Miami men’s basketball’s historic first season under new head coach Jai Lucas came to an end with a Round of 32 loss against Purdue on Sunday. 24 hours later, Miami football returned to action with its annual NFL Pro Day, drawing a record number of NFL scouts and personnel to watch the Canes’ top draft prospects. Sebastian Font joins to break down the biggest risers from Monday. Spring practice officially began on Tuesday, signaling the start of the Hurricanes’ 2026 season. Miami’s 247Sports Insider Gaby Urrutia joins the show to preview key position groups to watch and the biggest winners from the first practice.
Freshman Matteo Santoro takes silver in first appearance at NCAA Swim & Dive Championships
Freshman Miami diver Matteo Santoro didn’t just arrive at his first NCAA Championships — he announced himself.
Under the lights of Atlanta’s McAuley Aquatic Center, Santoro delivered a poised and powerful performance Thursday night, earning All-American honors and finishing as the national runner-up on the 1-meter springboard. His final score of 412.50 secured second place in the country, trailing only SMU’s Luke Sitz (428.10) in a tightly contested final.
Though it was his first time competing at the NCAA championships, for Santoro, the moment wasn’t too big.
It was exactly where he belonged.
A world champion diver, alongside Miami and Team Italy teammate Chiara Pellacani, Santoro is no stranger to the pressure of formidable competition in the deep end of a pool.
But in Atlanta, the Italy-native saved his best for last. On his sixth and final dive, an inward 2 ½ somersault tuck, Santoro surged with a score of 74.40 — his highest of the night — cementing his place atop the leaderboard and punctuating a breakout performance on the national stage.
But his path to the podium wasn’t without pressure.
Santoro entered the finals as the eighth and final qualifier, posting a 344.70 in prelims — just enough to advance. From there, he flipped the narrative. Every twist and tuck was him solidifying control over the competition, and what began as a fight just to make finals turned into a statement performance against the country’s best.
Earlier this season, Santoro had already found success in the same pool, capturing silver on the 1-meter and bronze on the 3-meter at the ACC Championships. Returning to Atlanta, he proved that performance was no fluke — only a preview.
And he wasn’t the only Hurricane to make noise.
Redshirt freshman Jake Passmore, also competing in his first NCAA Championships, earned Honorable Mention All-American honors after placing 12th in prelims with a score of 344.70. His top dive of the day — a reverse 2 ½ somersault tuck — scored 67.50, highlighting a strong debut on the national stage.
With post-season momentum building, Miami’s divers aren’t just competing — they’re contending.
The NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships continue Friday in Atlanta, where Santoro will look to build on a performance that has already turned heads, ultimately setting the tone for what will likely be a remarkable collegiate career.
New $1.5M initiative strengthens support for human trafficking survivors in Miami-Dade
A new $1.5 million investment brought by the State Attorney General’s office is bringing renewed hope to the fight against human trafficking in Miami-Dade County, expanding resources for survivors and strengthening efforts to prevent exploitation.
Announced in late February, the funding will support law enforcement operations, enhance prosecution efforts and expand critical services for survivors — including shelter, counseling and long-term recovery programs at organizations like Camillus House.
The organization, long known for serving Miami’s most vulnerable populations such as the homeless or those struggling with addiction and mental health disorders, has become a critical refuge for individuals escaping exploitation.
Residents receive not only food and shelter, but also counseling, mental health support and guidance toward independence such as job application programs and or DMV services.
As Miami prepares to host global events like the World Baseball Classic, Ultra Music Festival, the Miami Open and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to arrive. Camillus House and other similar organizations are preparing to meet growing needs with expanded support.
“We work very closely with the State Attorney’s Office,” said Erika Pineros, director of anti-trafficking services. “Our CEO promised 50 beds for recovery, which is unseen.”
While these events bring economic growth and international attention, experts say they can also increase vulnerability for those at risk.
“Anywhere where there’s tourism, you will see an uptick,” Pineros said. “Every time that Miami had a big event, I would get a lot of clients during that time.”
