The U.S. economy grew 2.8% in 2024, nearly matching the 2.9% growth achieved in 2023. A key driver of economic growth is consumer spending, accounting for nearly 70%. With unemployment at low levels and wage growth keeping pace with price increases, U.S. workers have the wherewithal to spend on both goods and services.

Hollywood rolled out the red carpet at the 97th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The star-studded evening celebrated a transformative year in global cinema, with themes of diversity, innovation, and political resonance shaping many of the night’s biggest moments. 🏆 Major Winners of the Night • Best Picture: “The Eternal Spring”A historical drama about environmental resistance in post-pandemic South America. Directed by Chilean filmmaker Isabel Navarro, it was lauded for its emotional depth and sweeping cinematography. • Best Director: Isabel Navarro – “The Eternal Spring”Nav arro made history as the first Latina director to win the Oscar in this category. • Best Actor: Daniel Kaluuya – “Broken Chains”Kaluuya portrayed a formerly incarcerated man fighting systemic injustice in 1980s Chicago. His performance was widely hailed as his most powerful to date. • Best Actress: Lupita Nyong’o – “Silent City”In a haunting role as a mother navigating life in a war-torn refugee zone, Nyong’o took home her second Oscar. • Best Supporting Actor: John Cho – “Echoes of Silence”Cho played a Korean poet living in exile during the 1970s. His win was seen as a landmark for Asian-American representation. • Best Supporting Actress: Ariana DeBose – “Rosalind”A Shakespeare-inspired political satire with a modern feminist twist. DeBose’s bold performance stole the show. 📽️ Other Highlights • Best Animated Feature: “Nebula Kids” (Pixar)A vibrant space adventure tackling themes of climate change and AI ethics. • Best International Feature: “The Forgotten River” (Nigeria)Nigeria’s entry received a standing ovation during its presentation, highlighting the rise of African cinema on the global stage. • Best Original Song: “Rise Again” – BeyoncéFeatured in “Broken Chains”, the track brought the crowd to its feet with a live performance and politically charged visuals. 🌍 A Night of Political Undertones While the Oscars are often known for glitz and glamor, 2025’s show featured powerful political moments: • Speeches touched on the Myanmar earthquake, Gaza conflict, and climate justice. • Isabel Navarro dedicated her win to “the protectors of the Amazon and every voice silenced by corporate greed.” • Daniel Kaluuya called for reforms to the U.S. criminal justice system during his acceptance speech. 👗 Fashion & Firsts This year’s Oscars red carpet was more sustainable than ever. Celebrities embraced eco-conscious couture: • Zendaya stunned in a recycled silk gown made from marine waste plastics. • Timothée Chalamet wore a vegan leather tux with solar-reactive fabric. In another first, AI-generated short films were nominated for Best Short Film, reflecting the industry’s embrace of creative technology. 🎥 Legacy of 2025 Oscars Critics are already calling the 97th Academy Awards one of the most culturally impactful ceremonies of the decade. With a blend of historic wins, global storytelling, and bold commentary, the Oscars served not just as a celebration of film — but as a mirror to the moment we’re living in.