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Today β€” 3 March 2025News

This songwriter has one of the longest losing streaks in Oscar history. Here are her 16 Oscar-nominated songs.

3 March 2025 at 09:46
Diane Warren at the 2025 Oscars.
Diane Warren at the 2025 Oscars.

JC Olivera/WWD via Getty Images

  • Diane Warren is tied for the longest losing streak in Academy Awards history.
  • At the 2025 Oscars, Warren lost her 16th bid for best original song.
  • Her nominations include songs performed by Celine Dion, Aerosmith, Lady Gaga, and Becky G.

Diane Warren went home empty-handed from the 2025 Oscars on Sunday, marking her 16th straight loss for best original song.

"I'm consistent as fuck," Warren told Variety on the after-party red carpet. "I'm the Terminator of the Oscars β€” I'll be back. That's in my Arnold Schwarzenegger voice. I'm coming back. You can't get rid of me."

Warren, who has also written pop hits with stars like Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, and Cher, is the most-nominated woman in the category's history. She is tied with Paul Francis Webster and trails just two others for the all-time record: Johnny Mercer (18) and Sammy Cahn (26). However, of those four legendary songwriters, only Warren has never won the award.

In fact, only one other person has been nominated for 16 Oscars without a single win: sound mixer Greg P. Russell, whose last nomination (and loss) was in 2013 for his work on the James Bond film "Skyfall." (Russell should have been up for his 17th sound mixing award in 2017, but his nomination was rescinded for "violation of Academy campaign regulations," Deadline reported.)

As of Sunday, Warren is tied with Russell for the longest losing streak in Oscar history. All 16 of her nominated songs are listed below in chronological order.

"Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" from "Mannequin" (1987)
nothing's gonna stop us now music video starship
Kim Cattrall and Andrew McCarthy starred in "Mannequin."

Starship/YouTube

Performed by: Starship

What beat it: "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from "Dirty Dancing"

"Because You Loved Me" from "Up Close & Personal" (1996)
Celine Dion performs in 1996.
Celine Dion performs in 1996.

Pete Still/Redferns

Performed by: Celine Dion

What beat it: "You Must Love Me" from "Evita"

"How Do I Live" from "Con Air" (1997)
Trisha Yearwood won a Grammy Award for "How Do I Live."
Trisha Yearwood won a Grammy Award for "How Do I Live."

Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

Performed by: Trisha Yearwood

What beat it: "My Heart Will Go On" from "Titanic"

"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" from "Armageddon" (1998)
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performs "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" at the Oscars.
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performs "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" at the Oscars.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

Performed by: Aerosmith

What beat it: "When You Believe" from "The Prince of Egypt"

"Music of My Heart" from "Music of the Heart" (1999)
Gloria Estefan performs with *NSYNC in 1999.
Gloria Estefan performs with *NSYNC in 1999.

KMazur/WireImage

Performed by: Gloria Estefan and *NSYNC

What beat it: "You'll Be in My Heart" from "Tarzan"

"There You'll Be" from "Pearl Harbor" (2001)
Faith Hill performs at the "Pearl Harbor" premiere.
Faith Hill performs at the "Pearl Harbor" premiere.

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Performed by: Faith Hill

What beat it: "If I Didn't Have You" from "Monsters, Inc."

"Grateful" from "Beyond the Lights" (2014)
Rita Ora performs "Grateful" at the Oscars.
Rita Ora performs "Grateful" at the Oscars.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Performed by: Rita Ora

What beat it: "Glory" from "Selma"

"Til It Happens to You" from "The Hunting Ground" (2015)
Lady Gaga performs "Til It Happens to You" at the Oscars.
Lady Gaga performs "Til It Happens to You" at the Oscars.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Performed by: Lady Gaga

What beat it: "Writing's on the Wall" from "Spectre"

"Stand Up for Something" from "Marshall" (2017)
Common and Andra Day perform "Stand Up for Something" at the Oscars.
Common and Andra Day perform "Stand Up for Something" at the Oscars.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Performed by: Andra Day and Common

What beat it: "Remember Me" from "Coco"

"I'll Fight" from "RBG" (2018)
Jennifer Hudson performs "I'll Fight" at the Oscars.
Jennifer Hudson performs "I'll Fight" at the Oscars.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Performed by: Jennifer Hudson

What beat it: "Shallow" from "A Star Is Born"

"I'm Standing With You" from "Breakthrough" (2019)
Chrissy Metz performs "I'm Standing With You" at the Oscars.
Chrissy Metz performs "I'm Standing With You" at the Oscars.

Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images

Performed by: Chrissy Metz

What beat it: "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from "Rocketman"

"Lo Sì (Seen)" from "The Life Ahead" (2020)
Laura Pausini in the music video for "Lo Sì (Seen)."
Laura Pausini in the music video for "Lo Sì (Seen)."

Laura Pausini/YouTube

Performed by: Laura Pausini

What beat it: "Fight for You" from "Judas and the Black Messiah"

"Somehow You Do" from "Four Good Days" (2021)
Reba McEntire performs "Somehow You Do" at the Oscars.
Reba McEntire performs "Somehow You Do" at the Oscars.

Chris Polk/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images

Performed by: Reba McEntire

What beat it: "No Time to Die" from "No Time to Die"

"Applause" from "Tell It Like a Woman" (2022)
Diane Warren and Sofia Carson perform "Applause" at the Oscars.
Diane Warren and Sofia Carson perform "Applause" at the Oscars.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Performed by: Sofia Carson

What beat it: "Naatu Naatu" from "RRR"

"The Fire Inside" from "Flamin' Hot" (2023)
Becky G performs "The Fire Inside" at the Oscars.
Becky G performs "The Fire Inside" at the Oscars.

Rich Polk/Variety via Getty Images

Performed by: Becky G

What beat it: "What Was I Made For?" from "Barbie"

"The Journey" from "The Six Triple Eight" (2024)
H.E.R. and Diane Warren on the Oscars red carpet.
H.E.R. and Diane Warren on the Oscars red carpet.

Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty Images

Performed by: H.E.R.

What beat it: "El Mal" from "Emilia PΓ©rez"

Read the original article on Business Insider

I tried 5 fast-food fish sandwiches and ranked them from worst to best

3 March 2025 at 09:40
popeyes classic fish sandwich
I tried and ranked five fish sandwiches from McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Popeyes.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

  • I tried and ranked five fish sandwiches from McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Popeyes.
  • I was impressed by McDonald's classic Filet-O-Fish and tartar sauce.
  • However, Popeyes had my favorite sandwich.

Fish sandwiches are popular spring offerings at many fast-food chains, but which chain has the best one?

Every year, fast-food chains release fish sandwiches to coincide with Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. During that time, Catholics abstain from eating meat but can eat fish on Fridays. This year, Lent begins on Wednesday, March 5.

McDonald's has been selling fish sandwiches since the 1960s. The chain's Filet-O-Fish was born after a franchisee in a highly Catholic area of Ohio noticed his restaurant's sales suffered on Fridays.

The franchisee brought the idea of selling a fish sandwich to McDonald's then-CEO Ray Kroc, who was appalled at the idea of adding a fish sandwich to his hamburger empire's lineup.

"I don't care if the Pope himself comes to Cincinnati. He can eat hamburgers like everybody else. We are not going to stink up our restaurants with any of your damned old fish," Kroc recalled in his 1977 memoir, "Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald's."

However, customers couldn't get enough, and by 1965, the Filet-O-Fish became a permanent fixture on McDonald's menus nationwide.

Since the Filet-O-Fish was introduced, nearly every fast-food chain has added a seasonal fish sandwich to their menus during the Lent season.

Popeyes introduced its first flounder fish sandwich in 2021 and added a spicy fish sandwich to its menu the following year, perhaps aiming to capitalize on the incredible success of its spicy chicken sandwich in 2019.

But which sandwich is the tastiest and offers the best value?

For a definitive ranking, I tried all the fish sandwiches I could from McDonald's, Burger King, Popeyes, and Wendy's.

Here's every fast-food fish sandwich ranked from worst to best.

My least favorite fish sandwich was the crispy panko fish sandwich from Wendy's.
wendys fish sandwich
Wendy's crispy panko fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

The sandwich cost $9.36 from my local Wendy's in Brooklyn, New York, excluding tax and fees.

It was supposed to come topped with lettuce, a slice of American cheese, pickles, and tartar sauce. Strangely, my sandwich came with tomato instead of lettuce.
wendys fish sandwich
Wendy's crispy panko fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

This was obviously just an error made by the employees at my specific Wendy's. However, I decided to go ahead and try it anyway.

I enjoyed the crispy fish patty, and the tartar sauce had a subtle flavor.
wendys fish sandwich
Wendy's crispy panko fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I couldn't quite get past the tomato, though. It added a strange flavor to an overall OK sandwich. After removing the tomato, I liked the sandwich a bit more.

If you order this yourself, you'll probably have a better experience than I did, with the correct toppings.

