The Weekender: Defining coolness, wines under $20 and standout beaches

Plus, Uma Thurman and Charlize Theron are back in action.

View in browser|nytimes.com July 5, 2025 Welcome to the holiday Weekend(er). Last week, we gave you the best movies of the 21st century, compiled from the votes of more than 500 filmmakers, actors and other movie-industry professionals. This week, your choices were unveiled, and a few gems entered the chat — "Midsommar," "Mean Girls," not one but two "Dune" movies! We also named the most stylish people of 2025 (so far), and took you to seven U.S. beaches that offer way more than crystalline waters and soothing sand. Check those out and be sure to tell us which movies, people and summer escapes you would add in the comments. — Farah Miller THE 'IT' FACTOR Kimberly Elliott ARE YOU COOL? What actually makes a person cool? A new study offers clues. → From left, Mike Segar/Reuters; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Isabel Infantes/Reuters MOST STYLISH Meet 33 people, characters and things who have shaped the year's look, so far. → Lanna Apisukh for The New York Times FUN GUY Can somebody explain why everybody loves Phil Rosenthal? → TO DO The New York Times READ Twisty summer thrillers and magical romances: These are the books we're looking forward to this month. → Warner Bros. WATCH You voted, we listened. Find out which movies since 2000 readers love the most. → Kevin Carter/Getty Images GO Colorful boardwalks? Art classes? These great beaches offer more than sand and sun. → Clark Hodgin for The New York Times DO Add a little life to your windowsill, balcony or yard with three small gardening projects anyone can do. → STAR POWER IN CONVERSATION Uma Thurman and Charlize Theron discuss the pains and pleasures of being in an action film. → Getty Images 'WAG' SEASON In the sports world, some wives and girlfriends are more famous than the athletes they are watching. → Thea Traff for The New York Times SUPER STARR He's Ringo. And he's dispensing his signature wisdom. → WHAT TO SERVE Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. COOL AS A... … cucumber salad with a twist. Here's how to turn a classic side dish into the main attraction. → Tony Cenicola/The New York Times THE POUR Looking for a new favorite wine for summer? We've got 20 picks under $20. → Thanks for reading. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here, and be sure to check out more lifestyle stories from The Times. This edition of The Weekender was edited by Farah Miller and Kellina Moore. You might also like the Evening newsletter. Catch up on the biggest news, and wind down to end your day. Get it in your inbox If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times about The Weekender. To stop receiving The Weekender, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018