In the news: Rachel Zegler, star of West Side Story (2021), keeps shining as a rising actress and singer—Golden Globes winner, breakout María.
The New York Times has argued that major U.S. awards ceremonies in 2026 have become politically muted compared with past years, with actors and presenters offering restrained or indirect statements. The piece has linked the silence to fear of retaliation, changing public attitudes toward celebrity politics, and historical examples of authoritarian leaders courting cultural figures.
Young people are increasingly questioning capitalism, influenced by social media trends and dissatisfaction with economic opportunities. Simultaneously, some Gen Zers show interest in China, reflecting broader discontent with Western systems. Experts suggest these shifts signal a need for systemic change.