Mark Zuckerberg Grilled in Social Media Addiction Trial That Could Cost Platforms Billions

Mark Zuckerberg Grilled in Social Media Addiction Trial That Could Cost Platforms Billions Madison E. GoldbergSat, February 21, 2026 at 8:04 PM UTC 0 Mark Zuckerberg on Feb. 18 Wally Skalij/Getty As he testified in a landmark lawsuit filed against his company, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg denied that Instagram's algorithm is addictive for children and teens The Facebook cofounder addressed social media's impact on mental health as he testified in a landmark trial that could cost platforms like Instagram billions The trial comes after a young woman, identified in court documents only as "Kaley," su...

Mark Zuckerberg Grilled in Social Media Addiction Trial That Could Cost Platforms Billions

Madison E. GoldbergSat, February 21, 2026 at 8:04 PM UTC

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Mark Zuckerberg on Feb. 18

Wally Skalij/Getty

As he testified in a landmark lawsuit filed against his company, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg denied that Instagram's algorithm is addictive for children and teens

The Facebook co-founder addressed social media's impact on mental health as he testified in a landmark trial that could cost platforms like Instagram billions

The trial comes after a young woman, identified in court documents only as "Kaley," sued Meta and YouTube alleging that she became addicted to the platforms, causing mental health issues

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was grilled about social media addiction and its impacts on mental health in children and teens as he testified in a landmark trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Zuckerberg appeared in court to testify in a hearing on a lawsuit filed by a young woman identified only as "Kaley" or K.G.M. in court documents.

In the suit — the first of multiple similar complaints — Meta is accused of intentionally integrating features that were designed to make young people become addicted to apps like Instagram starting in childhood, according to CNN.

During his testimony on Wednesday, Zuckerberg, 41, insisted that the Instagram algorithm is not intentionally made to be addictive for young users, according to NBC News.

"I'm focused on building a community that is sustainable," he said. "If you do something that's not good for people, maybe they'll spend more time [on Instagram] short term, but if they're not happy with it, they're not going to use it over time. I'm not trying to maximize the amount of time people spend every month."

The Facebook co-founder shut down further questions from the plaintiff's attorney, Mark Lanier, about the app's allegedly addictive qualities.

"I'm not sure what to say to that," Zuckerberg responded, per NBC News. "I don't think that applies here."

Lanier also asked Zuckerberg if companies should "prey upon" those who come from difficult backgrounds or are "less fortunate in educational opportunities," according to CNN.

"I think a reasonable company should try to help the people who use its services," Zuckerberg said.

YouTube is also named in the suit but maintains that it is not a social media company.

If the suit is successful, these major tech companies could be forced to pay billions in damages and make significant changes to how their platforms operate.

More broadly, behemoths like Meta and YouTube have insisted they are shielded in court by a provision of federal law that protects them from legal liability related to the content created by their users.

The suits they now face, however, mark a change in strategy by their critics who liken their conduct to the predation of the so-called Big Tobacco companies in the last century. The plaintiffs are also reportedly citing internal documents and past statements from company officials about how their platforms affect users.

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In essence, these plaintiffs claim, social media platforms knowingly designed themselves to reinforce addictive and harmful behavior by their users — an accusation the defendants flatly reject as lacking evidence and science, unlike the comparison with nicotine.

The suits, which will continue this year, are expected to take years to play out.

Snap and TikTok were originally listed as defendants in the lawsuit in L.A. Both companies reached settlements in January.

As he questioned Zuckerberg this week, Lanier said his 20-year-old client began using Instagram when she was 9 years old, before the app began asking users for their birth year in December 2019 to ensure people under 13 weren't using it.

Mark Zuckerberg (center) outside the Los Angeles Superior Court on Feb. 18

Apu GOMES / AFP via Getty

Zuckerberg said there was "some concern around privacy" before implementation of the 2019 birthdate rule, but said he thinks the company found the right policy, CNN reported. (Lanier and Meta did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on the suit.)

The parents of children who they claim were severely harmed or died as a result of social media use also traveled from across the country to attend the trial, according to CNN.

Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook and has more than 3.5 billion users, has repeatedly sparked criticism for its alleged contribution to the deaths of countless children and teenagers globally, with other lawsuits tied to child sexual exploitation on the platform, according to The New York Times.

On Feb. 11, Meta issued a statement addressing the allegations in the suit, which alleges that the app was not the cause of Kaley's "mental health struggles."

"The question for the jury in Los Angeles is whether Instagram was a substantial factor in the plaintiff's mental health struggles," the statement reads. "The evidence will show she faced many significant, difficult challenges well before she ever used social media."

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A Meta spokesperson told CNN the company "strongly disagree[s]" with Kaley's allegations and "are confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people."

YouTube also denied the claims in the lawsuit, per CNN.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

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Mark Zuckerberg Grilled in Social Media Addiction Trial That Could Cost Platforms Billions

Mark Zuckerberg Grilled in Social Media Addiction Trial That Could Cost Platforms Billions Madison E. GoldbergSat,...

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Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker out at least 1 week with right hip strain

Phoenix Suns AllStar guard Devin Booker out at least 1 week with right hip strain Sat, February 21, 2026 at 7:57 PM UTC 0 1 / 0Suns Spurs BasketballPhoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives against San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Austin, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) () PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns AllStar guard Devin Booker will miss at least one week because of a right hip strain that happened against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.

Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker out at least 1 week with right hip strain

Sat, February 21, 2026 at 7:57 PM UTC

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1 / 0Suns Spurs BasketballPhoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives against San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Austin, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) ()

PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker will miss at least one week because of a right hip strain that happened against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.

The team made the announcement on Saturday before the team's game against the Orlando Magic.

Booker is averaging 24.7 points, 6.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds over 44 games this season. The 29-year-old recently missed seven straight games with a sprained right ankle.

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The Suns also said that recently signed guard Haywood Highsmith is continuing to recover from right knee surgery last offseason. The team said Highsmith is making "good progress" and will be evaluated in 2 to 3 weeks.

The Suns have been one of the NBA's surprise teams this season with a 32-24 record, but injuries have taken a toll and they've lost four of their past five games.

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Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker out at least 1 week with right hip strain

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba would play for free, but wants to be highest-paid WR

Jaxon SmithNjigba would play for free, but wants to be highestpaid WR Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAYSat, February 21, 2026 at 8:03 PM UTC 0 Jaxon SmithNjigba would play for free, but wants to be highestpaid WR Show him the money. Jaxon SmithNjigba isn't in a hurry to get paid, but the Seattle Seahawks star receiver is bound to cash in with a big contract when that time comes. He took home the award for NFL Offensive Player of the Year and also helped Seattle win its second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history after winning Super Bowl 60.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba would play for free, but wants to be highest-paid WR

Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAYSat, February 21, 2026 at 8:03 PM UTC

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba would play for free, but wants to be highest-paid WR

Show him the money.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn't in a hurry to get paid, but the Seattle Seahawks star receiver is bound to cash in with a big contract when that time comes. He took home the award for NFL Offensive Player of the Year and also helped Seattle win its second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history after winning Super Bowl 60.

The receiver is officially eligible for an extension this offseason, but there is no timeline on when a deal will be done.

"I'm really not too pressed right now to get it done," Smith-Njigba said in an interview with WFAA on Feb. 20 in his hometown of Dallas. "I know my time is coming, and when we get it done, it's going to be a great deal. God's timing is perfect timing, so whenever that may come, we'll be ready for it. I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position. Just what I give to the game and the community, I give it my all, and I think that's worth a lot more."

Smith-Njigba went on to talk about his love of the game, but the business side of things drives his desire to be the highest-paid.

"I would play this game for free," Smith-Njigba said. "I love this game so much. But you don't have to, and I'm learning to be a good businessman, and we need that check at the end of the day."

