For countless people, the whirlwind year of 2025 passed in a flash, a sentiment echoed within the vibrant and fast-paced world of entertainment. The last twelve months delivered a potent mix of joyful reunions, poignant goodbyes, and the exciting emergence of fresh talent.
Celebrations and Star-Studded Spectacles
Associated Press photographers were perfectly positioned to document the year's most glamorous events. Tom Cruise embarked on a global press tour, reuniting with his iconic 'Mission: Impossible' co-stars, while the cinematic adaptation of 'Wicked: For Good' rivalled this with its own dazzling promotional rollout.
Romance captured global headlines, most notably with the powerhouse pairing of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The singer's celebratory kiss on the field after a crucial game was just a prelude; the couple's engagement announcement later in the year created an even greater media frenzy. Summer saw the elite gather in Venice for the extraordinarily lavish wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez.
Meanwhile, Bad Bunny maintained his omnipresence, gracing the Met Gala and launching a triumphant residency that paid homage to his Puerto Rican roots, all before preparing for the ultimate global platform: the Super Bowl halftime show.
Farewells to Icons and Global Fan Moments
The year also brought sombre moments as the world bid goodbye to legendary figures. Rock titan Ozzy Osbourne died just weeks after headlining a farewell concert in his hometown of Birmingham, England. In the fashion world, the legendary Giorgio Armani made his final runway appearance in Paris months before his passing, presenting a poignant collection.
In South Korea, a significant moment unfolded as fans from across the globe travelled to witness several members of the supergroup BTS completing their mandatory military service. While this milestone was celebrated, a full musical reunion for the band remains a future event eagerly awaited by their devoted fanbase.
A Year Captured in Frame
From red carpets and concert stages to haute couture runways, 2025 was a year of vivid, stellar moments. In a period that seemed to accelerate with each passing month, the skilled photographers of The Associated Press succeeded in freezing time, capturing the perfect images that define the year's entertainment and fashion legacy.
Photo editing for the original AP selection was handled by Carolyn Lessard, Leslie Mazoch and Anita Baca.
