Ralph Fiennes needs an Oscar for his daring New Year's Eve monologue
- Nearly one million people gathered in Times Square to celebrate the New Year, enjoying performances and the traditional ball drop.
- Security measures were extensive, involving numerous police presence, cameras, and roadblocks, ensuring a safe environment despite past concerns.
- Ralph Fiennes captured attention with a memorable monologue during the New Year’s Eve broadcast, drawing praise from viewers and critics alike.
On New Year’s Eve, throngs of revelers gathered in Times Square, New York City, to welcome the new year with excitement and celebration. The event was marked by the traditional ball drop at midnight, where close to a million people watched the 12,000-pound ball, adorned with 2,500 crystals, descend amid falling confetti and the iconic tune of Frank Sinatra’s 'New York, New York.' Participants began arriving early, with some standing in line for hours to secure their spots despite inclement weather. Alongside the ball drop, performances by artists such as Rita Ora and Carrie Underwood contributed to the festive atmosphere as attendees reveled in a mix of joy and anticipation. The New York Police Department ensured security with extensive measures including over 70,000 cameras and a heavy police presence to monitor the event, declaring no credible threats were present despite the numerous officers stationed at various vantage points. Additionally, eateries in the vicinity offered premium views for patrons willing to pay hefty prices to avoid the crowd, with tables costing upwards of $850. Such arrangements have attracted visitors from across the globe, including tourists who traveled from as far as Japan to experience the ball drop live. Prior to the countdown, British actor Ralph Fiennes entertained audiences during CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast alongside hosts Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper. Fiennes delivered a humorous and insightful monologue that resonated with viewers, where he playfully critiqued common makeup trends and encouraged mindfulness and professionalism. His performance garnered widespread acclaim on social media, with many fans calling for Fiennes to receive awards for his captivating delivery. The night culminated in a shared feeling of hope and renewal as the city welcomed 2025 with optimism amid the celebratory chaos.