Presidents Day sales are always a great opportunity to score great discounts on major purchases, but you don't have to wait until the last day of the month for an amazing bargain. Many retailers start their sales early and these sales usually last a few days after Presidents Day itself.

1. Amazon

Shop These Presidents Day Sales For Another Few Hours

In recent years, Presidents Day sales have started earlier and run through the holiday weekend. That means you can save hundreds on items like mattresses or kitchen appliances like fridges or washer/dryers sets!

Amazon currently has several Presidents Day sales that start today and run until the end of the month. You can take advantage of offers like $50 off an iPad 2022, discounts on Kindle Fire tablets, and more to save even more!

2. Everlane

Everlane's clothing philosophy is founded on the notion that selling direct to customers online can make quality items more accessible. Like Warby Parker (glasses) and Casper (mattresses), Everlane offers their items at a fraction of the cost at which they would sell in physical stores.

Everlane stands out among fast-fashion brands by refusing to purchase its merchandise from factories that use sweatshop labor. Instead, it seeks out factories that value their workers and treat them with respect.

The brand also has a section on their website that lists all of their suppliers, providing pictures, short descriptions and information about those responsible for producing their merchandise. This practice of radical transparency is seen as an encouraging step towards ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices.

3. Amazon Mattress

Are you in the market for a new mattress? Amazon has some fantastic offers. They come in various sizes and include free Prime shipping.

Although some discounts may not last as long as others, they're still worth taking a look at if you want to get your hands on a new bed before Presidents Day.

Tuft & Needle's adaptive foam mattress is on sale for 34% off and includes a complimentary pillow and sheets bundle.

Tempur-Pedic, another trusted mattress brand, currently has some fantastic President's Day sales going on. You can save up to $300 on select pressure-relieving mattresses like our top pick: the TEMPUR-Adapt.

4. Avocado

Avocados are tropical fruits grown on trees in warmer climates. They're native to Mexico, Guatemala and Central America's Pacific coast. Not only do they contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats but they also contain beta sitosterol - a naturally occurring plant sterol which may help lower cholesterol levels.

They're an excellent source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and tension in the heart and blood vessels. Furthermore, bananas contain fiber which aids with healthy digestion and regularity.

They're an increasingly popular ingredient in skin care products due to their abundant source of vitamin A, B1, B2, D and E. Not only that, but these seeds offer antioxidant protection to eyes with lutein and zeaxanthin which protect against sun damage as well as protein. Furthermore, they're high in protein, vitamins K, C and folate - not to mention cholesterol- and sodium-free!

5. QVC

Home Shopping Network and Quality, Value, Convenience (QVC) are two cable television channels that broadcast live themed sales presentations 24 hours a day. These networks specialize in selling an array of products such as jewelry, appliances and vacuums.

In 1986, QVC founder Joe Segel revolutionized home shopping by hiring experienced hosts and offering cable providers a share of the channel's revenue. Since then, the channel that stands for Quality, Value, and Convenience has become an iconic force in the industry.

Are you shopping for furniture or home decor this Presidents Day? Several top online retailers are offering incredible savings with Presidents Day markdowns and discounts that will save you money on what you need. Take a look at Wayfair, Macy's and more - plus use code PRESDAY20 at checkout to take an additional 20% off selected items!

6. Sur La Table

Sur La Table is one of the premier destinations for kitchen supplies in America with over 100 locations nationwide and an online catalog that attracts millions of customers annually.

They offer an excellent customer loyalty program where you can earn rewards for your purchases. Plus, sign up for their newsletter to receive exclusive offers and discounts on new items.

Sur La Table has another unique aspect, offering resident chefs to teach cooking classes at their stores. To be qualified to work for Sur La Table, these chefs must undergo extensive training and testing in order to become part of the company.

Take advantage of a special offer from Sur La Table when you sign up for their newsletter. Plus, stay informed on new kitchenware additions, sales events and more with exclusive offers!

7. Target

Are you still searching for Presidents Day sales to shop? Target is one of the best places to look. They offer incredible savings on a wide range of items, such as clothing, home decor and electronics.

