26 Gifts From Amazon Our Readers Are Loving In 2025 So Far
From birthdays and thank-yous, to "just because" and "treat yourself" — we've got you covered.
1. Murdle, Volume 1, a book packed with brain-teasing, murder mystery–themed logic puzzles that'll have them feeling like the main character in a cozy detective series. They'll gather the clues, use their big brain, and solve each case like the sleuth they were born to be. Sorry, Sherlock — there's a new detective in town.
There are 100 puzzles total, and four different levels of difficulty to tackle —each puzzle features a logic grid to help them solve it!
Promising review: "The puzzles are a lot of fun, but the characters, storylines, and other details take the Murdle experience to another level. I have no idea how the author came up with all of this creativity! You can Murdle solo or with friends. I look forward to future volumes, but this one will keep me busy for a while!" — Liz Gately
Price: $10.25
If you want to help them keep the fun going, you can *also* get them Murdle: Volume 2 and Murdle: Volume 3 for more puzzling.
2. A set of pastel glitter highlighters that likely just stopped you mid-scroll because…how dare something be this cute. If they're the type who loves to zhuzh up their planner, annotate their latest book club pick, or make their journal entries sparkle (literally), these subtle, shimmery shades are here to serve. Go ahead, help them make their margins ✨fabulous✨.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These are amazing!!! Beautiful colors and the sparkle/shimmer is more than I imagined it would be. Mr. Pen did it again! If you don't have these pens, you need to get them!! Great addition to my journaling supplies!" — FBJH12
3. A NeeDoh "Dream Drop," aka the latest must-squish from the fidget toy hall of fame. This gooey little gem is designed to help them chill out, refocus, and live their best life — one satisfying squish at a time. Bonus: it's got that perfect slow-rise feel *without* the weird stickiness that turns their desk dust into a permanent accessory. Consider their zen restored.
Schylling is a small business that specializes in modern and retro toys, games, and sets.
Promising review: "Great, and I love that it has a tray to sit on. I love how firm this is to squeeze, and the slow release is really relaxing. The included dish is a great touch — it keeps it clean and gives it a dedicated spot to rest." — AZMOM
Price: $6.75 (the color is either blue, pink, or purple and gets selected for you at random)
Check out the rest of the Needoh fidget toy options on their Amazon storefront!
4. Pocket World, a stress-relief coloring book that's basically like stepping inside a tiny, cozy dreamland — minus the plane ticket. Think Polly Pocket vibes, but make it grown-up, with pages of whimsical little worlds just waiting for them to bring it to life. One minute they're shading a fairy garden, the next they're adding pastel tones to the cutest hygge living room they've ever seen. Instant serotonin, no assembly required.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"One of my favorites ever!!! The idea is perfect, and the pages are all unique and fun to color, with no repetition, and the details aren't too tiny. Great if you're coloring for stress relief. (I hate the pages that are just tiny patterns repeated endlessly. Makes me more stressed.)" — Ezra Johnson
5. A luxe Lulu Candle for that friend who treats the TJ Maxx candle aisle like a sacred ritual. Made with vegan soy wax and a 100% cotton wick, it's giving major 'I have my life together' energy — plus, it smells incredible. Gift it, light it, vibe.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Lulu Candles is a small biz that makes all of their delicious scents right in the USA.
Promising reviews: "These candles are AMAZING. It smells like home, and comfort, and coziness. Even after burning, the scent is still noticeable. I got this as a gift because I am a coffee lover. ☕️ Highly recommend." — Cynthia Tefft
"I've purchased more than five of these in two months: five palo santo, a lavender one, and the rose sandalwood. The appearance is elegant and chic, perfect for gifting, and the throw is amazing — even when unlit. The actual scents are sublime. Highly recommend, which is why three of the palo santo candle are gifts for others." — Niquey
6. An "Everyday Mindfulness"-themed word search book that's basically the chillest way to give their brain a little workout. The puzzles are just tricky enough to keep them focused but not so hard they end up rage-quitting. All they need to do is grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and zone out (in the best way possible) as they hunt for words like breathe and serenity. Self-care, but make it a vibe.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is exactly what I was looking for! It lays flat to easily complete the word search and not have to fight with the book. There are different types of puzzles, and some have extra secret searches! It's great for the slow days at work!! I will definitely be buying more of these word searches!" — Roy H Hahn
Price: $11.68
7. A"Gracula" garlic crusher because who better to help them pulverize garlic than a tiny vampire with a sense of humor? Turns out, the Count is more than happy to lend a hand in the kitchen (ironic, we know). Just twist, crush, and boom — freshly minced garlic in seconds. Dracula could never.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love this little guy. I found him on a BuzzFeed list and had to have it as soon as I saw it! I've minced as many as five cloves in it in seconds. It's a little tricky getting all of the garlic out once minced (I use a silicone basting brush to get most of it, but I always use more than the recipe calls for anyway, so it's not a dealbreaker). Cleanup is a breeze because he goes right in the dishwasher!" — Barbie
8. A keepsake statue kit you can give as a DIY love note…but, like, in 3D. Grab your partner, hold hands (literally), and create a super sweet, ultra-sentimental sculpture that'll have them lovin' you ~hand over fist~.
