UNESCO gives a shout-out to Switzerland's yodeling by adding it to list of cultural heritage
GENEVA (AP) — The U.N.'s cultural agency has listed Switzerland’s long-celebrated yodeling among 67 traditions honored its list of intangible cultural heritage. A UNESCO committee meeting in New Delhi on Thursday added yodeling to this year's list along with traditions including Italian cooking, Ghanaian highlife music, the fermented Kyrgyz beverage Maksym and the El Joropo music and dance tradition in Venezuela. Switzerland’s government pushed the candidacy with UNESCO. Promoters say insist yodeling is far more than the mountain cries of yesteryear by falsetto-bellowing male herders in suspenders on green mountainsides: It’s also a popular form of singing.
AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Tramell Tillman, the 'Severance' star who is very much connecting
NEW YORK (AP) — Tramell Tillman has had a remarkable 2025, becoming a force in the entertainment world and winning a spot as one of The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025. Known for his role in “Severance,” Tillman made Emmy history as the first Black man to win for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series. He also starred alongside Tom Cruise in “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.” Tillman, originally aspiring to be a storm chaser, has embraced his newfound fame. He admires versatile performers like Hugh Jackman and Donald Glover and aims to expand his storytelling. Tillman will appear in upcoming films, continuing his impressive journey in acting.
AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Chase Sui Wonders’ Harvard astrophysics detour led her to Hollywood
NEW YORK (AP) — Chase Sui Wonders always thought she was “kind of funny,” but it was officially confirmed after booking “The Studio” after just one audition. It's been an eventful year for the AP Breakthrough Entertainer who plays the hyper ambitious, cutthroat assistant-turned-creative executive Quinn Hackett on the Emmy-winning comedy. But a Hollywood career nearly didn’t happen for the magna cum laude graduate who switched her major at Harvard from astrophysics to film studies after being “humbled” by quickly falling behind. The 29-year old has several projects in the works including “I Want Your Sex” starring Olivia Wilde and A24’s horror thriller “October.”
Here are 10 TV shows from 2025 to catch up on before it's 2026
If you're staying in this holiday season, it's a great time to catch up on some of 2025's standout TV shows. “Dept. Q” features Matthew Goode as a detective solving cold cases. “Paradise” stars Sterling K. Brown in a sci-fi drama on Hulu. “Love Island USA” continues to entertain with its seventh season on Peacock. “The Pitt” brings Noah Wyle back to TV as a doctor. Seth Rogen's “The Studio” offers a comedic take on Hollywood. Netflix's “Adolescence” and “The Beast in Me” deliver gripping drama. “St. Denis Medical” and “The Paper” provide laughs, while “Forever” explores young love.
Movie Review: Death, family and Christmas in Kate Winslet’s directorial debut ‘Goodbye June’
Kate Winslet has directed, produced, and starred in a new film written by her son, Joe Anders. The movie, “Goodbye June,” is in limited release this weekend and will stream on Netflix on December 24th. The film is a family drama about terminal illness and estranged siblings. It features a distinguished cast, including Helen Mirren and Johnny Flynn. In her review for The Associated Press, Lindsey Bahr writes that Winslet makes her feature directorial debut with a simple, character-focused approach. While it may not be for everyone due to its sad subject, it offers moments of grace, humor, and insight.
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Eurovision champion Nemo returns the winner's trophy to protest Israel's inclusion
GENEVA (AP) — Swiss singer Nemo, who won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, has decided to return the winners' trophy. On Thursday, Nemo announced the decision in an Instagram video, citing Israel's continued participation in the contest despite its actions in Gaza. Nemo said the trophy no longer feels right on their shelf. Five countries, including Spain and Ireland, have announced they will boycott the 2026 contest because Israel is being allowed to compete. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within Eurovision, which aims to focus on music over politics but has been roiled by Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.
AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Danny Ramirez's entrance into Hollywood began on the soccer field
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Danny Ramirez's acting career began unexpectedly on a soccer field. Now, he's earned a spot as one of The Associated Press's Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025. Known for his roles in “Captain America: Brave New World,” “The Last of Us” and more, Ramirez first began acting while sidelined with a sprained ankle when a production assistant invited him to be an extra in Mira Nair’s film “The Reluctant Fundamentalist.” Seeing actor Riz Ahmed portraying a soccer player on set inspired Ramirez. He’s set to produce, write, direct and star in his directorial debut “Baton,” and other upcoming projects.
How the Mariachi Rams band turned the NFL game day into a personal Los Angeles soundtrack
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Mariachi Rams are reshaping NFL game day by blending traditional Mexican music with Los Angeles’ hip-hop and rock influences. Crystal Hernández, the only woman in the NFL’s first official mariachi band, is the daughter of José Hernández, the Grammy-nominated artist who founded the ensemble in 2019. The 10-person ensemble plays classic mariachi and reimagined pop and hip-hop anthems. Members balance careers in education, banking and more during the week. Their presence has become integral to the Rams’ game-day rhythm, reflecting the city’s culture and expanding the NFL's cultural connections.
Disney invests $1B in OpenAI in deal to bring characters like Mickey Mouse to Sora AI video tool
Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI to bring characters like Mickey Mouse and Luke Skywalker to the AI company's Sora video tool. Announced on Thursday, this three-year licensing deal makes Disney the first major content partner for Sora. Fans can generate and share videos featuring over 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters. Disney and OpenAI emphasize responsible AI use to protect creators' rights. Some user-generated videos will be available on Disney+. Disney also sent Google a cease and desist letter for using Disney content without permission to train its AI models.
Oscars recognize casting for the first time, offering a spotlight on a key job in the movie industry
NEW YORK (AP) — Casting directors have long been the unsung heroes behind films like “Wicked.” Bernard Telsey and Tiffany Little Canfield are among those who helped populate the two-part movie. Casting directors will finally get Oscar recognition next year with a new award category. Telsey explains that casting is often invisible but crucial to a film's success. He and his team work across various mediums, from theater to TV. Despite challenges, they strive to find the perfect actors. Telsey believes good acting transcends mediums, and technology has changed the casting process, making it more global and fast-paced.
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