Brad Pitt gets brutally honest as stars share sobriety stories in 2025, 'pretty much on my knees' Janelle AshJanuary 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM 0 The start of the new year always has people interested in the cultural trend of quitting alcohol for the entire month — aka Dry January. Dry January, which was started in the United Kingdom by Alcohol Change UK in 2013, is a challenge some people like to try by not drinking alcohol for 31 days. Reasons for quitting alcohol for a month range from saving money, improving sleep patterns to using it as a stepping stone to cutting back or quitting entirely.

- - Brad Pitt gets brutally honest as stars share sobriety stories in 2025, 'pretty much on my knees'

Janelle AshJanuary 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM

The start of the new year always has people interested in the cultural trend of quitting alcohol for the entire month — aka Dry January.

Dry January, which was started in the United Kingdom by Alcohol Change UK in 2013, is a challenge some people like to try by not drinking alcohol for 31 days.

Reasons for quitting alcohol for a month range from saving money, improving sleep patterns to using it as a stepping stone to cutting back or quitting entirely.

Brad Pitt and Miley Cyrus are among stars that discussed their sobriety in 2025.

Stars like Bradley Cooper, Miley Cyrus and Tom Holland have been open about their sobriety over the years and have made new comments in 2025 on how quitting alcohol has positively affected their lives.

Younger Drinkers Go Booze-free, But Not Everyone's Toasting The Holiday Mocktail Takeover

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in December, Cooper credited the "Smartless" podcast host Will Arnett as the main reason he was able to quit drinking in 2004.

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Bradley Cooper has been sober since 2004.

"Will took the risk of having that hard conversation with me that put me on the path of deciding to change my life. It is truly Will Arnett, he is the reason. And it helped that it was the guy I thought I was emulating. It's not like somebody else said it. Like, the king told me," Cooper told the outlet.

Anthony Hopkins Credits 'Divinity' And 'Life Force' For Instant End To Alcohol Cravings

Cooper said Will Arnett was the one to help him straighten out his life nearly two decades ago.

Brad Pitt was a guest on Dax Shepard's "The Armchair Expert" podcast in June and discussed how attending Alcoholic's Anonymous meetings at the start of his sobriety journey really helped him.

"I just thought it was just incredible — men sharing their experiences, their foibles, their missteps, their wants, their aches and a lot of humor with it. I thought it was a really special experience," Pitt said at the time.

Brad Pitt enjoyed attending AA meetings when getting sober.

Shepard noted that he was concerned Pitt would be uncomfortable discussing AA since that's how he met him. Pitt said he was "quite at ease" to come on the show and talk about his experience.

Pitt said when he first started attending meetings, he was shy but eventually was able to become more vulnerable.

"I was pretty much on my knees, and I was really open. I was trying anything and everyone. Anything anyone threw at me. It was a difficult time. I needed rebooting. I needed to wake the f--- up in some areas. And it just meant a lot to me," the actor said.

Pitt and Angelina Jolie split in 2016.

After a few sessions, the meetings became a time that Pitt would "look forward to." He told Shepard that he's "pretty good at taking responsibility" and "owning up to" things that have gone wrong.

According to People, Pitt became sober in 2016 — shortly after his split from Angelina Jolie.

Cyrus spoke to CBS News in October about how her decision to quit drinking has made her life better.

"I like showing up 100%, 100% of the time. The hardest part about balancing, you know, any sort of substance use or drinking when you want to do what I do is you're going, 'Okay, well, now I have to get sober for this thing, 'cause I wanna show up my best,'" she told the outlet at the time.

Miley Cyrus has been sober since 2020.

Cyrus continued, "Now, I get to trim out so much of the preparation of getting yourself into the right place mentally and physically. I'm just always ready."

The former Disney star said that she is very happy with where she is at in her life.

"The authentic joy of doing what I want to do has always eclipsed the negatives for me. I feel really good. And I really like who I am, and I like what I'm doing with my life. And I think if I was outside of myself, I would want to be a part of what I'm doing in any way that I could be. Cause I think what I'm doing is cool. So, that actually feels good. I like what I do. I like who I am," Cyrus said.

In May, Cyrus was a guest on The Zane Lowe Show and said that since becoming sober in 2020, she's been able to learn more about herself since becoming sober. "I've learned this about myself over the years. The sobriety is like; that's like my God. I need it, I live for it. I mean that it's changed my entire life," Cyrus said.

Holland spoke with Esquire in September and marked 3.5 years of being sober.

"It feels amazing. A little bit like a brand-new identity almost," he told the outlet at the time.

Tom Holland celebrated 3.5 years of sobriety earlier this year.

At the start of 2025, Holland spoke to Men's Health about his sobriety journey. "My problem was that I would have one drink and be fine, and then I would just go too far," he said.

