Prior to joining Today six years ago, he was an evening news anchor for WIS in Columbia, South Carolina, and a weekend anchor for WRC in Washington, D.C. in 2008, where he met his wife, sports reporter Lindsay Czarniak.
The husband and wife share a mutually exclusive love of sports.
As a result, Melvin admitted to staying up last night to watch the College National Championship instead of going to bed in preparation for his 3:45 a.m. call time.
Guthrie was quick to scold Melvin for his choices.
Courtesy of Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for National Board of Review
“I was up late last night,” Melvin told Guthrie on Tuesday, January 21, revealing he “had to see if the Ohio State Buckeyes could vanquish their opponents” the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, which they did 34-23.
“Again? You know this is a marathon, not a sprint. If you stay up every night watching football and getting up early, this cannot last,” Guthrie warned Melvin.
Melvin agreed with his coanchor, admitting he’s “gonna have to recondition myself.”
Melvin has been anchoring the first hour of the Today show since January 13. However, he’s been a staple during the third hour of the show for the last several years.
Courtesy of METROPOLIS/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
In an interview with Parade, Melvin recalled how he learned about Hoda Kotb’s decision to step away from the anchor desk in order to spend more time with her daughters and her mom.
“My dressing room is two over from hers, and she knocks on my door one morning, which was unusual. And she’s like, ‘You have a moment?’ She came in, and she said, ‘I just wanted to tell you something. I’m leaving.’”
Admitting that “no one leaves these jobs on their own,” he said he first questioned if Kotb was “sick.” When she assured him she was fine and simply wanted to leave her post while she was “on top,” Melvin pressed harder.
“I was like, ‘Are they forcing you out?’ She’s like, ‘No Craig, I’m OK. I’m leaving.’ I was legit stunned, so much so that after she left, I went back to her dressing room, and I was like, ‘Are you sure you’re OK?’ It takes a certain kind of courage to leave anything when you’re at the height of your game.”
The countdown to February 14 is quickly winding down. Now is the perfect time to figure out the special presents that make the most sense for your loved ones. Valentine’s Day and flowers go hand in hand — so it’s only right to treat your loved one to a special bouquet. Whether you’re gifting your partner a bold gesture or looking to spread love to your galentines, you can’t go wrong with a fresh bouquet. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered on 7 exceptional flower delivery services to send fresh blooms this Valentine’s Day.
Classic brands like 1800Flowers are always a good pick for dreamy blooms while Urban Stems and The Bouqs Co. offer unique designs. No matter your budget, you can make a lasting impression this Valentine’s Day with festive flowers from trusted e-tailers like Amazon. Ready to kick off your Valentine’s Day gifting? Read ahead for the best flower delivery services to shop this Valentine’s Day.
My fellow Mocha Mousse lovers, get excited. The latest product embracing the specific shade — and, well, smell — is an instant favorite. Beloved home fragrance brand Pura is Pantone’s first official home scent partner, launching a limited-edition diffuser in the Mocha Mousse colorway. The set, which is a pura.com exclusive, also includes two fragrances inspired by the color, making this collab extra sweet (literally).
Pura’s been around for a bit, and fans enjoy the app-controlled smart device for its ambiance and versatility. There’s no doubt that gourmand lovers will fall in love with the two newest indulgent scents, which include Mocha Moments, a sugary, chocolate, hazelnut and amber mix, and Mocha Suede, a combo with hints of coffee, leather, patchouli, and saffron (such a hot note in 2025!). The delectable fragrances pair well together, ready to fill any room with yummy mocha love.
“Working with Pura to create a home fragrance that embodies the essence of Mocha Mousse through scent has elevated the experience to another level, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in the warming comfort and olfactory pleasure inspired by this flavorful brown hue,” said Laurie Pressman of the Pantone Color Institute via a press release.
While having a flameless diffuser that can be controlled from your phone is already next level, the new Mocha Mousse colorway elevates home decor even more. It’s especially great that Pura diffusers hold two scents at once, allowing for a different vibe in the morning versus evening. Within the app, I set custom schedules for any room and never have to worry about dozing off with a lit flame, like with candles!
Plus, aside from Pantone, plenty of popular home fragrance brands have partnered with Pura. Apotheke, NEST New York, Homesick, Anthropologie and more offer original and bestselling fragrances that are clean and responsibly sourced. And, although you can shop for refills through Pura’s website or Ulta, the scents are also available on Amazon!
If you are feeling the indulgent mocha mousse love, it’s time to shop your set today! The Mocha Mousse pick is an incredible gift for Valentine’s Day and beyond, but don’t delay — there’s no word how long this limited-edition product will be available. Shop this modern way to add fragrance to your home, ASAP!
“First of all, it’s a hard song to do anyway, and when you’re supposed to be singing to a track and that’s what gives you pitch reference for the song,” Aldean, 47, shared on the Tuesday, January 21, episode of Fox & Friends. “To not have that, for her to just kinda say, ‘All right, listen, we’ll go.’ That’s a big move and that’s a pro move on her part, so I thought it was great.”
On Monday, January 20, Underwood, 41, sang “America the Beautiful” during President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
During the live performance, the American Idol winner — who wore an Opificio Modenese dress and INGILIZ heels for the occasion — experienced a technical glitch. She quickly offered to sing a capella for the crowd gathered inside the U.S. Capitol building.
“I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood said in a statement after accepting the gig. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
Aldean was given the opportunity to perform at the Liberty Ball, geared toward the president’s supporters.
“Everytime I think I’ve done it all …This was a whole different ball game for me,” Aldean shared on Fox News about the opportunity. “It was just a huge honor to be there and be part of that night. It just kind of feels electric. Everybody is just excited for this new chapter of where we are headed.”
Jason’s wife, Brittany Aldean, also shared her thoughts on the evening in a social media post.
“INAUGURATION NIGHT,” she wrote via Instagram on Monday. “What a ride it’s been! Today has made all the scrutiny worth it. Wouldn’t change a thing.”
Looking ahead, Jason is excited to get back on a tour bus and perform for his fans. On Tuesday, the country singer announced his Full Throttle Tour powered by Patriot Mobile will kick off on May 23 at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
“We’re excited,” he shared on Fox & Friends about the nearly 30-city tour. “We’re just looking for another great year on the road.”
