Double Take

Created by Tara Binte Sharil and Carter Hansen

I think it’s safe to say that college students tend to have lots to say about, well, everything. But with Double Take, we focus our opinions on different award shows and red carpet moments. Passionate about all things Hollywood and fashion, each column will feature two writers sharing their thoughts on their favorite looks, snubs, and iconic-worthy moments. With every Hollywood event, there is always something to discuss.

And with that, let the show begin.

Tailored for You, Rooted in Us: A Night of Black Brilliance at the 2025 Met Gala
by Gisele Mitchell and Bri Brzytwa | May 8th, 2025

Vogue defines the Black dandy as a man whose primary purpose is to stand out by being impeccably groomed and dressed. Emerging post-emancipation and flourishing during the Harlem Renaissance, Black dandyism evolved as both an aesthetic expression and quiet defiance, becoming a tool in a cultural revolution that gave Black Americans a way to posit themselves in a society that attempted to limit and oppress them. The 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” brings long overdue recognition to this tradition by placing it at the forefront of fashion. More than a mere celebration of style, the theme highlights the sartorial elegance of Black style; a style rooted in history, rich with intention and essential to the evolution of modern fashion.

Often misunderstood as mere flamboyance, Black dandyism emerged as a political and cultural act that sought to subvert white supremacist dress codes by embracing sharp tailoring, vibrant textiles, and luxurious details that were traditionally reserved only for the elite class. Figures such as Frederick Douglass and Duke Ellington, as well as contemporary icons like André Leon Talley have exemplified the power of style as a form of defiance and identity-building within Black communities.

This year’s theme called not just for elegance, but for the critical engagement in dressing with a purpose. This is both to honor the beauty and brilliance of Black tailoring traditions, as well as to understand how those choices speak across time. While the emphasis on menswear opened the door to reinterpretation and gender-fluid silhouettes, the distinction between "classic menswear" and "Black dandyism" was a crucial one to make; miss it, and risk missing the point.

The event began with a stunning acappella cover of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terell, performed by an all Black men’s chorus, headed by the esteemed Allen René Louis. To add to this celebration of Black excellence and culture, the gala’s hosts included Teyana Taylor, Ego Nwodim and Lala Anthony. Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi oversaw the menu, and the attendees were serenaded by iconic musicians Usher and Stevie Wonder.

Off the carpet, the livestream included interviews with famous Black figures and gala attendees, including modern-day dandy herself, Janelle Monáe, and styling icon, Law Roach. Overall, the night was a tribute to the beauty of Black art, Black talent, and Black people. During the interviews, John Batiste coined black dandyism as “living in a one-of-a-kind body and tailoring everything to that body.”

Each invitation arrived with the dress code “Tailored for You” — a sartorial tribute to the exhibition’s menswear focus, crafted to both honor tradition and encourage guests to reimagine it through the lens of personal style and creative freedom.

With that, here is our list of best and worst dressed of the night, in context of the given theme:

Let's kick it off with the best looks of the night:

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe made a bold statement with her striking ensemble, which was created in collaboration with Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell and designer Thom Browne. The look featured a black, red and white pin-striped suit with sharp shoulders, a black top hat, and an eye-catching clock accessory piece. A unique touch to the outfit was an ethical diamond brooch made from 1800 Tequila’s Cristalino tequila, which symbolized a conscious shift toward sustainable fashion.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo paid homage to late fashion icon André Leon Talley with a salient tribute outfit. Domingo, who served as one of the evening's co-chairs, arrived in a vibrant blue Valentino cape inspired by Talley’s 2011 Met Gala kaftan. His ensemble also featured a shimmering gold and silver bib, a statement necklace, and a bold ear cuff by Boucheron, all which aligned perfectly with the event's theme of Black dandyism.

Zendaya

Zendaya, a perennial fashion icon and co-chair of this year’s gala, arrived in not one, but two major looks over the evening. Her first ensemble was a dark, romantic custom Maison Margiela creation styled by Law Roach that featured a moody sculptural bodice, a full ball skirt, and a twisted take on 19th-century fantasy.

However, it was her second look — a sleek white Louis Vuitton three-piece suit, that more clearly nodded to the theme of Black dandyism. The crisp tailoring, stark monochrome palette, and fitted silhouette drew direct inspiration from historical dandies, and her choice to switch into menswear halfway through the night seemed to suggest an intentional commentary on versatility, gender play, and elegance as power.

Yet, while Zendaya’s suit was impeccably styled, some critics argued it gestured more toward high fashion minimalism than the vibrant, performative roots of Black dandy style, which often embraced rich color, flamboyant flourishes, and ornate detail as acts of joyful resistance. In this way, her look walked the fine line of being undeniably stylish and thematically adjacent, but perhaps more “dandy-lite” than fully immersed in the cultural depth of the theme.

