, but how little those clashes seem to matter afterward. 

Harrelson acknowledged that conflict had been a recurring part of their relationship, describing years of disagreements and stubborn standoffs between two strong personalities.

“There has been a lot of times in our relationship where we butt heads,” the 65-year-old admitted.

Yet every dispute appeared to follow the same pattern. Tempers cooled, drinks were poured, and the friendship carried on. Harrelson stressed that their connection ultimately outweighed whatever argument sparked the latest confrontation.

“In the end, we f*cking love each other. We hug it out. We mix a drink. Everything’s groovy,” he explained.

That dynamic has sustained a friendship dating back to 1997, when Matthew McConaughey and Harrelson first crossed paths while working on “EDtv.”

Matthew McConaughey And Woody Harrelson’s New Series Revives The Wild Family Theory

The latest chapter in their partnership arrives through “Brothers,” an Apple TV comedy inspired by a bizarre question that has followed them for years: could they actually be family?

The theory emerged after McConaughey’s mother suggested she once “knew” Harrelson’s father, a remark that sparked speculation that the two actors might share more than friendship. Rather than ignore the rumor, they decided to build an entire comedy around it.

Still, McConaughey emphasized that viewers shouldn’t mistake the show for a documentary.

“We fictionalized it enough so it’s heightened enough and off-the-ground enough where there’s really nothing in it that anyone can say to our kids, ‘Hey are you really doing…’ — No, they’re not. They didn’t do that,” he explained.

Calling the series “a loose portrayal of their ages and our family size,” McConaughey made clear that reality served only as a starting point. 

Harrelson, meanwhile, is already thinking beyond the first season, saying there is “something in this” and adding, “I would love to keep doing this.”

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McConaughey Admits DNA Test Could Upend Family Mystery

The brotherhood theory surrounding Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson isn’t going away anytime soon, but the duo recently revealed why they’d been reluctant to get a definitive answer.

While discussing the possibility of taking a DNA test with E! News, Harrelson made it clear he had little doubt about where things stood. “He’s more my brother than my brothers,” he said before adding, “No question. I believe it 100 percent.”

McConaughey, however, wasn’t quite as convinced. “I do not,” he replied, prompting Harrelson to fire back, “He wants to keep his father as his father, even though his father is my father.”

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The exchange quickly turned into the kind of playful back-and-forth that has defined their friendship for decades, but McConaughey also hinted that the issue is more complicated than fans might realize.

“We don’t need to take a DNA test, but I’ll probably end up doing it,” he admitted. The actor went on to explain why the prospect gave him pause.

“If it’s true—geez, that’s a whole lot for me to unpack. If it’s not true, that’s a whole lot for him now to unpack. He’s not gonna be near as fun to hang around if it ain’t true,” the “Interstellar” star shared.

Matthew McConaughey Says Woody Harrelson’s Daughters Feel Like Family

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Whether McConaughey and Harrelson are actually related remains unanswered, but listening to the pair discuss their families, it’s easy to see why the speculation refuses to die.

Speaking to PEOPLE at the “Brothers” premiere on September 17, Harrelson made it clear that his admiration for McConaughey extended well beyond their work together. 

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“He’s a great father,” the “Now You See Me” actor said while discussing his longtime friend. He then turned the attention to McConaughey’s children, adding, “I love his kids. They’re great kids.” 

McConaughey responded by revealing just how close he had become with Harrelson’s daughters over the years. 

Rather than describing their relationship as a typical friendship between families, he suggested it has evolved into something much deeper.

“I have uncle conversations with his daughters,” McConaughey explained, offering a glimpse into the role he now plays in their lives.

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