As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back at the best in music, TV, and movies. The Insider’s End of Year Awards are a chance to celebrate the artists, actors, and creators who have made a lasting impact in the entertainment world over the past 12 months.

In the music category, it’s been a year full of exciting debuts and comeback albums. For best new artist, it’s a tough call between the ethereal pop of Phoebe Bridgers and the funky, soulful sounds of The Weeknd. Ultimately, we’ll have to give the edge to Bridgers for her emotionally raw and poetic lyrics, which have resonated with listeners all year.

For best album, it’s a three-way race between Taylor Swift’s ‘evermore’, Fiona Apple’s ‘fetch the bolt cutters’, and Dua Lipa’s ‘future nostalgia’. All three artists have pushed the boundaries of their respective genres and delivered some of the most critically acclaimed records of the year. In the end, we’ll have to give the award to Apple’s ‘fetch the bolt cutters’, which has been praised for its raw energy and innovative production.

In the TV category, it’s been a banner year for streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, which have produced some of the most talked-about shows of the year. For best drama, it’s hard to beat ‘The Crown’, which has captivated audiences with its lavish production and stellar performances. ‘Ozark’ and ‘The Mandalorian’ are also strong contenders in this category, but ‘The Crown’ takes the crown (pun intended) for its ability to bring history to life in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

For best comedy, the award goes to ‘The Great’, a sharp and witty historical satire that has garnered widespread acclaim for its clever writing and standout performances from leads Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. ‘Ted Lasso’ and ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ are also contenders in this category, but ‘The Great’ takes the cake for its clever blend of humor and drama.

In the movies category, it’s been a year filled with blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed indie films. For best picture, the award goes to ‘Nomadland’, a poignant and beautiful exploration of loss and resilience that has touched the hearts of audiences around the world. ‘The Father’ and ‘Minari’ are also strong contenders in this category, but ‘Nomadland’ is a clear standout for its powerful performances and beautiful cinematography.

For best actor, the award goes to Anthony Hopkins for his tour-de-force performance in ‘The Father’, a heart-wrenching portrayal of a man struggling with dementia. Tom Hanks (‘News of the World’) and Riz Ahmed (‘Sound of Metal’) are also strong contenders in this category, but Hopkins’ performance is simply too powerful to ignore.

Finally, for best actress, the award goes to Frances McDormand for her role in ‘Nomadland’. McDormand delivers a poignant and nuanced performance as a woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after the death of her husband. Viola Davis (‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’) and Carey Mulligan (‘Promising Young Woman’) are also strong contenders in this category, but McDormand’s performance is simply too good to pass up.

Overall, it’s been a great year for music, TV, and movies, and the Insider’s End of Year Awards are a chance to celebrate the best of the best. From fresh new talents to seasoned veterans, these are the artists and entertainers who have made a lasting impact on the
entertainment industry. It’s always exciting to see the creativity and innovation of the people in these fields, and we can’t wait to see what the next year brings. So here’s to all the winners of the Insider’s End of Year Awards, and here’s to another great year of music, TV, and movies in the future.