Justin Bieber cleared the air after he was seemingly caught unfollowing Hailey Bieber on Instagram. Us Weekly confirmed on Tuesday, January 21, that the 30-year-old pop star was no longer keeping up with his wife on the social media platform, but she appeared to still be following Justin. Hours later, Justin addressed the situation via his Instagram Story. “Someone went on my account and unfollowed my wife. S— is getting suss out here,” he wrote. As fans wondered whether the social media activity was a sign of trouble in paradise for the couple — who exchanged vows in 2018 and welcomed their first baby, a son, last year — Justin quieted the speculation even further by sharing a series of romantic photos with Hailey from a recent winter getaway. In one pic, the pair gazed lovingly at one another while sitting at a dinner table. Another snap showed Justin and Hailey suited up for the snow with skis in the background. Keep reading for more of Us’ top stories:
Mandy Moore and Busy Philipps are among the stars mourning the loss of influencer Rebecca Wylie Simms, who died at age 39 following complications from surgery.
Bachelor host Jesse Palmer exclusively opened up to Us about whether he sees a future in the franchise for Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell after their recent breakup.
In her new memoir, Naomi Watts detailed the difficult journey that led to her welcoming two children with ex-husband Liev Schreiber, from fertility treatments to intrauterine insemination.
New footage was released from the set of It Ends With Us as Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively continue their dispute over one another’s behavior while filming the movie.
Sign up to get daily news via email and follow Us on Instagram or Facebook for more news, exclusive interviews and intel, red carpet dispatches and beyond.
Hollywood’s elite has access to the most renowned — and expensive — beauty products. Because of this, you might think that celebrities swear by unattainable makeup and skincare brands. Well, that’s not always the case. Take singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb, for example. Her all-time favorite lipstick is just $3 at Amazon.
Loeb discovered the Wet n Wild Mega Last Matte Lip Color by total accident. During a television shoot, Loeb’s makeup artist at the time forgot her professional kit, so she picked up a few items at the drugstore — including this affordable lipstick.
“It’s actually one of my favorite lipsticks,” she explains to The Strategist. “It’s a matte lipstick, which lasts really well. It creates the illusion of whatever lip shape you want, then if you want to add gloss on top of that to change the color slightly — to make it more pink or more beige, for example — you can do that.”
While Wet n Wild offers this lipstick in a variety of hues, Loeb’s go-to is ‘bare it all.’ “It’s a great neutral color you can use underneath other lipsticks. And it’s a drugstore lipstick, so it’s very inexpensive,” Loeb says.
As a beauty writer, this is the most affordable lipstick I’ve ever seen — yet the formula is high quality. The lipstick is enriched with hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamin A and E for boosted moisture, meaning your lips stay hydrated with each swipe. Plus, the pigment is pretty impressive. Reviewers say it only takes one layer for high color payoff, whether you go with a nude or bold hue.
Several happy shoppers agree ‘bare it all’ is the best color. “I love this shade, and I have given this lipstick as a gift to so many of my friends,” one five-star reviewer writes. “It works with every complexion! They have updated the packaging so it’s even cute to look at.”
Whenever Loeb is running low, she immediately goes to the drugstore to pick up another tube . . . and to meditate. “It’s very relaxing for me to go to the drugstore. That’s one of the things I do. I try to meditate, but sometimes the best meditation is just wandering around a drugstore and looking at the shelves,” she jokes. “This [lipstick] was such a surprise because I like using a lot of different brands of makeup from Lancôme to Mac.”
Get the Wet n Wild Mega Last Matte Lip Colordelivered directly to your door when you shop on Amazon! At this price, we’re buying one in every color.
Judi Dench’s vision loss has affected all aspects of her life, and has limited her ability to attend public events.
“I’m always nervous before going to something,” the Oscar winner, 90, shared on a recent episode of Trinny Woodall’s “Fearless” podcast, noting that someone always has to “be with me” on red carpets because of her vision loss. “I’m not good at that at all. Not at all. Nor would I be now. And fortunately, I don’t have to be now,” she stated, joking that she has “no eyesight.”
She added: “You might trip up.”
Dench announced she was diagnosed with macular degeneration in 2012. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition is a common form of vision loss in people over the age of 50.
“In response to the numerous articles in the media concerning my eye condition – macular degeneration – I do not wish for this to be overblown,” she said in a statement to Reuters at the time. “This condition is something that thousands and thousands of people all over the world are having to contend with. It’s something that I have learnt to cope with and adapt to – and it will not lead to blindness.”
The celebrated British actress has continued to be candid about her eyesight struggles over the years, stating at a 2021 online event for the Vision Foundation that she had to adapt how she prepares for roles because of her condition.
“You find a way of just getting about and getting over the things that you find very difficult,” Dench explained, per The Guardian. “I’ve had to find another way of learning lines and things, which is having great friends of mine repeat them to me over and over and over again. So I have to learn through repetition, and I just hope that people won’t notice too much if all the lines are completely hopeless!”
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
During a February 2023 appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Dench revealed it had “become impossible” for her to read scripts. “And because I have a photographic memory, I need to find a machine that not only teaches me my lines but also tells me where they appear on the page,” she said. Dench noted that she once found it “very easy to learn lines and remember them,” and could “do the whole of Twelfth Night right now.”
Dench is one of many celebs who have endured challenges with their vision. Earlier this month, Elton Johnpoked fun at his vision loss while presenting the award for Best Original Score, Motion Picture, at the 2025 Golden Globes with Brandi Carlile.
“I don’t know if you know, but there’s been a lot of stories going on around about my recursive eyesight. I just wanted to reassure everybody that it’s not as bad as it seems,” he said on stage before joking, “I’m so pleased to be here with my cohost, Rihanna.”
John, 77, revealed he was recovering from a “severe eye infection” in September 2024 that left him with “limited vision in one eye.” That November, he told Good Morning America he “can’t see anything” in his right eye as a result of the illness.
Justin Bieber is seemingly unbothered after this morning’s debacle regarding his wife, Hailey Bieber, and an Instagram unfollow.
Justin, 30, shared a selfie via Instagram Stories on Tuesday, January 21, set to the song “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” by Kendrick Lamar. Fans were quick to speculate that Justin was reacting to news from earlier that same day, when he apparently unfollowed Hailey, 28, on Instagram.