Tems

Styled by British-Ghanaian fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, Tems brought a taste of Nigeria to the blue carpet. She stunned in a fitted, floor-length shirt gown crafted from deep-blue Ankara fabric, adorned with a striking green cravat. The look was completed with a coordinating hair bow and a matching umbrella. Rather than taking the route of a fitted tuxedo, her custom look combined a feminine silhouette with men’s attire. It tastefully merged West African textile design with modern couture, exemplifying the theme of intentional self-expression coupled with elegance.

Coco Jones

Coco Jones graced the carpet in a stunning cream and white ensemble designed by Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra. Her coat, made of French lace and ornate with Swarovski crystals, trailed behind her without overshadowing her intricately designed pearl-encrusted trousers. The entire look had notes of Indian fashion with embroidered botanicals cascading down her back and a stunning sapphire pendant necklace. She topped off the look with ivory Jimmy Choo heels and hair knee-length braid.

Chance The Rapper

Chance the Rapper wore a tan Versace suit with a leather waistcoat and patterned tie. His accessories included three beautifully designed Tiffany & Co. brooches on the lapel of the suit, a structured kufi cap decorated with a matching hat pin, and Donatella Versace herself on his right arm. The loose fit of the suit added a relaxed elegance to pair with the glittering accessories. The look paid homage to the long legacy of Black sartorial innovation, where sharp tailoring meets bold self-expression. The suit and brooches signaled reverence and refinement, while the loose fit and kufi echoed the black dandy's signature blend of heritage and personal flair.

JENNIE

Dressed in a custom Chanel tailored black jumpsuit and structured overskirt, her look channelled a timeless elegance seen in the black dandyism practiced by women. The off-the-shoulder ensemble was adorned with matching pearl buttons and cufflinks, and brought together with a white silk camellia in the center. The outfit, which took 330 hours to make, was completed with matching Chanel pumps and a black and white boater hat. The look was inspired by Coco Chanel’s designs from the 1920s and 30s, making it a stunning and appropriate addition to the night’s best looks.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o is the second on our list styled by Chanel, illuminating the carpet with a light blue suit and matching chiffon cape. The suit had a delicate rose on the right lapel and an 18k white gold and diamond Cométe Aubazine brooch on the neckline. Her stylist, Micaela Erlanger, finished the look with a matching boater hat, taking inspiration from the theme of artistry and elegance. Nyong'o's hair was intricately placed into a dreadlocked ponytail, mimicking the intention and artistry embedded in the night's theme. She took inspiration from 1950s music icon Little Richard, her brows bedazzled with black jewels.

Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid’s look took a very different approach to the night's theme as she strayed away from menswear and did a deep dive into history. Her hair was pinned into voluminous victory rolls to accompany her gold sequinned custom Miu Miu dress reminiscent of Josephine Baker. During her carpet interview, she noted that the design took inspiration from the work of the famous Zelda Wynn Valdes, a prominent figure in Black fashion history. The craftsmanship spoke for itself, requiring minimal accessories and letting the look say all of the right things.

Teyana Taylor

One of the hosts of the 2025 Met Gala, Teyana Taylor’s look stopped the show with its artistry. Working with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, Taylor wore a burgundy and gray zoot suit with a crystal vest chain and matching accessories. The highlight of her look was a burgundy hat, adorned with a massive monochromatic feather sitting on top of a matching durag. Her cape was beautifully detailed, and her walking stick added to the history embedded in the theme.

Now, for those who missed the mark:

Jeremy Allen White

Dressed in a plain black suit with minimal styling, White’s look exemplified the bare-minimum approach to menswear. In a year that celebrated extravagant tailoring, bold colors and performative dress rooted in Black history, his outfit felt like a missed opportunity to engage with the theme’s depth and meaning.

Chris Hemsworth

As a co-chair of the event, expectations were high, but unfortunately, Hemsworth’s cream Tom Ford suit was painfully safe. With no notable accessories, textures, or cultural nods, the look veered into generic red carpet territory rather than honoring the theme’s call for statement-making Black elegance and sartorial rebellion.

Ed Sheeran

Wearing a muted, ill-fitted ensemble that lacked any interpretive edge, Sheeran’s look failed to connect with the central spirit of Black dandyism; that being the use of style as subversion. The outfit’s casual vibe and lack of intentionality made it feel completely disengaged from the evening’s celebratory purpose.

Hailey Bieber

Hailey Bieber made her appearance on the carpet in a short blazer dress, accentuating her long legs but giving the audience nothing else. Her 25-carat diamond Tiffany & Co. necklace was a stunning attempt to distract from an otherwise boring and generic look seen in any recent H&M advertisement.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway, a consistent hit-or-miss at the Met Gala, missed once again in a white button-down top and a black and white crystal embroidered pencil skirt designed by Carolina Herrera. The only eye-catching aspect of her look was the 123.35 carat sapphire necklace gracefully sitting on her neck. Although she attempted to pay homage to fashion icon and dandy himself, André Leon Talley, wearing a work shirt does not make the outfit worthy of this theme.

