The Academy Awards aren’t just glitzy gowns and acceptance speeches; they’re Hollywood’s ultimate scoreboard. For nearly 100 years, the Oscars have crowned legends, fueled rivalries, and broken records that still stand decades later. So who holds the biggest bragging rights? From epic movie sweeps to individual icons who set the bar sky-high, here are 10 Oscar records that continue to define Tinseltown.

10. Most Wins by a Film

Just three movies can claim to have thoroughly dominated Oscar night: Ben-Hur (1959), Titanic (1997), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). All took home 11 golden statues. Moreover, Return of the King was 11-for-11, sweeping all the categories it was nominated for. That’s maximum awards supremacy.

9. Most Nominations for a Film

Reaching double digits is challenging, but a few made 14 nods each: All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016). More recently, Emilia Pérez (2025) received 13, tying the highest number of nominations for a non-English language film ever. And yes, Titanic remains the only film that shows up on both the nominations and wins leaderboard.

8. Most Wins by an Individual

Surprisingly, the all-time winner isn’t an actor or a director. It’s Walt Disney, with 26 Oscars (22 competitive, 4 honorary). From animated shorts to innovative technical feats, Disney basically cornered the market in his prime. The next closest? Optical designer Iain Neil with 13, and art director Cedric Gibbons with 11.

7. Most Wins by an Actor

Katharine Hepburn is the reigning queen with four Best Actress awards in her six-decade career. Daniel Day-Lewis is the man’s leader, with three Best Actor awards. Jack Nicholson and Walter Brennan join them in the three-winner club, along with Frances McDormand, Ingrid Bergman, and Meryl Streep. Hepburn, though, is still unbeaten at the top.

6. Most Nominations for an Actor

Meryl Streep’s record here is unlikely ever to be beaten. With 21 acting nominations, she’s the Academy’s uncontested favorite. Jack Nicholson and Katharine Hepburn trail far behind on 12 each. Despite “only” having three wins, her sheer consistency over decades is unparalleled.

5. Most Wins by a Director

John Ford continues to hold the record with four Best Director Oscars, courtesy of such classics as The Grapes of Wrath and The Quiet Man. Infamously, Ford wasn’t present to receive his first three awards, having on one occasion confessed to being out fishing, at war, or just plain drunk. William Wyler and Frank Capra have three apiece.

4. Most Wins by a Composer

For music, Alfred Newman is still the Oscars’ maestro with nine victories. John Williams has the most nominations in total (54!), but just five trophies. Alan Menken, for some of Disney’s biggest successes, is close behind with eight.

3. Most Wins by a Costume Designer

Edith Head is more than a Hollywood icon; she’s the most awarded woman in Oscar history with eight costume design wins. Her designs for movies like All About Eve, Roman Holiday, and The Sting were so iconic that Pixar actually based The Incredibles’ Edna Mode on her.

2. Most Wins by a Visual Effects Artist

Dennis Muren has practically built the modern blockbuster. With eight Oscars to his name, his work on Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and countless others redefined what’s possible on screen. If you’ve gasped at groundbreaking VFX, chances are Muren had a hand in it.

1. Most Wins in a Single Night

This is a rare record that belongs to two monikers: Walt Disney and Bong Joon-ho,o and now, director Sean Baker. Baker won four Oscars in one evening for Anora (2025), equalling Disney’s 1954 take and Bong’s Parasite sweep. With directing, editing, producing, and writing, Baker made his movie the night’s biggest victor.

The Oscars are not behind the times. Over recent years, the Academy has come under pressure to become more diverse in response to the #OscarsSoWhite backlash. Since then, nominees of color have increased, and new representation guidelines for Best Picture have been implemented. Naturally, not all of the “records” are ones to be desired, such as the infamous Will Smith slap, which the Academy still can’t seem to move beyond.

From sweeping epics to solo legends, these Academy milestones demonstrate why the ceremony continues to matter after almost a century. They’re the numbers everyone in Hollywood hopes to join, and why the Oscars are the industry’s ultimate bragging rights.

Rachel Brosnahan is that kind of actress who is never out of place, no matter what the role; she brings a spark that has you sitting up and taking notice. She’s funny, she’s resilient, she’s heartbreaking when she needs to be, and she’s made a name for herself by playing roles that are anything but safe. From her first scene-stealing performances to her Emmy-winning coming-out party, here is a countdown of her best work, leaving the top spot to the obvious, because why not?