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1 / 0Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

He is currently set to enter the final year of a four-year, $14.4 million rookie contract. The deal, just like every NFL rookie contract, was slotted. Smith-Njigba was drafted by the Seahawks with the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Since his selection came in the first round, Seattle has the ability to pick up Smith-Njigba's fifth-year option, which would extend his stay in the Pacific Northwest for another year. The fifth-year-option window for the 2023 draft class opened Jan. 5, with the final deadline set for May 1.

That option would be worth about $24.4 million, per Spotrac.

Smith-Njigba recorded 119 catches, 10 touchdowns and led the league with 1,793 receiving yards, setting a franchise record. He was also named a first-team All-Pro and earned a Pro Bowl selection.

If the Seahawks' star wants to become the highest-paid receiver, he will have to surpass the number that Ja'Marr Chase received last offseason. The Cincinnati Bengals' receiver inked a four-year, $161 million deal on March 16, 2025 to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

With an average annual value (AAV) of $40.25 million, the mark is set for Smith-Njigba.

Time will tell if he beats it.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Seahawks Jaxon Smith-Njigba wants to be highest-paid WR with extension

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Giants legend Eli Manning isn't losing sleep over Hall of Fame snub

Giants legend Eli Manning isn&x27;t losing sleep over Hall of Fame snub Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAYSat, February 21, 2026 at 3:56 PM UTC 3 Giants legend Eli Manning isn't losing sleep over Hall of Fame snub Eli Manning's career speaks for itself, whether enshrined or not. It's that last part that sparks debate and outrage, even if the former New York Giants' star quarterback appears unbothered.

Giants legend Eli Manning isn't losing sleep over Hall of Fame snub

Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAYSat, February 21, 2026 at 3:56 PM UTC

3

Giants legend Eli Manning isn't losing sleep over Hall of Fame snub

Eli Manning's career speaks for itself, whether enshrined or not.

It's that last part that sparks debate and outrage, even if the former New York Giants' star quarterback appears unbothered. Fans, analysts, people around the league and many more have opinions that land on both sides of the issue, but it was the Pro Football Hall of Fame voters who kept Manning off the list for a second year in a row.

Emotions run high when it comes to that topic, but don't expect Manning to give a passionate sales pitch anytime soon. During a Feb. 17 interview with Jon Gruden on "Gruden Goes Long," Manning was asked about the snub and his feelings about it.

"It doesn't keep me up at night," Manning said. "I'm not going to be bitter at it. I'm not bitter at the game of football. I loved my teammates. I love the relationships, the friendships, the championships, the parades. When I think about football, I think about touchdowns and my buddies and wins and plane rides home.

"I don't think about the interceptions. I don't think about the bad stuff. I think about the positive things."

The quarterback also isn't concerned about timing or how many ballots it might take for him to get into the exclusive club based in Canton, Ohio.

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"If I ever get in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I'll take it as a positive," Manning said. "And I'm not going to think about the years I had to wait to get in."

Of course, Manning wasn't the only prominent football coach, player or contributor left off the list. Former New England Patriots coach and eight-time Super Bowl champion, Bill Belichick, also fell short of being enshrined in 2026. Manning famously defeated Belichick's Patriots twice in the Super Bowl.

Despite being a two-time MVP in the big game, Manning didn't match that level of dominance in the regular season. He posted a 117-117 record in 16 seasons, making just four Pro Bowl appearances. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Manning's Hall of Fame case largely rests on those two games in Super Bowl 42 and 46.

Vote counts are not released by the Hall of Fame, meaning it's unclear how much support the Giants' legend had in the committee.

Manning will now have to hope that the third time is the charm in 2027.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Eli Manning says he isn't bitter about Hall of Fame snub in 2026

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Viral AI video of Tom Cruise fighting Brad Pitt leaves Hollywood flabbergasted: 'It's likely over...

SAGAFTRA and the MPA have both accused Chinese company ByteDance of widespread infringement via its new generative AI service Seedance 2.0. Viral AI video of Tom Cruise fighting Brad Pitt leaves Hollywood flabbergasted: 'It's likely over for us' SAGAFTRA and the MPA have both accused Chinese company ByteDance of widespread infringement via its new generative AI service Seedance 2.0. By Wesley Stenzel :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/WesleyStenzelauthorphoto32b61793a2784639af623f2ae091477e.jpg) Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at . He began writing for EW in 2022.