The "Spider-Man: No Way Home" star told the outlet that he has struggled with wanting to indulge in alcohol since quitting, but his lawyer offered him "a really poignant piece of advice."

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"You'll never wake up the morning after a night out and wish you had a drink," Holland said his lawyer told him.

Holland explained that he participated in Dry January in 2022, initially only planning to quit drinking for the month. During his break, he realized how much alcohol he was consuming.

"Every Friday after work was a write-off: Let's get drunk and have a good time. I didn't have bad experiences, but I would drink enough so that I would ruin my next day," Holland said.

Drew Barrymore has been sober since 2019.

Drew Barrymore spoke to US Weekly in March about how her decision to become sober in 2019 has positively impacted her life over the past six years.

"I think I was focused on the substances, but what finally hit me in my early forties was that I needed to focus on the behavior. That was the big revelation to me. My behavior being: I wanted to escape my pain, numb my pain, feel the highs of the invincibility of what alcohol did for me, when I didn't realize the chemical warfare that it was causing the next day and the next day," the talk show host said at the time.

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Barrymore told the outlet that she ultimately decided to quit drinking because it was affecting how she lived day-to-day.

At the start of 2025, Lucy Hale celebrated three years sober in an emotional Instagram post.

"damn. 3 years ago today, I began my journey in remembering who I am. Since then, I've experienced moments that can only be described as pure miracles and magic," the "Pretty Little Liars" star began her caption.

Lucy Hale celebrated three years sober in January 2025.

"I am deeply grateful every day—for the people who have been guiding lights, for a power greater than myself that loves me unconditionally, and for my own perseverance in not giving up. To all of you who have supported my journey, I have felt your love and it means everything to me," Hale continued.

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She concluded by giving her followers motivation if they were "walking a similar path."

"If you are struggling or walking a similar path, keep going. Just keep going. You are not alone and the world needs you. ❤️," the actress concluded.

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Original article source: Brad Pitt gets brutally honest as stars share sobriety stories in 2025, 'pretty much on my knees'

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Source: Entertainment

Published: January 01, 2026 at 06:45PM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

Brad Pitt gets brutally honest as stars share sobriety stories in 2025, 'pretty much on my knees'

Brad Pitt gets brutally honest as stars share sobriety stories in 2025, 'pretty much on my knees' Janelle As...

Brooklyn Beckham Missing from Brother Romeo's 2025 Recap of Family Photos amid Their Ongoing Rift Michelle LeeJanuary 1, 2026 at 9:54 PM 0 Romeo Beckham/Instagram (2) Romeo Beckham shares photos with all of his siblings except brother Brooklyn amid family's rumored feud Romeo Beckham is the second in his family to exclude Brooklyn Peltz Beckham from his social media content The 23yearold son of David and Victoria Beckham did not feature his older brother in an Instagram recap of his 2025 amid their family's rumored feud Only a day before, David had also posted his own carousel without pictures...

- - Brooklyn Beckham Missing from Brother Romeo's 2025 Recap of Family Photos amid Their Ongoing Rift

Michelle LeeJanuary 1, 2026 at 9:54 PM

Romeo Beckham/Instagram (2)

Romeo Beckham shares photos with all of his siblings except brother Brooklyn amid family's rumored feud -

Romeo Beckham is the second in his family to exclude Brooklyn Peltz Beckham from his social media content

The 23-year-old son of David and Victoria Beckham did not feature his older brother in an Instagram recap of his 2025 amid their family's rumored feud

Only a day before, David had also posted his own carousel without pictures of Brooklyn, only for him to later share childhood photos of Brooklyn to his Instagram Stories

David, Brooklyn and Victoria no longer follow each other on Instagram as of December

The Beckham family's rift will seemingly carry into 2026.

On Jan. 1, Romeo Beckham, the 23-year-old son of David and Victoria Beckham, noticeably excluded his older brother, Brooklyn, in an Instagram recap of his 2025.

The roundup included multiple photos of Romeo hanging out with his younger brother, Cruz, 20, and a sweet snapshot with his sister Harper, 14, on a jet ski. Romeo also shared a photo taken with his mom at what appeared to be a party.

Romeo Beckham/Instagram

Romeo Beckham with his brother Cruz (top right)

In addition to not including Brooklyn, 26, in his post, Romeo tagged his mom, dad, and all of siblings, except for the Cloud23 founder underneath a "Love you all" in the caption. He also wrote, "Thanks 2025 now off to an even better 2026."

Only a day before, David made headlines for also sharing family photos in which Brooklyn was absent. In his caption, the former athlete wrote that he felt "very lucky" to have lived incredible moments in 2025, from celebrating his 50th birthday to getting knighted by King Charles.

"I'm so grateful to my incredible wife, my amazing children, my friends and team I work with every single day[,] nothing would have been possible without you all...," David added, "But as Sir Alex Ferguson would say 'Onto the the next'," he continued. "Thank you for the incredible memories I will forever remember 2025 @victoriabeckham I love you & our kids."