Human trafficking — the use of force, fraud or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or sex — remains a persistent issue in Miami-Dade County, often hidden in plain sight.
“It could happen to your brother, your sister, your child, your grandchild,” Pineros said. “It’s something that’s happening in our own backyard.”
Recent data from the Miami-Dade trafficking unit shows more than 200 reported cases in recent years, though advocates believe many more go unreported.
At Camillus House, those realities are personal.
“Whenever you’re put in a vulnerable situation, human trafficking and a lot of these predators can take advantage of people,” said Jonathan Beis, a resident of Camillus House.
Advocates say the expanded funding will help meet a growing demand for these services and allow more people to access the help they need.
“There’s good resources here,” Beis said. “We need more funding to get people into better situations and to help people have hope in their lives.”
For leaders at Camillus House, hope is already taking shape.
“The blessing is in the giving and not the receiving,” said Sam Gillus, Senior Vice President of Operations. “Then that person who receives it, you see them later on giving it to someone else.”
As Miami prepares to welcome the world, this investment ensures that protection and support for vulnerable communities remain part of the city’s future.
Because behind every dollar is the chance for someone not just to survive — but to start again.
Miami breaks through late, stuns Clemson in extra innings
Lifted by a five-run tenth inning, the Miami Hurricanes took down the Clemson Tigers 8-3 to open a three game series on Thursday night on the road at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the tenth, up stepped Hurricane hero Daniel Cuvet.
One of Miami’s most productive hitters in program history, there was zero doubt from the dugout that the Fort Lauderdale native would come through for a UM side desperate for an ACC series opening win.
Cuvet would prove that confidence right, smoking a ball to third base that Tryston McCladdie couldn’t handle, sending the ball down the left field line and bringing home all three runners.
The Canes plated two more insurance runs to extend the lead to five, heading to the bottom half of the inning just three outs away from a crucial road win.
Closer Ryan Bilka trotted back onto the mound to begin his third inning of work on the night. Full of adrenaline as he stared the Clemson hitters down, the Richmond transfer sat down the side with three strikeouts, earning both the win for himself and UM.
Bilka threw three scoreless innings from the bullpen, allowing only three hits in his longest outing of the year reaching more than 50 pitches.
The Hurricanes got on the board early, as Alex Sosa worked a walk and Derek Williams singled to put two men on base. With two outs, Brylan West came up to the plate and delivered, shooting an RBI single up the middle to score a run.
West led the way on offense, with three hits and two RBIs, continuing his strong run of form this season.
The Canes built on their lead during the third inning, starting off with Sosa as he ripped a double down the left field line. West once again came up big, bringing Sosa home with a double of his own. He was brought in by Vance Sheahan, who forced an RBI single through the right side, extending the lead to 3-0.
This lead proved crucial for Miami, who started freshman left-hander Sebastian Santos-Olson on the mound. Usually the midweek starter, Santos-Olson was forced to make his first ACC start as typical opener AJ Ciscar was ruled out with a bicep strain.
The bats finally came alive for the Tigers in the bottom of the fifth after a Tyler Lichtenberger single and a Bryce Clavon double gave Clemson runners on first and third with one out.
Lyndon Glidewell took the mound for the Hurricanes to relieve Santos-Olson in a tough spot, looking to get them out of a jam. The Austin Peay transfer escaped the jam only allowing one run.
The Tigers inched closer once more in the sixth as a plethora of errors ruined Frank Menendez’s debut appearance for Miami.
After Luke Gaffney reached on an error by West, back-to-back bloop singles brought him home, cutting the deficit to just one run. With all the momentum, Lichtenberger launched an RBI single into right field, tying the game up at three.
It appeared Clemson would send its fans home victorious in the ninth with two runners in scoring position. But with the game on the line, Bilka came up huge with a strikeout, getting Miami out of a tough jam and sending the game to extra innings where the Canes handled business.
