AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 2:31 p.m. EST

Music Review: Harry Styles’ ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally’ swings, sweats and surprises

Harry Styles has released his fourth solo full-length album, titled “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.” It follows 2022’s critically acclaimed synth pop “Harry’s House,” which won album of the year at the 2023 Grammy Awards. It is a remarkably consistent album dead-set on evoking mood without sacrificing music, while referencing dance-punk bands like LCD Soundsystem as well as Berlin nightclub culture. That is not a simple goal for a performer whose live show has been likened to a true communal experience, The Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman argues in her review. She says spirited experimentation carries throughout the album, in particular, in its stellar back half.

Before his return to the Oscars, Yorgos Lanthimos finds a still moment in Athens

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos has opened a photography exhibition in Athens days before he is due to attend the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. The exhibition showcased images he captured over the past five years, many taken on film sets and during walks around production locations. It features 182 photographs in color and in black and white, including portraits of frequent collaborator Emma Stone. Lanthimos' latest film, “Bugonia,” has received four Oscar nominations, including best picture and best actress for Stone.

Good dad intentions are at the heart of Steve Carell's new series 'Rooster'

Steve Carell has a new HBO comedy that digs into the awkward push and pull between dads and adult daughters. On “Rooster,” premiering Sunday, Carell plays a popular author who takes a job at his daughter’s college after her breakup. Creators Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses praise Carell’s small comedic choices. The cast adds a new comedic turn for Danielle Deadwyler and includes players from some of Lawrence's other projects like John C. McGinley of “Scrubs” and Phil Dunster of “Ted Lasso.”

Judge weighs New York Times bid to block policy limiting journalists' access to Pentagon

WASHINGTON (AP) — The New York Times is urging a federal judge to block a Pentagon policy that has limited access to the building for journalists from many mainstream news outlets. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman didn’t rule from the bench after hearing arguments in the newspaper's lawsuit against the Defense Department. The Times is seeking a court order for the Pentagon to reinstate press credentials for reporters who refused to agree to the new rules. A newspaper lawyer said the policy is depriving Americans of vital information about U.S. military operations while the country is at war. A Justice Department attorney said the policy reflects the government’s duty to protect national security information.

In Paris fashion, skin is in and celebrities rule the runways

PARIS (AP) — Paris Fashion Week is delivering a forceful reminder of why it remains a capital of fashion, with blockbuster celebrity front rows, boundary-pushing design and collections that are tackling big ideas about power, craft and the female body. Oprah Winfrey turned heads at both Stella McCartney and Chloé. Sissy Spacek, Julia Garner and Lil Yachty claimed front-row seats at Loewe. The star wattage has matched the creative ambition — and both have been running high.

Who will win at the Oscars? AP’s film writers make their predictions

The Oscar race has tightened after surprise wins at the Actor Awards, and Associated Press film writers Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle say the top prizes now look less settled. On Sunday, March 15, the academy reveals its winners. Final ballots close on Thursday. Both writers still pick “One Battle After Another” for best picture, but they say “Sinners” looks like a contender. They agree Jessie Buckley wins best actress, Michael B. Jordan takes best actor and Teyana Taylor wins supporting actress. But they disagree on supporting actor and best international film.

Hushed stillness and Japanese craft at Issey Miyake's Paris show

PARIS (AP) — Sparkling dust drifted across the runway inside the Carrousel du Louvre on Friday as Issey Miyake showcased its fall and winter designs in Paris. Designer Satoshi Kondo unveiled a collection of rare stillness and force. Kondo has the house led since 2019. Miyake, who died in 2022, always started with a single piece of cloth. Kondo has honored that philosophy while carving a quieter, more contemplative path of his own.

Is 'Tristan' the hardest opera to stage? This director thinks so, and signed on at the Met

NEW YORK (AP) — Opera director Yuval Sharon has said that Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” is the hardest work in the traditional repertoire to stage. That’s a big reason why he jumped at directing a new production of it for his Metropolitan Opera debut. Sharon has gotten attention for innovative productions in Los Angeles and Detroit. The Met’s “Tristan” opens March 9 for eight performances. It’s a densely philosophical work that’s short on plot. It has the biggest opera set in Met history. And singers must project for four hours over a huge orchestra. Sharon says it’s just the kind of impossible challenge that he loves.

After 5 years, Sarah J. Maas returns to 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' with 2 untitled books

NEW YORK (AP) — Sarah J. Maas has announced two new books in her “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, ending a long wait for fans. Bloomsbury announced Book 6 would come Oct. 27. And Book 7 arrives Jan. 12, 2027. Neither book has a title yet. Maas last released an installment, “A Court of Silver Flames,” in February 2021. She revealed the new books on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast. She says it took time to find the right story. But she says the writing came quickly. Bloomsbury says her books have sold over 75 million copies.