“Someone went on my account and unfollowed my wife,” he wrote in an Instagram statement, which has since been deleted. “S— is getting suss out here.”
Us Weekly confirmed on Tuesday morning that Justin was no longer following Hailey on the social media platform, but she still followed him on the app.
The apparent unfollow and speculation the couple’s relationship was on the rocks came as a shock to fans. Just hours earlier, Justin had shared a sweet social media tribute to his wife.
“The greatest woman I have and will ever know,” the singer captioned a series of photos on Monday, January 20, from what appeared to be a winter getaway.
After the Instagram drama on Tuesday, Justin shared more photos from the vacation, seemingly to quiet the doubters.
Courtesy of Justin Bieber/Instagram
One rather romantic black-and-white image showed Justin and Hailey sitting across from each other at a dining table. The couple were smiling at each other, looking so in love. A second image showed them both dressed in winter gear before presumably hitting the slopes.
Justin and Hailey secretly tied the knot in a New York City courthouse in September 2018. The following year, they hosted a larger wedding ceremony. The duo announced in May 2024 that they were gearing up to become first-time parents. Hailey gave birth to their son, Jack Blues, in August of that year.
“It’s total bliss for the two of them,” a source told Usfollowing Jack’s birth, noting that Hailey is “enjoying and savoring these moments being a new mom.”
The Rhode Beauty founder is “over the moon and in mom zone,” the insider added, adding that she is “completely focused on the health of the baby.”
A second source told Us earlier this month that there was a “total shift” in Justin and Hailey’s marriage after they renewed their vows this past May. The insider noted that baby Jack’s birth has “truly brought them so much happiness and a renewed bond.”
Justin is “obsessed” with their newborn, the source continued, calling the singer a “really good dad.” Hailey’s “main priority is being a mom right now,” the insider added.
Simone Biles’ Birkin is a designer bag that will go the distance.
Biles, 27, showed off her new Birkin via Instagram on Tuesday, January 21, while taking a trip to Zurich, Switzerland, with husband Johnathan Owens. While strolling around the city, she carried her Hermès bag, handmade in brown leather with the signature gold “lock” closure.
The gymnast teamed her look with a fuzzy emerald green coat featuring wide lapels and multiple pockets, plus black leggings and white Adidas Samba sneakers.
Biles donned a soft smile while posing for the camera. Elsewhere on social media, Biles shared a mirror selfie of her and Owens, 29. The Chicago Bears safety bundled up in a black hoodie and a puffer coat. He teamed his top with tan bottoms with a creased front.
Throughout their day, the couple enjoyed mimosas, shopping for fur coats and Biles even posted a video of her getting “iced” — which is when you come across a Smirnoff Ice and have to take a knee and chug the bottle. She giggled in the clip while finishing off half the drink.
Courtesy of Simone Biles/Instagram
Biles and Owens’ getaway comes shortly after their stop in New York City, when she purchased her beloved Birkin bag. During her shopping trip, Biles shared a snap of the accessory via Instagram.
“Treated myself to a new lil baby while in New York,” she captioned a reel of the bag, which, according to Maison de Luxe, retails for $34,000. “Johnathan came for emotional support, baby I was sweaaaating.”
Biles is also the proud owner of an Hermès Kelly bag, which she teased after becoming the most decorated gymnast at the 2024 summer Paris Olympics. Her Kelly, which has a long crossbody hook and small hand straps, retails for $30,000 and is complete with silver hardware. Like Biles and Owens, consider the Birkin and the Kelly a perfect pair.
“It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer,” a statement posted on Sykes’ official Facebook page read on Monday, January 20. “He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.”
The statement continued: “He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog. In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years.”
Sykes’ team concluded, “While the impact of his loss is profound and the mood somber, we hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence.”
Sykes was born and raised in England, kicking off his career with bands like Streetfighter and Badlands before he joined Tygers of Pan Tang in 1980. The musician recorded two albums with the group — 1981’s Spellbound and Crazy Nights — before his exit in 1982.
The rocker was introduced to Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott around the same time and the pair collaborated on his “Please Don’t Leave Me” single, which was released in 1982. Sykes officially joined the Irish rock band later that year as their guitarist.
Thin Lizzy’s 1983 album Thunder and Lightning was his first record with the group, which was followed up by Life. Sykes later recorded 2000’s live album One Night Only with the band even though Lynott died in 1986.
The band mourned the loss of Sykes via Instagram on Tuesday, January 21, crediting the late musician with “bringing a harder edge to their sound.”
“He always sounded fantastic and looked cool on stage. He stayed with the band until the end, a perfect fit with Phil, Scott [Gorham], Brian [Downey] and Darren [Wharton],” the social media post read. “Our respect and thoughts to his family and friends and a massive thank you for being a part of the Thin Lizzy story and history. Please play T&L today and play it loud.”
Following his success with Thin Lizzy, Sykes continued to take the rock world by storm as the guitarist for Whitesnake. He released 1984’s Slide It In and 1987’s Whitesnake albums with the band before moving over to Blue Murder. He released three albums — and was a vocalist as well as guitarist — with the English group from 1989 to 1994.
Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images
The iconic guitarist also had a successful solo career prior to his passing. His first solo record, Out of My Tree, came out in 1995. Sykes released two albums in 1997 and one in 2000. His last album, Bad Boy Live!, was released in 2004.
The music community paid tribute to Sykes via social media on both Monday and Tuesday. Tony Franklin, who was part of Whitesnake and Blue Murder, honored his late friend via X, writing, “My deepest heartfelt thanks for all your kind wishes and condolences for the passing of John Sykes.”
He added: “I am heartbroken and will miss him terribly. I’m thankful for the time we had together and the music we created. Rest peacefully John. Love you forever .”
Radio personality and music talk show host Eddie Trunk shared his own message via X, calling Sykes’ death “devastating shocking news.”
“As most know John was not only a friend, but always one of my favorite guitarists,” he continued. “Stunned by this. What a loss. Condolences to his family and friends. Crushed. RIP John Sykes.”
Sykes is survived by his three sons: James, John Jr. and Sean.
Brad Womack revealed that he got in touch with ex-fiancée Emily Maynard“one time” after their split.