SAG-AFTRA and the MPA have both accused Chinese company ByteDance of widespread infringement via its new generative AI service Seedance 2.0.

Viral AI video of Tom Cruise fighting Brad Pitt leaves Hollywood flabbergasted: 'It's likely over for us'

SAG-AFTRA and the MPA have both accused Chinese company ByteDance of widespread infringement via its new generative AI service Seedance 2.0.

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

EW's editorial guidelines

February 13, 2026 6:36 p.m. ET

Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise at the 'F1' premiere in London. Credit:

Gareth Cattermole/Getty

- Irish filmmaker Ruairí Robinson shared multiple AI-generated videos of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fistfighting on social media.

- SAG-AFTRA and the Motion Picture Association condemned ByteDance, the Chinese company responsible for the technology that generated the videos.

- *Deadpool* screenwriter Rhett Reese was also alarmed by the videos' quality: "It's likely over for us."

Another day, another AI video prompting pessimism about Hollywood's future.

Oscar-nominated Irish filmmaker Ruairí Robinson shared an AI-generated video on social media Tuesday, featuring the likenesses of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt having an elaborate fistfight on a Los Angeles overpass.

"This was a 2 line prompt in seedance 2," Robinson wrote in the caption of the 15-second clip, which has garnered more than 1.4 million views to date.

Seedance 2.0 is a new AI service by ByteDance, the Chinese company that also owns TikTok.

Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in Los Angeles in 1998.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Robinson also posted a follow-up video featuring AI versions of the *Interview With the Vampire* costars fighting in a similar location, this time with dialogue.

"You killed Jeffrey Epstein, you animal," the fake Pitt says in a voice that sounds strikingly similar to the real *Moneyball* star. "He was a good man."

"He knew too much about our Russia operations," AI-generated Cruise responds in a similarly realistic voice. "He had to die, and now you die too."

That clip has amassed more than 3 million views to date.

** has reached out to representatives for Cruise and Pitt for comment.

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing around 170,000 actors and entertainers worldwide, shared a statement with EW condemning ByteDance and accusing the company of widespread copyright infringement.

Chris Pratt pitched using an AI actor to play AI role in early 'Mercy' casting talks: Not a 'good idea'

Morgan Freeman slams AI-generated voices copying his own: 'Don't mimic me with falseness'

"SAG-AFTRA stands with the studios in condemning the blatant infringement enabled by Bytedance's new AI video model Seedance 2.0," the organization said. "The infringement includes the unauthorized use of our members' voices and likenesses. This is unacceptable and undercuts the ability of human talent to earn a livelihood. Seedance 2.0 disregards law, ethics, industry standards and basic principles of consent. Responsible AI development demands responsibility, and that is nonexistent here."

EW has reached out to ByteDance for comment.

Rhett Reese at the 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' premiere in New York.

Noam Galai/WireImage

Screenwriter Rhett Reese, who wrote all three *Deadpool* movies and *Now You See Me: Now You Don't*, shared the first video with an alarmed message. "I hate to say it. It's likely over for us," he lamented.

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Reese later clarified his reaction to the video in another post. "I am not at all excited about AI encroaching into creative endeavors," he wrote. "To the contrary, I'm terrified. So many people I love are facing the loss of careers they love. I myself am at risk. When I wrote 'It's over,' I didn't mean it to sound cavalier or flippant."

The screenwriter added that he was "blown away" by the video of the two AI actors fighting "because it is so professional" and realistic. "That's exactly why I'm scared," he said. "My glass half empty view is that Hollywood is about to be revolutionized/decimated. If you truly think the Pitt v Cruise video is unimpressive slop, you've got nothing to worry about. But I'm shook."**

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These essential films cover wide swaths of history. The 10 most thoughtprovoking war documentaries streaming on HBO Max These essential films cover wide swaths of history. By Jordan Hoffman :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/JordanHoffmanauthorphotoe4b61cf41b534ce3bd109eae4b8f4eaa.jpg) Jordan Hoffman Jordan Hoffman is a writer at , mostly covering nostalgia. He has been writing about entertainment since 2007. EW's editorial guidelines February 14, 2026 8:00 a.m. ET Leave a Comment :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/JimTheJamesFoleyStoryGHOSTSOFABUGHRAIBNIGHTANDFOG0202112649d1b828377d4ccca309606c75206685.

