Newly released police body cam footage is giving new insight into the moments before, during and immediately after retired Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence.

“Is it possible to call my parents just to tell them that I’m not dead?” a handcuffed Romo, 46, is heard asking a law enforcement officer in footage obtained by Us on Tuesday, July 28. The former NFL star was arrested on Thursday, July 23, on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence after playing in a golf tournament in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In the video, Romo can be seen refusing a preliminary breath test for intoxication, telling another police officer, “No. Like I said, I want my lawyer. For the eighth time.”

Us has reached out to Romo’s attorney for comment.

The body cam footage also shows the athlete undergoing three field sobriety tests, which required Romo to maintain eye contact with the top of a pen as it moves side-to-side, walking in a straight line and balancing on a raised foot. Throughout the tests, which took approximately 14 minutes in total to complete, Romo repeatedly asked for clarification over instructions and in many instances complained about his previous back surgeries.

“Did I pass this test?” Romo asks a police officer once all testing has concluded. “No, I didn’t, huh? Can I use my phone real quick because there’s a plane taking off and my parents are there?”

The officer seen conducting Romo’s sobriety tests then announces that the CBS Sports color commentator is being formally arrested, to which Romo again requests to phone his parents, who are waiting “with my son.” (Romo shares three sons with his wife, Candice Crawford: Hawkins, 14, Rivers, 12, and Jones, 8.)

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Related: Bodycam Footage From Jay Cutler’s DUI Reveals He Refused Sobriety Test

Newly-released bodycam footage from former Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler’s DUI revealed he initially told law enforcement that he had not had anything to drink. Police body camera footage obtained by TMZ shows Cutler, 42, speaking with police after he rear-ended another car while driving his truck in Franklin, Tennessee in 2024. While he ultimately […]

The footage of Romo’s arrest comes after Us reported earlier on Tuesday that Romo was issued a citation for “refusing to take [a] test for intoxication after arrest,” per court records.

Romo was pulled over by law enforcement officers on a highway bridge at around 8 p.m. after taking part in the 2026 Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament. Us’ footage captured the moment he was asked to “step out of the vehicle” to conduct his field sobriety tests, a request he initially attempted to interject by reaching for his phone to contact a lawyer.

The footage then showed police communicating Romo’s refusal to exit the vehicle to other officers via radio — at one point the officer even requests backup — which then leads to Romo declaring that he will “do it” before stepping onto the side of the highway. Romo is then seen patted down “for weapons” before he is handcuffed and escorted via police vehicle to level ground for his field sobriety tests.

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A court date has been set for September 21.

Since retiring from the NFL in 2016 after 13 seasons with the Cowboys, Romo has worked as an announcer for CBS Sports.

CBS Sports has not responded to Us’ inquiries about his future at the network following his arrest.

No matter how much I try to add more color into my wardrobe, I’ll never give up my black one-piece swimsuits. Black swimwear is simply classic — just ask Meghan Markle. The actress wore a timeless suit while on a recent vacation in Portugal with family. The color is inherently slimming, looks good on everyone and will never ever go out of style.

If you don’t have a black swimsuit in your summer repertoire, it’s time to add one. Luckily, I found 11 that are fit for royalty. . . without a high price tag. Shop my favorite black one-pieces from Amazon and Walmart below.

11 Timeless Black Swimsuits Inspired by Meghan Markle

1. Feel Your Best: The shape of this classy black swimsuit — which features high-cut leg holes and a plunging neckline — elongates your body so you feel like a supermodel.

2. Dainty Details: Black isn’t boring, but the fun side ties on this timeless one-piece add a subtle pop of personality. Plus, the straps are adjustable!

3. The Perfect Neckline: Halter swimsuits are experiencing a major comeback, and for good reason. This style supports your chest and draws attention upwards for an ultra-flattering fit.

4. So Sporty: The criss-cross back and high neckline on this athletic-friendly swimsuit are just as functional as they are fashionable.

Related: Rich Moms Wear These Slimming, European-Looking Swimsuit Styles — From $9

Summer is in full swing, and if you’re like Us, you’re bored with your current swimsuit lineup. Luckily, we found 17 slimming swimsuits to spruce up your beach bag, and they’re inspired by the most fashionable ladies of all: rich moms. Rich moms have been wearing these European-looking swimsuits since June, so if you’ve been […]

5. A Feminine Touch: So many swimsuits with sweetheart necklines are made with annoying underwire, but not this one. You get the flirty, romantic style without the uncomfortable cups.

6. Best Seller Alert: Walmart shoppers adore this ribbed black one-piece because of the quality, fit and how confident it makes them feel — especially those in their postpartum era.

7. Go Strapless: Swimsuits without straps can feel like a disaster waiting to happen, but this tummy control design is different. It hugs your body and stays secure, whether you’re galavanting in the water or not.

8. Party in the Back: Dokotoo’s versatile swimsuit may look simple in the front, but the extra strappy back will turn heads.

9. Vacay Ready: Enjoy the pool time (and the endless cocktails) without a care in the world, thanks to this smoothing, full-coverage swimsuit. It includes a tummy panel to really snatch your waist.

10. Pop of White: The white lining on this retro-inspired one-piece reminds Us of Audrey Hepburn.

11. Endless Options: Not only does this swimsuit provide extra coverage for bigger busts, but it is essentially three suits in one because of the three-way neckline.

