Entertainment
Apple TV’s 2-Part Modern Sci-Fi Classic Sets a New Gold Standard for Television
Although Apple TV had been producing interesting shows from its launch in late 2019, the streaming service announced itself as the “go-to” place for science fiction fans with the success of Severance. A mind-blowing, philosophically arresting series packed with twists and turns, Severance offered a compelling central mystery that was backed up by strong satire about the unhealthy work-life balance of modern employees. The first season was a masterpiece that stands as one of the best of the decade, but Severance reached its emotional apex in Season 2 with the episode “Chikhai Bardo.” It’s a series that is often defined by its biggest revelations, but “Chikhai Bardo” helped flesh out a second-tier character in the most visceral, heartbreaking way possible.
One of the biggest revelations in the first season of Severance is that the enigmatic wellness counselor Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman) is actually Gemma, the wife of Mark (Adam Scott), whom he previously believed had been killed in a car accident. The twist has significant revelations regarding the way that Mark has conducted himself as a Lumon employee, but “Chikhai Bardo” is the first Severance episode to explore events from Gemma’s perspective, providing an opportunity for Lachman to shine. The title itself is a reference to the “moment of death” in Tibetan religious culture, and that theme of loss is presented in complex ways through the growth and collapse of Gemma’s relationship with Mark.
“Chikhai Bardo” Is One of the Best Episodes of ‘Severance’
It may not have been the first episode of Severance to be told in a non-linear way, but “Chikhai Bardo” has a significantly different style compared to the rest of the show because of its director. Ben Stiller is often thought of as the primary creative force behind Severance, and while he directed many of the best episodes, “Chikhai Bardo” was helmed by cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné in her Severance directorial debut. Gagné had previously worked with Stiller on the underrated crime series Escape at Dannemora, and certainly knows how to heighten suspense within a confined environment. However, “Chikhai Bardo” is the rare flashback episode that doesn’t feel like a hazy memory, because reality is always visceral when it’s occurring. By diving back into the events that shaped both Mark and Gemma into the people that they became, Severance analyzes how significantly they have changed during their time at Lumon.
“Chikhai Bardo” explores the early romance between Mark and Gemma, and how quickly their relationship fell apart as a result of her miscarriage. The episode was a reminder of how tactile the world of Severance is, and that its reality is one that doesn’t feel that far removed from the present; the fact that Lumon’s technological advances have in no way led to better medical treatment, specifically for women, is certainly something that is discussed. Although the “chikhai bardo” phrase is referenced directly in the episode, it could refer to multiple things; the death in question may have been the couple’s unborn child, but it also refers to the collapse of Gemma and Mark’s relationship, as they both grow more insular once she finds it impossible to conceive. Their frustrated, easily manipulated state makes it easier for Lumon to divide them and take advantage of the growing rift. While Mark is lied to and forced to accept the story that his wife was killed, Gemma is slowly adjusting to her new reality on the Lumon testing floor, realizing that she will never be able to revert to her life before.
Gemma Scott Is the Most Tragic Character in ‘Severance’
The thematic “moment of death” in “Chikhai Bardo” isn’t just the erasure of Mark’s memory of Gemma, but the loss of the prior versions of both characters. After spending time under Dr. Mauer (Robby Benson), one of the show’s best villains, Gemma truly becomes “Ms. Casey,” leaving everything in her life outside of Lumon behind. This is also the moment in which Mark’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, and his “outie” becomes hounded by grief and depression; the only escape from the tragedy of Gemma’s supposed death is within Lumon, which gives more power to his “innie.” Even if Gemma is alive, Mark grows so adjusted to his role as an employee that the person he was before begins to fade away. It’s because of the events in “Chikhai Brado” that Mark’s final choice during the now-iconic ending of Season 2 hits even harder.