It's also an excellent place for mattress deals, since it sells both Tempur-Pedic and Dreamcloud items. For instance, you can save up to $500 on adjustable mattress sets plus get $300 worth of accessories with select purchases.

On Presidents Day weekend, you can find a wide range of big-ticket and budget-conscious appliances at major retailers like Home Depot or Lowe's. In addition, major stores often offer "suite" deals - where you save even more if you purchase two or more large appliances at once.

8. West Elm

Are you in search of a chic new sofa? West Elm has plenty of sales going on this Presidents Day weekend, offering an extensive range of contemporary furniture for every room in your home.

Many of their furniture pieces are crafted from materials like solid wood, engineered woods, glass, marble and recycled materials. Furthermore, their upholstered options come in an array of fabrics and finishes for added versatility.

Shoppers at West Elm love their selection of rugs. They have an impressive range of area rugs, entryway rugs, kitchen mats and bath mats in various styles to choose from.

However, some customers have reported issues with delivery including delays and quality concerns. Some West Elm rugs may not be durable enough for long-term use.

9. Williams Sonoma

Presidents Day Sales are an excellent opportunity to save on items that will make your house look and feel more like your dream space. While these deals may only last a few hours, don't miss out - you still have time to take advantage of them!

Williams Sonoma is renowned for their high-quality cooking essentials and appliances. Additionally, they provide home services like free design consultations, expert installations, and cooking classes.

Are you in the market for new cookware or appliances? Don't miss out on Williams Sonoma's Presidents Day sales! From cutlery and knives to oven roasters and more, they offer discounts that won't last long! Plus, use a Williams Sonoma promo code for even greater savings! Don't forget to sign up for their Key Rewards program as well - it gives free shipping plus access to exclusive offers!

10. Branch Furniture

Presidents Day is a long weekend in February that often brings huge discounts on appliances, furniture, home goods and tech products.

The great thing about Presidents Day sales is that they often last longer than one day, so you can take advantage of the deals while they're hot. Take a look at our roundup below for all of the Presidents Day sales still available and be sure to shop ASAP!

At Branch's Presidents Day sale, you can score a fan-favorite standing desk for just under $1,000. It's one of CNN Underscored's top picks and features various adjustable features to maximize your posture.

Julia Roberts and George Clooney in Ticket to Paradise

Julia Roberts and George Clooney have a storied partnership, beginning with Ocean's Eleven in 2001 and Money Monster (2016). For their newest project, Ticket to Paradise, the stars join forces once more.

These portray divorced parents who dislike each other but choose to put their differences aside for a shared goal. They attempt to prevent their daughter from marrying the man she met on her post-graduation vacation in Bali.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts is one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. She has starred in several romantic comedies, such as Steel Magnolias and Pretty Woman with Richard Gere; plus, she's appeared in films such as Sleeping with the Enemy and Dying Young, making her one of the world's most recognizable actresses.

Roberts has achieved fame as an Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning actress, having starred in films ranging from comedy-drama My Best Friend's Wedding to the drama Notting Hill. Additionally, Roberts co-wrote and produced many of her own projects.

Her career began in the late 1980s, with a role on television's Crime Story before receiving critical acclaim for her performance in Steel Magnolias. Subsequently, she featured in several films such as Pretty Woman with Richard Gere and Flatliners with Joel Schumacher.

She went on to star in several popular romantic comedies, such as My Best Friend's Wedding and Notting Hill. For her role in Erin Brockovich (2001), which earned her an Academy Award nomination, making her one of the highest-paid actors and top box office earners worldwide.

After a long absence from filmmaking, Roberts is back on the big screen in Ticket to Paradise with George Clooney. This romantic comedy brings back their best friends for an entertaining rom-com that promises to put a smile on any fan's face.

Roberts and Clooney, who share an intense chemistry, star as a divorced couple whose only shared interest is their love-struck daughter Lily (Kaitlyn Dever). To save their child's wedding, the two must put aside their differences.