10. Spies in Disguise (2019)

She has only a role in this cartoon espionage farce, but one that is impossible to ignore. Brosnahan turns up as Tom Holland’s idealistic scientist’s dead mother, giving the image an unforeseen emotional core. She offers a lingering sweetness in but a few scenes. 

9. Beautiful Creatures (2013)

During those times following the Twilight phenomenon craze, Hollywood was pursuing similar productions. Brosnahan appeared in this teen gothic fantasy film as Genevieve, a ghost of a restless Civil War–era ancestor. Her screen time is very brief, but the horrified, shattered, and tear-stained one references the movie’s theme.

8. The Blacklist (2013)

Before becoming the star of premium TV, Brosnahan guest-starred on this hit drama series as a fill-in teacher. She begins with the innocence and charm of a quintessential sweet girl, only to have layers stripped away to show a nasty little thing underneath. This is a great example of her ability to surprise the audience.

7. Patriots Day (2016)

In the Boston Marathon bombing project, Brosnahan became the actress to portray survivor Jessica Kensky, whose strength grounds the film. Alongside Christopher O’Shea, they produce a film that is human and warm, as opposed to the typical police-procedure-laden ones.

6. Manhattan (2014–2015)

This period drama of the Manhattan Project was filmed in the clandestine Los Alamos and was Brosnahan’s first and most difficult role. Abby Isaacs is a woman who must contend with isolation, marital issues, and repressed desires in the middle of the New Mexico desert. It is a complex, multifaceted character, and her skilled acting abilities shine.

5. Louder Than Bombs (2015)

She plays Erin, Jesse Eisenberg’s girlfriend, in this indie drama. Their reunion turns downhill as it goes into awkwardness, deception, and control. Brosnahan’s performance is mminimalbut it is emotionally precise, and she can do well with delicate character-driven scenes.

4. I’m Your Woman (2020)

Brosnahan, as protected housewife Jean, is plunged into a tough crime world, and she underpins this hard-edged ’70s drama with her quiet power. The film isn’t about gang warfare but survival and renewal, and she plays every phase of Jean’s transformation from passivity to resolve consistently.

3. The Courier (2020)

While Benedict Cumberbatch features in this Cold War thriller, Brosnahan’s CIA agent Emily Donovan is the smart woman who brings everything to life. Instead of being merely an ancillary character, she gives intelligence, strength, and charm to the characters, so Emily turns out to be the central presence.

2. Superman (2025)

Few can shoulder the role of Lois Lane with ease, but Brosnahan has the role locked and loaded. She is clever, tenacious, and driven, and she brings forth a combination of sarcasm and softness, and an interesting dynamic with David Corenswet’s Clark Kent. It is a fresh take, yet it is also respectful of the original character.

1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023)

The part was the career peak, and deservedly so. Rachel Brosnahan as Midge Maisel, the 1950s suburban homemaker turned stand-up comic, is a pleasure with her wit, sensitivity, and rough-around-the-edges energy. Over five seasons, she won an Emmy, earned many nominations, and earned the show an entry in pop culture. Essentially, this is a performance that will not be forgotten.

Rachel Brosnahan has proven herself to be one of the most versatile actors of her generation through her span from subdued supporting roles to leading ones that encapsulate her career. She can be heard providing voice for a character in an animated sitcom, prominently stealing the show in a historical drama, or giving new vitality to classic characters, while ensuring the continuity of her signature smart, warm, and fiery style of acting. And going by her most recent turn as Lois Lane, the greatest things are yet to come for her.

Something is intriguing about discovering that some of Hollywood’s biggest stars used to wear a uniform before becoming stars. From the front lines to boot camp, these celebrities tested their mettle long before they became household names. Here’s a glimpse at 10 stars whose military background may very well have you rethinking them in a whole new way.

10. Wes Studi

Even before being acclaimed in The Last of the Mohicans and Geronimo: An American Legend, Wes Studi was a warrior in the real world. Enlisting in the Oklahoma National Guard at only 17, he attended Fort Johnson training and eventually volunteered for combat duty in Vietnam. Assigned to the 9th Infantry Division, he fought hard in the “Mini-Tet” Offensive. Those experiences not only influenced his outlook on life but also informed the intensity and power he brings to his roles.