“I’m a very, very respectful guy when it comes to situations and if someone’s in a relationship,” Womack, 52, said on the Monday, January 20, episode of the “Almost Famous” podcast. “I remember when I had heard she gotten married, and I reached out and said, ‘Hey, I’m genuinely happy for you.’”
Womack claimed that Maynard’s marriage to Tyler Johnson in 2014 was “exactly what she had been wanting.” (Maynard, 38, and Jones welcomed kids Jennings, Gibson, Gatlin, Nola and Jones in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2022, respectively. She is also mom to daughter Ricki, 19, with whom she shared with late fiancé Ricky Hendrick.)
“She had been wanting marriage, a beautiful family, and she has all of that and then some,” Womack said.
Womack called Maynard “extremely captivating,” gushing that “she is pure to her core, just an exceptional human being.”
“She is a little elusive,” Womack said. “I don’t think she needs much. And I mean that in such a complimentary way, where I think I’m kind of a sellout, I’ll do anything. I’m kidding.”
ABC/MARK WESSELS
Womack said he admires the way that Maynard “carries herself” noting that “what you see is what you get.”
Womack popped the question to Maynard during season 15 of The Bachelor, which aired in 2011. Months after the finale aired, the pair called off their engagement in June 2011. Maynard went on to become The Bachelorette in 2012 and accepted a proposal from Jef Holm. Maynard and Holm announced their separation in October 2012.
“We realized really quickly we were two different people once we got back into the real world,” Womack said on Monday. “I think I’m a little rough around the edges and she is extremely refined. Again, I’m saying that in a complimentary way. And when I look at her from the outside looking in and seeing the life that she’s created and built, I couldn’t be happier.”
Brad Womack and Emily Maynard on April 30, 2011.INFphoto.com
While Womack said his time with Maynard was “brief,” he gushed that he “really enjoyed” his time with her. Womack added, “She has a pure soul, you know what I mean? I thoroughly enjoyed my time with her. Things don’t work out unfortunately, and here we are.”
Since his split with Maynard, Womack has been tight-lipped about his relationship status. On January 1, Womack hard-launched a romance with a woman named Gabriella.
“We’re having a lot of fun together. She’s an inherently kind human being,” he gushed. “I’m really happy. We’re really happy together right now.”
Influencer Rebecca Wylie Simms (otherwise known as Boo Simms) is being remembered for her love of food and family following her unexpected death.
“This loss is immeasurable, and our hearts are completely shattered,” Rebecca’s twin sister, Sarah Simms Hendrix, shared in an Instagram statement on Sunday, January 19. “Boo was our magic maker, our color painter, and the brightest light I have ever known.”
According to Sarah’s post, her beloved family member died at age 39 following complications from a recent surgery.
In order to cope with the loss, Lady & Larder — a cheese and charcuterie shop cofounded by the duo — will temporarily close one of its stores in California.
“Your continued support means more than words could ever say,” Sarah shared in her statement. “Thank you, from the depths of my being, for standing with us during this unimaginable time.”
As celebrities like Mandy Moore, Busy Philipps and more mourn Rebecca, get to know the family members who loved the food influencer most:
Sarah Simms Hendrix
Courtesy of Rebecca Boo Simms/Instagram
In addition to building two Lady & Larder locations together, Sarah and Rebecca created countless memories together.
Whether serving food at charity events or celebrating holidays like Halloween together with their families, this sisterly bond appeared unbreakable.
“Sharing our birthday (and just about everything else) since the beginning of time, obvs ,” Sarah wrote via Instagram in December 2021.
Sean Montes
Courtesy of Rebecca Boo Simms/Instagram
Although Sean stayed away from social media, Rebecca was quick to praise her husband as a fantastic father to their two children.
“You make this daddy thing look easy ,” she wrote via Instagram in August 2024 when celebrating Sean’s birthday. “We are so lucky to call you ours. Thank you for being a morning person and keeping us all on time, thank you for being the comedy we all need after a long day — the best tickle monster to the girls, car washer for mom and master waffle maker for us all. Salt n pepper hairs look so good on you big daddy. Aging like a fine wine — love you to the moon and then some.”
Mavis Loretta
Rebecca would often share photos of her oldest daughter, Mavis, on social media as they enjoyed adventures all over town.
“Mavis age 3 is my favorite age so far,” Rebecca wrote via Instagram in September 2024 after a trip to Paso Robles, California.
In a separate post, Rebecca praised her “darling little sticky bun” for always starting a sentence with “why” and finding a way to make Mom smile.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about how this line of relentless questioning actually makes me pause and think about all the little minutia in our day to day routine, the little bits of magic all around that I tend to whisk by,” she shared via Instagram in November 2024. “Sweet girl, I’m in awe of you and watching you discover the world with such a vibrant curiosity is such a gift.”
Rebecca’s youngest child proved to be a “leo to the bone” as she showcased her adventurous spirit at just two years old.
“Nothing can stop this girl when she puts her mind to it,” Rebecca wrote via Instagram in August 2024. “She’s the puzzle master, queen of the mud kitchen, loves animals more than humans, lives for a good bubble bath, her favorite snack is chips and salsa, she loves rock n roll, plays air drums, she is the best roll dog and my last babyyyy I can’t believe how fast it flies by. The blink of an eye…”
After Rebecca’s passing, her brother posted a heartfelt tribute on social media with a variety of photos.
“I never imagined living in a world without you in it,” Matt wrote via Instagram on Monday, January 20. “You were such a force of nature — so vibrant, brilliant, and full of life. Your radiant smile and contagious energy brought color to every room and joy to every person lucky enough to meet you. You were the most amazing mother to Mavis and Bertie and the best sister I could ever ask for.”
Matt promised to “care for and nurture” his sister’s girls “with every fiber of my being, ensuring they are always surrounded by love and receive an endless supply of hugs.”
As fans are still reeling over Matt Jamesand Rachael Kirkconnell’s split, Us couldn’t help but wonder if they could hand out (or accept) roses again one day.
“I think it’s open,” host Jesse Palmer told Us Weekly during an exclusive interview about his partnership with Great Clips. “First off, I was really sad to read that and see that as well. And I certainly hope they’re both doing OK. This must be a really, really tough time for the two of them. And I know they want [and] are going to need time to process everything that happened.”
