The project, developed as a continuation of the original series that aired from 1997 to 2003, had been in the works since early 2025. Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao, who was nominated for Best Director at the Oscars around the time of the announcement, directed the pilot episode and served as an executive producer. The pilot was shot last August 2025, with hopes that Hulu would greenlight a full season after review. Gellar was set to reprise her role as Buffy Summers alongside 16-year-old Ryan Kiera Armstrong as new Slayer Nova, with screenwriters Nora and Lilla Zuckerman also attached as executive producers.

In an interview with PEOPLE magazine at SXSW, Gellar opened up about the challenges faced during development, pointing directly to a Hulu executive as a primary reason for the project's demise. "We had an executive on our show who was not only not a fan of the original, but was proud to constantly remind us that he had never seen the entirety of the series and how it wasn't for him," Gellar stated. She described this attitude as creating "an uphill battle" from day one, especially given the deep personal and global love for the franchise, which she shares with Zhao. Gellar emphasized her reluctance to return without Zhao's involvement, crediting the director for convincing her to "slay again."

The "Buffy" series has long held significance in LGBTQ+ media history, featuring groundbreaking queer representation through characters like Willow Rosenberg, whose same-sex relationship with Tara Maclay was a pioneering storyline on network television in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Fans and critics have praised the show for its empowering narratives around chosen family, identity, and fighting societal monsters, themes resonant with transgender people and broader LGBTQ+ communities. The revival was anticipated to potentially expand on these elements in a modern context, with Armstrong's Nova representing a new generation of Slayers. While specific LGBTQ+ community responses to the cancellation are emerging on social media, Gellar's Instagram announcement acknowledged fans' belief in "this new chapter," underscoring the emotional investment from the community.

Armstrong, who was visibly emotional in her own Instagram response, expressed pride in the project despite its end. "It doesn’t take away from the amazing experience that I had... Thank you to all the fans who believed in this new chapter, and who believed in me," she wrote. Gellar echoed feelings of disappointment shared with Zhao, noting the timing hurt amid Zhao's Oscar preparations, but urged focus on their achievements. "No one saw this coming, including the head of Searchlight," Gellar added, affirming the original series' enduring legacy remains intact.

Sources close to the project indicate the door is not fully closed on "Buffy." Hulu, under Disney which owns the intellectual property, is exploring next steps, though the current team including Gellar, Zhao, and the Zuckermans cannot move the project elsewhere without Disney's approval. Gellar ended her announcement light-heartedly, promising fans she could still be beaten in an apocalypse. The cancellation highlights ongoing challenges in reviving beloved properties amid executive preferences and streaming economics.

The queer social media space has also created some parasocial megastars like the provocative James Charles, Jeffree Star or Nikkie Tutorials. They are in the make-up artist space, but have become just as recognizable as some of the most famous movie stars. 

Let’s take a look at five huge queer digital creators shaping internet culture through Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms, while also flying under the mainstream’s radar. 

Chris Olsen  

Another online celebrity born from the quarantine era. Chris Olsen has 13.9 million followers on TikTok which he steadily built over a few years. People loved his buy-a-coffee-and-deliver-it-to-a-celebrity era. Then he proved he is not just a one trick pony because he continuously posts humorous videos about his life that continue to get millions of views. Olsen also had a very public break up in 2022. Last December, he revealed his new boyfriend, Harrison Dockerty.  



Dylan Mulvaney

As her platform expanded to include 1.5 million Instagram followers, Dylan Mulvaney became a prominent voice in conversations around transgender visibility and representation in social media culture. While her presence has sparked wide discussion across the internet, she continues to focus on positivity, self-expression, and the idea that sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone. Her blend of vulnerability and playful storytelling has made her one of the most recognizable digital creators of her generation.



Bretman Rock

Part of what makes Bretman Rock special is how effortlessly he (no preferred pronouns) mixes glamour with grounded authenticity. His 19.4 million Instagram followers seem to agree. Born in the Philippines and raised in Hawaii, he often incorporates elements of his background and family life into his content, creating a genuine persona in make-up, not performative. Rock has evolved from beauty influencer to full-fledged pop-culture personality, admired as much for his humor and individuality as for his flawless “lewks.”