Romeo Beckham/Instagram

Victoria Beckham with son Romeo

Roughly eight hours after sharing the post, the former soccer star then shared old photos of him and Brooklyn to his Instagram Stories. One of the pictures was one of him and his eldest and the other a group photo with Victoria and their four children. "I love you all so much," he wrote, as well as, "I love you all, Love Daddy x. On to 2026."

In December, Victoria, David and Brooklyn continued to spark speculations about their rift after they all unfollowed each other on Instagram. Brooklyn also no longer followers either of his brothers on Instagram, nor do they follow him back. The same goes for for Nicola Peltz, who Brooklyn wed in 2022, which is when the alleged tensions among the Beckhams began over Nicola's wedding dress.

Cruz later claimed that his parents were unexpectedly "blocked" by Brooklyn.

Earlier this year, a source told PEOPLE that the rift rumors between the pair were true, while a second insider told PEOPLE that the dress situation is "far from the truth."

A source also told PEOPLE earlier this year that mending the Beckham family rift hasn't been easy. "Every time they finally have a happy moment, it all falls apart again," the insider explained. "They've tried to make peace."

Darren Gerrish/WireImage

The Beckham family with Nicola Peltz Beckham at the Victoria Beckham Spring/summer 2023 fashion show in Paris in 2022

— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"Brooklyn feels torn. It's his family and blood, but he's always had a complicated relationship with his dad. A lot of their relationship has felt like 'business,' " they added.

The holiday season also appeared to point to the status of the family's relationship with Brooklyn, who opted to spend it with his wife and her family. On Dec. 26, the Lola actress, 30, shared a series of Instagram photos of herself posing in front of a Christmas tree with Brooklyn and her parents, Nelson Peltz and Claudia Heffner Peltz.

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Source: Entertainment

Published: January 01, 2026 at 06:45PM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

Brooklyn Beckham Missing from Brother Romeo's 2025 Recap of Family Photos amid Their Ongoing Rift

Brooklyn Beckham Missing from Brother Romeo's 2025 Recap of Family Photos amid Their Ongoing Rift Michelle L...

Guy Fieri's Son Ryder Uses the Chef's Body to Wakesurf in Birthday Tribute Sabrina WeissJanuary 1, 2026 at 10:00 PM 0 Guy Fieri/Instagram (2) Guy and Ryder Fieri Guy Fieri's son Ryder turned 20 on Dec. 31 The celebrity chef praised his youngest child and shared photos on Instagram He wrote that the family is "so proud" of Ryder "on all levels" in the celebratory post Guy Fieri's son is waving goodbye to being a teenager. The Food Network star's youngest son Ryder turned 20 on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

- - Guy Fieri's Son Ryder Uses the Chef's Body to Wakesurf in Birthday Tribute

Sabrina WeissJanuary 1, 2026 at 10:00 PM

Guy Fieri/Instagram (2)

Guy and Ryder Fieri -

Guy Fieri's son Ryder turned 20 on Dec. 31

The celebrity chef praised his youngest child and shared photos on Instagram

He wrote that the family is "so proud" of Ryder "on all levels" in the celebratory post

Guy Fieri's son is waving goodbye to being a teenager.

The Food Network star's youngest son Ryder turned 20 on Wednesday, Dec. 31. To honor his entry into a new decade, the Tournament of Champions creator shared a sweet and silly Instagram post.

Guy shared several photos of the San Diego State sophomore in the birthday post. One shot showed the father-son duo smiling with their arms around one another, another picture was a photo from his other son Hunter's wedding and two pictures captured Ryder and his girlfriend Sophie.

View this post on Instagram

Among the smiley shots was a video of Ryder wakesurfing on a lake. Ryder had a rope connecting him to a boat in his hands but, rather than a surfboard under his feet, the now-20-year-old stood on the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives star's back.

Guy is shown laying with his stomach on a surfboard and holding his own rope connected to the boat in his hands. In the clip, people out of frame applaud the duo. Guy throws up a "rock on" hand sign before letting go of his rope, the pair riding the waves behind the boat before the video ends.

The lighthearted nature of the post continued in the caption, where the celebrity chef described Ryder as "an amazing son, a hard working student, a devoted boyfriend, and an awesome terrorizing little brother."

"I know you didn't always appreciate your Dec 31st bday when you were younger… but now I think your perspective has changed lol," he wrote. "Mom, the entire family and I are so proud of you on all levels."

A few months ago, Guy praised Ryder for the speech he delivered at Hunter and Tara Bernstein's summertime wedding. "The mic drop of the whole wedding was Ryder," he told PEOPLE. "He did a speech that was not only funny, but endearing and so well presented."

"When he got done, you would've thought that our favorite team had just won the Super Bowl," Fieri recalled. "People were out of their chairs."

