Catch up on the must-know moments from this week in pop culture. Scroll down to see all the major highlights. 

This week in pop culture has been packed with exciting updates that have captured global attention. From history-making Oscar nominations to major milestones in the fashion industry, the spotlight has been on some truly groundbreaking moments. Whether you’re a fan of cinema, fashion, or both, there’s plenty to keep you buzzing. Catch up on the biggest highlights you don’t want to miss!

2025 Oscar Nominations Announced

The 97th Academy Awards nominations were announced on January 23, 2025, showcasing a diverse lineup of films and performances. The ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025. Leading the nominations is the Spanish-language film Emilia Pérez with 13 nods, marking a historic moment as it becomes the most-nominated non-English-language film. Among the nominations, Karla Sofía Gascón has made history as the first openly transgender performer to be nominated in an acting category.

Other notable films include The Brutalist and Wicked, each receiving 10 nominations, including Best Picture. The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, has also garnered attention, with Fargeat being recognized in the Best Director category. Fernanda Torres, nominated for I’m Still Here, becomes the second Brazilian actress to receive a nomination in this category, following her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, in 1999.

International cinema has a strong presence this year, with Latvia’s Flow earning nominations for both Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature Film, a rare accomplishment. The nominations reflect a growing emphasis on global cinema and inclusivity in the awards. 

Sabyasachi Mukherjee Celebrates 25 Years in Fashion

Renowned Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee marked the 25th anniversary of his brand with a star-studded fashion show in Mumbai. Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone opened the event, donning a monochromatic white ensemble that garnered significant attention. The celebration was attended by numerous celebrities, including Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, and Ananya Panday, highlighting Sabyasachi’s influential presence in the fashion industry.

Louvre to Host Louvre Couture 

The Louvre Museum in Paris is set to host an extraordinary exhibition, Louvre Couture, bringing together the worlds of high fashion and fine art. This exhibit, slated to open later this year, will showcase iconic fashion pieces inspired by or directly influenced by the museum’s rich art collection. Accompanying the exhibition is Le Grand Dîner, a high-profile gala that will blend the glamour of the fashion world with the cultural gravitas of the Louvre.

This event underscores a growing trend where fashion exhibitions have become a major draw for museums worldwide. Historically, institutions like New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, spearheaded by figures such as Vogue’s Diana Vreeland, pioneered the concept of fashion as a legitimate form of art to be displayed in museums. These exhibitions, including the Met Gala’s annual themed displays, have demonstrated how the synergy between art and fashion can captivate diverse audiences while being highly profitable.

Fashion exhibitions today are not only cultural phenomena but also lucrative ventures. Museums have increasingly embraced these showcases to attract younger, fashion-forward audiences and secure significant sponsorships from luxury brands. In turn, these brands gain prestige and visibility, aligning themselves with the cultural cachet of historic institutions. Events like Louvre Couture and the annual Met Gala prove that the intersection of fashion and art is a win-win for cultural enrichment and commercial success.

Coldplay’s Historic Return to India

Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” World Tour marked a triumphant return to India in January 2025, with the British rock band performing three sold-out concerts at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium on January 18, 19, and 21. 

The concerts featured a mix of Coldplay’s classic hits and newer tracks, accompanied by impressive light displays and interactive elements that enhanced the audience experience. The band’s commitment to sustainability was evident, as they continued their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of their performances. These concerts were part of Coldplay’s ongoing “Music of the Spheres” World Tour, which has been recognized as one of the most successful tours by a group. The success of Coldplay’s concerts in India underscores the growing enthusiasm for live music among young, affluent Indians, contributing significantly to the country’s live entertainment market.

Also Read: Meta Phases Out Fact-Checking and Adopts a Community-Driven Approach similar to X

Follow us for more @Discultured

Learn music with your favorite songs! Duolingo and Sony Music have joined forces to make your music lessons more fun and engaging. Here is everything that you need to know!

Imagine learning to play music with your favorite songs guiding you through each lesson. Duolingo, known for making language learning fun and accessible, has now set its sights on music education. On August 16th, they announced an exciting partnership with Sony Music, aiming to bring some of the world’s most popular songs right into their Music course. This new feature adds over 60 songs from artists like Hozier, Meghan Trainor, and Whitney Houston, allowing learners to dive into music theory by practicing with tunes they already know and love. Whether you’re learning to read sheet music or mastering the digital piano, these familiar tracks make the process more enjoyable and engaging.

George Audi, Head of Business Development at Duolingo, explained that this partnership is all about making learning both effective and fun. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Sony Music to offer our learners a selection of hit songs they can learn to read and play,” he shared.

Jessica Shaw, Senior Vice President of Sync Licensing at Sony Music, added, “Partnering with Duolingo allows us to introduce our artists’ music to a new audience, fostering learning and cultural exchange through the universal language of music.”

With these popular songs integrated into the lessons, Duolingo hopes to make music education not only more accessible but also more delightful for millions of learners around the world.

