New Photo - Queen Mary of Denmark Rings in the New Year in a Unique Tiara That Was Created from a Diamond Belt

Queen Mary of Denmark Rings in the New Year in a Unique Tiara That Was Created from a Diamond Belt Meredith KileJanuary 3, 2026 at 4:27 AM 0 Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Queen Mary of Denmark Queen Mary of Denmark celebrated the new year in style, sporting a champagne gown and a custommade bandeau tiara The Queen helped design the tiara in 2024, pulling the impressive, rosecut diamonds from a medievalinspired belt made by goldsmith Carl Martin Weisshaupt in 1840 She and King Frederik also wore unique and ornate collars denoting them as members of Denmark's prestigious Order of the Elephant Qu...

- - Queen Mary of Denmark Rings in the New Year in a Unique Tiara That Was Created from a Diamond Belt

Meredith KileJanuary 3, 2026 at 4:27 AM

0

Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty

Queen Mary of Denmark -

Queen Mary of Denmark celebrated the new year in style, sporting a champagne gown and a custom-made bandeau tiara

The Queen helped design the tiara in 2024, pulling the impressive, rose-cut diamonds from a medieval-inspired belt made by goldsmith Carl Martin Weisshaupt in 1840

She and King Frederik also wore unique and ornate collars denoting them as members of Denmark's prestigious Order of the Elephant

Queen Mary of Denmark rang in the new year in style.

The Danish royal and her husband, King Frederik, celebrated the holiday with a New Year's Reception and Banquet at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen on Thursday, Jan. 1, and the Queen dressed for the festive occasion in a champagne-colored Jesper Hovring gown.

She and the King also both donned the unique and ornate collars that denote them as members of the Order of the Elephant, a Danish order of chivalry and Denmark's highest-ranked honor. New Year's Day is one of the few collar days for the order.

Keld Navntoft / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty

Queen Mary and King Frederik X attend the New Year's Reception and Banquet at Amalienborg Palace on Jan. 1, 2026

But the standout piece of the Queen's elegant ensemble was her bandeau tiara. The circlet's impressive rose-cut diamonds were actually pulled from another piece in the royal archives: a medieval-inspired belt made by goldsmith Carl Martin Weisshaupt in 1840, according to The Crown Jeweller.

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Queen Mary and experts from the Danish Royal Collection designed the new tiara in 2024, removing the largest diamonds from the belt setting but leaving spacers so that they can be replaced if desired.

Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty

Queen Mary of Denmark attends the New Year's Court at the Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen on Jan. 1, 2026

The King and Queen's eldest child, Crown Prince Christian, 20, was also in attendance at the New Year's reception. However, their other three children — Princess Isabella, 18, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 14 — were not photographed at the event.

In addition to the repurposed tiara, Queen Mary's gown was also a bit of recycled royal fashion. The lace bodice and sleeves were reportedly added to the Jesper Hovring piece since the last time she wore it.

The practice of recycling past looks has become popular among modern royals, in particular, Kate Middleton. The Princess of Wales' habit of upcycling and rewearing past favorite outfits is, by now, practically a sartorial calling card. She's frequently been known to add a statement bow to jackets and dresses in order to give them a completely new look.

In November 2024, PEOPLE spoke with Bethan Holt, fashion director at The Telegraph, about the princess's habit, which may raise eyebrows with critics.

"I think she is trying a more sustainable way of dressing. She already has a vast and extensive wardrobe, so why shouldn't she be looking for ways to take existing pieces and re-imagine them?" said Holt, who is also the author of The Duchess of Cambridge: A Decade of Modern Royal Style.

The Danish royals' festive celebration kicked off the new year on a high note, after December 2025 ended with a tragedy that connected Queen Mary back to her home country of Australia.

On Dec. 14, the King and Queen shared their condolences following the terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event, in which at least 16 people were killed and at least 40 others were injured.

"We and the people of Denmark are profoundly saddened by the tragic news of the terror attack at Bondi Beach today," the message said. "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all those affected, their loved ones, the people of Australia and the Jewish community."

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Published: January 02, 2026 at 07:36PM on Source: RON MAG

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Queen Mary of Denmark Rings in the New Year in a Unique Tiara That Was Created from a Diamond Belt

Queen Mary of Denmark Rings in the New Year in a Unique Tiara That Was Created from a Diamond Belt Meredith KileJa...
New Photo - Vanna White Shares Rare Photo With Lookalike Kids For Special Occasion

Vanna White Shares Rare Photo With Lookalike Kids For Special Occasion Devon ForwardJanuary 2, 2026 at 1:31 PM 25 Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images Vanna White, longtime cohost of the hit game show Wheel of Fortune and the spinoff, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, celebrated the holidays with her family, giving fans a peek at their time together with her latest update. White shared a rare personal post on Instagram on Jan. 1, posting a holiday card of sorts featuring herself, her two kids, Nikko and Gigi, and her longtime partner, John Donaldson.

- - Vanna White Shares Rare Photo With Lookalike Kids For Special Occasion

Devon ForwardJanuary 2, 2026 at 1:31 PM

25

Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images

Vanna White, longtime co-host of the hit game show Wheel of Fortune and the spinoff, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, celebrated the holidays with her family, giving fans a peek at their time together with her latest update.

White shared a rare personal post on Instagram on Jan. 1, posting a holiday card of sorts featuring herself, her two kids, Nikko and Gigi, and her longtime partner, John Donaldson.