My fourth favorite sandwich was the Big Fish sandwich from Burger King.
burger king classic fish sandwich
Burger King Big Fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

It cost $7.39 from my local Burger King in Brooklyn, New York, excluding tax and fees.

The Alaskan pollock patty came topped with tartar sauce, lettuce, and crunchy pickles on a toasted potato bun.
burger king classic fish sandwich
Burger King Big Fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I thought the sandwich could have used a touch more tartar sauce, and the lettuce could have been spread out more to ensure an evenly distributed bite of all the ingredients.

The pickles were very crispy and I loved the texture of the potato bun.
burger king classic fish sandwich
Burger King Big Fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

However, I thought the fish patty could have been just a touch flakier on the inside. The texture was more chewy than some of the other sandwiches I tried.

My third favorite was the classic flounder fish sandwich from Popeyes.
popeyes classic fish sandwich
Popeyes classic flounder fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

It cost $5.99 from my local Popeyes in Brooklyn, New York, excluding tax and fees.

The top of the sandwich had a smattering of tartar sauce, and underneath the flounder patty were layers of pickles and more tartar sauce.
popeyes classic fish sandwich
Popeyes classic flounder fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

It came on a brioche bun, just like Popeyes' other sandwiches.

I really liked how crispy the fried fish patty was, and it had a lot of savory flavor.
popeyes classic fish sandwich
Popeyes classic flounder fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

The tartar sauce was tart without being too overpowering. The pickles were thickly cut, which impressed me. Overall, I really enjoyed this sandwich and would definitely order it again.

My second favorite was the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish.
mcdonalds filet o fish sandwich
McDonald's Filet-O-Fish.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

It cost $5.99 at my local McDonald's in Brooklyn, New York, excluding tax and fees.

The sandwich came with a very generous serving of tartar sauce and a half-slice of American cheese.
mcdonalds filet o fish sandwich
McDonald's Filet-O-Fish.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

The cheese slice was slightly hanging off the burger, so I moved it more to the center before diving in.

In 2023, a TikTok user claimed the size of the Filet-O-Fish patty appeared to have shrunken over the years, citing "shrinkflation," a tactic reportedly used by chains in which they reduce the size of their menu items in response to rising costs.

However, McDonald's responded that the "size and build of the Filet-O-Fish, including a half slice of American cheese, has not changed in decades." I didn't notice anything surprising about the size β€” I thought it seemed average for a burger.

This sandwich had the flakiest fish patty, in my opinion.
mcdonalds filet o fish sandwich
McDonald's Filet-O-Fish.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

The layers of fish flaked off with each bite, which I didn't find with any other sandwich.

I also loved the amount of tartar sauce included on this sandwich β€” it added a lot of flavor and moisture, without being overpowering. I didn't really taste the cheese, and think the sandwich would have been just as good or better without that addition.

My favorite fish sandwich was the spicy flounder fish sandwich from Popeyes.
popeyes spicy fish sandwich
Popeyes spicy flounder fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

It cost $5.99 from my local Popeyes in Brooklyn, New York, excluding tax and fees.

Instead of tartar sauce, the sandwich came topped with spicy spread and pickles.
popeyes spicy fish sandwich
Popeyes spicy flounder fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I was interested to see if I would miss the tartar sauce, since I liked it on the classic Popeyes fish sandwich.

I loved the spicy flavor of the mayo with the fish and crunchy pickles.
popeyes spicy fish sandwich
Popeyes spicy flounder fish sandwich.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I thought this sandwich was the most flavorful, and also a great value at $5.99. I loved how the spicy mayo added not only a delicious amount of flavor but also added moisture to the fish patty.

The crinkle-cut pickles tasted fresh, and I didn't feel weighed down by the ingredients. I would definitely order this sandwich again.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I tried making 5 Trader Joe's frozen meals in my air fryer. I had some big wins, but one risk didn't pay off.

3 March 2025 at 09:35
packages of frozen meals from trader joe's on a table
I made five Trader Joe's frozen meals in my air fryer to find the best and worst ones.

Lizzy Briskin

  • I bought five frozen meals at Trader Joe's and made them all in my air fryer.
  • The store's shrimp burgers and carne-asada burritos were pretty much made for the air fryer.
  • Sadly, I couldn't get a perfectly crisp and bubbly cup of French onion soup in the air fryer.

I'm a chef and love using my air fryer to whip together quick, easy meals.

Some of Trader Joe's frozen items seem designed for the countertop appliance. However, it can be hard to tell which ones are better off in the microwave or on the stove.