James, 33, announced on Thursday, January 16, that he and Kirkconnell, 28, had split. He used a photo from season 25 of The Bachelor – where they met four years ago — for his headline-making announcement post.
“I think the last thing they wanted to think about is rushing back into the show,” Palmer continued. “These decisions go way above my head.I absolutely think, though, that the show would consider having one or both back at some point down the road if they were open to it. Absolutely.”
While Kirkconnell and James are the latest split to rock Bachelor Nation, the most recent season of the show — The Golden Bachelorette season 1 starring Joan Vassos — ended with an engagement.
Rachael Kirkconnell, Matt James.Noam Galai/Getty Images
“They’re all over,” Palmer told Us when asked about Vassos and fiancé Chock Chapple. “They’re in New York and then they’re visiting her family and they’re back in Kansas and they’re just all over the place. They’re a very hard Bachelor couple to keep up with, in all honesty.”
Vassos, 62, and Chapple, 61, have said that they aren’t in a rush to walk down the aisle.
“But I know they’re both very excited,” Palmer continued. “They’re enjoying each other’s company. And listen, I certainly hope wedding bells are on the horizon sooner than later, but they’ve earned this right to kind of have their time to enjoy each other and if they need an officiant, I know a guy.”
In the meantime, Palmer is gearing up for the premiere of Grant Ellis’ season 29 of The Bachelor.
Jesse Palmer.Disney/John Fleenor
“I don’t want to speak on behalf of Grant, but I think he’s very, very happy with how things ended,” Palmer teased to Us. “I know he’s really excited for everybody to watch this whole thing unfold. Grant’s a very easy guy to root for. I’m a fan of his and I know he’s a guy that’s been so successful in everything he’s done in his life outside of love [so far].”
Fans who have been waiting for the return of the ABC show have seen plenty of Palmer on the network via his Great Clips commercial, which aired throughout the College Football Playoff and promoted the brand’s $9.99 haircut.
“I’m sorry, I’m not sorry,” he joked to Us about how often the ad aired. “I had so much fun doing that. It was great. It’s the best time of year — The national championship, the playoff. We all want to look and feel our best. It’s great.”
The Great Clips coupon will be valid only at participating salons through January 31, 2025.
As Justin Baldoniand Blake Lively’s he-said, she-said legal battle rages on, his lawyer has released footage from the set of It Ends With Us that Baldoni’s team believes proves his side of the story.
The footage obtained by Us Weekly on Tuesday, January 21, began with a statement that read, “Ms. Lively’s complaint alleges that during a scene Mr. Baldoni and Ms. Lively were filming for a slow dance montage, Mr. Baldoni was behaving inappropriately. The following videos captured on May 23, 2023, clearly refute Ms. Lively’s characterization of his behavior. The scene in question was designed to show the two characters falling in love and longing to be close to one another. Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism. These are all three takes filmed of the sequence.”
In the clip, Baldoni, 40, and Lively, 37, smiled and laughed as they filmed a dancing scene with no dialogue.
As the twosome began to dance in the clip, Lively said that she thinks it would be “more romantic” if she and Baldoni were talking in the scene.
“I know you and Ryan [Reynolds] talk all the time,” Baldoni said to Lively, referring to her husband. “Oh, my Gosh, we don’t shut up,” she replied.
Baldoni then shared that he and his wife, Emily, have moments where they stare at each other for five minutes. Lively laughed at the remark as Baldoni added, “I think you would find it terrifying.” Baldoni replied, “I’d be like, ‘Oh no, I found a sociopath.’”
When Baldoni said that he thinks Lively and Reynolds are “cute,” she replied, “I think it’s more than cute.” He added, “I think it’s amazing.”
As Lively and Baldoni kissed in the scene, she began to laugh. “I feel so nosey. I mean it’s like just noses,” she said, to which Baldoni replied, “I know. And my nose is so big.” Lively added, “Yes, I was hoping that we could address this. It’s not too late. Just gotta shut down. Gotta call an insurance month, and just deal with that. Just kidding.”
Baldoni responded, “No it’s true. That’s why we hired Jenny Slate, too, our noses match.” (Baldoni and Slate portrayed siblings in the movie, which was based on Colleen Hoover’s novel of the same name.)
Before the end of the nearly 10-minute video, the twosome began the scene again. In this take, Baldoni nuzzled Lively on the neck and asked if he was “getting beard” on Lively. She replied with a laugh, “I’m probably getting spray tan on you,” to which he said, “It smells good.” Lively added, “Well, it’s not that. It’s my body makeup.”
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After the video was first published by the Daily Mail on Tuesday, Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said in a statement to Us: “Us received this video from legal counsel, Bryan Freedman who has gone on record numerous times and told the public that Justin Baldoni and team has nothing to hide and this video, once more proves this. Justin and team have the right to defend themselves with the truth and this is what we will be continuing to show with the upcoming website containing all correspondence as well as relevant videos that directly quash her claims.”
Following the release of the video, Lively slammed Baldoni and his team for choosing to drop it publicly.
“Justin Baldoni and his lawyer may hope that this latest stunt will get ahead of the damaging evidence against him, but the video itself is damning. Every frame of the released footage corroborates, to the letter, what Ms. Lively described in Paragraph 48 of her Complaint,” Lively’s legal team said in a statement to Us on Tuesday. “The video shows Mr. Baldoni repeatedly leaning in toward Ms. Lively, attempting to kiss her, kissing her forehead, rubbing his face and mouth against her neck, flicking her lip with his thumb, caressing her, telling her how good she smells, and talking with her out of character.”
The statement continued: “Every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance and no intimacy coordinator present. Mr. Baldoni was not only Ms. Lively’s costar, but the director, the head of [the] studio and Ms. Lively’s boss.”
“The video shows Ms. Lively leaning away and repeatedly asking for the characters to just talk. Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Lively’s discomfort,” the statement read. “They will recognize her attempts at levity to try to deflect the unwanted touching. No woman should have to take defensive measures to avoid being touched by their employer without their consent.”
“This matter is in active litigation in federal court. Releasing this video to the media, rather than presenting it as evidence in court, is another example of an unethical attempt to manipulate the public. It is also a continuation of their harassment and retaliatory campaign. While they are focused on misleading media narratives, we are focused on the legal process. We are continuing our efforts to require Mr. Baldoni and his associates to answer in court, under oath, rather than through manufactured media stunts,” the message concluded.
