Culture 2025: the best in film, TV and music

In this episode of The Guardian, a culture roundtable discusses the best and worst of 2025 across music, film, and television. The critics share their thoughts on standout moments from the year, including the most disappointing music album, the worst film, and the shows they couldn't forget. Music editor Ben Beaumont Thomas highlights the British band Sleep Token for their poor reception, while film editor Catherine Shord critiques George Clooney's movie 'Jay Kelly' for being unbearably self-indulgent. TV critic Hannah J Davies expresses regret over Lena Dunham's latest work, which she found cringe-worthy.

As the discussion progresses, the panel unveils their top picks for albums and films of the year, praising Blood Orange's 'Essex Honey' and the Dardenne brothers' 'Young Mothers'. They also address hidden gems like 'Marty Supreme' and the impact of hit shows like 'Severance' and 'Hacks' on cultural conversation. The episode culminates with the reveal of The Guardian's top albums and films of the year, showcasing Rosalia's ambitious 'Lux' and Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' as highlights of the cultural landscape in 2025.