As a test, I made five of Trader Joe's popular frozen meals β€” shrimp burgers, chicken fried rice, chiles rellenos con queso, carne-asada burritos, and French onion soup β€” in my air fryer.

Here's how they turned out.

Trader Joe's shrimp seafood burgers are made for air-frying.
box of shrimp seafood burgers from trader joes
I love how plump the shrimp burgers get in the air fryer.

Lizzy Briskin

I air-fried a couple of frozen shrimp seafood burgers at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

They came out plump and juicy with a lovely golden crust on the outside.

Because the burgers were so juicy, they made a bit of a mess in my air-fryer basket. However, it was quick and easy to clean it out.

Chicken fried rice was a bit of a dark horse.
bag of frozen chicken fried rice from trader joe's
I don't like microwaving fried rice, but I still wanted to find a hands-off cooking process.

Lizzy Briskin

I don't like making frozen fried rice in the microwave because it stays soft and mushy, but I don't always have the energy to stand over a frying pan.

The air fryer seems like a smart alternative to enhance crispiness.

I dumped about half the bag of Trader Joe's chicken fried rice directly into my air-fryer drawer and cooked it at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

The chicken cooked nicely without drying out, and the veggies turned bright and crisp, not overcooked or mushy. My one disappointment was that the rice didn't get quite as crispy as I'd hoped.

The chiles rellenos con queso came with air-frying instructions.
box of frozen chile rellenos con queso from trader joes
I couldn't really taste the pepper part of the chiles rellenos.

Lizzy Briskin

Trader Joe's box of frozen chiles rellenos includes two batter-covered, cheese-stuffed peppers.

I followed the box's specified air-fryer instructions to heat the peppers at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

They came out beautifully golden β€” the crust was crunchy and light, and there was no shortage of delicious cheese inside. However, perhaps because of this, the poblanos themselves almost became more of an afterthought flavor-wise.

The carne-asada burritos were another air-frying win.
pack of frozen carne asada burritos from trader joes
I liked how crispy the burrito got in the air fryer.

Lizzy Briskin

Trader Joe's carne-asada burritos feature thinly sliced grilled beef and onions wrapped in a thick flour tortilla.

I air-fried a single frozen burrito at 350 degrees for 13 minutes.

The tortilla came out stiffer and darker than if I'd microwaved it, and the interior was still nice and moist. I find the microwave can dry things out sometimes.

The meat was juicy, and there was a good amount of it, but the burrito still benefited from a dunk in spicy salsa for more flavor.

It might sound silly, but I wanted to test the frozen French onion soup.
box of frozen frnech onion soup from trader joes
Trader Joe's sells frozen French onion soup, so I wanted to see how it cooked in the air fryer.

Lizzy Briskin

That's right, soup in the air fryer.

According to the instructions on the box, you're supposed to microwave the soup for five minutes. However, I wanted to maximize the crispy, cheesy top to imitate a restaurant-style crock of French onion soup.

I placed the frozen soup puck in an oven-safe glass container and put it in my air fryer at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

When the timer went off, I got the crispy crown I was after, but the center of the soup wasn't totally defrosted. I was forced to stir until it was fully melted, which scattered the cheese.

Even though I didn't have the top I wanted, once the soup was heated through, it was delicious. The cheese found its way into nearly every bite.

I'm excited to keep cooking most of these in my air fryer.
air fried frozen burrito from trader joe's
The burrito, fried rice, shrimp burgers, and chiles rellenos were all great in the air fryer.

Lizzy Briskin

Overall, the air fryer seems to be a good match for many of Trader Joe's frozen offerings.

I'd choose the appliance every time for the shrimp burgers since it's hands-off. I think it cooks them a little more evenly and reliably than the stove.

I also loved the texture and cheesiness of the air-fried chiles rellenos, and I'm excited to liven them up in the future with extra salsa or taco sauce.

If you like a crispy burrito, the air fryer is definitely the way to go for Trader Joe's frozen offerings.

Although it wasn't absolutely perfect, when I'm in a rush and can't pan-fry the chicken fried rice, I much prefer the air fryer to the microwave.

All that said β€” and this may not come as a surprise β€” there's no clear advantage to cooking the French onion soup in an air fryer. I'm still trying to figure out how to get the perfect, crispy topping for that one.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Ex-Elliott portfolio manager Mark Wills launched a commingled fund — something new hedge funds have been struggling to do

3 March 2025 at 09:31
The London skyline.
The London skyline.

Karl Hendon/Getty Images

  • Cisu Capital, run by former Elliott portfolio manager Mark Wills, launched its commingled fund Monday.
  • The firm first began trading with an SMA with roughly $200 million from Squarepoint in August.
  • The commingled fund has more than $100 million, thanks in part to a large endowment's backing.

