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Tradition holds powerful sway in the watch world, and during “bonus season,” watch experts are seeing heirloom watches as “the ultimate recruitment marketing tool,” said SwissWatchExpo CEO Eugene Tutunikov, a modern twist on a pastime when watches were regularly handed out to long-serving and high-performing employees.

The old custom of gifting a “gold watch” to mark a corporate milestone has gotten a bit more luxe over the years, though. The Atlanta-based watch expert and head of luxury resale site SwissWatchExpo has the anecdotal data to prove it: A fellow Atlanta-based company recently purchased a whopping six editions of the covetable green dial Rolex Submariner ‘Hulk’ model, a specific choice tied to the company’s logo color.

While a typical cash bonus gets spent, Tutunikov notes a luxury watch retains and even grows in value, among other reasons companies are shifting toward an heirloom timepiece as its own form of a bonus. “When your employee wears that watch to an industry conference, they become a walking billboard for your leadership.” Tutunikov told Maxim. ” It sparks a conversation—’Nice watch, where did you get that?’— and the answer, ‘My CEO gave it to me,’ creates immediate envy.”

The idea that a revered timepiece like the Rolex President Day Date 40 Platinum Blue Dial Watch can serve as a reward all its own is “a subtle flex,” Tutunikov said, and certain heritage models with iconic history are often a wise, giftable choice for employees who built a company from the ground up. “A watch honors the grit and the grind that happened behind the scenes,” Tutunikov added. “It acknowledges that while the company has grown up, we haven’t forgotten who raised it.”

Models with a sense of elegance and timeless refinement are also a hot commodity for companies looking to reward those who chase new business and close deals, Tutunikov added from experience. He points to a classic luxury model like the Patek Philippe Calatrava Yellow Gold Silver Dial Watch as a covetable reward for inking a long-term partnership, one that “represents timing, strategy, and precision,” qualities reflected in the very best heirloom watches.

And for milestone anniversaries of the 10-to-25-year variety, especially in leadership roles, iconic models abound, but the quiet of confidence of a piece of horological history is particularly appealing, Tutunikov added. The Rolex Daytona in a crisp white dial perfectly embodies the sort of legacy one can leave behind, and in physical form, he said. “We often see milestone gifts become heirlooms. A well-chosen timepiece does not just commemorate a date. It carries the story of that achievement forward for decades,” he said. “A watch can mark your time on earth and perpetuate your legacy.”

The right watch can even serve as a gift after recruiting a top performer from a competitor, and in that case, distinction and eye-catching appeal lead the way, Tutunikov said. An out-of-this world timepiece like the Rolex President Day-Date II White Gold Brown Dial might just serve as the perfect reward in that regard, and as Tutunikov says, an investment-level watch in any way, shape or form is the kind of gift that “doesn’t require a marketing budget.”

Actor Michael B. Jordan secured his first Academy Award after winning Best Actor at the 98th Academy Awards for his performance in the film Sinners. The ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre and featured one of the most closely watched Best Actor races in recent years. Jordan emerged victorious from a competitive lineup of nominees that included Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon and Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another.

Jordan appeared visibly emotional when he stepped on stage to accept the award. Opening his speech with the words “God is good,” he repeated the phrase as he took a moment to absorb the significance of the moment. The actor then turned his attention to his family, especially his mother, who was seated in the audience with him during the ceremony. Jordan thanked her and acknowledged the rest of his family members who had attended the event, expressing appreciation for their continued support throughout his career.

The actor also paid tribute to filmmaker Ryan Coogler, who wrote and directed Sinners. Jordan and Coogler have worked together multiple times over the years, forming one of Hollywood’s most successful actor-director partnerships. During his speech, Jordan described Coogler as both a collaborator and a friend, thanking him for giving him opportunities and creating space for him to be seen as a performer. He emphasised how meaningful their professional relationship had been and said he was honoured to continue working with him on projects that challenge and expand his abilities as an actor.

Jordan’s victory also placed him among a relatively small group of Black actors who have won the Best Actor Oscar. His win makes him the sixth Black performer to receive the honour, joining notable names such as Forest Whitaker, who won for The Last King of Scotland in 2007; Denzel Washington for Training Day in 2002; and Sidney Poitier for Lilies of the Field in 1964. Other winners in the category include Jamie Foxx and Will Smith. During his speech, Jordan acknowledged these predecessors and recognised the impact they had in paving the way for future generations of actors.