Miami (20-6, 3-4 ACC), will aim to ride the momentum to its first ACC series win of the season.
Miami men’s tennis win fourth match in a row
The No. 41 University of Miami men’s tennis team swept the Delaware Fighting Blue Hens on Wednesday afternoon at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.
After a rough start to the season, including a five-match losing streak to begin conference play, the Hurricanes (11-8, 3-5 ACC) have turned it around with their fourth straight victory.
To start off the day, the Canes took care of the doubles point with two wins on the top courts. Antonio Prat and Rafael Segado took the opening win of the day, defeating Tobey Lock and Luke Tollenaar 6-3. Then Mehdi Sadaoui and Jakub Kroslak secured the point with a 6-4 win over Euan Mackenzie and James Sclater.
When play was stopped, Miami duo Nacho Serra Sanchez and Jules Garot were leading 5-4 over Pere Prat and Federico Garbero.
Singles play was a cake walk for UM, obtaining three dominating straight-set victories to complete the sweep. Garot had the first of the trifecta, winning easily over Sclater 6-0, 6-3. Kroslak had a similar outcome, dropping only two games to Mackenzie for a 6-2, 6-0 victory. Finally, it would be Sadaoui who would win the clincher, besting Tollenaar 6-2, 6-1.
When singles play was halted, the final scores were as follows: No. 113 Prat was a game away from victory as he led 6-4, 5-1 over Lock, Serra Sanchez was up 6-3, 2-2 over Garbero and Segado was ahead 6-3, 3-2 against Prat.
We really do not need a new ‘Harry Potter’ series
It’s been nearly three years since HBO Max announced its intention to create a new “Harry Potter” TV series more faithful to J.K. Rowling’s original book series.
On March 25, 2026, the long-awaited teaser trailer for the first season — centered around Harry’s first year at Hogwarts and set to release this December — proving once and for all that we really do not need this series.
From a simply artistic point of view, everything about this remake screams lazy. The Wizarding World has millions of multitudes dying to be explored, from the Marauders era to the First Wizarding War and the rise of Voldemort, to the founding of Hogwarts to life at other Wizarding schools.
And yet, the creators decided to instead beat a dead horse.
2026 marks the 25th anniversary of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” the first of eight in the critically acclaimed film series. The adaptations grossed more than $7 billion, solidifying the series a lifelong title as a cultural phenomenon.
Even now, more than a decade following the release of the final installation, “Harry Potter” and its many entities remain more relevant than ever.
Epic Universe’s Ministry of Magic just became the world’s sixth Wizarding World theme park. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” continues to make waves in New York, London and worldwide. The films are annually reintroduced to movie theaters every fall and performed nationally with live orchestral accompaniment.
So while diehard defenders will argue the new series is a vital instrument to reintroduce “Harry Potter” to new generations, I would argue it needs no introduction.
Its prominence in popular culture is unquestionable, and it isn’t going anywhere. The television series will not reignite passion for the original series — it will aim to replace it, and if it succeeds, it will harm the legacy of “Harry Potter.”
“Harry Potter” isn’t the first remake of its kind. Disney+’s “Percy Jackson” TV series essentially did what HBO Max is trying to do: introduce that which defined many childhoods to a new generation.
But where the series is actually finding a majority of its viewership is from fans who grew up with the book series and felt slighted by the film adaptations. After only two films, the series ceased after being torn apart by fans and critics alike for its extreme deviations from the original source material.
Fans of the “Harry Potter” books were luckier, earning a movie for each of the seven novels (in addition to a second movie for “Deathly Hallows”).
While not every detail could reasonably be taken from the increasingly long novels, the films stayed mostly true to the books. The characters matched most readers’ imaginations, and Hogwarts’ architecture captured the brilliance and elegance we saw through Harry’s eyes.
In a book-based fandom, you will be hard pressed to find a fan that admits the movies were better — but the majority of “Potter” fans think the movies were done exceptionally well.
There’s a familiar phrase that goes, “Lightning doesn’t strike twice.” By attempting to reinvent the wheel, producers are taking an incredible dangerous gamble.
