AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 1:14 p.m. EDT

Americans still give awards shows consideration, a new AP-NORC poll finds

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Most Americans still want to thank the academy, at least a little. About half of U.S. adults say they’ve watched all or most of an awards show on TV or streaming in the past year. That's according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Just over half say they’ve watched clips from an awards show. The results suggest some vitality remains in the tuxedo-and-gown world of the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Golden Globes, whose makers have fought to make them relevant when Americans have more choices in what to watch. When the Emmys return Sunday, all eyes will likely be on the winners and the ratings.

At TIFF, the mid-sized movie strives to survive

TORONTO (AP) — Real moviegoer energy has always made the Toronto International Film Festival a good measuring stick for not just what might catch on during Hollywood’s awards season but what will click with audiences. Yet there might be no more endangered species in today’s film industry than the kind of crowd-pleaser that thrives in Toronto. More than most years, this year’s festival has been a veritable ark for the castaways of today’s Hollywood. Those are the star-driven dramas, big-screen comedies and adult-oriented movies without a whiff of franchise about them. All struggled to reach the screen. Now the fight to reach audiences is just getting started.

Movie Review: The guys from Spinal Tap are back together, but is the reunion worth it?

“Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” hits theaters Friday, but it doesn't go to 11. The sequel to the iconic 1984 rock mockumentary struggles to capture the original's charm, says Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy. Despite star-studded cameos including a standout from Paul McCartney, the film leans too heavily on old jokes and themes of mortality. The plot revolves around the band's reunion for a final concert in New Orleans, driven by contract rather than passion. Kennedy writes the movies is “like watching a cover band playing the hits but then realizing it’s actually the original band onstage after all.”

Where to stream some of this year's top Emmy-nominated shows and how long it will take to watch them

The 77th Primetime Emmy nominations have been announced, leaving roughly two months to get caught up on series before the trophies are handed out. Leading nominees include “Severance” on Apple TV+ with 27 nods, and HBO Max’s “The White Lotus.” HBO Max is the leading streaming service for Emmy nominees this year, with Netflix and Apple TV+ rounding out the top three. If you're feeling pressed for time, several series like “The Studio” and “Adolescence” can be streamed in five hours or less. Others like “The White Lotus,” “Andor” and “Matlock” are longer commitments.

Dan Brown on his new book, 'The Secret of Secrets,' and how he manages the writing process

NEW YORK (AP) — Dan Brown's latest thriller, “The Secret of Secrets,” has been published this week. Known for “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels & Demons,” Brown, in his new book, explores themes of consciousness and what happens after we die, inspired by his personal reflections following his mother’s death. Brown once again combines suspense, codes, and secret societies. This time, protagonist Robert Langdon is in Prague, racing to uncover the key to ultimate wisdom. Brown explains that writing a thriller requires a detailed plan to keep the complex plots organized. He writes daily and uses a wall of notes and diagrams to track the story. Brown says his views on mortality have evolved, influenced by conversations with philosophers and scientists.

Movie Review: The Crawleys — and their matriarch — get a loving sendoff in final 'Downton Abbey'

"Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" brings change to the Crawley family as they face the 1930s. There's no hand-holding for the audience when it comes to mastering the Crawley family tree or the broader family of servants that Downton fans know and love. Even those who saw the first two films – the last in 2022 – might feel the need for a refresher. Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writes in her review that for loyal “Downton Abbey” fans, the movie delivers a satisfying bit of closure and the sense that the future, though a bit scary, may look kindly on Downton Abbey as long as Mary is in charge.

Hitmaker Bert Berns is posthumously included in Songwriters Hall of Fame

NEW YORK (AP) — Songwriter and producer Bert Berns has been posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Berns, who died in 1967 at age 38, was honored Tuesday at a ceremony in New York City. The event featured tributes from Paul McCartney and Van Morrison. Berns co-wrote hits like “Twist and Shout” and “Piece of My Heart.” He also signed Van Morrison to Bang Records and produced “Brown Eyed Girl.” Berns is already a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His influence extended to artists like Jimmy Page and bands like Led Zeppelin.

Oprah Winfrey, Usher, Nick Jonas, Mindy Kaling and others attend an intimate Ralph Lauren show

NEW YORK (AP) — Oprah Winfrey attended Ralph Lauren's runway show on Wednesday, her first since his lavish 50th anniversary event in 2018, where she toasted the design legend. Wednesday's show was one of Lauren's smallest and most intimate, taking place at his Madison Avenue design studio. The Spring 2026 collection highlighted his signature menswear-for-women style with a palette of white, black, and brilliant red. Mindy Kaling noted Lauren's impact on her immigrant family, calling his work emblematic of the American dream. Also attending the 85-year old designer's show were Usher, Jessica Chastain, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, Ariana DeBose and Maggie Rogers, among others.

David Bowie archive opens in London chronicling five decades of icon's restless creativity

LONDON (AP) — David Bowie's archive opens to the public this week, revealing a treasure trove of unrealized projects and personal items. Acquired by London's Victoria and Albert Museum, the 90,000-item collection includes ideas for a film titled "Young Americans" and a stage musical called "The Spectator." The archive, part of the V&A East Storehouse, offers fans and researchers access to stage outfits, instruments, letters, and more. Visitors can book free appointments to explore the collection, which showcases Bowie’s enduring impact on popular culture. Curator Madeleine Haddon says the archive reveals that Bowie was a multifaceted artist, and "music was (just) one angle into the worlds he wanted to build.”