Top Entertainment Photos to Look Forward to in 2025
Throughout the year, photographers have captured a wide array of personalities at notable events, from a design shop in Valencia showcasing lifelike dolls to vibrant scenes at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Their work highlights key figures from the realms of music, film, and television, with images reflecting a range of emotions, from somber to joyful. Photographers share insights on their experiences behind the lens and detail how they captured standout moments.
Britt Lower, Adam Scott, and Dichen Lachman
By Jason Armond in Los Angeles
Assigned to create a photo that encapsulated the dystopian surrealness of the show and the complex relationship between the characters played by Britt Lower, Adam Scott, and Dichen Lachman, Armond faced initial challenges in conveying his vision. Once a test image was shared, excitement sparked among the team, leading to a swift, eight-minute shoot that proved fruitful. The images soon garnered viral attention, with many mistaking them for AI-generated content, though every detail was achieved in-camera. An accident involving a shattered mirror prompted humor on set; fortunately, this superstition did not hinder Lower, who later won an Emmy for her performance.
Richard Kind
By Christina House at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood
Richard Kind brought his signature charm to a shoot under the midday sun, where he entertained with songs and anecdotes. The shoot, conducted outside, required quick work due to his warm attire. House opted to capture the working environment by incorporating lighting and crew elements, thereby enhancing the authenticity of the moment.
Cynthia Erivo
By Jason Armond in Los Angeles
During a session near Beverly Hills following the recording of her latest album, Cynthia Erivo’s creative vision shifted the initial plan of a seated portrait at a vintage piano. Adapting quickly, Armond changed the setup to a striking geometric wall and adjusted the lighting to highlight Erivo’s striking wardrobe, which beautifully showcased her tattoos. The resulting image embodied Erivo’s confident personality and required minimal direction to capture her vibrant spirit.
Bella Ramsey
By Bexx Francois in West Hollywood
Francois focused on the themes of stillness and repetition during the session with Bella Ramsey, aiming for a dynamic portrayal that balanced classic portraiture with a contemporary feel. Ramsey’s openness to abstract concepts facilitated a creative exploration that ultimately highlighted her side profile as a powerful focal point.
Lee Jung-jae and Hwang Dong-hyuk
By Justin Jun Lee at the “Squid Game Experience” in New York
Upon entering the immersive design of the “Squid Game Experience,” Lee felt transported into a film set. The atmosphere was thick with tension, echoing the show’s intensity. Both Lee Jung-jae and Hwang Dong-hyuk’s presence added depth to the images taken, capturing the essence of the series.
Yungblud
By Hon Wing Chiu at the Hollywood Palladium
During a limited three-song window for capturing Yungblud in action, Chiu strategically chose two close-up shots and a final one from the back of the crowd. As Yungblud energized the audience, Chiu anticipated a compelling moment, which emerged as Yungblud connected with fans instinctually, culminating in a photograph that perfectly encapsulated the electrifying energy of the performance.
Olivia Cooke and Robin Wright
By Jennifer McCord in London
McCord aimed to convey the themes of untrustworthy narrators present in the trailer for “The Girlfriend” during the shoot with Cooke and Wright, striving for imagery that would evoke those complexities.
Paul Thomas Anderson
By Christina House at the Aster in Hollywood
Knowing that Anderson generally avoids the spotlight, House adjusted the setup to ease him into the session. Using dramatic framing from a bedroom closet, the two engaged in a candid conversation that allowed for natural moments to unfold.
Fernanda Torres (“I’m Still Here”)
By Annie Noelker in Los Angeles
The shoot was characterized by kindness and elegance, taking place on a hotel balcony that enabled a quick and collaborative session, resulting in a harmonious experience.
Adrien Morot, Kathy Tse, and M3GAN Dolls
By Carlin Stiehl in Valencia
Stiehl found inspiration while exploring the intricate design process behind the lifelike M3GAN dolls. Rather than detracting from the mystique, the reveal of their craftsmanship enhanced the sense of wonder. The resulting image was styled like a family portrait, juxtaposing the dolls’ artificiality with the warmth of domestic life.
Saagar Shaikh and Asif Ali
By Bexx Francois on the Disney Studios lot in Burbank
Francois approached the shoot for the Hulu series “Deli Boys” with humor and playfulness, engaging in improvised scenarios that resonated with the comedic essence of the show, resulting in genuine laughter and memorable moments.
Dan Brown
By Cheryl Senter in Rye Beach, N.H.
Brown’s portrait was marked by an unexpected twist, wherein a search for mirrors led to a serendipitous discovery in a small bathroom. Senter leveraged the tight space to create an intimate framing that added an extra layer of creativity to the shot.
Penn Badgley
By Matt Seidel in Los Angeles
With limited time for a session with Badgley, Seidel sought to capture the essence of the actor beyond his notorious on-screen persona. By implementing a focused direction, the resulting images presented a more grounded portrayal that resonated with Badgley’s authentic self.
Spike Lee
By Victoria Will in New York
Will’s shoot with Lee was rooted in the director’s deep connection to Brooklyn, which was illustrated by the familiarity of local pedestrians greeting him. This sense of community resonated throughout the images captured during the session.