This kit includes a plastic molding bucket, molding powder, a casting stone, fine sandpaper, course sandpaper, a demolding stick, detailing pin, and detailed instructions.
Promising review:"I bought several of these as gifts for my family. We helped my mom and dad do theirs tonight and it turned out better than we could have ever hoped for! The detail this cast gives is amazing. We were all really stunned at how lifelike it looks and how even the smallest details were captured. I cannot wait to do this with my husband! The directions were very easy and simple to follow. I don't think we could have messed this up. I highly recommend this keepsake! My mom said it was the best present she has ever received." — Rachel Hukill
9. A compact Shiatsu massager because what's a better gift than a portable spa day??? Neck? Back? Legs? It's got them covered with deep, satisfying kneads to work out all those 'I've been sitting weird' aches. And yes, there's a heat setting, because obviously we're going all in on the relaxation.
Promising review:"Incredible. I use it every night. EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT. Warning: I def used it longer than the 20 minutes recommended on my first night. It has auto-shut-off, but I just hit it again (and again). No issue in overheating. It was a great massage everywhere. The warning is I was sore the next day! Good sore, but really, really sore. So, when you buy it, keep that in mind. Slow start will benefit you in the long run. ENJOY! I love the product so much that I sent it to my sister, my colleague, and a few other work friends as gifts. They said it's the best gift EVER." — MH
10. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit for the friend who fully embraces their "happy accidents" era. This teeny-tiny set has everything they need to create three adorable little masterpieces and channel some serious chill Bob Ross energy while they're at it. All they need to add are good vibes and maybe a snack.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
The kit comes with three different numbered canvas designs, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and an easel.
Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross), and what a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" — slb m
Price: $6.80
11. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter here for anyone who refuses to let a little thing like being on a plane get in the way of marathon-watching their fave shows. Just plug it in, sync up your Bluetooth headphones, and stream from 30,000 feet like the legend you are. Flight delays? Couldn't be bothered.
It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.
Twelve South is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009.
BuzzFeed editor Chelsea Stuart has this gadget and is a fan:
" Last year, I splurged on some AirPod Maxes, and for the amount of money I threw down on them, I was determined to get as much use out of them as possible, and that included on plane rides. With the AirFly Pro, I can connect my headphones via Bluetooth and use the seat-back screen without having to fiddle with the free wired headphones they hand out that 1.) have horrible sound quality and 2.) don't fit my ears in the slightest (I swear my ear canals are tiny or something??)."
12. Sol de Janeiro hair and body fragrance mist for the person who's already ride-or-die for their Brazilian Bum Bum Cream and won't rest until they smell like a tropical daydream at all times. One spritz = instant vacation mode. Go ahead, bottle up that sunshine.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"If you're searching for a fragrance that captures the essence of summer and leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, look no further. It's a must-have addition to any beauty routine and a delightful treat for the senses." — Sonny
13. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, the chaotic, laugh-out-loud card game that'll finally give their group a break from the same old NSFW party decks. Easy to learn, safe for literally everyone, and guaranteed to get weird in the best way. Bonus points if they manage to say the name without messing it up mid-game.
Amazon
Recommended for ages 8+. As soon as there is a match between a card and a spoken word, they race against their component to slap their hand on the central pile of cards. The last one to do so must take them all. They need to be quick to be the first to get rid of all their cards.
