Contents

Issue No. 724

PAGE 60

"Something fun ny happens when you've been at sea for a few days." —GEMMA CHAN

Features

40 In Colbert We Trust

BY JOE HAGAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

In the face of the pandemic and a contentious election, Late Show host Stephen Colbert leveled up, transforming himself into our national id—without ever leaving his living room.

48 The Oracle of Brit

BY HAYLEY PHELAN

Britney Spears lives under a conservatorship with little control of her own life, and the internet is not having it. Welcome to #FreeBritney.

54 What Follows Hope

A CONVERSATION

Days after Joe Biden's election, National Book Awards winner Jesmyn Ward sat down with President Barack Obama to talk about his new memoir, A Promised Land.

60 Gemma's Gift

BY YOHANA DESTA PHOTOGRAPHS BY DJENEBA ADUAYOM

Gemma Chan delighted fans in Crazy Rich Asians. Now the star is set to shine with roles opposite Meryl Streep and Angelina Jolie.

66 And the Band Played On

BY GABRIEL SHERMAN

For two decades, there were few people Bill Clinton trusted more than Doug Band. Then came the falling out. Inside the end of Clintonworld.

IT'S BRITNEY 582,000 AND COUNTING

AND COUNTING The number of likes Britney Spears has received on her now infamous "Call 911" conspiracy selfie. [P. 48]

PAGE 40 "I'll take the sublime over the happy any day." —STEPHEN COLBERT

Features

74 Requiem for a Dream

BY KEITH McNALLY

The beloved New York City restaurateur looks back on the launch of his iconic SoHo brasserie, Balthazar— temporarily shuttered by COVID-19—and the way it transformed his life and the life of a neighborhood.

80 Fire Starters

BY ALICE HINES

The founders of Twin Flames Universe preach a gospel of eternal love and spiritual guidance to thousands of captivated online followers. But former members are speaking out about how its leaders wield their influence.

Gift Guide

21 The Trimmings

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHASE MIDDLETON

From All the President's Men to Back to the Future, take gift inspiration—and hours of cozy entertainment— from throwback movies, streaming now.

Vanities

33 33 Opening Act Chloe Fineman keeps laughter alive.

34 The Gallery In a sculptural Hermes earring, art imitates life.

35 My Stuff Royal spouse Edo Mapelli Mozzi shares his favorite things.

38 Beauty Six cultural figure skissoff2020 with the latest lipsticks.

"The human condition can be absurd, and if you learn to laugh about it, then that helps you get through pain and hardship and difficulty." [P. 54]

QUIT PAY

$25MILLION

Amount Doug Band offered Bill Clinton to sit on the board of his consulting firm, Teneo. [P. 66]

16 Editor's Letter

18 Contributors

92 Proust Questionnaire