AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 10:46 a.m. EST

A string of awards makes it clear: 'One Battle After Another' is the Oscar front-runner

NEW YORK (AP) — If there were any doubt, the first few days of Hollywood’s year-end awards has already made it abundantly clear. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” is the Oscar front-runner. On Monday, “One Battle After Another” won best film at the 35th Gotham Awards. On Tuesday, it was named best film by the New York Film Critics Circle. On Wednesday, it swept the National Board of Review Awards, winning best film, best director for Anderson and acting awards for Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro and newcomer Chase Infiniti. Expect to hear this pun a lot: one award after another.

AP’s top albums of 2025: Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Hayley Williams, Dijon, Addison Rae and more

NEW YORK (AP) — The Associated Press has announced its top 10 albums of the year, showcasing a diverse range of artists. Hayley Williams shines with “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” a bold solo project. Addison Rae surprises with her inventive pop debut, “Addison.” Rosalía's “Lux” offers an avant-garde musical journey. Bad Bunny's “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” celebrates Puerto Rican culture. Dijon captivates with the dreamy “Baby.” Wednesday's “Bleeds” sharpens their indie rock skills. Turnstile's “Never Enough” blends punk with new sounds. Clipse returns with “Let God Sort Em Out,” featuring Pharrell. Tyler Childers' “Snipe Hunter” defies country norms, and Sudan Archives' “The BPM” delivers a unique club-pop-soul experience.

The New York Times sues the Pentagon over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's media rules

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Times is suing to try to stop the Pentagon from imposing new rules on journalists who cover the military. Most mainstream news outlets refused to agree to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's policy this fall. As a result, they lost credentials to work in the Pentagon. The Times says in the suit filed Thursday that the rules violate the Constitution's freedom of speech and due process provisions because the rules give Hegseth the power to determine on his own whether a reporter should be banned. There's no immediate comment from the Pentagon on the lawsuit.

Iranian film director Jafar Panahi plans to return home despite a new prison sentence against him

MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — Iranian director Jafar Panahi says he plans to return home after touring with his new film, “It Was Just an Accident,” and that he has never contemplated exile despite the threat of prison he faces back in Iran. A court in Tehran earlier this week sentenced Panahi to a year in prison in absentia and also imposed a two-year ban on him leaving Iran after convicting him on charges of “propaganda activities against the system.” His lawyer said he would appeal the ruling. Panahi told an applauding audience at the Marrakech International Film Festival on Thursday that he knows his films “don’t please the government, but that’s not a reason to leave” Iran.

Steve Cropper, guitarist and member of Stax Records' Booker T and the M.G.'s, has died at age 84

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Steve Cropper, who co-wrote classic songs, including “(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay” and “In the Midnight Hour,” during his years playing guitar at the legendary Stax Records in Memphis, has died. He was 84. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T. and the M.G.'s, the house band for the Stax/Volt labels. In 2007, Cropper won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the group. He also became known to younger fans as member of the group backing Blues Brothers John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.

AP's top songs of 2025: 'Lo que le pasó a Hawaii,' 'Abracadabra' and more

NEW YORK (AP) — The Associated Press has selected the 10 best songs of the year, showcasing a diverse range of artists and genres. Bad Bunny's “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii” stands out as a powerful anthem for Puerto Rico's cultural autonomy. Lady Gaga's “Abracadabra” marks a triumphant return to her electro-pop roots. Chappell Roan's “The Subway” showcases her versatility with dream-pop influences. Wednesday's “Elderberry Wine” offers a poetic take on classic country. Other notable tracks include dexter in the newsagent's “Special,” Feeble Little Horse's “This is Real,” and Kehlani's heartfelt “Folded.”

Theodor Pištěk, Czech Oscar-winning costume designer, dies at 93

PRAGUE (AP) — Theodor Pištěk, a Czech costume and stage designer, has died at 93. His family has confirmed his death. Pištěk won an Academy Award for best costume design on "Amadeus" and was also nominated for "Valmont." He also collaborated with director Milos Forman on "The People vs. Larry Flynt." Born in Prague in 1932, Pištěk graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts and was also involved in motor racing. After the 1989 Velvet Revolution, he designed uniforms for the Prague Castle guards. In 2000, President Vaclav Havel awarded him a state decoration.

Pope Leo XIV's first full-length US book, 'Peace Be with You,' to be released in February

NEW YORK (AP) — Pope Leo XIV's first full-length U.S. book is set to release next winter. HarperOne announced Wednesday that it has acquired the rights to “Peace Be with You! My Words to the Church and to the World,” scheduled for release on Feb. 26. The book includes sermons and addresses that Leo has given since his election in May. HarperOne describes it as a vision for peace, unity and reconciliation in a fractured world. The title refers to his first public remarks as pope when he appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.