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Few nights in Hollywood's calendar year come close to the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards. An Oscar statuette is a crowning achievement for anyone involved in the production of film, and those who garner one or more of the gold figurines win the right to label themselves "Academy Award–winning" for the rest of history. Plus, there's the career boost that comes with it. 

With the terrifically entertaining 96th Academy Awards behind us, let's look back at some of the more memorable past winners in various categories, or at least the ones that are currently streaming on Netflix (in no particular order).

Here are the best Oscar-winning movies now streaming on Netflix.

1. My Octopus Teacher Credit: Netflix

Won: Best Documentary Feature 

My Octopus Teacher may have a title that'll raise some eyebrows, but there's a more profound story of unexpected friendship waiting to surprise you. The documentary follows Craig Foster, a free diver who befriends a young octopus living in a bay near Cape Town, South Africa. We watch this young octopus grow fond of Foster as she plays around with him and invites him into her world. It's a gripping story of our relationship with nature and the lessons waiting to be learned from our many beautiful animal friends. — Yasmeen Hamadeh, Entertainment Intern 

How to watch: My Octopus Teacher is streaming on Netflix.

2. The Hateful Eight

Won: Best Original Score (Ennio Morricone)

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, the eighth film from Quentin Tarantino now feels underrated among the director's fairly perfect filmography. A chamber piece Western that traps eight outlaws with overlapping murderous motives (played by Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demián Bichir, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, and Bruce Dern) inside a cabin during a blizzard, it might just be the director's nastiest piece of work. It certainly lives up to its title, since pretty much every character is an asshole to the nth degree.

But all the actors are very clearly having the times of their lives twirling their metaphorical or literal mustaches — perhaps none more than the lone female in the bunch, Jennifer Jason Leigh, who scored a Supporting Actress nomination for her unhinged, nigh rabid turn as "Crazy" Daisy. And DP 's Robert Richardson's also-nominated cinematography, which maps the cabin's claustrophobic interiors out via wide-screen scope, is really something astonishing to behold. The Hateful Eight is a gem hiding in plain sight worthy of rediscovery and appraisal. — Jason Adams, Contributing Writer 

How to watch: The Hateful Eight is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Selma Credit: Atsushi Nishijima / Paramount / Pathe / Harpo / Kobal / Shutterstock

Won: Best Original Song, "Glory" (John Legend and Common)

Director Ava DuVernay's recreation of the lead-up to the 1964 march across Alabama for voting rights led by Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) is incredible in its ability to make these larger-than-life icons accomplishing their legendary feats somehow feel real, lived-in, and human-sized. Refraining from hagiography, King in Oyelowo's hands stays prickly, difficult, and flawed, and in turn, the scope of what the man accomplished only feels all the more stratospheric. 

And it's not just The Oyelowo Show. DuVernay's film gives underappreciated performers like Carmen Ejogo, André Holland, Lorraine Toussaint, Stephan James, and Wendell Pierce plenty of space to shine. A too-rare example of textbook history being made to feel alive and now. — J.A.

How to watch: Selma is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Godzilla Minus One

Won: Best Visual Effects

Returning the big lizard to literal basics, the 37th (!!!) film in the franchise might just be its best? Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, Godzilla Minus One transports us back to the tail-end of World War II, where the Japanese defeat via atomic weaponry once again gives birth to our favorite fire-breathing kaiju monster — the big difference being that this movie gives us a human story set in the rubble down under the beast's rise that's every ounce as moving and devastating as the sweep of his big rear-end. 

Kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki), filled with regret about his own survival when so many others (including his own parents) perished, returns home crippled by shame. But he's forced to get on with life anyway as a stranger named Noriko (Minami Hamabe) and a child she's adopted show up one day and become, before he even realizes it, his makeshift family. And Godzilla Minus One gets us caring deeply about these people, so when the nuclear dinosaur starts stomping around, we're truly invested emotionally in their safety and security. Add on that Yamazaki also oversaw the film's Oscar-winning visual effects, which cost an unbelievably low 15 million dollars (aka the lunch budget on a Marvel movie), and Godzilla Minus One is a blast on all fronts. — J.A.

How to watch: Godzilla Minus One is now streaming on Netflix. 

5. Roma Credit: Carlos Somonte / Netflix

Won: Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Cinematography

Alfonso Cuarón's Oscar-winning drama follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a housekeeper working for a wealthy family in Mexico City. Thanks to Cuarón's writing, direction, and cinematography (each of which garnered its own respective Oscar), the film is remarkably immersive, enveloping us in Cleo's world in a way most movies strive for and can never even touch. We feel the comfort in her mundane day-to-day, the sting of her boyfriend's betrayal, and blinding panic and trauma in the film's final act. It's a stunning piece of cinema that should be talked about for decades to come. — Proma Khosla, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Roma is streaming on Netflix.

6. American Factory Credit: Aubrey Keith / Netflix

Won: Best Documentary Feature

This 2020 Best Documentary Feature winner takes viewers inside a shuttered General Motors factory in Ohio, recently purchased and re-staffed by a Chinese billionaire, for a stunning look at worker exploitation in the modern age. A complex presentation of multiculturalism and its impacts on the global economy, American Factory is an uncomfortable watch that remains steadfastly objective from start to end but still manages to make its point. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: American Factory is streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 10 documentaries to watch on Netflix if you want to learn something new 7. 8 Mile

Won: Best Original Song, "Lose Yourself" (Eminem)

In 2002, it seemed, to put it mildly, improbable that a movie starring Eminem in a lightly fictionalized retelling of his rise through Detroit's "rap battle" scene would go on to become an Oscar-winner — heck, it seems improbable now in retrospect. But it was foolish to underestimate the formidable powers of late director Curtis Hanson, who'd previously made movie magic out of everything from killer nanny thrillers (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle) to James Ellroy adaptations (L.A. Confidential), and sure enough, he turned this rough-and-tumble biopic into a legitimate critical darling and awards contender. Also on display here – two fine and fiery performances from Brittany Murphy (RIP) and Kim Basinger as the rapper's love interest and mother, respectively. — J.A. 

How to watch: 8 Mile is now streaming on Netflix. 

