Entertainment

A rare Pokémon Illustrator card has shattered records, selling for a staggering $16.49 million (approximately $20.8 million in Singapore dollars) on February 16 in New Jersey. This marks the highest price ever paid for a Pokémon trading card at a public auction, solidifying the collectible’s place in pop culture history.

The card, featuring the iconic Pikachu, received a perfect 10 rating from a leading hobby card authenticator. Its rarity stems from its origins: only 39 of these illustration cards were awarded to winners of a drawing contest held in 1998 by the Japanese magazine CoroCoro Comic. The surge in value reflects a growing market for collectible cards, fueled in part by nostalgia and the influence of social media.

The auction was conducted by Goldin Auctions and the card was consigned by social media personality Logan Paul. Paul initially purchased the card in 2021 for $5.27 million, a transaction that already earned him a Guinness World Record for the “most expensive Pokémon card sold at a private sale,” according to the Guinness website.

The Winning Bid and Unique Presentation

The winning bidder, whose identity remains undisclosed by Goldin Auctions, received the card alongside a custom-made diamond necklace designed to display it. The bidder was present at a live-stream watch party hosted on Paul’s YouTube channel to collect the item. The auction began online on January 5 and culminated in the record-breaking sale on February 16.

Influencer Culture and the Pokémon Card Market

The dramatic increase in value highlights a trend of prominent social media influencers engaging with the Pokémon card community. Many influencers have gained popularity by opening packs of cards live online, hoping to uncover rare and valuable finds. This practice has brought increased attention – and investment – to the hobby. The Star reports that the cards are seen as increasingly valuable investments.

Expectations Exceeded

Ken Goldin, founder and owner of Goldin Auctions, anticipated the card’s appreciation in value since Paul’s 2021 purchase. He told Kyodo News that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the final sale price exceeded $10 million, a prediction that proved to be a significant understatement.

The Pokémon card market continues to demonstrate its resilience and appeal to collectors and investors alike. The recent sale underscores the enduring legacy of Pokémon and the growing intersection of collectibles, social media, and high-value auctions. What remains to be seen is whether this record-breaking sale will spur further increases in the value of other rare Pokémon cards, and how the market will evolve in the coming years.

What are your thoughts on the soaring prices of Pokémon cards? Share your opinions in the comments below!

The fifth season of the “Femmes de cinéma” podcast, a project spearheaded by the Lab Femmes de cinéma, has welcomed acclaimed French actress, screenwriter and director Valérie Donzelli. The latest episode, released today, February 16, 2026, offers a deep dive into Donzelli’s perspective on cinema as a space for freedom and creative expression.

“Femmes de cinéma” consistently provides a platform for prominent women in the French film industry, and Donzelli’s participation continues this tradition of highlighting influential voices. The podcast, a partnership with Le Film Français, is available on the publication’s website, offering listeners access to insightful conversations with leading figures in the world of French cinema. Donzelli’s work has consistently challenged conventions and explored complex themes, making her a compelling subject for the series.

Valérie Donzelli has established herself as a key figure in contemporary French cinema, known for her bold and innovative filmography. Her work often engages with feminist themes, most notably in her critically acclaimed film, “La Guerre est déclarée” (The War is Declared), which redefined the portrayal of women and relationships on screen. According to atlangue.com, Donzelli’s films continue to influence and support the evolution of French auteur cinema.

Donzelli’s journey in filmmaking began with a focus on originality and a desire to break from traditional storytelling. Her early short film, “Il fait beau dans la plus belle ville du monde” (It’s Beautiful in the Most Beautiful City in the World), garnered attention for its unique narrative approach, blending personal experiences with universal themes. She further solidified her position with “La Reine des pommes” (The Queen of Apples), exploring the complexities of love with a light touch and sincerity. As Vanity Fair reports, Donzelli’s approach to filmmaking is rooted in a sense of freedom, shaped by influences ranging from Agnès Varda to Jean-Luc Godard.

Her most recent work, “À pied d’œuvre,” adapted from Franck Courtès’s book, explores themes of artistic struggle and the changing nature of work. Donzelli drew inspiration from Sacha Guitry’s “Roman d’un tricheur” (Confession of a Cheat), aiming for a slow-paced narrative driven by voiceover. The film resonates with universal concerns about the gig economy and the prioritization of profit over human connection, as noted in the Vanity Fair interview. Donzelli’s ability to connect with audiences across borders was evident during a recent festival in Brazil, where the film received a similar reception to its premiere in France.