In the photo, White stood between Donaldson and Nikko, while Gigi posed on the other side of her brother, with everyone smiling at the camera.

The group looked to be enjoying warm weather, with both Nikko and Donaldson wearing button-up short-sleeved shirts, while Gigi had on a white strapless shirt and her mother wore a colorful lightweight top. Vibrant green plants served as the background.

White welcomed 2026 in the caption as she wrote, "Happy New Year from my family to yours!"

View this post on Instagram

Related: Wheel of Fortune's Vanna White Delights Fans With Photo of "Stud" Son Nikko

Many fans wished her and her family a happy New Year as well, with one kind comment reading, "Happy New Year! Wishing you and your family all the best in 2026 and lots of happiness, joy, & fun."

Another said, "Happy New Year Vanna!! Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy 2026!!"

Others talked about White's popular game show, Wheel of Fortune, with some referencing her ongoing discussions about possibly retiring soon.

"Have a wonderful year on the Wheel! We will be watching!❤️," said one fan of the show, while more chimed in to say, "Happy New Year. Please don't retire 😍," and "Happy New Year. Never get weary of watching you on Wheel. You're AMAZING!"

Another common topic of discussion in the comments was White's family, with one noting the resemblance between White and Gigi as they wrote, "Happy new year! Her daughter is her mini me."

More fans said, "Beautiful family! Happy New Year!" and "Beautiful family 👏❤️."

White welcomed her two children with her ex-husband, George Santo Pietro. The former couple, who were married from 1990 to 2002, had their son Nikko in 1994, while their daughter Gigi was born in 1997.

As for Donaldson, White and her partner started dating in 2012, and they have been together ever since.

Related: Vanna White, 68, Shares Piece of Advice For Her Future 'Wheel of Fortune' Successor

This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

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Published: January 02, 2026 at 06:45PM on Source: RON MAG

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Vanna White Shares Rare Photo With Lookalike Kids For Special Occasion

Vanna White Shares Rare Photo With Lookalike Kids For Special Occasion Devon ForwardJanuary 2, 2026 at 1:31 PM 25 Er...
New Photo - The 24 most inspiring movies on Netflix to lift your spirits

Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere. The 24 most inspiring movies on Netflix to lift your spirits Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere. By Chris Snellgrove and Ilana Gordon :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ILANAGORDONHEADSHOT80577598f8ed442cacff5de184ceb9f5.jpg) Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles. EW's editorial guidelines January 2, 2026 10:00 a.m.

Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere.

The 24 most inspiring movies on Netflix to lift your spirits

Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere.

By Chris Snellgrove

and Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

EW's editorial guidelines

January 2, 2026 10:00 a.m. ET

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Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in 'Shirley'; Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland in 'Cast Away'; Michelle Obama in 'Becoming'

Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in 'Shirley'; Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland in 'Cast Away'; Michelle Obama in 'Becoming'. Credit:

Glen Wilson/Netflix; Netflix (2)

Several inspiring movies on Netflix feature humans battling intense conditions, with some surviving against all odds. The characters on this list go to war — whether real or imaginary — with their circumstances and find a way to turn their adversities into their advantage.

You may never find yourself called upon to lead your country or pioneer a new path, but if you're in need of some gumption, these 17 movies will help light that spark within you. Here are the most inspiring movies streaming on Netflix right now.**

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)

Nirmal Purja in '14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible'

Nirmal Purja in '14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible'.

This documentary has the inspirational movie recipe memorized. Just take one ambitious climber (Nirmal Purja), a huge dream (trekking the world's 14 highest mountains in only seven months), and let those simmer for around two hours.

Beyond the pulse-quickening story, this film largely succeeds thanks to the riveting footage shot by the expedition team. The other production efforts are still impressive, but nothing beats the raw experience of walking alongside those trying to make the impossible possible. *—Chris Snellgrove*

Where to watch *14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible*: Netflix

**Director:** Torquil Jones

**Cast:** Nirmal Purja

Becoming (2020)

Michelle Obama in 'Becoming'

Michelle Obama in 'Becoming'.

After Michelle Obama's 2018 memoir became a best-seller, it was only a matter of time before it was adapted into a film. Director Nadia Hallgren had immense access to Obama, following her across a 34-city book tour and turning the introspective writing into a dynamic reflection of the author as the archetypal modern woman.

As EW's critic writes in the review, "[G]enerally, Obama comes across as she always has — commanding but approachable, thoughtful but funny, sincere but guarded. But after spending eight years in the White House glare, that guard is understandable." *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Becoming*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Nadia Hallgren

**Cast:** Michelle Obama

The Black Godfather (2019)

Clarence Avant in 'The Black Godfather'

Clarence Avant in 'The Black Godfather'.

Clarence Avant, a music producer affectionately dubbed the "Godfather of Black music," mostly flew under the mainstream radar with his brilliant artistic contributions. This documentary aims to change that by chronicling an unbelievable life that reshaped the music industry and made waves in politics, discussions of race, and business. With appearances from big names like Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and even former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, this inspirational movie is the perfect send-off for Avant, who died in 2023. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *The Black Godfather*: Netflix

**Director: **Reginald Hudlin

**Cast: **Hank Aaron, Dina R. Andrews, Clarence Avant

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

Maxwell Simba as William Kamkwamba in 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind'

Maxwell Simba as William Kamkwamba in 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind'.

