'Predator: Badlands' sticks its 2 stars together to take the franchise to new places
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The seventh “Predator” film takes the franchise to new places by sticking its two stars together. “Predator: Badlands” opens Friday. It features Elle Fanning as a broken android who rides on the back of a young Predator played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and makes common cause with the killer. Director Dan Trachtenberg says there were many inspirations for the film, but the central concept comes from C-3PO strapped to Chewbacca's back in “The Empire Strikes Back.” “Predator: Badlands” is the first real foray into sci-fi for the 27-year-old Fanning and one of the first films of any kind for the 24-year-old Schuster-Koloamatangi.
Helen Mirren will receive the Golden Globes' Cecil B. DeMille award
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Helen Mirren's latest role is Golden Globe lifetime achievement honoree. The Golden Globes said Wednesday the 80-year-old actor is the 2026 Cecil B. DeMille Award recipient. Mirren won an Oscar for “The Queen,” her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II, and has won three acting Golden Globes. In a career that spans six decades she has played multiple queens, a prime minister, “Barbie” narrator and many other roles. Her award will be presented Jan. 8 on a special, “Golden Eve,” to air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. The main Globes ceremony is Jan. 11.
How Grammy voting works: Everything you need to know
NEW YORK (AP) — The Recording Academy will announce the 2026 Grammy Award nominees on Friday. It’s a good reason to examine how Grammy voting works. First, members of the Recording Academy and record labels submit artists in certain categories. Those are then vetted for eligibility, then voting members help determine who the final nominations will be. There’s currently 95 Grammy Awards, but voters have to be selective about the genre fields they vote in. The entire membership votes on six prizes, including album, song and record of the year and best new artist. Once the nominees are determined and announced in November, a period of final round voting takes place. Winners are announced live at the award show in February.
Salman Rushdie's new book is his first fiction since a brutal attack. He tells us why
NEW YORK (AP) — Salman Rushdie's new book, “The Eleventh Hour,” marks a creative reset for the author. It's his first fiction work since being attacked on a New York stage in 2022. The book includes two short stories and three novellas, exploring themes of age, mortality, and memory. Rushdie's recovery has been both physical and creative, with fiction being the last step. He describes the process as a door opening in his mind. Despite the attack, Rushdie has reemerged in public life. Speaking to the AP, he also reflects on the enduring impact of his work.
Movie Review: Russell Crowe and Rami Malek face off in the Nazi trial drama ‘Nuremberg’
Rami Malek plays a psychiatrist trying to figure out Nazi leader Hermann Goering in the new film “Nuremberg.” Written and directed by James Vanderbilt, “Nuremberg,” in theaters Friday, tells this lesser known story in the lead-up to the war trial. With its high profile cast, including Michael Shannon and Richard E. Grant, this classically filmed historical drama is stately and sober and what we might once have called “Oscar-bait,” writes Lindsey Bahr in her review for The Associated Press. She adds that while it is an interesting chapter to highlight, the film can't quite reconcile its form with its sobering message. “Nuremberg” is rated PG-13.
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Kristen Stewart urges solidarity and honesty in emotional keynote at Academy Women's Luncheon
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kristen Stewart has delivered a powerful speech at the Academy Women’s Luncheon, urging women in film to reject tokenism and create their own opportunities. Speaking Tuesday, Stewart highlighted gender inequity in Hollywood, emphasizing the need for women to voice hard truths. She praised Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir for inspiring her and called for women to be proud and proactive. The event, held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, celebrated the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, supporting emerging filmmakers. Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter presented the awards, emphasizing the importance of mentorship. The afternoon was filled with solidarity and sisterhood.
Movie Review: Elle Fanning's disjointed android steals the show in 'Predator: Badlands'
Elle Fanning delivers a unique performance in "Predator: Badlands," playing an android whose torso and legs have separate adventures. Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy says this ninth installment of the “Predator” franchise mixes slapstick humor with intense violence. Fanning's character, Thia, teams up with a young Predator named Dek, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Together, they navigate a dangerous planet filled with bizarre creatures. Director Dan Trachtenberg combines sci-fi action with themes of family betrayal and unlikely friendships. "Predator: Badlands" is rated PG-13 and releases Friday, offering a mix of humor and action in a 107-minute runtime.
Jonathan Bailey named People magazine’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive
“Wicked” star Jonathan Bailey is People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025. The magazine announced its pick Monday night on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Bailey takes the mantle from “The Office” star John Krasinski, who was the 2024 selection. The 37-year-old had audiences swooning as Prince Fiyero in his 2024 big-screen debut in “Wicked,” the popular movie musical in which he proudly urges fellow students to join him in his shallowness. He dripped with charm as Lord Anthony Bridgerton on Netflix’s “Bridgerton” most recently starred in “Jurassic World Rebirth.”
Australia's Helen Garner wins Baillie Gifford nonfiction prize for her 'addictive' diaries
LONDON (AP) — Helen Garner, an acclaimed Australian writer, has won the prestigious Baillie Gifford Prize for nonfiction. Garner, 82, took the prize for her collected diaries “How to End a Story.” The book covers her life and work between 1978 and 1998. The judges were captivated by Garner’s sharp observation and “reckless candor.” Her 800-page opus is the first set of diaries to win the prize. Garner is the author of novels including “Monkey Grip” and true crime books including “This House of Grief.” Garner is the second Australian in a row to win the Baillie Gifford prize, following last year’s winner, Richard Flanagan.
Fortnite maker Epic Games and Google say they're settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Epic Games has reached a settlement with Google, potentially ending its five-year legal battle over Google's Play Store for Android apps. The agreement was revealed in a joint legal document filed in a San Francisco federal court on Tuesday. Epic, known for Fortnite, previously won a victory when a federal appeals court condemned Google’s app store as an illegal monopoly. The settlement follows a judge's ruling requiring Google to allow rival app stores on Android. The specific terms remain under seal and must be approved by a U.S. District Judge. Epic also filed lawsuits against Apple's app store in 2020.

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