Sombr
By Evelyn Freja at Pier 17 in New York
Despite a cold affecting Sombr, the encounter was marked by kindness and professionalism. Freja opted for a dramatic lighting approach that reflected the energy of the artist’s music, effectively capturing the essence of the moment.
Elle Fanning
By Christina House at the Toronto International Film Festival
Fanning’s poise during a busy festival atmosphere was notable, allowing for a series of elegant portraits to emerge effortlessly from what is typically a chaotic environment.
Lena Dunham and Megan Stalter
By the Tyler Twins in New York
The atmosphere during the session was relaxed and celebratory, enhanced by lively music from the ’90s and a shared connection grounded in Ohio that led to a heartfelt and genuine experience.
Domhnall Gleeson
By Jennifer McCord in Dublin
The relaxed vibe of the Dublin studio session allowed for a meaningful connection with Gleeson, culminating in an intimate portrait that contrasted with the energized ambience of other shoots.
Karol G
By Bexx Francois in El Segundo
Francois experienced a calming moment upon Karol G’s arrival on set, allowing creative ideas to unfold. Utilizing simple aesthetics to direct focus, they captured a compelling image that blended artistry with intention.
Benson Boone and Brian May
By Allen J. Schaben at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Witnessing the moment when Boone soared above May during a performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” proved to be a highlight of Schaben’s experience. The photograph encapsulated the thrill of the performance, bridging generational musical artistry within a crowd filled with excitement.
Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Mike Leigh (“Hard Truths”)
By Christina House at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica
The natural chemistry between Jean-Baptiste and Leigh fostered an engaging session, allowing for candid interactions and a dynamic representation of their collaborative spirit.
Mariska Hargitay
By Victoria Will in New York
Having previously collaborated with Hargitay, Will captured her grounded presence once again. The easy banter and openness fostered a comfortable atmosphere, contributing to striking images.
Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers
By Robert Gauthier at the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood
Gauthier’s creative approach involved physically immersing himself in the environment to achieve a unique angle for the shoot. This playful experimentation produced a memorable capture that remains one of their favorites.
Luis Guzmán, Jenna Ortega, and Catherine Zeta-Jones
By Jennifer McCord in London
McCord found joy in photographing this trio against the backdrop of their wonderful surroundings. Despite time constraints, their warmth and camaraderie facilitated a rewarding experience.
Mark Hoppus of Blink-182
By Robert Gauthier in Los Angeles
Hoppus’s home proved inspiring, providing intriguing backgrounds that complemented his easygoing character. Their collaboration resulted in photos that captured the depth of the moment.
Stephen Graham
By Sophia Spring in London
Spring’s session with Graham was infused with intensity and complexity, mirroring the themes of his upcoming work. The short interaction bore striking elements from his character, emphasizing his prowess as an actor.
True Whitaker
By Christina House at the London Hotel in West Hollywood
Whitaker’s warm demeanor impressed House during their session, resulting in natural and soft portraiture that reflected her approachable nature amidst a busy schedule.
Jessie Murph
By Annie Noelker in Los Angeles
Murph’s portrait session abounded with lucky timing as sunlight streamed through a skylight, allowing for a serene moment that highlighted her reflective side during a bustling year.
Danielle Brooks
By Bexx Francois in Los Angeles
Francois’s excitement about Brooks’s talent translated into a heartfelt session aimed at evoking joy similar to what the actress brings to her audiences.
Laverne Cox and George Wallace
By the Tyler Twins in New York
The interplay between Cox and Wallace emerged naturally, showcasing their shared warmth and comedic rapport amidst a backdrop of vintage fashion.
Tonatiuh
By Christina House at Hollenbeck Park in Los Angeles
Returning to his roots, Tonatiuh found comfort in the familiar surroundings of Hollenbeck Park. Highlights of the shoot included natural lighting and moments of authenticity, which created compelling imagery.
Laurence Fishburne
By Jason Armond in Los Angeles
In capturing Fishburne for his role in the thriller “The Amateur,” Armond used dramatic lighting to enhance the narrative elements of the shoot. Despite an injury, Fishburne’s presence and expressions infused the images with life.
Fujii Kaze
By Jason Armond in El Segundo
Armond’s shoot with Fujii Kaze exemplified creativity and adaptability, turning an ordinary setting into a remarkable backdrop that illustrated the artist’s vibrant personality.
Michael Koman and Greg Daniels
By Jason Armond in El Segundo
In a playful homage to their show “The Paper,” Armond crafted a set using newspapers, allowing Koman and Daniels to embody the whimsical spirit of their series. Their eagerness to explore the creative process underscored their dedication.
Billy Crudup
By Bexx Francois in Los Angeles
Francois’s keen eye led to whimsical moments with Crudup, as the choice of a playful teddy bear chair transformed the session into one filled with laughter, resulting in memorable candid captures.
Cyndi Lauper
By Larsen & Talbert at Jack Studios in New York
Collaborating with Lauper, the shoot became a shared creative endeavor, with a keen focus on color aesthetics. Lauper’s vitality and intuitive posing brought dynamic energy to the session, reflecting her iconic presence.
Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme
By Dutch Doscher at Blonde Studios in New York
Excited by the creative possibilities, Doscher envisioned a whimsical circus theme for Monsoon and DeLaCreme. The duo’s ease in front of the camera brought to life the deep friendship between them, resulting in a vibrant and enchanting photograph.