Promising review:"This game is more mind-bending than you think. Don't let the cuteness fool you. This game is by far the most competitive and fun party game to play with friends!! The special cards mess with your mind! Pros: hours of fun, cute drawing style, unique packaging, easy to play. Cons: may result in red hands and strain of voice from intense playing" — Hani
Price: $9.84
And if their household already has this game, consider Moose Match Mayhem, a fun, family-friendly matching card game from the makers of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza.
14. A sinfully silky satin-lined beanie that keeps their head warm and their hair looking like they didn't just wrestle with a static-filled wool cap. No more awkwardly leaving their hat on indoors to hide the chaos underneath — this beauty protects their strands while keeping them cozy.
www.amazon.com
15. A copy of The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions — a guided journal packed with 201 thoughtful prompts to help them document their life story, from the little moments to the big milestones. It's basically like giving future them the ultimate keepsake of memories, reflections, and everything that makes them them. Time to get nostalgic.
Hachette Books
Promising review:" This is a great gift to give to someone that is retiring and has the time to reflect on their life. Excellent questions that search the memory for an answer. I think that the children would appreciate the gift of understanding their parents' previous life. The only downside is that you have to be careful not to write too much. Practice writing on a sheet of paper and see how that would fit the question page. That's the only advice I would give. Overall, the quality was good, and I'm glad I got the hardcover for this retiree." — sirduluth
Price: $16.50
16. A simple paper clip necklace here to prove minimal can still be major. It's the effortless upgrade their everyday outfits didn't know they needed — suddenly, their plain white tee and jeans combo? Yeah, it's serving.
amazon.com
Promising review:"This is a substantial-looking piece of jewelry. It looks quite expensive. I truly do not care about that. I was attracted to the necklace because it had a quirky look that I had not seen before. I like quirky and unusual. I have received compliments on it every time I have worn it." — Kathryn Franklin
17. A shaved sheep plushie giving the gift of two cute friends in one. Keep it cozy in its fuzzy little jacket, or unzip it to reveal a freshly sheared, smiling sheep underneath. It's soft, silly, and frankly, an emotional support animal in plushie form. BRB, getting myself a whole family.
www.amazon.com
18. The Book of Unusual Knowledge — 704 pages of weird, wonderful facts and trivia for the person in your life who treats Wikipedia rabbit holes like a competitive sport. With articles, anecdotes, lists, and games, it's basically a playground for anyone who loves knowing random stuff.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"We gave The Book of Unusual Knowledge to my husband, and it was an instant hit! This book is packed with fascinating facts, quirky trivia, and unexpected information that keeps him entertained for hours. It's a perfect gift for anyone who loves to learn random, offbeat facts. The hardcover edition is beautifully made, making it not only informative but also a great addition to any bookshelf. Highly recommend for a fun, thought-provoking gift!" — Rducan2727
19. A screaming goat figurine for the chaos agent in your life who thrives on keeping the vibes…unpredictable. They just have to give it a click anytime their workday drags, and boom—a tiny goat scream to jolt them back to reality. Annoying? Maybe. Hilarious? Absolutely.
Amazon
It also comes with a teeny tiny book any goat-lover will appreciate.
Promising review:"This little piece of screaming plastic has created an excellent outlet for resolving frustrations in our home. Every time a conflict or struggle arises, we push the little goat, get a gratifying screech, chuckle, and move on throughout our day. No regrets on purchasing this. When you get one, get four or five because you're going to want to share with family and friends." — Ashley
Price: $7.96
20. A fan-fave Laneige lip mask packed with vitamin C, coconut oil, and shea butter to help their lips live their softest, glossiest, most hydrated life. It's one of those rare splurges that actually deserves the hype. Consider this their ticket to pillow-soft lips, 24/7.
Amazon
BTW, some people use it as a daily lip balm or lip protectant over their lipstick too!
Laneige is an Asian-owned brand that has been in the beauty game for years. (Seriously, since the '90s!) The luxury brand prides itself on being affordable, too, and has many fan-favorite products because of it.