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Source: Entertainment

Published: January 01, 2026 at 06:45PM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

Guy Fieri’s Son Ryder Uses the Chef’s Body to Wakesurf in Birthday Tribute

Guy Fieri's Son Ryder Uses the Chef's Body to Wakesurf in Birthday Tribute Sabrina WeissJanuary 1, 2026 at 10:...

New Photo - The 15 best sad movies streaming on HBO Max that'll hit you in the feels

There's nothing wrong with needing a good cry once in a while. The 15 best sad movies streaming on HBO Max that'll hit you in the feels There's nothing wrong with needing a good cry once in a while. By Kevin Jacobsen, Chris Bellamy, and Kyle Fowle December 27, 2025 9:00 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/MaggieCheungEmmaThompsonAndrewGarfield1209259bded2e4c5dd4ea2b131296fc6ef9ae0.jpg) Maggie Cheung as Su Lizhen in 'In the Mood for Love'; Emma Thompson as Dr. Vivian Bearing in 'Wit'; Grace Delaney as Ella and Andrew Garfield as Tobias in 'We Live in Time'.

There's nothing wrong with needing a good cry once in a while.

The 15 best sad movies streaming on HBO Max that'll hit you in the feels

There's nothing wrong with needing a good cry once in a while.

By Kevin Jacobsen, Chris Bellamy, and Kyle Fowle

December 27, 2025 9:00 a.m. ET

Maggie Cheung as Su Li-zhen in 'In the Mood for Love'; Emma Thompson as Dr. Vivian Bearing in 'Wit'; Grace Delaney as Ella and Andrew Garfield as Tobias in 'We Live in Time'

Maggie Cheung as Su Li-zhen in 'In the Mood for Love'; Emma Thompson as Dr. Vivian Bearing in 'Wit'; Grace Delaney as Ella and Andrew Garfield as Tobias in 'We Live in Time'. Credit:

Miramax; HBO/Courtesy Everett Collection; Peter Mountain/StudioCanal

Why watch a movie you know might make you cry? For the same reason people love to go to the movies to laugh or be scared: catharsis. There's something profound about connecting to a struggle, and the right films earn your tears through strong character development, committed performances, and themes that resonate with the viewer's own experiences.

HBO Max has a wide swath of offerings in the tearjerker department, running the gamut from classic humanist tales like *Bicycle Thieves* (1948) and *Ikiru* (1952), to tragic romances like *Brief Encounter* (1945) and *In the Mood for Love* (2000), to modern weepies like *We Live in Time* (2024).

Ahead, find our recommendations for the 15 best sad movies on HBO Max, for whenever you need a good cry.

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Vittorio De Sica (center) and Lamberto Maggiorani (right) on the set of 'Bicycle Thieves'

Vittorio De Sica (center) and Lamberto Maggiorani (right) on the set of 'Bicycle Thieves'.

The defining accomplishment of Italy's neorealist period, *Bicycle Thieves* is deceptively simple: A man gets a job. To do it, he needs a bike. Another man steals his bike. As a moral premise, this is easy, right? After all, Antonio (Lamberto Maggiorani) has a young son and a newborn to feed. But the film's profundity lies in its understanding that the thief, like so much of postwar Italy's working class, is in the same boat as Antonio. In other words, the desperation is circular. It's inevitable that, eventually, Antonio will be desperate enough to steal a bike himself, which is just one of the film's many brutal ironies.

Where to watch *Bicycle Thieves*: HBO Max

**Director: **Vittorio De Sica

**Cast: **Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, Lianella Carell

Brief Encounter (1945)

Celia Johnson as Laura Jesson and Trevor Howard as Dr. Alec Harvey in 'Brief Encounter'

Celia Johnson as Laura Jesson and Trevor Howard as Dr. Alec Harvey in 'Brief Encounter'.

Screen Archives/Getty

The emotional themes featured in this British classic are as resonant today as they were in the 1940s. David Lean's intimate drama follows an unfulfilled married woman (Celia Johnson) who meets a charming married doctor (Trevor Howard) and connects instantly. As they continue to spend more time together, they are tempted to take their relationship to the next level, despite the realities of their home lives.

The push and pull between the union they want and the pressures of society is potent and free of judgment, and Johnson's soulful eyes tell us everything, even when she's not saying a word. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Brief Encounter*: HBO Max

**Director:** David Lean

**Cast:** Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway

Cries and Whispers (1972)

Ingrid Thulin as Karin and Liv Ullmann as Maria in 'Cries and Whispers'

Ingrid Thulin as Karin and Liv Ullmann as Maria in 'Cries and Whispers'.