Severance is often thought of as purely an intellectual series, but “Chikhai Bardo” shows how tragic the series is when its sci-fi ideas are explored in depth for the consequences that they may have. That viewers already knew when the episode began where Gemma and Mark would end up only makes it more painful; the kaleidoscopic approach to the timeline reflects the confusion that both characters faced after their minds were corrupted by Lumon technology. Although it is very much a standalone installment, “Chikhai Bardo” also functions as an important part of the show’s serialization because it sets up Mark’s reawakening. Shocking episodes like “Cold Harbour” and “The We We Are” might be among Severance’s most iconic moments, but its installments like “Chikhai Bardo” raise the bar to a new standard of what sci-fi television can achieve.
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Sentimental Value star Renate Reinsve appeared to narrowly avoid a wardrobe malfunction while on stage at the 2026 Oscars.
Reinsve, 38, joined the cast of Sentimental Value on stage after they won the award for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15. While listening to director Joachim Trier give his acceptance speech, the actress could be seen holding the front and back of her dress, seemingly to prevent it from falling down due to someone else stepping on the gown’s train.
Reinsve could then be seen giggling as she adjusted her dress while walking off the stage.
Reinsve wore a red custom Louis Vuitton asymmetrical strapless dress with a slit all the way up to her right hip and a long train on the left. She paired the gown with matching Giuseppe Zanotti heels and a silver bracelet. The ensemble was styled by Karla Welch.
The 2026 Oscars brought out major players in the film industry for an unforgettable night. Conan O’Brien hosted the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles. (O’Brien played a role in one of the films recognized by the Academy this year, Mary Bronstein’s […]
“Hang in it the Louvre 🌹,” Welch captioned a photo of Reinsve’s bare legs as stylists strapped up her shoes.
Reinsve stars in Sentimental Value, a Norwegian drama, as Nora, who reunites with estranged father Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård) alongside her sister, Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas). Elle Fanning also stars in the movie as a famous actress hired to play the lead in Gustav’s new film.
In addition to Best International Feature Film, Sentimental Value was nominated for Best Directing, Best Picture, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Writing (Original Screenplay) and Best Film Editing.
“This film is about a very dysfunctional family, and it’s the opposite of what I felt with this beautiful group behind me,” Trier, 52, said in his acceptance speech on Sunday. “I think I’ve made films to feel at home with people, and I’ve really felt at home with the crew. There’s 1,072 people in these credits, and I love them all and I share this with them. The cast behind me, I’ve never been so proud. Thanks for wanting to work with me.”
The 2026 Oscars red carpet was as glamorous as ever. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Deal of the Day Taylor Swift’s Exact Kendra Scott […]
The filmmaker continued, “Because I’m in this category, I feel I represent global filmmakers, and in a moment like this, I just wanna recognize the wonderful films we were nominated together with. Important, beautiful films that reflect our present crisis and the crisis of the past. And I want to end by paraphrasing the wonderful American writer James Baldwin, who makes us remember that all adults are responsible for all children, and let’s not vote for politicians who don’t take this seriously into account.”
Entertainment
Misty Copeland performs in “Sinners ”musical“ ”number at Oscars amid Timothée Chalamet ballet drama
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The ballerina joined Miles Caton and fellow ‘Sinners’ cast members onstage for a performance of “I Lied to You” from the Oscar-nominated film.
Entertainment
Oscars' first new category winner in over 25 years playfully jabs Paul Thomas Anderson: 'I have one before you'
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The first award for Best Casting comes amid the Academy’s initiatives to diversify its voting ranks and competitive brackets.
Entertainment
Sean Penn is a no-show at Oscars as he wins third Academy Award, Kieran Culkin makes playful jab
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The “One Battle After Another” star previously won Oscars for “Mystic River” and “Milk.”
After Timothée Chalamet took aim at the ballet and opera communities, that was pretty much all the 2026 Oscar attendees could speak about.
“Security is extremely tight tonight,” host Conan O’Brien opened his Sunday, March 15, monologue. “I’m told there’s concerns about a tax from both the opera and ballet communities.”
