Many of us would rather forget 2020 for all the commotion it has caused. But as we know, difficult times remind us of our endurance and capability to get through anything as a community. This year was all about learning hard lessons and appreciating what we already have. Despite the outbreak of COVID-19, there were a handful of moments that contributed to the healthy progression of societal views for the next generation.
We’re giving you a rundown of the biggest events that catalyzed cultural resets for the year 2020:
Harry Styles made history as the first solo male cover star for Vogue’s December issue. Our favorite golden boy brought back “manly men” as he posed in a pale blue Gucci ball gown. His Instagram comments flooded with support from fans and celebrities who applauded the singer for challenging gender norms.
Who could forget the time Shakira and J. Lo performed together with a setlist combo we never knew we needed. The power duo delivered an outstanding performance with hits such as Hips Don’t Lie and Jenny from the Block.
This year’s Academy Awards marked the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. Parasite went down in Oscars history by winning Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, International Feature Film and Best Director.
The whole world was moved by Bong Joon-ho’s creation and his iconic quote, “Once you overcome the 1-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”
The inexcusable death of George Floyd and other Black Americans initiated a global conversation regarding racial injustice, calling for artists, as well as celebrities to respond to the situation. The famous street mural in Washington D.C. is one of many protest art pieces around the world that have contributed heavily to the movement.
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Inspired by The Lion King, Beyonce’s visual album Black Is King was released on Disney+ as an ode to black culture. The film is filled with incredible costume design, guest stars and breathtaking visuals to showcase black pride.
The world has been dependent on Zoom’s communication services, and it has brought together some of the best on-screen reunions we’ve seen in a while.The cast reunited in October for the first time since the movie’s premiere in 2004, and it was so fetch! Unfortunately, Mean Girls 3 will not be a thing but it is on Broadway.
Mainstream media was filled with shock when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took a step back as “senior” members of the Royal Family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will spend their time between Canada and the U.K. with the Sussex Royal trademark in order to launch their foundation much like Michelle and Barack Obama.
Zendaya has officially become the youngest to win the Best Lead Actress in the Drama category. At the age of 24, HBO’s Euphoria star beat actresses such as Jennifer Aniston and Laura Linney in the same category.
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Remember when Taylor Swift released her eighth studio album folklore and everyone freaked out? To make things better, Swift announced the surprise release of evermore, folklore’s sister album! Quarantine has brought out everyone’s creativity this year. Who knew the singer-songwriter would bless us with not one, but two albums?
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Anxiety levels were at an all-time high as the whole world was watching the polls for the US Presidential Election. Biden received more votes than any US presidential candidate in history, while Harris became the first woman and woman of color to occupy the Vice Presidential chair.
This year was a year of firsts for all of us. Constantly being online meant that news travel quicker than usual. As this year comes to a close, we invite you to look back on how far we’ve come. Our current state may not change drastically over the next few months, but this much we know: we are adaptable people, we have a desire to help others and we will rise above it all.
Despite the setbacks of 2020, wins, big and small, were made. So as we sit in the comfort of our own homes and ruminate on “the year that never happened,” may we also acknowledge our collective growth.
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Words Marga Sibug
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
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