The Weekender: Defining coolness, wines under $20 and standout beaches
Plus, Uma Thurman and Charlize Theron are back in action.
The Weekender
July 5, 2025

Welcome to the holiday Weekend(er). Last week, we gave you the best movies of the 21st century, compiled from the votes of more than 500 filmmakers, actors and other movie-industry professionals. This week, your choices were unveiled, and a few gems entered the chat — “Midsommar,” “Mean Girls,” not one but two “Dune” movies! We also named the most stylish people of 2025 (so far), and took you to seven U.S. beaches that offer way more than crystalline waters and soothing sand. Check those out and be sure to tell us which movies, people and summer escapes you would add in the comments. — Farah Miller

THE ‘IT’ FACTOR

An illustration of a person in the center of a crowd, looking at the viewer wearing all black, red lipstick and black sunglasses. The rest of the crowd is looking to the left.

Kimberly Elliott

ARE YOU COOL?

What actually makes a person cool? A new study offers clues.

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From left, Mike Segar/Reuters; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Isabel Infantes/Reuters

MOST STYLISH

Meet 33 people, characters and things who have shaped the year’s look, so far.

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Lanna Apisukh for The New York Times

FUN GUY

Can somebody explain why everybody loves Phil Rosenthal?

TO DO

This image features snippets of 20 book covers.

The New York Times

READ

Twisty summer thrillers and magical romances: These are the books we’re looking forward to this month.

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Warner Bros.

WATCH

You voted, we listened. Find out which movies since 2000 readers love the most.

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Kevin Carter/Getty Images

GO

Colorful boardwalks? Art classes? These great beaches offer more than sand and sun.

A man's hands wrapping wire around an air plant.

Clark Hodgin for The New York Times

DO

Add a little life to your windowsill, balcony or yard with three small gardening projects anyone can do.

STAR POWER

Two women with blonde hair stand back-to-back against a bright red background. One wears a black blazer and looks at the camera, the other wears a white top and gold chain, gazing to the side.

IN CONVERSATION

Uma Thurman and Charlize Theron discuss the pains and pleasures of being in an action film.

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Getty Images

'WAG' SEASON

In the sports world, some wives and girlfriends are more famous than the athletes they are watching.

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Thea Traff for The New York Times

SUPER STARR

He’s Ringo. And he’s dispensing his signature wisdom.

WHAT TO SERVE

An overhead image of smashed cucumbers finished with cilantro and sesame seeds.

Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.

COOL AS A...

… cucumber salad with a twist. Here’s how to turn a classic side dish into the main attraction.

A collection of various wine bottles with different colored labels and liquids are arranged in a row.

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

THE POUR

Looking for a new favorite wine for summer? We’ve got 20 picks under $20.

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This edition of The Weekender was edited by Farah Miller and Kellina Moore.

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