Dolly Parton, the beloved country music superstar known as much for her philanthropy and theme park business as she was for her chart-topping hit songs, has died at 80. Parton’s death was announced by her publicist. No cause of death was provided. “Dolly Parton: An American Original – A Special Edition of 20/20” airs tonight, … Read more
A new UNESCO report explores how A.I. is transforming culture. Observer Lab UNESCO’s mission is not only to preserve the heritage left behind by previous generations, but also to identify, track and promote the circulation of knowledge and ideas that foster further cultural creation, development and dialogue. It’s a mission that inevitably straddles past, present … Read more
Transformed (briefly) into the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art inspired not only confusion but also harsh criticism from the public. Photography by Graydon Wood. Image courtesy of the Philadelphia Museum of Art As rebranding goes, this was a short-lived process. Less than four months after the Philadelphia Museum of Art unveiled … Read more
Cities are rarely named by one name. Some are identified by their location on the map, while others are known by the worlds they form. Port Said, for example, was never just Port Said. I have Sold out Many names over time, each one a reflection of its multi-layered identity: “Marseille of the Red Sea,” … Read more
Sabrina Carpenter’s Coachella 2026 headliner will be set Friday night I turned In a cultural debate about the contrasting forms of cultural expression in music and the varying levels of acceptance they receive. During his performance, the pop star paused after hearing a distinct, high-pitched sound from the audience. She mistook it for singing, saying … Read more
A sly wink. Slightly teasing smile. A hand is placed under the chin, and gold bracelets hang along the arm. It is an unambiguous position at its core, and one that Egyptian women clearly embody. A sensual confidence that over time became a national symbol in its own right: a soul Country girl (Daughter of … Read more
As streaming, social media and algorithm-driven viewing reshape entertainment, the Oscars strive to remain culturally relevant. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images At their best, the Oscars serve as a time capsule of the year’s national (and increasingly global) consciousness. Long before hashtags existed, nominated films reflected what was “trending” in our minds. Platoon (1986) … Read more
Various small fires in the frieze. Courtesy Freeze, Photo: Casey Kilbaugh/CKA When Frieze adds a city to its roster, the brand imports not only a market, but also an aura of cultural authority so pervasive that its presence quickly seems like a timeless inevitability. In other words, Art Week becomes Frieze Week in no time. … Read more
los angeles — Waiting to Exhale, released in 1995, follows four women through turbulent moments in their lives, dealing with love, family, careers, and everything in between. Angela Bassett (Bernadine), Loretta Devine (Gloria), Lila Rochon (Robin), and the late Whitney Houston (Savannah) portray a close group of friends who rely on their close bonds to … Read more
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter is facing backlash following her recent Saturday Night Live appearance, with fellow artist Rina Sawayama pointing out cultural missteps in the performance of “Nobody’s Son.” Carpenter appeared on the October 18 episode of SNL as both host and musical guest, performing tracks from her latest album, Man’s Best Friend. During her … Read more