Whitney Port has offered an update on her fertility journey, confirming that she is cancelling the planned use of a surrogate.

“After all the red tape, the money, the emotions, and just how long everything has taken, we’ve decided to go in a different direction,” Port, 41, wrote over a Tuesday, July 28, Instagram Story that showed her being examined in a New York City fertility clinic. “I’m scared to be the vessel, but I’m even more scared of letting fear stop me from trying for something I want so deeply.”

The podcast host’s decision comes after she informed fans on the solo-hosted Wednesday, July 22, episode of the “With Whit Podcast” that she and her husband, Tim Rosenman, were in the process of finding a new surrogate to attempt carrying the couple’s second child. (Port and Rosenman, also 41, share a son, Sonny, 8, and have spoken openly about Port’s fertility struggles in the past.)

“We needed to find a new surrogate and we started talking to a new surrogacy concierge. The whole thing has just gotten so difficult that I finally decided that I want to check out how I look physically and see if carrying is something that I can actually do on my own,” Port said during the podcast episode before confirming that she had two viable embryos for future use.

“If I look OK to carry and the doctors think it’s safe, we’re going to give it a try,” Port, who rose to fame as a reality star on The Hills, further explained. “Do I particularly want to be pregnant? Not really. I wish I had a more beautiful and inspiring answer … I did not love being pregnant. What I want is to wrap this up, I want a second child.”

Prior to Port’s green light from her medical team, she shared another Instagram Story that captured Rosenman, a TV producer, seated within the clinic. Above his head, an ultrasound image of what appeared to be Port appeared on a screen. “Uterus looks good! Let’s f***ing go!” Port wrote over the post.

The couple have kept fans up-to-date with Port’s fertility plans, including the aftermath of a successful embryo transfer with their then-surrogate in February. “Everything went amazingly,” Port said in a February 18 TikTok video that captured a previous visit to New York with her husband. “They said she looked amazing and the embryo plumped up like it should. I’m so happy that this part is behind us but there is so much left.”

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Related: The Hills’ Whitney Port Gives Update on ‘Next Steps’ in Surrogacy Journey

The Hills alum Whitney Port and her husband, Tim Rosenman, are hopeful about their fertility journey in 2026. “The surrogacy journey is on a positive trajectory,” Port, 40, began the Friday, January 2, episode of her eponymous “With Whit” podcast. “We just signed our contract and are now awaiting next steps for a transfer, but […]

One month later, Port exclusively told Us about the emotional toll her fertility journey has taken on the pair. “I think for me, it’s really watching Timmy’s heartbreak,” she told Us on March 18. “It’s one thing for me to hold my own, and I feel like I know how to cope with that and how to calm myself down.”

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Port continued at the time, “But then, to see my partner, who I love so much, [and] I just don’t know what to say or don’t have the answer for. I look at him as, like, such a rock and someone that I lean on for so much that it breaks my heart to see that.”

Related: Whitney Port Reveals Her, Tim Rosenman’s Surrogate Suffered 2 Miscarriages

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Whitney Port and husband Tim Rosenman revealed that their surrogate has suffered two miscarriages. “We ended up doing two transfers with the surrogate. Both transfers ended up miscarrying. The last miscarriage was just a month ago,” Port, 38, explained on an episode of her “With Whit” podcast from earlier this month. Rosenman, 42, noted that […]

Prior to welcoming Sonny in 2017, Port suffered multiple pregnancy losses. In 2023, the couple decided to explore surrogacy in the hope of expanding their family. In the time that followed, they were matched with multiple surrogates, many of whom suffered miscarriages after the couple’s embryos were implanted.

In an Instagram teaser clip for Port’s recent “With Whit Podcast” episode, she wrote in the caption, “Sonny, fertility, the pressure to make the “right” decisions, and the weird realization that sometimes the only person I actually need permission from is myself.”

Vegas got a little more “Breaking Bad” this weekend — in the best possible way.

Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, the on-screen duo turned real-life business partners behind Dos Hombres, crashed OMNIA Dayclub & Skybar at Caesars Palace over the weekend to celebrate the biggest news in their spirits empire yet: the brand’s first-ever tequila collection. And they didn’t just show up to cut a ribbon and pose for photos. Cranston and Paul hopped behind the bar themselves, pouring shots for the crowd and — in true Dos Hombres fashion — leaning guests back and pouring tequila straight into open mouths as the pool deck erupted. It was equal parts celebrity meet-and-greet, tequila masterclass, and full-on party, and by all accounts the energy never dropped.

Video and photos from the afternoon show the two actors laughing their way down the bar top, trading playful jabs with each other the way only two people who’ve spent almost two decades in each other’s orbit can, while a packed dayclub crowd soaked up both the sun and the shots. For a lot of guests, it was the closest thing to a Walter White and Jesse Pinkman reunion they’ll ever get — minus the RV and the danger, plus a lot more tequila.

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Dos Hombres has spent years building its reputation as one of the most respected celebrity-backed mezcal brands on the market, so the move into tequila is a genuinely big swing for Cranston and Paul — and they didn’t take it lightly. The new lineup kicks off with a Blanco and a Reposado, both built from 100% Tequilana Blue Weber agave grown organically in Jalisco, with fields left to rest one to two years between harvests to let the agave develop real depth of flavor.