9. R. Lee Ermey

His iconic portrayal of Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in Full Metal Jacket resulted from more than mere acting abilities; it resulted from real-life experience. Ermey enlisted in the Marine Corps after a judge offered him the choice between jail time and the Marines. More than 11 years of active duty, 14 months in Vietnam, and he was a drill instructor and aviation support specialist with shrapnel scars that he lived with the rest of his life. Years later, he applied that same authenticity to acting and military consulting and transformed the way Hollywood film drill sergeants.

8. Pat Sajak

Pat Sajak spun records for American soldiers in Vietnam before he became the host of Wheel of Fortune. Beginning as a typist clerk, he next landed the position of DJ for the American Forces Vietnam Network in Saigon. Anchoring the “Dawn Buster” show, he continued the legendary “Good Morning, Vietnam! ” tradition. In retrospect, Sajak humorously quipped that his greatest contribution was to keep records from falling into enemy possession. Not such a bad warm-up for decades in front of the lens.

7. Demond Wilson

Best known as Lamont Sanford on Sanford and Son, Demond Wilson’s on-screen life was matched by real-life drama. Having served from 1966 to 1968, Wilson was assigned to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam, where he was shot and subsequently honorably discharged as a Sergeant E-5. Returning home triggered his move into acting, and his work frequently had a sense of depth gained through hard living.

6. Tom Selleck

That signature mustache is only one of his legendary features; it includes a service record, as well. Selleck was drafted into service during the Vietnam War years and enlisted in the California National Guard’s 160th Infantry Regiment, where he remained from 1967 to 1973. The commitment cost him an early contract at a studio, but it also provided him with a background of discipline and reality that transferred to his career. To this day, he is a proud defender of veterans.

5. Dale Dye

If a war movie feels brutally real, there’s a good chance Dale Dye was involved. Before becoming Hollywood’s go-to military advisor, Dye served as a Marine in Vietnam, completing three tours and surviving 31 combat missions. His courage was rewarded with several medals, including the Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V.” Post-retirement, he used that toughness on sets such as Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers, crafting some of the most accurate battle scenes ever produced.

4. Jesse Ventura

Wrestler, actor, and politician Jesse Ventura did it all, but before it all, he was in the Navy. Ventura went through Underwater Demolition Team 12 training during Vietnam, making it through the arduous BUD/S course, although he didn’t complete the advanced portion to become a SEAL. He didn’t deploy into combat, but his military toughness and bravado translated to every stage of his atypical career.

3. Dennis Franz

Before his Emmy-winning stint as NYPD Blue’s Andy Sipowicz, Dennis Franz was a soldier in Vietnam. He fought with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions and was in constant combat, and saw close calls that disturbed him profoundly. He once remembered bullets passing his head, an experience that made a deep impression and possibly inspired the raw realism he applied to his acting.

2. James Avery

Loved as Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, James Avery’s career started in the Navy. Straight out of high school, he signed up in 1968 and fought in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. When he returned, he translated his experiences into writing and acting, becoming one of TV’s best-known father figures. Few viewers were aware that the man behind Uncle Phil had such a strong military background.

1. Oliver Stone

Number one is director Oliver Stone, whose time in the military defined his career and American filmmaking. In 1967, he joined the Army, was asked to serve in combat, and was deployed with the 25th Infantry along the border of Cambodia. He survived battles, ambushes, and even lived through a near-fatal bombing. For his valor, he was awarded a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

Subsequently, he transformed those horrific experiences into his classic Vietnam trilogy (Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July, Heaven & Earth), movies that continue to be some of the most intense portrayals of war ever on screen. The next time you see these stars on the screen, recall: before entertaining millions, they were serving, sacrificing, and enduring experiences that most of us can hardly dream of. Their experience in uniform didn’t only define who they were, it etched itself indelibly upon the stories they’ve since gone on to tell.

World War I is not a subject that always attracts the same glamorous interest as the Second World War; however, when the directors get it right, their work can be memorable for a long time. The Great War wasn’t only trenches and mud; it was also devastating lives, social disorder, and the introduction of new technology in the field of war. Some of them are extravagantly spectacular, while others strive for harsh authenticity, and still, only a few can combine historical accuracy with emotional impact. Here is a list of the top ten films that accurately portray the war.

10. Legends of the Fall (1994)

Most of the film may be about the Montana family saga, but the trench sequence is still the most touching one. The Ludlow brothers’ voyage to the other side of the ocean and Samuel’s sudden death become a moving story of a family disintegrating through war, which is very much physically, emotionally, and mentally. The shooting is quick yet agonizing, and the psychological trauma is shown throughout the film, as the war causes scars beyond the battlefields.

