The TV screen glows as the buzz of the award season kicks into full gear, all the glitzy ceremonies ahead that celebrate this past year’s success in the media industry. Last year’s media hits and highlights delivered an array of genres and unforgettable moments which keeps people hooked throughout.

Movies and Shows

    After the highly anticipated movie remake of the Broadway musical, “Wicked” hit theaters, South students and teachers couldn’t stop raving about it.  Abhi Nimmagada (‘27) said “When I came into school ‘Wicked’ was all people were talking about, even my teachers were asking about it”. “Wicked” debuted on the big screen in late November. It is a prequel to the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz”. The movie adaptation was such a success that it became the highest grossing Broadway musical adaptation movie of over 400 million dollars, in just eight days according to Kelsie Hoffman. 

      One reason for the movie’s popularity was the wide-sweeping marketing in partnership with over 400 brands, such as H&M. The brand  launched a new clothing line inspired by the movie with items ranging from t-shirts to coats. The brands that Wicked’s PR team chose were so popular, that it highly contributed to the rapid growth of popularity surrounding the film.

     Another highly anticipated media piece is “Outer Banks”.  Fans of the show were ecstatic for its new season. Surprisingly, many say it didn’t live up to expectations. Raavi Agrawal (‘27) said, “I used to love its summer vibes, but it’s really changed from that.” Many people believe that the show’s energy has transformed to a confusing-action based plot. There is also speculation around dramatic personal reasons that made the producers and actors choose the tragic, shocking end of the season. 

     Yet summer of 2024 made up for this with the numerous well made entertainment as well. The movie “Challengers” increased the popularity of tennis. Agrawal said, “The colorful cinematography and upbeat soundtrack made the film worth it. It almost convinced me to start tennis”.  This film follows the love story of three talented tennis players. The story jumps back and forth from when the characters are middle aged to when they are in their 20s to add intrigue to the movie.

    Entering the chillier months, the Halloween season was full of suspenseful horror, thanks to films like “Long Legs.”  “Long Legs” is an eerie movie based on an FBI agent hunting down a serial killer. “It was really psychological and I love thrillers like that, it really messes with my mind” said Bella Zola (‘26).

    Another fun release last year was the newest season of “Abbot Elementary.” Abbott Elementary’s comedic take on the life of teachers at an elementary school in Philadelphia made this story a hit. History teacher Mr. Joseph Porter said, “It’s pretty fun and very relatable as a teacher.”

Music

    Another summer trendsetter was Charli XCX’s album “Brat” which gave rise to “Brat Summer.” The album’s fun mix of EDM and pop brought this album to No.3 on Billboard 200, marking Charli XCX’s biggest hit yet according to Billboard’s Music Chart. Nimmagunda said “At school everyone was listening to her album, it was crazy”. “Brat” made a vibrant shade of green trendy  and “Brat summer,” which is the summer mindset to live life to the fullest and have as much fun as you can.

     Sabrina Carpenter also had a major success with her new album “Short n’ Sweet” which won No.1 on the Billboard 200 according to Billboard’s Ranking Chart. Carpenter’s catchy yet heartfelt lyrics solidified her Grammy nomination for best album. After her song “Espresso” was released in April and turned her into a world-wide sensation. Carpenter continued to steal the hearts of everyone around the world with her charm and unique artistry throughout her music videos and interviews. Throughout her tour she created multiple trends, and even had celebrity guest star Marcello Hernandez participate in a small skit for her audience. 

     Agrawal said, “I’m looking forward to the ‘Oscars’.  In 2024 with so much content everywhere, It’s crazy how the award ceremonies feel like the one night that truly celebrates all the talent and hard work behind the media”.