Rickey Thompson  

Vine might be dead, but Rickey Thompson lives on and so do his 6.6 million Instagram followers! Over the years, Thompson has expanded his online presence to include fashion, red carpet core, and brand partnerships while still maintaining that comedic voice that first made him famous. We love his unapologetic personality and ability to turn everyday frustrations into a hilarious bit. In the crowded world of parasocial comedy, Thompson has kept his reserved seat at the front of popular platforms, delivering big laughs and big personality.



Alok Vaid-Menon  

Through performances, essays, and viral social media content, Alok Vaid-Menon has become an influential and informative voice in tête-à-têtes about nonbinary identity and gender diversity. They have 1.7 million followers on Instagram alone. Rather than simply presenting ideas, they encourage dialogue—using poetry, humor, and storytelling to challenge assumptions and inspire empathy. Their work highlights the power of creativity as a tool for visibility, education, and cultural change. “I think that's why trans storytelling is so important right now — because most people don't know us. We're still in this phase where people don't even know us. And when they do know us, something shifts,” they told Pride Source .

He has a relaxed attractiveness to him, and he often posts about enjoying life and allowing others to do the same. It’s comforting without feeling performative.



Whether he’s posting a casual beach photo or a polished shot from a night out, he’s got a magnetism that probably leave many crushes in his wake. 



If you’re a concert nut, especially open-air collectives where people can dance and enjoy themselves, Ilad might appeal to you even more. 



He seems completely in his element when he’s attending music festivals where free spirits, both the ethereal kind and the liquid kind, co-exist. 



Hakim often shares snapshots of those moments where music, style, and his soul collide.



He writes in one post about being surrounded by people at the Ozura Music Fest in 2025: “So many souls, and each one of a different color creating a rainbow of colors that decorate my world in countless landscapes, and I, with my brothers, wander among dreams.”

Broadway Backwards originated in 2006 at The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City, evolving from a modest gathering into a powerhouse fundraiser that reinterprets classic Broadway songs with queer narratives, turning standards into anthems of visibility, freedom, and pride. Produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the organization has raised substantial funds since 1988, awarding more than $300 million for essential services for people living with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States. The event directly supports Broadway Cares and The Center, institutions pivotal to LGBTQ+ health, community services, and advocacy.

Danny Whitman, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, reflected on the event's growth: "We first presented Broadway Backwards at the LGBT Center in 2006, and I’ve had the joy of watching it grow with hundreds of unforgettable performances across these past 20 years. This year, these stories matter more than ever. With LGBTQ+ funding at risk and threats rising, Broadway Backwards supports queer communities here in New York through The Center and across the country through Broadway Cares—turning celebration into real, lifesaving impact." Dr. Carla Smith, CEO of The Center, emphasized its significance: “Broadway Backwards holds a special place in our hearts. Over the past two decades, we’ve seen this unique production grow into a joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ creativity, community and pride. We are deeply grateful for our longtime partnership with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and for the artists and audiences who make this night so meaningful. HIV and AIDS prevention and support are core to our mission, and this fundraiser helps us continue turning joy into impact, ensuring LGBTQ+ New Yorkers have access to the services they need to live successful and healthy lives."

Tony nominee Jenn Colella returns as host, guiding audiences through a evening where straight, gay, bisexual, and transgender performers alike deliver gender-flipped and queered renditions of musical theatre staples, fostering inclusivity across all LGBTQ+ identities. This format not only entertains but also amplifies queer voices, providing a platform for transgender people, non-binary individuals, and others within the community to see their experiences reflected and celebrated on one of Broadway's grandest stages.

The lineup boasts a constellation of talent whose careers intersect deeply with Broadway's queer legacy. Jennifer Holliday, known for originating the role of Effie in Dreamgirls, brings her powerhouse vocals to the event, a performer whose work has resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences for decades. Bernadette Peters, a Broadway icon with multiple Tony Awards, has long been an ally, her performances in shows like Into the Woods embodying theatrical excellence that transcends identity. Andrew Rannells, openly gay and celebrated for roles in The Book of Mormon and Falsettos, embodies the queer storytelling at the heart of the concert.

Additional stars Ariana DeBose, the first openly queer woman of color to win an Oscar for West Side Story, represents a new generation of visible LGBTQ+ excellence in theatre and film. Len Cariou, a Tony-winning veteran from Sweeney Todd, and Leslie Uggams, trailblazer in Hairspray and more, add intergenerational depth, highlighting how allies and queer artists collaborate to advance representation. These performers will reinterpret songs from the musical theatre canon, flipping genders and perspectives to center LGBTQ+ narratives, a tradition that has made Broadway Backwards a beacon for transgender people, bisexual individuals, and the full spectrum of queer experiences.