9. War Horse (2011)

Through the eyes of Joey the horse, the pure English countryside is changed into the chaos of the Western Front, where Joey is led into the middle of it all. Everything from the charge that leads to a massacre to the barbed-wire scene is done with the utmost attention to detail. Spielberg’s tenderness makes sure that the pain of both human and animal is not brushed over.

8. Beneath Hill 60 (2010)

The Australian feature Beneath Hill 60 zooms in on a not-so-obvious area during the war, digging underground. The characters in the movie make you feel like you are in a hot, stuffy, and dangerous place where they have to work with the old-time tools, and the suspense is so unbearable. The big moment at the end is done in such a way that people will never forget not only its historical correctness but also its emotional impact.

7. La Grande Illusion (1937)

Jean Renoir’s masterwork is more about the social and mental effects of imprisonment rather than grand battles. Using true prisoner-of-war stories as a base, the movie shows the differences in social class, warm relations, and the slowly fading ideas of morality. By forsaking the spectacle, Renoir becomes a very human representative of WWI.

6. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

The desert epic of David Lean distorts the truth about T.E. Lawrence’s contribution to the Arab Revolt. The film is not very accurate, but the use of guerrilla warfare tactics, the establishment of political relations, and the Middle East geopolitics as a game of chess are all historical facts. Peter O’Toole’s portrayal of Lawrence is both great and agonizing, likewise the real man.

5. Paths of Glory (1957)

Stanley Kubrick’s classic war film is an anti-war deconstruction of rotten military maneuvers. The trenches are horribly real, and the doomed French assault is sheer horror. Kirk Douglas leads the fight as the movie uncovers the manner in which soldiers were consistently sacrificed for pride and politics. Its realism is not just on the surface, it’s in the sour facts it exposes.

4. They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

Peter Jackson’s documentary brings WWI into the modern age. Restoring and colourising original footage, then adding veterans’ own stories, the movie puts the gap between then and now in perspective. Life in the trenches, battles, and fleeting moments of joy are all shown just as they existed in the soldiers’ own experiences.

3. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Edward Berger’s adaptation of the classic novel is unflinching. From suffocating trench war to the cold callousness of political masters, every frame drips with realism. Felix Kammerer’s Paul is a symbol of youthful idealism broken by war, and the movie gives depth to history by going into the armistice negotiations. It is as scary as it is informative.

2. 1917 (2019)

Shot in what appears to be a single continuous take, Sam Mendes’ film follows two soldiers sprinting to avert a slaughter. The immersive approach makes every lunge across no man’s land feel brutal. With millimetric attention to uniforms, guns, and barren landscapes, 1917 approximates the chaos and randomness of the Western Front.

1. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

The original adaptation by Lewis Milestone is still the benchmark. Made just over ten years after the war, the film shows young German draftees drinking in the spirit of patriotism before gradually turning to despair. From gas warfare to barbed wire, everything is shockingly lifelike. It was an uncompromising anti-war message that was powerful enough to get it banned in multiple countries, yet almost a hundred years later, this film is still regarded as one of the best war films of all time.

These movies don’t just depict battles; they reveal the human toll of WWI. They show fear, loss, and determination, and are faithful to the gritty truth of history, be it mud, desert sand, or barbed wire. They recount that the “war to end all wars” had redrawn the world and left narratives worth recounting.

Hollywood has not been kind to the transgender crowd, if we want to tell the truth. Trans characters used to be treated in a pretty narrow manner: they were the joke, the villain, or the sad one who got killed. However, the revolution has been progressing slowly. In the past few years, there have been a number of firsts that have revolutionized the entire perception of trans characters being represented on screen, all these firsts being highly indicative of the reality that trans entertainment is not only legitimate but also the priority. The following are ten events that have been game-changers in the trade. 

10. The Early Days—Stealth and Survival

Before trans actors gained the freedom to live openly in Hollywood, some of them went underground to conceal their identity so that they would not be fired. Caroline Cossey is regarded as the first trans Bond Girl in For Your Eyes Only (1981), yet the media callously outed her. Sandra Caldwell acted for decades in a cis role, and once she got her first trans part in the play Charm, she chose to come out as trans. These trailblazers are the ones who cleared the rags for present-day stars, proving that the trans community has never lacked talent in Hollywood, but perhaps the industry was not yet ready to embrace it.