He also thanked audiences and supporters who have followed his career over the years. Addressing viewers both inside the theatre and watching from home, Jordan said he appreciated the confidence people had shown in him and that their belief motivated him to continue pushing himself creatively. The actor added that he hoped to keep growing in his work and promised to keep striving to be the best version of himself as his career evolves.

Beautiful moment. #Oscars #MichaelBJordon #BestActor https://t.co/Xvf7r65exb

— Tru McCormick (@TruMchugh) March 16, 2026

In Sinners, Jordan plays identical twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore. The dual role required him to portray two distinct personalities while maintaining the emotional complexity of the story. The performance was widely praised for the way Jordan balanced the similarities and differences between the two characters, bringing depth to both roles while maintaining the narrative tension of the film. His achievement also made him the first actor to win the Best Actor Oscar for playing twin characters in the same film.

The film was written and directed by Coogler, continuing a creative partnership that has produced several notable projects in the past. Over the years, Jordan has collaborated with Coogler on multiple films, building a reputation for performances that combine emotional intensity with strong screen presence. Their collaboration on Sinners once again drew critical attention during the awards season.

Jordan entered the Oscars with considerable momentum after a strong showing throughout the awards circuit. He received nominations at major ceremonies including the BAFTA Awards, the Golden Globe Awards and the Critics’ Choice Awards. His victory at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on March 1 proved particularly significant. Many industry observers believed the win gave Jordan a decisive advantage during the final phase of Oscar voting.

By the time ballots closed, Jordan had emerged as one of the strongest contenders in the race. His eventual win at the Academy Awards confirmed the momentum he had built throughout the season and marked a major milestone in his career. With his first Oscar now secured, the actor’s performance in Sinners has become one of the defining achievements of the 2026 awards season.

The ‘Hamnet’ star became the first Irish woman in history to win the prestigious award on Sunday evening. 

The 98th Academy Awards featured a memorable musical moment when the singers behind the animated group Huntr/x performed the hit track Golden from the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters. The performance, delivered by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, blended K-pop energy with elements inspired by Korean culture and folklore.

The trio provided the singing voices for the fictional K-pop group Huntr/x in the animated film. Their appearance on the Oscars stage was one of the night’s most visually dynamic segments and was widely anticipated before the ceremony.

Before the telecast began, producers hinted that the performance would incorporate traditional Korean instruments and choreography inspired by the folklore that influences the film’s story. When the segment began, a narrator introduced the performance with the line: “Our music ignites the soul and brings people together.”

As the curtains lifted, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami appeared standing on a staircase positioned at the back of the stage. The singers gradually descended while the camera moved across the venue, revealing members of the audience waving illuminated orbs that lit up the theatre.

The staging created a dramatic atmosphere that combined the theatrical style often associated with K-pop performances with a more cinematic presentation suited to the Oscars stage. The trio performed a shortened version of “Golden,” but the performance retained the song’s energetic choreography and powerful vocals.

The full performance of “Golden” from ‘KPOP DEMON HUNTERS’ at the Oscars.

See the full winners list: https://t.co/2LO8EZqZIM pic.twitter.com/MuArqgIU27

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 16, 2026

As the song reached its conclusion, the singers posed at the front of the stage, surrounded by backup dancers holding large flags behind them. The visual arrangement provided a striking finale that drew applause from the audience.

Shortly after the performance, “Golden” went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The victory marked a historic milestone: it became the first K-pop song ever to receive the Oscar in that category.

The achievement added to the track’s growing list of accolades. Earlier in the year, the song also won at the Grammy Awards in the category of Best Song Written for Visual Media, becoming the first K-pop track to claim that honour as well.

The recognition at both ceremonies highlighted the increasing global influence of K-pop and its expanding role in film and television soundtracks.

“Golden” was written by EJAE along with songwriter Mark Sonnenblick and producers IDO, 24 and Teddy Park. The track was released in June 2025 as part of the soundtrack for KPop Demon Hunters.

Following its release, the song achieved major commercial success. It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and later climbed to the top position, where it spent five non-consecutive weeks at number one. The achievement made it the longest-running chart-topping single by an animated act in the chart’s history.

The song’s popularity was fueled by streaming platforms, viral social media clips and the growing international fanbase for K-pop.

