AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 11:37 p.m. EST

Oscars recognize casting for the first time, offering a spotlight on a key job in the movie industry

NEW YORK (AP) — Casting directors have long been the unsung heroes behind films like “Wicked.” Bernard Telsey and Tiffany Little Canfield are among those who helped populate the two-part movie. Casting directors will finally get Oscar recognition next year with a new award category. Telsey explains that casting is often invisible but crucial to a film's success. He and his team work across various mediums, from theater to TV. Despite challenges, they strive to find the perfect actors. Telsey believes good acting transcends mediums, and technology has changed the casting process, making it more global and fast-paced.

AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Owen Cooper goes from 'Adolescence' to new 'Heights'

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Owen Cooper has been named one of The Associated Press' Breakthrough Entertainers for 2025. Cooper was just 15 when he won an Emmy for best supporting actor for his astonishing performance as a murder suspect in the British Netflix drama “Adolescence.” Now 16, Cooper tells the AP that not long ago he spent most of his time playing soccer and dreaming of becoming a professional. But when some casual acting classes revealed his gift, he recalibrated his future plans. Next year, he'll make his movie debut in director Emerald Fennell's adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.” He says he wants to be fearless as an actor and try everything.

5 notable books by author Sophie Kinsella, who died at age 55

Few authors made readers laugh harder than did author Sophie Kinsella. The British author died Wednesday at age 55. Her first novel came out 30 years ago. “The Tennis Party” was the debut and published under her real name, Madeleine Wickham. In the U.S., it was published as “40 Love.” Later came the introduction of Becky Bloomwood with the first “Shopaholic” book. That was 2000's “The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic.” Other highlights include “Can You Keep a Secret?,” “The Undomestic Goddess” and “Twenties Girl.”

Jake Heggie's new opera 'The Judgment of Paris' will mix mythology and an infamous wine competition

Composer Jake Heggie is set to premiere his opera “The Judgment of Paris,” inspired by the famous 1976 wine tasting where California wines triumphed over French selections. The opera will debut on July 18 at California's Festival Napa Valley. Known for works like “Dead Man Walking,” Heggie explores comedy in this new piece. The cast includes soprano Danielle De Niese and baritone Quinn Kelsey. The opera blends mythological figures with real-life participants from the event. Festival CEO Rick Walker highlights the tasting's revolutionary impact on the wine world. The opera is a one-act, 60-minute work.

Movie Review: In 'Scarlet,' transplanting 'Hamlet' to an anime dreamworld

Anyone would grant that a Japanese anime that transplants “Hamlet” to a surreal netherworld is a touch more ambitious than your average animated movie. Unlike the wide majority of cartoons, or even live-action movies, the problem with Mamoru Hosoda's “Scarlet” isn’t a lack of imagination. It’s too much, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. Hosoda has an extraordinary knack for crafting anime worlds of visual complexity while pursuing existential ideas with a childlike sincerity. But an excess of baroque design, of emotion, of scope, sinks Hosoda’s “Scarlet.” It’s the kind of misfire you can forgive, Coyle says, since it's such a wildly ambitious rendering of “Hamlet.”

The painting that introduced 'Star Wars' to the world fetches $3.9M at auction

The painting that introduced the movie “Star Wars” to the world nearly 50 years ago sold at auction for $3.875 million. The price fetched at Heritage Auction on Wednesday is the highest sale of a piece of “Star Wars” memorabilia. The acrylic and airbrush painting by the artist and movie poster designer Tom Jung first appeared in newspaper advertisements on May 13, 1977. That was a little less than two weeks before the film opened. The poster also adorned billboards, magazine ads and theater programs. “Star Wars” producer Gary Kurtz kept the original painting before passing it down to his daughter, who put it up for auction.

Sundance Film Festival unveils 90 feature films for its last Utah edition

Charli XCX is heading to the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026. She stars in three films, including a mockumentary she produced. Sundance programmers have announced a lineup of 90 feature films for the festival's final run in Park City, Utah. The slate includes documentaries on figures like Brittney Griner and Nelson Mandela, and feature films starring the likes of Natalie Portman and Channing Tatum. Olivia Wilde is also debuting “The Invite,” her first feature since “Don’t Worry Darling.” Sundance is known for its diverse offerings, with 40% of this year's films from first-time directors, showcasing a mix of new and familiar voices.

Beyoncé, Venus Williams, Nicole Kidman and Anna Wintour will co-chair next Met Gala

NEW YORK (AP) — The next Met Gala co-chairs have been announced, and it's a high-powered quartet: Beyoncé, Venus Williams and Nicole Kidman will join Vogue's Anna Wintour in hosting the starry event next May. Williams will co-chair seven years after her younger sister, Serena, did the same. Beyoncé takes the role after serving as honorary chair in 2013, and Kidman served as co-chair in 2003 and 2005. The museum also announced a host committee of notables, including Sabrina Carpenter and Sam Smith. The dress code will be announced later, but will align with the spring fashion exhibit, “Costume Art,” celebrating the dressed body in art history.

The Associated Press names its Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025

Five people who became stars in 2025 have been named The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers of the Year. Owen Cooper emphatically announced himself when the “Adolescence” star became the youngest male acting winner at the Emmy Awards. “Severance” star Tramell Tillman also made Emmy history as the first Black man to win for supporting actor in a drama series, Chase Sui Wonders helped make Seth Rogen’s “The Studio” a delicious satire, and Danny Ramirez captivated in season 2 of “The Last of Us.” Plus, you couldn’t miss Arden Cho, who voiced Rumi, star of Netflix’s chart-topping animated film, “KPop Demon Hunters.”