Courtesy Everett Collection

If you're looking for sad cinema, Swedish director Ingmar Bergman can help. This harrowing Oscar-nominated drama centers on a pair of sisters, Maria (Liv Ullmann) and Karin (Ingrid Thulin), as they attend to their other sister, Agnes (Harriet Andersson), who is dying of cancer. But the relationship between the siblings is extremely complicated, plagued with jealousy and traumas that make this far from a sentimental tearjerker. Bergman brings his trademark uncompromising realism to the film — as well as a stunning red color palette — making us feel every agonized moan of despair. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Cries and Whispers*: HBO Max

**Director:** Ingmar Bergman

**Cast:** Harriet Andersson, Kari Sylwan, Ingrid Thulin, Liv Ullmann, Inga Gill

Dope Sick Love (2005)

A woman using a needle to do drugs in 'Dope Sick Love'

A woman using a needle to do drugs in 'Dope Sick Love'.

*Dope Sick Love* gets its power from its powerlessness. This unfiltered depiction of two couples experiencing drug problems on the streets of New York — hustling, scoring, surviving — isn't framed by an inspiring message of recovery. There are no talking-head interviews putting addiction into a moral context, nor are there romanticized vagabonds. Instead, the camera simply observes these lives, which are astonishing in their ugliness, danger, and dread.

The very idea of intervention — by filmmakers, by medical professionals, or by family members on the periphery of these addicts' lives — is a no-go. What makes the documentary so affecting is that it simply refuses to look away.

Where to watch *Dope Sick Love*: HBO Max

**Directors: **Felice Conte, Brent Renaud, Craig Renaud

Every Brilliant Thing (2016)

Jonny Donahoe in 'Every Brilliant Thing'

Jonny Donahoe in 'Every Brilliant Thing'.

*Every Brilliant Thing*, the HBO recording of British comedian Jonny Donahoe's one-man show, takes pleasure in small moments. The conceit is simple and strangely moving: A young boy creates a list of things that make life worth living to cheer up his depressed mother, who attempted suicide. The performance invites the audience to participate, reading out various bits from the list — "the smell of old books" is one, "sunlight" another — and finding joy in the small things that populate our daily lives. The show's inherent sorrow is alleviated by Donahoe's sense of hope, humor, and the notion that being alive is beautiful.

Where to watch *Every Brilliant Thing*: HBO Max

**EW grade: **A–

**Directors: **Fenton Fox Bailey, Randy Barbato

**Cast: **Jonny Donahoe

The Fallout (2022)

Jenna Ortega as Vada Cavell in 'The Fallout'

Jenna Ortega as Vada Cavell in 'The Fallout'.

It's a tragedy that this sensitive drama about the aftermath of a school shooting is as relevant today as it is. Jenna Ortega stars as Vada, a student struggling to cope with the trauma of an incident at her school in which 16 classmates were killed. *The Fallout* unflinchingly depicts the difficulties of growing up in a fearful, anxiety-ridden generation, in which senseless violence and the emotional roller coaster of maturing into adulthood are inextricably linked in uncomfortable ways. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Fallout*: HBO Max

**Director:** Megan Park

**Cast:** Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler, Julie Bowen, John Ortiz, Niles Fitch, Shailene Woodley

Ikiru (1952)

Miki Odagiri as Toyo Odagiri and Takashi Shimura as Kanji Watanabe in 'Ikiru'

Miki Odagiri as Toyo Odagiri and Takashi Shimura as Kanji Watanabe in 'Ikiru'.

Courtesy Everett Collection

What does it mean to truly live? Akira Kurosawa explores this with aching honesty in *Ikiru*, which tells the story of Kanji Watanabe (Takashi Shimura), an aging bureaucrat who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Despairing over thoughts that he's wasted his life, Kanji searches for meaning in his remaining months on Earth, finding solace in an optimistic young woman who inspires him to finally make a difference in the world. Tender yet damning in its depiction of soulless bureaucracy, *Ikiru* is one of the most emotionally wrenching films of all time. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Ikiru*: HBO Max

**Director:** Akira Kurosawa

**Cast:** Takashi Shimura, Miki Odagiri

Cue the waterworks: The 15 best sad movies streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Danielle Deadwyler as Mamie Till Mobley in 'Till'; Riz Ahmed as Ruben Stone in 'Sound of Metal'; Casey Affleck as Lee Chandler in 'Manchester by the Sea'

Spoiler alert! The 21 most shocking early character deaths in film

Janet Leigh as Marion Crane in 'Psycho'; Mufasa (voice: James Earl Jones) in 'The Lion King'; Drew Barrymore as Casey Becker in 'Scream'

In the Mood for Love (2000)

Tony Leung as Chow Mo-wan and Maggie Cheung as Su Li-zhen in 'In the Mood for Love'

Tony Leung as Chow Mo-wan and Maggie Cheung as Su Li-zhen in 'In the Mood for Love'.

