From film to fashion, books to TV, our writers pick the best cultural highlights of the season.

The beginning of the year has become a treasure trove of cinematic treats for Irish movie fans. Keeping films fresh in the minds of awards-season voters often means they’re released just before Christmas in the US, so they reach our shores between the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Esther McCarthy selects the movies you really don’t want to miss

From movies to music, food to fashion, our critics reveal their picks for the year ahead.

London-Irish director Martin McDonagh and leading actress Frances McDormand have been tipped for Oscar success with their new film, writes Helen Barlow.

From movies to music, food to fashion, our critics round up the big tickets for autumn

Three great movies to look forward to this week, reviewed by Declan Burke

Here's your morning news bulletin.

Des O’Driscoll with the latest entertainment news and events...

Malick, eccentric and difficult film-maker or brilliant auteur with a profound vision? Discuss.

Woody Harrelson and Emilia Clarke were among the stars on the set of the of the new Han Solo Star Wars spin-off as filming kicked off at London’s Pinewood Studios.

Here's your evening update.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

There’s now a wealth of plant-powered beauty brands to choose from. Katie Wright rounds up her pick of the best on the market.

The Four Horsemen come back into the light to take on their biggest challenge yet.

Cian Ó Cíobháin is originally from west Kerry, but has been living in Galway since his college days. This week, his electronic music show on Raidio na Gaeltachta, An Taobh Tuathail, is marking 17 years on air. It’s broadcast Monday to Friday at 10pm.

Hunger Games director Francis Lawrence has defended the inclusion of violent scenes in the final film, despite its 12A certificate.

Vegan diets, once considered extreme, are becoming more mainstream, but the jury is out on health benefits, says Sharon Ní Chonchuir.

And there you were, thinking you’d never see him or Westmeath again, when who springs up in Croke Park and on your screen but himself. 

Reddit, the front page of the internet, is having internal strife after the departure of a significant staff member.

Lots of excellent telly on the box tonight, from talented folks to aquatic fantasy.

The second season of HBO's massively successful True Detective will be on Irish televisions from the 22nd of June 2015

Their musical styles could not be further apart, but that didn’t stop rapper Kanye West and Beatle Paul McCartney arriving at the Stella McCartney show together to join actor Woody Harrelson on the front row.

MAGIC MOMENT: Portishead performing ‘Wandering Star’ beneath a clear night sky at Electric Picnic.

Magic Moment: Caribou, Vicar Street. Caribou’s headliner at Vicar Street in November was sublime and spooky, with delicate beats and waves of old-fashioned human emotion coming together gorgeously.

 Des O'Driscoll rounds up the top 10 talking points of TV this year.

Benedict Cumberbatch has been nominated for two Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards.

And no this isn’t Waterford Whispers news.

Liam and Chris Hemsworth are among Hollywood’s most well-known siblings - but Liam’s long-term co-star in the Hunger Games, Woody Harrelson, never made the connection. Until now.

Check out our spoiler-free guide to the best of tonight's TV.

Modern Family won a record-tying fifth best comedy series Emmy award last night, while a dominant Breaking Bad captured the top drama gong and a hat trick of acting honours.

The BBC’s hit series Sherlock scooped a hat-trick of awards at the glitzy Emmy ceremony and looks set to return to our screens next year.

Colin Farrell looks set to return to TV screens for the first time in almost a decade in a lead role in the second series of hit crime drama True Detective.

The fantasy saga Game of Thrones, defying the Emmy Awards’ grudging respect for genre fare, emerged as the leader in the nominations announced yesterday with 19 bids, including best drama series.

George Wendt returns to the Kilkenny’s Cat Laughs event 19 years after his first appearance, writes Richard Fitzpatrick.

MasterChef Ireland and Hector both make welcome returns.

True Detective  debuts on Sky Atlantic,  while Operation Transformation reaches its conclusion for this year.

It’s set in modern Pennsylvania, but there’s an Old Testament quality to the imagery of fire in Out of the Furnace (15A).

Your daily, spoiler-free guide to what to look out for on the box.

Saving Mr Banks ★★★★✩

Here’s our quick rundown of what’s new in Irish cinemas today.

Liam Hemsworth insists he is single.

In new movie Now You See Me, a cheating husband is exposed by a mentalist. It’s an ability suspicious wives would love to have, says Hilary Fennell.

The cult of celebrity is at the heart of Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring (15A), which is based on a true story.