10 Movies You Can Stream This Weekend to Get Ready for the Oscars

If you love movies, pop culture or red carpet style, this weekend is your Super Bowl. It’s the grand finale of awards show season: the Oscars. And this year looks like it’s going to be memorable. It’s been a highly politicized year in film, what with #OscarsSoWhite and news regarding the limited types of roles for women who win Oscars in film, so that’s sure to play out in host Chris Rock’s quips. The movies nominated for Best Picture this year are all very different, so all bets are off. To get you all pumped up for your Oscar-viewing party, we’re rounded up a list of previous nominees, winners and this year’s contenders. Now, you’ve only got a couple days to watch as much Oscars material as you can, so get streaming! The winner for best weekend plans goes to…

This Year’s Nominees

1. Spotlight: An all-star cast — Rachel McAdams, Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber, Stanley Tucci, to name a few — carries this moving film about a team of journalists at the Boston Globe who uncovered the Catholic Church’s child molestation scandal. It’s nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Tom McCarthy), Best Screenplay and Best Film Editing. Both Ruffalo and McAdams are also nominated for their work. (Image via Open Road Films)

2. Steve Jobs: The biopic paints an intricate portrait of the man underneath the turtleneck who revolutionized technology. The film stars Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen and Jeff Daniels in an unflinching look at the man who brought us our beloved Apple products. Both Winslet and Fassbender are nominated for their work in the film. (Image via Legendary Pictures)

3. The Martian: The nail-biting film stars Matt Damon as an astronaut abandoned on Mars who must find a way to get back home. The film was directed by Ridley Scott, who also did Prometheus and Alien. So if you’re a fan of either Matt Damon or dystopian flicks, it’s a must-see. It’s nominated for seven awards including Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Lead Actor for Damon’s role. (Image via 20th Century Fox)

4. Ex Machina: It seems like a weird choice for an Oscar nomination, but the sci-fi movie keeps you on the edge of your seat with unexpected twists and turns. Not to mention, it was without a doubt one of the year’s most intricately written scripts. It stars some of this year’s biggest names, like Alicia Vikander (also in The Danish Girl), Domhnall Gleeson and Oscar Isaac (both of Star Wars fame). It’s up for Best Screenplay and Best Visual Effects. (Image via Universal Pictures)

5. What Happened, Miss Simone?: One of the OG Netflix originals, the story of Nina Simone is a fascinating film that every music lover should watch. The life story of one of the 20th century’s most unique and iconic voices also examines racial and mental health issues of the time. It’s up for Best Documentary and has already won awards at three other festivals. (Image via Netflix)

Last Year’s Big Winners

1. Birdman: Last year’s big Oscar winner was packed with an A-list cast: Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, Edward Norton and Zach Galifinakis. Keaton stars as an actor fading into obscurity and dealing with life’s big questions. It won Best Picture, Best Directing, Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography. Watch it, and you’ll see why every single one of those wins was well-deserved. (Image via Fox Searchlight Pictures)

2. Boyhood: Starring Ethan Hawke as the dad you wish you had, Boyhood was a pioneering film, shot over 12 years. Although the movie lost “Best Picture” to Birdman, Boyhood swept at many other awards shows. Last year, Patricia Arquette won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and made one of the most memorable Oscars speeches of all time. (Image via IFC Films)

Academy Award Classics

1. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Often considered one of the best pictures of all time, Ang Lee’s smash hit glamorized martial arts and put 19th century China on everybody’s radar. The Taiwanese film made history in 2000 when it was nominated for both Best Picture and Best Foreign Film. It received 10 nominations in total and won for Best Cinematography, Best Foreign Film, Best Art Direction and Best Music. (Image via Sony Pictures)

2. Good Will Hunting: For everybody who’s rooting for Matt Damon to win Best Actor this year, go back in time to 1997 when he won for Best Writing, along with Ben Affleck. Robin Williams also won an Oscar for his work in the film. It was up for a total of nine nominations including Best Picture, but it lost out to The English Patient. (Image via Miramax)

3. Annie Hall: According to many film critics, this film starring Diane Keaton and Woody Allen is as iconic as films come. It’s a constantly referenced movie that masterfully explores every aspect of love: the good parts, the bad parts and the hysterical parts. When it was nominated in 1978, the film won Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay. Diane Keaton also won for Best Actress. (Image via United Artists)

4. Roman Holiday: Audrey Hepburn first came to the public eye as a runaway princess opposite Gregory Peck. The film is still as charming, witty and romantic as it was when it came out. Somehow, it manages to feel simultaneously modern and like a time capsule from the ’50s. When the film was nominated in 1953, it won Best Writing and Best Costume Design, while Hepburn took home a win for Best Actress. Plus, it was nominated in seven other categories. (Image via Paramount Pictures)

Which of your favorite Oscar-nominated movies did we leave out? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Featured photo via Getty)

The best things around the holidays are comforting and familiar. To be surrounded by friends, family, tradition, and delicious Thanksgiving appetizers is just amazing! So, in the spirit of all things warm and cozy, we rounded up 6 of the best Thanksgiving TV episodes from our favorite shows. Whether you’re into old-school Full House shenanigans or the mishaps of Modern Family, these are the six comfort shows that will make you laugh through all throughout Thanksgiving weekend.

