AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 6:16 p.m. EST

Doctor who helped sell ketamine to actor Matthew Perry before his overdose death avoids prison time

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A doctor who pleaded guilty in a scheme to supply ketamine to actor Matthew Perry has been sentenced to 8 months of home confinement. A federal judge in Los Angeles has sentenced Dr. Mark Chavez of San Diego to 3 years of supervised release on Tuesday. The “Friends” star died from an overdose in 2023 from ketamine, which can be used legally as a treatment for depression. Chavez had acquired the ketamine and given it to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who sold it to Perry. Plasencia was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison earlier this month.

‘Sinners,’ ‘Wicked: For Good,' ‘KPop Demon Hunters' advance in Oscars shortlists

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released shortlists for 12 Oscar categories Tuesday, including best song, score, and the new casting prize. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and the musical “Wicked: For Good” lead with eight mentions each. Both films have two original songs advancing. The Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters” also made the list with its song “Golden.” The best international feature shortlist includes films from Norway, Spain, and South Korea. Notable documentaries include “My Undesirable Friends: Part I.” The final nominations will be announced on Jan. 22, with the Oscars airing on March 15.

Virginia Roberts Guiffre's memoir sells 1M copies worldwide

NEW YORK (AP) — Virginia Roberts Guiffre's posthumous memoir, “Nobody's Girl,” has sold 1 million copies worldwide just two months after its release. Publisher Alfred A. Knopf announced Tuesday that over half the sales came from North America. The book, co-written by Amy Wallace, was published in early October. It has revived criticism of former Prince Andrew, whom Guiffre accused of sexual misconduct. Guiffre died by suicide in April at age 41. Her family expressed pride in her impact and sorrow over her absence. Following the book's release, King Charles III stripped Andrew of his remaining titles.

Movie Review: Will Arnett finds therapy at the open mic, in moving marriage tale ‘Is This Thing On?’

“Is This Thing On?” is Bradley Cooper's third feature as director, and he takes a smaller-scaled approach, with poignant results. He also plays only a secondary role, allowing stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern to shine. The story was inspired by the real-life tale of a man in Manchester, England who unexpectedly found therapy doing standup comedy while going through a breakup. Arnett gives a delicate and nuanced performance as suburban dad Alex, writes Associaed Press critic Jocelyn Noveck, who finds comfort at the open mic. Laura Dern is deeply touching as his wife, who knows she wants something different but is not sure what. Opens in theaters Friday.

Rapper Kay Flock sentenced to 30 years in prison for conviction in shootings

NEW YORK (AP) — The rapper known as Kay Flock has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for a series of shootings in his Bronx neighborhood, derailing a music career that was just taking off before his 2021 arrest. The rapper, whose real name is Kevin Perez, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Lewis J.  Liman. The judge called Perez a “man of promise” but said a lengthy prison sentence was necessary for four separate shootings that injured multiple people while he led a gang known as “Sev Side/DOA.” Perez was convicted in March on charges including racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder.

Christine Baranski narrates `A Christmas Carol' before returning for new `The Gilded Age' season

NEW YORK (AP) — Christine Baranski has teamed with the Skylark Vocal Ensemble for a unique rendition of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol.” She narrates this music-and-spoken word version, recorded in June and released in December. Baranski, an Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress, performs with the group at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City, where the original manuscript is displayed. She enjoys bringing different characters to life, including Ebenezer Scrooge. The performance features choral underscoring by composer Benedict Sheehan and includes carols like “Silent Night.” Baranski hopes this collaboration becomes an annual holiday event.

Movie Review: Wonder and war in 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'

“Avatar: Fire and Ash,” will probably be a rewarding experience for fans of James Cameron's saga. But for those whose trips to Pandora have made less of an impact, it's like returning to a half-remembered vacation spot, only one where the local ponytail style is a little strange and everyone seems to have the waist of a supermodel, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. The 195-minute film is our longest stay yet on Pandora and the one most likely to make you ponder why you came here, in the first place. You can feel Cameron’s devotion to the dynamics of his characters, even when his interest outstrips our own.

The best movies of 2025, ranked by AP film writers

The bean counters might say otherwise, but 2025 was a good year for movies. That's the conclusion of The Associated Press' film writers, Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle, who have ranked their top films of the year. Both place Paul Thomas Anderson's “One Battle After Another” at the top of their lists. And both also include “Marty Supreme,” “It Was Just an Accident” and “Sinners.” Bahr's includes “If I Had Legs I'd Kick You,” “Sentimental Value” and “The Naked Gun.” Coyle's list includes “No Other Choice,” the third “Knives Out” movie, “Blue Moon” and the documentary “Afternoons of Solitude.”

Movie Review: Paul Feig's 'The Housemaid' is a twisty horror-thriller with nudity and empowerment

Paul Feig's new film, “The Housemaid,” offers a twisty, psychological horror-thriller with a satirical look at the ultra-rich, says AP's Mark Kennedy. Sydney Sweeney stars as Millie Calloway, a down-on-her-luck woman who becomes a live-in housekeeper in a wealthy New York suburb. Amanda Seyfried plays Nina Winchester, the mansion's madam, who hires Millie despite her fraudulent resume. The film, based on Freida McFadden’s novel, explores manipulation and power dynamics. Feig blends horror conventions with humor, creating a fascinating mix of gore and empowerment. “The Housemaid” is rated R and hits theaters Friday.