*The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind* may be a film about wind power, but the story runs on pure optimism. Chiwetel Ejiofor's movie follows the titular boy (Maxwell Simba) who is kicked out of school because his parents can't afford tuition. This doesn't keep him from secretly studying science, however, as he builds a windmill that can provide power for his humble village's broken water pump. Inspirational and innovative, this film instantly harnesses your attention and affection. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind*: Netflix

**Director: **Chiwetel Ejiofor

**Cast:** Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lily Banda

Cast Away (2000)

Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland in 'Cast Away'

Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland in 'Cast Away'.

A meditation on grief, loss, and the passage of time, *Cast Away** *is the story of Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), a FedEx systems analyst who survives a plane crash, and has to teach himself to live in isolation. Hanks was at the height of his acting career in the '90s, coming off back-to-back wins at the Oscars for *Philadelphia* (1993) and *Forrest Gump* (1994). In *Cast Away* he gives what is arguably an even better performance, performing opposite a volleyball for much of the script to incredible effect. A must-watch for Hanks fans, EW's critic describes the film as being "about nothing so mesmerizing or so daring as its sustained attentiveness to the silent activity of a man engrossed in teaching himself how to survive." *—Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *Cast Away*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director: **Robert Zemeckis

**Cast: **Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy

The Greatest Night in Pop Music (2024)

Artists featured in 'The Greatest Night in Pop Music'

Artists featured in 'The Greatest Night in Pop Music'.

Courtesy of Netflix

The '80s were a different time, man. Back then, you could convince 45 of the world's biggest musical artists to spend one night recording a song, with all sales intended to help fight famine in Africa. The song — "We Are the World," co-written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson — facilitated one of the biggest and most successful charitable collaborations in musical history, and the story of how that one night came to pass makes for a pretty great documentary.

Narrated by the living artists who participated in the recording, the film is a shining example of what can happen when celebrities combine their platforms for good, and its relevance is particularly strong today. Littered with pop culture anecdotes and musical history, *The Greatest Night in Pop *is a lovely reminder of the healing powers of music, and a moving tribute to the artists involved who have since died. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Greatest Night in Pop*: Netflix

**Director: **Bao Nguyen

**Cast:** Lionel Richie, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Huey Lewis

Hustle (2022)

Juancho Hernangómez as Bo Cruz and Adam Sandler as Stanley Sugerman in 'Hustle'

Juancho Hernangómez as Bo Cruz and Adam Sandler as Stanley Sugerman in 'Hustle'. Scott Yamano/Netflix

"Guys in their 50s don't have dreams," says Adam Sandler's character, Stanley Sugerman, in the sports film *Hustle*. "They have nightmares and eczema." Stanley is unwilling to admit it, but he hasn't given up on his fantasy of becoming an NBA coach, even though he's spent his life on the road working as an international scout for the Philadelphia 76ers.

But when Stanley's mentor dies, precipitating a changeup in the 76ers' front office, Stanley finds himself demoted back to talent scout. During a trip to Spain, he discovers Bo Cruz (former Toronto Raptors player Juancho Hernangómez), an unknown baller with an undeniable gift. But if Stanley is going to convince the league to take Bo seriously, both he and the budding athlete will need to put in some serious work. —*I.G.*

Where to watch *Hustle*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Director: **Jeremiah Zagar

**Cast: **Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah, Juancho Hernangómez, Ben Foster, Kenny Smith

Is That Black Enough For You?!? (2022)

Whoopi Goldberg in 'Is That Black Enough for You?!?'

Whoopi Goldberg in 'Is That Black Enough for You?!?'.

In the age of erroneous YouTube video essays, documentaries like *Is That Black Enough For You?!?* are more important than ever before. This Elvis Mitchell feature examines Black cinema (with an emphasis on 1970s Blaxploitation) and interviews stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, and Laurence Fishburne to help bridge generations of Black performers and media. The result is a carefully crafted, inspiring record of Black excellence at the movies. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Is That Black Enough For You?!?*: Netflix

**Director:** Elvis Mitchell

**Cast: **Margaret Avery, Harry Belafonte, Charles Burnett

Lionheart (2018)

Genevieve Nnaji as Adaeze Obiagu in 'Lionheart'

Genevieve Nnaji as Adaeze Obiagu in 'Lionheart'.

Netflix/Everett Collection

Though it was sadly snubbed at the Academy Awards, Genevieve Nnaji's *Lionheart* is still a breathtaking directorial debut. The film focuses on Chief Ernest Obiagu (Pete Edochie), who must step down from running a company, and his daughter, Adaeze (Nnaji), who wants to take his place.

But after he chooses her brother instead, the pair must reconcile their resentment and cope with the practical fallout. Like some of the best inspirational movies, *Lionheart* weaves a captivating portrait with threads of loyalty, loss, and heartbreak. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Lionheart*: Netflix

**Director:** Genevieve Nnaji

**Cast:** Genevieve Nnaji, Nkem Owoh, Pete Edochie, Onyeka Onwenu, Kanayo O. Kanayo

Little Miss Sumo (2018)

Hiyori Kon in 'Little Miss Sumo'

Hiyori Kon in 'Little Miss Sumo'.

This documentary short packs a lot into its 20-minute run time. *Little Miss Sumo* is the story of 20-year-old Hiyori Kon, one of the few female amateur sumo wrestlers competing in Japan. Tradition dictates that women are not allowed to enter the dohyō (wrestling ring). But Kon was a dominant sumo wrestler as a child, and refused to give up on the sport she loved as an adult.