The spirits are made in partnership with maestro tequilero Julio Cova at Tequilera TAP in Amatitán, Jalisco — a distiller with roughly 40 years of experience who came out of retirement specifically to work on the project. That’s the kind of pedigree tequila nerds pay attention to, and it shows in the glass: the Blanco leans into earthy, vegetal, peppery lowland notes balanced by tropical fruit, cinnamon, and sage, while the Reposado picks up extra warmth and complexity from resting in Four Roses ex-bourbon barrels.

“Tequila is the natural next step for Dos Hombres and emphasizes our passion and appreciation for agave spirits,” Cranston has said of the expansion. Paul has echoed that sentiment, calling the process “fun and expansive” and noting the team “landed on a tequila that is smooth, approachable, and beautifully balanced.” Cova, for his part, called it “an honor” to help shape the new expressions. The two actors have been careful to frame tequila as a companion to their mezcal, not a replacement — Cranston has described mezcal as showcasing “depth and smokiness” while the tequila leans into “the brighter, more vibrant side of agave.” Both bottles are already on shelves, with the Blanco running about $40 and the Reposado around $50, so weekend warriors don’t have to wait to recreate a little bit of that Omnia magic at home.

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Why Omnia Dayclub Was the Perfect Stage

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If Dos Hombres was looking for a launchpad with maximum energy, they picked the right room. OMNIA Dayclub & Skybar is one of the newest, splashiest additions to the Las Vegas Strip, a roughly 46,000-square-foot playground at Caesars Palace built by Rockwell Group with European beach-club style in mind — think sun-soaked pool decks, shaded cabanas and banquettes, and festival-grade sound and production. Two sprawling pools anchor the space, with a bridge connecting straight into OMNIA Nightclub so the party can flow seamlessly from pool deck to dance floor without missing a beat, while the upper-level Skybar offers elevated views for anyone who wants to watch the chaos from above.

Since opening, OMNIA Dayclub has quickly built a reputation as one of the buzziest daytime spots in Vegas, pulling in a resident roster that includes Tiësto, Chris Lake, Alesso, Steve Aoki, Afrojack, and Elderbrook, alongside marquee guest sets from names like Rüfüs Du Sol, Martin Garrix, and Fisher. It’s the kind of venue built to turn a Saturday afternoon into an all-out event, and celebrity drop-ins have quickly become part of the fabric of the place — with A-listers treating it as a go-to spot to see and be seen on a pool day in Vegas.

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Cranston and Paul’s appearance only adds to that momentum, giving OMNIA another headline-grabbing moment while giving Dos Hombres a launch story that’s basically impossible to top: two beloved actors, behind the bar, pouring their new tequila straight into the mouths of a crowd that came to party and left with a serious craving for a bottle of their own.

Between the setting, the star power, and the shots flowing all afternoon, it’s safe to say the Dos Hombres tequila launch will be one of the more talked-about Vegas pool moments of the summer — and a pretty strong sign that Cranston and Paul’s next chapter in spirits is off to a roaring start.

BTS is making a bold statement ahead of the next Grammy Awards by opting out of the competition entirely. 

Rather than submitting their latest music for consideration, the global K-pop superstars announced they are stepping away from this year’s awards cycle, citing concerns over how music is categorized. 

The decision comes just weeks after the Recording Academy unveiled a new Grammy category specifically recognizing Asian pop performances, sparking mixed reactions across the music industry.

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As the Recording Academy continues accepting submissions for the 69th Grammy Awards, BTS has confirmed it will not be participating in the process.

The group shared the announcement through its members’ individual social media accounts, explaining that the decision reflected its wider views on how music should be evaluated.

“We decided not to submit to the Grammys this year. We want music to be heard and loved for what it is, rather than categorized by region or language,” the statement read per Korean JoongAng Daily.

Although the group did not directly reference the Recording Academy’s newest rule changes, the timing of the announcement quickly fueled speculation that the statement was aimed at the organization’s decision to introduce a dedicated category for Asian pop music.

BTS Decision Fuels Debate Over The Recording Academy’s New Category

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According to a report from Korean JoongAng Daily, rather than uniting the music world, the Academy’s newest category has opened another debate.

Among five additions announced for the upcoming Grammy Awards is Best Asian Pop Music Performance, an honor intended for recordings that originate from, or are strongly associated with, Asian music markets while making meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.

To supporters, the category acknowledges the explosive global rise of Asian pop after years of international success.

Others, however, have questioned whether creating a separate award risks placing Asian artists on a parallel track instead of recognizing them alongside all other performers in the Grammys’ biggest races.

Responding to those concerns, the Recording Academy described the changes as part of “its ongoing commitment to reflecting today’s dynamic musical landscape.”

CEO Harvey Mason Jr. added, “The changes advanced by our Recording Academy members speak to the breadth of today’s music industry and the many genres, crafts and creators shaping it. We’re excited to see these updates come to life in the year ahead as we celebrate the […] people who are driving music forward.”

BTS Has Long Viewed The Grammys As An Important Goal

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The group’s decision carries extra weight because of its long history with the Recording Academy.

Although BTS has collected countless awards around the world, a Grammy victory has remained one of the few major milestones still missing from its résumé.

The members have never hidden their ambitions. During a 2020 interview with Esquire, leader and main rapper RM described the Grammys as “the final part of the whole American journey.”

That journey began with the group’s first Grammy nomination for “Dynamite” before “Butter” earned another nomination the following year.