9. Laverne Cox Breaks Barriers

It was not just a career high or a cultural milestone when Laverne Cox earned an Emmy nomination for her performance as Sophia Burset on Orange Is the New Black. Among all of the other fields, she had the most differentiations and was the first out transgender actor openly nominated in a Primetime Emmy acting category, and lastly, she was the Time Magazine cover face. In addition to the camera, Cox used her stage to advocate for the trans cause and for visibility, demonstrating the potential of light and how it can be powerful and life-changing.

8. Elliot Page’s Coming Out and Viktor Hargreeves

Elliot Page had already established a commendable career, but his highly publicized coming out as trans in 2020 was a turning point. Speaking of Viktor Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy was Page’s introduction to the realm of trans superheroes as part of a flagship series, and his character was integrated into the narrative seamlessly. Thanks to his openness and honesty, he ignited the passion of hundreds of thousands of fans, and the slogan he employed, “I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer”—was an empowering self-acceptance message that could never be easily erased.

7. Pose and MJ Rodriguez’s Historic Nomination

The work of Ryan Murphy’s Pose surpassed simply rewriting the guidebook of a TV show’s potential. It brought on board the largest group of trans actors ever cast in ongoing roles and, with it, brought the ballroom scene of the ’80s and ’90s to the masses with authenticity and heart. The Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series nomination of MJ Rodriguez was a milestone because it was an openly trans actor’s first appearance in said category, and it was historic and long-overdue recognition at the same time.

6. Hunter Schafer Redefines Complexity

Hunter Schafer’s portrayal of Jules in Euphoria was a revelation to the audience that a trans character didn’t have to be relegated to trauma or transition alone. Rather, Schafer managed to portray a consummate, fully realized teenager feeling love, friendship, and self-discovery. Additionally, she has also spoken on how Hollywood needs to show and accept that trans individuals are multidimensional and complex, the same way that everyone else in the globe is, something that is already too late coming for the movie industry. 

5. Indya Moore and Dominique Jackson Take Center Stage

Pose also gave us legendary performances by Indya Moore and Dominique Jackson. Moore, the trans and non-binary actress, made history as the first openly trans and non-binary actor to grace the cover of Elle. Jackson’s commanding performance as Elektra Abundance made her a cultural icon. Both of them reminded Hollywood that trans representation can also be intersectional, i.e., involving race, immigration, queerness, and survival. 

4. The Wachowski Sisters as Visionary Creators

Working in the background, the sisters Lana and Lilly Wachowski demonstrated that trans people are not only capable of running individualistic and successful movie franchises but also of producing intellectual and artsy movies. The Matrix and Sense8 rank at the top among the sisters’ movies, but their work has been, for quite some time now, founded on the very problems of self and transformation. Being openly trans after having already hit the heights of the entertainment world conveyed a very powerful message: trans women are out there in all corners of Hollywood, even in the director’s seat.

3. Why Representation Matters

Representation is not just a symbol; it influences individuals’ mindsets. Research done at the University of West London validated that positive representations of transgender actors, e.g., from Pose, contributed to quantifiable boosts in positive attitudes among audiences. Conversely, negative representations. Hollywood narratives not only utilize but also construct a culture of the era.

2. Trans Actors Playing Cis Roles

One of the most thrilling frontiers is to observe trans actors receiving parts in which gender identity is not central. Patti Harrison’s role in Shrill and Nicole Maines’ acting in Yellowjackets are simply ideal instances. Their transgender status is evident; however, it is not the focus. The characters are humanized, at least, dynamic and funny, like any other character. This kind of casting naturally attracts richer and more universal storytelling.

1. The Next Generation of Icons

The future of trans visibility is brighter than ever. Zaya Wade, who was trans and transitioned at the young age of 12, is now a role model for young individuals all over the world. Kim Petras became the first trans woman to be awarded a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Just as she did, the award was utilized to honor the pioneers who paved the way for her. With the current crop of stars paving the way, the next chapter of Hollywood is poised to become more diversified and motivating.

Hollywood isn’t quite there yet, but these are the moments that attest to how change can occur. Trans actors, artists, and icons are rewriting the script, if from the margins and stereotypes to the center stage. And that’s not merely revolutionary. That’s history in the making.