Lisa

Lisa wore a custom Louis Vuitton blazer and underwear ensemble embroidered with prominent Black figures such as Rosa Parks, paired with sheer black hosiery adorned with the LV logo. This look, although stunning in theory, was tasteless within the context of the theme and made a mockery of the night’s importance. The figures on her blazer and underwear were taken from portraits done by celebrated artist Henry Taylor, however, the intention behind it could not overpower its overt incongruity. This look is made more inappropriate as Lisa, a member of the K-pop group BLACKPINK, has faced controversy over a history of saying racial slurs and has not responded to the criticism.

Notable mentions

- Mary J. Blige in Stella McCartney

- Diljit Dosanjh in Prabal Gurung

- Imaan Hammam in Magda Butrym

- Laura Harrier in GapStudio

- Rege-Jean Page in Brioni

- Kerry Washington in Johnathan Simkhai

- Gabrielle Union Wade and Dwayne Wade in Prada

- Diana Ross in Ugo Mozie

- Tramell Tillman in Thom Browne

- Lewis Hamilton in Wales Bonner

The 2025 Oscars: A New Era for The Academy
By: Carter Hansen | March 5th, 2025

And just like that, another season of awards comes to a close with last night’s Oscars. 2024 was considered by many film lovers as not the strongest year for cinema, but the year provided a few movies that are definitely award worthy.

The Oscars - the annual awards ceremony held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences - is widely regarded as Hollywood’s event of the year. Where the best of the best in every aspect of filmmaking, production, and execution are placed together in one room to honor their achievements. The ceremony relies heavily on a ‘tradition’ of the class and sophistication of Old Hollywood, but recently, viewers believe that the ceremony has lost its luster, and maybe for the better?

Every year there are more and more complaints about how “stuffy” the Academy is, and how they are always looking for the same thing when giving out awards. This has not only led viewers to call the ceremony “predictable,” but to criticize the Academy for not giving independent, genre non-conforming, and altogether innovative films a chance.

Thus, we may view this year’s Oscars not as a revival, but as a rebirth. A new era of lighthearted ceremony that highlights a broader array of films and the talent behind them.

Enough for that tangent, though. Let’s dive into what exactly made this year’s Oscars so noteworthy, starting with host Conan O’Brien.

Recently, the Academy has relied heavily on late night talk show personalities to host the biggest ceremony of the year in the entertainment industry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. And when it does work, they keep bringing them back (Jimmy Kimmel four times? Really?). Before the ceremony last night, I thought Conan was not the strongest choice, but I was happy to be proven wrong.

Conan managed to keep the night lighthearted and funny. Not only did he manage to keep politics to a minimum (with the exception of a few well-placed quips), but he was not too abrasive with the celebrity roasts (with the exception of a praiseworthy jab at Karla Sofia Gascon’s tweets). He made sure to include a few ‘gags’ throughout the show that gave the night an enjoyable energy, including his emergence from Demi Moore’s body (a la The Substance), threatening to have the cameras cut to Conclave supporting actor John Lithgow with his classic “look of disappointment” if an acceptance speech ran too long, and the musical talent of the Sandworm from Dune 2. I would not be surprised to see the ex-late night talk show host coming back to host another Oscars ceremony in the near future.

The night started out with an inspiring montage of movies that took place in L.A., to remind the viewers of how special Hollywood and its projects are, and the importance of utilizing community and the language of art among the afflicting struggles of the wildfires’ aftereffects. Directly after, Wicked co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande sang a mash-up featuring songs from the Wizard of Oz universe. Ariana Grande started it off with a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from the original The Wizard of Oz. Erivo followed with her rendition of “Home” from The Wiz. The number ended with Erivo and Grande both singing “Defying Gravity.” This performance is being called one of, if not the best in recent Oscars history.

Now, let's get into the awards! Following the inconsistency of award winners throughout this awards season, there really was no clear winner in any category. The full list of 2025 Academy Award winners may be found here.

We witnessed another Oscars sweep with Sean Baker and his hit film Anora. Altogether, Anora took home 5 awards. Sean Baker himself took home three: Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. The film itself ended up winning Best Picture to cap off a near-perfect night for the film. In his third speech, collecting the Oscar for Best Director, Baker left both the attending audience and viewing audience with an important movie-related message. He urged viewers to keep going to see films at movie theaters and for filmmakers to continue making movies for the theaters. He emphasizes how special movie theaters are, because that is where young people fall in love with the movies and become the actors and filmmakers of tomorrow. This was a much appreciated sentiment for me, because I, too, am scared of the theater decline.

Mikey Madison took home her first Oscar (on her first nomination) for her leading role in Anora at only 25 years old! Mikey has been seen as a dark horse throughout the awards season due to Demi Moore’s acting comeback with her role in The Substance taking the spotlight. The time and emotion Mikey poured into her first starring role paid off, and countless opportunities are sure to be heading her way. Mikey gave a meaningful acceptance speech, not only thanking her family, but the sex worker community as well (Mikey portrayed a sex worker in Anora). Though many believe the Best Actress award was not hers, I think there is no one more deserving this year than Mikey Madison.

