From the Group Chat: People’s "Sexiest Man Alive" John Krasinski, Mark Zuckerberg’s Big Gift, and Drew Barrymore

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Sunday. I’m not one for dramatic changes, but this week, I became a woman possessed and got “a super-cropped boy bob” like Kendall Jenner — the only thing we’ll ever have in common. As for what else my new, fearless self is willing to try: Megan Thee Stallion’s surprisingly delightful nail belts, which, as the name implies, are itty-bitty belts for your nails; a 2000s-esque denim handbag (way cooler than the Louis Vuitton knockoff I worshiped in high school); Victoria Beckham’s outerwear, which is part neck brace, part trench coat, but somehow undeniably chic; and burgundy tights (I’m convinced this is the most stylish way to wear the trend). But I have to draw the line somewhere — and that’s Charli XCX’s “cool-girl outfit.” Between the Bermuda shorts and baggy, cuffed boots, it’s...a lot.

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

👀 Is this high-fashion puffer a gown? Or a jacket? Whatever it is, it’s truly “unlike any you’ve ever seen.”

🛏️ Apparently, “bedtime perfumes” are a thing. And we thought having a silk pillowcase was bougie.  

💉 Just when you were starting to wrap your head around vajacials, the “labia puff” entered the chat. *Crosses legs* 

🪄 PSA: The groutfit got a very sophisticated glow-up. 

💄 To quote Matthew McConaughey in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: “Ladies, frost yourself.” Specifically, your lips — because the Y2K beauty trend is “circling back with a vengeance.”   

The only thing more polarizing than Benny Blanco appearing in People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue? John Krasinski topping the list. That’s right, Jim from The Office has been crowned America’s hunkiest hunk — joining an elite club that includes George Clooney and Michael B. Jordan. Now, to be fair, Krasinski has given us one of TV’s most beloved characters, is an excellent golden retriever husband (see: his reaction to Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins), and, in recent years, has evolved (read: improved) his sense of style. Still, we can’t help but scratch our heads at the decision, particularly given all the internet boyfriends that dominated the discourse in 2024, including Short-Shorts Enthusiast Paul Mescal, King of Tennis ‘Fits Frances Tiafoe (no one does on-court fashion better), and Hollywood’s Most Charismatic Capybara Glen Powell — whose snub in particular sent the internet into a frenzy. Even Krasinski himself seemed bewildered, admitting that his immediate reaction was “maybe I’m being punked.”

And yet, People’s decision to choose Krasinski isn’t exactly surprising. The brand, which has doled out the accolade since 1985 (its inaugural winner was, uh, Mel Gibson), has long been criticized for the overwhelming number of white titleholders (before Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson received the award in 2016, barely any men of color had been chosen) and being out of touch (looking at you, Blake Shelton). Plus, there’s the cultural relevancy of it all: In 2024, who is the Sexiest Man Alive really for? Given last year’s title went to McDreamy, it sure doesn’t seem like the brand is trying to reach a new, younger audience — which might explain the rumors Powell turned down the offer to be this year’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” Then again, it could have also been because he was too busy taking those mesh shirt photos for Vanity Fair. At least the internet has that.

At any given time, we have many pressing questions for Mark Zuckerberg, like can you please make Instagram’s chronological feed the default? But this week, we have just one: You good? On Wednesday, the tech mogul pulled the ultimate Wife Guy flex by teaming up with T-Pain and releasing his own version of the “lyrical masterpiece” known as “Get Low.”  Correct, that “Get Low” — which will now compete with Zuckerberg’s version on Spotify. Why would Priscilla Chan want such a thing, you ask? Apparently, the Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz classic was playing at a college party when the couple first met (relatable), so “every year we listen to it on our dating anniversary,” Zuck explained in an Instagram post. And in case you think this is the only grand gesture the tuxedo-wearing surfer has made in the name of love, let us remind you: In August, Zuck single-handedly brought back the “Roman tradition of making sculptures of your wife” by commissioning a giant, turquoise and silver statue of Chan. And last month, the billionaire put on a half-unbuttoned shirt and threw a big disco-themed bash, simply because the “disco queen wanted a party.” We look forward to seeing what Valentine’s Day will bring.

It has to be asked: Does Drew Barrymore know the meaning of personal space? On Tuesday, Martha Stewart visited The Drew Barrymore Show and in typical Barrymore fashion, the talk show host saddled up to the notoriously icy lifestyle icon, leaned even closer, and started stroking her arm — which led Stewart to push her away. Was it playful? Sure. Cringe? Absolutely. Of course, this is hardly the first time Barrymore has gotten hands-on with her guests — which some say contributes to the show's casual, buddy-buddy vibes (see: Barrymore shoving her bare legs in Kathryn Hahn’s face or discussing past traumas with Brooke Shields). But that’s not always the case: Remember when Barrymore interlocked her fingers with Oprah Winfrey’s for an uncomfortably long time? Or when she told VP Kamala Harris that the nation needs a “Momala” and grabbed her hands? Since then, Barrymore has promised to work on her “physical proximity” with her guests. Sounds like you’ve got your work cut out for you, Drew.

Stick with us while we explain the plot of Netflix’s Emilia Pérez — because 2024’s “most wildly original film” is worth the effort. A drama, comedy, thriller, and musical all rolled into one, the buzzy film stars Zoe Saldaña as Rita, a powerful defense lawyer who’s roped into helping Mexican cartel leader Manitas (played by a magnetic Karla Sofía Gascón) fake his own death, so he can undergo gender-affirming surgery. Years after Manitas transitions into life as a woman (now known as Emilia Pérez), she has another task for Rita — one that’s perhaps even more challenging than the first. Emilia wants to be reunited with the family she left behind, including her wife, Jessi (Selena Gomez). Described as “an exuberant ode to human possibility,” Emilia Pérez is an engrossing, Euphoria-inspired fever dream filled with vibrant song-and-dance numbers and exceptional acting performances that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll. 

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