AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 12:01 a.m. EST

‘Heated Rivalry’ series mixes hockey and queer romance and is scoring big audiences

NEW YORK (AP) — The television adaptation of Rachel Reid’s novel “Heated Rivalry” is making waves with hockey romance fans. Since its debut in November, the show has dominated social media and become the No. 1 series on HBO Max. The story follows a secret decade-long romance between Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov. Jacob Tierney, who developed the series, describes it as “pure queer joy.” The show has sparked renewed interest in Reid’s “Game Changer” book series and sports romance fiction. It's already been renewed for a second season and is praised for its diverse casting and authentic portrayal of hockey.

Jimmy Kimmel jokes about fascism in an 'alternative Christmas message' for Britain

LONDON (AP) — Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel takes aim at U.S. President Donald Trump in a message to U.K. viewers. The address, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas day, warns about the rise of fascism. Kimmel reflects on Trump’s second term, saying he acts like a king. He notes, “Tyranny is booming over here.” Channel 4 has aired alternative Christmas messages since 1993. Kimmel has criticized Trump since returning to the air after ABC suspended his show in September. Trump celebrated the suspension, calling it “great news for America.” Kimmel urges the U.K. not to give up on the U.S.

Kennedy Center Christmas Eve jazz concert canceled after Trump name added to building

NEW YORK (AP) — A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled. Musician Chuck Redd, the show's host, says he called off the performance after the White House announced President Donald Trump's name would be added to the facility. The building's facade now reads The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Scholars say this violates the law. The law prohibits the board from making the center a memorial to anyone else. Numerous artists have canceled performances since Trump returned to office, including Issa Rae and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Timothée Chalamet wants to be great. ‘Marty Supreme’ might get him there

NEW YORK (AP) — Since his breakthrough performance in 2017’s “Call Me By Your Name,” Timothée Chalamet has been on an ever-ascending path that seemed to reach a culmination when he declared that he’s “in pursuit of greatness” while accepting the best actor award from the Screen Actors Guild for his performance as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown. “But “Marty Supreme” is yet another new level for Chalamet. His Marty is far from a period-piece study. He's a blur of forward motion. He’s a quintessentially American hustler, and it’s probably the defining performance of Chalamet’s young career. A year after he come so close, it may win him his first Academy Award.

How Christian artists are winning over listeners and entering pop's mainstream

NEW YORK (AP) — Christian music is growing in popularity while other genres struggle to grow new listenership. Experts and artists say there are a variety of reasons why this religious music is connecting. Social media and streaming are factors. So is the music's hopeful lyricism, which has evolved to reflect real life. Christian music has also begun embracing many different genres of music and industry professionals say the quality as improved. Certain Christian artists have also begun to crossover into mainstream music, like Lauren Daigle and Brandon Lake. The latter has a Grammy-nominated song in “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with the country singer Jelly Roll. They hope this isn't just a trend but a movement.

Mohammad Bakri, renowned and controversial Palestinian actor and filmmaker, dies at 72

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The family of Palestinian director and actor Mohammad Bakri says he has died at 72. Bakri was known for exploring Palestinian identity through works in Arabic and Hebrew. His 2003 documentary “Jenin, Jenin” focused on an Israeli military operation and was banned in Israel. He also acted in the 2025 film “All That’s Left of You,” alongside his sons. Born in northern Israel, Bakri held Israeli citizenship and studied at Tel Aviv University. He faced backlash for his work, including legal battles over “Jenin, Jenin.” His family said he died Wednesday from heart and lung issues.

Movie Review: In ‘Testament of Ann Lee,’ a blazing Amanda Seyfried can make you believe anything

“The Testament of Ann Lee,” a sometimes punishing look at the turbulent life of 18th century Shaker leader Ann Lee, is definitely not for everyone. But, Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writers in her review, the film features a blazing Amanda Seyfried whose performance demands to be seen. Directed by Mona Fastvold and co-written by partner Brady Corbet, the team behind “The Brutalist,” the film is hardly a dry history lesson. In fact, it's a musical, with original numbers choreographed by Celia Rowlson-Hall to music by Daniel Blumberg, based on traditional Shaker hymns. It opens in theaters Christmas Day in limited release.

Movie Review: An electric Timothée Chalamet is the consummate striver in propulsive ‘Marty Supreme’

A pitch-perfect Timothée Chalamet finds his greatest role to date in “Marty Supreme,” a breakneck ride from director Josh Safdie. Marty's a brash dreamer. His goal: to show the world he's the best table tennis player alive. It's a tall order for a kid from the Lower East Side but Marty never wavers in his self-belief. Chalamet, wire-thin with acne-scarred skin, small spectacles and a skimpy mustache, puts in an electric performance, writes Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck. And he's joined by an astonishing array of supporting players, especially a stylish Gwyneth Paltrow and terrific newcomer Odessa A'zion. Opens in theaters Christmas Day.

Pop culture in 2025: A ring for Taylor, an ill-timed KissCam ... and whatever ‘6-7’ means

In a year of pop culture moments, some things were old and some things were very new. What does the term “6-7” mean? Dictionary.com designated it the word of 2025 but even they couldn't define it. People were talking about “KPop Demon Hunters,” and especially singing its songs. They were talking about the Coldplay KissCam, and how adorable the capybara was. But then there were two names that have dominated our pop culture for years now. Taylor Swift kept making records with her album sales, and got engaged. And Beyoncé finally won her overdue Grammy for album of the year.