To little surprise, Adrien Brody won his second Best Actor in a Leading Role Oscar for his role in The Brutalist 20+ years after his first win at the 2003 Academy Awards for his role in The Pianist. Brody’s win silences the disapproval from many fans concerning the film’s use of AI to enhance the character’s accent, proving that his performance was just that good. Following Chalamet’s win at the SAG Awards, this award was anyone’s game. But Brody, who was the frontrunner for most of the season, came away with it. Though many believe that his performance was worthy of the award, many are questioning his behavior. Initially after winning the award, Brody makes his way up to the stage seemingly forgetting that he has gum in his mouth, which he then throws to his wife. Once on stage, Brody begins with a speech where he calls for peace and understanding. As the music plays him off, he tells the Academy “please turn the music off. I’ve done this before. Thank you. This is not my first rodeo.” This cockiness was very irritating to watch, and many other viewers felt the same, which drowned out the powerful message he was attempting to give.

To nobody’s surprise, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana took home the Best Supporting Actor and Actress roles respectively. To me, these awards were very fitting, as these were two of my favorite performances this year (despite me not being crazy about either movie). Saldana gave a very heartfelt speech, saying how thankful she was for her family and her heritage, with a very sweet connection with her mother at the beginning of her speech. Culkin’s speech, one of the highlights of the night in my opinion, was a reminder to his wife of her four-kid promise if Culkin won the Oscar. He finished his speech by telling her, “let’s get cracking on those kids.” Culkin is cementing himself as one of Hollywood’s best comics.

In sum, it’s exciting to see how the Academy is starting to reward films and performances that go against the “normal Oscars grain.” The Anora sweep is the biggest surprise since Moonlight took home best picture at the 2017 Academy Awards in terms of movies and performances being selected that are not the normal Academy picks. It makes fans of movies such as myself hopeful that not only the Academy Awards, but other awards shows as well, are getting their groove and excitement back.

Double Take: The Best & Worst Looks from the 2025 Grammys Red Carpet

by Brielle Brzytwa and Tara Binte Sharil

The 2025 Grammy Awards red carpet was a dazzling display of fashion and personal expression, with artists making bold statements through their attire. Sabrina Carpenter turned heads in a sky-blue halter dress that exuded elegance and modernity. Chappell Roan made a memorable appearance in an archival Jean Paul Gaultier gown from 2003, adorned with pastel hues and inspired by Degas' ballerinas. Taylor Swift graced the event in a custom Vivienne Westwood Couture dress, accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and embodied a timeless sense of sophistication. Cardi B also was seen making a statement in a custom Roberto Cavalli Couture mermaid gown, which perfectly highlighted her bold fashion sense.

The ceremony itself was filled with unforgettable moments. Beyoncé made history by winning Album of the Year for her kaleidoscopic reimagining of country music, Cowboy Carter, becoming only the fourth Black woman to receive this honor. The night also featured a touching tribute to Los Angeles, with performances by Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, celebrating the city's rich musical heritage. These moments, among others, highlighted the Grammys' commitment to honoring musical excellence and cultural diversity.

Last night, like always, the Grammys red carpet was a showcase of bold fashion choices, with celebrities embracing both classic elegance and avant-garde designs. Here are some of our top picks for the best and worst dressed of the night, along with a few notable fashion trends that we saw emerging.

To view all the looks, click here.

Best Dressed

BB: Sabrina Carpenter in Custom JW Anderson
Sabrina Carpenter stunned in a sky-blue halter dress adorned with feathers at the waist and hem, complemented by Chopard jewelry. The ensemble was both playful and sophisticated, highlighting her evolving fashion sense.

TBS: Chappell Roan in Jean Paul Gaultier

Chappell Roan’s Grammy outfit couldn’t be MORE Chappell. The vintage Jean Paul Gaultier couture dress portrayed graphics on regal women that screamed princess, fitting for everyone’s favorite Midwest Princess. Aided with her doll-like makeup, the ensemble was dramatic and audacious.

BB: Billie Eilish in Prada
Billie Eilish surprised everyone with a sleek Prada ensemble that redefined her usual oversized aesthetic. The structured yet fluid design, paired with minimal accessories, showcased a more refined take on her signature style.

TBS: Cardi B in Roberto Cavalli

Cardi B’s custom Roberto Cavalli was very much synonymous to her persona. Flamboyant, fierce, and flashy. Embellished in rhinestones and transitioning into feathers, the dress felt very majestic yet somehow, classy.

BB: Lady Gaga in Vivienne Westwood
Lady Gaga embraced a gothic aesthetic, donning a dramatic black outfit that combined intricate lace with bold accessories. The look was both edgy and elegant, showcasing her unique fashion sense.

TBS: Rapsody

Rapsody’s entourage featured different components that shouldn’t work, but somehow does. The white dress was covered in seashells to resemble California’s beaches and, probably my favorite feature of the night, a portrait of the iconic Grace Jones. Rapsody’s top 5 list came from a biased choice, but regardless, the dress will forever be emblematic.