8. Marriage Story Credit: Wilson Webb / Netflix

Won: Best Supporting Actress (Laura Dern)

Writer/director Noah Baumbach’s tense tale of a couple ending their marriage divided audiences, with some viewers reporting they were surprised by whose "side" they ended up on. But critical reception for the film was almost universal in its praise of the story's execution and impact, with leads Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver singled out for their magnetic scene work.

At the 92nd Academy Awards, Marriage Story took home only one Oscar from the six categories in which it was nominated. Still, this artful depiction of intimacy remains a triumph of romantic storytelling, venturing far beyond the Happily Ever After audiences know so well. — A.F.

How to watch: Marriage Story is streaming on Netflix.

9. Man on Wire

Won: Best Documentary

Forget Robert Zemeckis' fictionalized retelling starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. This 2008 documentary telling the story of performance artist Philippe Petit's illegal high-wire walk between the two World Trade Center towers in 1974 contains all the dizzying spectacle you could ever need. Staged like a real-life heist movie, director James Marsh listens to Petit explain how he pulled the incredible feat off step by step, and the planning and execution is as riveting as anything Hollywood's ever dreamed up. And the film doesn't shy away from the man's difficult personality either — it's a profound portrait of dreams turning into obsessions that brush away any cost. — J.A.

How to watch: Man on Wire is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Darkest Hour Credit: Focus Features

Won: Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Actor (Gary Oldman)

Set in the early years of World War II, Darkest Hour follows Winston Churchill (remarkably played by Gary Oldman) as he navigates Britain's position in the ensuing war, along with the trials and tribulations that follow. On Oldman's Oscar–winning performance, Mashable's Angie Han writes, "Oldman knows the difference between packaging and performance… There's a living, breathing soul underneath all that makeup, at the center of all those tics, and Oldman makes him fascinating to watch." So come for a masterclass in acting by Oldman, and stay for the gripping story that follows; it's worth the watch. — Y.H. 

How to watch: Darkest Hour is streaming on Netflix.

11. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Won: Best Live Action Short Film

In 2023, Wes Anderson directed a series of short films based on Roald Dahl stories for Netflix. It was the longest and most substantial of the four that finally got the director his long-overdue Oscar statue. (Let's pretend it's an apology for the crime that was not giving his 2023 masterpiece Asteroid City a single nomination.) The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (taken from the 1977 collection of short stories with the same name) tells the tale of a disaffected gambler (Benedict Cumberbatch) who learns how to harness the power of his mind from a legendary yogi (Ben Kingsley) to win big. But what happens once you have everything? This 39-minute short hits that final mark beautifully. 

If you love Anderson's signature aesthetic, you'd be wise to watch all four of the ones Netflix commissioned. They're all wonderful. (My particular favorite is The Rat Catcher, which more than any of the other four really nails Dahl's nasty streak as we watch an hilariously aggressive Ralph Fiennes as a sharp-toothed rodent-hunter on the prowl.) — J.A.

How to watch: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio Credit: Netflix

Won: Best Animated Feature

You know when hitting play on this movie that the fantastic horror visionary Guillermo del Toro isn't going to be telling Walt Disney's version of Pinocchio. Meaning no offense to that 1940 animated masterpiece, but del Toro took that classic's scattered-about scary moments — the donkeys, oh god, the donkeys! — and multiplied them by infinity. 

Setting the story of the little wooden boy who gets wished to life by his depressed carver Geppetto in WWII-era fascist Italy, del Toro slathers his version of the fairy tale in politics and righteously disturbing anti-war propaganda. And that's before he violently kills off our main character multiple times. Featuring voice acting by Ewan McGregor, Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett, and Christoph Waltz, plus revelatory stop-motion work from the animators at ShadowMachine, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio is like no other. — J.A.

How to watch: Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio is now streaming on Netflix.

13. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Won: Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling

The final film of Chadwick Boseman (released posthumously and netting him another acting nomination) is a fitting tribute to the Black Panther star's non-superhero skills – he tap-dances the screen on fire as the over-ambitious trumpeter working in the band of the titular blues singer Ma (Viola Davis, having a blast). Based on August Wilson's 1982 play, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is set across a single scorcher of a July 1927 day as Ma's band tries to wrangle her to record a single track, with every conceivable interruption getting in their way. Directed by stage director George C. Wolfe (who went on to direct Rustin in 2023 with Colman Domingo, who plays another band member here) the movie is stagey but electrifyingly so — you really feel like you're trapped in this airless hot basement with these extremely talented musicians, making music that sizzles while living just as loud. — J.A.

How to watch: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Whiplash Credit: Sony Pictures Classics

Won: Best Supporting Actor (J.K. Simmons), Best Editing, Best Sound

When he was just 29 years old, writer/director Damien Chazelle's second feature film, 2014's Whiplash, took Sundance by storm. By the time he was 30, he had snagged himself a Best Adapted Screenplay nom, along with a slew of other honors for the adrenaline-fueled indie. Thank goodness he didn't let all of that early success go straight to his head and blow all his movie-making capital on a great big vanity project next! (He waited, making two more movies and winning a Best Director Oscar for La La Land before bestowing upon us the toxic epic that is Babylon.) 

Still, it's easy to see why everybody fell for Whiplash, a ferocious music school tale where we watch an overly determined drumming prodigy (Miles Teller) meet his match in an abusive teacher (J.K. Simmons). Asking questions about the dangerous lengths we're tempted to go to be the best, the film was ahead of its time in taking a hard look at the excuses we make for the sake of so-called genius. — J.A.

How to watch: Whiplash is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Icarus

Won: Best Documentary Feature

This one tells the tale of Russian scientist Grigory Rodchenkov and his whistleblowing against the Olympic doping routines of the Russian state, which he was intimately involved in as the head of the country's Anti-Doping Center for several decades. Filmmaker Bryan Fogel, an amateur cyclist when not directing films, started his documentary off as an experiment to see if he could get around the sport's doping rules without being caught. This test led him to Rodchenkov, and before you knew it Rodchenkov was fleeing his home country and being put into witness protection as his former colleagues were being murdered around him. It's quite the terrifying snowball of a tale, and an excellent explainer of the ways a fascist state will insinuate itself into every aspect of our existence. — J.A. 