These essential films cover wide swaths of history.

The 10 most thought-provoking war documentaries streaming on HBO Max

These essential films cover wide swaths of history.

By Jordan Hoffman

Jordan Hoffman

Jordan Hoffman is a writer at **, mostly covering nostalgia. He has been writing about entertainment since 2007.

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February 14, 2026 8:00 a.m. ET

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The most essential war documentaries on HBO Max. Credit:

HBO (2); Courtesy Everett

If you don't know your past, you don't know your future. It's a cliche, but it's true. Here's another one: history repeats itself. The best way to educate yourself about world affairs and their domestic impact is to investigate previous conflicts, their causes, and their legacies. While nothing beats reading a thick book (and a local library is the best route) those with limited time can always turn to documentary films.

Luckily, ** is here to help you further your history education with the best war documentaries on HBO Max.

The premium cable network has been home to some of the most important and thought-provoking documentaries ever produced, and its streaming service is brimming with options. Here are a few titles to get you started.

December 7th (1943)

The U.S. government recruited Hollywood icons to make 'December 7th'.

Office of War Information

This Oscar-winning film blurs the lines of a typical documentary, but is nonetheless an important work. Developed by U.S. government agencies as a propaganda tool and directed by John Ford (you may remember him from *The Fabelmans*) and Gregg Toland (cinematographer of *Citizen Kane*, among others), this exploration of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor incorporates what little actual footage existed mixed with recreations and miniatures filmed in a Hollywood studio.

Though scripted and featuring actors like Walter Huston as the avatar "Uncle Sam," the news aspect makes it significant. Multiple versions exist; the 32-minute release cut served audiences who felt the need to see the events up close, and to rally the homefront for the fight ahead.

For All Mankind (1989)

The Cold War paves the way for a touchstone human achievement in 'For All Mankind'.

Apollo Associates

A literally uplifting look at NASA's voyage to the moon, *For All Mankind *qualifies as a war documentary in that Neil Armstrong taking "one giant leap" never would have happened were it not for the ongoing Cold War. But let's not let that trouble us. Al Reinert's masterpiece of collage takes preexisting footage from multiple space adventures and shows the moon landing in an impressionistic style. Thousands of people made it possible, so individual faces and names are less important than the forward thrust.

Though the original score by Brian Eno, Roger Eno, and Daniel Lanois has been repurposed so many times, new viewers may be surprised to learn its origins. This is an inspiring film, and one of the best examples of real life adventure.

The 15 best war movies streaming on HBO Max right now

Hollywood History: How World War II forced the Academy to rethink the 1942 Oscars

George Stevens: D-Day to Berlin (1994)

A-list director George Stevens captured the most comprehensive color footage of World War II in Europe.

Already an established director with films like *Woman of the Year *(1942) and *Gunga Din *(1939), George Stevens joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1943 and assembled a crew known as the "Stevens Irregulars." They shot some of the most important footage of World War II, including images from the D-Day landing, the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp, the meeting of American and Russian forces, and images of Berlin in ruins.

It wasn't until after Stevens' death (and a post-war career including *Giant *and *Shane*) that his cache of unseen color film from this period was discovered — the most comprehensive color film of the war in Europe. This documentary, framed by George Stevens Jr., is a remarkable reflection of that period.

Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (2007)

A corridor at Abu Ghraib during the Iraq War.