BB: Janelle Monáe in Givenchy

Janelle Monáe turned heads in a sleek, tailored Givenchy suit that exuded both power and sophistication. The structured blazer and wide-leg trousers offered a modern twist on classic red carpet attire, proving that menswear-inspired looks can be just as glamorous as gowns. The futuristic yet elegant design solidified her place as a fashion icon.

TBS: Doechii in Thom Browne

If there’s a celebrity Thom Browne should endorse, it’s Doechii. While still spotting the classic Thom Browne business-casual look, the overall ensemble showed off the singer’s amazing figure while still maintaining the brand’s signature style.

BB: Charli XCX in Jean Paul Gaultier
Charli XCX embraced a regal look with a slate gray Jean Paul Gaultier bustier dress featuring ruffles throughout, paired with Bucherer Fine Jewellery and open-toe, knee-high boots. The outfit balanced edginess with elegance, making it one of the standout looks of the evening.

Worst Dressed

BB: Bianca Censori in Ye West

Bianca Censori, Ye (formerly Kanye) West's wife, appeared in a sheer dress that gave the illusion of nudity beneath a black fur coat. While aiming for an avant-garde recreation of the cover art for her husband’s album Vultures, the look felt more provocative than stylish.

TBS: Shakira in custom Etro

Shakira’s custom Etro had elements that completely clashed with each other. The laced skirt with the orange one-piece gave a very outdated feel to the overall outfit. While Shakira can almost pull off anything– because she is that woman– this custom Etro was not one of it.

BB: Taylor Swift in Vivienne Westwood
Do not hate us for this one, but Taylor Swift's Vivienne Westwood ensemble was a rare miss. The outfit's design elements clashed, resulting in a look that felt disjointed and unflattering. This dress, while stunning, seemed a bit off-the-rack.

TBS: Jaden Smith in Louis Vuitton & Dora Abodi

Okay let’s address the elephant in the room, WTF is that headpiece?!?! Aside from the fact that the headpiece was pretty much uncalled for, Jaden Smith’s Louis Vuitton suit had a boxy feel rather than sleek. And instead of dress shoes, Smith opted for sneakers that felt like a 7-year-old child would buy.

BB: Kacey Musgraves in Ralph Lauren

Kacey Musgraves embraced a high-fashion Western aesthetic with a sequined skirt and silver belt. However, the ensemble felt disjointed and failed to capture the elegance typically associated with her style.

TBS: Sheryl Crow in Missoni

While Sheryl Crow’s dress wasn’t completely disastrous, it pretty much had the most outdated feel in the entire red carpet. While the dress attempted to emulate a country feel, it ultimately felt like a dress that came straight from Nordstrom back in 2014.

BB: Gracie Abrams in Chanel
Gracie Abrams' Chanel ensemble missed the mark, with design choices that just simply did not complement her style and resulted in a look that felt underwhelming for the occasion. The sheer monochrome was not our favorite of the night.

TBS: Teddy Swims

Teddy Swims’ cream-colored suit felt more messy than innovative. His pearl-draped blazer was reminiscent of an upscale Mardi Gras aesthetic. His cap was excessive and while his country boots work because of its matching colors, it interrupts the “attempted” classy feel of the entire outfit.

Trends of the Night

Feathered Accents – Feathers made a significant appearance, with Sabrina Carpenter leading the trend in her feather-adorned gown.

Bold Ruffles – Ruffles were a prominent feature, as seen in Charli XCX's Jean Paul Gaultier dress, adding drama and texture to the red carpet.

Regal Silhouettes – Many celebrities opted for regal, structured designs, bringing a sense of grandeur to the event.

The 2025 Grammys red carpet was a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, with stars pushing boundaries and expressing their unique styles.

Tell us: What were your favorite and least favorite looks of the night?

Double Take: The 67th Grammy Awards Review

By Emma Celenza

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Music’s biggest night of the year, or maybe the biggest night for Kendrick Lamar propaganda. The Grammys celebrate the accomplishments of the music industry and took on the new role of raising money for various organizations helping those impacted by the California wildfires this year. For one night, the music industry and its fans unite to share the good, the bad, and the ugly of the world of music. Fans flock around TVs to see who wins the Big Four categories (Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year), and music industry professionals pray that they don’t lose their jobs over any losses.

This year, the competition was fierce. Popular artists went home empty handed, worthy up-and-coming artists got their time to shine, and unpopular nominations swept categories. So let’s recap the most notable wins and upsets from the night.

Best New Artist: Chappell Roan

Best New Artist is another way to categorize artists who had breakthrough years. Chappell Roan not only fits this description perfectly, but is a perfect example of the importance of artist development. Roan has been in the industry for about 10 years. For most of this time, she has stayed in the background until she signed with Island Records in 2023. After that, her career took off. By spring of 2024, she was everywhere. Very few artists are willing to put in the work for almost a decade only to explode at what seemed like a last chance in the industry, and I think Chappell Roan is more than deserving of this award.

Record of the Year: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar

Although I dug at him earlier, I would like the record to reflect that I do, in fact, like Kendrick Lamar! I think he’s an incredibly talented musician and you can see how meticulously he plans out all of his songs from the lyrics to the actual production itself.

