Harlan Coben says ‘quite a bit of tragedy’ in his 20s made him a better writer
Bestselling author and Netflix producer said extensive early experience of grief was ‘very cruel but effective teacher’
Marlon Brando fury at ‘feeling like a freak’ among revelations in new book of Hollywood secrets
Brando, Ava Gardner, Anita Ekberg and other A-listers are featured in a memoir about the glamour of the 1950s film industry
It’s quiz time: how well do you remember 2024?
Sports, scandals, music, memes… Take our bumper quiz of all the highs and lows of the year that was
On my radar: Jasleen Kaur’s cultural highlights
The Turner prizewinner on the art of the Gaza Biennale, the joys of a queer community choir, and a poet who speaks to today’s injustices
The year in stuff – from chicken wine to cucumbers and mini mullets
Did you make and trade a friendship bracelet? Invest in a Stanley cup? What we wore, used and shared in 2024
From Moo Deng to Me Espresso: it’s the 2024 bumper pop culture quiz of the year
Do you know your hot rodent boyfriends, which celebrity is selling feet pics on OnlyFans and who fell off a stage this year? Then this is the quiz for you
Christopher Nolan’s next film announced as ‘mythic action epic’ The Odyssey
The Oppenheimer director’s adaptation of Homer is scheduled for release in the summer of 2026, and will feature Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Zendaya
The big idea: why we should revive the spirit of Christmas movies past
From Double Indemnity to Women in Love, the accidental viewing of masterpieces was one of the joys of the season
On my radar: Reece Clarke’s cultural highlights
The Royal Ballet principal dancer on a mesmerising Wimbledon final, the fragrance that gets him into character, and a 91-year-old dancing legend
Best movies of 2024 in the US: No 2 – Nickel Boys
RaMell Ross’s artful and unconventional adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel offers a radically immersive route into a difficult story
Your Fault review – bizarre and wooden step-sibling romance
Sequel to unaccountably popular Amazon Prime hit finds the same oldsters still out to stop the forbidden young lovers necking in glamorous locations
Nosferatu: The Real Story review – insightful probe into a vampire classic
Robin Bextor’s documentary about FW Murnau’s 1922 silent masterpiece makes some sharp points but leaves noticeable holes
Hold on to Your Butts review – Jurassic Park redone with DIY dinos
This recreation of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic is frenetic fun, with the dinosaurs brought to life using physical comedy – and traffic cones
Queer review – seedily terrific Daniel Craig carries Luca Guadagnino’s artificial-looking drama
The Call Me by Your Name director’s overlong William Burroughs adaptation boasts some fine performances, but any gritty realism feels totally manicured
The Guardian view on Christmas shows: they are fairy tales for our times
From Ballet Shoes to Wicked, stories of female empowerment and friendship are triumphing on stage and screen