In the months leading up to the Oscars, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami were heavily involved in promotional events and live performances tied to the film’s soundtrack. The singers performed at several high-profile gatherings during Grammy week, including the well-known event hosted by music executive Clive Davis.

They also delivered performances of “Golden” at major film and music ceremonies such as the BAFTA Film Awards and the BRIT Awards. These appearances helped build anticipation for their Oscars performance and introduced the song to broader audiences beyond the K-pop fan community.

Despite the song’s current success, the performers have spoken openly about the challenges they faced earlier in their careers. In a recent interview, Rei Ami described the recognition as both validating and long overdue.

She explained that the artists had faced rejection and criticism in the past, often being told they did not fit industry expectations. The success of “Golden,” she said, reflects years of hard work and persistence.

With a Grammy win, an Academy Award and strong global chart performance, “Golden” has become one of the most successful songs to emerge from an animated film soundtrack in recent years—while also marking a major milestone for K-pop in international awards history.

Actor Jessie Buckley created a historic moment at the 98th Academy Awards after winning the Best Actress award for her performance in the film Hamnet. The ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre, marked a milestone as Buckley became the first Irish performer to win the Best Actress category in the history of the Oscars.

The awards ceremony was hosted by comedian and television personality Conan O’Brien, who returned to lead the show for a second consecutive year. Buckley’s win stood out as one of the evening’s most emotional moments, with the actor delivering a heartfelt acceptance speech that resonated with audiences.

Buckley earned the award for her portrayal of Agnes in Hamnet, a historical drama directed by filmmaker Chloé Zhao. The film is based on the acclaimed novel by author and screenwriter Maggie O’Farrell. The story explores themes of family, grief and creativity, focusing on the emotional impact of a tragic loss within the household of playwright William Shakespeare.

The Oscar win marked Buckley’s second Academy Award nomination. She was previously nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Lost Daughter. In the years since that nomination, Buckley has continued to build a reputation as one of the most versatile performers in contemporary cinema.

Jessie Buckley wins Best Actress in a Leading Role at #Oscars for “Hamnet” pic.twitter.com/mQXcFRrt09

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 16, 2026

Heading into the ceremony, Buckley was widely considered a leading contender in the Best Actress race. Throughout the awards season, she had already received several major honours for her role in Hamnet. Her list of accolades included wins at the BAFTA Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Despite the strong expectations surrounding her victory, Buckley appeared visibly emotional as she walked on stage to accept the award. She began her speech by acknowledging the other nominees in the category, praising their work and expressing admiration for their performances.

The nominees included actors Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value and Emma Stone for Bugonia. Buckley thanked each of them, noting that their work inspired her and expressing hope that she might collaborate with them in the future.

During her speech, Buckley also turned her attention to her family, revealing that they had travelled from Ireland to attend the ceremony. She expressed gratitude to her parents for encouraging her to follow her dreams and for teaching her to pursue passion rather than expectations.

One of the most personal moments of the speech came when Buckley addressed her husband, Freddie Sorensen, who was present in the audience. She praised him as a supportive partner and devoted father, adding a lighthearted remark about wanting to have “20,000 more babies” together. The couple’s eight-month-old daughter did not attend the ceremony, but Buckley joked about what the infant might be doing at home while her mother stood on the Oscars stage.

Buckley also took time to recognise the creative collaborators who helped bring Hamnet to the screen. She thanked Zhao and O’Farrell for their work on the project and spoke about the impact of exploring the emotional depth of motherhood through the film.

The actor noted that the award carried special significance because the ceremony took place on Mother’s Day. She dedicated her win to mothers and to what she described as the “beautiful chaos” of a mother’s heart.

Hamnet tells the story of Agnes and her husband, a struggling Latin tutor named Shakespeare, portrayed in the film by Paul Mescal. The narrative follows the couple’s life in 16th-century England and the devastating loss of their son Hamnet during a plague outbreak.

The tragedy and the family’s experience of grief are central to the story, and the film suggests that the loss later influenced the creation of Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet. Buckley’s performance as Agnes, a mother navigating profound loss, became the emotional core of the film and ultimately earned her one of the highest honours in cinema.

On why she wasn’t able to join Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph and Ellie Kemper on stage at the Dolby, McClendon-Covey says she was “tired of looking like a melted candle.” 