For this reason, it makes sense that he was a finalist for ROTY since it focuses on the production of the song itself. One could make the argument that almost everyone else nominated (not naming names but The Beatles should not have been nominated in my opinion) had a chance to win. However, I believe the production of this song is what made it stand out. My mom wouldn’t be walking around my house humming the tune of “Not Like Us” if the production quality was bad. You can take a great song and make it terrible by poor production.

Lamar’s team of Mustard, Sean Momberger, Sounwave, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Johnathan Turner, and Nicolas de Porcel carefully crafted and executed “Not Like Us” with immense skill.

I think most of the production teams nominated (still calling out “Now and Then” by “The Beatles”) executed their respective songs almost if not perfectly for the artists they were working with, but “Not Like Us” was more of a movement (bringing back rap beef that has now evolved into a Drake lawsuit because his feelings are hurt) instead of a moment like some of the nominations.

Song of the Year: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar

Unfortunately, I cannot get behind “Not Like Us” winning Song of the Year. I think the production was on point, but the actual song itself sounds repetitive. Lyrically, Kendrick Lamar absolutely demolished Drake. I don’t think I could ever write a triple entendre (or whatever he writes), but they seem to just live and multiply in Kendrick Lamar’s brain.

Outside of the lyrics, the melody is not giving what it needs to give to be SOTY-worthy. You’re telling me that the same two (maybe three if we’re being generous) notes in the same pattern are supposed to be exciting and newsworthy? If that’s the case, then where are my Grammys? This is where I think amazing production saved Lamar because I’m not going out of my way to listen to the instrumental version of “Not Like Us.” I think anything else (besides “Please, Please, Please,” “A Bar Song (Tipsy,)” and “Fortnite”) should have had a greater shot of winning. (No slander to any of these teams, I just find these specific songs repetitive.) In other news, I expect to see Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s GNX tour ticket sales skyrocketing after the Grammys and their Super Bowl Halftime performance. Get them while the price is less outrageous!

Album of the Year: COWBOY CARTER by Beyoncé

Rumor has it my boyfriend is still mourning Andre 3000’s Album of the Year “snub.” Let me tell you this: Beyoncé’s AOTY win is a LONG TIME overdo. Do I think this was her best album nominated? No. Do I think there were other albums that should have won instead? Yes. Am I happy Taylor Swift lost? Absolutely. (No hate to Taylor herself; I’m still mad about SZA’s SOS snub from last year.) However, COWBOY CARTER's win signifies a huge milestone for the music industry. A Black woman hasn’t won AOTY since 1999 (shoutout to my girl, Miss Lauryn Hill).

COWBOY CARTER had a profound impact on the industry. Let’s be honest with each other. The country music industry is extremely straight, white, Christian, male dominated. Of course it has become more diverse over time, but a big artist such as Beyoncé was going to make a huge splash in it regardless. While many people in the country scene will tell you that COWBOY CARTER is “not a real country album,” that’s literally why it got so popular. It wasn’t just country music! It blended genres and brought people who wouldn’t typically listen to country music together over a shared interest for the artist.

I’m not sure how many Beyoncé fans turned into country music lovers, but she had millions of people listening to kinda-sorta country music who would have never tuned into the genre before. COWBOY CARTER wasn’t my first choice to win AOTY, but similarly to how Midnights by Taylor Swift won last year, it’s not about the actual album, it’s about the impact the artist made over the year (because if Taylor didn’t have The Eras Tour, Midnights would have been forgotten like Folklore, Evermore, and now, The Tortured Poets Department. Bring back 1989 Taylor!!!! I swear I’m done with my Taylor Swift rant.)

Other notable wins:

My girl Doechii is the third woman to EVER receive the award for Best Rap Album. If you haven’t heard it yet, Alligator Bites Never Heal is an incredible album which truly showcases Doechii’s skills. In October of 2024, Kendrick Lamar said that Doechii was the “hardest rapper in the game,” and he is 100% right. If you are into rap or want to support women in the music industry, you need to check out Alligator Bites Never Heal. It is worth your time.

Amy Allen has been killing it for years and is the first woman to receive the award for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical. Not only does she write songs for artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, Justin Timberlake, and Leon Bridges, but she also released her own album this year. She has been writing hit after hit and finally won a well-deserved award.

Biggest upset:

Where is the respect for my girl Billie Eilish? Her situation reminds me a lot of SOS. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT made a huge impact in the music industry! For a while, I couldn’t go on social media without hearing that song in a video, story, or post. The cultural significance of the album is more impactful than Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, yet (similar to Taylor Swift this year) she went home empty handed? I thought the juggernaut was going to be Taylor Swift and her mid TTPD. However, after finding out who won each category, now the juggernaut is the Recording Academy itself? Put some respect on Billie’s name!