*Little Miss Sumo* follows Kon as she competes in the 2018 Sumo World Championship, and does a great job of explaining the sport's history and gendered limitations. Kon is a charming and determined subject, and *Little Miss Sumo* will leave you wanting to learn more about her and sumo wrestling. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Little Miss Sumo*: Netflix

**Director: **Matt Kay

**Cast:** Hiyori Kon

My Octopus Teacher (2021)

Craig Foster in 'My Octopus Teacher'

Craig Foster in 'My Octopus Teacher'.

*My Octopus Teacher *is a story of relationships, as told by a filmmaker who bonds with an octopus. Craig Foster spent a year free-diving and following the animal living in a South African kelp forest, and the more he understands her underwater way of life, the better he becomes at connecting with his son. This movie may be about a sea creature, but it's also an important story of humanity that is affecting, educational, and inspiring. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *My Octopus Teacher*: Netflix

**Directors:** Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed

**Cast:** Craig Foster, Tom Foster

The Only Girl in the Orchestra (2023)

Orin O'Brien in 'The Only Girl in the Orchestra'

Orin O'Brien in 'The Only Girl in the Orchestra'.

Courtesy of Netflix

In 1966, there were 104 members of the New York Philharmonic: 103 men and one woman. The woman's name is Orin O'Brien, and she was hired by Leonard Bernstein to play double bass. As the first woman invited to perform in the orchestra, O'Brien's incredible story as a pioneer within classical music was captured by her niece, filmmaker Molly O'Brien, and won the Best Documentary Short at the 2025 Oscars. The film is only 35 minutes long, but it packs a punch, allowing O'Brien to reflect on her love of craft and 55-year career with the Philharmonic, which ended when she retired in 2021. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Only Girl in the Orchestra*: Netflix

**Director: **Molly O'Brien

**Cast:** Orin O'Brien

The Other Shore (2013)

Diana Nyad in 'The Other Shore'

Diana Nyad in 'The Other Shore'. D Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Marathon swimmer Diana Nyad had a dream: to perform an unassisted swim from Florida to Cuba, a never before accomplished feat. Starting in the 1970s and ending in the 2010s, Nyad's pursuit of this beyond-human endeavor offers more than a portrait of a standout athlete.

Nyad's journey from shore to shore — also immortalized in the 2023 sports drama *Nyad* starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster — tells the story of a person striving to overcome trauma and achieve greatness at great personal cost. A tale of determination, friendship, aging on one's own terms, and the resilience of the human spirit, *The Other Shore *is a story that will float to top of mind when you're least expecting it.* —I.G.*

Where to watch *The Other Shore*: Netflix

**Director: **Timothy Wheeler

**Cast: **Diana Nyad, Bonnie Stoll

Pelé (2021)

Pelé in 'Pelé'

Pelé in 'Pelé'.

In certain corners of the world, the name of soccer (or should we say football?) star Pelé is spoken with the reverence reserved for saints. Because of this star power, it's easy for even the biggest fans to lose sight of the real man, whose legend still grows by the day. Fortunately, this documentary blends interviews, games, and other archival footage into a heartfelt, honest portrait of the man behind the myth. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Pelé*: Netflix

**Directors: **Ben Nichols, David Tryhorn

26 of the most inspirational movies of all time, from 'Rocky' to 'Legally Blonde'

Colman Domingo as John 'Divine G' Whitfield in 'Sing Sing'; Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa in 'Rocky'; Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde'

25 Best Movie Tearjerkers Ever

Titanic (1997) Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet; GHOST (1990) Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore; The Notebook (2004) Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams

Race (2016)

Stephan James as Jesse Owens in 'Race'

Stephan James as Jesse Owens in 'Race'.

Thibault Grabherr/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection

The story of Jesse Owens, played in this biographical sports drama by Stephan James, is a fascinating one. A college athlete out of Depression-era Cleveland, Owens makes enough of an impression on his Ohio State coach, Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis), for Snyder to push him toward the Olympics. But the 1936 games — held in Berlin during the early years of the Third Reich — make for an uncomfortable setting for Owens as he attempts to fulfill his athletic dreams. The story of a young man attempting to outrun the racial and cultural forces seeking to limit his excellence, *Race *is an important addition to the sports movie canon. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Race*: Netflix

**Director: **Stephen Hopkins

**Cast: **Stephan James, Jason Sudeikis, Jeremy Irons, Carice van Houten, William Hurt

Rustin (2023)

Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin in 'Rustin'

Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin in 'Rustin'. David Lee/Netflix

*Rustin* is a biographical drama with an impeccable pedigree: It's directed by George C. Wolfe, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama's production company Higher Ground, and features great supporting actors like Chris Rock and Jeffrey Wright. Colman Domingo particularly shines as Bayard Rustin, a legendary LGBTQ+ activist who helped organize the March on Washington in 1963. He's an often-overlooked figure, partially due to his sexuality, but this film helps further cement his place in American history. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Rustin*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B

**Director: **George C. Wolfe

**Cast:** Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Audra McDonald

Shirley (2024)

Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in 'Shirley'

Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in 'Shirley'.

