Film
Surprises and snubs as Academy Awards nominations revealed
The 2025 Oscar nominations have delivered their fair share of drama and delight. Leading Australia’s charge is Guy Pearce, earning a Best Supporting Actor nod for his role in The Brutalist, a testament to his cinematic prowess.
Meanwhile, Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez made history with 13 nominations, breaking records for non-English films. Among its achievements, Karla Sofía Gascón became the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar – a landmark moment for the industry.
As Michael Idato in The Sydney Morning Herald, some big names were left in the wings. Nicole Kidman’s expected nod for Babygirl never came, and Angelina Jolie was overlooked for her performance in Maria.
Television
Trump’s return: Slams FEMA, floats radical disaster policy shift in first interview
Donald Trump’s first sit-down since reclaiming the Oval Office was a chat with Fox News ally Sean Hannity, offering little in the way of tough questions but plenty of insight into his plans for round two.
Trump hinted at scrapping federal disaster relief, leaving states to handle emergencies solo – controversial timing, with wildfires ravaging LA and hurricanes battering the eastern US.
As reported by Michael Koziol in The Sydney Morning Herald, he also took aim at FEMA, accusing the agency of failing disaster victims, framing his approach as a shake-up to a broken system.
Brands
Myer to supercharge loyalty game after Premier Brands merger
Myer executive chairman Olivia Wirth has declared it “day zero” as she embarks on integrating the newly acquired Premier Investments fashion brands into the retailer’s fold.
The revamped retailer will boast 783 outlets across its flagship department stores and brands like Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Dotti, Portmans, and Jacqui E, with a combined annual turnover of $4 billion.
“We’re focused on hitting the ground running,” Wirth told Eli Greenblat in The Australian, adding the integration will begin next week with a parallel approach to ensure the business stays on target during the transition.
End of an era: Rivers shuts all stores after sale collapse
Iconic Aussie brand Rivers, known for its shoes and clothing since 1863, is closing all 136 stores and cutting over 600 jobs after a failed sale effort.
As reported by Carrie LaFrenz in The Australian Financial Review, owned by ASX-listed Mosaic Brands, which entered administration in October, Rivers is the latest casualty of the retailer’s collapse. Administrators from KPMG and FTI Consulting have already announced closures of the Katies chain, leaving Noni B and Millers as Mosaic’s remaining brands.
KPMG partner David Hardy said, “Despite efforts, a sale of Rivers couldn’t be achieved, leading to the tough decision to wind down the brand.”
Woolworths and Coles top Australia’s most distrusted brands list
Woolworths and Coles have become Australia’s most distrusted brands, according to the latest Roy Morgan research.
As reported by Mediaweek, Woolworths now holds the unwanted title of being the most distrusted brand in the country, dethroning Optus, with Coles following as the second-most distrusted.
Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said of the research, “Distrust has a far more potent impact on consumer behaviour than trust. While trust creates loyalty, distrust can drive customers into the welcoming arms of more trusted brands.”
Pictured: Guy Pearce, Nicole Kidman and Karla Sofía Gascón