Ruth E. Carter makes Oscar history again with costume designer nomination for 'Sinners'
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ruth E. Carter has made history with her Oscar nomination for “Sinners,” becoming the most-nominated Black woman in Academy Awards history. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirms that Carter, a trailblazing costume designer, passed Viola Davis with her nom for her work on Ryan Coogler’s blues-steeped vampire epic. She previously won Oscars for “Black Panther” in 2018 and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2023. Carter is now a five-time nominee. She is tied with Spike Lee and Morgan Freeman for the third-most nominations among Black creatives. Carter says her work tells the story of culture and celebrates authenticity.
Blake Lively and Taylor Swift's texts exposed in lawsuit against Justin Baldoni
A trove of Blake Lively's text messages and emails has been released in her legal battle against Justin Baldoni, including exchanges with her longtime friend Taylor Swift. Lively sued Baldoni and his crisis communications expert alleging harassment and a campaign to damage her reputation while he directed her in the movie “It Ends With Us.” A federal judge is now considering whether to end their acrimonious, yearlong litigation. Baldoni's lawyer argued Thursday that Lively's claims are trivial. Lively's lawyer countered with allegations of unwanted physical contact.
'Sinners' makes history, setting Oscars nomination record
Ryan Coogler’s blues-steeped vampire epic “Sinners” led all films with 16 nominations to the 98th Academy Awards, setting a record for the most in Oscar history. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voters showered “Sinners” with more nominations Thursday than ever before, breaking the 14-nomination mark set by “All About Eve,” “Titanic” and “La La Land.” Coogler was still trying to process the record-breaking haul when reached by The Associated Press this morning. Paul Thomas Anderson’s father-daughter revolutionary saga “One Battle After Another” trailed in second with 13 nominations of its own, making it a banner day for Warner Bros.
Inside Super Bowl week's concerts, parties and celebrity scene heading into big game
Super Bowl week unfolds in the Bay Area with a mix of sports, music, and celebrity events. The week kicks off with leadership and media events, including the Sports Power Brunch on February 4. On February 5, Bad Bunny and other performers take the stage at the NFL media event, followed by the NFL Honors. February 6 features concerts by Shaquille O’Neal, Post Malone, and Kehlani. On February 7, Dave Chappelle's comedy show highlight the day. Game day on February 8 includes fan experiences like Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate near Levi’s Stadium.
Ryan Coogler, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rose Byrne, Ejae and more react to Oscar nominations
Director Ryan Coogler spoke about writing “Sinners,” which earned a record 16 nominations, for his late uncle. Rose Byrne, who learned of her best actress nomination in the middle of the night in Australia while FaceTiming her husband, talked about the intensive experience of fine-tuning her character during a five-week rehearsal process. Leonardo DiCaprio hailed the deep communal experience of people sitting in a theater together. And Amy Madigan said she was sitting with her dog, Woody, who wondered why they were up so early. Across Hollywood and beyond, Oscar nominees reflected on their nominations, and the work that led to them.
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Sundance kicks off its last year in Utah with powerful premieres and tributes to Robert Redford
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The Sundance Film Festival has kicked off in Utah, marking the first year without founder Robert Redford. His daughter, Amy Redford, shared in an interview with The Associated Press that her father believed everyone has a story, a principle guiding this year's festival. Several films are on the list to premiere Thursday. They include Amir Bar-Lev’s documentary on mountain climbing, Rachel Lambert’s drama “Carousel” and Judd Apatow’s film about comedian Maria Bamford. Other highlights include a look at playwright Luis Valdez's legacy and a midnight movie by Casper Kelly. The festival runs through Feb. 1.
A TV show about the NYPD is now a legal drama starring the city and Dr. Phil’s son
NEW YORK (AP) — A reality TV series meant to showcase the New York Police Department has spawned a legal showdown between city government and the show’s producer, Jordan McGraw — the son of TV’s Dr. Phil. The city has sued the younger McGraw this week for breach of contract and obtained a court order that blocks him, at least temporarily, from selling or disseminating any footage from the unfinished, Dr. Phil-hosted show, tentatively titled “Behind the Badge.” A hearing is scheduled for Friday in state court in Manhattan. A lawyer for Jordan McGraw and McGraw Media, says the lawsuit came as a surprise “as publication of any programming was not imminent.”
Oscar nominations snubs and surprises: Paul Mescal and Ariana Grande among biggest oversights
The Oscar nominations had their share of snubs and surprises. Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal were expected to be nominated but missed out Thursday. Delroy Lindo received his first nomination for “Sinners,” while Guillermo del Toro also missed out on a directing nod for “Frankenstein.” Kate Hudson's campaign paid off with a nomination for “Song Sung Blue,” leaving no room for Chase Infiniti or Amanda Seyfried. The horror film “Weapons” received unexpected recognition, but Jafar Panahi's “It Was Just an Accident” was overlooked for best picture and director. Anime fans were disappointed as “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” was snubbed as well.
'The Secret Agent' earns 4 Oscar nominations, boosting Brazilian cinema
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilians are celebrating the nomination of “The Secret Agent” for four Oscar categories, highlighting the rise of Brazilian cinema. The film is nominated for best picture, best actor, best international film and casting. It ties with the 2004 film “City of God” for the most nominations for a Brazilian film. Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, the movie follows a widowed father targeted by Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1970s. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva praised the film, saying it showcases Brazil's storytelling power. The success of “The Secret Agent” and last year’s “I’m Still Here” is sparking renewed interest in Brazilian cinema.
DiCaprio to AP on Oscar nomination: 'It’s about trying to be in films that are memorable'
Leonardo DiCaprio has picked up his sixth lead actor Oscar nomination for his role in “One Battle After Another.” Ten years after winning for “The Revenant,” he joins a select group of actors with this many nominations. Including his supporting nomination for “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” he now has eight nominations overall. DiCaprio says the most important thing is being part of a timeless film. The film received 13 nominations, but co-star Chase Infiniti was notably snubbed. DiCaprio tells The Associated Press he spoke to her and that she had an amazing attitude. DiCaprio also emphasized the importance of original filmmaking and the theatrical experience.

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