Months after rumors swirled of a rift between Lively and Baldoni on the set of It Ends With Us, she filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment. He has denied all allegations.
The aforementioned dance scene is one of the many encounters between the costars that is debated in the docs. In Lively’s December 2024 lawsuit against Baldoni, she claimed of the same scene, “At one point, he leaned forward and slowly dragged his lips from her ear and down her neck as he said, ‘It smells so good.’ None of this was remotely in character, or based on any dialogue in the script, and nothing needed to be said because, again, there was no sound — Mr. Baldoni was caressing Mr. Lively with his mouth in a way that had nothing to do with their roles. When Ms. Lively later objected to this behavior, Ms. Baldoni’s response was, ‘I’m not even attracted to you.’”
Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
In Baldoni’s filing earlier this month against Lively, Reynolds and her publicist, Leslie Sloane, Baldoni referenced the same scene — but had a different takeaway.
“Lively apologized for the smell of her spray tan and body makeup. Baldoni responded, ‘It smells good,’ and continued acting, slow dancing as he believed his character would with his partner, which requires some amount of physical touching,” the filing read.
According to Baldoni, “Lively took them out of character again and began to joke about Baldoni’s nose, which he laughed off and joked in turn, even as Lively joked that he should get plastic surgery,” his lawsuit stated.
In the same lawsuit, a footnote referred to Lively’s December 2024 lawsuit where she alleged that he body-shamed her on set. The footnote read, “Lively alleges Baldoni inappropriately commented on her physical appearance. It was the other way around.”
While Lively stated in her filing that the “slow dance scene” for the montage had “no sound” recorded, Baldoni claimed in his filing that he was wearing a microphone during the scene and noted that the exchange was captured on camera.
“Any suggestion that this scene was filmed in any manner other than pure professionalism by Baldoni is unequivocally countered with actual evidence,” Baldoni’s filing read. “Her allegation of sexual harassment is a documented and knowingly fabricated lie.”
While referencing Lively’s alleged “derogatory comments” about his appearance, Baldoni claimed in the lawsuit that he “has publicly expressed insecurities about and has discussed on an episode of his podcast, ‘Man Enough,’ exploring the topic of body dysmorphia.”
“Lively’s comment about Baldoni’s nose is also captured on camera,” the lawsuit read. “Baldoni, rather than write down a list of grievances against Lively, brushed it off and moved on with the scene.”
The Vanderpump Rules star, and mom of two, entered a club many moms join at one point or another over the weekend, revealing she cut her 3-year-old daughter’s hair.
On her Instagram Stories, Kent shared a photo of her daughter, Ocean, who is giving a big smile to the camera, while seemingly shrugging off her new look.
Kent opted to trim her own daughter’s hair, and admits, “Guys, I think I f—ed up.” Ocean’s new ‘do features bluntly cut bangs, resembling a bowl cut.
Courtesy of Lala Kent/Instagram
Alongside the photo of Ocean, Kent also included a photo of one of Jim Carrey’s most beloved characters, Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber, highlighting the similarities.
In addition to Ocean, whom Kent shares with her ex-fiancé Randall Emmett, she welcomed her second child, Sosa, into the world in September 2024 via a sperm donor.
In December, Kent sat down with Parade to discuss what her goals are now that Vanderpump Rules is officially over.
“I am feeling extremely grateful for that chapter in my life,” Kent said of her time on the reality show. “Vanderpump Rules catapulted me into doing what I love to do.”
“It has brought so much opportunity, and I don’t think it was any secret after that finale episode that it just felt very final.”
Despite admitting that “everything” she wants has now “shifted” with the end of Vanderpump Rules, Kent said one thing remains the same: “I want an empire, and I won’t stop until I have that.”
Now, in order to continue building her empire, Kent said her focus remains on her Give Them Lala brand. “It’s right now about getting the brand where it needs to be, having it ring true to who I am right now.”
Part of her new brand includes her show on Amazon Live, Mama’s Still Got It.
Just before welcoming Sosa into the world, Kent told The Bump that she “excited for people to see a side of me that I haven’t been able to show on Vanderpump Rules.”
“I get to share pretty much the largest part of my life — my experience as a mother,” she continued.
“I’ve learned that motherhood alone suits me well,” Kent continued to tell The Bump. “Even when I had Ocean and was in a partnership, I was very territorial. I wanted to do it on my own. I didn’t want someone else’s input. I just felt like mama knows best.”
“This is a part of my life that’s so special and so sacred,” Kent, who wants more children, said of being a mom, “and I feel like I have such a bond with other moms, which I never thought would happen.”
“I’m like, ‘I bond over shoes and skincare,’ then suddenly it’s like, ‘Whoa, we’re bonding over babies. I did not see this coming.’”
“It was repeated all over the place that I’m trying to get Lisa Vanderpump back on The [Real] Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Cohen, 56, revealed during the Tuesday, January 21, episode of his SiriusXM radio show Andy Cohen Live.
Cohen, who is an executive producer on RHOBH, denied he started the rumors and insisted that Vanderpump, 64, has better things to do than pick up her diamond again.
“Let me restate my abject love for Lisa Vanderpump, but I don’t know where the rumor came from,” he told listeners. “I don’t see her coming back to that show.”
Cohen’s cohost John Hill agreed with his assessment, adding, “I don’t know why that would even be a rumor. She doesn’t need to go back.”
Hill explained that the Los Angeles-based series doesn’t “need” Vanderpump back. “She’s got her own thing going on,” he concluded.
Cohen hinted that the current cast wouldn’t exactly mesh with Vanderpump. “She and Dorit [Kemsley] and Kyle [Richards] are, you know, I guess she’s kind of friends with Garcelle [Beauvais],” he said, trailing off.
Nicole Weingart/Bravo
The Bravo host said he doesn’t think Vanderpump “has any desire” to work with the RHOBH stars and they don’t “have any desire to interact” with her.
Vanderpump was part of the original cast of RHOBH when it premiered in 2010 alongside Kyle, 56, and her sister Kim Richards as well as Taylor Armstrong, Camille Grammer and Adrienne Maloof.
