AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 12:29 p.m. EST

Broadway and Hollywood songwriter Marc Shaiman looks back with pessimistic humor in memoir

NEW YORK (AP) — Award-winning composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman embraces his self-proclaimed pessimism despite a successful career. Out Tuesday, his memoir “Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner” shares humorous tales from his life in Hollywood and Broadway. The book covers his journey from Bette Midler's musical director to scoring films like “Sleepless in Seattle” and Broadway hits like “Hairspray.” Shaiman's stories include working with stars like Meryl Streep and Stephen Sondheim. He advises aspiring artists to seize opportunities and show up. Despite his achievements, Shaiman remains humble and uncertain about retirement.

Music Review: Joyce Manor delivers nostalgia, polished and punk, in 'I Used to Go to This Bar'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California pop-punk stalwarts Joyce Manor's seventh album embraces their signature millennial nostalgia with a sound reminiscent of the early 2000s. "I Used to Go to This Bar" is full of short, polished tracks that transport listeners back to their teen angst days, writes The Associated Press’ Krysta Fauria. Despite not pushing boundaries, Joyce Manor has cemented a loyal fanbase. Their new album echoes the sounds of bands like Yellowcard and Sum 41. Fans of the band will likely find it an enjoyable listen.

Charli xcx has her movie star moment, and says goodbye to Brat

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Charli xcx plays herself in “The Moment,” a meta mockumentary about the challenges of fame. She tells The Associated Press she wanted to explore expectations. The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival before it opens in theaters on Jan. 30. Charli, a pop star since 16, hit a peak with her sixth album, “Brat,” in 2024. But with success came pressure and expectations she struggled to meet. She collaborated with director Aidan Zamiri to create a film that captures this tension. The movie also features Kylie Jenner playing herself.

California Post brings brash New York-style tabloid news to the West Coast

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Aiming to shake up the Golden State’s media landscape, the California Post has launched a new tabloid newspaper and news site that brings a brash, cheeky and conservative-friendly fixture of the Big Apple to the West Coast. The Los Angeles outpost of the New York Post will be “digital first” — with social media accounts and video and audio pieces — but for $3.75 readers can also purchase a daily print publication featuring the paper’s famously splashy front-page headlines. Of course, the Post’s infamous gossip column will get a Tinseltown version, Page Six Hollywood, that will keep a snarky eye on red carpets and celebrity culture.

Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, K-pop and more: AP predicts who will win at the 2026 Grammys

Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammys nominee pack, but Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny and others are vying for their moment in the spotlight. But who will take home trophies on Sunday? Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman and Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. break down the close races for Grammy glory. They predict victories for Lamar, Lady Gaga, Rosé and Bruno Mars. They also expect close genre races across country, Latin and pop. The 68th Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

'Mercy' unseats 'Avatar: Fire & Ash' atop the box office on snow-blanketed weekend in theaters

NEW YORK (AP) — With a winter storm blanketing a large swath of the country, Hollywood had its quietest weekend of the year at the box office. The Amazon MGM sci-fi thriller “Mercy” dethroned “Avatar: Fire and Ash” from the No. 1 spot with $11.2 million in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday. Hundreds of theaters were forced to close due to the storm spreading from Texas to Maine. But the weekend was never going to be a blockbuster one. “Mercy,” starring Chris Pratt, arrived with withering reviews and an equally poor reception from audiences. But it was still enough to finally dislodge James Cameron’s third Pandora epic from its monthlong perch atop the box office.

Longtime festivalgoers say the final Sundance in Utah may also be their last

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — A common question that has emerged from this year's Sundance Film Festival is: “Will you still go to the festival when it moves to Boulder?” Several festivalgoers who have been attending for decades say the final Sundance in Utah may also be their last. Some pointed to founder Robert Redford's recent death as a reason to close a chapter. Others said Sundance won't be the same festival outside its charming mountain hometown of Park City. Redford’s daughter, Amy Redford, said she’s excited about the transition but is glad the development programs her father established for emerging filmmakers will be staying in Utah.

What to Stream: 'Bridgerton,' the Grammys, Chevy Chase, Rose Byrne and 'The Wrecking Crew'

Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny live at the Grammy Awards and Rose Byrne’s Oscar-nominated performance in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of Jan. 26 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Highguard is the latest entry in the ever-growing field of multiplayer shooters, Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista star in “The Wrecking Crew” and the third season of “Shrinking” checks in on Apple TV.

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Feb. 1-7 includes Harry Styles and Shakira

Celebrities having birthdays during the week of Feb. 1-7 include singer-songwriter and actor Harry Stiles, singer Shakira and TV chef Ina Garten. Actor Morgan Fairchild turns 76, “Daily Show” correspondent Rob Corddry hits 55 and country singer Clint Black welcomes 64. Four singers celebrating are Bobby Brown, Alice Cooper, Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses and Rick Astley. Actor James Spader turns 66, country singer Garth Brooks hits 64 and keyboardist David Bryan of Bon Jovi reaches 64. More celebs with big days include comedian Chris Rock, actor Jennifer Jason Leigh and actor Laura Linney.