Donzelli’s filmography, as detailed on AlloCiné, showcases a diverse range of projects, demonstrating her versatility as a filmmaker. From “Main dans la main” to “Marguerite et Julien,” her films consistently explore themes of love, adversity, and the strength of human bonds, as highlighted by France TV.

The “Femmes de cinéma” podcast continues to be a vital resource for those interested in the perspectives of women shaping the French film landscape. With Valérie Donzelli’s contribution, the podcast further solidifies its role as a platform for insightful conversations and a celebration of female artistry in cinema.

As Donzelli continues to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues, her work promises to remain a significant force in contemporary French cinema. Listeners can find the latest episode featuring Valérie Donzelli on the Le Film Français website and anticipate further engaging discussions from the “Femmes de cinéma” podcast in the weeks to come.

What are your thoughts on the role of podcasts in promoting female voices in the film industry? Share your comments below and let us realize what you think!

All English elections will proceed as originally scheduled after the government conceded to a legal challenge brought by Reform UK. The decision reverses plans to postpone approximately 30 council elections, a move that had sparked controversy and accusations of political maneuvering. The reversal marks a significant win for the party led by Nigel Farage, demonstrating their willingness to contest government decisions in the courts.

The initial proposal to delay the polls had raised concerns about voter disenfranchisement and the integrity of the electoral process. Reform UK argued that the move was unlawful and designed to benefit other parties. The legal challenge centered on the validity of postponing elections without proper justification and due process. This outcome underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring fair access to the ballot box for all citizens.

The legal battle began after the government announced plans to delay elections in areas where new electoral ID rules were being implemented. These rules, requiring voters to present photo identification, have been criticized by some as potentially discriminatory and a barrier to participation. Reform UK’s challenge specifically targeted the legality of postponing elections to accommodate the rollout of these new regulations. The party argued that the delay was an attempt to suppress voter turnout and unfairly influence the outcome of the elections. According to Reform UK, the decision to delay the elections was a breach of electoral law.

Nigel Farage, the Leader of Reform UK since June 2024, welcomed the government’s decision, stating it was a victory for democracy. He emphasized the party’s commitment to defending electoral integrity and ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. “We will always stand up for the principles of fair and free elections,” Farage said in a statement released following the announcement. Reform UK, founded in 2018 as the Brexit Party, currently holds eight seats in the House of Commons, as of February 2026, and is positioned to the right of the Conservative Party. Reform UK has 268,000 members as of December 2025.

What Prompted the Initial Delay?

The government’s initial plan to delay the elections stemmed from challenges in implementing the new voter ID requirements. Concerns were raised about whether sufficient photo identification would be available to all eligible voters, particularly those from marginalized communities. The government argued that the delay was necessary to ensure a smooth and fair implementation of the new rules, preventing potential chaos and disenfranchisement at the polls. However, critics countered that the issues could have been addressed through alternative measures, such as extending the deadline for obtaining ID or providing assistance to voters who needed it.

The new electoral ID rules require voters to present a valid form of photo identification, such as a passport, driving license, or other government-issued ID. The aim of the rules, according to the government, is to prevent voter fraud and enhance the security of the electoral process. However, opponents argue that the rules are unnecessary and disproportionately affect certain groups, including young people, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities.

Impact on Local Elections

The reversal of the delay means that elections will now proceed as planned in all areas, including those where the new voter ID rules are being implemented. This will allow voters to have their say on local issues and elect their representatives without further disruption. The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming elections, potentially influencing the outcome in key battleground areas. Reform UK currently controls twelve local councils and has 964 councillors across the country, as of February 2026.

The party also has a presence in other areas of government, with two members of the London Assembly, one member of the Senedd, one member of the Scottish Parliament, and one police and crime commissioner. Reform UK has an alliance with the Traditional Unionist Voice in Northern Ireland. The party’s slogan, “Britain is broken. Britain needs Reform,” reflects its core message of change and its commitment to addressing the challenges facing the country.

What’s Next?

With the legal challenge resolved, the focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth and fair implementation of the elections. Electoral officials will be working to educate voters about the new ID requirements and provide assistance to those who need it. The outcome of these elections will be closely watched as a barometer of public opinion and a potential indicator of the political landscape heading into the next general election. The government will likely review the implementation of the voter ID rules following the elections to assess their effectiveness and address any remaining concerns.

What are your thoughts on the new voter ID laws? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends, and family.