Miramax/Everett

No film has ever ached quite like *In the Mood for Love*. Mr. Chow (Tony Leung) and Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung) are doomed, seeking each other's company because their unfaithful spouses aren't around. A shared loneliness evolves into an overwhelming need, but their love can never be spoken or acted upon, hiding underneath a thin façade in polite society, circa 1962. There's a good reason this is considered one of the best movies ever made, and if any romance is likely to consume you with regret for the one that got away, this is it.

Where to watch *In the Mood for Love*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Wong Kar-wai

**Cast: **Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Rebecca Pan

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999)

Halle Berry as Dorothy Dandridge in 'Introducing Dorothy Dandridge'

Halle Berry as Dorothy Dandridge in 'Introducing Dorothy Dandridge'.

HBO/Courtesy Everett

Only three years before Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Oscar, she portrayed the first-ever Black woman nominated in that category: Dorothy Dandridge. This HBO TV movie documents Dandridge's difficult life beyond the glamour of Hollywood, from tumultuous marriages to mismanaged career choices. Berry portrays Dandridge as wounded but tenacious, a complex person in an industry that didn't always know what to do with her. It's a tragic story, but well worth a watch to witness Berry's performance, which won her an Emmy and a Golden Globe award. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Introducing Dorothy Dandridge*: HBO Max

**Director:** Martha Coolidge

**Cast:** Halle Berry, Brent Spiner, Obba Babatundé, Loretta Devine, LaTanya Richardson

Secrets & Lies (1996)

Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Hortense Cumberbatch and Brenda Blethyn as Cynthia Purley in 'Secrets & Lies'

Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Hortense Cumberbatch and Brenda Blethyn as Cynthia Purley in 'Secrets & Lies'.

Channel Four Films

Mike Leigh understands the lives of everyday people more than most directors working today, as evidenced by this highly emotional, Oscar-nominated drama. The film follows a young Black woman named Hortense (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), who wishes to connect to her white birth mother, Cynthia (Brenda Blethyn). While Cynthia doesn't believe Hortense's claims at first, she comes to accept the truth while also juggling her dysfunctional relationship with her family. Blethyn's fragile performance makes *Secrets & Lies* a shattering watch, as Leigh explores working-class problems in sobering fashion. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Secrets & Lies*: HBO Max

**Director:** Mike Leigh

**Cast:** Brenda Blethyn, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Timothy Spall, Phyllis Logan, Claire Rushbrook

Sorry, Baby (2025)

Eva Victor as Agnes in 'Sorry, Baby'

Eva Victor as Agnes in 'Sorry, Baby'.

One of the best traits of this indie darling is how it never feels like it's trying to emotionally manipulate the audience, yet its storytelling is tremendously moving nonetheless. Eva Victor wrote, directed, and stars in this dramedy about a young college professor struggling with depression after suffering a traumatic event years ago. As she tries to move forward with her life, she also attempts to define how she feels about what's happened to her. "It's complicated and unassuming in the same beat," writes EW's critic, calling the film "one of the most thoughtful and unforgettable of the year." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Sorry, Baby*: HBO Max

**Director:** Eva Victor

**Cast:** Eva Victor, Naomi Ackie, Louis Cancelmi, Kelly McCormack, Lucas Hedges

Watership Down (1978)

Various rabbit characters in 'Watership Down'

Various rabbit characters in 'Watership Down'. Everett Collection

As anyone who's seen it (or read the source material) will tell you, *Watership Down* isn't your standard kid-friendly fare about cute bunnies getting into adventures. The British animated film follows a group of rabbits who flee after one of their own has a premonition of their warren's destruction. Venturing out to find new shelter, the rabbits face an increasingly dangerous world full of predators and hope to find peace again. EW listed *Watership Down* as one of the best adaptations of a children's book, calling it a "rare kind of animated movie that's unhurried — even poetic — in its attempts to grab your attention." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Watership Down*: HBO Max

**Director:** Martin Rosen

**Cast:** John Hurt, Richard Briers, Michael Graham Cox, Simon Cadell, Zero Mostel

We Live in Time (2024)

Grace Delaney as Ella, Andrew Garfield as Tobias, and Florence Pugh as Almut in 'We Live in Time'

Grace Delaney as Ella, Andrew Garfield as Tobias, and Florence Pugh as Almut in 'We Live in Time'.

Peter Mountain/StudioCanal

This time-hopping drama follows the highs and lows of a relationship, with Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh giving some of their most heartfelt performances on film to date. The actors star as recent divorcé Tobias (Garfield) and ice skater-turned-chef Almut (Pugh), who fall in love and hope to have children, though a diagnosis threatens to disrupt their plans. Those who love the earnest, bittersweet tone of *This Is Us* will find a lot to like about *We Live in Time*, including its cleverly constructed nonlinear narrative and the sincere chemistry between Garfield and Pugh. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *We Live in Time*: HBO Max

**Director:** John Crowley

**Cast:** Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh

Wit (2001)

Emma Thompson as Dr. Vivian Bearing in 'Wit'

Emma Thompson as Dr. Vivian Bearing in 'Wit'.