Glen Wilson/Netflix

According to Regina King, there are many elements of the biopic *Shirley *— the story of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first to compete for a presidential nomination from a major political party — that were a long time coming. King stars as Chisholm opposite her own real-life sister, Reina King, with whom she co-produced the project. As Regina tells EW, the sisters chose *Shirley* "because we realized there were far too many people who didn't even know her name."

The film more than corrects this, detailing Chisholm's inspiring attempt to secure the Democratic nomination in 1972, and drilling into the sexism and racism she had to overcome in order to win the respect of her peers. And now all that history is available for you to watch on Netflix. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Shirley*: Netflix

**Director: **John Ridley

**Cast: **Regina King, Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson

Simone Biles Rising (2024)

Simone Biles in 'Simone Biles Rising'

Simone Biles in 'Simone Biles Rising'.

Courtesy Netflix

Simone Biles took back her power in 2024 at the Summer Olympics, but before she ever set foot on a mat in Paris, fans got a chance to revisit her story in the first half of her four-part docuseries, *Simone Biles Rising*. Episodes 1 and 2 focus on Biles' mental health issues during the 2020 Olympics, and her struggle to prepare for 2024, while 3 and 4 concentrate on aging and injury within gymnastics, and Biles' performance in Paris. If you're too impatient to wait until the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, *Simone Biles Rising* is here to help you recapture some of that gymnastics magic. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Simone Biles Rising*: Netflix

**Cast: **Simone Biles

Skater Girl (2021)

Amrit Maghera as Jessica and Waheeda Rehman as Maharani in 'Skater Girl'

Amrit Maghera as Jessica and Waheeda Rehman as Maharani in 'Skater Girl'.

Kerry Monteen/Netflix/Courtesy Everett

A Netflix film based on India's growing skateboarding culture, *Skater Girl *tells the story of Prerna (Rachel Saanchita Gupta), a teenager who becomes enamored with the sport after an outsider brings boards to her village. A coming-of-age movie that also explores gender roles and social norms within traditional Indian culture, *Skater Girl *is Prerna's story, but it's also that of other young Indian girls who have been empowered by the spirit and freedom skateboarding provides. Written by sisters Manjari and Vinati Makijany, *Skater Girl *is an uplifting sports drama that lands every trick it attempts. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Skater Girl*: Netflix

**Director: **Manjari Makijany

**Cast: **Rachel Sanchita Gupta, Shafin Patel, Amrit Maghera, Jonathan Readwin, Waheeda Rehman

Society of the Snow (2023)

Enzo Vogrincic as Numa Turcatti in 'Society of the Snow'

Enzo Vogrincic as Numa Turcatti in 'Society of the Snow'.

*Society of the Snow* may be adapted from a non-fiction book, but this cinematic tale of a doomed rugby team's plane crash in the Andes mountains brings several new elements to light. For one, the cast — most of them first-time actors from Uruguay — feels refreshingly authentic, while the crisp direction and artful cinematography make for a beautiful contrast with the characters' cannibalistic fate. It's not for the weak of heart, but this showcase of humanity's resilience is inspirational on its own bleakly noble terms. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Society of the Snow*: Netflix

**Director:** J. A. Bayona

**Cast:** Enzo Vogrincic, Matías Recalt, Agustín Pardella, Felipe González Otaño

Unbroken (2014)

Miyavi as the Bird (center) in 'Unbroken'

Miyavi as the Bird (center) in 'Unbroken'.

Universal Pictures

*Unbroken*'s true story is so bizarre that it sounds made up. This inspirational odyssey centers on an American athlete (Jack O'Connell) whose Olympic dreams are dashed first by World War II and then by a plane crash, culminating in him becoming a Japanese POW. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, Angelina Jolie's film is an old-fashioned gem that is as visually lush as it is emotionally raw. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Unbroken*: Netflix

**Director:** Angelina Jolie

**Cast: **Jack O'Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Miyavi, Garrett Hedlund, Finn Wittrock

Under Pressure: The U.S. Women's World Cup Team (2023)

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team in 'Under Pressure'

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team in 'Under Pressure'.

When the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team won the FIFA World Cup in 1999, the sport changed. Women's soccer became a phenomenon, and players like Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain became household names. But after years of dominating in international competitions, the U.S. began feeling the heat of other countries' developing soccer programs.

The story of how the United States women's soccer team became the team to beat — before getting beat themselves — is best expressed in their own words. The series unfolds in four episodes, all of which follow the players as they attempt to make it onto the squad, and win the 2023 World Cup. A sports fan's dream, *Under Pressure* gives exceptional insight into the process, training, and mental strength required to make it in women's soccer. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Under Pressure: The U.S. Women's World Cup Team*: Netflix

**Cast: **Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Savannah DeMelo, Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams

Will & Harper (2024)

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele in 'Will & Harper'

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele in 'Will & Harper'.

*Saturday Night Live* launched Will Ferrell's comedy career and turned castmates and co-writers into lifelong pals. Ferrell's nearly 30-year friendship with one of the show's former head writers changed one day when he received an email stating that said writer was transitioning to live as a woman.

*Will & Harper* follows Ferrell and comedy writer Harper Steele as the two embark on a roadtrip across America to better understand their new dynamic and explore this next phase in their friendship. A road trip comedy unlike any you've seen before, *Will & Harper* is a conversation about show business, platonic relationships, and living one's authentic life in modern America. Since leaving *SNL*, Ferrell dabbled with dramatic roles, but never has he been more human and honest than in this prescient and funny documentary. *—I.G*

Where to watch *Will & Harper*: Netflix

**Director: **Josh Greenbaum

**Cast: **Will Ferrell, Harper Steele

Zero to Hero (2021)

Chung-Hang Leung as So Wa Wai in 'Zero to Hero'

Chung-Hang Leung as So Wa Wai in 'Zero to Hero'.