Also Read: Instagram Introduces Multi-Audio Tracks for Reels

For more, follow us:- @dis_cultured

There were many moments in the Paris Olympics that truly embodied the spirit of sportsmanship, reminding us that the Games go beyond just competition. We’re taking a look back at the most iconic moments in Olympic history that prove the Games are much more than just sports.

This year, as we celebrated the Olympic Games, we witnessed numerous moments where records were shattered, and the true spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship shone brightly. This wasn’t just a coincidence as it reflects the very principles that the Olympic Games stand for. The Olympics are celebrated as a global sporting event that promotes unity, peace, and excellence through athletics. While the origins of the Olympics date back to ancient Greece, where they were held in Olympia as a religious festival in honor of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, the modern Olympic Games, revived in 1896 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, aim to bring together athletes from around the world to compete in different sporting events, supporting international goodwill, cultural exchange, and the spirit of fair play. There have been many instances in history where Olympics are not just about competition but they also symbolize the shared human aspiration for peace, understanding, and mutual respect among nations.

Here are some historic Olympic moments that we look back at with admiration and pride:

Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ Defiant Stand at the 1968 Mexico City Games

During the medal ceremony for the men’s 200-meter race, American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos took a courageous stand against racial injustice. As they stood on the podium to receive their gold and bronze medals, respectively, they raised their gloved fists in a Black Power salute, a gesture that became one of the most iconic images in Olympic history. With their heads bowed and shoeless feet, symbolizing the poverty faced by Black communities, Smith and Carlos used the global stage of the Olympics to draw attention to the civil rights struggles in the United States. Their silent yet powerful protest highlighted the Olympics as more than just a sporting event; it became a platform for advocating social change and challenging the status quo. 

Jesse Owens’ Historic win at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, held under Adolf Hitler’s regime, the world watched as the Games were used to promote Aryan racial superiority. Amid this tense atmosphere, Jesse Owens, an African American track and field athlete, arrived with determination. Owens competed in four events: the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4×100 meters relay. He delivered spectacular performances, winning gold medals in all four events. He set world records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump, and helped his relay team clinch victory. This particular win directly challenged Hitler’s racial ideology and the moment is remembered as a powerful statement against racial prejudice. 

Muhammad Ali is remembered for his anti-war stance and impact on social justice.

At the 1960 Rome Olympics, at the age of 18, Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, made headlines by winning the gold medal in boxing in the light heavyweight division.  However, it was Ali’s actions after the Olympics that truly reshaped his legacy and impacted global politics. In 1964, shortly after his Olympic win, Ali announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. His new identity came with a strong stance against the Vietnam War. Ali refused to be drafted into the military, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. Ali’s refusal to serve led to a legal battle that resulted in him being stripped of his boxing titles and banned from the sport. During his years away from boxing, he became a prominent figure in the anti-war movement and a symbol of resistance against racial injustice. In 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Ali’s conviction, allowing him to return to boxing. He went on to become a global icon. 

“Miracle on Ice”

The “Miracle on Ice” is a celebrated moment from the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, where the U.S. men’s ice hockey team, consisting largely of amateur and collegiate players, achieved an unexpected victory over the highly skilled Soviet Union team. On February 22, 1980, the U.S. team faced off against the Soviet team, which had a strong track record in international hockey. Despite the challenge, the U.S. team played with remarkable determination. After trailing 3-2 going into the final period, the Americans scored two goals to take a 4-3 lead. In the final seconds, sportscaster Al Michaels famously asked, “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” as the U.S. secured the win. The U.S. team went on to win the gold medal, but the game against the Soviet Union remains one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history.

Kathrine Switzer’s run in the 1967 Boston Marathon is a key moment for women in sports.

Kathrine Switzer’s run in the 1967 Boston Marathon is a key moment for women in sports. At that time, women weren’t officially allowed to run marathons. Kathrine signed up under her initials, “K.V. Switzer,” to keep her identity a secret. During the race, an official noticed her and tried to drag her off the course, saying she didn’t belong. Her boyfriend and coach stepped in to help, allowing her to finish the race. Kathrine’s courageous act brought a lot of attention and started changing views about women in running. Her run was a big step forward, leading to the inclusion of the women’s marathon in the Olympics starting in 1984. Kathrine Switzer’s achievement is a powerful example of fighting for equality and has inspired many women to pursue their goals in sports.

The Refugee Olympic Team at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics

The Refugee Olympic Team at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics was a historic first, featuring 10 athletes from Syria, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. These athletes, who had been forced to flee their home countries due to conflict and persecution, competed under the Olympic flag. The team competed in events like athletics, swimming, and taekwondo. Their participation was more than just about sports; it was a powerful symbol of hope and resilience for millions of refugees worldwide. By competing on this global stage, they brought attention to the refugee crisis and showed how sports can unite people and support inclusion.

This year was full of standout moments, including the historic achievement of having an equal number of male and female athletes for the first time. Reaching this 50:50 balance was a big milestone in our quest for gender equality. It shows how far we’ve come in ensuring that athletes of all genders have the same opportunities and recognition. 

What has been your favorite Olympic moment of all time? 

Also Read – Emerging Fashion Designer India Contest is back with its second edition, and registrations are now open.

Follow us for more @Discultured