In 2022, BTS returned to the ballot with “My Universe,” its collaboration with Coldplay, along with recognition for its appearance on “Music of the Spheres” and “Yet To Come.”

BTS’s Latest Music Still Raises Eligibility Questions

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Even if BTS had chosen to compete this year, uncertainty remained over how some of the group’s newest songs would fit within the Recording Academy’s updated rules.

The Academy has stated that multilingual recordings must feature an Asian language in a significant way to qualify for Best Asian Pop Music Performance, noting that isolated words, ad-libs, or short phrases alone would not meet the standard.

That guideline leaves questions surrounding tracks from BTS’s latest album, “Arirang.” While lead single “Swim” contains no Korean lyrics, songs including “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” and “2.0” incorporate Korean verses, making their eligibility unclear under the Academy’s criteria.

BTS Swept The 2026 AMAs Before Turning Down The Grammys

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BTS’s decision to skip this year’s Grammy race is even more striking considering the group’s momentum on the international awards circuit. 

Just months earlier, the K-pop superstars emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 2026 American Music Awards, taking home three trophies, including the night’s top honor, Artist of the Year. 

The group also won Favorite K-Pop Male Artist and Song of the Summer, cementing its continued dominance despite an extended period focused on solo activities and military service. 

The ceremony also marked a major night for K-pop overall, with TWICE winning Favorite K-Pop Female Artist and rookie girl group KATSEYE earning New Artist of the Year, showing the genre’s expanding influence on the global music scene.

Evan Rachel Wood is sharing her disappointment over not returning for “Practical Magic 2.” As excitement builds for the long-awaited sequel, the actress revealed she was never asked to reprise her role, adding she was “sad” to be left out despite her willingness to return. Wood played Kylie Owens in the original film, with Joey King taking over the role in the sequel.

Evan Rachel Wood was just 11 years old when she played Kylie Owens, the eldest daughter of Sandra Bullock’s Sally Owens, in the 1998 film “Practical Magic.” While Bullock and Nicole Kidman are returning as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens in the upcoming sequel, Wood and her on-screen sister, Antonia (Alexandra Atrip), will not. Their roles have been recast, with Joey King taking over as Kylie and Maisie Williams portraying Antonia.

Wood is speaking out about the sequel and said she feels “sad” that she wasn’t asked to return. The actress looked back at her time on the original film, sharing that she forged real bonds with her co-stars. “I’m sad that doesn’t get to exist, especially for the fans,” Wood told Entertainment Tonight.

Despite her feelings, Wood extended her best wishes to everyone involved. “I wish them all the best and obviously wish Joey King the best. And I hope she had a great time and I still have really fond memories of being in the original,” she said.

The Actress Believes The Sequel Diverges From The Novel

“Practical Magic” was based on the 1995 novel of the same title written by Alice Hoffman. There are four books in the series, and the sequel is said to be based on the fourth novel, “The Book of Magic,” which concludes the Owens family saga.

In the same interview, Wood shared why she thinks she was not asked to return. The actress said she read the book and thinks the filmmakers aren’t strictly following the source material. “I think, in the book, it would have made sense to bring me back. I think in the way they’re approaching it, the way they’re doing it, it didn’t make sense,” she explained.

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Evan Rachel Wood Offered To Appear In The Sequel

“Practical Magic 2” was officially announced in May 2025. Shortly after the news was reported, many wondered whether Wood was returning as Kylie.

The actress addressed it on Instagram Stories in July 2025, saying that she was not asked to come back, despite offering to be in the movie, “even if it was one scene or one line.”

“I was told they are re-casting. I am sorry to disappoint the fans. It was not in my control or my choice. I would have happily rejoined my sisters,” Wood wrote, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.

The Actress Admitted To Having A Crush On Sandra Bullock

In 2022, Wood was a guest on “Watch What Happens Live,” and host Andy Cohen said there were many fan questions about “Practical Magic.” He asked whether Wood was still in touch with Bullock or Kidman.

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Wood said that she hasn’t spoken to either of her co-stars but admitted she had a crush on her on-screen mother. “I had such a crush on Sandra Bullock when I was doing that movie. But I don’t think I realized it until later on in life. It’s like, ‘Oh you were in love with her’,” she told Cohen.

“Would you say you were in love with her?” Cohen asked, to which Wood replied that she was in love, as much as an 11-year-old girl could love her on-screen mother. “She was fantastic,” the actress gushed.

Joey King Felt The Weight Of The Role

Meanwhile, Joey King admitted that she felt the pressure of stepping into the role of Kylie and joining the “Practical Magic” cast. The actress is a fan of the original movie and felt there was a “massive responsibility” to do the role justice, a sentiment Maisie Williams also shares.

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However, the actresses said both Bullock and Kidman put them at ease. “Sandra just texts us both straight away. I think it says, ‘Hello, it’s your mother here.’ And I think, wow,” Williams told PEOPLE, adding that Bullock is the “nicest woman in Hollywood.”

King, who has grown close to Kidman after working on a previous project, gushed about her and Bullock, saying, “They are the best duo ever.” Their bond stretches beyond the set, as she revealed she still gets voice notes from her on-screen mother. “She’s always hyping us up. She’s just the sweetest,” King shared.

“Practical Magic 2” is scheduled to be released in theaters in September.