How to watch: Icarus is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Mank Credit: Netflix

Won: Best Production Design, Best Cinematography

Director David Fincher's father Jack had a decades-long obsession with the story of the making of Orson Welles' masterpiece Citizen Kane. Specifically, he was fascinated by screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz (aka Mank) and how much credit he deserved for the final product, given the well-known fact that Mank was a fall-down drunk. And so Jack wrote a film script about the story, hoping he and his son could make the movie together. But the project languished and Jack passed away in 2003, never seeing it realized. 

David Fincher stayed determined though. In 2020 he finally delivered a film starring Gary Oldman as Mank that feels unlike almost anything else the Social Network director has done. Awash in nostalgia and a hard-fought sincerity, you can feel Fincher's love for his father thrumming through the movie — most especially in the ways the film itself side-eyes a creator's ability to twist truth into fiction. Amanda Seyfried, wonderful in the role of real-life actress Marion Davies, sees straight through to how Mank can spin truth into fiction with one clack of his typewriter key, and gives the movie its tremulous heart. — J.A. 

How to watch: Mank is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Legends of the Fall

Won: Best Cinematography (John Toll)

An overwrought romance novel given lush old-fashioned cinematic life, Edward "Glory" Zwick's 1994 family epic stars cover-boy Brad Pitt at the absolute height of his prettiness – those long golden locks! – as Tristan, the leading man in a love quadrangle between three brothers (also including Aidan Quinn and Henry Thomas) and the woman named Susannah (played by Julia Ormond) who steals all of their hearts. 

Although the film spans decades, the majority of the story takes place in the aftermath of World War I, which has left one brother dead, one brother wounded, and Pitt's wild man a shell-shocked husk of sad dream hunk. Susannah yearns for him (which, understandable) but is forced by outside forces to take the more responsible route, which inevitably leads to tragedy. And all the while, papa (a deliriously overacting Anthony Hopkins) is bellowing from the sidelines at everybody. It's perfection, of the nonsense sort. — J.A.

How to watch: Legends of the Fall is now streaming on Netflix.

18. The Power of the Dog Credit: Netflix

Won: Best Director (Jane Campion)

Adapted from Thomas Savage's 1967 novel, The Power of the Dog sees Benedict Cumberbatch slip his twisted beanpole self into a pair of dirty dungarees as Phil Burbank, a deeply closeted cowboy in 1925 Montana at the tail end of the time for such ranch-haunting relics. One day in town, Phil's brother George (Jesse Plemons) finds himself a wife named Rose (Kirsten Dunst), and Phil does not like that one bit! Once Rose and her weirdo son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee) move in with the brothers, it's a war of the wills, and only one queer cowpoke's gonna be left standing. A psychotic marvel of a movie that only Jane Campion could've delivered. — J.A.

How to watch: The Power of the Dog is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: The (very) brief Oscars history of women nominated for Best Director 19. RRR

Won: Best Song (M. M. Keeravani and Chandrabose)

A Tollywood spectacle, this three-hour-plus epic from director S.S. Rajamouli tells the 1920s-set story of the best buddies Bheem (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.) and Raja (Ram Charan), who end up on opposite sides of the revolution against the British Raj. Will they fight? Will they make up? Will they sing and dance? Absolutely. 

All of these questions, many tigers, and much, much more make RRR's three hours an absolute breeze. A truly over-the-top endeavor with action and romance and several musical sequences, it was the latter that got the Academy's attention, with the unforgettable dance number "Naatu Naatu" stomping all its rivals out of the way for the little gold man statue in the end. — J.A.

How to watch: RRR is now streaming on Netflix.

20. 1917 Credit: Universal Pictures / Moviestore / Shutterstock

Won: Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects

Sam Mendes' 2019 film drops us right into a day in the life of two British soldiers (George Mackay and Game of Thrones' actor Dean-Charles Chapman) fighting in France during the first World War. It doesn't let up to take a breath — using camera trickery old and new, 1917 makes its two-hour run-time seem like it was captured in a total of two massive shots. (The truth is not that, but it sure looks like it anyway.) 

As the two painfully young soldiers work their way across fields, both green and battle, tasked with delivering a message trying to stop the advance of a doomed mission, we're sucked right in alongside them. The you-are-really-there is strong with this one, capturing the unfathomable horror of war in scale simultaneously epic and intimate. — J.A.

How to watch: 1917 is now streaming on Netflix.

21. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Won: Best Animated Film

As cemented as our favorite cheese-loving inventor and his whip-smart dog sidekick seem now in pop culture, there have only been two feature-length Wallace & Gromit films released to this day — most recently, 2024's Vengeance Most Fowl and then this one, from 2005. Of course you add on the four short films that span 1989 to 2008 and you've got more of a complete picture, but still — feels like there should be more. (This is really just me begging for a new Wallace & Gromit every other year, if that wasn't clear.)

But if there's one thing Aardman Animation masterminds Nick Park and Steve Box have proven it's that taking one's time to get it right pays myriad dividends, since all six chunks of the ongoing Wallace & Gromit story spread out across four decades now (!!!) are sparkling little masterpieces. And The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is perhaps the masterpieciest of all, telling a Jekyll-and-Hyde inspired tale of gigantic bunny terrorizing our twosome's quaint little hamlet on the eve of its annual Giant Vegetable Competition. A hysterical riff on old horror movies (Universal and Hammer-flavored alike), the Were-Rabbit's imagination and laughs are endless. — J.A.

How to watch: Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is now streaming on Netflix.

22. Phantom Thread Credit: Annapurna Pictures / Kobal / Shutterstock

Won: Best Costume Design

Early on in the filmmaking process, very serious artists writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson and actor Daniel Day-Lewis were trying to figure out a name for the lead character in their next collaboration. Naturally, their text thread led to a dick joke that, in turn, birthed the moniker "Reynolds Woodcock."

That movie became Phantom Thread, a darkly hilarious romance about a stuffy fashion designer who meets his match in a blushing waitress (Vicky Krieps). There's something perfect about it all being built on a dick joke. Phantom Thread is ultimately a satire of male domination, and an ode to the armies of women who've trussed up the egos of pampered men and gotten the jobs done in spite of them. 

