any of us are still processing the disheartening events of the week, the riots and chaos that roiled our nation’s capital. As it was unfolding I found it difficult to concentrate on anything else, so I’m grateful to have the space this weekend to reflect on what happened and also take a moment to unwind and decompress. For any of you in need of distraction, I am delighted to introduce a new series that we think is a perfect way to get excited about the year ahead. Called 12 for ’21, the portfolio highlights a dozen artists, writers and entertainers who are poised to have a breakout year. With deferred concerts, delayed films, rescheduled book launches and canceled exhibitions, a lot of creativity was postponed last year, which means 2021 is shaping up to be one of the most jam-packed years for entertainment in recent memory. We’re rolling these profiles out one day at a time; please stay tuned for the rest, coming next week. We kicked off 12 for ’21 with a profile of Emerald Fennel, the Crown actor who also directed the darkly comedic film Promising Young Woman. The movie struck me as a kind of mashup of Kill Bill and Heathers—needless to say, I loved it. I’m also a fan of Euphoria, in which our second subject, Colman Domingo, plays the role of Ali, a former addict turned sponsor and mentor to Rue (played by Zendaya). In one of two special pre-season episodes, Domingo takes a star turn in an hour-long episode that unfolds as a deep conversation between Ali and Rue. Our third profile is about Tainy, a producer who makes irresistible beats for stars like Bad Bunny and J Balvin. And for the final installment this week, don’t miss our profile of Booker-shortlisted author Brandon Taylor. Known for centering characters who have traditionally been kept at the margins, he has a new story collection, Filthy Animals, coming in June. I can’t wait to read it. Elsewhere in the newsletter, read up on George Saunders’s new book, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, and don’t miss our latest My Monday Morning column with the WNBA’s Sue Bird, who tells us about her power breakfast and how she and fiancée Megan Rapinoe have been spending their downtime during the pandemic. I hope you all have a calm and restorative weekend. |