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It’s rare enough to find a science fiction book that’s phenomenal, but to find one that’s built on genuinely perfect writing is all the rarer. That only means, however, that several of the greatest sci-fi book masterpieces of all time can even be counted among the greatest works of genre literature in history. From memorable prose to airtight pacing, to quotable dialogue, to well-rounded character arcs, there are many factors that can make it reasonable to say a book is perfectly written.

Of course, science fiction comes with demands all of its own. Aside from the aforementioned elements, authors must also pay close attention to immersive world-building, a powerful reflection of contemporary times, and achieving a healthy balance between the “science” and “fiction” parts of the equation. From modern sci-fi masters like Andy Weir to pioneers like Ursula K. Le Guin, many noteworthy authors over the years have written sci-fi books absolutely perfectly.

‘Project Hail Mary’ (2021)

Image via Ballantine Books

Andy Weir is one of the modern masters of the hard sci-fi subgenre, a category of science fiction that puts a strict emphasis on scientific accuracy and plausible logic. For proof of his quality as an artist, one needn’t look any further than Project Hail Mary, which was one of the most perfect sci-fi books about aliens well before it was one of the best space opera films of the 21st century.

The key mission of a hard sci-fi novel should be to remain true to its scientific accuracy while still offering plenty of entertainment value, and Project Hail Mary definitely passes with flying colors. Its highly accessible and compelling narrative about a deeply endearing friendship is balanced with some of the most interesting, best-written scientific language of any recent hard sci-fi book.

‘The Book of the New Sun’ (1980–1987)

Image via Simon & Schuster

Gene Wolfe‘s The Book of the New Sun consists of four volumes and a coda, which were published over seven years; but it’s technically all one huge sci-fi epic unlike any other the world has ever seen. It’s science fantasy at its very best, winner of several awards over the course of the publication of its different volumes.

Wolfe’s prose is elegant and dense, blending regular and intentionally obscure archaic vocabulary to construct the book’s powerfully immersive atmosphere. It’s one of the best sci-fi books of the last 50 years through and through, a masterfully smart puzzle box narrative with a brilliantly crafted first-person perspective and some wonderfully layered lore.

‘Hyperion’ (1989)

Image via Doubleday

Dan Simmons‘ Hyperion, winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novel and the first installment in the Hyperion Cantos series, borrows the structure of The Canterbury Tales to tell a story that’s downright engrossing. Born from stories the author used to tell to his students back when he was an elementary school teacher, Hyperion has aged like fine wine as one of the biggest sci-fi cult classics of 1980s literature.

And as if its being perfectly written weren’t reason enough to check it out, Hyperion is also one of those sci-fi books that are even better the second time, helping turn this anthology of interconnected tales into a potently cohesive epic. With some breathtaking worldbuilding, philosophically charged themes and prose that’s heavily literary without ever growing overwhelming, Hyperion is a must-read for virtually anyone who loves classic science fiction.

‘Rendezvous with Rama’ (1973)

Image via Victor Gollancz Ltd

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Writer, futurist, inventor, and explorer Arthur C. Clarke was one of the biggest visionaries in the history of science fiction, without whom the genre would simply not be what it is today. Anyone looking for his most perfectly written novel ought to add Rendezvous with Rama, one of the best hard sci-fi books of all time, to their to-read list. Winner of Hugo, Locus, and Nebula awards, it’s ’70s science fiction at its most undeniably essential.

Anybody looking for a sci-fi book with a focus on plot or character depth is better off looking elsewhere. Rendezvous with Rama is instead written as more of an objective, meticulously detailed, almost documentary-like exploration of what would happen if an alien starship entered the Solar System in the not-so-far future. It’s a book all about ideas, one with a perfect balance between mystery, immersion, and imagination.

‘Stories of Your Life and Others’ (2002)

Image via Picador Collection

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Ted Chiang is one of the greatest science fiction authors writing today, winner of countless awards and well-known for his work as a short story writer. Stories of Your Life and Others collects his first eight sci-fi and fantasy stories, including Story of Your Life, the inspiration for Denis Villeneuve‘s Arrival. Though it’s not a novel, it’s still one of the best sci-fi books of the last 25 years, and a must-read for anyone interested in getting into sci-fi short stories.

Each one of the novellas, novelettes, and short stories contained in Stories of Your Life and Others is perfectly written from start to finish. The whole book is a testament to Chiang’s quality as a science fiction writer, with each story displaying a perfect balance between heady scientific concepts and deeply emotional stories. Perfectly paced and perfectly structured, each story the book presents is worth the reader’s time, making this one of the most filler-less short story books of the 2000s.

‘The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress’ (1966)

Image via Penguin Publishing Group

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Robert A. Heinlein is typically praised as one of the biggest, most groundbreaking, and most important science fiction authors in the history of literature, a pioneer of hard sci-fi who helped push the genre into the mainstream. Anyone looking for a gateway into his work should strongly consider reading The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress, one of those sci-fi books that are perfect from the first page to the last.

This is not only one of the most irresistibly entertaining hard sci-fi masterpieces in history, but also one of the most important. The way it integrates fully believable hard physics into a deeply immersive story about AI (which, quite terrifyingly, has become even more timely today than it was back then) is nothing if not admirable. Scientifically grounded but also hugely vibrant and fun, it’s essential for any science fiction fan with the ability to read.