Pulling their female lead out of nowhere (aka Luxembourg), Anderson gave a role for the ages to the relative newcomer Krieps, who goes toe to toe with the greatest actor of his generation. And, much like Alma the blushing waitress does to Reynolds, she shows DDL how it's done. Incredibly, while both Day-Lewis and Lesley Manville, who played Reynolds' deliciously stern sister Cyril, got nods — Krieps was snubbed. It's a crime, considering the effortless way she steals the entire movie away from them all with just her Mona Lisa smile and a basket of suspicious mushrooms. — J.A. 

How to watch: Phantom Thread is now streaming on Netflix.

23. Still Alice

Won: Best Actress (Julianne Moore)

Remembered now primarily as the vehicle that finally landed Julianne Moore a long overdue Oscar, Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland's 2014 film is a small-scale heartbreaker of a character study that deserved more appreciation both at the time (it got knocked as a bald Oscar grab) and now, a decade later.

Adapting Lisa Genova's book about a linguistics professor at Columbia celebrating her 50th birthday as she grapples with the effects of early on-set Alzheimers, Still Alice can't be separated from Moore's tremendously affecting work, but that's just because it smartly remains so resolutely laser-focused on her. And when is staying laser-focused on an actor as perceptive as Moore ever a bad thing? That said, it's the scenes between Moore and Kristen Stewart as Alice's stubborn daughter that truly linger all these years later; two fine, delicate actors speaking histories with just their eyes. — J.A.

How to watch: Still Alice is now streaming on Netflix.

24. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) Credit: Reiner Bajo / Netflix

Won: Best International Feature, Best Score, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design

This is one of the rare instances where a remake of a classic film ended up being a terrific idea. The original 1930 All Quiet on the Western Front was one of the very first Best Picture winners, and it remains great to this day. So, how did they make a remake work? It was a pretty simple idea, actually. Director Edward Berger took the original story, which drops audiences down in the dirt with the German soldiers during World War I, and he filmed it in Germany with German actors. Wild, right? 

Still, the 90-year update on film techniques also helped in situating viewers in the middle of that maelstrom. Taking a page from Sam Mendes' 1917, Berger and his DP James Friend really make us feel like we're right there in the trenches, dodging the bullets and bombs as often as they hit their deadly mark. The anti-war message of the original comes through loud and clear, bolstered by the unforgettable drone of Volker Bertelmann's score. The baton-pass nature of the script, which introduces character after character only to see them get ground up in the horrible machinery of war, is a correctly unsubtle hammering home of combat's cruel dehumanization. — J.A. 

How to watch: All Quiet on the Western Front is now streaming on Netflix.

25. When We Were Kings

Won: Best Documentary Feature

Considered one of the best, if not the best documentary, about the sport of boxing, Leon Gast's When We Were Kings from 1996 takes a look back at the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" match of 1974 between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Controversially staged in the African country formerly known as Zaire — then ruled by the brutal dictator Mobutu Sese Seko  — Ali was gunning for the Heavyweight Champion title that he'd had taken away when he refused to be drafted to fight in Vietnam seven years earlier.

Meanwhile, Foreman was struggling to rival Ali's megawatt personality— this was still awhile before he'd fine-tune his grill-selling charm, after all. Capturing not just the Main Event but also the "Zaire 74" music festival (aka Black Woodstock), which happened at roughly the same time, When We Were Kings is a larger-than-life document of sports and celebrity history at its absolute biggest. — J.A.  

How to watch: When We Were Kings is now streaming on Netflix.

Asterisks (*) indicate the entry has been modified from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Dec. 16, 2024, 5:52 p.m. EST This list has been updated to reflect Netflix's current selection.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Watch Now

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, December 23, 2024:

AcrossCharacter who's blue in the face?

• The answer is Smurf.

Mideast country that juts out from Saudi Arabia

• The answer is Qatar.

Loosen, as a knot

• The answer is Untie.

Author's negotiator

• The answer is Agent.

Labourite's rival, in British politics

• The answer is Tory.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 23, 2024 DownWhat catchers do behind home plate … or an adjective that might describe their physique

• The answer is Squat.

Tropical fruit in a sweet salsa

• The answer is Mango.

Say aloud

• The answer is Utter.

Like stereotypical weather in the Pacific Northwest

• The answer is Rainy.

Bar on a guitar's neck

• The answer is Fret.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A surprise.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for December 23 Hurdle Word 1 answer

SHOCK

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To aggerate an emotion.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 23 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

EMOTE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Someone trained in medicine.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 23, 2024 Hurdle Word 3 answer

MEDIC

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Someone who makes bread and pastries.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 23 Hurdle Word 4 answer

BAKER

Final Hurdle hint

Liquified fruit or vegetables.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

PUREE

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 23 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Oops!

• Green: Where a pitcher stands

• Blue: Parts of shooting at a target

• Purple: Two of them

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Mistake

• Green: Pitching mound

• Blue: Archery terms

• Purple: Double ____

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #91 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Mistake - BLUNDER, ERROR, FLUB, HOWLER

• Pitching mound - BUMP, HILL, MOUND, RUBBER

• Archery terms - ARROW, BULLSEYE, NOCK, QUIVER

• Double ______ - DRIBBLE, DUTCH, HEADER, PLAY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

In late 2023, Apple finally added RCS support for the iPhone. RCS – or Rich Communication Services – is a communications standard for messaging, supported by most Android phones, offering features like group chat, high-res image and video sharing, and typing indicators.

Apple's own Message has similar features, but they previously worked only when you texted another iPhone user; if you happened to be texting with someone using Android, a lot of the advanced features were missing.

SEE ALSO: Apple reportedly cancels plans for iPhone subscription service

At launch, however, the list of carriers that supported RCS on the iPhone was very short, and included just the largest carriers. Now, as noticed by 9to5Mac, Apple has updated the list of carriers that support RCS on the iPhone, and it's far more complete.

The full list is as follows:

• AT&T

• C Spire

• Consumer Cellular

• Cricket

• FirstNet

• H20 Wireless

• Metro by T-Mobile

• PureTalk

• Red Pocket

• Spectrum Mobile

• T-Mobile

• TracFone / Straight Talk

• US Cellular

• Verizon

• Visible

• Xfinity Mobile

The list is rounded out by Boost Mobile, which isn't listed for RCS support but it does support the standard, as long as you have an iPhone XS/XR or later with iOS 18.2 installed.