Beauty mogul and reality television star Kylie Jenner made a striking appearance at the 98th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Even before arriving at the ceremony, Jenner gave fans a preview of her outfit through a short video shared on her Instagram account on March 15 (March 16 in India). The post quickly drew attention as followers got an early glimpse of the bold look she had chosen for one of Hollywood’s biggest nights.

For the event, Jenner wore a ruby red, body-hugging gown designed by Daniel Roseberry for the luxury fashion house Schiaparelli. The dress featured a dramatic plunging neckline and a small keyhole cutout across the chest, creating a distinctive and daring silhouette. The fitted design emphasized the bold color and sculpted structure of the outfit, making it one of the most talked-about looks of the evening.

In her Instagram caption, Jenner hinted at the inspiration behind the ensemble, writing, “Jessica who.” The remark referenced Jessica Rabbit, the glamorous animated character from the novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit?. The character is widely recognized for her iconic red dress, which closely mirrors the dramatic style Jenner showcased at the ceremony.

Jenner complemented the gown with statement jewelry from luxury jeweller Lorraine Schwartz. According to the brand, she wore approximately 200 carats of diamonds in the form of a necklace, earrings, and rings. The sparkling pieces added a striking contrast against the deep red dress and became a key highlight of her overall look.

In contrast to the dramatic outfit and jewellery, Jenner opted for relatively understated styling. Her makeup featured a soft, natural palette that kept the focus on the gown and diamonds. She also wore her hair loose, allowing the minimal styling to balance the boldness of the dress.

Jenner attended the ceremony alongside her boyfriend, actor Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for Best Actor for his role in the sports drama Marty Supreme. For the evening, Chalamet wore a tailored all-white suit that contrasted with Jenner’s deep red outfit. Although the pair did not walk the red carpet together, they were later seen holding hands inside the ceremony venue.

Whoa! 👀 Kylie Jenner looked sensational heading out to the #Oscars in a plunging red custom Schiaparelli dress paired with Lorraine Schwartz diamonds 💃 💎 “Jessica who?” she coyly captioned the vid. Win or lose, Timothée is going to be one happy guy! #kyliejenner… pic.twitter.com/W18M8OmSMg

— HELLO! Canada (@HelloCanada) March 15, 2026

The appearance marked the second time the couple attended the Oscars together. Since their relationship became public, Jenner and Chalamet have increasingly been seen together at major entertainment industry events and award ceremonies.

Throughout the 2026 awards season, Jenner was frequently present at events supporting Chalamet as he received recognition for his performance in Marty Supreme. The actor has already secured several major accolades during the season, including honors at the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.

During his acceptance speech at the Critics’ Choice Awards, Chalamet publicly thanked Jenner, expressing appreciation for her support throughout his career and personal life. As he addressed the audience, he credited her for being a strong source of encouragement and said he could not have achieved his success without her.

Jenner appeared visibly touched by the moment and responded affectionately from the audience. A similar acknowledgment occurred when Chalamet won Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globe Awards earlier in the season, where he again recognized Jenner for her continued support.

Their appearance at the Oscars reflected the couple’s growing presence at high-profile events together during the awards circuit. While Chalamet’s nominations and wins highlighted a successful awards season, Jenner’s bold fashion choice ensured she also captured attention during the evening’s celebrations.

Paige Spiranac just made sure one of her most persistent fans feels heard and seen. The former Maxim Hot 100 leader and golfing social media sensation acknowledged that one fan’s consistent (some might say “incessant”) commentary on her social media posts, while crass, always puts a smile on her face.

“There is this guy who comments ‘great cans’ on everything I post,” Spiranac revealed in an X thread showing the follower’s repeated reply. “In a world full of hate and despair I know he will always be there for me to lift my spirits.”

While she’s no doubt now currently fielding a new influx of similar messages, Spiranac is likely devoting most of her time to her new media brand, Paige Co., formed in partnership with PGA Tour-backed company Pro Shop. Announced in February of 2026, Paige Co. is now in charge of managing, producing, distributing, and marketing all things related to Spiranac.

“For the past 10 years it has really just been me and my cell phone capturing content to share with you all⛳️ it’s been a wild ride and I’ve learned that having a supportive team around makes all the difference!” she announced on Instagram.

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A post shared by Paige Spiranac (@_paige.renee)

Pro Shop, co-founded by former Vox Media Studios CCO Chad Mumm, was already responsible for producing much of the PGA Tour’s content and Full Swing, a Netflix docuseries that chronicles each year of the PGA Tour a la Formula 1: Drive to Survive. With the world’s No. 1 golf influencer on their roster, Pro Shop’s power only grows.

