The passing of Brigitte Bardot is commemorated through features highlighting five of her iconic movies to stream, a collection of photographs showcasing her stardom, and an exploration of how her persona evolved from a symbol of sex appeal to a figure of the far right, reflecting a changing France.

• Five Brigitte Bardot Movies to Stream — New York Times Arts -
• Brigitte Bardot: A Life in Pictures — New York Times Arts -
• From Sex Appeal to the Far Right, Brigitte Bardot Symbolized a Changing France — New York Times Arts -

Vienna is buzzing with cultural events, from the traditional ball season with its waltzes and white ties to the anticipation of Yannick Nézet-Séguin leading the New Year's Concert, and plans to stage a gender-bending Jazz Age comedy once banned by Franco.

• Vienna’s Ball Season Traditions of Waltzes and White Ties — New York Times Arts -
• A Star Conductor Brings Sparkle to Vienna’s New Year’s Concert — New York Times Arts -
• Vienna to Stage Gender-Bending, Jazz Age Comedy Once Banned by Franco — New York Times Arts -

Recent literary reviews cover Ben Markovits's poignant novel, 'The Rest of Our Lives,' a Booker Prize finalist, and two novels for younger audiences, **Gianni Rodari's 'The Adventures of Cipollino' and Sara Pennypacker's 'The Lions’ Run,'** both celebrating acts of valor.

• Book Review: The Rest of Our Lives,’ by Ben Markovits — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘The Adventures of Cipollino,' by Gianni Rodari, and ‘The Lions’ Run,’ by Sara Pennypacker — New York Times Books -

The historical impact of the Nazi plunder of church bells is explored, revealing how the theft of over 150,000 bells during World War II created a significant "sonic gap" in Europe's cultural landscape.

• The Nazi Plunder of Church Bells Changed the Sound of Europe — New York Times Arts -

The music world mourns Don Bryant, a prolific songwriter known for co-writing "I Can't Stand the Rain" for his wife, Ann Peebles, and achieving solo success later in his career.

• Don Bryant, 83, Dies; Co-Wrote ‘I Can’t Stand the Rain’ for His Wife — New York Times Music -

The past year saw Artificial Intelligence deeply integrate into pop culture, with articles detailing eight significant ways AI affected screens and content in 2025.

• 8 Ways A.I. Affected Pop Culture in 2025 — New York Times Arts -

The São Paulo Bienal offers insights on building a better world through art, framing its 36th edition, "Not All Travelers Walk Roads," as a guide for connection.

• Want to Build a Better World? The São Paulo Bienal Has Some Tips — New York Times Arts -

A look behind the scenes reveals how the film 'Marty Supreme' masterfully depicted ping pong, utilizing professional choreography and visual tricks to achieve authenticity.

• How ‘Marty Supreme’ Got Ping Pong Right — New York Times Arts -