Despite its jaunty title, *Zero to Hero* is a profound and serious story of human triumph in the face of adversity. This Hong Kong film's guiding force is So Wa Wai (Chung-Hang Leung), a real athlete whose aspirations were nearly thwarted by cerebral spasms that made even walking difficult. Throughout the film, we see him remarkably regain his ability to run against all odds, paving the way for a major victory. If you need a truly inspirational movie, this is a solid place to start. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Zero to Hero*: Netflix

**Director:** Chi-Man Wan

**Cast:** Chung-Hang Leung, Louis Cheung, Siu-ho Chin, Hoi-pang Lo

- Movie Reviews & Recommendations

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The 24 most inspiring movies on Netflix to lift your spirits

Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere. The 24 most inspirin...
New Photo - Woman 'Speed-Books' Vacation After Co-Worker Said They Were Eyeing the Same Dates for Their Trip

Woman 'SpeedBooks' Vacation After CoWorker Said They Were Eyeing the Same Dates for Their Trip Natalia SenanayakeJanuary 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM 0 Getty Woman shocked while looking at her computer A woman admitted to "speedbooking" her vacation dates when she found out her colleague wanted the same time off The woman claims she previously told her colleague about the dates, and accused her of trying to "steal" them from her She recalled the situation in Reddit's "AmItheButtface" forum in December A woman with a guilty conscience is seeking advice after she booked her vacation on the same dates as h...

- - Woman 'Speed-Books' Vacation After Co-Worker Said They Were Eyeing the Same Dates for Their Trip

Natalia SenanayakeJanuary 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM

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Woman shocked while looking at her computer -

A woman admitted to "speed-booking" her vacation dates when she found out her colleague wanted the same time off

The woman claims she previously told her colleague about the dates, and accused her of trying to "steal" them from her

She recalled the situation in Reddit's "AmItheButtface" forum in December

A woman with a guilty conscience is seeking advice after she booked her vacation on the same dates as her co-worker — but she has a good reason for it, she says.

The 28-year-old took to Reddit's "AmItheButtface" forum earlier in December to explain the situation and ask her fellow Reddit users if her actions put her in the wrong. She titled the post: "AITB for speed-booking my vacation the second my coworker tried to steal the exact dates I'd already told her about?"

She begins by explaining how she works in a "highly specialized retail department" consisting of only six people, the majority of which were all taking their vacations during the busy holiday season.

"This Christmas, four of them somehow got approved for 2–4 weeks off at the same time, leaving just me and Betty (50s) to cover everything," the original poster (OP) writes. "No one else in the store is trained to help. It's been an absolute disaster."

She them names another one of her colleagues, Jacinta, who kept "texting me for department updates" despite being on her holiday vacation, the Reddit user explains.

Getty

Woman looking at her phone

Continuing the tale, the OP then recalls an exchange between her and Jacinta that's an important piece of context for the rest of her story.

"Two weeks ago I mentioned in passing that I'm planning to take the last week of Feb plus the first week of Mar off," they explain. Referring to Jacinta, she adds, "She never replied to that specific message."

The plot thickens when the OP says she received a text message from Jacinta, who was still on her vacation, first asking for another department update before getting into her time off in 2026.

She then "casually drops that she's 'thinking of taking late Feb/early Mar off too," the user writes of her colleague. "Word-for-word the dates I told her."

After hearing this — and without clarifying whether Jacinta read her previous message — the OP says she "immediately" submitted her own dates to her manager.

"I panicked, contacted our manager immediately, got verbal approval, and submitted the official request that same hour. It's now locked in while Jacinta is still away," she writes. "She's going to be furious when she sees I 'took' the dates she pretended she didn't know about."

Concluding the post with a request for her fellow Redditors, she asks: "AITB for beating her to it?"

Getty

Angry woman looking at something on her computer

The OP adds more context in the comments section in response to questions from her fellow users, and explains that she's based in Australia and is a part-time employee, while Jacinta is the only full-time staffer.

Further down in the comments, many users thought the OP didn't do anything wrong in this situation, and declared her "not the buttface" (NTB).

"You told her you were taking those dates off - and now you officially are. NTB in any way, shape or form," one wrote, while another echoed, "NTB, it's up to management if they approve her leave."

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

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Others deemed her NTB but advised her to learn an important lesson from the ordeal: "Don't talk about taking time off with coworkers. You see now they can't be trusted."

In response to another commenter's similar advice, the OP agreed that it's a "painful lesson learned," but notes she specifically chose dates that aren't as popular because she didn't think anyone would try to "steal" them. She admits to booking her flights "months in advance" to save on costs because of this.

"So when I told this co-worker when I was going I genuinely didn't think they were going to steal my dates," the OP adds. "It almost makes me think they were doing it on purpose to be spiteful, because they ignored my text when I told them."