Vanderpump was a staple on the series for nine seasons before her exit in 2019 — and her drama with Kyle was heavily featured. (Kyle is still on RHOBH, while Vanderpump has starred on the show’s spinoffs Vanderpump Rules, Vanderpump Villa and more over the years.)
During her final season on RHOBH, Vanderpump had a falling out with several castmates. At the time, she was accused of forcing her Vanderpump Dog employees to talk about Kemsley’s adopted dog Lucy ending up at a kill shelter.
Kyle initially remained neutral but eventually questioned whether Vanderpump leaked the story to the press, which ended with Kyle being kicked out of her home.
“I do love that it feels like once a year, Kyle runs into Vanderpump somewhere and they’ll kind of send each other their bill or their drink,” Cohen recalled on Tuesday. “I think Vanderpump either paid Kyle’s bill once or sent her her bill.”
The producer admitted he “could be getting that story wrong,” but he is confident the former friends know how to handle each other when they are in the same place.
“They always have a funny [interaction],” Cohen added. “It seems like when they run into each other publicly, they have a little shade with each other, which I appreciate.”
“I was, obviously, surprised by everything, but they gave her a heads-up,” Jost, 42, said during his Monday, January 20, appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “They were like, ‘Hey, would you be OK if Michael made a little, like, kind of vagina joke at some point?’”
Johansson, 40, was “open to it,” according to her husband. However, the joke was far from what either of them expected.
“I didn’t know where it was going and then the graphic came up for Arby’s,” Jost recalled. “Scarlett is backstage, like, ‘Oh, my God, that’s what it is?’”
The “joke swap” between Jost and Che, 41, has become a holiday tradition during SNL’s “Weekend Update” segment. The duo write jokes for each other to read for the first time on air. For the latest installment, Johansson was backstage — and there was a camera on her to capture her reaction when Jost read this particular joke.
Colin Jost and Michael Che during Weekend Update.Will Heath/NBC
“Costco has removed the roast beef sandwich from its menu,” Jost said. “I’ve been eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid.”
Johansson appeared to be both horrified and shocked when she heard the punchline.
“It was honestly a legitimately live moment,” host Jimmy Fallon — who was also at the SNL Christmas show — told the crowd on Monday. “You weren’t acting at all.”
Jost responded, “I can’t act that well.”
Fallon also wondered whether Jost was “in trouble” with his wife.
“I’m in trouble, I think, with a lot of people,” Jost responded.
Jost and Johansson met at a SNL afterparty in May 2017. One year later, the comedian referred to the former Marvel star as his girlfriend during an SNL live show. They got married in October 2020 and welcomed son Cosmo in August 2021. (Johansson also shares daughter Rose, 10, with ex-husband Romain Dauriac.)
Scarlett Johansson and Colin JostPaul Morigi/Getty Images
The December 2024 episode of SNL was not the first time Che name-dropped Johansson during a “joke swap.” He previously wrote a joke for Jost that focused on Johansson’s body.
Johansson said she checked out during that episode when seeing her photo on screen.
“I black out for that period of the night,” she said during a July 2024 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. “I actually don’t remember it. As soon as the picture came up I just — I fully blacked out.”
Leggings are a versatile wardrobe staple. Whether you’re a fan of mile-long hot girl walks or prefer fun fitness classes, you can wear the cozy bottoms to keep you comfy while you’re working on your health and wellness goals. Are you in the mood to lounge around the house? You can pair them with an oversized sweatshirt and fuzzy socks for a fool-proof ensemble. Not to mention, you can elevate them with sweater dresses and knee-high boots. No matter how you style them, you can achieve a flattering fit and a sculpted and lifted booty when wearing the trendy style.
Jennifer Garner is one A-lister who knows a thing or two about the comfort of rocking leggings. She’s notorious for strolling around Los Angeles in cozy styles, like the Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings. Made with plush and sculpting fabric, these celeb-loved bottomss come in at almost $100. If you’re looking to achieve the same look for a bit less. You’ve come to the right place. We found a pair of durable, booty-lifting SPANX leggings on Amazon that you can snag for under $70.
The SPANX Look at Me Now Leggings combine comfort and support. Just like Garner’s go-to style, these leggings are seamless so you don’t have to worry about the dreaded camel toe peeking through. They have a natural-waist design that delivers all-around firmness and sculpting.
These luxurious leggings come in four different shades, including the very black style Garner notoriously wears. They’re available in women’s sizes XS-3XL. SPANX warns that these leggings run a little small, so the trusted brand suggests sizing up to ensure a comfortable fit.
Get the Spanx Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings for just $68 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, January 21, 2025, but are subject to change.
Not only are these leggings comfortable and flattering, but they’re free of the common issues that plague many fashionistas. Do you skip out on leggings because of their see-through fabric? Perhaps you’re exhausted from constantly walking around with lint and pet hair on your pants? Shoppers rave about these leggings because they’re not opaque and don’t collect pet hair.
Nearly 2,000 reviewers left perfect five-star ratings, proving how comfortable they truly are. One happy shopper shared, “These are great leggings, really flattering. They have a slight ribbed texture to them when stretched but are completely opaque.” The reviewer added, “Another great plus is they do not stick to animal hair at all,” before explaining how the leggings managed to stay free of hair from their long-hair white cat.
Another shopper claimed these are the “best leggings” they’ve owned. “I was skeptical to purchase these leggings mainly because of the price point,” they began before adding, “These are worth every penny.” According to the reviewer, these leggings are “smooth, comfortable, and great for covering up my love handles. They are great to lounge around the house in but can also be dressed up for a night out.”
There’s nothing like adding a versatile piece to your wardrobe that you can style for so many different occasions. These shopper-approved leggings come from a Jennifer Garner-loved brand and deliver a seamless and sculpted fit.
See it: Get the Spanx Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings for just $68 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, January 21, 2025, but are subject to change.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Snag more from SPANX here and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds.
We’re officially in the thick of winter and you know what that means . . . sweaters, sweaters and more sweaters! It’s below zero for much of the United States right now, too, adding to the allure of sweaters. The ultra-chilly temps make cozy wear all the more intriguing!
Jeans are off the table for most of Us, especially since it’s not just cold, but freezing outside. We only want to wear the comfiest clothes! That said, the world doesn’t stop because it’s cold outside. If you want to look ultra-fine — and feel ultra-comfy — while you do what you do this winter, rock a sweater and leggings. It’s the ideal outfit . . . when done right.
