New Carnegie Medal winners Megha Majumdar and Yiyun Li love libraries
NEW YORK (AP) — Novelist Megha Majumdar has won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction for her book “A Guardian and a Thief.” The American Library Association announced the award on Tuesday. Majumdar shares the honor with Yiyun Li, who won for her memoir “Things in Nature Merely Grow.” Both authors will receive $5,000 and be honored in June in Chicago. Majumdar is an immigrant from India and appreciates libraries as spaces for solitude and community. Li is originally from Beijing and discovered her love for libraries in the U.S. and now teaches at Princeton University.
Philip Glass cancels Kennedy Center symphony premiere in protest of Trump's leadership
NEW YORK (AP) — Prize-winning composer Philip Glass has canceled the world premiere of his symphony about Abraham Lincoln at the Kennedy Center. Glass' Symphony No. 15, titled "Lincoln," was set to be conducted by Grammy winner Karen Kamensek on June 12 and 13. Glass stated that the Kennedy Center's current values conflict with the symphony's message. His decision is part of a broader trend of artists withdrawing from the venue. President Donald Trump's influence over the center, including plans to rename it the Trump Kennedy Center, has sparked controversy and led to multiple cancellations.
‘One Battle After Another’ leads the pack in nominations for UK’s BAFTA film awards
LONDON (AP) — Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged action thriller “One Battle After Another” leads the race for the British Academy Film Awards, with 14 nominations including acting nods for five of its cast. Ryan Coogler’s blues-steeped vampire epic “Sinners” is close behind with 13 nominations, while Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean tragedy “Hamnet” and Josh Safdie’s ping-pong odyssey “Marty Supreme” have 11 apiece. The winners will be announced at a Feb. 22 ceremony in London. The U.K. prizes — officially called the EE BAFTA Film Awards — often provide clues about who will triumph at Hollywood’s Academy Awards.
Neil Young's gift to Greenland: Free access to his entire music catalog
NEW YORK (AP) — Neil Young is offering free access to his entire music catalog to residents of Greenland. He announced this on his blog on Tuesday in a bid to ease stress amid tensions involving the U.S. and NATO. Young's offer lasts a year with possible renewal and requires a Greenland-based cellphone. This gesture contrasts with his recent decision to remove his music from Amazon Music. Young criticized its founder Jeff Bezos for supporting U.S. President Donald Trump. Young has a history of clashing with streaming platforms including Spotify over issues like misinformation and audio quality. His hits include “Rockin' in the Free World” and “Heart of Gold.”
Shelley Read's debut novel 'Go as a River' becomes a global sensation
NEW YORK (AP) — Author Shelley Read is amazed by the global success of her debut novel, “Go as a River.” Before its U.S. release, the book secured over 30 translations. Published in 2023, it has sold more than a million copies and is being adapted into a film. The novel spans from the 1940s to the 1970s, focusing on a Colorado farm girl’s romance with an Indigenous man. Read, a longtime educator, began writing the book after retiring. Despite initial rejections, her manuscript found a home with Spiegel & Grau. Read is now working on her second novel.
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Antoine Fuqua's ‘Troublemaker' lets Nelson Mandela speak for himself
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Antoine Fuqua's new documentary, “Troublemaker,” explores Nelson Mandela's life beyond his iconic status. Premiering Tuesday at the Sundance Film Festival, the film reveals Mandela as a rebel, at least at first. Fuqua uses Mandela’s voice from over 70 hours of recordings to tell the story of the fight against apartheid. He collaborated with Mac Maharaj, an anti-apartheid activist who helped smuggle Mandela’s writings out of prison. Fuqua traveled across South Africa, visiting key locations in Mandela’s life, and learned about the resilience and optimism of those who fought for justice.
Ralph Fiennes, star of stage and screen, makes opera debut in Paris directing `Eugene Onegin'
PARIS (AP) — Ralph Fiennes made his opera directing debut with Tchaikovsky's “Eugene Onegin” at the Paris Opera. Known for his cinematic background, Fiennes uses lighting to focus on one-on-one interactions. The opera, based on Pushkin's novel, stars Boris Pinkhasovich, Ruzan Mantashyan and Bogdan Volkov. All 11 performances are sold out, with a broadcast scheduled for Feb. 9. Fiennes, who has a history with Pushkin's work, decided to set the opera in the 1830s. He aims to avoid cliched opera acting, focusing on character interaction.
How artist Gordon Parks' foundation keeps his legacy growing 20 years after his death
Civil rights photographer and artist Gordon Parks' legacy continues to grow, even as the 20th anniversary of his death approaches. The Gordon Parks Foundation, also celebrating its 20th anniversary, faces challenges in funding its arts and social justice programs. Executive Director Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr. says the foundation is sensitive to the changing funding landscape and is dependent on support for events like its annual gala. This year's gala on May 19 in Manhattan will honor John Legend, Chance the Rapper, Mellon Foundation President Elizabeth Alexander, artist Henry Taylor, and the entire family of Muhammad Ali.
Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, K-pop and more: AP predicts who will win at the 2026 Grammys
Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammys nominee pack, but Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny and others are vying for their moment in the spotlight. But who will take home trophies on Sunday? Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman and Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. break down the close races for Grammy glory. They predict victories for Lamar, Lady Gaga, Rosé and Bruno Mars. They also expect close genre races across country, Latin and pop. The 68th Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Jay Duplass returns to Sundance with the tragic comedy ‘See You When I See You’
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Jay Duplass has shifted from personal stories to telling others' tales. Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon approached him with Adam Cayton-Holland’s script about PTSD after his sister's suicide. The film, “See You When I See You,” premieres Tuesday at the Sundance Film Festival. It stars Cooper Raiff, Kaitlyn Dever, David Duchovny, Hope Davis, and Lucy Boynton. Duplass sees it as an heir to “The Big Sick.” He chose Raiff for the lead role, valuing his talent and emotional range. Duplass appreciates the big-name actors who joined despite the low paycheck, noting their commitment to art.

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