If you’re like me, your viewing queue is a labyrinth, too many options, yet somehow none of it really works, and before you know it, an hour has whizzed by in scroll mode. Don’t worry, I’ve got you sorted.

From murder mysteries in the woods to anime thrills, nostalgic returns, and a big-screen behemoth remade, here’s a reverse-order countdown of the 8 newest movies and shows that are worth pressing play on right now.

8. Finally Dawn

We begin in 1950s Rome with Finally Dawn, a sumptuous period romance in which a young woman (Rebecca Antonaci) takes a job as a movie extra and finds herself swept up in a night to remember with a gorgeous starlet (Lily James). With Willem Dafoe, Rachel Sennott, and Joe Keery rounding out the cast, the film is both a dreamy ode to Italian cinema and a glimpse into old Hollywood glamour. If you’re craving something visually rich and a little unconventional, this one’s for you.

7. Robot Chicken: Self-Discovery Special

Adult Swim’s stop-motion cult classic is returning, this time around for its 20th anniversary in a one-off special. The Nerd character is front and center, bouncing between reality TV universes such as 90 Day Fiancé in search of illumination. Since the show isn’t producing regular seasons any longer, this may be the final new Robot Chicken we get for some time, making it a must-see for die-hard fans who’ve been along for the ride.

6. Billy Joel: And So It Goes

For music lovers, HBO Max has dropped a two-part deep dive into the life of the Piano Man himself. Packed with never-before-seen performance footage and interviews with Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, and more, And So It Goes goes beyond the greatest hits to explore Joel’s personal story, influences, and enduring impact. If you’ve ever belted out Piano Man at karaoke, this documentary is practically required viewing.

5. The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 3)

Prime Video’s swoony teen drama returns after two years off, and it’s dishing out additional love triangles, summer nostalgia, and yes, lots of Taylor Swift soundtrack moments. Season 3 has just launched with two new episodes, and the rest will be released weekly. If you’re after sweet romance with a sprinkle of youthful mayhem, this series still delivers.

4. Sakamoto Days (Season 1, Part 2)

Netflix’s anime hit continues with new weekly episodes. Adapted from the popular manga, Sakamoto Days follows a retired assassin trying to live a quiet life as a convenience store owner, until his violent past inevitably finds him. With sharp humor, slick action, and only a dozen episodes so far, it’s the perfect pick whether you’re a manga reader or new to the series.

3. Untamed

If a wilderness enigma is your vibe, Untamed (Netflix) offers a combination of suspense and survival drama. Eric Bana plays a National Parks investigator who probes a suspicious fatality in Yosemite, only to find a much larger, deadlier mystery. The ensemble cast of Sam Neill, Lily Santiago, and Rosemarie DeWitt adds sufficient intrigue. And because all the episodes have already been released, you can binge through the peril straight from the comfort of your couch.

2. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Season 3)

Paramount+ has finally released Season 3 of the popular Star Trek spinoff, and it’s playing all the right chords. The first two installments are live, with new ones premiering every week on Thursdays. Renowned for marrying nostalgic Trek feels with original narrative, the show is one of the strongest in the franchise in years. For old-time Trekkies and newcomers alike, the new season is an excellent ride.

1. How to Train Your Dragon (2025 Live-Action)

Number one is Universal’s live-action remake of the much-loved animated film. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the man behind the original trilogy, this installment re-tells the tale of Hiccup and his friendship with Toothless. It’s already winning over critics for keeping the heart and magic of the original but presenting it with a new, cinematic feel. Rent or buy on demand, it’s the ideal pick for a family movie night at home, or just anyone craving a little magic and nostalgia.

And there you have it, eight new streaming pearls that’ll save you from scrolling madness. Popcorn at the ready, lights down low, and enjoy!

Redemption arcs are one of the most beloved tropes in Hollywood, but that does not mean that all of them are successful. For every celebrity who heroically redeemed himself, dozens and dozens went down in flames, didn’t follow the typical Hollywood movie, and were forgotten. Some had to deal with racism; some were victims of the industry’s mood swings, while others just had bad luck. These are some of the women that history should remember beyond an extremely short reference.

10. Dorothy Dandridge

No one possessed the charisma that Dorothy Dandridge had except for her. She was born in 192,2 and from a young age, she and her sister performed together and gained fame with Carmen Jones, a show for which she was the first Black actress to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Actress. Nevertheless, the openings she created for herself never really opened; She was left out of the race that she deserved due to her racism, stereotyping, and personal tragedy. Although she also had her struggles, the doors she flung open for the next generations of entertainers were still there, but Hollywood proper did not acknowledge her during her lifetime.

