The hottest Celebrity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Audacity of Ambition

The Ruffian • 503 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Film Art Ambition Public Speaking
  1. Timothée Chalamet is openly striving for greatness in his career, which is unusual in today's culture. Most people don't talk about wanting to be the best, but he is bold enough to express that ambition.
  2. Chalamet has devoted a huge amount of time and effort to his craft, even going as far as shutting off his phone for months to fully immerse himself in his roles. This shows how dedicated he is to his work.
  3. His speech about ambition was met with mixed reactions, highlighting a cultural tension where many people are hesitant to celebrate individual success. Chalamet's honesty about his goals challenges that idea.

Do good work and your fits will follow

Blackbird Spyplane • 3277 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Art Celebrity Style Identity
  1. Doing good work can enhance how people see your style. When you focus on creating and contributing positively, your overall vibe improves.
  2. People tend to admire others' fashion sense more when they appreciate their talents and achievements. Great style is often seen through the lens of the person's accomplishments.
  3. Fashion is evolving to include a wider range of styles that reflect individuality and personal expression. What was once considered 'normal' can now be stylish if presented well.

#207: The Cringe Matrix

Maybe Baby • 2194 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society Media Celebrity Self-help Identity
  1. Cringe can come in different forms, like wholesome, clueless, train wreck, and malevolent. Each type reflects a mix of awareness and sincerity.
  2. Not all actions that break social norms are cringe-worthy, but knowing your own cringe can help you avoid being too out of touch.
  3. When sharing personal thoughts online, it's important to stay sincere and aware to avoid falling into the trap of inauthenticity.

Blake Lively Reshoots the End of Her Story

Culture Study • 5988 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Gossip Media Social media Entertainment
  1. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni became part of a media storm over their movie 'It Ends With Us'. Each accused the other of bad behavior on set, shaping how people saw them, especially online.
  2. TikTok has a huge influence on how celebrities are perceived today. Unlike traditional media, TikTok users create narratives that can quickly spread and affect a celebrity's image.
  3. The power of publicity in Hollywood is shifting. Celebrities can now use social media to shape their narratives, but they can also fall victim to online campaigns that expose their flaws, as seen with Lively.

Have you ugly cried this week? I hope so. (Plus: my thoughts on Taylor Swift's book.)

How to Glow in the Dark • 679 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
📚 Literature Publishing Self-Publishing Authors Books Celebrity
  1. It's okay to feel your emotions deeply; sometimes crying is part of processing those feelings.
  2. Taylor Swift's upcoming self-published book is shaking up the publishing industry by bypassing traditional methods.
  3. This move could encourage traditional publishers to rethink their strategies and invest in diverse authors instead of focusing only on mega-celebrities.
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two new YouTube video essays!

Switch Hitter • 438 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Media Feminism Celebrity Transgender Relationships
  1. New YouTube videos explore parasocial relationships and gender issues. They look closely at how fans' behavior can mimic harassment.
  2. One video challenges the idea that trans people reinforce gender stereotypes. It argues that this view is based on flawed logic and double standards.
  3. There are plans for more video essays in the future, covering various topics. The creator is still committed to writing while expanding to video content.

Poopity Scoopity: A Review of Kanye West’s Twitter Account

Default Wisdom • 177 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Mental health Social media Celebrity
  1. Kanye West is facing both artistic and mental health struggles. His recent works show a decline in creativity and direction, highlighting his challenges.
  2. His attempt to shift towards a Christian theme with his album 'Jesus is King' didn’t receive the recognition he hoped for. This may have affected his artistic journey and mental state.
  3. Kanye's social media presence has turned chaotic and negative, reflecting deeper issues. Many believe he needs help and support to navigate these tough times.

Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and the Art of the Smear

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Celebrity Justice Social Issues
  1. Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and claimed he organized a smear campaign against her. This has sparked widespread discussion and sympathy for her situation.
  2. The case brings up questions about the complexity of such accusations, especially given how media often portrays men as villains and women as victims in Hollywood.
  3. Amid all the drama, it's important to remember that there are often multiple sides to every story, and not everything is as clear-cut as it seems.