Ticket to Paradise's plotline may be predictable and formulaic, but its chemistry between Roberts and Clooney keeps it lighthearted and entertaining. The cast boasts talented young actors, and the movie does an excellent job of keeping viewers invested in the relationship between estranged parents.

Ticket to Paradise is an enjoyable and entertaining movie that will appeal to fans of the rom-com genre. Unfortunately, director Ol Parker fails to subvert its cliched premise, instead choosing to reimagine classic rom-com scenes and cliches with embarrassing results such as hotel room switcheroos, beer pong matches, and parental dancing to songs like "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" and "Jump Around." While this rom-com won't stand the test of time, those with fondness for old school rom-coms won't be disappointed either way.

George Clooney

After their respective long breaks from romantic comedies, Julia Roberts and George Clooney have joined forces again for the film Ticket to Paradise. In it, the Ocean's 11 actors portray a bitter ex-couple who reunites for their daughter's wedding in Bali.

Director Ol Parker revealed that the film was written specifically with Roberts and Dever in mind, with Kaitlyn Dever and Maxime Bouttier joining them as co-stars.

In the movie, David Cotton (Clooney) and Georgia Cotton (Roberts) are a bitter divorced couple who can barely stand to be near each other. When Lily (Kaitlyn Dever) makes an impulsive decision to wed someone she met on an island getaway, their children must band together in order to stop her.

Clooney is best known for his roles in ER and other medical dramas. However, he also makes several political films such as Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) and Syriana (2005) which explored the oil industry's politics. Other film appearances include a cameo appearance on South Park (1997) and TV shows like Roseanne or Sisters.

Clooney had always wanted to be an actor, but took a different path than most young actors do: working as both a bartender and carpenter before landing his first role in a feature film. His cousin Miguel Ferrer helped him land the role of A Family Thing (1982) that launched him onto small films as a leading man.

Clooney eventually secured a series regular role on the medical drama ER. Following that, other roles followed, such as Ocean's Eleven trilogy and Money Monster (2016).

He's an accomplished actor with a long list of films to his credit, but perhaps the most renowned role was Danny Ocean in the Ocean's trilogy. For this performance he won an Academy Award nomination.

Clooney has also directed several films, such as 2012's Argo. In 2014 he wed British-Lebanese human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin and two years later they welcomed twins.

Kaitlyn Dever

Kaitlyn Dever is a rising actress who has made waves in the television industry. She's featured on the sitcom Last Man Standing and was nominated for an Emmy award for her work on Dopesick.

She has starred in many films such as Cinema Verite, Justified and Booksmart. Her most recent role can be seen on Hulu's streaming TV series Dopesick, where she portrays coal miner Betsy Mallum.

Her film career has seen her collaborate with some of Hollywood's biggest names. As an experienced actress, she knows how to turn heads on the red carpet. At the HCA TV Awards last month, she donned a stunning black lace dress designed by Ermanno Scervino - looking stunning as she reunited with onscreen sister Molly Ephraim during the event.

Her seductive style has certainly got people talking. Her latest movie Ticket to Paradise is an enjoyable comedy with a familiar story, but its cast is stellar and Roberts and Clooney make for a great pairing.

The film follows a divorced couple as they travel to Bali to prevent their daughter from marrying her new man. While there, they rekindle their romance and enjoy each other's company once more. Though they hadn't seen each other in some time, they are willing to put aside their differences for her happiness.

Though not particularly original, this movie does a good job of exploring the parental-child relationship on a deeper level. While it doesn't offer any new insight into how parents should treat their kids, it does show the complexity of such an arrangement and how it can lead to both good and bad decisions.

Her performance as the daughter of the former couple is excellent and she makes for an excellent choice for the role. She exudes confidence and has a lovely voice that allow her to convey emotions naturally.

Maxime Bouttier

Ticket to Paradise, a romantic comedy featuring Julia Roberts and George Clooney as its lead couple, is sure to be a hit. This hilarious comedy brings together two of Hollywood's biggest stars for an adorable comedy that is both heartwarming and charming at its core.