This frank look at the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib during the Iraq War, directed by Rory Kennedy (RFK Jr's sister), does its best to explain how an absurd environment can enable otherwise ordinary soldiers to become torturers. In interviewing military officials and psychologists, *Ghosts of Abu Ghraib* dismisses theories of bad seeds or bad apples, and shows how obedience to authority can quickly erode a person's moral compass. Think it couldn't happen to you? Stanley Milgram's experiments — footage of which is shown here — have shown how malleable people often are.

Most striking are interviews with military police reflecting back with horror on their own actions, expressing remorse at the past and frustration with who got left with the blame.

Guerras Ajenas (2016)

'Guerras Ajenas' focuses on a small narrative within the larger War on Drugs.

*Guerras Ajenas *(*Wars of Others*) looks at a tiny aspect of the so-called "War on Drugs" to expose how whole communities can get swept up in wider political currents.

For years the government of Colombia, at the behest of the United States, has been spraying a dangerous chemical called glyphosate from airplanes with an aim toward killing coca crops and disrupting the drug trade. In 2015, the World Health Organization declared that glyphosate was a likely carcinogen. As you can imagine, powerful forces have worked to obfuscate this fact, while innocent people suffer. Lilia Luciano's documentary examines the issue from the ground up.

Hearts and Minds (1974)

Father and child during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Courtesy Everett

This concise documentary quickly became a flashpoint in America upon its release, exposing just how unwinnable (not to mention unjust) the ongoing quagmire in Vietnam had become. The film mixes interview footage of American infantrymen (some of whom had become drug addicts) as well as a notorious interview with General William Westmoreland, who infamously concluded: "The Oriental doesn't put the same high price on life as does the Westerner."

This statement, juxtaposed with footage of grieving Vietnamese at a funeral, remains one of the darkest and lowest moments of American history.

Jim: The James Foley Story (2016)

James Foley was an American freelance videojournalist who was compelled to go into harm's way to expose atrocities. In 2011 he was kidnapped while shooting footage in Libya but was released 44 days later. Then in 2012, while working on assignment in Syria for French and American outlets, he was captured by ISIS — then later decapitated in a video message to President Obama.

That video is thankfully *not *shown in this film, but what you do see is a portrait of the man as told by his loved ones and fellow prisoners. Most insightful, perhaps, is learning how an ordinary family reacts when they suddenly become the focus of an international news story.

Night and Fog (1956)

Legendary filmmaker Alain Resnais made one of the definitive cinematic statements on the Holocaust.

Courtesy Everett

Can a historical film actually be history itself? Alain Resnais' short, stylistic project was one of the first major films to address the Holocaust. It uses some archival (often gruesome) footage, but is more notable for its contemporary imagery — a camera eye roving through abandoned Nazi extermination camps juxtaposed with voiceover narration.

The film was revelatory upon its release, and controversial in its native country for not sugarcoating collaborationist French efforts. Indeed, the film could only be originally released if Resnais agreed to alter some shots to obscure someone in a French police uniform observing mass deportations.

Wartorn: 1861–2010 (2010)

James Gandolfini speaks with Gen. Raymond T. Odierno in 'Wartorn: 1861-2010'.

Though not exactly an easy film to watch, *Wartorn: 1861–2010* is an insightful look at what we now call post-traumatic stress disorder, but used to call battle fatigue or shell shock. Co-produced by James Gandolfini, who also leads the interviews, this is partly a history lesson, but also an examination of more recent struggles.

Iraq veterans suffering from PTSD bravely reveal how routine activities like supermarket shopping can become mental torture. Conversations with family members of those who survived their tour, only to die by suicide at home, are even more heartbreaking.

White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (2007)

'White Light/Black Rain' features interviews with several Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors.

It's fair to say the use of atomic weapons to end World War II remains one of the most significant "turn the page" events in human history. This Emmy-winning film boasts contemporary interviews with over a dozen survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, most of whom were children at the time.

Also included are some airmen who flew the *Enola Gay*, as well as Los Alamos scientists. The enormity of what they witnessed is not lost on them, but director Steven Okazaki recognizes it's through detail and specificity that we arrive at a wider truth. In a world where current weapons of mass destruction make the bombs dropped on Japan look like Nerf toys, there are not many films more important than this.