BlueSky, Twitter, Celebrity, and the Is/Ought Distinction

Freddie deBoer • 4672 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Celebrity Public Opinion Echo Chambers Political Discourse
  1. There are different social media platforms, each attracting different types of people and attitudes. Platforms like Twitter and BlueSky show how user bases can reflect broader cultural divides.
  2. The choice to join a platform often comes down to seeking comfort in shared beliefs and avoiding opposing viewpoints, which can create echo chambers. This has been a challenge for liberals understanding current political dynamics.
  3. A key concern is about wanting the visibility of online presence without the responsibility that comes with it. This reflects a deeper issue around accountability in our public online interactions.

Heroin Chic Is Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1247 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Body Image Fashion Health Media Celebrity
  1. The current trend of using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic has shifted how people view body image and the body positivity movement. Many now see the movement as unrealistic since more people are choosing to be thinner.
  2. The emphasis on thinness in Hollywood is more apparent than ever, with celebrities being scrutinized for their appearance on the red carpet. This has led to a resurgence of the 'heroin chic' aesthetic.
  3. Even celebrities who once promoted body positivity are now opting for weight loss, indicating a change in societal standards regarding body image and attractiveness.

Darius Rucker

Steady • 22799 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎶 Music Celebrity Philanthropy Race Success
  1. Darius Rucker is a successful country music artist with a big heart for philanthropy.
  2. He has supported causes like childhood cancer treatment and Musicians on Call.
  3. Rucker's journey in country music breaks stereotypes and highlights progress in the genre.

The show is over, say goodbye

Disaffected Newsletter • 4316 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Music Celebrity Performance Psychology Social Commentary
  1. Madonna's recent performance highlighted her struggle with aging and the desire to cling to her past fame, which some people found sad and awkward.
  2. The concert's production quality was disappointing, with issues like poor sound and lip-syncing, leaving many fans feeling cheated.
  3. The author's views on Madonna shifted over time, reflecting a broader change in attitudes towards celebrity culture and its impacts on personal growth.

Perhaps Taylor Swift Isn't the Defining Political Issue of Our Times

Freddie deBoer • 12747 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Media Celebrity Society
  1. Consumption should not be equated with politics; what you buy does not define your political beliefs.
  2. Boycotting products, like hating Bud Light, is not a substantial political action; true political change requires mass action and not just personal choices.
  3. Liking certain music or celebrities does not make someone inherently more progressive; true politics is about material change and actions, not just cultural consumption.

Jennifer Please

Hung Up • 5129 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film Music Celebrity
  1. Jennifer Lopez presents a unique visual album called 'This is Me...Now' with a mix of different movie inspirations.
  2. The trailer hints at a narrative of love, heartbreak, and inner healing through fantastical storytelling and celebrity cameos.
  3. The film will be available on Amazon starting February 16, showcasing a new artistic side of Jennifer Lopez.

The Unraveling of a Royal Fairytale

Culture Study • 7348 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Royalty Celebrity Media Photography Entertainment
  1. The royal family's image control is rooted in their historical role as commodities, affecting how public perceive their every move.
  2. Princess Catherine's carefully crafted image contrasts with the destabilizing effect of Meghan Markle's outspokenness and mixed-race identity.
  3. The unraveling of the royal fairytale is symbolized by the mishandling of Princess Catherine's health crisis, exposing the monarchy's struggles to maintain control in a changing media landscape.

Are The Publicists On Strike Too

Hung Up • 7763 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Celebrity Lifestyle Media Arts
  1. The entertainment industry has been affected by strikes of writers and actors, leading to a standstill in major studios and streamers.
  2. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis faced backlash for supporting a friend accused of sexual assault, handling the situation poorly.
  3. Drew Barrymore is navigating the return of her talk show amidst industry strikes, choosing to go without a publicist and potentially risking controversy.

Daily Show Creator Freaks Out Over Gutfeld Ratings, But Says Audience is 'Gross' Anyway.