Director Ol Parker (Mamma Mia Here We Go Again) delivers an infectiously funny and feel-good film. The script is clever, the cast stellar and numerous set pieces and one-liners will have you in stitches. Ole Bratt Birkeland's cinematography is stunning while Lorne Balfe's music incredibly melodious.

At the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, I first noticed Ticket to Paradise as having potential for being a feel-good movie of the year. It follows David and Georgia (Roberts & Clooney), as they search for common ground with their only daughter Lily (Kaitlyn Dever), who is set to wed a Balinese seaweed farmer while on vacation.

Richard Gere stars as Gede, giving an excellent performance that perfectly complements the romantic element of the story. He has some hilarious one-liners to his credit and works well with his co-stars to create a hilarious atmosphere.

Bouttier has long been a fan of Richard Gere's work, especially his improvised performances in films like Pretty Woman and Erin Brokovich. Therefore, playing Gede in Ticket to Paradise has been something he's been eagerly awaiting for years.

Bouttier has also worked on several soap operas in addition to acting. He enjoys shooting these shows but admits it can be stressful and exhausting due to the long hours spent shooting them.

Bouttier credits his experience on a soap opera with teaching him much about the industry. He emphasizes how important pace is and knows when to take a break. Furthermore, Bouttier states it's essential to understand characters so you can effectively convey their emotion during performances.

The Directors Guild of America Awards 2023 Nominations

Today, The Directors Guild of America released its 2023 nominations. Though this list is relatively short this awards season, these nominees honor achievements by directors working in film and first-time feature filmmakers.

In the theatrical feature categories, box office sensation Top: Gun Maverick earned a surprise nod alongside Tar and semi-autobiographical feature The Fabelmans. Directing debuts Emily the Criminal, Happening, Saint-Omer and Murina also received recognition.

Theatrical Feature

After two years in a row where women won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film (Nomadland director Chloe Zhao in 2021 and "The Power of the Dog" director Jane Campion in 2022), it was surprising to see no women represented this year - including "Women Talking" director Sarah Polley and "The Woman King" director Gina Prince-Bythewood.

This year's group is highly international, featuring France's Alice Diop ("Saint Omer") and Audrey Diwan ("Happening"), Croatian filmmaker Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic ("Murina"), and Scottish director Charlotte Wells ("Aftersun") all earning nominations. While it is encouraging that race and gender inclusivity is being taken more seriously at this year's DGA Awards, the lack of any Black American female directors still requires further discussion.

No woman has won this category since 2007, but there are a few standout nominees among these men: Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans and Tar's Todd Field. Both films are expected to do well at the Oscars and have already garnered positive reviews, making them potential candidates for Best Picture.

Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski has earned himself another nomination, this time in the Theatrical Feature Film category. With his impressive resume of action-packed films, it comes as no shock that he would be selected.

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everything All At Once) are also strong contenders, along with Martin McDonagh ("The Banshees of Inisherin") and Steven Spielberg ("The Fabelmans"). Additionally, Scotland's Alice Diop, Audrey Diwan, John Patton Ford, Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic as well as Edinburgh's Charlotte Wells have all earned their first DGA nominations.

It's an interesting list that highlights some of the changes taking place within the film industry. If the DGA Awards truly want to reflect these positive shifts, they should prioritize race and gender inclusivity more prominently next year.

Documentary Feature

Today, the Directors Guild of America revealed their nominations for their 2023 awards. While it's a relatively short list, there are several noteworthy names. Film categories include both first-time and veteran directors nominated.

Documentary films aim to inspire change by addressing pressing global, national or individual issues. As a genre, documentaries have seen tremendous success in theaters and are now drawing more broadcast networks to air them during primetime programming.

Documentary features often have lower budgets than dramatic narrative films and employ real people in their productions. They are usually created by independent filmmakers who can raise money through connections or crowdfunding initiatives.

Once a film is completed, it usually returns to its director's home country for distribution. It could be sold to film companies, television stations or streaming services.