Elliott Management spinout Cisu Capital has started trading in its first commingled fund, seven months after it began managing money for a single outside investor.

Cisu, run by former Elliott portfolio manager Mark Wills, began trading with capital from hedge fund Squarepoint in August, running $200 million in a separate account. Its commingled fund raised more than $100 million, two people familiar with the firm told Business Insider, with a large endowment among the new investor base.

London-based Cisu declined to comment.

Wills spent more than a decade at billionaire Paul Singer's firm, with a stop at King Street Capital prior to that. His new firm, which focuses on the financial services sector, has been able to do what many new launches have struggled to do: Raise a commingled fund.

Commingled funds have large pools of investors and are what investors have typically signed on to when investing into a hedge fund, while SMAs offer a tailored investment strategy. This often allows LPs to customize risk limits, liquidity terms, and fees.

A ripple effect of the growth of big-name platforms such as Millennium has been an increase in the number of new managers being launched via separately managed accounts. Large allocators often prefer SMAs because they give them more transparency on a manager's holdings and they can negotiate on fees.

Capital in SMAs grew 27% year-over-year, a recent Goldman Sachs report notes, with nearly one out of every five allocators utilizing the structure. Allocators are using young managers' lack of scale to their advantage, pushing for new launches and emerging funds to adopt the structure if they want capital.

The Goldman report notes that more than half of the capital in firms with less than $500 million in assets is now held in SMAs β€” up from 41% at the end of 2020.

Cisu is one of several launches from former Elliott investors in recent years, as BI has previously covered.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China are expected to start Tuesday. Here are the goods the US imports from them the most.

Shopping bags with countries flags on them.

Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

  • After a monthlong delay, Trump said he'll place new tariffs on Canada and Mexico on Tuesday.
  • Trump already placed a 10% tariff on China, and more could be coming.
  • Here are the goods imported into the US the most from these three countries.

When evaluating how President Donald Trump's new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China could impact Americans, start by looking at the goods imported most from those countries.

The biggest categories are oil, electronics, and vehicles.

Trump reached a deal with the leaders of both Canada and Mexico to delay tariffs by a month in early February, and with the delay coming to an end, new tariffs are set to go into effect on Tuesday. It's unclear if Trump will stick with the 25% level, his commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said on Fox News on Sunday.

"There are going to be tariffs on Tuesday on Mexico and Canada," Lutnick said. "Exactly what they are, we're going to leave that for the president and his team to negotiate."

The president has already hit China with a 10% tariff, and Lutnick confirmed that more is coming unless the country cracks down on its drug policies, particularly to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US.

While details surrounding the implementation of the tariffs are still unclear, the proposed tariffs could affect a wide variety of goods Americans use daily. The Census Bureau reported that in 2024, the US imported over $1.3 trillion in goods from China, Mexico, and Canada combined.

From Canada, the top 2024 imports included over $98 billion worth of crude oil and about $28 billion in passenger cars.

The US imported nearly $67 billion worth of car parts from Mexico in 2024, along with $43 billion in computers, $14 billion in medicinal equipment, and $12 billion in crude oil.

China, meanwhile, is a major supplier of electronics to the US. The census data showed that in 2024, the US imported $64 billion in cell phones and other household goods from China, $34 billion in computers, and about $31 billion in games, toys, and sporting goods.

Some companies have already been preparing to increase prices as a result of Trump's tariff plans on the campaign trail. Real estate consultants previously told BI that Trump's trade plans, particularly his 25% tariffs on steel, are set to make rent and condo prices more expensive.

Walmart CFO John David Rainey also told CNBC on November 19 that price hikes are likely on the horizon if Trump implements his tariffs: "We never want to raise prices. Our model is everyday low prices. But there probably will be cases where prices will go up for consumers."

Additionally, Trump's plans could amplify economic strains between the US and its trading partners. Both Canada and Mexico threatened retaliatory tariffs in early February to push back against Trump's tariffs. Trudeau said in a statement at the time that if Trump "wants to usher in a new golden age for the United States, the better path is to partner with Canada, not to punish us."

Companies and economists have said that Trump's tariff plans would increase consumer prices. BI previously reported that Trump's broad tariff proposals were likely to increase prices across the board, from clothes and footwear to computers and video games.