With the 67th Annual Grammy Awards coming to a close, it makes one reflect on the music industry of the past year and look towards the future. I personally will complain slightly about the Recording Academy for the rest of the month, and eventually remember I am a member of GRAMMYU and stop talking. As for the future of the Grammy Awards, I hope they continue to celebrate music from all backgrounds, and pray that Debí Tirar Más Fotos by Bad Bunny is nominated for Album of the Year at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

The 97th Academy Awards Nominations Predictions

By Carter Hansen and Tara Binte Sharil

Despite the wildfires plaguing Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards nominations were announced on Thursday. Though many award shows have been postponed, there has been no sign of the Oscars being delayed. With the ceremony approaching in the next coming weeks, everyone is on the edge of their seats on who will take home Hollywood’s most coveted prize.

With 13 nominations, Emilia Pérez emerged as the most nominated film of the year while The Brutalist came in second with 10. This year also features many first time nominees such as Karla Sofía Gascon, (who is now the first trans actress to be nominated for an Oscar), Demi Moore, Guy Pearce and Jeremy Strong. Though the Oscars is a time to celebrate, it wouldn’t be Hollywood without snubs and unfiltered takes.

With the two of us being very diligent and busy college students, this column will only discuss “Best Picture,” “Best Animated Feature Film,” “Best Actor in a Leading/Supporting Role,” “Best Actress in a Leading/Supporting Role,” “Best Director,” and of course, of biggest snubs of the year. To view all the nominees, click here.

Carter and Tara’s biggest snub: Danielle Deadwyler in The Piano Lesson, Best Actress in a Supporting Role. This is the second time Deadwyler has been short changed during awards season, the first being after her performance in the 2022 film, Till. Deadwyler as Berniece in The Piano Lesson was hands down one of our favorite performances of the year. She commanded each scene she was in. When she was mourning, you were mourning with her. When she was angry, you were angry with her. Sooner or later, she will get the respect that she deserves. For right now, she remains Hollywood’s best kept secret.

Best Picture:

Anora
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
I'm Still Here
Nickel Boys
The Substance
Wicked

CH: Conclave. Though Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist took home the “Best Picture– Drama” award at this year’s Golden Globes, its exclusively limited release has not allowed many to watch the film, including me. That being said, I can’t really see anything beating Conclave. The film featured convincing performances from Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini, a beautifully written adapted script, and strong cinematography. It was a story I couldn't take my eyes off of. In case you haven’t seen it, Conclave is a mystery/drama based on one of the most secret processes in the world: the selection of a successor after the passing of the Pope. This film is full of secrets, backstabbers, and surprises, which are gradually unraveled by Ralph Fiennes’ character Cardinal Lawrence. If there was only one movie you could watch from the Best Picture list, I would hands-down suggest Conclave, which is streaming on Peacock.

TBS: The Brutalist. A three and a half hour epic about immigration and an intermission halfway through the film. The Brutalist plays right into the Academy’s adorations. Though the film has been under fire for its use of AI in enhancing Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones’ Hungarian accent, the film’s gorgeous sequences and empowering message, embodied with the cast’s riveting performance has the power to sway the Academy. Though Emilia Pérez will shake things up, The Brutalist enlightens movie lovers, critics, and other filmmakers as it has shaped up to be one of the greatest films of the decade, casting my vote at this year’s “Best Picture.”

Best Animated Feature Film:

Flow
Inside Out 2
Memoir of a Snail
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
The Wild Robot

CH: The Wild Robot. Not many animated features have stood out as one of the best films of their respective years. The last time this occurred in my eyes was Inside Out in 2015. However, I do believe that combined profound and lighthearted nature of The Wild Robot joins the select few animated films that have. While seemingly simple at its surface, this film touches on themes such as acceptance and self-doubt, common among audiences of all ages. This film isn’t meant for one age demographic, it is made for everyone. If this film isn’t on your crunch-time watch list before the Oscars, you will not regret adding it.

TBS: The Wild Robot. The Wild Robot is beautiful. It’s emotional. It’s simple and sometimes, simple is what the Academy looks for. Take La La Land's successful 2017 Oscar campaign run for example. Though La La Land failed to win Best Picture, the film scored six of their 14 nominations, proving a simple narrative is all that it takes to win. The Wild Robot is adapted from a children’s book of the same name, except it features a slate of A-list celebrities and visuals that will leave you in a tear-jerking state. Though Inside Out 2's big box-office success will give The Wild Robot a run for their money, my vote still goes to The Wild Robot.

Best Actor in a Leading Role:

Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo, Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes, Conclave
Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice

CH: Ralph Fiennes, Conclave. Fiennes always tackles dramatic roles with a certain stoicism that packs a much deeper emotionality, which has been seen in films such as Harry Potter, Schindler’s List, and more recently, The Menu. Fiennes’ ability to mold into his character is what sells me on his work every time, especially this time around. His gravitas and credibility in the role of Cardinal Lawrence is what causes him to stand out to me above the other nominees. Fiennes’ cryptic subtlety as he worked to unravel the dark secrets of his fellow papal candidates before time ran out had everyone on the edge of their seat. He is not the current front-runner, and to me that is highway robbery.