9. Olive Borden

The Joy Girl was the name that was given to Olive Borden, a movie star of the silent era whose fame was eclipsed by the advent of sound. Her glitzy on-screen personality could not continue in the new era, and she was no longer a star by the 1940s. These lead to money issues and personal tragedy. Her name was hardly mentioned except for the star that was still present on Hollywood Boulevard, a silent witness to her short-lived domination.

8. Anna May Wong

Anna May Wong was the most daring actress. She was the first Chinese-American movie star and broke all the barriers that were in her way, ay but never fully managed to overcome the restrictions as a result of Hollywood racism. Besides, Wong acted excellently in Shanghai Express; however, she was always typecast by the studios. Performances that matched her talents were given to white actresses who did yellowface. Wong’s legacy is only being recognized nowadays, which is way too late for her groundbreaking work not to have been forgotten.

7. Louise Brooks

With her bob cut and American Dream spirit, Louise Brooks was the representative of the Jazz Age. She was seen in Beggars of Life and Pandora’s Box, and her indefatigable energy in Hollywood led to her decline faster. She eventually came back as a writer, talking about her wild days in movies. Brooks enjoyed a cult-like status, but the history of film snatched away her glamour long before she ever had a comeback.

6. Clara Bow

Clara Bow, the first “It Girl,” was the most exciting thing about the 1920s. She played in It and Wings, the first movie to win the Best Picture award, and she was enchanted by her own lively spirit. However, underneath the glitz and glam, there was a whole lot of misery, family tragedy, and mental despair. Although she was able to make the transition to talkies, the pressures of being a star and the personal demons that she had eventually led her to quit. Many of her films have been lost, and thus, there is only a little window through which one can see the talent that was too often overshadowed by the nickname she was given.

5. Thelma Todd

Thelma Todd was not only a major comic force in the movies but also had the same comedic effect as the Marx Brothers and other comedy legends, thanks to her excellent timing and sharp wit. In 1935, she suddenly lost her life, put an end to her career, and a mystery that remains to this day was born. Unlike the talented actress who would have been remembered for her acting skills, Todd was just another Hollywood death, and her passing concealed the work she did for the entertainment industry from being acknowledged.

4. Kay Francis

The early part of the 1930s was the time when Kay Francis was at the peak of her career and was one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses. She was known for her glamour and sophistication in films like Trouble in Paradise. But after falling out with Warner Bros., she was confined to B-movie work and was virtually forgotten for ten years. Today, her films are mostly forgotten jewels that few people consider, and her name is only occasionally uttered by those far from the Hollywood community.

3. Ann Blyth

About her career debut in Mildred Pierce and the subsequent Oscar nomination at 16 years old, for which Ann Blyth was propelled into the bright Hollywood limelight, it was like heaven opening to her. But she lost her spine in a tobogganing accident, and the tragic incident knocked her career down. Blyth kept on acting, but she lacked her first success and hence became a cautionary tale that celebrity in Hollywood is ephemeral.

2. Marion Davies

Marion Davies had great comedic and commercial abilities, yet her biography became a tale of a love affair with William Randolph Hearst, a newspaper mogul. The energy he used to turn her into a tragic star backfired, while the Depression further lessened her brightness. As a cherry on top, Citizen Kane, directed by Orson Welles, deeply ingrained a distorted representation of her in the public’s perception. Although Welles admitted fault later, Davies was not able to revive her image as the talented actress she was.

1. Lillian Gish

Lillian Gish, known as the “First Lady of American Cinema,” can be regarded as the mother of screen acting in the silent film era with her appearances in Broken Blossoms and The Wind. Lillian continued her film career for a long time, and she was still very active in her 80s and 90s, but unfortunately, she did not get the acknowledgment she deserved from later generations. Currently, she is at the same level as a trivia answer as an icon of cinema history, a really unfair fate for one of the pioneers of screen acting.

The memory of Hollywood is very short, but these women still have the impact of their names, films, and characters in cinematic history. People who are familiar with their stories know that fame does not last long; however, the influence of these artists is still alive and will go on as long as somebody recalls it.