Trump has previously denied that would be the case. "I am going to put tariffs on other countries coming into our country, and that has nothing to do with taxes to us. That is a tax on another country," Trump said in an August speech. However, he told reporters in early February that Americans will experience "some pain" as a result of the tariffs, but he said they will overall be beneficial for the country.

The tariffs implemented during Trump's first term did not significantly influence inflation, but his recently announced tariffs are broader and could have a larger impact on prices.

At this point, however, Trump's proposals could still change. During his first term in 2019, Trump announced new tariffs on Mexico with the aim of strengthening the border, but following criticism from lawmakers β€” including some Republicans β€” he withdrew the plan.

Read the original article on Business Insider

14 looks from the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party that missed the mark — sorry

A side-by-side of Kim Kardashian and Lily-Rose Depp at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Not every look at the Vanity Fair Oscar party was stylish.

Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

  • Celebrities flocked to the Vanity Fair Oscar party in Los Angeles on Sunday.
  • The red carpet had plenty of high-fashion looks, but some stars didn't wear their best outfits.
  • Kim Kardashian's gown looked out of place, and Megan Thee Stallion's dress was a little too daring.

The 2025 Academy Awards came and went on Sunday, and A-list stars closed out the night at Vanity Fair's annual Oscar after-party in Los Angeles.

Celebrities arrived at the event in red-carpet attire, and many Oscars attendees changed into second looks for the evening.

There were plenty of stylish outfits at the event, but there were also stars who didn't nail their looks, from poorly tailored outfits to dresses that didn't suit the occasion.

Take a look at the outfits that missed the mark at the Vanity Fair after-party.

Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Kim Kardashian at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

Kardashian went bridal for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in a custom Balenciaga gown. The white, strapless look had a corset bodice, a full skirt, and ruching from top to bottom.

That said, it looked far more like a wedding dress than a fun, after-party frock. The same gown in a different color could have been more interesting, and accessorizing with statement jewels would have been fun.

John Legend
John Legend attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
John Legend at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

Legend sported an all-black ensemble consisting of baggy trousers, a thick skirt, and a high-necked, long-sleeved poncho.

Unfortunately, the outfit wore him β€” it was too oversized and overwhelming in shape.

Zoe SaldaΓ±a
Zoe SaldaΓ±a attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Zoe SaldaΓ±a at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images

Saint Laurent designed the Oscar winner's after-party look. It featured a black long-sleeved top that Saldana wore without a bra, a peach high-low skirt with thick ruffles and a train, and sheer black tights.

Though the color combination looked sharp on SaldaΓ±a, the top half of the outfit was too casual for the Oscars-related event. A black halter top or strapless bodice would have been a better match.

Jeremy Pope
Jeremy Pope attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Jeremy Pope at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

Jeremy Pope looked dapper at the Oscars in a simple black Balmain suit decorated with bowties. His after-party look, however, wasn't as strong.

He arrived wearing a wide-legged leather catsuit and platform boots. Though the bottom half of his outfit had potential, its bodice only covered half of Pope's chest before extending into a scarf that covered his mouth. The outfit was ultimately more odd than fashionable.

Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Taraji P. Henson at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Henson was one of the few stars to wear a minidress after the Oscars.

But the asymmetrical piece looked more messy than daring. Its sparkling embellishment attached at the dress' waistline looked especially out of place.

Julianne Hough
Julianne Hough attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Julianne Hough at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

From the front, Hough's black-and-white gown was eye-catching. It had a leotard-like top with sheer panels showing her arms and waist, and a ruched, cream-colored skirt that added elegance.

It was the other side of the gown, however, that ruined the look. Its backless design extended so low β€” all the way to Hough's backside β€” that it was more distracting than interesting.

Matt Bomer
Matt Bomer attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Matt Bomer at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images

Bomer's Valentino tuxedo had a classic silhouette, and his relaxed tie and decorative brooch paired well with the look.

However, his patterned scarf was distracting, particularly because he wore it tucked under the tuxedo jacket. The look would have been better if Bomer ditched the superfluous accessory.

Lily-Rose Depp
Lily-Rose Depp attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Lily-Rose Depp at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

Depp took a unique approach to Chanel, wearing two pieces that were more daring than usual for the fashion house.

Her bralette-style top was sheer and had a sequined bow pattern, and her low-waisted skirt was pleated and made from green tulle. But because the garments sat so far apart on Depp's body, it looked like she was missing a chunk of her outfit.

Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Megan Thee Stallion at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Jamie McCarthy/WireImage/Getty Images

Stallion isn't a stranger to taking risks on the red carpet, but the green gown she wore to the after-party was a bit too daring for the setting.