This anniversary comes at a time when Broadway continues to champion LGBTQ+ stories amid broader cultural challenges. Playbill's coverage underscores the event's role in countering rising threats to LGBTQ+ funding and rights, aligning with statements from leaders like Whitman and Smith who stress the need for sustained support. The concert's proceeds bolster The Center's programs for HIV/AIDS prevention—critical for gay men, transgender women, and others disproportionately affected—and community services that affirm all LGBTQ+ identities.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS positions itself as a leading nonprofit, leveraging theatre's talents to fund services nationwide, ensuring that queer communities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, receive vital aid. Playbill President and CEO Philip Birsh has historically noted the Broadway community's forefront role in equality, a sentiment echoed in past Pride initiatives like rainbow logo alterations, reinforcing theatre's alliance with LGBTQ+ advancement.

From an LGBTQ+ perspective, events like Broadway Backwards provide essential visibility. Transgender performers and allies use the stage to normalize diverse identities, while bisexual and non-binary artists find space in reimagined numbers that challenge binary norms. The 20-year arc mirrors broader progress, as seen in recent GLAAD Media Award nominations for Broadway shows like Liberation and Redwood, which highlight inclusive storytelling. GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis noted, "LGBTQ stories are a winning strategy for a global audience who demands bold and original storytelling, "affirming theatre's power against disinformation.

As threats to LGBTQ+ rights persist, Broadway Backwards'20th edition serves as both celebration and call to action, transforming Gershwin Theatre into a haven of affirmation for transgender people, queer families, and allies worldwide. With tickets expected to sell out rapidly, the event not only funds lifesaving programs but also inspires ongoing queer representation in musicals, from historical works like Falsettos to contemporary ones. Robert W. Schneider, author of Queer Musicals, highlights how such stories advance acceptance, noting unsung allies and the need for new narratives.

The robust lineup and venue choice signal global resonance, drawing international fans to a production that embodies theatre's inclusive spirit. For LGBTQ+ communities, it's a reminder of resilience: from 2006's humble beginnings to 2026's milestone, Broadway Backwards proves art's capacity to foster joy, equity, and survival.

“Paralives” is an independent life simulation and sandbox game under development by Paralives Studio, a small Canadian team led by creator and programmer Alex Massé. The title allows players to build homes, neighborhoods, and communities, then guide the lives of virtual characters—called “Parafolks”—through careers, relationships, and everyday activities, in a structure broadly comparable to the long‑running “The Sims” franchise.

The game is planned as a PC release, with early access launching on the digital platform Steam on 2026-05-25, according to a preview of queer‑inclusive games for the year published by LGBTQ+ outlet Pride. Paralives Studio has consistently promoted the title as a single‑purchase game without paid expansion packs, an approach that aims to keep core features—including identity and relationship options—available to all players without additional cost.

Visually, “Paralives” uses a colorful, stylized art direction with soft shading and rounded forms, giving the world and its inhabitants a painterly look that contrasts with more photorealistic life sims. Mechanical highlights in early previews include a highly flexible build mode with adjustable walls, furniture scaling, and detailed object placement, as well as character‑creation tools that foreground body diversity and personality traits.

From a representation standpoint, “Paralives” stands out less for adding one or two identifiable LGBTQ+ characters and more for the way it structurally decouples gender, appearance, and attraction, letting players define Parafolks across a broad spectrum of identities and relationships.

In public feature lists and community posts, Paralives Studio has described several inclusive systems:

- The character creator is designed to allow a wide range of gender presentations, including hairstyles, clothing, and body types that are not locked to a binary male/female category.

- Players can set pronouns separately from body type or voice, enabling non‑binary and gender‑diverse Parafolks whose pronouns align with their identities rather than with rigid character templates.

- Romantic and sexual attraction is not limited to heterosexual pairings, and promotional materials have highlighted the ability to form queer relationships between Parafolks across genders.

- Relationship structures are being developed to support varied dynamics, with the studio indicating that it wants to accommodate different forms of partnership beyond traditional monogamous couples, though details may continue to evolve throughout early access.