Documentaries can be produced by one individual or a team. A feature-length documentary typically takes between two and three years to complete, depending on the director's abilities and available resources.

Filmmakers who strive for social change often create this genre. Its rise can be attributed to an increasing demand for stories not told by mainstream media, providing strong narrative presentations as a compelling alternative to Hollywood blockbusters which have become cliched and formulaic in recent years.

Documentary films often possess a more intimate, personal tone which allows them to appeal to an expansive audience.

Documentary films have traditionally been more challenging to make than fiction films due to their dependence on non-professional actors. However, modern technology has made it possible for a documentary film to be made by fewer individuals at a lower cost with greater efficiency.

Documentaries exist to inform, discuss, engage, enlighten, intervene, explore, express, disturb and commit. They often refer to themselves as "truthful" or "factual", since they do not merely entertain or amuse but instead strive for truth and accuracy.

Documentaries tend to be non-scripted, though they may be directed by a scriptwriter or editor. They often feature music and other special effects as well.

Television Feature

On this evening, the 75th Directors Guild of America Awards took place and brought with them nominations for the best films and TV shows of 2023. Hosted by Judd Apatow, this year's ceremony saw several well-known figures in directing make appearances.

A DGA win has long been considered one of the best predictors of an Oscar winner, but it hasn't happened in some time. This time around, nominees include Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All At Once), Todd Field (Tar), Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and Martin McDonagh (The Banshees Of Inisherin).

This year, four first-time feature film director nominations have been made - though women still hold the edge in this category. Charlotte Wells' "Aftersun," Alice Diop's "Saint Omer," Audrey Diwan's "Happening" and John Patton Ford's "Emily the Criminal" all garnered nominations.

Other notable nominees in this category included Denis Villeneuve (The Fabelmans) and Paul Thomas Anderson (Tar). For television, Bill Hader earned a nomination for "Barry," while Sam Levinson earned recognition for "Euphoria."

Though it's impossible to predict which television series will win the top prize at next year's awards ceremony, taking a look at the nominations can give an idea of which show may be recognized. Many popular shows this year are science-fiction or other genres that explore various worlds.

If you're crafting a story with an expansive universe or needing lots of detail, TV is likely your best bet. The format allows writers to spend more time on the story and discover its many facets instead of rushing them through it.

Director nominees in feature film categories usually receive a presentation of their movie and an opportunity to speak. This year, Stephanie Hsu introduced Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert from Everything Everywhere All at Once, while Denis Villeneuve introduced The Fabelmans.

In the television categories, Joseph Kosinski won for Top Gun: Maverick; Bill Hader took home the Comedy Series award for Barry; and Sam Levinson took home a Drama Series trophy with Euphoria.

Short Film

As an aspiring filmmaker, short films are an integral part of the process. Not only can they hone your skills as a director, but they give you an opportunity to showcase them to Hollywood suits even on a tight budget.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film as one that runs less than 40 minutes, including credits. This includes feature films, documentary shorts, animated shorts and performance art shorts. However, there are some key distinctions between shorts and features you should be aware of if submitting your work to the DGA Awards.

First and foremost, short films tend to be scripted, which means they must adhere to industry-standard screenplay formatting. That is why it's wise to start crafting your short film script even before shooting begins.

An effective plot outline will ensure your short film does not veer too far off course or leave viewers with unresolved issues. Additionally, having a script outline helps keep the momentum of your short film moving along smoothly while maintaining viewers' interest throughout its entirety.

Writing a short film requires adhering to one genre. Picking an approach and sticking with it will make the task of writing much smoother for you.

Many directors, particularly those just starting out in the industry, often struggle with blending multiple genres into a compelling short film that's less than engaging to watch. Take The Desk for example - a three-minute horror film that could easily have been an hour-long drama.

However, it doesn't have to be this way. There are numerous examples of short films that successfully blend different genres while remaining faithful to their source material.

In many cases, short films can be told without using visual effects at all. Live-action shorts present particular challenges since actors must often improvise their actions and dialogue. That is why having a clear idea of your characters before shooting begins is so important for success.