HBO/Courtesy Everett Collection

Emma Thompson delivers one of her most moving performances in this smartly written TV movie. The Oscar winner stars as Vivian Bearing, a brilliant English professor who is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. Grappling with her new reality, Vivian tries to retain her strength while reckoning with her life's work. Though there is an inherent sadness in its premise, *Wit* is indeed worthy of its title, a witty, clear-eyed look at life and death that forgoes easy sentiment. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Wit*: HBO Max

**Director:** Mike Nichols

**Cast:** Emma Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, Audra McDonald, Eileen Atkins

A Woman Under the Influence (1974)

Peter Falk as Nick Longhetti and Gena Rowlands as Mabel Longhetti in 'A Woman Under the Influence'

Peter Falk as Nick Longhetti and Gena Rowlands as Mabel Longhetti in 'A Woman Under the Influence'.

Courtesy of Everett

John Cassavetes' portrait of a woman unraveling is a raw, unflinching examination of depression and marriage. Gena Rowlands plays Mabel, a housewife whose mental illness puts a strain on her relationship with her husband, Nick (Peter Falk). As Mabel's erratic behavior intensifies, Nick faces difficult decisions to get his wife proper treatment. Rowlands' performance is shattering, giving us a deeply vulnerable look into Mabel's fractured psyche. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *A Woman Under the Influence*: HBO Max

**Director: **John Cassavetes

**Cast: **Gena Rowlands, Peter Falk

- Movie Reviews & Recommendations

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Drama"

Source: Drama

Published: January 01, 2026 at 05:38PM on Source: RON MAG

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New Photo - Amos Poe, underground New York filmmaker, dies at 76

The director of &34;Alphabet City&34; and &34;The Blank Generation&34; was a key figure in the No Wave movement. Amos Poe, underground New York filmmaker, dies at 76 The director of &34;Alphabet City&34; and &34;The Blank Generation&34; was a key figure in the No Wave movement. By Jordan Hoffman :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/JordanHoffmanauthorphotoe4b61cf41b534ce3bd109eae4b8f4eaa.jpg) Jordan Hoffman Jordan Hoffman is a writer at , mostly covering nostalgia. He has been writing about entertainment since 2007. EW's editorial guidelines December 26, 2025 6:53 p.m.

The director of "Alphabet City" and "The Blank Generation" was a key figure in the No Wave movement.

Amos Poe, underground New York filmmaker, dies at 76

The director of "Alphabet City" and "The Blank Generation" was a key figure in the No Wave movement.

By Jordan Hoffman

Jordan Hoffman author photo

Jordan Hoffman

Jordan Hoffman is a writer at **, mostly covering nostalgia. He has been writing about entertainment since 2007.

EW's editorial guidelines

December 26, 2025 6:53 p.m. ET

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

Amos Poe, underground New York filmmaker, dies at 76

The director of &34;Alphabet City&34; and &34;The Blank Generation&34; was a key figure in the No Wave movemen...

New Photo - Tyler Perry accused of sexual assault in second lawsuit, from actor in Madea movie

Perry has denied the allegations from Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in &34;Boo! A Madea Halloween.&34; Tyler Perry accused of sexual assault in second lawsuit, from actor in Madea movie Perry has denied the allegations from Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in &34;Boo! A Madea Halloween.&34; By Sydney Bucksbaum :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/headshotb5dc24df8d5d43d1a16c9ce0e0383119.jpg) Sydney Bucksbaum Sydney Bucksbaum is a staff writer at . She has been working at EW since 2019 and is a published author.

Perry has denied the allegations from Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in "Boo! A Madea Halloween."

Tyler Perry accused of sexual assault in second lawsuit, from actor in Madea movie

Perry has denied the allegations from Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in "Boo! A Madea Halloween."

By Sydney Bucksbaum

Sydney Bucksbaum author photo

Sydney Bucksbaum

Sydney Bucksbaum is a staff writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2019 and is a published author. Her work has previously appeared in *TV Guide Magazine*, E! News/E! Online, *The Hollywood Reporter*, Mashable, Bustle, IGN, DCComics.com, Inverse, *The Daily Northwestern*, and more.

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December 26, 2025 8:01 p.m. ET

Tyler Perry in 2024

Tyler Perry in 2024. Credit:

Emma McIntyre/Getty

Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry has been hit with a second lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault.

Mario Rodriguez, a model who landed a small role in Perry's 2016 movie *Boo! A Madea Halloween*, filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking $77 million in damages for his claims that Perry sexually assaulted him and made unwanted physical advances while promising him roles.