Hulu

1. Full House Season 1, Episode 9 "The Miracle of Thanksgiving"

Watch on Hulu: We look back at season one of Full House with fond memories — mostly for this iconic episode wherein Joey constantly announces the arrival of the miracle *cue trumpet sound* of Thanksgiving. It’s not about how good the dinner turns out, it’s the fact that you even tried to roast a turkey.

IMDB

2. Boy Meets World Season 4, Episode 10 "Turkey Day"

Watch on Disney+: After learning about tribal prejudice in Africa, Cory and Shawn decide to combine family celebrations of Thanksgiving. The result is a touching but, of course, funny take on how different families celebrate in different ways. Reaching across the table is the new reaching across the aisle!

IMDB

3. Friends Season 5, Episode 8 "The One With All the Thanksgivings"

Watch on Max: You didn’t think we’d make it through this list without mentioning this iconic Thanksgiving TV episode, did you? It’s the one where the gang relives their terrible Thanksgivings of the past and Monica somehow winds up with a turkey on her head. Classic.

IMDB

4. How I Met Your Mother Season 3, Episode 9 "Slapsgiving"

Watch on Hulu: Every year, Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to honor traditions. Our favorite tradition? Slapsgiving from HIMYM. The episode that started it all — and forever struck fear into Barney’s heart — is our favorite Thanksgiving episode from the nine-season run!

IMDB

5. Modern Family Season 6, Episode 8 "Three Turkeys"

Watch on Hulu: It’s always nice when people pitch in and offer to help, but it can be impossible to know whether or not they’ll follow through. This hysterical holiday episode of Modern Family sees the clan end up *somehow* with three turkeys at the Thanksgiving table. At least there’s plenty of leftovers…

IMDB

6. Gilmore Girls Season 3, Episode 9 "A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving"

Watch on Netflix: If you’re overbooked this Thanksgiving, just consider Lorelai and Rory, who celebrated four Thanksgivings in one day. Of course things go wrong, as they do with everybody’s Thanksgiving. It’s probably one of the most relatable episodes around holiday time.

Are there any shows we missed? Let us know your favorite Thanksgiving episodes @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

When any red carpet rolls around, there are certain couples we can pretty much always count on to show up looking cuter than ever. John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, Eddie Redmayne and his wife Hannah Bagshawe, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend… But anyone who’s ever seen a tabloid knows that celebrity couples often have a relatively short lifespan. And so when we decided to look back at the red carpet couples of the past, we rediscovered a whole bunch of duos we totally forgot ever existed. These stars are incredible on their own, but even more powerful together. Scroll on down to take a look at all the now-Hollywood exes who made us do a double take.

Juliette Lewis + Brad Pitt

Vinnie Zuffante/Archive Photos/Getty Images

We tend to think of Angelina and Jennifer as Brad’s two big loves, but before them (and Gwyneth) came Juliette Lewis. The two dated for four years when they were both on the cusp of total stardom. These two just might be tied with Johnny Depp and Kate Moss as the most ’90s couple that’s ever existed.

Michael Jackson + Brooke Shields

Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

A budding supermodel and a global pop sensation? It’s kind of a Hollywood match made in heaven, just like Brooke's curls. That dress on the other hand? We’re not so sure.

Matthew Broderick + Jennifer Grey

Vinnie Zuffante/TriStar/Getty Images

As much as we’d like to believe Sarah Jessica Parker was Matthew Broderick’s one and only, this couple makes a lot of sense. The two were both the main characters in epic teen ’80s movies – we’ll just forget about the fact that they played brother and sister in one of them…

Jake Gylenhaal + Reese Witherspoon

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Dang, why didn’t this couple work out again? Oh right, probably because that much wonderfulness packed into one couple would make the world explode. But they sure did look good together!

Drew Barrymore + Corey Feldman

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Feldman once said that his first date with Drew was arranged by her mother when she was 10 and he was 14, because apparently Barrymore had a huge crush on him. They later dated briefly (this time for real) in 1989, when Drew was a teenager. Unfortunately, he was heavily into drugs during that time and she was trying to stay sober after multiple stints in rehab, so it didn’t last long.

Winona Ryder + Christian Slater

New World Pictures/Getty Images

Here’s to hoping this relationship ended a little more amicably than it did for their Heathers characters.

Julia Roberts + Kiefer Sutherland

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

It was supposed to be one of the biggest Hollywood weddings ever, and then all of a sudden, Julia called it off. Tragic. At least we have this red carpet moment to remember the couple by.

Stacy Keibler + George Clooney

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Now that Amal is in the picture, it’s hard to imagine George with anyone else. But before that British vision of elegance came Stacy Keibler, the stunning professional wrestler and George’s beau for two years.

Who’s your favorite throwback red carpet couple? Share with us on Twitter @BritandCo.

This post has been updated.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.