TBS: Adrien Brody, The Brutalist/Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown. With 10 nominations to their name, The Brutalistpaves the way for Adrien Brody to nab his second Oscar win in his career. His authentic, brutal performance as Lászlo Tóth sets him apart from his nominees, with the exception of Timothée Chalamet. It’s an undeniable fact that the Academy has favored biopics, even when most of them are undeserved. However, in A Complete Unknown, Chalamet plays Bob Dylan in a transformative performance. Similar to Cillian Murphy’s Oscar win for Oppenheimer, Chalamet was almost unrecognizable in an otherwise flawless film about the legendary singer. Though Brody has the edge, Chalamet’s Oscar run shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Best Actress in a Leading Role:

Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez
Mikey Madison, Anora
Demi Moore, The Substance
Fernanda Torres, I'm Still Here

CH: Mikey Madison, Anora. Don’t get me wrong, Demi Moore’s performance in The Substance was near flawless. However, her lack of screentime is why Moore is not my top pick. Madison, on the other hand, took her role as Ani in Anora and absolutely ran with it by becoming the character– embracing Ani’s love, vulnerability, and unapologetic truthfulness to a tee. The emotion that Madison gave in this role made it very hard for the viewer to not feel her pain. Ani’s character impulsively falls in love with the son of a Russian oligarch, who completely lacks any and all emotional capacity and responsibility. As the plot progresses, Madison’s character captures the image of emotional betrayal and how it feels to be heartbroken on the basis of immaturity and disrespect, and the trust issues that follow. Mikey’s moving performance will not be forgotten for a long time, and will inevitably open many doors for her career.

TBS: Mikey Madison, Anora. “Best Actress in a Leading Role” will prove to be the night’s most competitive matchup. Cynthia Erivo starred in a box-office hit widely regarded by, well, everyone. Karla Sofía Gascón delivered a riveting performance as a drug lord-turned-saint. And Demi Moore and Fernanda Torres both won Golden Globes for their performances in what were long-awaited wins. However, I think Mikey Madison will take the mantle in the Oscars. Madison was hilarious, devastating, and most of all, captivating. At the peak of her career where her reputation precedes herself despite her young age, Madison should be making headlines in this year’s award season and ultimately, the Oscars itself.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role:

Yura Borisov, Anora
Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce, The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice

CH: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain. Many hope to see the first-time Academy Award nominee become a first-time Academy Award winner following his undeniable performance as Benji in A Real Pain. The depth Culkin brought to a sentimental, yet emotionally disoriented character has reassured audiences that grief looks different for everybody. This connectivity to a shared experience of almost every person is what I believe will ultimately win Culkin the Oscar.

TBS: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain. After a four-year stint in a little show called Succession, Kieran Culkin is back on the big screen for his performance in A Real Pain. If Culkin’s performance proves anything, it is that the actor has range. Culkin delivered a vulnerable and raw performance that embodies the process of grief in a unique way. After conquering the television scene, Culkin’s arrived to do the same in the movie scene.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role:

Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande, Wicked
Felicity Jones, The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini, Conclave
Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez

CH: Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez. If Saldaña’s work as Mexico City-based lawyer Rita has shown the viewing world one thing, it is that Zoe has range. Emilia Pérez was not one of my favorite films of 2024, but Saldaña’s performance was remarkable. One of the best scenes I’ve seen this year is when Rita performed the film’s hit song “El Mal.” Her character’s ability to captivate the room for those three minutes through her confidence and spunk as shown through her vocal and dance performances sold me enough to give her the Oscar nod.

TBS: Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez. Yes, Emilia Pérez has its faults. But Zoe Saldaña is not one of them, in fact, her performance was probably the film’s saving grace. After years starring in big blockbuster films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Avatar, Saldaña finally showcased her artistic abilities in the musical and after her Golden Globe win, her Oscar success is pretty much set in stone. Saldaña’s performance as a lawyer who was forced to aid a drug lord’s transition into womanhood was riveting and daring amidst layers of borderline bad lyrics. It’s finally time for Saldaña to receive her flowers. It’s about damn time.

Best Director:

Anora, Sean Baker
The Brutalist, Brady Corbet
A Complete Unknown, James Mangold
Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard
The Substance, Coralie Fargeat

CH: Anora, Sean Baker. This is another case where I certainly believe all of the buzz about James Mangold’s masterpiece, but I will not know until I see it. For that reason, Sean Baker’s Anora takes the win in my eyes. Baker took storytelling to another level, showing us that visual communication is just as important as verbal communication. We not only watch the story he created, we feel it. It was impossible for me to get bored of the characters he created, and for that reason, he is my Best Director.

TBS: Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard. Let’s face it: Emilia Pérez is a shit film and will probably take home many Oscar trophies, and “Best Director” is one of them. Jacques Audiard, a French director who speaks no Spanish whatsoever, directed a cringe-worthy and offensive film that somehow, critics, journalists, and the Academy loves. Though this potential win could enrage audiences, it’s not anything new. Back in 2006, Crash had the same fate as the film was clearly a politically-motivated film designed to purposely sway voters. Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez is not any different.