AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 10:27 a.m. EST

Arab female directors drive change at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Arab female film directors are reshaping Arab cinema by telling untold stories and claiming space in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Four influential directors participated in this year's Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, showcasing diverse narratives. The festival highlights Saudi Arabia's investment in film, gaming and sports as part of its transformation efforts. Palestinian American filmmaker Cherien Dabis premiered “All That’s Left of You,” a multigenerational story about Palestinian displacement. Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen’s film “Hijra” won the Yusr Jury Prize. Palestinian Amira Diab and Jordanian Zain Duraie also presented films, emphasizing the importance of women's voices in cinema.

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.

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: SpongeBob is back in madcap ‘Search for SquarePants’

SpongeBob wants to prove he's a big guy in “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.” In theaters Friday, the movie takes SpongeBob and his loyal pal Patrick on an adventure to the underworld with the ghost of The Flying Dutchman, who is voiced by Mark Hamill. Voice actors Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke and Clancy Brown are all back as well. In her review for The Associated Press, Film Writer Lindsey Bahr writes that the 3D animation style doesn't add anything, but that the zany, madcap spirit of SpongeBob remains firmly intact seven years after its creator died. It's rated PG.

Alex Warren's year has been anything but 'Ordinary.' Now, the Grammys are calling

New York (AP) — Alex Warren's song “Ordinary” is, by many measures, a defining song of 2025. The song was certified three-times platinum and fast-tracked the former social media celebrity into mainstream musical fame. It blew up on TikTok and opened a lot of opportunities for the 25-year-old singer-songwriter. On Feb. 1, he competes for his first Grammy. The first-time nominee is up for best new artist. Warren tells The Associated Press that he is grateful for his breakout year and hopes that his music connects with people. Warren's debut album, “You’ll Be Alright, Kid,” was released last summer.

Thousands of fans join tribute to reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff in his native Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Jamaica has held a tribute to honor reggae giant Jimmy Cliff, with officials asking that people celebrate him and not turn the ceremony into a sad event. The crowd that filed Wednesday into a gymnasium in Kingston largely obliged. The charismatic Jamaican artist known for classics including “Many Rivers to Cross,” and his role in the landmark movie, “The Harder They Come,” died last month at 81 years old. Nearly a month later, many around the world were still in mourning and paying their respects. The tribute was broadcast live, drawing in thousands of viewers from New York to the United Kingdom. It incorporated video messages from artists ranging from Shaggy to Sting.

The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, leaving longtime home of ABC

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a major change for the Oscars. Starting in 2029, the awards ceremony will stream on YouTube. ABC will continue broadcasting the event until 2028, which will mark the 100th Oscars. This shift announced Wednesday represents a significant move for one of television's marquee events. Starting in 2029, YouTube will retain global rights to streaming the Oscars through 2033. YouTube will effectively be the home to all things Oscars, including red-carpet coverage, the Governors Awards and the Oscar nominations announcement.

Faith-based entertainment sees a revival in Hollywood. Defining what it is can be a challenge

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Faith-based films are gaining traction in Hollywood, with recent successes sparking renewed interest. Angel Studios' animated biblical film "David" has already exceeded $14 million in pre-sale tickets. "The Chosen," a popular drama about Jesus, has grossed over $116 million domestically since Fathom Entertainment began releasing it theatrically in 2023. Studios are recognizing the box-office potential of faith-based content, with Lionsgate set to release the sequel to "I Can Only Imagine' in February. This trend reflects a growing demand for spiritual storytelling, something many say Hollywood has long ignored. But defining what counts as faith-based entertainment can be challenging.

FCC leader says agency is no longer independent as he’s grilled by Democrats over Kimmel controversy

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic senators are criticizing the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission for pressuring broadcasters to take ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off the air. At a hearing Wednesday, Democrats on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee suggested that Brendan Carr was politicizing an independent agency and trampling the First Amendment. Carr says he's simply enforcing laws that hold broadcasters to stricter scrutiny. But a commissioner appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden told senators that the FCC has “undermined its reputation as a stable, independent and expert-driven regulatory body.”