The Best Culture Writing Of 2015

Every year feels like it was wilder and more intense than the one before it, with lower lows and higher highs. Today, we're taking stock of the past 12 months by rounding up some of our favorite pieces of culture writing of 2015—longreads that have stayed on our minds and sparked necessary conversation, whether because of beautiful prose, incisive commentary, or the impressive breadth of their reporting. In re-visiting these profiles, features, and essays, we're also reminded of the most important stories, people, and themes that collectively defined our year.

PROFILES

Getty Images / Ted Aljibe

BODIES AND BELONGING

INSTITUTIONAL DAMAGE

Getty Images / Justin Sullivan

WHO WE ARE

MATTERS OF MEDIA

DEEP DIVES

Getty Images / Andrew Burton