AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 11:31 a.m. EST

Parents under pressure offer creative tips for moving Santa's spy Elf on the Shelf

Santa's spy known as Elf on the Shelf is turning 20 this year. That's two decades of family memories and parental creativity and the occasional panic over where to move the elf to. Some parents go low-key. Others get into the creative spirit and the pressure that comes with it. The idea behind Elf on the Shelf is that Santa sent it to see whether kids are being naughty or nice. Every night, the elf moves around the house. One father had it paint a message on the kitchen wall. Others have sat the doll in the shower or hung it in the car. Unaffiliated with Elf on the Shelf, there’s also Mensch on a Bench, created by a Jewish father to teach kids about Hannukah.

Movie Review: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ is a messy, un-scary sequel

“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2" builds on the first film's chaotic foundation with even more confusion, says Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy. The sequel continues the story of murderous animatronics, expanding the Freddy's Cinematic Universe. Returning director Emma Tammi and the original cast, including Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail, attempt to navigate the convoluted plot. The film introduces a new, genuinely creepy character, The Marionette, but fails to utilize it effectively. The storyline remains unclear about whether the animatronics are evil or friendly, leading to confusion. Released Friday, the film is rated PG-13 for violent content, terror, and some language.

A string of awards makes it clear: 'One Battle After Another' is the Oscar front-runner

NEW YORK (AP) — If there were any doubt, the first few days of Hollywood’s year-end awards has already made it abundantly clear. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” is the Oscar front-runner. On Monday, “One Battle After Another” won best film at the 35th Gotham Awards. On Tuesday, it was named best film by the New York Film Critics Circle. On Wednesday, it swept the National Board of Review Awards, winning best film, best director for Anderson and acting awards for Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro and newcomer Chase Infiniti. Expect to hear this pun a lot: one award after another.

AP’s top albums of 2025: Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Hayley Williams, Dijon, Addison Rae and more

NEW YORK (AP) — The Associated Press has announced its top 10 albums of the year, showcasing a diverse range of artists. Hayley Williams shines with “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” a bold solo project. Addison Rae surprises with her inventive pop debut, “Addison.” Rosalía's “Lux” offers an avant-garde musical journey. Bad Bunny's “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” celebrates Puerto Rican culture. Dijon captivates with the dreamy “Baby.” Wednesday's “Bleeds” sharpens their indie rock skills. Turnstile's “Never Enough” blends punk with new sounds. Clipse returns with “Let God Sort Em Out,” featuring Pharrell. Tyler Childers' “Snipe Hunter” defies country norms, and Sudan Archives' “The BPM” delivers a unique club-pop-soul experience.

The New York Times sues the Pentagon over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's media rules

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Times is suing to try to stop the Pentagon from imposing new rules on journalists who cover the military. Most mainstream news outlets refused to agree to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's policy this fall. As a result, they lost credentials to work in the Pentagon. The Times says in the suit filed Thursday that the rules violate the Constitution's freedom of speech and due process provisions because the rules give Hegseth the power to determine on his own whether a reporter should be banned. There's no immediate comment from the Pentagon on the lawsuit.

Iranian film director Jafar Panahi plans to return home despite a new prison sentence against him

MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — Iranian director Jafar Panahi says he plans to return home after touring with his new film, “It Was Just an Accident,” and that he has never contemplated exile despite the threat of prison he faces back in Iran. A court in Tehran earlier this week sentenced Panahi to a year in prison in absentia and also imposed a two-year ban on him leaving Iran after convicting him on charges of “propaganda activities against the system.” His lawyer said he would appeal the ruling. Panahi told an applauding audience at the Marrakech International Film Festival on Thursday that he knows his films “don’t please the government, but that’s not a reason to leave” Iran.

Steve Cropper, guitarist and member of Stax Records' Booker T and the M.G.'s, has died at age 84

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Steve Cropper, who co-wrote classic songs, including “(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay” and “In the Midnight Hour,” during his years playing guitar at the legendary Stax Records in Memphis, has died. He was 84. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T. and the M.G.'s, the house band for the Stax/Volt labels. In 2007, Cropper won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the group. He also became known to younger fans as member of the group backing Blues Brothers John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.

AP's top songs of 2025: 'Lo que le pasó a Hawaii,' 'Abracadabra' and more

NEW YORK (AP) — The Associated Press has selected the 10 best songs of the year, showcasing a diverse range of artists and genres. Bad Bunny's “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii” stands out as a powerful anthem for Puerto Rico's cultural autonomy. Lady Gaga's “Abracadabra” marks a triumphant return to her electro-pop roots. Chappell Roan's “The Subway” showcases her versatility with dream-pop influences. Wednesday's “Elderberry Wine” offers a poetic take on classic country. Other notable tracks include dexter in the newsagent's “Special,” Feeble Little Horse's “This is Real,” and Kehlani's heartfelt “Folded.”