10 notable books of 2025: A posthumous memoir about Epstein, 'Hunger Games' and reliving 2024
NEW YORK (AP) — The publishing world's notable releases this year included a new “Hunger Games” novel and a book by Thomas Pynchon. Suzanne Collins' prequel “Sunrise on the Reaping” sold over 4 million copies despite her limited promotion. Mel Robbins' self-help book, “The Let Them Theory,” topped bestseller lists, while David Szalay's “Flesh” won the Booker Prize. Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir, “Nobody's Girl,” made headlines for its revelations. Rick Atkinson's “The Fate of the Day” received acclaim for its history of the Revolutionary War. Books on the 2024 election, including Kamala Harris' “107 Days,” also captured readers' attention.
Apple Replay is here. What's the No. 1 song on Apple Music’s 2025 songs chart?
NEW YORK (AP) — Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” has topped Apple Music’s global song chart in 2025. The giant music streamer released year-end lists Tuesday and provided listeners with data on their own most listened-to tunes. “APT.” is both artists’ first No. 1 on the year-end global songs chart. They’re followed by Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” in second. Mars makes another appearance, in third, for his collaboration with Lady Gaga, “Die With A Smile.” Also available Tuesday is Replay. That is Apple’s alternative to Spotify’s Wrapped playlist. It allows Apple Music subscribers to engage with their favorite music on the streaming service this year.
'One Battle After Another' and Jafar Panahi win big at Gotham Awards
NEW YORK (AP) — Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” was crowned best feature film and the dissident Iranian director Jafar Panahi won three awards Monday at the 35th annual Gotham Awards, a starry kickoff to the film industry’s awards season. The black-tie affair, held at Cipriani Wall Street in downtown Manhattan, is known for celebrating smaller films. That made “One Battle After Another,” a studio release that cost at least $130 million to make, unlike any previous winners at the Gothams. Panahi won best director, best screenplay and best international film for his revenge drama “It Was Just an Accident.” Earlier Monday, Panahi’s attorney, Mostafa Nili, said the director was sentenced to one year in prison and a two-year travel ban.
Movie Review: 'Wake Up Dead Man' mixes religion and mystery in poor 'Knives Out' film
Rian Johnson targets religion in his third “Knives Out” film, “Wake Up Dead Man.” The movie features returning Daniel Craig's detective Benoit Blanc and a new star-studded cast. The story revolves around a young Catholic priest, played by Josh O’Connor, who arrives at a troubled New York parish. The monsignor, played by Josh Brolin, is found dead, leading to a classic locked-door mystery. AP critic Mark Kennedy says the film mixes humor with cultural satire but struggles with pacing. The priest and detective team up, offering some of the movie's best moments. Overall, it’s a mixed bag with a satisfying conclusion. The PG-13 rated movie hits Netflix on Dec. 12.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus musical 'Spamalot' hopes to spread the silliness with US tour
NEW YORK (AP) — Eric Idle, a founding member of the comedy group “Monty Python’s Flying Circus, has long had a mission to make us laugh. He continues that crusade with a national touring version of his hit musical “Spamalot,” which begins in Ohio this week. The tour will travel to more than 30 cities in its first year including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, Dallas, New Orleans, St. Louis, Houston and Milwaukee. The stage tale is loosely based on the 1975 movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” concerns King Arthur and his quest to corral some knights who’ll go off with him to find the grail.
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Film producer Jason Blum and author-bookseller Ann Patchett to receive PEN America awards
NEW YORK (AP) — Oscar-nominated producer Jason Blum is set to receive the Business Visionary award from PEN America at its fundraising gala next spring. PEN America, a century-old free expression organization, announced Tuesday that it will also honor author-bookseller Ann Patchett with the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award. The gala is scheduled for May 14 at the American Museum of Natural History. Blum, founder of Blumhouse, is recognized for transforming horror films into a cultural force. Patchett, known for such novels as “Bel Canto,” has been praised for her literary contributions and support of fellow authors through her bookstore, Parnassus Books.
'Zootopia 2' roars to record-setting global box office with $556M opening
“Zootopia 2" broke box office records with a massive Thanksgiving weekend opening. The Disney sequel earned $96 million in North America over the weekend and $156 million over the five-day Thanksgiving frame. Since its Wednesday opening, it has made $556 million globally, making it the highest international opening for an animated movie. “Wicked: For Good” also performed well, earning $62.8 million domestically over the weekend. The two sequels made Thanksgiving weekend a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year for theaters. “Zootopia 2" arrives nearly a decade after the original, featuring a bunny cop voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin and a scheming fox voiced by Jason Bateman.
Clair Obscur leads the AP's list of 2025's top video games
In a year in which technology news was dominated by artificial intelligence, the outstanding video games were still being designed by human beings. Top of the list is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which Associated Press writer Lou Kesten calls “a landmark achievement" with profound storytelling, stunning graphics and music and impeccable voice acting. The rest of 2025's top 10 includes The Outer Worlds 2, Silent Hill f, Assassin's Creed Shadows, Donkey Kong Bananza, The Séance of Blake Manor, Avowed, Ghost of Yōtei, South of Midnight and The Alters.
Super Bowl 2026: Pregame performers will include Charlie Puth, Brandi Carlile and Coco Jones
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Super Bowl pregame show will feature standout performers in Northern California. Charlie Puth will sing the national anthem, Brandi Carlile will perform “America the Beautiful,” and Coco Jones will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The performances will take place Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, before the NFL’s championship matchup and halftime show featuring Bad Bunny. The NFL announced this on Sunday. The pregame performances will air on NBC, Telemundo and Peacock. In a historic first, the halftime show will include a multilingual signing program featuring Puerto Rican Sign Language.
25 holiday TV offerings to watch ranging from comedies to rom-coms and cozy mysteries
The holiday season is packed with festive TV specials and movies. On Dec. 1, Derek Hough hosts “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” on ABC, featuring artists like Nicole Scherzinger and Gwen Stefani. Reba McEntire hosts NBC's “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on Dec. 3, with the iconic tree lighting. The Duchess of Sussex shares holiday tips on Netflix's “With Love, Meghan.” Apple TV's “The First Snow of Fraggle Rock” offers a magical tale. Hallmark, OWN, and UPtv bring new holiday movies, while classics like “The Sound of Music” and “Home Alone” air throughout December. Football fans can catch NFL games on Christmas Day.

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