Chalamet, nominated for leading actor for his role in Marty Supreme, recently proclaimed that he wasn’t interested in either art form.
“Some people want to be entertained quickly. I’m really right in the middle because I admire people [saying], ‘Hey, we gotta keep movie theaters alive. We gotta keep this genre alive,’” Chalamet told Variety in February. “I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore.”
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Chalamet, whose grandmother and mother are retired ballerinas, quickly walked back his comments and gave “all respect to the ballet and opera people out there.”
“Damn, I just took shots for no reason,” the actor quipped.
Chalamet didn’t further address the controversy in the lead-up to the Oscars or at the ceremony itself.
Keep scrolling for a guide to all the ballet and opera mentions at the 2026 Academy Awards:
Conan O’Brien’s Monologue
Oscars host Conan O’Brien couldn’t resist adding in a joke about Timothée Chalamet’s comments in his monologue.
“Security is extremely tight tonight. I just got to mention that,” O’Brien said. “I’m told there’s concerns about a tax from both the opera and ballet communities.”
O’Brien paused as the camera panned over to Chalamet, who coyly laughed off the reference.
“They’re just mad you left out jazz,” O’Brien added.
A Ballet Pioneer
During the Sinners musical tribute, the cast was accompanied by Misty Copeland for its rendition of “I Lied To You.” (Copeland was the first Black principal at the American Ballet Theatre before her retirement in 2025.)
“That’s definitely how it seems, but it was not at all,” Copeland told Vogue ahead of Sunday’s performance, denying her performance was a rebuttal to Timothée Chalamet. “I had agreed to do this before any of this stuff was happening and had blown up the way that it has.”
Ballet and Opera Can Change the World
The Best Live Action Short Film was awarded to The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva. During the latter’s acceptance speech, Alexandre Singh touched on the two art forms.
“We believe that art can change people’s souls,” Singh said in his speech. “Maybe it takes 10 years time but we can change society through art, through creativity [and] through theater and ballet … and also cinema.”
Kevin O’Leary Is Still All-In on Timothee Chalamet
Timothee Chalamet. Julian Hamilton/Getty Images
On the red carpet, Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary speculated that Timothée Chalamet’s comment wouldn’t have an impact on his chances at winning an Oscar.
“I just put 1,000 bucks on [betting app] Kalshi walking in here that he’s gonna win,” O’Leary told Variety. “Because I know the voting stopped long before that controversy happened. He’s a really great guy, his mother’s really nice. The kid is a great kid. He took a bum rap on that. By the way, he gave a lot of promo to opera houses and ballet.”
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The two-time host isn’t holding back tonight.
Entertainment
‘Hamnet’s Jessie Buckley Wins Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2026 Academy Awards
Jessie Buckley has officially won Best Actress at the 2026 Academy Awards for her work in Hamnet, turning one of the most acclaimed performances of the season into an Oscar win and giving Chloé Zhao’s literary drama one of the biggest victories of the night. The win caps off a major awards run for Buckley, who had already emerged as a frontrunner throughout the season. Reports had framed her as the outstanding favorite heading into Oscar night, with Hamnet also positioned as a major contender in several top categories, but it’s still satisfying to see the favorite deliver.
That makes tonight feel less like a surprise than a coronation — but it is still a huge deal. Buckley’s performance as Agnes has been the emotional centerpiece of Hamnet’s entire awards story, with critics and awards voters rallying around her work in a film that reimagines the grief and private life surrounding Shakespeare’s family. The film was directed by Zhao, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Maggie O’Farrell, adapting O’Farrell’s bestselling 2020 novel. The cast is led by Buckley as Agnes and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare, with Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, Jacobi Jupe, and Noah Jupe in supporting roles.
Strap on Your Hockey Masks; It’s Friday the 13th — The Collider Movie Quiz!
Because today is Friday the 13th, let’s march our way through the iconic slasher franchise. Ch-ch-ch-ch. Ha-ha-ha-ha.