Raheem Kassam's Substack • 3026 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Comedy Criticism Celebrity
  1. The Daily Show creator expressed strong negative feelings towards Greg Gutfeld's ratings and his audience.
  2. The creator's remarks were filled with profanity and elitism, criticizing Gutfeld's humor and his viewers.
  3. Despite criticizing others, the creator's own dietary habits were revealed to include indulgence in unhealthy foods.

Facing the truth, and what comes after

Disaffected Newsletter • 1159 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Film Women Psychology Celebrity Identity
  1. Sometimes, we realize things about people we never noticed before. This can lead to uncomfortable truths about our relationships.
  2. People often look up to celebrities who remind them of their own life struggles, using them as symbols of their hopes or fears.
  3. Movies like _Mildred Pierce_ explore complex family dynamics and the pain of becoming like someone we fear or dislike.

The Fall of Meghan and Harry, Inc.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5541 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Royalty Entertainment Media Podcasts Celebrity
  1. People around the world fell in love with Meghan Markle when she got engaged to Prince Harry six years ago.
  2. The couple initially won over public opinion with their fairytale wedding and choice to break royal norms, but popularity has plummeted due to perceived laziness and snobbish behavior.
  3. Meghan and Harry's downfall can be attributed to their pursuit of huge financial deals and a lack of perceived hard work or genuine connection with the public.

News: Ashton Kutcher Resigns As Board Chair of Anti-Child Sexual Abuse Organization He Co-Founded

Yashar's Newsletter • 2201 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
📰 News Celebrity Sexual Abuse Organization Resignation
  1. Ashton Kutcher resigned as board chairman of an anti-child sexual abuse organization he co-founded.
  2. Kutcher admitted writing a character letter for a convicted rapist was an error in judgment, but he did not apologize directly to the victims.
  3. The character letters from Kutcher and his wife portrayed the rapist in a positive light, which hurt and infuriated survivors.

I've been trying to write about Russell Brand, but I can't

The Shift With Sam Baker • 1697 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Gender Issues Media
  1. Writing about sensitive topics like accusations against celebrities can be challenging and intimidating due to fear of repercussions.
  2. There are societal pressures and expectations that contribute to the silence around issues of abuse and assault, making it difficult for victims to come forward.
  3. The cultural narratives and responses to accusations of abuse and assault often place blame on the victims, questioning their credibility and actions.

The Vile Leading The Lost

So Here’s a Thing • 1671 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Media Gender Social Issues Entertainment
  1. The Attention Economy rewards those who attract the most attention, regardless of the content or quality of that attention.
  2. Insecurity Vampires like Russell Brand and Elon Musk thrive on exploiting the lost and confused, pushing controversial views for profit.
  3. There is a growing danger in mainstream media perpetuating damaging stereotypes about masculinity, which can be preyed upon by manipulative figures like Tate and Carlson.

Can Everyone Take a Deep Breath About the Barbie Movie

Discourse Blog • 727 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Entertainment Media Celebrity
  1. The Barbie movie received multiple nominations and wins, despite not being recognized by the Academy for certain categories.
  2. Fans and actors involved shared their disappointment over the Oscar snubs, highlighting the movie's success and cultural impact.
  3. The article questions whether the movie's existing achievements are enough or if recognition from the Academy is necessary.

The Scapegoating of Meghan and Harry

Changing The Channel • 896 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Media Royal Family
  1. Meghan and Harry have faced scapegoating and criticism for speaking out about their experiences, challenging the narrative set by the royal family and British tabloids.
  2. It's important to consider the dangers of disrupting established myths and narratives, especially when powerful institutions are involved.
  3. The criticism faced by Meghan and Harry reveals underlying biases and issues within society, highlighting the need for fair treatment and a more balanced perspective.

The Problem With a Life of "Yes"

At the Mountains of Sadness • 589 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Celebrity Criticism Fame Power Dynamics
  1. Rich and famous individuals can become detached from reality when surrounded by constant affirmation and lack of criticism.
  2. Being shielded from 'no' can lead to a warped sense of truth and morality for wealthy and powerful people.
  3. Continuous validation can drive some prominent figures towards extremism and an inability to handle dissenting opinions.