‘The Gods Themselves’ (1972)

Image via Doubleday

Isaac Asimov is another one of the greatest and most important science fiction authors of the 20th century, having coined the term “robotics” and revolutionized not just the space opera subgenre, but sci-fi as a whole. He’s perhaps best-known for his Foundation series, but his most perfectly written novel is not part of a series at all. It’s The Gods Themselves, winner of the Nebula and Hugo Awards for Best Novel.

The story is divided into three distinct parts, all of which contribute with perfect cohesion to the book’s dissection of the petty politics of academia and the dangers of scientific and technological hubris. The pacing is flawless, the way Asimov writes about hard science is as compelling as it is satisfyingly challenging, and the psychological realism of the character writing is immensely effective.

‘Ubik’ (1969)

Image via Doubleday

Philip K. Dick was another one of science fiction’s greatest authors ever, and Ubik is typically regarded as his magnum opus for plenty of good reasons. Part sci-fi, part philosophical fiction, part pure existential horror, it’s one of the most exquisitely complex works of science fiction of the 20th century, and it has only gotten better with age. Anyone who wants to get into Dick’s work may as well take his best-ever work as the perfect starting point.

Delightfully twisty and profoundly philosophical without ever feeling overstuffed or tonally dissonant, Ubik truly is one of the greatest sci-fi masterpieces in the history of literature. Its existential aspects are deeply thought-provoking, its pulpy and fast-paced prose makes the story feel highly accessible, and the black comedy elements are razor-sharp. Few sci-fi novels have ever felt this complete or well-rounded.

‘The Dispossessed’ (1974)

Image via Avon Books

Modern science fiction would simply not be what it is today without Ursula K. Le Guin, one of the most revolutionary authors of speculative fiction in history. Her fantasy and science fiction works are equally phenomenal all across the board, but there’s really no question regarding what her sci-fi magnum opus is: It has to be The Dispossessed, a genuine literary triumph that’s still a must-read in 2026.

Part of Le Guin’s Hainish Cycle series of novels, The Dispossessed is one of the very few books in history ever to have won all three big awards (Hugo, Locus, and Nebula) for best science fiction or fantasy novel. Exploring themes of freedom, collectivism, and other utopian ideas, this seminal work is one of the most powerful studies of the very concept of a utopia that sci-fi has ever had to offer.

‘Dune’ (1965)

Image via Chilton Books

Few sci-fi novels have ever been or will ever be as impactful, iconic, and influential as Frank Herbert‘s Dune, which can be argued to be to space operas what J. R. R. Tolkien‘s The Lord of the Rings is to epic high fantasy. Perfectly imaginative, perfectly immersive, and perfectly written all around, it’s one of the best sci-fi book masterpieces ever, a must-read for anyone who loves the genre—and genre literature in general, really.

Dune is hugely entertaining from the first page to the last, elevated by Herbert’s potently dense and philosophical prose to tell a political thriller story that’s hard to put down. But aside from being fun to read, Dune is also surprisingly thought-provoking, deconstructing the myth of the messianic hero and exploring themes of religion, politics, and environmentalism. It’s big, epic, complex, and one of the greatest works of speculative fiction ever written.

Of all the cinematic genres, comedy is the hardest to truly master. Humor is so context-dependent and changes so wildly from person to person (let alone between generations) that many comedies struggle to have a strong, immediate impact, and a lot of the ones that do soon become outdated and glaringly of their time. However, there have been plenty of comedy movies throughout cinematic history that have proven themselves to be timeless and stand among the best movies of all time.

In a sprawling range that spans from masterpieces of the silent era to striking satires and ’70s spoofs, and even to some instant classics of the modern age, comedy cinema is littered with hilarious hits. United by runaway creativity and a universal embracing of the sheer, unbridled joy of a good laugh, these quintessential comedy classics are sure to leave audiences in stitches.

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‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2014)

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Wonderfully irreverent and slyly clever, What We Do in the Shadows brings a sense of absurdist fun to the realm of Gothic horror as it follows a group of vampires living as flatmates in modern-day New Zealand. Presented as a documentary team’s insights into how vampires live, the acclaimed vampire movie soars with its deadpan sense of humor and its ability to juxtapose tropes surrounding the mythical beasts with a mundane normality that is beautifully understated.

It captures the idea of immortal and endlessly powerful beings navigating chore wheels, nightclub bouncers, and rental agreements with a tone that is as wickedly hilarious as it is endearingly goofy. A surprise hit on the global stage, What We Do in the Shadows was pivotal to making Taika Waititi an international star, while the concept itself has even spawned a spin-off television series.

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‘The Lady Eve’ (1941)

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Coasting on Barbara Stanwyck’s typically outstanding performance, The Lady Eve is a dazzling delight of screwball comedy. She co-stars as Jean Harrington, a con artist working with her father and his partner. Aboard an ocean liner, the trickster trio set their sights on Charles Pike (Henry Fonda), a shy and bumbling snake expert who is the heir to a family fortune, but when Jean and Pike fall in love, the situation quickly grows complicated.

Like so many gems of the screwball movies of its era, The Lady Eve offers a divine combination of biting, cynical wit, slapstick absurdity, and romantic tension, all of which unfurl as the propulsive and fast-paced story jets along at breakneck speed. Its subversive qualities make it incredibly easy to enjoy today, not only as an impeccably acted and written comedy, but as a sweet and sincere love story as well.