In its 2026 preview of lesbian and sapphic games, Pride described “Paralives” as a “very, very queer-inclusive” indie life sim and noted that the developers had “gone out of their way to highlight queer relationships and dynamics in their marketing, ” signaling that LGBTQ+ content is an explicit selling point rather than incidental background flavor.

That marketing has included developer diaries, feature breakdowns, and social posts emphasizing that queer players will be able to build “second queer lives” within the game’s universe, language that Pride echoed when expressing anticipation for the title’s launch.

Unlike narrative‑driven titles that follow a fixed protagonist, “Paralives” leans into player‑authored storytelling, which shifts representation from individual characters to the tools players receive. In this model, the inclusion or exclusion of gender‑diverse and queer experiences depends on whether the systems themselves recognize and support those possibilities.

Paralives Studio has repeatedly framed its design choices in terms of autonomy and self‑expression. In FAQ materials, the team notes that one of its goals is to let people “create themselves, their friends, and their communities as faithfully as possible, ” explicitly name‑checking transgender people and non‑binary people as groups they want to see affirmed on screen.

This perspective shapes several aspects of the game:

- Pronoun customization allows players to align language with a Parafolk’s identity, including options beyond standard he/she/they sets, which can be especially meaningful for non‑binary players who rarely see their pronouns normalized in mainstream games.

- Body sliders and clothing options are shared rather than divided into rigid masculine/feminine categories, making it possible to create transgender characters with a range of transition stages or gender expressions without workarounds.

- Open relationship mechanics—including the ability to form queer couples and families—reflect a design philosophy where sexuality is treated as a normal part of the simulation, rather than a special case or unlockable bonus.

By building these choices into early systems, the game positions queer representation not as something added late in development but as a core assumption of how its simulated world works.

Life simulation games have long been important to many LGBTQ+ players, who use them to explore relationships and identities that might feel constrained in offline life. Titles like “The Sims” introduced same‑gender romance options years before they were commonplace in mainstream games, but these features have at times been limited, inconsistent, or dependent on specific expansion content.

Pride’s characterization of “Paralives” as a potential new home for queer players arrives at a moment when some fans have expressed concern that queer representation in “The Sims” may be more vulnerable to corporate shifts or market pressures. Pride noted that the developers of “Paralives” had “gone out of their way” to spotlight queer relationships, describing this as “refreshing” in contrast to fears that “the days of queer representation in ‘The Sims’ may soon be coming to an end. ”

Broader coverage of LGBTQ+ gaming trends has emphasized that queer players are increasingly seeking games where they are not only present but central to design decisions. A 2024 feature from News Is Out highlighted how games like “Life Is Strange” and “The Last of Us Part II” resonated because they wove queer identities into the heart of their narratives, rather than relegating them to side content. The article argued that such titles have “powerful LGBTQ+ stories” that “explore their characters’ identities and relationships in depth, ” setting a bar for authenticity and care.

“Paralives” approaches the same goal from a systems‑driven angle: instead of one canonical queer protagonist, it offers a framework where queer identities can exist anywhere in the simulated neighborhood, authored by players but grounded in affirming design choices.

Even prior to launch, “Paralives” has developed a visible online community that includes many LGBTQ+ players, modders, and streamers who discuss the game in forums, Discord servers, and on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

Game coverage sites that focus on cozy and inclusive titles have begun to fold “Paralives” into their recommendations. A 2025 roundup of “13 Best LGBTQ+ Cozy Games to Play for Pride” from Cozy Game Reviews highlighted the appetite for calm, relationship‑driven experiences featuring queer characters, pointing to games such as “Wylde Flowers” and “Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match‑3” as examples of how developers can center “gays, theys, aces” within comforting mechanics. While “Paralives” was not yet released at the time of that piece, its emphasis on inclusive, low‑conflict life simulation situates it within the same ecosystem of titles queer players use to find affirmation.

Checkpoint Gaming, which runs a recurring “Queer Game of the Month” feature, similarly observed in early 2026 that the upcoming calendar of explicitly queer games—including small indies and larger productions—suggests a growing demand for titles that “center queer stories and mechanics rather than treating them as afterthoughts. ” In that context, “Paralives” is frequently cited as an anticipated release because of its potential to give queer players long‑term, sandbox‑style representation comparable to what “The Sims” has historically provided.

