Glamour magazine’s latest “Women of the Year” list elevates failed Hollywood projects and divisive figures, leaving everyday Americans questioning whether the media elite have lost touch with common sense and genuine achievement.
Story Snapshot
- Glamour magazine’s 2025 “Women of the Year” selection, including Rachel Zegler, triggers backlash for prioritizing controversy over accomplishment.
- Rachel Zegler’s year was defined by Disney’s *Snow White* remake—a box office disaster and cultural flashpoint due to her divisive statements.
- Critics argue the awards reflect a growing disconnect between media institutions and American values, especially among conservatives.
- The uproar highlights ongoing concerns over media bias, celebrity privilege, and the erosion of standards in public recognition.
Glamour’s 2025 List: Celebrity Over Substance?
In October 2025, Glamour magazine unveiled its annual “Women of the Year” list, igniting immediate controversy by honoring Rachel Zegler—an actress whose most recent project, Disney’s *Snow White* remake, flopped both financially and critically. Instead of celebrating women with clear, meaningful achievements, the magazine spotlighted Zegler’s year, which was marred by public criticism of Disney’s legacy and a film that alienated audiences. Many Americans see this as another example of media outlets rewarding notoriety, not real accomplishment.
The outrage wasn’t limited to Zegler’s selection. Other honorees, such as Ms. Rachel—a social media personality known for outspoken progressive activism—fueled debate about the magazine’s criteria. The inclusion of high-profile but controversial figures led critics to accuse Glamour of prioritizing political alignment and celebrity status over genuine, universally respected achievement. The magazine’s official statement, describing the honorees as “trailblazers, rule breakers, visionaries, and champions,” did little to quell skepticism from Americans who expect integrity and merit at the heart of such awards.
Public Reaction and the Widening Cultural Divide
The backlash to Glamour’s list erupted across mainstream media, social platforms, and industry circles. For many conservatives, the decision underscored the growing disconnect between traditional American values—achievement, humility, and service—and the priorities of legacy media institutions. Zegler’s public criticism of the original *Snow White*, combined with her advocacy for a more “politically correct” version, alienated a broad base of fans who viewed the classic film as a touchstone of family entertainment. The selection of Ms. Rachel, who drew attention for political comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict, further polarized opinion.
Historically, Glamour’s awards honored women with widely acknowledged accomplishments in activism, sports, or public service. Yet, this year’s choices seem to embody a cultural shift—one in which awards serve as platforms for ideological messaging, rather than recognition of universally admired achievement. Critics argue this trend is emblematic of a broader media agenda that sidelines the values of hard work and tradition in favor of controversy and virtue signaling.
Consequences: Eroding Trust and Shifting Standards
The immediate fallout from Glamour’s decision is a wave of skepticism regarding the legitimacy of media awards. Many Americans now question whether such honors have any remaining credibility—especially when they appear to reward divisive conduct or unproven success. Disney’s financial losses from the *Snow White* remake underscore the disconnect: a failed project and a polarizing lead actress are being celebrated at the highest levels, while families and audiences who value substance over spectacle are sidelined.
Industry analysts and cultural commentators point to the incident as a microcosm of ongoing tensions in the entertainment industry, where public opinion, commercial viability, and ideological alignment increasingly collide. For conservatives, this latest episode is yet another reminder of the need to defend common sense, merit, and the foundational values that built America’s cultural legacy. As media institutions double down on politicized recognition, everyday citizens are left to wonder whether traditional standards of excellence and integrity will ever return to the spotlight.
Sources:
Glamour Names Rachel Zegler a Woman of the Year Despite Disney Disasters and Political Outbursts
Glamour’s controversial picks: Rachel Zegler and Ms. Rachel named Women of the Year