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Published: January 02, 2026 at 03:00PM on Source: RON MAG

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Woman ‘Speed-Books’ Vacation After Co-Worker Said They Were Eyeing the Same Dates for Their Trip

Woman 'SpeedBooks' Vacation After CoWorker Said They Were Eyeing the Same Dates for Their Trip Natalia Sena...
New Photo - Where is the My Girl cast now? See what the beloved '90s stars are doing today

Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin led the comingofage film. Where is the My Girl cast now? See what the beloved '90s stars are doing today Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin led the comingofage film. By Allison DeGrushe :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/allisondegrusheEWbiophotoe5f8e89253c84b7085a43c502a3051a4.jpg) Allison DeGrushe Allison DeGrushe is a timely SEO writer at . She has been working at since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Distractify. EW's editorial guidelines January 1, 2026 12:00 p.m.

Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin led the coming-of-age film.

Where is the *My Girl *cast now? See what the beloved '90s stars are doing today

Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin led the coming-of-age film.

By Allison DeGrushe

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Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe is a timely SEO writer at **. She has been working at * *since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Distractify.

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January 1, 2026 12:00 p.m. ET

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Anna Chlumsky as Vada and Macaulay Culkin as Thomas in 'My Girl'

Anna Chlumsky as Vada and Macaulay Culkin as Thomas in 'My Girl'. Credit:

Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett

- *My Girl *centers on Anna Chlumsky's Vada, an 11-year-old girl who has a deep fixation on death.

- The coming-of-age drama hit theaters on Nov. 27, 1991.

- The film costars Macaulay Culkin, Dan Aykroyd, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

*My Girl *arrived in theaters in November 1991, a tearjerker that resonated with audiences everywhere. Set in 1972, the coming-of-age film follows 11-year-old Vada (Anna Chlumsky), a hypersensitive kid fascinated by death, as she navigates a challenging summer.

At the time, critics were divided. **'s critic noted that while "there's something discomforting about a movie that takes the experience of an audacious, conflicted child and reduces it to: She needs to Confront Her Feelings," there are still "some sweet, funny moments," thanks to the charming cast.

Despite the mixed reception, *My Girl *performed well at the box office and has since become a nostalgic '90s treasure. Now, over 30 years later, *My Girl* has found a new audience on Netflix, and we're catching up with the cast to see what they've been up to since its release.

Read on to see the *My Girl *cast, then and now.

Anna Chlumsky as Vada Sultenfuss

Anna Chlumsky in 'My Girl'; Anna Chlumsky at the 'Bride Hard' premiere at the DGA Theater on June 18, 2025 in Los Angeles

Anna Chlumsky in 'My Girl'; Anna Chlumsky at the 'Bride Hard' premiere at the DGA Theater on June 18, 2025 in Los Angeles.

Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett; Michael Buckner/Getty

Anna Chlumsky has done a lot in her career, but to many, she'll always be remembered as Vada Sultenfuss, the angsty kid obsessed with death, in *My Girl*.

She went on to star in the 1994 sequel and a handful of other films, including *Gold Diggers: The Secret of Bear Mountain *(1995), before stepping away from acting. During her hiatus, Chlumsky graduated from the University of Chicago and briefly worked in publishing.

The actress later attended drama school and returned to acting, landing guest roles on shows like *Law & Order *and *30 Rock*. Her big comeback came in 2012 with HBO's *Veep*, where her role as Amy Brookheimer earned her six Emmy nominations.

The 20 best female coming-of-age movies, from 'Now and Then' to 'Lady Bird'

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Macaulay Culkin in his first screen kiss

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Since then, Chlumsky has appeared on *Hannibal *(2013–2014) and *Inventing Anna *(2022), voiced characters on the Paramount+ *Rugrats *reboot, and starred in the films *They/Them* (2022) and *Bride Hard*.

Despite *My Girl *being a hit and Chlumsky's big role, she's been open about being tired of talking about the movie. In June 2025, she told *Forbes *that, even with the current trend of sequels and reboots, she has no interest in returning for a third *My Girl *movie.

"I've heard so many different ideas about that, but I will never, ever do one. I will never be involved in that," she said. "I don't want to do it. Sorry. Life's too short. I don't need to do that.… I played that character when I was ten years old. I don't have to play it as an adult."

Macaulay Culkin as Thomas J. Sennett

Macauley Culkin in 'My Girl'; Macaulay Culkin attends the Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Oct. 19, 2024 in Los Angeles

Macauley Culkin in 'My Girl'; Macaulay Culkin attends the Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Oct. 19, 2024 in Los Angeles.

Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett; Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage

By the time *My Girl *hit theaters, Macaulay Culkin was already a household name thanks to *Home Alone*. But instead of playing another mischievous kid outsmarting burglars, Culkin showed a softer side as Vada's ill-fated friend Thomas J. Sennett, who is "allergic to everything."

Following the 1991 movie, Culkin starred in the *Home Alone *sequel and, like Chlumsy, eventually took a step back from acting. He returned in 2003's *Party Monster *and appeared in a number of indie films, such as *Sex and Breakfast* (2007) and *Changeland *(2019).

Culkin has since shifted to TV, with roles on *American Horror Story: Double Feature *(2021), *The Righteous Gemstones *(2022), and *Fallout *(2025). In 2023, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Offscreen, he published his autobiography *Junior *(2006) and even sang lead vocals for the comedy rock group, The Pizza Underground.

In a November 2025 appearance on the podcast *On Film ... With Kevin McCarthy*, Culkin opened up about some of the dangerous stunts from *My Girl*. For one, his character's death was filmed with real bees. "They actually released thousands of bees on me," he recalled.

