AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 11:53 a.m. EST

Paramount goes hostile in bid for Warner Bros., challenging a $72 billion offer by Netflix

NEW YORK (AP) — Paramount has launched a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. The effort announced Monday initiates a potentially bruising battle with Netflix for the company behind HBO, CNN and DC Studios, and the right to reshape much of the nation’s entertainment landscape. Emerging just days after Netflix reached a $72 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros., the takeover attempt means Paramount will go straight to Warner shareholders with a bid worth about $74.4 billion, or $30 per share in cash. Unlike Netflix, Paramount is also offering to buy the cable television assets of Warner Bros.

Trump says Netflix deal to buy Warner Bros. 'could be a problem' because of size of market share

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says a deal struck by Netflix last week to buy Warner Bros. Discovery “could be a problem” because of the size of the combined market share. The Republican president says he will be involved in the decision about whether federal regulators should approve the deal. Trump commented Sunday when he was asked about the deal as he walked the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Honors. The $72 billion deal would bring together two of the biggest players in television and film and potentially reshape the entertainment industry.

Golden Globe snubs and surprises: ‘Wicked,’ Julia Roberts, Sydney Sweeney and more

The Golden Globe nominations have left many surprised with notable snubs and unexpected inclusions. “Wicked: For Good” and director Jon M. Chu were notably absent from the best picture and director categories. Despite its popularity, “The Joe Rogan Podcast” was also left out of the podcast category. Sydney Sweeney and Gwyneth Paltrow were snubbed in the acting categories, despite strong performances. Meanwhile, Julia Roberts and Emily Blunt secured nominations, even though their films received mixed reviews. The awards also recognized “KPop Demon Hunters” for box office achievement, despite Netflix's limited theatrical release.

Golden Globes enter the world of podcasts and tread carefully, avoiding controversy

NEW YORK (AP) — The Golden Globes have introduced a best podcast category that's likely to spark conversations. On Monday, the Globes announced six nominees, including “Armchair Expert” and “SmartLess.” They represented a mix of news, advice and celebrity interviews. Notably absent are politically oriented podcasts like “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “Pod Save America.” Experts suggest the Globes aim to avoid controversy by focusing on entertainment. The selection process has raised questions, as Luminate Data, owned by Penske Media Corp., chose the nominees. Despite the controversy, the inclusion of podcasts in a major awards show is seen as a positive step, highlighting the medium's growing influence and mainstream appeal.

Coldplay, U2 and Ed Sheeran top Pollstar's most popular touring artists of the new millennium

New York (AP) — Pollstar has ranked the top 25 “Most Popular Touring Artists of the Millennium” based on ticket sales from Jan. 1, 2001, to the end of 2025. Leading the list? Coldplay with 24.8 million tickets sold. They’re followed by U2, with 20.2 million tickets sold, and Ed Sheeran, with 19.6 million. Rounding out the top five is Dave Matthews Band with 19.6 million tickets sold. In fifth is Taylor Swift with roughly 18.9 million. Keep in mind that her debut album was released in 2006. Pollstar chart data is pulled from reported and estimated box office data from events that occurred between 2001 and 2025.

Trump hosts Kennedy Center Honors, a touchstone in his attack against what he calls 'woke' culture

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sylvester Stallone, Kiss and Gloria Gaynor are among the luminaries celebrated at the annual Kennedy Center Honors. Donald Trump hosted the Sunday night gala in Washington, and it's a presidential first. Since returning to office in January, the Republican has made big changes to the performing arts institution. He's ousted the leadership and had himself voted in as chair. The honorees were being recognized for their influence on American culture and the arts. It was expected to be emotional for Kiss members after the recent death of their original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley.

Full list of 2026 Golden Globe nominees

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Nominees for the 2026 Golden Globe Awards have been announced. The ceremony, hosted by Nikki Glaser, will take place on January 11 at the Beverly Hilton. In the film categories, “Frankenstein” and “Hamnet” are among the nominees for best motion picture, drama. “Blue Moon” and “Bugonia” are up for best motion picture, musical or comedy. For television, “Abbott Elementary” and “The Bear” are nominated for best comedy or musical series. The awards also include categories for best performances in film and television, as well as achievements in directing, screenwriting, and original music.

What to know about changes to Disney parks' disability policies

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney's changes to a program for disabled visitors are facing challenges in federal court and through a shareholder proposal. The Disability Access Service program, which allows disabled visitors to skip long lines, was overhauled last year. Disney now mostly limits the program to those with developmental disabilities like autism who have difficulty waiting in lines. The changes have sparked criticism from some disability advocates. A shareholder proposal submitted by disability advocates calls for an independent review of Disney's disability policies. Disney plans to block this proposal, claiming it's misleading. It's the latest struggle by Disney to accommodate disabled visitors while stopping past abuses by some theme park guests.

Bad reviews didn’t scare off the ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ audience. It even broke a record

“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” is dominating the box office in its opening weekend in North America. According to studio estimates on Sunday, it surpassed expectations earning $63 million in ticket sales over the weekend. This marks the biggest opening ever for the weekend after Thanksgiving and the largest for a PG-13 movie this year. “Zootopia 2" landed in second place with $43 million, followed by “Wicked: For Good” in third place. “Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution” and “Now You See Me: Now You Don't” rounded out the top five. With just a few weeks left in 2025, the domestic box office has just passed $8 billion.