“They have built such a powerful platform that I will finally be able to have a supportive team around me to make all of my craziest ideas come true,” Spiranac told Boardroom of her Pro Shop partnership.

“It’s so exciting because I have been doing this by myself for such a long time, and I’ve seen success by doing so, but I’m looking toward the next 5, 10, 15, 20 years of my career. I just needed a team around me, and there was really no one else that could make this happen in a way that’s authentic to what I’ve built. When I was going through these discussions with the Pro Shop team, they made it clear they didn’t want me to change. That was so nice to hear. They want me to be myself and to approach the content in the way that I have in the past, but we’re just doing it in a very elevated way. It made me feel very supported and that Pro Shop is the perfect home for me to get to that next level with my career.”

Kenya-Jade Pinto‘s film, premiering at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, goes inside “a global black box of migration, surveillance and control.” 

Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan is among the Bollywood celebrities who have built a strong presence on social media in recent years. Since joining Instagram, she has frequently shared glimpses of her daily life with followers, including family moments, casual photographs, and behind-the-scenes updates from work. Her posts often feature candid images rather than carefully curated content, which has helped shape her online persona as relatively unfiltered and spontaneous compared with the more polished approach often seen on celebrity accounts.

Despite this active presence today, Kareena Kapoor Khan remained absent from social media platforms for many years while several of her contemporaries had already established their digital profiles. In a recent interview with the The Times of India, the actor spoke about the circumstances that eventually led her to create an Instagram account. According to Kareena, the decision was not immediate and required some persuasion, particularly because she had not previously been interested in maintaining a public social media presence.

The actor explained that the turning point came when she entered into a partnership with the sportswear brand Puma. As part of the collaboration, the company wanted its brand ambassadors to maintain visibility on digital platforms, which included social media engagement. Kareena said that the brand had made it clear that participation on Instagram would be an important aspect of the partnership. At the time, the global shift toward digital communication and marketing strategies was already becoming more prominent, and brands were increasingly looking for celebrities who could connect with audiences online.

The timing of the decision also coincided with the period when the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly altered everyday life and professional routines around the world. With people spending more time online during lockdowns and restrictions, social media platforms became even more central to entertainment and communication. Kareena explained that the brand’s expectations, combined with the wider digital shift happening during that period, eventually convinced her to create an account. She joined Instagram approximately six years ago when she became associated with the sportswear company.

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A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan)

Initially, Kareena admitted that agreeing to the arrangement was not an easy choice. She recalled that most actors had already joined Instagram by that point, while she had remained outside the platform. Nevertheless, she decided to experiment with it as part of her professional commitments. Over time, her perception of the platform began to change. According to Kareena, she gradually started enjoying the experience of posting photographs and interacting with her followers, which helped make social media feel less like an obligation and more like a space for personal expression.

The actor also spoke about her approach to brand endorsements and online visibility. She noted that authenticity plays an important role in collaborations between celebrities and companies. In her view, an endorsement works best when the brand’s identity aligns with the personality of the actor representing it. Kareena suggested that while companies may choose multiple ambassadors, audiences are more likely to respond positively when the association appears genuine rather than purely commercial.

Since joining Instagram, Kareena Kapoor Khan has used the platform to share various aspects of her life, including family moments with her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, and their children Taimur Ali Khan and Jeh Ali Khan. Her posts sometimes include photographs without makeup, casual snapshots taken at home, or playful messages directed at her husband. These types of updates have contributed to her reputation for maintaining a relatively relaxed and candid style of communication on the platform.

Beyond social media activity, Kareena continues to work actively in film projects. She is currently preparing for her upcoming appearance in the crime drama Daayra, directed by Meghna Gulzar. The film also features Prithviraj Sukumaran in a prominent role. According to early descriptions, the story is expected to explore complex themes related to crime, justice, and punishment, examining the moral and legal boundaries that shape these issues.

Kareena Kapoor Khan’s journey onto Instagram illustrates how the relationship between celebrities and digital platforms has evolved in recent years. What began as a professional requirement connected to a brand partnership eventually became a space where the actor could communicate more directly with audiences. Her experience reflects a broader shift in the entertainment industry, where social media has become an increasingly important part of how public figures engage with fans and maintain their visibility in a rapidly changing digital environment.