Oct 23, 2026 · 7 min listen · Last updated October 23, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Here are today's top 10 culture stories. Let's get into it. First, from Vogue. 13 of the Biggest Contenders for the 2027 Oscars. The one to beat.
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Daily Culture Brief · October 23rd
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13 of the Biggest Contenders for the 2027 Oscars
The one to beat. Christopher Nolan scored 13 nominations and no fewer than seven wins, including for best picture, with his last directorial effort, Oppenheimer, at the 2024 Oscars, and his follow-up is an even more obvious example of awards catnip. An ambitious, weighty adaptation of Homer’s epic with an all-star cast that grossed over $1 billion? Forget about it—it’s not a question of if it can take the best-picture statuette, but rather who could possibly stand in its way.
Nobody Wants This: Netflix’s Emmy-Nominated Rom-Com Is One Of Its Best New Binges Right Now
Netflix ’s Emmy-nominated romantic comedy series is officially back with 10 new episodes, making it one of the easiest new series to binge right now. Starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, this feel-good show originally premiered back in 2024 and has since become one of the most popular cozy Fall series on Netflix. If you're looking for an easy-to-binge Netflix series with outstanding chemistry between its two leads and a strong ensemble cast, look no further than this new rom-com that's already making waves on worldwide viewership charts.
Raye has just snagged the 2026 Mercury Prize for her album *This Music May Contain Hope*, marking a significant moment in her career. She beat out some heavyweights like Sir Paul McCartney and Florence and the Machine, making this win particularly sweet since her previous album, *My 21st Century Blues*, was nominated but didn’t take home the prize.
During the award ceremony in Newcastle, Raye reflected on the importance of albums, expressing gratitude for the recognition. She shared her thoughts on hope, acknowledging that while it might sound cheesy, it’s something everyone can relate to and needs in their lives. It’s a lovely sentiment that really resonates, especially in today’s world.
The night was also filled with great performances. Raye showcased her talent with "I Hate The Way I Look Today," backed by a big band, which must have been a sight to see. Other nominees also took the stage, with Jade performing "Angel of My Dreams" and Olivia Dean singing "Let Alone The One You Love." Florence and the Machine delivered a powerful rendition of "One Of the Greats," and Pulp brought their classic vibe with "Begging for Change," supporting a great cause for children in war zones.
All in all, it sounds like a night to remember, celebrating not just Raye’s achievement but the power of music to bring people together.
Zelda: Wind Waker Meets Dark Souls In New RPG You Can Play Free Now
This new game captures that same sense of exploration and whimsy, but with a twist that brings in the tough, strategic combat that Dark Souls is known for. It’s a refreshing blend that might just fill the gap for fans who have been craving more games in that style.
If you’ve been longing for a game that offers both the vibrant world of Wind Waker and the intense challenge of Dark Souls, this could be right up your alley. Plus, since it’s free, there’s really no reason not to give it a shot. It’s exciting to see how these influences come together in a way that feels both familiar and new.
Stephen King is a master of storytelling, and while many of his novels are hefty, there are some shorter reads that you can easily dive into over a weekend. If you’re looking for a quick thrill without the commitment of a long read, there are several gems that still pack a punch.
One standout is "The Body," which inspired the classic film "Stand by Me." It’s a nostalgic coming-of-age tale that explores friendship and loss, all wrapped in King’s signature style. Then there’s "Misery," a gripping psychological thriller about an author held captive by an obsessive fan. It’s intense and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Another great pick is "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon." This one follows a young girl who gets lost in the woods and has to rely on her wits and imagination to survive. It’s a haunting exploration of fear and resilience. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, "The Shawshank Redemption" is a powerful story about hope and friendship set in a prison.
For a touch of horror, "The Mist" delivers a chilling tale of a small town besieged by a mysterious fog filled with terrifying creatures. It’s a quick read that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished. Lastly, "Dolores Claiborne" offers a deep dive into the complexities of a woman's life, blending suspense with rich character development.
These stories showcase King’s ability to create compelling narratives without overwhelming you with length. Perfect for a cozy weekend reading session!
More Planned Riots Put Off Art, Fashion and Sport Events in Paris
Fashion and art institutions are preparing for another fraught weekend after hundreds of stores were looted in Paris, Milan and other European cities last weekend, as rioters took advantage of the disruption caused by protestors advocating for better cost of living and education conditions. It comes at a busy moment for the French capital in particular, which this weekend is set to play host to a series of events in the realms of art, sport and fashion — some of which has now been called off.
The Scoop With Osama Chabbi: On Directing His First Fashion Documentary
Welcome to the Scoop: a weekly email series in which I quiz fashion insiders on the stories of the week. This will be a way for the Vogue Business community to synthesize and reflect on the latest headlines and get a little inside scoop every Friday. This week’s guest is Osama Chabbi, one of the few fashion commentators that emerged on Instagram post-pandemic that actually has something to say.
From Jeon Do-yeon to Tao Okamoto, Four Asian Actresses Giving Must-See Performances This Fall
A grieving widow rediscovers her appetite for life on a Tokyo dance floor. A working-class wife becomes the subject of a documentary by a wealthy filmmaker. A terminally ill theater director strikes up an unexpected friendship in France. And a rookie cop confronts an otherworldly threat in a remote Korean village. The four films—Ha-chan, Shake Your Booty!, Possible Love, All of a Sudden, and Hope—could hardly be more different, but all have attracted attention on this year’s festival circuit, with major prizes at Cannes, Venice, and Sundance among their accolades.
Panchiko Announce New Album Chimera, Share “One Car Hits Another” Featuring Mei Semones: Stream
Panchiko have announced their third studio album, Chimera, set to arrive April 9th via Nettwerk. To build up anticipation, they have also shared its lead single, “One Car Hits Another,” featuring Mei Semones. Stream it below. Recorded at the British band’s own studio, the 12-song LP moves through and beyond… Please click the link below to read the full article.