We rounded up some of the coziest, most flattering sweaters from stores like Amazon and Nordstrom to get you looking and feeling your best this winter. Not only do they lengthen your torso, but they cover your behind, too. These picks start at just $17, so let’s jump in!
1. Totally textured: It’s love! We can’t get enough of the fuzzy material and classic fit, especially when paired with leggings. You can slay an athleisure style if you add sneakers!
2. Go-to turtleneck: If you want to be warm and fashionable, turtlenecks are the way to go. This split-hem wonder will protect your neck from the bitter cold wind!
3. Designer look: Beige adds to the appeal, but it’s not the only thing that makes this crewneck sweater look designer. Ribbed hems, exposed seams and a loose fit are just a few other factors!
4. Button up: Whether you wear this cardigan open or closed is up to you, but regardless, you’ll look good doing it! We adore the cable knit material and exterior pockets.
5. Bestseller alert: Reviewers can’t get enough of this versatile knee-length cardigan and we see why. The length makes you look taller, longer and leaner!
6. Dress option: Two for one! This chunky cable-knit number can be worn with leggings or tights — depending on the occasion — and is extra thick for cold days like these.
7. Secret pockets: Nobody would know you’re carrying a chapstick and credit card with you at all times. This trendy ribbed sweater has a heathered look, pleated sleeve detailing and a simple design!
8. Mega rich: What a steal. This stretchy $17 top is ideal for everything from PTA meetings to coffee dates and birthday parties — plus, it’ll make you look like you own properties abroad.
9. Free People: No, you’re not dreaming . . . this Free People sweater is up to 55% off right now! Good luck choosing between the dark gray, white, yellowish-green and blue hues.
10. Luxe and lightweight: How darling is this casual find? Try wearing it with a long necklace, leggings (of course), a pair of heeled ankle boots and your favorite tote bag.
11. Crowd favorite: Cozy is an understatement with this oversized knit cardigan sweater. It’s classy, flattering and versatile enough to pair with just about anything in your winter — or spring — wardrobe.
12. Center of attention: Don’t be surprised if people stop and stare. This Topshop sweater is only $31 right now, so take advantage of it!
13. Hamptons mom: Made of a polyester, viscose, acrylic and polyamide blend, this slouchy sweater is skin-soft and just warm enough not to make you sweat. Choose from 10 different colors!
14. New drop: This sweater was just released a few months ago and we’re pretty sure it’ll be a bestseller. You’ll be the trendsetter of your neighborhood when you rock this textured top!
15. Semi-narrow fit: If you have an hourglass shape, or if you want to look like you do, this is the top for you. It features a high-low hem that gives you just enough shape.
16. Classy act: Hey there, professional princess! Somewhere between a jacket, cardigan, coat and sweater, this formal piece has buttons, lapels and exterior pockets.
17. High-quality find: We can’t believe it’s not wool! This ribbed sweater is oversized with a v-neck cut, perfect for flattering the collarbone.
The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Though the date of the ceremony has remained the same, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang teased that this year’s show may look different after the L.A. wildfires affected thousands across the region, including many celebrities.
“We are devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community. The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship,” Kramer and Yang said in a joint January 13 statement, noting that the Oscars voting period had been extended.
“Additionally, as we want to be sensitive to the infrastructure and lodging needs of the region in these next few weeks, it is imperative that we make some changes to our schedule of events, which we believe will have the support of our industry,” the statement continued. “Our members always share how important it is for us to come together as a community, and we are determined to use this opportunity to celebrate our resilient and compassionate industry. We also look forward to honoring our frontline workers who have aided with the fires, recognizing those impacted, and encouraging people to join the Academy in supporting the relief efforts.”
The Academy officials ended their message on an uplifting note, stating: “We will get through this together and bring a sense of healing to our global film community.”
Scroll down for everything to know about the 2025 Oscars:
When Are the 2025 Oscars?
(L-R) Cillian Murphy, winner of Lead Actor award for “Oppenheimer, Nicolas Cage, Matthew McConaughey, Brendan Fraser and Forest Whitaker are seen backstage during the 96th Annual Academy Awards.Al Seib/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images
The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Where Can I Watch the 2025 Oscars?
ZendayaEmma McIntyre/Getty Images
This year’s ceremony will air live on ABC at 7 p.m. ET. The show will also be available to stream on Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV and Fubo TV.
When Will the 2025 Oscars Nominations Be Announced?
Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang will announce the 2025 Oscar nominations live on Thursday, January 23, at 8:30 a.m. ET on Oscar.com, Oscars.org and the Academy’s YouTube page and social media profiles.
Who Is Hosting the 2025 Oscars?
Conan O’BrienRich Fury/Getty Images
Following in the footsteps of frequent host Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien will make his Oscars hosting debut. “American demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars,” the former late-night host joked in a November 2024 statement.
In a statement of their own, Kramer and Yang added: “We are thrilled and honored to have the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year. He is the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film with his brilliant humor, his love of movies and his live TV expertise. His remarkable ability to connect with audiences will bring viewers together to do what the Oscars do best — honor the spectacular films and filmmakers of this year.”
Will the 2025 Oscars Be Affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires?
Richard Harbaugh/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images
It is unknown whether the L.A. wildfires will impact the awards ceremony itself. However, the voting window for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science members was extended several times due to the fires. Voting ended on January 17, which was the date the nominations were originally scheduled to be announced.
The Oscars Nominees Luncheon was set to take place on Monday, February 10, but was canceled, while The Scientific and Technical Awards was postponed from its original Tuesday, February 18, date.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, four members of the Academy’s 55-person board of the governors lost their homes to the fires. The organization also reportedly donated $750,000 to the Motion Picture & Television Fund to help those affected by the fires.
How Are the Oscars Different From Other Awards Shows?
Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Sally Field and others are seen backstage during the 96th Annual Academy Awards.Richard Harbaugh/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images
While several awards shows are voted on by governing bodies, the Oscars is exclusively voted on by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science. As opposed to the Golden Globes, SAG Awards and Critics Choice Awards, which honor both movies and TV, the Oscars only honor achievements in film.