How Good Is ‘Hamnet’?
Collider’s review by Ross Bonaime stated that Buckley’s portrayal is remarkable not only in the film’s most emotional moments but in the quiet details. A hesitant touch. A hand reaching for someone who is no longer there. A confused glance at a world that suddenly feels unrecognizable. Buckley makes Agnes’ grief feel deeply physical, as if the loss has fundamentally altered the way she moves through life.
“Both Buckley and Mescal are incredible in Hamnet, showing an unflinching emotional rawness. The complete and utter destruction of one’s soul is exactly what Buckley is portraying, and it’s nothing short of magnificent what she’s able to pull off here. Not only is she heartbreaking in the major moments, but it’s in her smaller touches that her role of Agnes has a remarkable amount of power. Even just reaching out a hand at the right moment or the utter confusion of who she is now that her son is gone make for some of the most powerful scenes in Hamnet. It’s a gorgeous performance that will burrow itself into your heart.”
Stay tuned to Collider for more coverage of the Academy Awards.
- Release Date
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November 26, 2025
- Runtime
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126 minutes
- Director
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Chloé Zhao
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No, the “French Connection” star wasn’t snubbed.
For months, One Battle After Another looked like the movie to beat. It had the reviews, the momentum, the pedigree, and the kind of across-the-board support that usually signals a Best Picture winner before envelopes are even opened, and now it is official.
One Battle After Another has won Best Picture at the 2026 Academy Awards, giving Paul Thomas Anderson the night’s biggest prize and closing out one of the strongest awards runs of the season. Written and directed by Anderson, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a former political radical and single father, with a cast that also includes Regina Hall, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Chase Infiniti.
The film entered the ceremony with 13 Oscar nominations, making it the second-most-nominated movie of the year, behind only Sinners. It was widely seen as one of the top contenders all season long, with major outlets and prediction-market coverage all pointing to it as a major frontrunner heading into Oscar night. By the time the Oscars arrived, the movie had already solidified itself as a consensus prestige heavyweight, with outlets repeatedly describing the Best Picture race as essentially a showdown between Anderson’s film and Sinners.
Strap on Your Hockey Masks; It’s Friday the 13th — The Collider Movie Quiz!
Because today is Friday the 13th, let’s march our way through the iconic slasher franchise. Ch-ch-ch-ch. Ha-ha-ha-ha.
How Good Is ‘One Battle After Another’?
Collider’s review stated that One Battle After Another finds Paul Thomas Anderson working on his largest canvas yet — and proving that even at blockbuster scale, his filmmaking instincts remain as sharp as ever. Known for ambitious, character-driven films like Boogie Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be Blood, and Licorice Pizza, Anderson has spent decades refining a style that blends humor, emotional depth, and sweeping storytelling. With this sprawling new project, loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, he delivers something unexpected: a politically charged action film that still feels unmistakably like a Paul Thomas Anderson movie, as Ross Bonaime opined.
“Anderson has executed an unbelievably rare feat: a big-budget studio action film that maintains his specific tone and style, with a film that feels essential to our troubled modern times. One Battle After Another is the type of film that only comes along a few times a generation, a masterfully crafted work that speaks to our present as a defining work of what it was like to live in our present era. Anderson does that with humor, tension, fear, and care, in a film that’s both one of the director’s and 2025’s best.”
One Battle After Another is streaming now on HBO Max. Stay tuned for more updates.
- Release Date
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September 26, 2025
- Runtime
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162 minutes
- Director
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Paul Thomas Anderson
- Writers
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Paul Thomas Anderson, Thomas Pynchon
- Producers
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Adam Somner, Paul Thomas Anderson, Sara Murphy
Entertainment
Oscars host Conan O'Brien calls out show for cutting off winner's speech, retracting microphone
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The telecast cut off the “Two People Exchanging Saliva” honorees midway through their acceptance of Best Live-Action Short — which resulted in a tie.
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