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‘Toni Erdmann’ (2016)

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Coming from Germany, Toni Erdmann is an absorbing black comedy imbued with a uniquely piercing ability to combine absurdist and cringe-worthy moments with profound meditations on the modern day’s demanding work-life balance. Sandra Hüller stars as Ines Conradi, a career-driven business executive who finds herself in a bind when her jovial prankster father begins posing as her boss’s life coach, a joke he hopes can amuse his daughter while allowing them to reconnect.

The line it walks is nothing short of astonishing, with director Maren Ade mastering both the awkward quirks of familial relationships while, more pointedly, emphasizing the corporate drive, emotional hollowness, and personal sacrifices many people have to embrace for their work. Grounded by beautifully nuanced performances and expertly finding pathos and tragedy in even the most humorous of moments, Toni Erdmann is a somber masterclass in heartbreaking, thought-provoking comedy, and it stands as one of the genre’s best films of the 2010s, even if it isn’t necessarily the most joyous.

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‘Anora’ (2024)

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The Best Picture winner of 2025, Anora is a curious beast that ultimately finds its heart as something between a chaotic black comedy and a propulsive character study. Anchored by Mikey Madison’s ensnaring lead performance, it unfolds as a hard-edged sex worker from Brooklyn whose life is upended when she begins a tumultuous romance with the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. The situation fast becomes a frenzied, farcical mess for all involved when news of their marriage reaches Vanya’s (Mark Eydelshteyn) parents, who insist on the union being annulled.

Running a little like a manic screwball comedy with an unflappable penchant for proclivity and profanity, Anora is, at times, a hysterical descent into a scenario that only grows more outrageous the more it unravels. It interrupts its gritty details and confronting rawness with outbursts of obscene hilarity to be one of the funniest movies of the decade so far, even if it is its dramatic wrath, hopelessly flawed characters, and brilliant performances that tend to stay with the audience.

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‘Scary Movie’ (2000)

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Armed with a penchant for parody that is more bombastic than surgical, Scary Movie is a procession of sidesplitting sequences that poke fun at everything from defining gems of slasher cinema to masterpieces of psychological horror. Broadly modeled as a lampooning of Scream, it follows Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris) and her friends as they begin to suspect they are being stalked by a serial killer exactly one year after they accidentally killed a man and dumped his body in the lake.

Its story may not be overly complex, but it does serve as a platform for all the movie’s jabs at genre tropes, satire of the relationship between audiences and art, and, of course, as a solid foundation for all the absurdity on display, which almost earned it an NC-17 censorship rating. It is by far the best and most inspired of the influx of spoof movies that became commonplace through the 2000s, and its impact on horror fans and comedy lovers alike continues to be felt to this day.

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‘Windy City Heat’ (2003)

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Cold-hearted and callous, Windy City Heat has become a true cult classic of early 2000s comedy with its intriguing blend of high-energy momentum and documentary intensity that flaunts a wickedly sadistic glee at the premise of puerile pranks. The movie is itself one big hoax, following American comic Perry Caravello as he believes he has landed a lead role in a crime film called “Windy City Heat.” In actual fact, his journey through the filmmaking process is an elaborate con.

While many critics dismissed it as a shallow and even cruel spectacle, general audiences were more accepting of its jovial tone. The dedication to the long-running prank creates many moments of obscene hilarity, while its sense of hustle imbues it with a relentless energy that is utterly transfixing. It is a propulsive, profane spectacle of unpredictable hysteria where absolutely anything can, and often does, happen.

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‘American Pie’ (1999)

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A cunning evolution of the sex comedy movies of the 1980s, American Pie imbues the subgenre’s set formula of gross-out gags and raunchy humor with genuine heart, making for a coming-of-age classic that is both obscenely hilarious and surprisingly tender. Nearing the end of their time in high school, four teenage friends make a pact to lose their virginity by prom night. Their efforts to make good on their promise lead to plenty of absurd misadventures, moments of soul-shattering humiliation, but, for some, the discovery of love as well.

More than just a painfully relatable crude comedy to many, American Pie has become a gem of warm nostalgia as well, with its high school setting serving as a time capsule of the late-90s and the early-internet youth culture of pop-punk and irreverence. Whether it’s making viewers laugh-out-loud with its vulgarity or presenting unexpectedly wholesome scenes between Jim (Jason Biggs) and his father (Eugene Levy), American Pie is a treat of yesteryear comedy that has held up surprisingly well over the years.

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‘Punch-Drunk Love’ (2002)

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While it may be something of a hidden gem compared to other noteworthy titles in Paul Thomas Anderson’s incredible filmography, Punch-Drunk Love is still a masterpiece in its own right. An understated and dramatic subversion of the flowery wonder many rom-coms exude, it coasts on the back of Adam Sandler’s against-type performance as Barry Egan, a lonely and reserved small business owner who finds love in the form of his sister’s co-worker, Lena (Emily Watson). However, he finds his explosive temperament tested when his budding romance is jeopardized by an extortion scheme tied to a phone-sex line.

Its comedic tastes aren’t necessarily prone to outbursts of uproarious laughter, but they do present a quirky and offbeat sincerity that is both clever and endearing. Complemented by its dreamlike atmosphere, appetite for eruptions of chaos, the heartfelt chemistry between Watson and Sandler, and its quiet meditation on Barry’s struggles with anxiety and anger management, Punch-Drunk Love is a unique treat of cinematic comedy.

