If 2024 was a genre, it would be filed right under dark comedy. During the bleakest hour, we let our brain cells wilt by scrolling through mindless content scattered across the usual online spaces we inhabit. All with the sole purpose of making us laugh. There were new leading ladies—some brat, some demure, mostly defiant. There were new words to describe daily activities that we’ve been doing all along without a thought in the world (remember rawdogging?).
Covering the news and small nothings that flooded our feed in 2024, The Nod’s December cover, brilliantly designed by artist Rohan Hande, is like a Waldo-esque hunt of 45 things, places, animals and people that shook 2024. From the hottest bar to the most hyped accessory, can you find them all? We're giving you a sneak peek into the moments we loved this year, but for the full list head to The Nod.
1. Ananya Panday found her groove
We saw a glimmer of it at the end of 2023 when Kho Gaye Hum Kahan won a spot on film buffs’ top-movie lists. But in 2024, with Call Me Bae and CTRL, which are as different as chalk and cheese, it was conclusively proved: Ananya Panday had come into her own.
2. Nobody Wants This—except every millennial who can’t let go of Adam Brody
Adam Brody aka Seth Cohen returned to our screens in Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, and suddenly we were 14 again, heart-eyes and all. Who knew we still needed him to make us laugh and feel things at the same time?
3. The boys in blue won the T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup
And became the first team in history to win it without losing a single match in the entire tournament. Take a bow, Rohit and squad.
4. Payal Kapadia made us see the light
After winning the Grand Prix at Cannes, All We Imagine As Light became one of the most talked-about movies of 2024. The way it’s racking up wins and noms, from the Gothams to the Golden Globes, director Payal Kapadia may need to get a bigger mantelpiece.
5. Baby (animal) fever
This was the year of baby animals, and honestly, we needed it. Moo Deng was the internet’s ultimate It girl and meme queen. Pesto the chonky penguin also had his moment in the sun, and lately, everyone’s been fawning over Ava, the golden tabby tiger whose floofy face could solve world peace.