- Documentary Movies

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Ego Nwodim draws gasps from Jimmy Kimmel Live audience after admitting she's never seen this clas...

&34;I've seen 'Scarface,' does that count?&34; Ego Nwodim draws gasps from Jimmy Kimmel Live audience after admitting she's never seen this classic film &34;I've seen 'Scarface,' does that count?&34; By Shania Russell :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ShaniaRussellauthorphoto5934b684845d480caa4485648c39ef2b.jpg) Shania Russell Shania Russell is a news writer at , with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine. EW's editorial guidelines February 14, 2026 10:00 a.m.

"I've seen 'Scarface,' does that count?"

Ego Nwodim draws gasps from* Jimmy Kimmel Live* audience after admitting she's never seen this classic film

"I've seen 'Scarface,' does that count?"

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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February 14, 2026 10:00 a.m. ET

Ego Nwodim and Jimmy Kimmel on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Feb. 10. Credit:

Disney/Randy Holmes

Ego Nwodim is the first to admit that she's no cinephile.

The *Saturday Night Live* alum is currently gearing up to host Sunday night's Film Indie Spirit Awards — but just because she's hosting the movie-centric ceremony, doesn't mean she's an expert. The live audience of *Jimmy Kimmel Live *learned as much on Tuesday evening, when Nwodim confessed that she still hasn't seen a number of classic and long-heralded titles. It's so bad that one *SNL* host called her out within minutes of them meeting.

"Josh Brolin sized me up within an instant and said, 'You look like you've never seen any movies before,'" Nwodim told Kimmel during the Feb. 10 interview. "To this day, I've lost sleep over it because I'm like, 'What about me says I haven't seen movies?'"

When Kimmel asked if Brolin's assumption was correct, Nwodim admitted, "Josh was right."

Josh Brolin as Mark and Ego Nwodim as Lisa on 'Saturday Night Live'.

Will Heath/NBC via Getty

For his part, Brolin took the backstage exchange so seriously that he sent the comedian a curated list of "53 movies that everyone needs to have watched." But to date, Nwodim has still only seen one title on the list — Steven Spielberg's 1975 classic thriller, *Jaws*.

"Was there one on the list that people would get actually angry at you because you haven't seen?" Kimmel asked

After a thoughtful moment, Nwodim admitted, "I'm mad about this myself: I haven't seen *[The] Godfather*."

Nwodim's response was swiftly met with a wave of gasps and audible distress from Kimmel's live audience — including one attendee who shouted, "What?!"

Raising her hands in defense, Nwodim said, "Oh, come on! I thought this was a safe space. Everyone backstage said this would be a safe space."

While the audience didn't take too kindly to her ignorance of the Corleone family, Kimmel admitted that he was jealous of Nwodim.

Ego Nwodim in November 2025 in New York City.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

"I would love to be able to see *The Godfather* and* The Godfather 2* — and skip the next one — for the first time again," he joked.

After clarifying that she does intend to check out the venerated Francis Ford Coppola-directed titles, Nwodim attempted to appeal to the audience, noting, "I've seen *Scarface*, does that count?"

This time, even Kimmel shut her down, answering with a firm, "No."

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While Nwodim still has many classics to catch up with — she cited *12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon*, and Federico Fellini's highly influential *8½* among the titles she has yet to see — the *SNL* alum noted that she has already watched a huge chunk of the movies that are up for awards on Sunday night.

"I watched the films, [and] I'm super excited," Nwodim said of the impending event, whose contenders include *If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, One of Them Days, *and* Train Dreams.*

The Film Independent Spirit Awards stream on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. ET on YouTube. Watch Nwodim defend her cinematic knowledge above.**

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Movies"

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Source: Movies

Published: February 21, 2026 at 02:38PM on Source: PRIME TIME

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February 21, 2026

Ego Nwodim draws gasps from Jimmy Kimmel Live audience after admitting she's never seen this clas...

&34;I've seen 'Scarface,' does that count?&34; Ego Nwodim draws gasps from Jimmy Kimmel Live audie...

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