Should the series fail to live up to the magic of the original, said failure will threaten to overshadow the massive success of the original films.
A majority of “Harry Potter” fans will refuse to accept anything except what they have grown accustomed to. The directors are placing this new slew of actors in an incredibly difficult spot.
The Black actors cast to play Hermione Granger and Severus Snape have already been subject to extreme racism from fanatics attached to the original portrayals. But they aren’t — and won’t be — the only actors being constantly compared to their original counterparts.
When Dominic McLaughlin, for example, is asked to fill Daniel Radcliffe’s incredibly large shoes, will he rise to task — or will fans lose interest entirely long before he’s even given the chance?
Then comes the timing of the series release. As culture and politics become more intertwined than ever before, it’s especially vital to recall that “Harry Potter” has always been inherently political.
(See: The entire plot of prejudice against muggleborns — Voldemort’s main campaign strategy, in a way — which is an obvious metaphor for systemic racism.)
The political conversation surrounding the series only increased when author J.K. Rowling decided to use her prowess and wealth as a weapon against the transgender community.
Seeing as J.K. Rowling has made it clear that the residual wealth she continues to accumulate from “Potter” and its entities — and will now accumulate from this series — will go directly toward funding anti-trans legislation, a discussion of the series and its implications go hand in hand.
It seems rather obvious that a driving force in Rowling’s desire to remake the series is to raise a new generation of actors to wield. She’s made her disdain for Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint quite clear after they each spoke up against her political views.
Here are three brand-new, starry-eyed young actors cast in the roles of a lifetime. Even if they grow to foster any animosity toward Rowling for her views, they’ll surely be silenced the same way people attempted to silence Radcliffe, Watson and Grint.
People will say they owe all of their success to Rowling, and particularly while in the midst of a ten year contract spanning seven seasons, they will be at a crossroads: Do they stand up for what’s right while potentially destroying their career in the process?
The claim that the series will expand on what the films failed to cover is pure nonsense. The films did their job, and they did it well.
“Harry Potter” retains its magic through nostalgia and what it means to each individual fan. It laid the groundwork for new art forms to flourish, for new hands to pick up books that might not have otherwise.
The series has been redefined by fans for the past decade since filming ceased, and they hardly need Rowling nor producers to do it for them. It’s time to let it stand on its own two feet, because forcibly pushing “Harry Potter” forward will more than likely send the franchise crashing down.
Driving around Miami as a student? Check your insurance first
For many University of Miami students, driving is just part of daily life. One day, it’s a quick trip from Coral Gables to campus. The next is a drive to Brickell for dinner, a late-night food run, or a weekend trip to the beach.
With heavy traffic, busy intersections, and thousands of commuters on the road every day, car accidents in Miami and nearby happen more often than many drivers expect. Most student drivers assume that if something goes wrong on the road, insurance will handle it.
Unfortunately, that’s not always how it works.
After an accident, many drivers discover their insurance coverage isn’t as strong as they thought. Medical bills can add up quickly, repairs can get expensive, and Florida’s insurance rules can be confusing, especially for students who are driving a car insured under a parent’s policy or their first personal plan.
Before something happens on the road, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand what your insurance actually covers.
Florida’s Minimum Insurance Isn’t as Much as It Sounds
Florida requires drivers to carry two basic types of coverage:
– $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
– $10,000 in Property Damage Liability
At first glance, that may sound like a reasonable amount. In reality, it often doesn’t go very far. But emergency room visits, medical imaging, and follow-up treatment can easily exceed $10,000 after a serious crash. And that’s before you consider physical therapy, missed work, or long-term injuries. Florida is also a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurance policy usually pays for your initial medical expenses after a crash, regardless of who caused the accident. Many drivers don’t realize that until they’re already dealing with bills.
