2023 (Taylor’s Version): The year in pop culture

In weather terminology, they call it “rapid intensification” — the process by which a storm strengthens dramatically in a short period. Beyoncé, ever the superstar, had a huge tour herself, and ruled the box office with “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.” Speaking of renaissance, look no further than Barbie — technically age 64 but now living her most fantastic life in plastic, thanks to Greta Gerwig’s record-shattering “Barbie.” Through mere coincidence of timing, Gerwig’s candy-colored creation paired with “Oppenheimer” to fuel “Barbenheimer,” a phenomenon that singlehandedly revitalized the multiplex. The year begins with comic JERROD CARMICHAEL deftly navigating host duties, quipping, “I’m here because I’m Black” — a nod to the diversity scandal plaguing the awards. Some may have skipped the Oscars entirely — namely PEDRO PASCAL fans, catching the finale of “The Last of Us.” Longtime Bravolebrities Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix break up when it’s revealed Sandoval has been having an affair with their “Vanderpump Rules” co-star, a development soon dubbed “Scandoval.” In a Utah courtroom, GWYNETH PALTROW wins a battle over a ski collision, but also nabs the “quiet luxury” fashion award. MARTIN SCORSESE becomes a TikTok star via daughter Francesca’s silly videos and presents one of his most ambitious films yet, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Also 80, MICK JAGGER joins slightly younger ROLLING STONES bandmates KEITH RICHARDS and RONNIE WOOD in producing the crackling new album “Hackney Diamonds.” In a much-awaited memoir, BRITNEY SPEARS details her heartbreaks and her struggles, her relationships and her nearly 14-year conservatorship.