Promising reviews: " I'd have a hard time pulling the trigger on this for the cost, but when you have seasonally dry lip irritation you can't escape, you get desperate. I finally decided to splurge, glad I did! A little goes a long way, so it should last a good while, and I never had a quicker turnaround on fixing dry lips. My kids are now asking for it, definitely worth the splurge." — Michelle
21. A set of affordable lavender shower steamers to turn their nightly rinse into a full-on relaxation ritual. They just need to pop one in the shower, let the soothing scent work its magic, and suddenly, they're washing off the chaos of the day. Officially entering chill mode.
www.amazon.com
Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins.
Promising review: "Hubby bought these for me because I work full time and just decided to go back to school full time, and he figured I'd be a little stressed, haha. They all smell wonderful, they work great, they'll definitely help me calm down, especially during exam time at school or budget season at work." — Tyleena Gloeker
Price: a set of six for $12.99 (available in three styles)
22. A buildable Lego cherry blossom that's part cute decor, part satisfying project, and 100% guaranteed to brighten someone's day. Whether adding a little whimsy to their desk or surprising your favorite Lego lover with a cheerful pick-me-up, this tiny bouquet is proof that flowers (and plastic bricks) make everything better.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
23. A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh — the gentle reminder we all need to slow down, stay present, and lead with kindness (just like our favorite honey-loving icon). It's sweet, simple, and honestly? If this book doesn't make them tear up at least once, I don't know what will.
Disney Editions
Promising review:"I thought this looked intriguing; I love Winnie the Pooh and am a newcomer to the practice of mindfulness. This book is an absolute joy! I will be gifting this to everyone I can think of because, at the heart of it, it's about peace of mind and kindness. The short practices are easy to put into use every morning. What's even better is that when I'm reading it, I once again feel some of the happiest moments I had as a child. I've been starting every morning with a couple of pages to get my day moving in the right direction. What an interesting combination of playfulness, joy, and mindful awareness! The illustrations are also stunning. This is a precious gift! Many thanks to Dr. Parent for this beautiful book!" — D. Leon
24. The Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick — a swipe-and-go cooling stick made with real Icelandic glacial water to help de-puff those tired under-eyes. It's like an instant wake-up call for their face...and honestly, it just feels ridiculously refreshing. Tell them to keep it in their bag and thank you later!!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
25. A set of 2-in-1 magnetic rechargeable hand warmers non-negotiable if they're trying to survive cold weather without turning into an icicle. They can pop them in their pockets for that full-body, roasty-toasty warmth we all crave. Oh, and they double as chargers for their phone because, of course, they do. Functional and fabulous.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These are amazing! I use them when I volunteer at the outdoor food bank, and they keep my hands nice and toasty. I keep them in my coat pocket, and they warm me right up! They are easy to charge and easy to use!" — Karen
26. An interactive Fingerlings baby monkey so outrageously adorable, don't be surprised if it starts family fights over cuddle time. This tiny sidekick responds to their touch, loves being fed and petted, and even has a little glowing heartbeat when it's perched on a finger. Basically, it's the pocket-sized BFF they never knew they needed.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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Also — shout out to his Barney Rubble in the live action Flintstones movie (it's worth a Google to remember that killer cast)." —braccolirob In 2015, Rick told the Hollywood Reporter, "I took a break, which turned into a longer break. But I'm interested in anything that I would find interesting. I still get the occasional query about a film or television role...I was working with really interesting people, wonderful people [in Hollywood]. I went from that to being at home with a couple of little kids, which is a very different lifestyle. But it was important to me. I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever. My life is wonderful." "Jonathan Taylor Thomas for sure! He was super talented and had that X factor about him. I wish he would make a comeback. The actor who played Jill on Home Improvement [Patricia Richardson] was on a podcast last year where she said she still spoke to him and said he has no desire to return to acting, and I respect him for that. 