The 14-Day Rule Many Drivers Don’t Know About
Another detail that surprises many drivers is Florida’s 14-day rule. To receive benefits from Personal Injury Protection coverage, injured drivers must seek medical care within 14 days of the crash. Students often delay treatment because they assume soreness will go away or they feel fine immediately after the accident. However, symptoms from injuries like whiplash or concussions can appear later. Waiting too long can make insurance claims much more complicated
“I’m on My Parents’ Insurance”. But What Does That Mean?
A lot of college students drive vehicles insured under their parents’ policies. While that can provide
coverage, it can also raise questions that many drivers don’t think about ahead of time.
For example:
– Are you listed as a driver on the policy?
– Is the car you’re driving actually insured under that plan?
– Does the policy cover you if you live in another city most of the year?
Sometimes the coverage works exactly as expected. Other times, families discover the policy
doesn’t fully match how the car is actually being used. That’s why it helps to review the details ahead
of time instead of figuring it out after a crash.
Not Every Driver on the Road Has Strong Coverage
Another challenge on Florida roads is that not every driver carries enough insurance. Even though Florida requires certain minimum coverage, many drivers either have no insurance at all or carry very limited policies. According to the Insurance Research Council, about 26.7% of drivers in Florida are uninsured, which is significantly higher than the national average. Because of this, some drivers choose uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) as an extra layer of protection. Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for damages when the driver who caused the crash does not have insurance or doesn’t have enough to fully cover injuries and other losses. This type of coverage can help with costs such as medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering that may not be covered by Florida’s basic no-fault insurance. With so many uninsured or underinsured drivers on Florida roads, reviewing whether your policy includes UM coverage can be an important step before an accident ever happens.
Borrowing a Friend’s Car? Insurance Doesn’t Always Work
the Way You Expect
College students borrow cars all the time.
Maybe your roommate lets you take their car to Publix. Maybe a friend offers their car for a trip to the
beach or a late-night drive to grab food. It usually feels casual, until something goes wrong.
Many drivers assume that if they’re behind the wheel, their own insurance automatically covers the
accident. In many situations, the opposite is true.
In Florida, insurance typically follows the vehicle first, not the driver. That means the car owner’s
insurance policy may be the primary coverage if an accident happens.
However, coverage can depend on several factors, including:
– Whether the owner gave permission to drive the car
– Whether the driver is listed or excluded on the policy
– Whether the vehicle is being used regularly by someone not listed on the insurance policy
If the damages exceed the vehicle’s policy limits, the driver’s own insurance may come into play as
secondary coverage.
Because of this, borrowing a car can create unexpected complications after a crash. Taking a
moment to ask a simple question — “Is the car insured and okay for me to drive under the policy?”
— can prevent a lot of confusion later.
Mistakes Students Should Avoid After a Crash
Accidents happen, even to careful drivers. What you do in the minutes and hours after a crash can make a big difference later, especially when insurance companies start reviewing the claim. Here are some common mistakes student drivers should avoid.
- Leaving the scene without calling the police. Even if the crash seems minor, having an official police report helps document what happened. Without one, proving the details of the accident later can become much harder.
- Forgetting to document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the damage, the intersection, and anything else that may help explain
how the crash occurred. If there are witnesses nearby, try to get their contact information as well. - Saying too much at the scene. It’s natural to apologize or try to smooth things over after an accident. But statements made in the moment can later be interpreted as admitting fault, even if the situation isn’t clear yet.
- Delaying medical care. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Getting checked out by a doctor helps protect your health and also creates a medical record if symptoms appear later.
- Talking to insurance adjusters without understanding your options. Insurance companies often reach out quickly after a crash. Their job is to investigate the claim and limit what they pay when possible. Taking time to understand your rights before giving detailed
statements can help you avoid complications later.
A Quick Insurance Check Can Save You Stress Later
College life moves fast. Between classes, work, and social life, insurance coverage is rarely at the top of a student’s to-do list. But taking a few minutes to review your policy now, whether it’s your own plan or your parents’, can make a big difference if an accident ever happens. Understanding your coverage today can help prevent expensive surprises tomorrow. And on busy Miami roads, that peace of mind can go
‘Amaze amaze amaze:’ Phil Lord and Christopher Miller bring ‘Project Hail Mary’ (2026) to life
Who among us hasn’t felt at one point or another that we have no idea what we’re doing? That we’ve been thrown in the deep end?
