Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
A Journey Through 2018’s Top Pop Culture Moments
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 6 years ago on
January 1, 2019

Share

And the top pop culture moments of 2018 are … Wait. WAS there any pop culture this year? Of course there was, but you could be forgiven for forgetting, because more than ever it was politics, politics, and more politics occupying the zeitgeist and sucking the proverbial air out of the room. Still, if you wanted a break from that, there was a royal wedding with something for everyone, some groundbreaking movies, the return of Mary Poppins (to the screen) and Harry Potter (to Broadway), a goodbye to some favorite celebrities, a tale of two coats that were more than just coats, and more. Join us on a highly selective chronological journey through a year in pop culture:

January

The first awards shows reflect a changed Hollywood, only a few months after the #MeToo movement engulfed the industry. At the Golden Globes, the red carpet becomes a sea of glittering black gowns in solidarity with victims of sexual misconduct, and Oprah Winfrey gives a barn-burner of a speech, looking to a day “when nobody ever has to say ‘Me Too’ again!” At the Grammys, stars don white roses, and singer Kesha dedicates a tearful performance of “Praying” to the #MeToo movement.

February

Welcome to Wakanda: The latest Marvel hero to jump off the page into his own movie is the “Black Panther,” and Ryan Coogler’s film is universally acclaimed. “Show them who we are,” goes a line from the film, an appropriate pre-Oscar chant for Coogler and a starry cast including Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o and a slew of others. Ten months later the film will be nominated for a Golden Globe, beginning its awards journey.

March

Speaking of Oscar, it’s that time, and we’re still talking about #MeToo, not to mention “Time’s Up!” Appearing onstage to mark the moment is a powerful trio of Harvey Weinstein’s accusers: Ashley Judd, Annabella Sciorra, and Salma Hayek. And when Frances McDormand says she has “some things to say,” people listen: The best actress winner asks all the women nominees in the room to stand, and instructs Hollywood to tell their stories.

April

Times are changing at the Pulitzers, too, where rapper Kendrick Lamar wins the music prize for “DAMN.” He’s the first rapper to win the prestigious laurel and the first winner who’s not a classical or jazz musician. In film, director John Krasinski energizes the horror genre with the creepy, silent “A Quiet Place,” also starring wife Emily Blunt. On Broadway, the enduring magic of Harry Potter is conjured with the hit London transplant, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”

May

Let’s say “Do Svidaniya” to our favorite Soviet spy couple as “The Americans” ends its six-season run on FX with an elegant, surprising and moving series finale. At the annual glittery Met Gala, the theme is “Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” and imaginations are running rampant — we’re talking about you, Katy Perry and your giant angel wings! But perhaps the most memorable fashion statement comes when the very American Meghan Markle weds the very British Prince Harry in a refreshingly unadorned white gown. A gospel choir sings “Stand By Me,” and an American bishop, Michael Curry, almost steals the show with a spirited improvisational sermon before saying: “We gotta get y’all married!” Also this month, “This is America” by Childish Gambino, aka multi-talented Donald Glover (also having a big year with “Atlanta”) opens at No. 1 on the Billboard chart, accompanied by a viral video of nonstop dancing punctuated by shocking scenes of shootings. And goodbye, Roseanne: The show’s reboot is canceled following her racist tweet.

June

What was she thinking? Melania Trump doesn’t say, but the writing on her Zara jacket has everyone talking. “I don’t really care. Do U ?” reads the garment worn by the first lady on parts of her trip to visit detained migrant children in Texas. Four months later she’ll explain it was “for the people and for the left-wing media who are criticizing me.” In music, Jay-Z and Beyonce continue to exert their unique influence with a surprise joint album, “Everything is Love.” On a sad note, two admired celebrities are mourned after taking their own lives: global culinary chronicler Anthony Bourdain and colorful it-bag designer Kate Spade.

July

Last year, it was Weinstein. This year, it’s Les Moonves, one of the most powerful men in television. Reporter Ronan Farrow breaks the explosive story of sexual misconduct on the part of the CBS chief executive; in September, with accusations escalating, Moonves will step down. And at year’s end he’ll lose his $120 million severance when CBS says it has grounds to fire him for cause, concluding he violated company policy and was uncooperative with an investigation — a claim Moonves’ attorney denies.

August

Farewell to the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin’s death sparks worldwide mourning, and the singer is hailed not only for her talent — the greatest of a generation — but her lifelong demand for “Respect,” as a woman and an African-American. She is eulogized in an epic eight-hour funeral. Another longtime great, Paul McCartney, does carpool karaoke with James Corden, and their visit to McCartney’s hometown of Liverpool that has many fans crying sweet tears of nostalgia.

September

“Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything,” says a new NIKE ad that makes waves because of the man speaking the lines: Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco quarterback who began a wave of protests among NFL players against police brutality and racial inequality. At the Emmys, the awards themselves are upstaged by a surprise marriage proposal. And happy birthday, Harry Potter! Wow, you’re 20 years old.

October

Usually Donald Trump has the spotlight in the Oval Office, but apparently not when Kanye West visits. The rapper, ostensibly there to discuss prison reform, delivers a 10-minute speech about the president, politics, and of course himself. “You are tasting a fine wine,” he says, referring to, er, his truly. “It has multiple notes to it.” Onscreen, the ultimate chameleon, Lady Gag, reinvents herself yet again with a stunning turn in Bradley Cooper’s acclaimed “A Star is Born. ” And some fine-art news: The elusive Banksy pulls a stunt for the ages with his self-shredding painting at a Sotheby’s auction. But was that him, in the audience? Maybe.