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It's kind of a gross industry – well, they all are, when you examine them – but in acting, you're selling your appearance so much. I would cry every time I had to kiss somebody; I couldn't stomach it. I would think, 'I like this person, so I don't think they should pay me to kiss them,' or 'I don't like this person, so I don't want to kiss them. Why is my kiss for sale?' It made me feel really cheap." "It didn't matter whether people thought it was an admirable thing to do – in my soul I thought, 'My kiss is not for sale' – it might have been acting, but it was real for me as it was my first or third kiss, so it was confusing for me. I don't know why it's legal for a child to act unless they can sell oranges or whatever legally too. It's a crazy double standard, and that's super weird for me. Now that the #MeToo movement has come forward, people understand more that it's pretty gross and uncomfortable," she said. "Richard Grieco." —Jock7373 Richard is known for his roles in 21 Jump Street, Mobsters, and If Looks Could Kill. While he's done a few smaller acting roles over the years, he's also become known for his paintings. He describes his work as "Abstract Emotionalism." In 2012, he told Chron, "Dennis Hopper told me my artwork was too good to just hang on walls. He said I needed to get out and show it." "Richey Edwards." —lovelychicken23 The Main Street Preachers' lyricist and rhythm guitarist was known for his incredible talent as well as his outspokenness about social issues. However, he also very publicly dealt with mental health issues. In 1995, the day before the band's US tour was set to kick off, he disappeared. He left his hotel in London, dropped his passport, prescription, and credit card at his home in Cardiff, then drove to a service station near a bridge in the small town of Aust. The car was found at the station, but Richey was never seen again. 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However, don't come into my house, don't bother me at a non-public event. But if I use my personal life to advance my fame, then I owe you my personal life. If I invite People magazine to the wedding, then they're invited to the divorce as well." "Edward Furlong." —Tasty-Celery9082 After rising to fame in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Edward reached teen idol status in the '90s. However, in the following decades, his career declined to mainly straight-to-DVD releases as he faced a series of substance abuse problems and legal issues, including a DUI and several alleged instances of domestic abuse. When he returned to the Terminator franchise in 2019, the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence director of programs, Jacquie Marroquin, told the Hollywood Reporter, "It's important not to sweep Edward Furlong's reported history of domestic violence under the rug just because he's returning to a beloved movie role... There are consequences for survivors, who may think twice about seeking help when they see people who harm gaining fame or power without being held accountable by their fans and peers." "Anybody remember Dan Cortese, the rock climbing himbo from Seinfeld?" —Aromatic-Bath-5689 Dan has worked consistently, but he dealt with typecasting. In 2009, he told Greg in Hollywood, "It is one of those things with television where it's, 'Dan's great at playing the good-looking, dumb guy, that's what he does. If you need a good-looking, dumb guy who can hit his mark and hit the punchline, he's your guy.' It is tough to play against type... I always want to play against type. The fact that I've basically made my living as a television actor. In television, you tend to get pigeonholed, where they'll be like, 'You know who we need for this? We need Dan because Dan plays that guy.' But I would love to have like a film role where I could play completely against type. I love dark movies; I like dark comedies. Anything like that." "Kari Wuhrer played the part of Gina Lempke in the Stephen King movie Thinner (1996) and was a part of the ensemble in Anaconda (1997). She also spent a year on Beverly Hills, 90210 in the mid-'90s. But I can't tell you the last time I heard her name." —Anonymous, 41, Pennsylvania Kari was a working actor through the '90s, '00s, and 2010s. She last appeared in the made-for-TV movie Fiancé Killer in 2018. She's active on Instagram, where she shares her life as a dedicated mother. And finally: "Jewel — she was so major, like Taylor Swift! And now nothing…" Jewel took a two-year hiatus following the success of her second album, and she later took a seven-year break before releasing her most recent album in 2022. She told Spin, "I couldn't psychologically adjust to the amount of fame that I got to. By the time I was on the cover of TIME, it didn't work for me. It was really psychologically crushing, and so giving myself two years to contemplate, 'How do I do this? Can I do this? Does this make me happy?' and developing a career and a strategy that upheld my number one goal, which was to make sure my mental health was the priority. Then my number two goal was I want to make the records I want, how I want, in the genre I want, that's going to be how it is. It's going to be an adventure." "The choices I made in my career, especially in the '90s, were considered suicidal–career suicide. Taking two years off at the height of my fame was a huge no-no. Switching genres was a huge no-no, but it's what I needed to do to keep myself psychologically healthy and creatively healthy. I had to deal with a lot of people saying, 'Oh, she's washed-up. She doesn't know what to do for her third album.' Completely misunderstood, and to make sure that didn't bother me, and that's your decision. It has to be water off a duck's back. You persevere because you believe you made the right decision," she said. Are there any other actors you thought would be major stars, but their careers never quite took off? Let us know in the comments (or in the anonymous comments box below)! Note: Some responses have been edited for length/clarity. Do you love all things TV and movies? Subscribe to the Screen Time newsletter to get your weekly dose of what to watch next and what everyone is flailing over from someone who watches everything!