In a complaint reviewed by **, Rodriguez accuses Perry of using his power in the film industry to abuse him on multiple occasions, and also alleges that Lionsgate, the company that distributes Perry's films, had "actual knowledge of unlawful conduct and the ability to intervene but failed to act."

Rodriguez is represented by Jonathan J. Delshad, the same attorney representing Derek Dixon, another actor who sued Perry, 56, for $260 million in June based on allegations of sexual misconduct. (Dixon's lawsuit was originally filed in California state court but has since been moved to federal court in Georgia. Perry has denied all the claims against him in that lawsuit.)

Mario Rodriguez at the 'Gemini Man' premiere in 2019

Mario Rodriguez at the 'Gemini Man' premiere in 2019.

Rob Latour/Variety/Penske Media via Getty

Perry's attorney Alex Spiro provided a statement to EW on Friday slamming the new lawsuit as a "money grab."

"Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab," Spiro said.

Delshad said in a statement to EW, "Unfortunately, statements like those made by Perry's attorneys do nothing but enable Mr. Perry to continue to victimize people like Mr. Rodriguez. My client looks forward to a jury's determination of what happened."

Representatives for Lionsgate didn't immediately respond to EW's request for comment on the lawsuit.**

Rodriguez's complaint claims that he was approached by a trainer while working out in a Los Angeles gym in 2015 who told him that Perry wanted to meet him to discuss a role in one of his films. Rodriguez alleges in the complaint that he spoke with Perry first over the phone that same day, which is when he was offered the small part in the *Madea Halloween* film. Rodriguez would eventually play Frat Guy #10.

Cassi Davis, Tyler Perry, and Patrice Lovely in 'Boo! A Madea Halloween'

Cassi Davis, Tyler Perry, and Patrice Lovely in 'Boo! A Madea Halloween'.

Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate

"You know Mario, I'm not a bad person to know and have in your corner," Rodriguez claims Perry told him while discussing the role of "a very good-looking college student."

In the complaint, Rodriguez alleges that he was invited to Perry's L.A. home alone a few weeks later to have drinks and watch a movie in the mogul's theater. Rodriguez claims that Perry initiated a hug and began massaging his shoulders and chest while allegedly making "sexual grunting sounds."

Rodriguez claims that he attempted to stop Perry by stepping away to sit back down, but Perry allegedly "then put his hand on Mr. Rodriguez's leg and began rubbing his inner thigh right next to his penis. Mr. Perry told Mr. Rodriguez 'It's ok,' while he continued to rub his thigh."

The complaint alleges that Rodriguez left to use the restroom, walking out of the room, but "Perry persisted," telling Rodriguez, "just relax," "stop being so tense," "man, if you would just come, I would take care of you for the rest of your life and you wouldn't have to worry about anything," and "I know you'll come around."

Tyler Perry accused of sexual harassment and assault in $260 million lawsuit

Tyler Perry attends the 2025 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 09, 2025 in Los Angeles, California

'The Oval' actor speaks out about his $260 million sexual assault lawsuit against Tyler Perry: 'I couldn't stay silent'

Tyler Perry at the 2025 BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025; Derek Dixon in June 2017

Rodriguez claims he "repeatedly tried to play off Mr. Perry's comments as a joke, and he tried to change the subject to work. But Mr. Perry continued to make similar sexual comments," so he left and went home.**

While Rodriguez says Perry "did not sexually assault or attack" him on set while filming *Boo! A Madea Halloween*, the complaint claims that the unwanted advances continued in multiple instances at Perry's home and out to dinner, including when Rodriguez claims Perry asked him, "Are you going to give in?" and attempted to unbuckle his pants.

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Rodriguez claims he rejected Perry multiple times, and therefore was never offered additional roles previously promised to him. He also alleges that Perry "stuffed $5,000" into his pocket after being rejected on multiple occasions.**

- Celebrities & Creators

- Celebrity Lawsuits & Legal Troubles

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Celebrity"

Source: Celebrity

Published: January 01, 2026 at 05:38PM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

Tyler Perry accused of sexual assault in second lawsuit, from actor in Madea movie

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The 15 best sad movies streaming on HBO Max that'll hit you in the feels

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Brief Encounter (1945)

Cries and Whispers (1972)

Dope Sick Love (2005)

Every Brilliant Thing (2016)

The Fallout (2022)

Ikiru (1952)

In the Mood for Love (2000)

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999)

Secrets & Lies (1996)

Sorry, Baby (2025)

Watership Down (1978)

We Live in Time (2024)

Wit (2001)

A Woman Under the Influence (1974)

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

The 15 best sad movies streaming on HBO Max that'll hit you in the feels

Amos Poe, underground New York filmmaker, dies at 76

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

Amos Poe, underground New York filmmaker, dies at 76

Tyler Perry accused of sexual assault in second lawsuit, from actor in Madea movie

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

Tyler Perry accused of sexual assault in second lawsuit, from actor in Madea movie

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