As you can see, there are still many carriers that don't have RCS messaging support for the iPhone. For example, Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile are notable omissions because they were acquired by T-Mobile in 2024 but do not yet have RCS support.

In Europe, the list is still pretty short, and support is completely absent in many countries. Here's the full list:

• Belgium - Base, Proximus, Telenet

• Finland - SFR, O2, Telekom, Vodafone

• Spain - Masmovil, Movistar, O2, Orange, Pepephone, Vodafone, Yoigo

• Ukraine - BT, EE

Canoo is having a very unmerry Christmas. Remaining employees of the beleaguered U.S. electric vehicle startup have been placed on a "mandatory unpaid break" according to TechCrunch, with no view to return for a few weeks at minimum. 

While it isn't uncommon for businesses to close around the end of the year, Canoo's decision to put staff on break from Monday is unlikely to be driven by holiday cheer. The company has been plagued by financial problems and furloughs, resorting to borrowing millions from CEO Tony Aquila's private equity firm AFV Management Advisors in order to stay afloat.

SEE ALSO: Canoo unveils electric pickup truck that's way smaller than the Tesla Cybertruck

According to EV, staff were notified of the mandatory break via email last Friday, and told they would receive further updates to their personal email addresses in the first week of January. Employees' access to Canoo's system was apparently suspended by close of business the same day.

"We apologize for the timing of this message," Canoo's email read, as sighted by EV. "Please take this time to have a restful and enjoyable holiday season with your family."

Mashable has reached out to Canoo for comment, though we aren't expecting a reply considering that they're all reportedly on leave.

Last Wednesday Canoo announced it had furloughed 82 employees and was idling its Oklahoma factories, suspending work while attempting to secure the funding needed to continue operating. This followed a 12-week furlough of 30 Oklahoma factory workers which was previously announced in November. 

"We regret having to furlough our employees, especially during the holidays, but we have no choice at this point," said Canoo in a brief statement last week. "We are hopeful that we will be able to bring them back to work soon."

This news is likely unsurprising to anyone following the startup's struggles. Several executives have left Canoo in the past few months, including its last remaining co-founder. The company is also facing multiple lawsuits, some of which concern allegations of unpaid bills. 

Last month Canoo reported having only $700,000 in cash reserves, its stock sitting at just $0.086 as of writing. The company lost over $300 million in 2023 alone, bringing in a mere $886,000 in revenue — and spending twice as much on Aquila's private jet travel. 

Last year, Oklahoma approved up to $100 million in performance-based state incentives for Canoo over the next 10 years. Speaking to News 4 last week, the Oklahoma State Department of Commerce noted that it had only paid Canoo $1 million to date, and that "if necessary, [it] will explore avenues to claw back public dollars."

Canoo isn't the only electric vehicle manufacturer who seems to be ramping down this month. Tesla also temporarily suspended Cybertruck production in early December, telling workers at its factory in Austin not to report for their shifts for three days.

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Throughout its first season, Dune: Prophecy has hit us with a potent combination of space politicking and sci-fi strangeness, with everything from prophetic visions to magnificent sandworms on the table. In its Season 1 finale, Dune: Prophecy brings all this together for a revelatory conclusion, answering some of our biggest questions from the season, while raising others that will be explored in Season 2.

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' review: The Bene Gesserit shine in this sci-fi showstopper

From revelations about the Omnius Plague to game-changing flashbacks, let's break down Dune: Prophecy's Season 1 finale, "The High-Handed Enemy."

Flashbacks reveal that Tula is Demond Hart's mother — and why she gave him away. Olivia Williams in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO

Episode 5 of Dune: Prophecy revealed the true reason behind Desmond Hart's (Travis Fimmel) hatred of the Sisterhood. His mother was a Sister, yet she gave him away. Turns out, his mother was none other than Tula Harkonenn (played by Olivia Williams in the present and Emma Canning in the past). That means his father is the late Orry Atreides (Milo Callaghan), killed by Tula's own hand.

In a flashback, Tula discloses her pregnancy to her sister Valya (played Emily Watson in the present and Jessica Barden in the past), who is supportive of her decision to keep the baby. She becomes even more supportive after a trip to Mother Superior Raquella's (Cathy Tyson) breeding index, which shows that a cross between the Atreides and Harkonnen lines would result in a child with extraordinary potential. (Paul Atreides says hi from 10,000 years in the future.)

However, Tula has some misgivings about Valya's desire to mold and shape her son into a powerful figure from birth. Without Valya's knowledge, she swaps her newborn baby with the stillborn child of a laborer on Wallach IX. She hopes that in getting her son away from the Sisterhood, he can make his own path. But how could she have predicted that path would have led him right back to the Sisterhood with vengeance in his heart?

Featured Video For You The 'Dune' imagery that inspired 'Dune: Prophecy' More flashbacks show Valya's bloody rise to power, leading to chaos on present-day Wallach IX. Jessica Barden in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO

"The High-Handed Enemy" remains in the past for more major reveals. In the aftermath of Valya's murder of Sister Dorotea (Camilla Beeput), she, Tula, Kasha (Yerin Ha), and Francesca (Charithra Chandran) confront Dorotea's disciples in order to assume total control of the Sisterhood. They offer them a choice: Follow Dorotea's path into death, or follow Valya into the future of the order. When the Sisters don't choose right away, Valya, Kasha, Francesca, and a hesitant Tula use the Voice to compel them. Most slit their own throats. Only Sister Avila (Barbara Marten) sides with Valya.

The incident would have been lost to history, if it wasn't for Sister Lila (Chloe Lea) in the present. After undergoing the Agony in episode 2, Lila has become unstable, with her ancestors possessing her body for hours at a time. In episode 5, that ancestor was Raquella. Thanks to her, Tula was able to understand that the cause for present-day Kasha's (Jihae) death was something similar Omnius Plague, a bioweapon used by thinking machines in the Butlerian Jihad that was long thought to be gone.