Cosmopolitan
a day ago
- Cosmopolitan
Halle Berry Wears Underwear in Pool During 59th Birthday Trip
Halle Berry is on what looks to be an incredible vacation somewhere sunny that I'm jealous of, where she's celebrating her 59th birthday with her family! The Oscar winner has shared a ton of photos from the trip, including a series of herself enjoying a private pool in underwear and a lingerie top. Who needs a swimsuit, you know? Halle also shared some bikini pics on the beach, which she captioned "We have to get older, but we don't have to get old 🤌🏽" Last year, Halle opened up about double standards in society's views of aging, telling Fortune (via Buzzfeed) "Historically, women, as we age, we just get old, right? Men get sexy. They get gray hair and they're silver foxes. We're just haggard. Society tells us or has told us that our time is should go out to pasture. We're done with our baby-making years — that being our primary purpose for being here is to bear children — and when we're done with that at 35/40, there's nothing left for us." She added, "Aging is a privilege, and we should see it that way. We should feel that way about getting older. We should feel like the crowned jewels of our society." "I have always known that I'm more than this shell that I walk around in," Halle continued. "I have longed for someone to say something to me other than, 'Oh gosh, you're so pretty.' I've longed to hear other words. I know I'm more than this."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Ray Winstone on Marvel vs. 'Cultural Films,' Angelina Jolie, Steven Spielberg, Gary Oldman as His Favorite Director, and Boxing as Prep for Acting
Ray Winstone, who has played the London tough man and much more over the course of his career, shared insight into working with the likes of Angelina Jolie, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Gary Oldman, during a masterclass at the 31st edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival on Tuesday before receiving the honorary Heart of Sarajevo award in recognition of his 'remarkable acting career and exceptional contributions to the art of cinema.' Asked about the state of the movie business in the social media age, Winstone said: 'It affects your approach, I guess, because it's all about selling tickets, isn't it? It's like anything today, it becomes a business,' he said. 'We see what's happening in Hollywood with Marvel and all that kind of stuff, the franchises. And we love watching those films. They are fun, but it kind of takes away from your cultural films, which are best for the actors … [and] really active parts. It's probably getting more and more difficult to do that.' More from The Hollywood Reporter Soho House Agrees to Go Private Again, Ashton Kutcher Joins Board Political Drama 'Number 10' On Its Way From 'Sherlock' Creator Steven Moffat and Channel 4 (Exclusive) Oscars: Ireland Picks 'Sanatorium,' Doc on Ex-Soviet Wellness Resort in Ukraine, as Best Int'l Feature Submission Continued Winstone: 'As for social media, if you're not on social media now, you're sometimes not even considered to be in a movie, because they want the fan base to come with that. 'You have to go on Instagram,' you know. But it's part and parcel of the job that you do now. Whether that's a good thing or not, I don't know. But if it brings people into the cinema and it creates more jobs and more films are being made,' he sees that as a positive. Winstone concluded: 'But I'd like to see much more, I guess, cultural films being made. I think it's where the best cinema is.' The star would especially love to see 'more films from the British film industry,' highlighting: 'The French do it, they make their own cultural films. The Germans do it. Hopefully, you'll do it more here [in Bosnia and Herzegovina], and that's the way it should be, that's where filmmakers come from. The trouble is that they get dragged to America and work for the studios, and they get their hearts broken.' The actor shared that he wouldn't want to live in Los Angeles as that would force him to 'live and breathe [my work] every day of my life.' Later in the masterclass, he was asked about experiences of rejection, recalling his frustration with reshoots on Marvel's Black Widow, in which he portrayed the villainous Dreykov. He lauded the 'amazing' director Cate Shortland, sharing that, 'we worked on what my character was going to be. He was like a pedophile running around among all these girls, and they'd become black widows.' He recalled earning raves on the set, concluding: 'It was probably the best thing I'd done for a really long time.' But then things changed. He received a call telling him about reshoots, and when he asked how many scenes were affected, he was told all of them. 'So I said she should recast, but I was contracted, so I had to do it,' Winstone shared. 