The protagonist in directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s latest film “Project Hail Mary” (2026) can certainly relate. Dr. Ryland Grace is a middle school teacher and former microbiologist who wakes up on a spaceship in a different solar system with no idea who he is or how he got there.
Adapting Andy Weir’s latest novel to the big screen was a tall order for Lord and Miller. At 478 pages, the novel takes its time telling Dr. Grace’s story. The directors had a lot of material to condense into just two and a half hours.
Lord and Miller rose to the challenge. “Project Hail Mary” (2026) is a gorgeous film that is at once exciting and moving, a reminder of the best in people — human or otherwise— in the worst of circumstances.
The opening of the film is hilarious and terrifying, a perfect example of how screenwriter Drew Goddard’s script excellently adapts Andy Weir’s signature blend of drama, humor and science. A very shaggy Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, awakens from a coma disoriented, babbling and tripping over himself as he regains the ability to speak and walk.
Once Dr. Grace reaches the control room and realizes his situation, his despair is palpable.
For much of the film Grace is the only human onscreen. A one-man show could have very easily become tiring, but Ryan Gosling’s performance was out of this world (pun intended). One moment he has the audience laughing their asses off and ten minutes later he’ll have them bawling their eyes out.
With a score of 95% from Rotten Tomatoes, “Project Hail Mary” has become the highest rated film inRyan Gosling’s filmography.
Grace undoubtedly has the largest role in the film, but he is not entirely alone. “Project Hail Mary” is a story told in pieces, interspersing the present with flashbacks representing Grace’s slowly returning memories. Through this back and forth the audience is introduced to the other characters.
Bit by bit, Grace remembers that he is a member of Project Hail Mary, an international effort to save humanity from a global ice age caused by the mysterious alien microorganism Astrophage which feeds on stars ’— including the sun’s — energy.
Initially contacted by the unshakeable head of Project Hail Mary Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller), Grace made major breakthroughs studying Astrophage and accidentally became her second in command.
As a last ditch effort to save the Earth, Stratt and her team determined that three astronauts must be sent on a suicide mission to the distant Tau Ceti solar system to discover why that star has survived Astrophage and send their findings back to Earth.
A stalwart leader, Stratt does what must be done no matter the cost. Even so, it is clear that her difficult decisions weigh heavily on her. Hüller brings an emotional depth to Stratt that makes her one of the film’s most memorable characters.
The chemistry between Hüller and Gosling in their respective roles is excellent. Stratt is distant where Grace is friendly; she is stern where he is scatterbrained. The relationship between the characters is unbalanced, more boss-employee than true friends or colleagues.
Stratt is not Grace’s only companion. As the Hail Mary arrives at Tau Ceti in the present, Dr. Grace quickly learns that we are not alone in the universe.
Grace meets an alien from the 40 Eridani solar system. He creatively names the five-legged Eridian “Rocky,” after his rock-like appearance. As they learn to communicate, Grace and Rocky realize they are there for the same reason and resolve to help each other save their respective planets.
Rocky was an important part of the movie to get right. He is beloved by fans of the novel, and Lord and Miller wanted Gosling, who would have many scenes with the alien, to have someone real as a scene partner rather than a motion-capture tennis ball.
James Ortiz knocks it out of the park as Rocky’s voice and primary puppeteer, bringing humor and heart to the Eridian.
Rocky is just one example of this film’s dedication to practical effects. “Project Hail Mary” uses no green or blue screen whatsoever, and is easily one of the most visually stunning sci-fi movies of the decade.
A full-size rotating set was built for the scenes with Ryland Grace inside the ship. Most of the scenes of outer space were done by computer.