The arrival of “Paralives” comes amid broader industry shifts toward more explicit LGBTQ+ inclusion. Major narrative‑driven titles like “The Last of Us Part II” and “Life Is Strange” have foregrounded lesbian and bisexual protagonists, and games such as “The Outer Worlds” have included asexual characters whose identities are explored thoughtfully in companion quests. These examples demonstrate that large studios can incorporate queer characters into high‑profile releases.

However, systemic representation in open‑ended games remains uneven. The Fabryk’s 2025 overview of LGBTQ+ and queer games noted that independent developers often “lead the way” in building games where themes of “love, acceptance, and identity” are tightly integrated with mechanics, while some larger studios have struggled with either minimizing queer content or confining it to optional story branches.

“Paralives” reflects the indie‑driven approach: its budget and team are comparatively small, yet it has anchored its identity on inclusive systems that serve a spectrum of players, including LGBTQ+ communities. If the game’s early access launch is well‑received, it may strengthen the business case that explicit queer‑inclusive design can coexist with commercial viability in genres long dominated by larger publishers.

For other studios, the title may provide a tangible example of how to:

- Normalize pronoun customization and flexible gender presentation in character creators.

- Build relationship systems that automatically support queer pairings rather than requiring special handling.

- Treat queer players as a core audience in marketing, rather than a niche group addressed only during Pride‑themed campaigns.

These shifts align with broader calls from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations for media that moves beyond surface‑level diversity to deeper structural inclusion, though specific statements about “Paralives” from such organizations were not identified in recent coverage.

With any project that foregrounds inclusivity, questions can arise about whether representation will feel authentic or merely instrumental. Industry commentators have previously critiqued some games for framing LGBTQ+ content primarily as a marketing hook, especially when that content is limited in scope or contradicted by in‑game systems.

In the case of “Paralives, ” early reporting from Pride, News Is Out, and specialized gaming outlets suggests that its queer‑inclusive stance is closely tied to the studio’s broader design philosophy of player freedom and detailed simulation. Those reports emphasize how inclusive options are interwoven with other quality‑of‑life features, rather than siloed into separate menus.

At the same time, because the game is entering early access, elements of its representation—such as how well everyday interactions will reflect diverse identities, or how narrative events will handle queer families and relationships—remain to be tested by players. Community feedback during early access is likely to play a role in refining these systems, and LGBTQ+ players may scrutinize whether the final implementation aligns with the studio’s public commitments.

There is also the possibility of backlash. Other games featuring prominent queer content have faced harassment campaigns or review‑bombing from players opposed to LGBTQ+ inclusion. While no such campaign has been reported against “Paralives” ahead of its early access release, developers across the industry have noted that centering queer identities can attract targeted negativity alongside community support.

As “Paralives” moves toward its early access debut, its significance for LGBTQ+ representation lies in the kind of play it enables over months and years, not just in any single storyline or character. By designing pronoun systems, relationship mechanics, and character‑creation tools to recognize a wide range of genders and sexualities from the outset, the game offers queer players a space to build long‑running, self‑directed narratives in which their identities are normalized and supported.

For some, that may mean recreating their real‑world communities in digital neighborhoods; for others, it may involve experimenting with possibilities that feel inaccessible offline. Industry coverage of queer‑inclusive games has repeatedly emphasized the importance of such spaces in promoting visibility, understanding, and self‑acceptance.

If “Paralives” succeeds, it could help shift expectations across the life‑sim genre, making systems‑level queer inclusion—rather than limited, character‑specific representation—a new baseline. In doing so, it would not only respond to longstanding desires among LGBTQ+ players but also contribute to a broader transformation in how games imagine everyday life, relationships, and futures where diverse identities are not exceptions, but norms.

Stephon Castle had 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds to lead the Spurs (50-18), who reached 50 wins for the first time since 2016-17 and trail the first-place Thunder by three games in the West. Devin Vassell added 20 points.

Fighting to secure a spot for the play-in tournament, the Clippers' second straight loss dropped them back to .500 with Kawhi Leonard watching from the bench. The NBA's sixth-leading scorer sat out with a sprained left knee.

Darius Garland led six Clippers in double figures with 25 points and 10 assists. Jordan Miller had 22 points off the bench, which outscored the Spurs' reserves 57-30.

After the Spurs ran off seven in a row to lead 115-102, Garland scored seven of the Clippers' nine points to get within four with 38 seconds remaining. But the Spurs made four straight free throws to preserve the win.

The Spurs led by 24 points in the third before the Clippers closed with a 16-3 run to trail by 10 going into the fourth.