'I go back, they do my hair all nice, put me in the suit, and I couldn't do it. … There's nothing worse than doing something, leaving it on the floor, and then being told it's not right.' The boxer-turned-actor, 68, first made a name for himself on the silver screen when he played a juvenile delinquent in Alan Clarke's 1979 drama Scum, followed by his portrayal of tough-guy mod Kevin in Franc Roddam's Quadrophenia that same year. With those and his later roles, such as Gary Oldman's Nil by Mouth (1997) and Jonathan Glazer's Sexy Beast (2000), Winstone earned raves for combining muscle and intensity with vulnerability. 'I had done a school play because I fancied a girl in the play, and I had enjoyed it,' he shared about his first steps into acting. And he discussed his success in boxing before hanging up the gloves, saying it prepared him for acting work. 'Boxing teaches you to respect an opponent,' which mirrors the respect you need on a film or TV set or a theatre stage. 'You rely on the actors, the director, the crew.' Asked about the two versions of his first film Scum, directed by Clarke, the star offered: 'The first version is actually a better film, because we were younger, and it's a film about young people…and how they treat each other.' He lauded Clarke as getting good work out of him and teaching him all the basics. Clarke, therefore, was the director who likely influenced his acting most, Winstone shared. He also discussed playing a singer together with musicians from The Clash and Sex Pistols in Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains, and 'growing old together' with them, sharing that in his family, he grew up singing songs, including those by Frank Sinatra. Asked about starring in Gary Oldman's directing debut Nil by Mouth. Gary is probably of our our best cinema and stage actors' and had written a script. 'I like films about social issues,' including 'deprived areas' and drugs. 'I'm from a working-class family,' so he was familiar with such themes. Oldman is 'probably the best director I have worked with' because he knows acting. The film is about abuse, but he trusted all creatives on it, and he was able to leave the violence and pain on set, while playing a pedophile in The War Zone, directed by Tim Roth, really 'hurt,' Winstone shared. Discussing Sexy Beast, he lauded Ben Kingsley for his 'range' that has seen him play many different characters – from Gandhi to a psychopath in that film. Winstone shared that he likes to play the bad guys as good guys and vice versa to make violence and the like more impactful. Audiences also know Winstone as a mob enforcer in Martin Scorsese and Jack Nicholson's The Departed (2006) and, more recently, as the imprisoned drug boss Bobby Glass in Guy Ritchie's Netflix hit series The Gentlemen. Over his career, Winstone has also voiced Mr. Beaver in the 2005 fantasy epic The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and appeared in such big-budget blockbusters as Black Widow and as Beowulf in Robert Zemeckis' 2007 animated action film Beowulf. Asked about his work with Scorsese, the actor said he met the director in a London hotel and was supposed to play a policeman, suggesting to the man whom 'I call Marty now' that he could play a different role. Scorsese liked his coat and asked if he could wear it for the role, which he did. How was work with Steven Spielberg on Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? 'Spielberg was great,' he replied. 'It's amazing when he makes films, how he shoots. He films differently.' He said he loved standing behind Spielberg and Scorsese, watching them do their magic. A fan in the audience asked the star what it was like to work with Jolie in Beowulf. 'Angelina was fantastic. What an actress the girl is,' he said. 'You know, she's not just beautiful. She can really do business, and [is] a good kisser as well, I must say,' he added about kissing scene shoots, drawing laughter from the audience. Which of the many characters or professions he has played did he enjoy portraying the least? 'The pedophile,' he said right away. Asked about the best advice he ever received, Winstone said it was a criticism that his eyes looked dead in a scene, sharing that he learned right then and there that much of acting comes from and through the eyes. What's next for him? 'I'm doing some more of The Gentlemen,' Winstone said in discussing current work, adding that he has also shot a biopic about English snooker player Jimmy White that is directed by Steven Waddington and which stars Welsh actor Aneurin Barnard. 'He is an actor who has captivated audiences for five decades with his great talent and undeniable presence,' said Sarajevo Film Festival director Jovan Marjanovic. 'With honesty and intensity that resonate far beyond the screen, he has given us many unforgettable characters.' Winstone also captivated the Tuesday masterclass with his humor, at one point sharing that he was feeling the red wine thahad t he had the night before. 'The local wine is really good,' he said to laughter. 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