One of the most beautiful scenes occurs when Grace exits the ship in his space suit to collect samples of Astrophage from the planet Adrian’s (named after Rocky’s Eridian partner) “Petrova line.” The Petrova line is the trail of Astrophage coming and going from a planet to its sun.
The shot was accomplished by putting Gosling inside a chicken-wire cage strung with infrared lights and equipping the camera with an infrared light filter. The result is a breathtaking sea of twinkling red.
Gorgeous as the film is, none of the stellar cinematography and effects would be as impactful without Daniel Pemberton’s original score. The choir-heavy score evokes a deep sense of humanity even as the main character is perhaps one of the loneliest humans there is.
The soundtrack of the movie is also incredibly effective. Every needle drop — most memorably Stratt’s rare moment of vulnerability singing karaoke to Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times”— was perfectly chosen.
As far as adapting the novel, the film glosses over many of the scientific elements rather quickly, and many supporting characters were also cut from the story or watered down for the sake of its runtime.But these are ultimately minor faults.
Lord and Miller clearly love this story, and they did it justice in their adaptation, bringing to the story all the strengths of the film medium. “Project Hail Mary” is at its heart a story of love for friends and for life (human or otherwise) itself.
Inside the pink-carpet premiere of UM student and influencer Lauren Barnwell’s ‘Turning 21’
The fourth floor of Brickell City Centre’s CMX Theater transformed into a pink‑lit birthday‑meets‑movie‑event at night on Friday, March 20. Invited guests arrived to celebrate University of Miami junior Lauren Barnwell and the debut of her short film, “Turning 21.”
Complete with branded cocktail stations, oversized props and a full pink carpet lined with photographers — the event marked the official premiere of the short film Barnwell directed and starred in to commemorate her 21st birthday.
The night began with a slow trickle of guests and a few minor technical hiccups that pushed the start time back, but the delay barely registered. Attendees filled the extra time with free drinks, photos and tipsy conversation.
At the theater bar, film co-creator Julyanna Colby, dressed in soft pink to match the theme, said she and Barnwell were leaving for a trip together just days after the premiere. The two met through social media, she explained, and their friendship has only grown since.
As more guests arrived, the energy shifted. Every few minutes, someone yelled “shot o’clock,” sending groups toward the Voli 305 Vodka bar for mini passion‑fruit pouches and Voli shooters. It felt more like a coordinated social event than a typical college birthday — which made sense, because this wasn’t just a birthday.
Barnwell’s film, a blend of scripted scenes and real friendships, follows a fictionalized version of her birthday weekend. Inspired by “The Hangover” and “Project X,” “but girlified,” as she later told the audience. The project brought together her closest friends, a professional crew and a theater full of supporters.
Before the screening, content creators Nina Simone and Larissa Randolph waited near the carpet, both saying they weren’t surprised by the turnout.
“It’s very on brand for Lauren,” Simone said. The two were most excited for the “hangover moments” in the film and the exaggerated chaos of a 21st birthday.
Randolph joked that she nearly blacked out the night before her own 21st. “When in Miami,” she said, laughing. Their presence, along with dozens of other creators, reflected the social‑media world Barnwell has built her career in, one where events double as content and community.
Walking the pink carpet, cast members Madison Purdy and Erica Arnstein talked about what it was like to be part of the project.
Purdy described the film as “lighthearted, funny and chill,” adding that her friendship with Barnwell is similar.
“We’re playful, but when we’re serious, we’re serious. We have a deep relationship,” Purdy said.
Purdy added that she felt grateful for the opportunities the project brought her like working with a professional crew and also being part of something that felt “bigger than us.”
Arnstein, Barnwell’s roommate and best friend since freshman year, said she didn’t even blink when Lauren announced she wanted to make a movie.
“That sounds about right,” Arnstein said. “She doesn’t do anything halfway.”
Watching the film come together, Arnstein said, felt like watching Barnwell in her element; organized, creative and fully committed. She expected the audience to react the same way she did the first time she saw “Turning 21:” laughing, cheering and recognizing the real friendship underneath the chaos.