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' fixes one of my biggest beefs with 'Dune: Part Two'

But in episode 6, a new ancestor grabs hold of Lila. Sister Dorotea takes control and uncovers the mass grave of her old followers, proving to the current acolytes that the entire Sisterhood was built on blood. Dorotea-as-Lila then leads the acolytes to Raquella's thinking machine Anirul. She destroys it, possibly taking the breeding index with it.

That's where Dune: Prophecy leaves things on Wallach IX, with the acolytes disillusioned and ready to destroy everything Valya and Tula have built. But since those two are off-planet, they'll just have wait until Season 2 to learn about the consequences of their actions.

Salusa Secundus falls into disarray. Jodhi May in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Courtesy of HBO

Wallach IX isn't the only planet in the Imperium where all hell is breaking loose. On Salusa Secundus, Empress Natalya (Jodhi May) arrests her own daughter Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) for trying to break Kieran Atreides (Chris Mason) out of his suspensor cell. Since Ynez is Valya's strongest prospect for having a Sister on the throne, she decides to intervene, getting herself arrested on purpose in order to free Ynez. With the help of the Voice and Sister Theodosia's (Jade Anouka) shapeshifting abilities — which she received as a result of genetic experimentation by the Tleilaxu — Valya, Ynez, and Kieran escape. Theodosia stays behind and disguises herself as a wounded soldier. She almost kills Desmond with the element of surprise, but he wounds her and plans to have her imprisoned. Next season, expect to learn more about her role as a Face Dancer, and the mysterious Tleilaxu who made her this way.

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy': Why isn't the Sisterhood called the Bene Gesserit?

Things continue to fall apart for Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong). He learns that the Sisterhood has been steering his life from the very beginning, sending Sister Francesca (played in the present by Tabu) to imprint on him in his youth and setting up his match with Natalya. Now that he is no longer useful to the Sisterhood, Valya sends Francesca to kill him with the poisoned gom jabbar needle. But Javicco chooses to grab hold of what little agency remains to him and dies by suicide instead. As Francesca grieves, Natalya uses the gom jabbar to kill her.

With Javicco gone and any trace of the Sisterhood's council removed from the palace, the Imperium presumably falls to Natalya's control. But remember, Javicco made his and Francesca's son Constantine (Josh Heuston) the commander of his fleet in episode 5, meaning that Season 2 could see him fighting Natalya for control.

The cure for the Omnius Plague is basically the Litany Against Fear. Olivia Williams in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO

At the very start of the "The Heavy-Handed Enemy," Tula and Sister Nazir (Karima McAdams) research the mysterious bioweapon that killed Kasha, Pruwet Richese (Charlie Hodson-Prior), and members of the Landsraad. How could Kasha have withstood this virus for so long, while Pruwet and those in the Landsraad died after very little exposure to Desmond?

Turns out, Kasha had a "unique ability to live in the face of fear," and that kept the virus at bay for a time. Nazir and Tula realize that the virus feeds on fear, explaining the nightmares of the sandworm and those glowing blue eyes that the Sisters have been having. Nazir attempts to create an antiviral by transmuting the virus within herself — similarly to how Sisters alter poison when they undergo the Agony — but fails.

However, when Valya is exposed to the virus in her confrontation with Desmond at the end of the episode, she's able to make it through thanks to help from Tula. "You have to let go of your fears," Tula tells her as Valya fights through a vision of the death of their brother Griffin.

She continues: "All the fear. All the pain. You can't run from it. You can't fight it. You have to let it pass through you."

SEE ALSO: Space babies and time jumps: How 'Dune: Part Two' handles the challenge of Alia Atreides

Sound familiar? The emphasis on withstanding fear here calls to mind the Litany Against Fear in Frank Herbert's original Dune novels, which Lady Jessica and Paul both call upon to center themselves in dire times.

"I must not fear," the Litany goes. "Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."

Tula's words to Valya sound like a precursor to the Litany, something we'll no doubt see take form in Season 2 of Dune: Prophecy. But in Season 1, they work just as well. In her vision, Valya stands and allows the fear to pass through her. She witnesses the sandworm nightmare that has horrified so many of her fellow Sisters, but she also sees beyond it, learning what those monstrous blue eyes have been all this time.

What were the blue eyes in Dune: Prophecy? Travis Fimmel in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO

As Valya sees, the nightmare that's plagued her Sisters isn't just a nightmare: It's what Desmond Hart experienced after the sandworm attack on Arrakis. When he awoke, he came face to face with a large machine, the blue lights of which are the eyes from the nightmare.

In a gnarly sequence shot from Desmond's point of view, we watch as the machine pulls one of Desmond's eyes from its socket and implants his optic nerve with what must be the nanobots that transmitted the virus. A mysterious figure watches the procedure from a nearby window flooded with golden light, suggesting whoever carried out this operation was stationed on Arrakis.

With that knowledge in mind, it's off to Arrakis for Valya, Ynez, and Kieran, who hope to find the truth behind their hidden enemy. Meanwhile, Tula stays behind in the hopes of saving Desmond from the pain the machines have caused him. But after a silent reunion, Desmond calls for Tula's arrest. At least she'll have Theodosia to keep her company.

So after that jam-packed finale, the biggest question remains: Who is the hidden enemy who mobilized Desmond against the Imperium and the Sisterhood?

Whoever it is would have to have access to thinking machines, and no qualms about using them. There are a few possibilities from the Dune novels we could look at. First up is the Richese family, who played a prominent part in Dune: Prophecy's first episodes. As longtime makers of thinking machines, they're clearly more lax about possessing and using them, even though they're outlawed. However, why would the Richeses use Desmond to kill and maim members of their own family? Could we be looking at a splinter faction within the family?

Another more likely possibility is the Ixians, inhabitants of the planet Ix who continued to manufacture thinking machines. Dune's "Terminology of the Imperium" section describes Ix as having "escaped the more severe effects of the Butlerian Jihad" alongside House Richese. Now, it's "supreme in machine culture." With that in mind, it's very likely that Dune: Prophecy could be setting up Ix as the next big enemy the Sisterhood and Imperium will face. After all, it's another important faction from Herbert's universe, so why not get it on the board for Season 2?