September has indeed arrived, and it is bringing the full fall TV season with it. The likes of Peacock, Netflix, Apple TV+, Hulu, and many more are creating a buzz with a flood of new series, returning series, as well as a few unexpected releases. Your watchlist is undoubtedly going to be longer. To help you sift through such an abundance of titles, here is an inverse countdown of the 10 most significant premieres hitting the TV screens this month.

10. Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks

A fan of theme parks, this is something you should not miss. Peacock’s “Universal Monsters” is a wonderful docuseries that brings the audience to the studio lot for a three-part history of Universal, showing a lot of the old interrupted film with the talking heads of producers, directors, and A-list stars. It is not just reliving the past; it is also finding out how Universal became both a movie and theme park powerhouse, and getting some insight into the new Epic Universe coming soon.

9. Screamboat

What if Steamboat Willie was turned into a slasher film? That is the crazy idea behind Screamboat, a late-night fright voyage on a New York Harbor ferry. Alongside David Howard Thornton portraying the insane cartoon character, this campy-but-supernaturally-creepy flick promises to be equally crazy and frightening. Consider it as your haunted season pre-game.

8. Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU

Some franchises are simply not giving up so easily. Law & Order is back for Season 25, and SVU enters its 27th season with full force, keeping courtroom drama and police procedural alive in their respective shows. Olivia Benson remains the heart of SVU, and the original series is still drawing from current events for those fan-favorite cases.

7. Love Island Games: Season 2

Love Island Games is turning back for the audience that wants their TV to include love, drama, and a little chaos. This new season is bringing back the best-known from all over the globe for challenges, couplings, and a lot of unbelievable eliminations. A mix of Ariana Madix as host and Iain Stirling as narrator makes it such a guilty pleasure that you really won’t be able to stop watching.

6. The Paper

Perhaps The Paper is just what The Office is missing from your heart. This mockumentary comedy is centered on a Toledo newspaper facing hardships and the unlikely team of volunteer reporters who attempt to bring it back to life. Domhnall Gleeson, Chelsea Frei, Melvin Gregg, Sabrina Impacciatore, and The Office alum Oscar Nuñez are there to bring the awkward laughs and the nostalgic vibes with a newsroom twist to you.

5. Only Murders in the Building (Season 5)

The Arconia trio have come back, and so did Keegan-Michael Key, Renée Zellweger, and Christoph Waltz, among others. The first episode of Season 5 revolves around the suspicious death of Lester, the favorite doorman, inviting the team to plunge into their most personal case ever. If you are a fan of entertaining mysteries, a star-studded cast, and must-watch TV, Hulu’s hit show is still there for you, so don’t miss it.

4. The Morning Show (Season 4)

Apple TV+ once more gets the benefit of Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, who will present us a brand-new season of newsroom politics and boardroom wars. Acting heavyweights Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Boyd Holbrook, William Jackson-Harper, and Aaron Pierre have arrived with their brilliant performances to add fresh energy, and with the return of Jon Hamm as tech titan Paul Marks, it is sure to be a wild ride. We can expect a lot of twists, betrayals, and manipulations of power as UBA fights for survival.

3. Wednesday (Season 2, Part 2)

First off, the title of the show cannot be more accurate, as the darkness that is to come seems to be the main premise of the second season of Wednesday at Nevermore Academy. The cast of five is completed by the amazing Lady Gaga, who will be playing a mysterious new character; the family of Wednesday will have more on-screen time, and so forth. The first two seasons of the show were lovable for the weirdness, and the new ones will be even more brilliant thanks to the second set of episodes full of the weirdest of Addams-family-type fun.

2. Survivor (Season 49)

Through all those forty-nine seasons, the show Survivor had been able to keep its original charm, but the writers seem to have found a way to reinvent it completely in the latest season. Spectators are given the news on new twists, new survivors, and all the social drama that makes them stay glued to their screens. The show is going to give away a million dollars, so we are going to see strong partnerships, people being taken by surprise, and undoubtedly, the sweet Jeff Probst at the helm of it all. This is the highest form of reality shows.

1. NFL Sunday Night Football

Seriously, can anything beat the NFL on Sunday nights? The Sunday Night Football on NBC is launching again with a super-hot program that includes the Eagles vs. the Cowboys game, one of the first big encounters of the season. If you are a hardcore fan or if you are a bit indifferent and only here for the halftime show, the reason why SNF is still the most-watched program on TV is that it is a must.

Therefore, just get rid of your evenings, hoard up your munchies, and hold your remote out. TV is full of September gems, and you are not going to save any seconds to take a break.