Looking back, he admitted something like that wouldn't happen today. "That would not fly nowadays, boy howdy," he said, adding, "They just told me to wave my hands in front of my face, so the bees could get in front of my face, for the camera and all that stuff."

If that wasn't enough, Culkin also had to jump into a lake while trappers were actively catching snapping turtles, venomous snakes, and alligators.

Dan Aykroyd as Harry Sultenfuss

Dan Aykroyd in 'My Girl'; Dan Aykroyd attends a photocall to launch the 3L jeroboam of Crystal Head Vodka at Opera Gallery on Sept. 16, 2014 in London

Dan Aykroyd in 'My Girl'; Dan Aykroyd attends a photocall to launch the 3L jeroboam of Crystal Head Vodka at Opera Gallery on Sept. 16, 2014 in London.

Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett; Dave J Hogan/Getty

Dan Aykroyd joined *My Girl* with plenty of comedy credentials, thanks to hits like *The Blues Brothers* (1980), *Trading Places *(1983), and *Ghostbusters *(1984). Plus, we can't forget about his time as an original cast member on *Saturday Night Live*, which even earned him an Emmy.

In *My Girl*, he took on a more grounded role as Harry, Vada's widowed father who runs a funeral home.

Aykroyd has stayed busy ever since, appearing in dozens of movies and TV shows, such as *Soul Man *(1997–1998), *50 First Dates *(2004), *Christmas With the Kranks *(2004), and *Tammy *(2014). He's also never fully left the *Ghostbusters *universe, returning for several video games and reboots, including 2024's *Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire*.

Jamie Lee Curtis as Shelly DeVoto

Jamie Lee Curtis in 'My Girl'; Jamie Lee Curtis attends the 'Freakier Friday' premiere at El Capitan Theatre on July 22, 2025 in Los Angeles

Jamie Lee Curtis in 'My Girl'; Jamie Lee Curtis attends the 'Freakier Friday' premiere at El Capitan Theatre on July 22, 2025 in Los Angeles.

Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett; Jesse Grant/Getty

Like Culkin and Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis was already a well-known actress by the time *My Girl *hit theaters. She made a name for herself as a scream queen in the *Halloween *movies before stepping into the role of Shelly Devoto, the sweet makeup artist who becomes an important presence in Vada's life.

In the years since, Curtis has starred in dozens of films, returning to the *Halloween *franchise while also appearing in hits like *Freaky Friday *(2003) and its 2025 sequel, *Christmas With the Kranks* (2004), and *Knives Out *(2019). In 2022, she earned widespread acclaim for playing an IRS agent in *Everything Everywhere All at Once*, a role that won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Curtis has also made plenty of TV appearances over the years, with roles on *New Girl *(2012–2018), *Scream Queens *(2015–2016), and *The Bear *(2023–2025), the latter earning her an Emmy for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series.

In a recent interview with *Entertainment Tonight*, Curtis said she "loved" making *My Girl*. "That was another beautiful, unexpected, beautiful little bit of work and a wonderful character that I got to play," she told the outlet.

She also confessed that it wasn't always easy watching Chlumsky and Culkin act out such emotionally heavy scenes. "Watching young actors do an adult's job, it's very challenging," she said. "It's hard for me. It's hard to wrestle with that."

"I've played a lot of moms, worked with a lot of young actors, and Macaulay and Anna were so great," Curtis added.

Richard Masur as Phil Sultenfuss

Richard Masur in 'My Girl'; Richard Masur attends the 'Tumbledown' premiere at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City

Richard Masur in 'My Girl'; Richard Masur attends the 'Tumbledown' premiere at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. Columbia; Lars Niki/Corbis via Getty Images

Before stepping into the role of Vada's Uncle Phil in *My Girl*, Richard Masur had built a solid career with *Hot I Baltimore* (1975), *One Day at a Time* (1975–1976, 1981), and *Risky Business *(1983).

After appearing in the drama, Masur stayed busy both on and offscreen, serving two terms as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and popped up on shows like *The Good Wife *(2015–2016), *Transparent *(2015–2016), *Orange Is the New Black* (2015–2016), *Younger *(2016–2018), and *The Girls on the Bus* (2024).

Griffin Dunne as Mr. Jake Bixler

Griffin Dunne in 'My Girl'; Griffin Dunne attends the 'Drive-Away Dolls' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square on Feb. 20, 2024 in New York City

Griffin Dunne in 'My Girl'; Griffin Dunne attends the 'Drive-Away Dolls' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square on Feb. 20, 2024 in New York City.

Columbia Pictures; Cindy Ord/Getty

Oscar nominee Griffin Dunne took on the role of Mr. Bixler, Vada's teacher and secret crush, in *My Girl*.

Since then, he's gone on to appear in a mix of films and TV shows, including *House of Lies* (2013–2014), *Dallas Buyers Club* (2013), *Only Murders in the Building *(2024), and *Caught Stealing *(2025). Dunne also earned praise for his heartfelt performance as Nicky Pearson on NBC's hit series *This Is Us *(2018–2022).

Where can I watch My Girl?**

*My Girl *is now streaming on Netflix.

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

- Movie Reviews & Recommendations

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Source: "EW Drama"

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Published: January 02, 2026 at 09:38AM on Source: RON MAG

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Where is the My Girl cast now? See what the beloved '90s stars are doing today

Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin led the comingofage film. Where is the My Girl cast now? See what the beloved '90s ...

 

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