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‘Shrek’ (2001)

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

A stunning subversion of the integral elements of animated family fantasy that stands not only as one of the best examples of the genre, but as a universally adored comedy as well, Shrek is one of the defining movies of the early part of the 21st-century cinema. Skewering the fairytale fables Disney animation became famous for, it follows the most unlikely hero in Shrek (Mike Myers), a feared ogre who reluctantly agrees to rescue a princess for a fairytale-hating lord in exchange for peace in his swamp. However, Shrek’s journey takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself falling in love with Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz).

Its parody of the form makes it an outstanding example of fantasy animation set to modern sensitivities. It isn’t just a hilarious lampooning of fairytales, but a heartfelt story of friendship, love, and the beauty of self-acceptance and authenticity that finds new depth in the genre. Bolstered by a litany of incredible voice acting performances, wonderful character dynamics, and a delightfully energized jukebox soundtrack, Shrek is animated comedy at its best and most accessible.

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‘M*A*S*H’ (1970)

Image via 20th Century Studios

A razor-sharp and wickedly divine combination of piercing black comedy and anti-war sentiment, M*A*S*H is a true triumph of comedy cinema from Robert Altman that cleverly marries the absurdly hilarious with the considered and contemplative. It follows the American staff in a field hospital during the Korean War as they try to stomach the horrors of what they see by indulging in darkly humorous antics.

Imbued with the scathing, realistic bite that defined 1970s cinema, yet excelling as a timeless commentary on war and how the human condition responds to trauma, M*A*S*H manages to be both hysterically funny and poignant. It received five Academy Award nominations and won for its screenplay. It also effectively launched the hit comedy series of the same name that ran for 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983.

Jessica Biel is making her long-awaited return to making films with “Matchbox The Movie,” marking her first feature film in nine years. While the actress has remained active with television projects during that time, including starring in and producing several series, she stepped away from theatrical releases to prioritize time with her family. Now, Biel is back with the upcoming action-comedy film inspired by the iconic toy brand.

Jessica Biel attended the San Diego Comic-Con on July 25 with her “Matchbox The Movie” co-stars, including John Cena, Teyonah Parris, Sam Richardson, and Arturo Castro, to promote their upcoming Apple TV+ film.

The actress’ last movie appearance was in the political drama “Shock and Awe,” which premiered in late 2017. While speaking with reporters, Biel appeared surprised when it was noted that nearly a decade had passed since her last movie.

“Oh my god, really?” the actress exclaimed before telling Entertainment Weekly about her new movie. Biel said starring in the Mattel Films movie, which is based on the brand of mini die-cast toy cars that became a global phenomenon, felt nostalgic.

Biel said she played with Matchbox toys as a child, and that it was an “amazing opportunity” to be included in the film. “I really was excited about getting back into an action space, a comedy space, learning to drive these amazing cars, incorporating all this fun humor in this cool, like, collab genre,” she said of her new project.

The Actress Is Excited About Getting Back Into Films

At Comic-Con, Biel shared that she had been excited about getting back into making films, but said it had to be the right project. It seemed “Matchbox The Movie” checked the box.

The movie follows undercover CIA agent Sean (Cena) as he returns to his small town and reconnects with his childhood friends, thrusting them into an international mission to save the world.

Biel said filming the movie transported her back to her childhood when she and her siblings played with Matchbox cars, GI Joe, and Barbie. “We had a lot of Matchbox cars. And I mean, I’m still buying Matchbox for my kids now! It never goes away, it never gets old,” she told PEOPLE.

Jessica Biel’s Kids Joined Her While Filming

One of the reasons why Biel stepped back from film projects was to focus on her family. She and her husband Justin Timberlake share two boys: Silas, born in 2015, and Phineas, whom they welcomed in 2020.

Biel revealed the filming schedule in 2025 for her upcoming movie “literally couldn’t have been worse.” At that time, Timberlake was in the middle of his world tour, and she was about to shoot in Hungary, Slovakia, and Morocco.

It left her with no choice but to bring her boys with her. “We had our incredible [travel] teachers and our incredible nanny and our family helped out… The kids are good, we’re good, it’s all positive,” Biel told InStyle. While in the middle of working and taking care of her kids, however, the actress admitted that it became overwhelming at times.

The Actress Almost Quit The Industry

Biel co-founded Iron Ocean with Michelle Purple in 2007, and the actress admitted that she almost left Hollywood after a string of disappointments.

“I started it with her when I was 22 and for the first 10 years, we had almost no success at all,” she said in an episode of “The Bright Side” podcast in 2024. Iron Ocean optioned the series “The Sinner,” which starred Biel in its first season. The actress admitted that while pitching the project to networks, she considered leaving the industry if they couldn’t sell the anthology series.

Fortunately, it sold. Biel received Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her role as Cora Tannetti, and the series aired for three more seasons before concluding in 2021. Biel also executive produced other projects, including “Cruel Summer,” “Candy,” “Limetown,” and “The Better Sister.”

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Jessica Biel Is Balancing Work With Motherhood

Biel has been open about her struggles with balancing work and being a present mother. The actress said that she and Timberlake arrange their schedules so that only one parent works full time in order for their kids to have a stable home life.

Admittedly, the actress said it’s difficult, and she doesn’t “do it well all the time.” She tries her best, though, and follows the advice Purple gave her after she gave birth to her eldest child. “She goes, ‘Listen, all you can do is: When you’re working, you’re 100-percent working, and when you’re home, you’re 100-percent home.’”

“Matchbox The Movie” is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV+ on October 9.