The former American president revealed on social networks his cultural recommendations and the list of his favorite films, songs and books for the year 2024.
Before the end-of-year holidays, Barack Obama delivers his cultural recommendations. The former American president published on social networks the list of his favorite films, songs and books of the year 2024.
“I always look forward to sharing my list of favorite books, movies and songs of the year,” he wrote on social media. “Today I’m starting with the books that have stuck in my head for a long time after I’ve finished reading them.”
In his list are Interlude de Sally Rooney, Patriotsthe posthumous memoirs of Russian opponent Alexeï Navalny, as well asOrbital: One day, sixteen auroras by Samantha Harvey, recipient of the prestigious 2024 Booker Prize.
Obama also advises several works still unpublished in French including The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, who argues that the spread of smartphones is causing an epidemic of mental illness among children.
Oscar favorites
On the cinema side, Barack Obama advises in particular Anora by Sean Barker. This explosive New York thriller, crowned Palme d'Or at the last Cannes Film Festival, could take the lion's share at the Oscars thanks to the energy of its lead actress, Mikey Madison.
Another Oscar favorite recommended by Obama: Conclaveluck of House of Cards at the Vatican, against the backdrop of the election of a new pope, with its share of betrayals and lies and a casting led by Ralph Fiennes.
The ex-president also recommends two other award-winning works at Cannes: the Indian film All We Imagine As Light (grand prize) and the Iranian feature film Seeds of the wild fig tree (special price).
Also included in his list are two films with Timothée Chalamet: Dune: Part Twosequel to the adaptation of Frank Herbert by Denis Villeneuve, and A complete strangerbiopic of Bob Dylan by James Mangold.
Its list is completed by several films previously unreleased in France, including the dramatic comedy Didi et Sugarcanedocumentary about the abuse and disappearances of children in a Native American boarding school.
Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar
Barack Obama's musical selection is just as eclectic despite the presence of some of his favorite artists like Beyoncé (Texas Hold’em) or Kendrick Lamar (Squabble Up), often featured in its annual lists.
Obama also highlighted Its by the artist Rema. He had already mentioned the work of this Nigerian singer in a playlist published in 2019. If I Had Met You Beforethe hit by Colombian singer Karol G, is also in the spotlight.
We also find the latest songs from Billie Eilish (Lunch) et Jack White (That’s How I’m Feeling) as well as representatives of the independent scene like Hozier (Too Sweet) et Leon Bridges (Peaceful Place).