“It’s so her,” Arnstein said. “People are going to see that.”
Both “actors” agreed the project reflects who Barnwell is — ambitious, committed and willing to take on something bigger than what most students attempt.
That same sentiment came from Barnwell’s aunt, Siva Barnwell‑Adams, who flew in from Houston for the big night.
“Her level of dedication, her grit — it’s stronger than I even realized,” Barnwell‑Adams said.
Barnwell-Adams recalled Lauren’s college decision as an early example of her determination.
“We told her to have backup schools. She humored us, but it was always UM,” Barnwell‑Adams said. “She had vision‑boarded it. When she sets her mind to something, she follows through.”
As guests chatted and sipped, Barnwell stood in the women’s bathroom with a drink in hand, taking in the moment and also taking a second.
The chaos of the early evening had faded, replaced by something steadier. She said the night felt like the first time her family truly understood the scope of her work.
“They know I do social media, but I don’t think they grasped that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” Barnwell said “They’re from a different generation. So this, seeing it, I think it finally clicked.”
Finally, it was time. The noise of the lobby dimmed as guests headed into the theater, but not before Barnwell rallied the room with one last “shot o’clock.”
Everyone raised their shooter to Barnwell and the thunder of “Baddie, baddie, shot o’clock” echoed through the City Centre bar.
Before pressing play, Barnwell stepped up to the microphone and the room quieted. Barnwell began her speech by thanking her crew first; Enzo, her director of photography; Sky, who organized the event; and Daniel, her sound engineer — along with her sponsors, including 818 Tequila, amika, Hard Candy and, of course. Voli 305 Vodka.
“I hope you guys are drunk enough, that’s super important,” Barnwell joked, earning cheers. She ended with a simple message: “I love everybody in this room. Enjoy the film, enjoy the night, and happy 21st birthday to me.”
By the end of the screening, the energy in the room made it clear the night was a success. Friends, creators and family members celebrated not just the film, but the effort behind it.
Desserts and sponsor‑filled goodie bags waited at the exit, a polished final flourish that underscored just how intentionally Barnwell crafted every part of the evening.
For Barnwell, the premiere wasn’t just a birthday milestone, it was a statement about where she’s headed. And if this is how she marks 21, there’s little doubt there’s more ahead for her.
A list of Zendaya’s 2026 film and television lineup
From television series to major studio releases, Hollywood actress Zendaya is set for a busy 2026. She has projects that will be released throughout the year, beginning in the spring and ending until December.
Her first appearance is “The Drama,” a dark romantic comedy produced by A24 and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, arriving in theaters April 1.
Zendaya plays Emma Harwood, a bookseller whose relationship is put to the test in the week leading up to her wedding. “Twilight” star Robert Pattinson plays Charlie Thompson, her fiancé.
She then returns to television in the season 3 of “Euphoria,” premiering April 13 on HBO. She reprises her role as Rue Bennett, a teenager struggling with addiction, as the series introduces a time jump showing the characters as adults.
The new episodes follow Rue dealing with the consequences of her past and hiding out in Mexico after owing money to a drug dealer.
“The Odyssey,” directed by acclaimed Christopher Nolan, is next and arrives July 15. The Greek epic follows Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, on a decade-long journey home after the Trojan war. Zendaya portrays the goddess Athena, guiding him through the seas and kingdoms.
Zendaya and Tom Holland appear together in both “The Odyssey” and her next film “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” out July 29.
It marks the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise, with Holland playing Peter Parker. Zendaya reprises her role as MJ, the romantic interest who no longer remembers Parker’s identity as Spider-Man.
Her final release of the year is “Dune: Part Three,” arriving Dec. 16. She returns as Chani in the third installment, which tackles the consequences of Paul Atreides’ rise to power. The film explores the rekindling of her strained relationship with him 17 years later.
Across these roles, Zendaya moves between different characters and genres, pointing to a year built on showing the world her range.