The green, mermaid-style dress hugged her figure, and feathers on the bodice floated out from the dress like a peacock's plume. The neckline was so low that the rapper's chest was completely exposed, with only green nipple pasties providing her with coverage.

The dress would have been great if the neckline was a bit higher or if Meg had worn a statement bralette with the garment instead of pasties.

Michael Urie
Michael Urie attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Michael Urie at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

While it was fun that Urie didn't just wear a traditional suit, there was too much going on in his sheer, lace-embellished set. The beading and lace on his jacket and pants were so intricate that they were hard to look at when they overlapped, and the wide leg of his pants didn't help.

Urie may have had a more balanced look if he paired the statement jacket with simpler pants.

Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Sarah Paulson at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images

You couldn't miss Paulson's Marc Jacobs dress, both because of the red color and the massive bubbles of fabric that adorned the hem, backside, and neckline of the dress.

The play on volume could have been fun, but the bubbles were so big that not even Paulson's simple black clutch or heels could detract from them. Slightly less fabric would have made the look stronger.

Anna Kendrick
Anna Kendrick attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Anna Kendrick at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

The black cocktail dress Kendrick wore from Ashi Studio was pretty β€”Β its fabric had a fun sheen and a bubble skirt hit above her knee.

However, flower-shaped sequin embroidery on the hemline and one sleeve took the dress from sleek to clunky. The look would have stood out more if it didn't have so many embellishments.

Ice Spice
Ice Spice attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Ice Spice at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

Ice Spice wore a floor-length mustard skirt and coordinating cardigan, without a shirt.

The cardigan made the whole look feel casual for the red carpet, though, and Ice may have looked more red-carpet-ready if she paired the skirt with a formal top.

Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Laverne Cox at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

Cox's black dress looked more like a costume than a red-carpet outfit, particularly because of the way it was styled.

The archival Manfred Thierry Mugler dress formed a scalloped, halter neckline that looked like a spiderweb. Cox paired the dress with black gloves, and her dramatic hair and makeup included a short, black hairstyle, no eyebrows, and red lips.

The outfit would have been perfect for a chic Halloween party or themed event, but it didn't quite work for the after-party.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I drove a Nissan Rogue 'Rock Creek.' The $10,000 upgrade gets you rugged looks — but it's not a true off-roader.

3 March 2025 at 08:50
The right front corner of a tan 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV parked on the street.
The 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

  • The Nissan Rogue Rock Creek is a new, off-road-focused version of the brand's popular compact SUV.
  • I was impressed by the Rogue Rock Creek's peppy engine, comfortable cabin, and fun off-road looks.
  • I was disappointed by the lack of skid plates and powertrain to back up the rugged looks.

The Rogue compact SUV has been Nissan's best-selling model in the US over the past decade.

I drove a well-equipped Nissan Rogue SL last year and was impressed by its peppy performance, comfortable cabin, and good fuel economy.

This year, Nissan introduced a new off-road-focused variant called the Rogue Rock Creek, comparable to Toyota's RAV4 Woodland Edition and Subaru's Forester Wilderness. It's the second Nissan model to receive the Rock Creek treatment, following the larger, midsize Pathfinder Rock Creek.

Even though it doesn't quite have the off-road hardware and beefed-up drivetrain to back up the rugged looks, the Rogue Rock Creek remains a capable compact crossover.

I recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek.
The left rear corner of a tan 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV parked on the street.
My 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek test car in a striking Baja Storm Metallic paint job.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The base front-wheel-drive 2025 Rogue S starts at $29,230, while the fully-loaded all-wheel-drive Rogue Platinum starts at $40,920.

The middle-level Rock Creek trim starts at $35,420, but premium paint, luxury options, and freight fees push the as-tested price to $38,025.

The Rock Creek edition comes with special styling that sets the trim apart.
Two photos show the front and rear of a tan 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV parked on the street.
The 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The Rock Creek trim comes with a black front grille with Lava Red accents and triple air vents that evoke Nissan's rugged Hardbody pickup trucks of the late 1980s and 1990s.

The Rock Creek also includes special extras like 17-inch all-terrain tires and a heavy-duty roof rack.
The left side of a tan 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV parked in front of a wall.
The 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Frustratingly, the Rock Creek edition has the same 8.2 inches of ground clearance as all other Rogues. It's also missing the underbody skid plates needed for rough terrain, like those found on Nissan's off-roading-focused PRO4X trim Frontier pickup.