Season 1 of Dune: Prophecy is now streaming on Max.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 23 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Words that sound the same

• Green: Neck openings in clothing

• Blue: Represents #1000

• Purple: Super things

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Homophones

• Green: Necklines

• Blue: Ways to Express 1,000

• Purple: Super___

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #561 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Homophones: EWE, U, YEW, YOU

• Necklines: BOAT, CREW, SCOOP, V

• Ways to Express 1,000: GRAND, K, M, THOU

• Super___: 8, BOWL, GLUE, TUESDAY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 23

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 23 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 23 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A place to sweat.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one reoccurring letter.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

SAUNA.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 23

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 23 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Pass the eggnog

These words are things you might taste during the holiday season.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are commonly consumed, like eggnog, during the holidays.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is HolidayFlavor.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 23

• Cranberry

• Gingerbread

• Cocoa

• Peppermint

• HolidayFlavor

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

In today’s digital landscape, anyone can be targeted by cybercriminals . With so much of our lives now happening online, from social connections to schoolwork, having a robust cybersecurity plan is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Whether you’re just starting to think about your family’s online safety or looking for a refresher on best practices, cybersecurity is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve put together this detailed guide to creating the best cybersecurity plan tailored to your family’s needs.

Why cybersecurity matters for families

Cybersecurity breaches can result in devastating consequences for families. A cyber attack could cost your family not only money but also an immense amount of time, feelings of insecurity and emotional stress. Protecting your family is about ensuring their safety and resilience in the digital age, and it’s something that is difficult to do on your own without the right tools. Here are the sorts of threats you need to keep in mind:

Common cyber threats

• Phishing Attacks: Fraudulent emails or messages designed to steal sensitive information.

• Ransomware: Malicious software that locks your files until a ransom is paid.

• Data Breaches: Unauthorised access to personal data like names, addresses, and payment information.

• Online Scams: Fake websites and offers targeting unsuspecting users.

• Identity Theft: Misuse of your personal information for financial gain.

Understanding these threats is the first step in building an effective cybersecurity strategy for your family.

Key security practices to keep in mind

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has developed core mitigation strategies to help protect against cyberattacks. These include:

1. Patch Applications and Operating Systems: Regular updates help keep your devices secure.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
3. Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limit who can make major changes to devices.
4. Back Up Data: Ensure important family documents and memories are safe.

If this list feels overwhelming, don’t worry. Even simple steps, like using strong passwords and being cautious online, make a big difference.

Building a robust cybersecurity plan for your family

1. Assess Your Risk
Start by identifying what needs protection. For families, this might include:

• Personal Data: Names, addresses, and financial information.

• Digital Memories: Photos, videos, and important documents.

• Devices: Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home gadgets.

2. Implement Strong Access Controls
Restrict access to sensitive data based on roles and responsibilities within your family. Consider:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require additional verification steps beyond a password.

• Role-Based Access Control: Teach kids appropriate internet use based on their age.

• Regular Password Updates: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.

3. Secure Your Home Network
Your home network is the backbone of your family’s cybersecurity. Protect it by:

• Using Strong Wi-Fi Passwords: Ensure your router uses WPA3 encryption.

• Setting Up Firewalls: Add an extra layer of protection.

• Using a VPN: Help encrypt your internet connections, especially for remote work and school activities.

4. Stay Up to Date

Outdated software and systems are prime targets for cyberattacks. Regularly update:

• Operating Systems: Apply security patches as they become available.

• Applications: Keep all software on your family’s devices current.

• Antivirus Programs: Help combat new threats with the latest antivirus software.

5. Educate Your Family
Human error is a leading cause of cybersecurity breaches. Conduct regular discussions to educate your family about:

• Recognising phishing attempts.

• Practising secure browsing habits.

• Handling personal data responsibly.

A culture of awareness reduces the likelihood of accidental breaches. PCMag is a good place to start here, as we report on top level changes around security systems, trends, and high profile data breaches. For a curated collection of short articles focused on personal security, a great resource is the Norton 360 Blog.

6. Back Up Your Data
Frequent backups will help protect against data loss during ransomware attacks or hardware failures. For a simple memory device, follow the 3-2-1 Rule:

• Keep 3 copies of your data.

• Store it on 2 different mediums (e.g., cloud and external drives).

• Maintain 1 offsite backup.

To be extra safe, ensure backups are encrypted and tested for recovery.

Investing in the best tools

Helping safeguard your family requires a comprehensive cybersecurity plan and the right tools. A robust security suite, like Norton 360, helps provide real-time threat protection, a VPN, password management, dark web monitoring, and more. Such tools make managing your family’s cybersecurity much easier.

For 2025, PCMag Australia recommends Norton 360 Premium. As a simple solution for 5 devices, Norton 360 Premium helps provide Real-Time Threat Protection, a Secure VPN, a Password Manager, Dark Web Monitoring, Cloud Backup for Windows PC, and more. Norton 360 Premium regularly performs well in our in-house lab testing, and comes from Norton - a 56 time winner of PCMag’s Editors’ Choice.

By assessing risks, using the best tools, educating your family, and staying informed, you can help protect your loved ones from evolving threats. Remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to digital safety. Information is king, and having the right software makes things much more manageable. For more information on Norton 360, check out their website, or our complete PCMag review of Editors Choice Winner Norton 360 Deluxe here.

"Seven hours of RedZone football starts here."

That’s how Scott Hanson opened Sunday’s broadcast, with his usual upbeat energy — but this time, with a twinge of irony. Why? Because last week (and again this week), the NFL’s RedZone channel — long celebrated for its uninterrupted, ad-free blitz of touchdowns and drama — broke its sacred covenant: it ran commercials.

Naturally, fans are losing it.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

When the Dec. 15 broadcast featured ads, an NFL spokesperson told Awful Announcing it was just a “test.” Hanson even threw out an apology for claiming the broadcast would remain commercial-free, which, spoiler, it wasn’t. Fans hoped it was a one-off. A hiccup. A blip.

But then came Sunday. And yeah, those ads were back.

For those unfamiliar, NFL RedZone offers a fast-paced, all-access look at every touchdown and pivotal moment across the league, stripping away the downtime and fluff typical of most game broadcasts. It has earned a devoted fanbase precisely because it prioritizes constant action.

