In the fast-paced ecosystem of February 2026, a single Super Bowl ad or a record-breaking Olympic sprint can redefine a star’s cultural capital. This week has been a whirlwind of high-stakes fashion in Paris, historic sports milestones in Milan, and divisive commercial moves that have left fans polarized.
From the snowy tracks of the Winter Olympics to the front rows of the Grand Palais, we break down the winners and losers of the week’s news cycle.
On the Up: The Winners of the Week
1. Jutta Leerdam: The Queen of Redemption
Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam is the undisputed champion of the week. Leading up to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, she faced a wave of “diva” accusations after arriving via a private jet provided by her fiancé, Jake Paul. However, Leerdam proved that elite performance is the best antidote to criticism.
- The High: On February 9, Leerdam shattered the Olympic record in the women’s 1,000-metre speedskating event, clocking in at 1:12.31 to secure her first Olympic gold medal. Her victory led a dominant Dutch one-two finish alongside teammate Femke Kok.
- The Takeaway: By turning a silver from Beijing 2022 into gold in Milan, Leerdam has transitioned from a social media sensation to an all-time sporting legend.
- Citation: Leerdam Smashes Record to Win Olympic Speedskating Gold
2. Gracie Abrams: The New Face of Chanel
Paris Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 was a massive win for singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, who has officially moved from indie-pop darling to a pillar of the global fashion establishment.
- The High: Attending Matthieu Blazy’s much-anticipated couture debut for Chanel, Abrams didn’t just sit on the front row—she defined the “New Chanel” aesthetic. Posing alongside icons like Nicole Kidman and Dua Lipa, her presence signaled the maison’s successful pivot toward Gen-Z luxury.
- The Takeaway: With her recently appointed status as a House Ambassador, Abrams is now the primary muse for a new era of “weightless” and “joyful” couture.
- Citation: Chanel couture gets a breath of fresh air — and a star-studded audience
3. Nicole Kidman: The Resilient Icon
Despite personal headlines regarding her split from Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman dominated the Paris fashion circuit this week, proving that her “second act” is her most powerful yet.
- The High: Her appearance at the Grand Palais was hailed as a “quiet reclamation.” Dressed in polished, timeless Chanel, she celebrated both her new ambassadorship and a major victory in her legal separation earlier this year.
- The Takeaway: Kidman remains the gold standard for “Stealth Wealth” and resilience, turning a personal transition into a high-fashion triumph.
- Citation: Nicole Kidman just made heartbreak look high fashion at Paris Fashion Week
On the Down: Facing a Tough Week
1. Serena Williams: The Super Bowl Backlash
Even a 23-time Grand Slam champion can stumble when it comes to brand partnerships. Serena Williams is facing heavy criticism this week for her Super Bowl LXI commercial promoting a weight-loss drug.
- The Down: The ad featured Williams promoting GLP-1 injections, crediting them for her post-pregnancy weight loss. Fans on social media lambasted the commercial, calling it “deeply disturbing” and a “gross” promotion of pharmaceutical weight loss to impressionable audiences.
- The Takeaway: The backlash highlights a growing public fatigue with “medicalized” celebrity endorsements. For an athlete who built a career on body positivity and physical strength, the ad felt like a significant brand mismatch.
- Citation: Serena Williams Sparks Backlash with Super Bowl Weight Loss Drug Ad
2. Kevin O’Leary: The “Shut Up and Play” Narrative
“Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary found himself in the crosshairs of a major celebrity feud this week after criticizing Billie Eilish.
- The Down: Following Eilish’s 2026 Grammy win, where she used her speech to denounce ICE and advocate for immigration rights, O’Leary appeared on Fox News telling stars to “shut your mouth and just entertain.”
- The Takeaway: The backlash was swift, led by actor Mark Ruffalo, who told O’Leary to “STFU” in a viral post. O’Leary’s attempt to enforce a “no-politics” rule for celebrities backfired, casting him as the “smug villain” in a week defined by Gen-Z activism.
- Citation: Billie Eilish Grammy Speech Sparks Celebrity Showdown
3. Svedka & TurboTax: The Commercial Misfires
Outside of individual stars, corporate celebrity usage also took a hit during the Super Bowl. Experts have labeled several high-budget ads as “losers” for failing to connect with the audience.
- The Down: Svedka was criticized for using “creepy” AI-generated dancing robots that failed to connect with the brand’s identity, while TurboTax was slammed for a “too complex” message that didn’t translate into sales despite its high production value.
- The Takeaway: In 2026, tech-heavy ads are falling flat compared to nostalgia-based, human-centric storytelling.
- Citation: Bryant experts weigh in on the winners and losers of Super Bowl ads for 2026
A Somber Note: The Legacy of Catherine O’Hara
The entertainment community is in a state of mourning following the revelation of the cause of death for beloved actress Catherine O’Hara, who passed away on January 30, 2026.
- The News: A death certificate released this week confirmed that O’Hara died from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying condition.
- The Legacy: Tributes have poured in from former co-stars like Macaulay Culkin and Eugene Levy. While her passing is a profound loss for the “arts” world, her legendary work on Schitt’s Creek and SCTV ensures her status will remain “up” in the history books forever.
- Citation: Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death revealed ten days after beloved actress’s passing