The Spurs started slowly, missing eight of their first nine shots, while the Clippers surged to a 17-3 lead. They shot 65% from the floor in the opening quarter, hit 5 of 7 3-pointers and made 10 of 12 free throws.

San Antonio turned things around in the second. The Spurs erased all of their 14-point deficit, helped by 15 straight points over the end of the first and start of the second. In the period, they outscored the Clippers 37-15 to lead 66-52 at halftime.

Up next

Spurs: Visit Sacramento on Tuesday to complete a back-to-back.

Clippers: Visit New Orleans on Wednesday to open a three-game trip.

“I feel really good,” Kapoor told The Associated Press on Monday. “It is one of those things where you work so hard on putting something together and the next day you’re absolutely exhausted and can barely talk. But it’s still kind of an amazing feeling.”

And no matter how much they planned, the thing that Kapoor, who won an Emmy for the 96th Oscars two years ago, and fellow producer Katy Mullan know is that there’s only so much control one has when producing a live television show. And they are always expecting the unexpected.

How Kumail Nanjiani handled the tie

Perhaps the most surprising part of the night was when Kumail Nanjiani opened the envelope for best live-action short and announced that there was a tie. “I’m not joking,” he said from the stage.

Kapoor said that Nanjiani was given a heads up from Oscar accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers that it was a tie moments before he walked onstage. No one coached him about what to do. And Nanjiani handled the unusual situation calmly and deftly, saying he would announce the winners one at a time, giving both their moment onstage.

“He was kind of like the perfect person to do that at that time,” Kapoor said. “I was so impressed with just how he handled it, how our team handled it. It’s a very fast moving show and it’s really complex from automation to stage cues to our trophy presenters and it is a whole night of choreography. So anytime something unusual happens I just have to give full credit to our full production team of just how aware they are to make those pivots and changes at the last minute.”

Did Conan always know when he was on camera?

Some viewers watching from home wondered whether returning host Conan O’Brien always knew when he was on camera. There were moments when it seemed like he had been caught in a private moment, reacting to what was happening onstage, like during the live-action short speech that was almost cut short.

Kapoor said he can’t speak to that moment because even he’s not sure whether the host was caught off guard.

“Conan is the master of improv and he’s the master of reaction. And sometimes, you know, I, like, I honestly could not tell,” he said. “I heard the cue go out. But the way that Conan played that bit, it could have been a Conan bit. He is one of those people that are so talented. And sometimes you really don’t know what he has planned.”

The ‘Sinners’ moment that didn’t want to end

Those in the audience knew that the “Sinners” performance carried on after the broadcast cut to commercial. Kapoor said they did always have a reprise planned for the juke joint recreation.

“There were so many talented musicians in that segment and I think they were just really living in that moment and wanting to have the party continue because I think the energy in the room felt electric and I really think between the audience and the performers onstage, nobody really wanted it to end,” Kapoor said. “Unfortunately, we had to change over our stage, otherwise we would have left them there a little longer.”

Tough choices and cuts

The producers are constantly monitoring the show’s timing, and while they have a little bit of wiggle room with Disney and ABC, they are always trying to come in at 3 ½ hours or under.

“It’s our responsibility to keep the train on its tracks,” he said. “But really more than halfway during the show is when more crucial decisions have to be made. If we are continually stretching and adding more time, we have to start reining it in.”

One of those tough decisions happened when “Golden” won best original song, and they made the call to cut the speech at the designated time. It wasn’t a slow fade either, but a definitive cut microphone and a full volume orchestra.

“All the nominees are given guidelines of how long they have to speak and ultimately, in a lot of categories where there’s multiple nominees, we’ve asked for them to designate somebody to speak on behalf of everybody that’s nominated in that category,” Kapoor said. “It’s that moment where somebody feels like they’re done and the music has already been called to play. So at that point, the orchestra is playing, we are now moving on to the next segment. But ultimately, at that time in the show, we are now very, very extremely conscious of time. And want to be fair to all the nominees, so that ends up being a tough decision to make.”

Yes, they hoped the in memoriam made you cry

One of their proudest, and most delicately planned, moments was the in memoriam, which included gathering a slew of stars to celebrate Rob and Michele Reiner, as well as Barbra Streisand for Robert Redford.

