Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Microsoft to discontinue Skype by May, Best Highlights from the Milan Fashion Week
From unexpected farewells to groundbreaking achievements, this weekly pop culture recap covers big moments across tech, fashion, film, and television.
Pop culture never stands still, and this week was no exception. From major industry shifts to historic achievements, the past few days brought big wins, emotional farewells, and game-changing moments across tech, fashion, and entertainment. Catch up on it all with this weekly pop culture recap.
Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards 2025
The 31st Annual SAG Awards, held on February 23, 2025, were a big night for both film and TV. In film, Conclave took home the Best Ensemble Cast award, while Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor for his role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Demi Moore was named Best Actress for The Substance, and Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña got the nod for their supporting roles in A Real Pain and Emilia Pérez.
On the TV side, Shōgun swept the Drama Series category, with Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai winning Best Actor and Actress in a Drama Series. In Comedy Series, Only Murders in the Building won Best Ensemble, and Martin Short and Jean Smart picked up Best Actor and Actress for their roles in Only Murders and Hacks. The night also celebrated Jane Fonda with the SAG Life Achievement Award, where she gave an inspiring speech about the importance of empathy and unity in the industry.
Milan Fashion Week 2025
Milan Fashion Week 2025 has officially come to an end, and while the entire week was packed with stunning moments, a few standout collections dominated conversations. Prada redefined mid-century fashion with voluminous skirts, structured suits, and minimalist coats inspired by the 1950s and 1960s, celebrating movement and elegance. Fendi’s 100th-anniversary show was one of the most anticipated, paying tribute to its legacy with luxurious fabrics, intricate detailing, and archival designs that reflected its century-long influence. Diesel brought a bold, rebellious energy to the runway, reviving 1990s fashion with ultra-low-rise jeans, sheer dresses, and daring cuts that pushed boundaries. Max Mara channeled Gothic romance with dramatic coats, tailored suits, and deep, moody hues, while Marni’s collaboration with Nigerian artists injected the week with a explosion of colors and sculptural silhouettes. Jil Sander closed an era with Luke and Lucie Meier’s final collection, blending their signature minimalism with unexpected punk influences.
Beyond these highlights, there was plenty more to talk about—Gucci’s experimental take on streetwear and tailoring started discussions, Bottega Veneta’s use of innovative textures and craftsmanship stood out, and emerging designers made an impression with fresh perspectives. The fusion of heritage and innovation was a recurring theme, proving that Milan remains at the forefront of global fashion.
Microsoft to discontinue Skype, the pioneering internet calling service, by May 2025.
Just over 20 years after its launch, the pioneering internet calling platform will shut down in May 2025. Microsoft announced the decision on Friday, February 28, via X, encouraging users to switch to Microsoft Teams to stay connected with their chats and contacts.
Ne Zha 2’ Becomes Highest-Grossing Animated Movie Ever
The Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 has become a record-breaking phenomenon, amassing $1.9 billion from nearly 80,000 screens in just four weeks—without relying on the world’s largest theatrical market. It now holds the title of the highest-grossing film in a single territory, surpassing Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), which earned $936.7 million in North America. Remarkably, Ne Zha 2 achieved this milestone in just 11 days, compared to The Force Awakens, which took 165 days. The achievements don’t end there. Ne Zha 2 has also become the highest-grossing animated film in history, overtaking 2024’s Inside Out 2 ($1.66 billion). With its momentum, it’s on track to become the first animated movie to surpass the $2 billion mark.
Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her role in Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39.
Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39, as confirmed by the New York Police Department. According to police sources speaking to ABC News, Trachtenberg was found deceased in her New York City apartment by her mother on the morning of February 26th, around 8 a.m. local time. While the exact cause of death is still under investigation, authorities have ruled out foul play. Trachtenberg rose to fame as a child star in The Adventures of Pete & Pete and later appeared in Harriet the Spy (1996). She became widely recognized for portraying Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl.
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