That’s what makes the sudden presence of commercials feel like such a betrayal to its audience. The shift, subtle as it may seem, represents a breach of what made RedZone unique. X (formerly known as Twitter) has been flooded with backlash, with fans accusing the NFL of putting profits over the integrity of the service.

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While the NFL has yet to confirm whether this is a permanent change, fans shouldn't hold their breath for a return to commercial-free football.

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Martin Short celebrated his fifth time hosting Saturday Night Live with a monologue brimming with musical holiday cheer.

The Only Murders in the Building star kicked things off with a conventional monologue, roasting everything from Cybertrucks to his co-star Steve Martin.

SEE ALSO: Colin Jost and Michael Che's 2024 'SNL' Christmas joke swap is their most brutal yet

"He would have been here tonight, but he had a conflict with me not wanting him to be here," Short said. "And besides, it's rehearsal week for The Masked Singer."

But when SNL's cast members beg Short to cure their holiday anxieties, the host is all too happy to oblige — in song, of course. He bursts into a parody of "We Need a Little Christmas," telling the audience they "need a new prescription" to get through the holiday season.

Come for Short's boundless energy and singing, stay for him throwing a child off of Santa's lap and roasting Lorne Michaels. ("You smell wonderful, I didn't know Jack Daniels made cologne.") Plus, after a week of fighting with Jimmy Fallon, the pair reconcile with a passionate makeout session. It's a Christmas miracle!

Ever since Dec. 2018, Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che have celebrated Christmas with a new tradition. The two swap jokes live on-air, reading jokes their co-anchor has written that they've never seen until now.

SEE ALSO: Martin Short roasts Jimmy Fallon, John Mulaney, and more in 'SNL' Five-Timers Club cold open

Basically, it's an excuse for Jost and Che to make the other say some wildly offensive things, and to end the year, the pair reach new heights. Nothing is off the table, from slavery reparations to allegations against rappers Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jay-Z. But Che takes things to a nuclear level by making Jost joke about his marriage to Scarlett Johansson (Fly Me to the Moon) while she's in the studio.

That's right: Johansson, who made a cameo in the episode's Five-Timers Club cold open, was watching live. And SNL made sure to catch all her reactions to Jost's jokes from Che. You just have to see it to believe it.

Martin Short, welcome to the Saturday Night Live Five-Timers Club!

The Only Murders in the Building star and former SNL cast member celebrated his fifth time hosting in style, with Tom Hanks himself welcoming him into the lauded Five-Timers Club. Also present were Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin (who's hosted a whopping 17 times), Kristen Wiig, Emma Stone, Melissa McCarthy, John Mulaney, and Scarlett Johansson, who shut her husband (Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost) out of the club.

SEE ALSO: Martin Short storms off set in 'SNL' promo

Jimmy Fallon was also on hand to give Short his Five-Timers Club jacket, and if you thought Short was done roasting him after his guest spot on his show this past week, then you'd be mistaken.

"I can only stay for a little bit, and then I have to go and host another game show and laugh at my own jokes," Fallon said upon entering.

"Well, at least someone's laughing," Short replied.

SEE ALSO: 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 4 finale: Wait, what about those loose ends from Season 1?

Fallon wasn't the only victim of Short's jabs, though. He also roasted Mulaney after he made mention of their short-lived 2014 sitcom Mulaney.

"But you came back strong!" Short said. "Then you crashed and burned. And then you came back strong, and we're all so curious what will happen next."

Not even Short's absent partner-in-crime Steve Martin was spared. As Hanks gives Short the night's signature cocktail, a "MartyTini", he remarks it's often paired with a "Steve MarTini."

"I bet it's even better on its own," Short says while taking a sip.

Don't worry, though: Members of the Five-Timers Club dish Short's roasts back to him. To see more playful insults and learn about some intriguing romantic relationships within the Club, check out the full clip above.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, December 22, 2024:

AcrossLongtime first name in the House of Representatives

• The answer is Nancy.

Word that aptly fills in these blanks: S_ rano's p formnce

• The answer is Opera.

Bad thing to go up without a paddle

• The answer is Creek.

Assistant

• The answer is Aide.

Toilet paper layer

• The answer is Ply.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 22, 2024 Down"For real!," in popular slang

• The answer is No cap.

When Tax Day is

• The answer is April.

Requiring a lot of attention

• The answer is Needy.

Indigenous people of Canada

• The answer is Cree.

Beast also known as a "grunting ox"

• The answer is Yak.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 22 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Lengths a horse would run

• Green: Teams in the cheese state

• Blue: Basketball announcers

• Purple: Teams located in a capital

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Distances in horse racing

• Green: Wisconsin teams

• Blue: NBA broadcasters

• Purple: Teams that play in world capitals

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #90 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Distances in horse racing - FURLONG, LENGTH, MILE, NOSE

• Wisconsin teams - BADGERS, BUCKS, BREWERS, PACKERS

• NBA broadcasters - BREEN, BURKE, EAGLE, HARLAN

• Teams that play in world capitals - NATIONALS, REAL MADRID, SENATORS, TOTTENHAM

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

TL;DR: Live stream Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders on YouTube TV or Sling TV.

Get ready for a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders during NFL Week 16. The Eagles are winning big in the NFC East, with a 12-2 record that puts them way ahead in their division. The Commanders sit right below them with a 9-5 record, keeping them in the run in a competitive NFC East.

The Eagles have only lost two games this season. They beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Dec. 15 with a final score of 14-27. That same day, the Commanders beat the New Orleans Saints by just one point, leaving a final score of 20-19. Although the Eagles are ahead, the Commanders still have a good chance of taking the win this Sunday.

When is Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders?

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 22. The two teams will face off at Northwest Stadium in Washington, DC.

The game will air on FOX, where Joe Davis is expected to do the play-by-play. Greg Olsen will join him in the booth and Pam Oliver will report from the sidelines.

How to stream Eagles vs. Commanders?

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Eagles vs. Commanders:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Eagles vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Eagles vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Eagles vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office 2021 at just $59.97 (reg. $219.99) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.

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What's included with this Mashable Shop deal?

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