“The in memoriam this year was really, really special for us,” he said. “It’s one of the most delicate and thought through pieces of the show, because we know how much it means to people. Between our filmmakers, between our orchestrations, between the presenters that actually came on stage. It’s just, yeah, it’s something that we hold very dear and we want to make sure that resonates with not only people in the room, but people at home.”

He added: “Ultimately, if it brings a little tear to your eye that’s kind of us all feeling like we’ve all done a good job to make something memorable happen.”

The importance of good speeches

One thing producers know they definitely don’t have control over is the content of speeches. But last night, Kapoor said, “all the winners really delivered some exceptional speeches,” noting lead acting winners Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley specifically.

“I think they spoke to so many different people around the world from ‘Sentimental Value’ to ‘KPop’ to, you know, thanking mothers,” Kapoor said. “It just shows you that even though we are celebrating film there’s probably a message for almost everybody around the word to celebrate and to feel connected and to come together.”

Hundreds of people behind the scenes

Kapoor wanted especially to recognize the over 700 people who worked on the show behind the scenes, from editors, to caterers, to makeup artists, to costume designers.

“This particular show really employs so many people in Los Angeles,” he said. “It’s so great for the city of Los Angeles, it’s so great for the film community, it’s so great for television. Katy and myself are honored to work with the academy, with Conan and to be able to produce a show that still means so much to people around the world.”

Will Conan return for the 99th Oscars?

Well, we’ll just have to wait and see. As Kapoor said, it’s the day after the Oscars and “I don’t think Conan is taking anybody’s calls.”

But he and Mullan loved working with him again.

“We have been so blessed to work with him these past two years, him and his team, and it’s just a really lovely relationship, and I could not ask for anything better,” Kapoor said.

“We’re going to ensure it remains the finest performing arts facility of its kind anywhere in the world," Trump told reporters at the White House before the board met Monday.

The board also voted to install Matt Floca as CEO and executive director, replacing Trump ally Richard Grenell, who oversaw far-reaching changes at the venue that prompted an outcry from many artists and exacerbated the operation's financial challenges. Trump praised Grenell on Monday, saying he had been a longtime friend, and wished Floca “good luck with everything.”

The Kennedy Center said the vote was unanimous, though Rep. Joyce Beatty didn't cast a vote. The Ohio Democrat is an ex officio member of the board and sued to preclude the Trump administration from excluding her from Monday's meeting. Over the weekend, a federal judge ruled she was entitled to participate in the meeting but didn't require that the board allow her to vote.

Trump hosted the board meeting at the White House in a reminder of the influence he has held over the Kennedy Center during his second term. Shortly after returning to office last year, Trump ousted the center's previous leadership and replaced it with a hand-picked board of trustees that named him chairman. He also brought in Grenell, who served in a variety of capacities during Trump's first term, when the president mostly ignored the Kennedy Center.

The center's lineup has since included more Trump-friendly programming, including serving as the venue for the premiere of first lady Melania Trump's documentary, "Melania." The board also announced it had renamed the facility the Trump Kennedy Center, a change scholars and lawmakers say must be initiated by Congress, and physically added the president's name to the building's facade.

The fallout from the arts community was swift and intense. Actor Issa Rae, musician Bela Fleck and author Louise Penny were among the numerous artists who withdrew from appearances, while consultants such as musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming resigned. Earlier this month, the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, Jean Davidson, left to head the Los Angeles-based Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Without mentioning the abandoned performances, Trump said in February he would close the Kennedy Center to fix what he has described as a dilapidated building.

Ahead of the closure, Grenell warned staff about impending cuts that will leave “skeletal teams.”

Floca, Grenell's successor, had been serving as vice president of operations. According to his LinkedIn page, he joined the Kennedy Center in January 2024, during the Biden administration.

A center press release from the time describes him as “an experienced facilities management professional with a construction management background and an appreciation for whole building design principles.”

Previous experience for Floca listed on LinkedIn includes a handful of positions with the District of Columbia government, among them associate director of sustainability and energy and director of facilities management. He graduated from Louisiana State University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management.

Some journeys begin with a destination in mind. Others begin with the people you choose to travel with. Eric and I recently experienced a bit of both as we joined our dear friends Matthew and Phillip for a week in St. Barth’s before slipping away for a few days in St. Thomas. What followed was a beautiful blend of friendship, food, memory, and discovery—exactly the kind of travel that reminds you why leaving home every once in a while is so important.