Unlike the Pathfinder Rock Creek, which received a brawnier V6, the Rogue Rock Creek is powered by the same 3-cylinder engine found across all trims.
The three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine under the open hood of a 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV.
The Rogue Rock Creek's three-cylinder engine. All Rogues send their power to the wheels through a continuously variable transmission.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Nissan's KR15DDT turbocharged variable compression engine produces a solid 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The gutsy three-cylinder engine also emits a surprisingly robust sound.

The three-cylinder engine is equipped with Nissan's unique variable compression technology, which can vary the compression ratio for hard acceleration or more efficient operation while cruising.

The transmision remains the weak point in the Rogue's drivetrain and doesn't fully exploit the punchy turbocharged engine's performance. The transmission feels inconsistent, and its artificial shift points feel a bit rubbery.

My test car boasted EPA fuel economy figures of 27 miles-per-gallon city, 32 highway, and 29 combined. The Rock Creek, with its bulky all-terrain tires, gets two miles per gallon less than other all-wheel-drive Rogues.

The Rock Creek is the only trim that comes standard with all-wheel-drive.
The center console drive mode dial in a 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV.
The Rogue's Hill Descent Control button atop the rotary drive mode selector.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

My test car came with the same five different drive modes (Eco, Snow, Sport, and Off-road) as all AWD-equipped Rogues. However, the Rock Creek edition is the only trim to get Hill Descent Control, which helps maintain traction down steep slopes.

The Rogue delivers peppy performance with a soft, comfortable ride.
The front cabin of a tan 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV.
The Rogue's front cabin.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Just like the Rogue SL I drove a few months ago, the Rock Creek delivers a friendly and pleasant driving experience. The chunky all-terrain tires have not hindered the Rogue's on-road performance or contributed to any appreciable road noise. In fact, its more substantial sidewalls contribute to a softer, more comfortable ride.

The Rogue's turbocharged engine produces strong power throughout the rev range, and it remains remarkably quiet and smooth even under the strain of hard acceleration.

The Rock Creek's cabin is attractive and logically designed
Three photos show the front dash, center console, and center stack climate controls in a 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV.
The Rogue Rock Creek's interior.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The cabin's ergonomics and build quality are excellent. All of the controls and buttons are intuitively placed, making button hunting minimal. There are also plenty of storage nooks and a variety of USB, 12V, and wireless charging options.

Atop the center console is a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. Higher trim models get a sleek 12.3-inch unit. The NissanConnect infotainment system is pretty simple and easy to use but feels dated.

Fortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.

My test car came standard with a 360-degree camera system.
The surround-view monitor on the infotainment screen in a 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV.
The Rogue's Intelligent Around View Monitor Off-Road View

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Exclusive to the Rock Creek trim is a special Off-Road View feature that gives the driver a visual of what's immediately in front of and on the side of the vehicle, allowing for more precise tire placement when off-roading.

My test car's front seats came with attractive lava red accent stitching and badging.
The black leatherette front seats with red accent stitching and Rock Creek labelling in a tan 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV.
The Rogue Rock Creek's front seats.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The seats, which are upholstered in black leatherette and waterproof nylon, were incredibly comfortable.

The Rogue's second-row split-folding bench seat offers plenty of room for two adults or a fairly cramped experience for three.
The black leatherette rear seats in a tan 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV.
The Rogue Rock Creek's rear seats.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Its 38.5 inches of legroom is on par for the segment.

Open the motion-activated rear liftgate, and you'll find 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Two photos show the rear cargo compartment of a 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek with the back seat up and folded.
The Rogue's cargo compartment.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Fold down the rear seat to expand cargo capacity to 74.1 cubic feet, smaller than competitors like the Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V

The Rock Creek comes standard with Nissan ProPilot Assist.
The right front corner of a tan 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek compact SUV parked on the street.
The 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek in Baja Storm Metallic.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist worked well on straight roads.

My verdict: See past the rugged styling, and you'll find a thoroughly sensible and capable compact SUV.
The left front corner of a tan 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek  parked in front of a fence.
The 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Despite the rugged styling, the Nissan Rogue Rock Creek is not a true off-roader, thanks to its funky transmission and the lack of skid plates to prevent damage to the underbody.

Thus, it's neither a pavement princess nor a rock-crawling beast. It lives somewhere in the middle. Perhaps as a helpful tool for the weekend adventurer who needs to drive on dirt roads to reach a campsite.

The reality is that most Rogue Rock Creeks will never leave the pavement and will be destined to spend their lives shuttling about suburbia. And that's OK because, at its core, the Rogue is an excellent compact crossover with a peppy performance, good fuel economy, and a comfortable cabin.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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