November

Three broken ribs might sideline a football player, but Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Nah. Days after her injury from a fall, the 85-year-old Supreme Court justice is back on the job, capping a year in which she’s emerged as a true pop culture heroine. Already in the spotlight for “RBG,” the documentary in which she’s shown doing push-ups among other things, she’s also the subject of a popular SNL rap video, and by year’s end a new feature film, “On the Basis of Sex.” Oh, and she’s back at the gym, too.

December

Wanna be the new Oscar host? They’re hiring! (Unless you’d prefer to be Trump’s chief of staff.) Kevin Hart is forced to step down — two days after being named — when past homophobic tweets are aired. And remember all the talk over the first lady’s Zara coat? Now it’s Nancy Pelosi’s Max Mara coat we’re discussing, a fiery orange-red number that she wears — with Armani shades — emerging from a tense showdown with the president. The fashion label immediately reissues the discontinued “Fire Coat.” And speaking of hot (or cool) overcoats: A stylish new Mary Poppins is on the block, thanks to Emily Blunt, who proves a worthy successor to Julie Andrews in the Disney sequel. At the end of a tough year, it feels nice to indulge with just a spoonful of sugar.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Kings County SWAT Arrests Los Angeles Homicide Suspect After Standoff

DON'T MISS

Trump Organization Pays off Loan on 40 Wall Street in New York

DON'T MISS

Trump Says Iran and Israel Agree to a Ceasefire

DON'T MISS

‘Regime Change’ Is Only Solution in Iran, Shah’s Son Says

DON'T MISS

New York Plans New Advanced Nuclear Power Plant Upstate, Governor Says

DON'T MISS

Madera County Authorities Arrest Man for Impersonating a US Marshal

DON'T MISS

Trump Says Iran Gave US Notice Before Attack on Qatar Military Base

DON'T MISS

Metallica Thrashes On at Levi’s, Aging Gracefully With Its Fans

DON'T MISS

US Supreme Court Lifts Limits on Deporting Migrants to Countries Not Their Own

DON'T MISS

Searching For Experience, Parlier Hires New City Manager

UP NEXT

Mariska Hargitay Comes to Terms With a Lifetime of Family Secrets

UP NEXT

The Secret to Finding the Best Travel Bargains

UP NEXT

Amazon’s Prime Day 2025 Levels Up With Four Days of Deals Starting July 8

UP NEXT

Fresno Now Has a Professional Shakespeare Co. Thanks to Measure P Sales Tax

UP NEXT

Hips Don’t Lie, and Neither Do Ticket Sales: Shakira Adds Fresno Show

UP NEXT

Canseco, Cheechoo to Sign Autographs When Chukchansi Cuts Ribbon on Top Golf

UP NEXT

Netflix Set to Launch Third Themed Venue in Las Vegas

UP NEXT

‘GTA VI’ Delay Weighs on Global Videogame Market Growth, Data Shows

UP NEXT

Protester Killed at Utah ‘No Kings’ Rally Was Fashion Designer From ‘Project Runway’

UP NEXT

Five Weeknight Dishes: Seven Ingredients or Fewer, Because Summer

Fresno County Detectives Seek Man for Interview in 2020 Homicide Case

6 hours ago

Florida to Build ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center for Migrants in Everglades

6 hours ago

US Vice President Vance Says Iran Is Now Incapable of Building a Nuclear Weapon

6 hours ago

Kings County SWAT Arrests Los Angeles Homicide Suspect After Standoff

7 hours ago

Trump Organization Pays off Loan on 40 Wall Street in New York

7 hours ago

Trump Says Iran and Israel Agree to a Ceasefire

7 hours ago

‘Regime Change’ Is Only Solution in Iran, Shah’s Son Says

7 hours ago

New York Plans New Advanced Nuclear Power Plant Upstate, Governor Says

8 hours ago

Madera County Authorities Arrest Man for Impersonating a US Marshal

8 hours ago

Trump Says Iran Gave US Notice Before Attack on Qatar Military Base

8 hours ago

Trump Brokered Ceasefire Agreement in Contact With Israel, Iran, White House Official Says

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran on Monday in a call to Israeli Prime Minist...

5 hours ago

Rescuers and security personnel work at the impacted site after a missile attack from Iran, amid the Iran-Israel conflict in Tel Aviv, Israel June 22, 2025. (Reuters File)
5 hours ago

Trump Brokered Ceasefire Agreement in Contact With Israel, Iran, White House Official Says

5 hours ago

PG&E Is Hiring an Executive Bodyguard. Combat Shooting Experience Required

A woman walks on a street, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, in Tehran, Iran, June 23, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
6 hours ago

US Crude Oil Futures Fall Over $3 as Trump Announces Israel-Iran Ceasefire

Fresno County detectives are seeking to locate Erick Javier Lopez, 25, who is not a suspect but may have information about the 2020 shooting death of Rosendo Herrera in San Joaquin. (Fresno County
6 hours ago

Fresno County Detectives Seek Man for Interview in 2020 Homicide Case

6 hours ago

Florida to Build ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center for Migrants in Everglades

Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks at the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 20, 2025. (Reuters File)
6 hours ago

US Vice President Vance Says Iran Is Now Incapable of Building a Nuclear Weapon

A 19-year-old Hanford resident is in stable condition after being shot in the Santa Rosa Rancheria early Thursday, and a juvenile male suspect, wanted for a prior homicide, was arrested with a loaded handgun. (Kings County SO)
7 hours ago

Kings County SWAT Arrests Los Angeles Homicide Suspect After Standoff

The entrance of the Trump Building at 40 Wall Street is seen in New York City, U.S. March 21, 2023. (Reuters File)
7 hours ago

Trump Organization Pays off Loan on 40 Wall Street in New York

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend