Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel on art, their friendship and 'The Christophers'
NEW YORK (AP) — As screen presences and cultural figures, Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel could hardly be more different. McKellen, a titan of Shakespeare, the Gandalf of the big screen, is more than twice the age of Coel, the multihyphenate whose autobiography-tinged work has made her a voice of a much different generation. But in Steven Soderbergh’s “The Christophers,” they make one of the more memorably on-screen pairs in recent memory. And it's turned them into great chums, too. Neon expands the film nationwide in theaters this Friday.
Library of Congress appoints Arthur Sze to a second 1-year term as US poet laureate
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. poet laureate Arthur Sze has been appointed to a second one-year term by the Library of Congress. Sze, a respected poet and translator, plans to travel the country with his project "Words Bridging Worlds." This initiative includes readings, discussions and workshops to celebrate poetry and translation. Sze began his first term last fall during a time of upheaval at the library, after President Donald Trump fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. Acting librarian Robert Randolph Newlen has praised the 75-year-old poet for opening the world of poetry to the public.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announces it has found a buyer to keep the newspaper open
NEW YORK (AP) — Owners of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said they have found a buyer who had agreed to keep the newspaper open, less than a month before it was due to shut down. Block Communications said that the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, publisher of the digital-only Baltimore Banner, had agreed to buy the Post-Gazette. The newspaper dates its history to 1786, and if it had been closed, it would have left Pittsburgh as the nation’s largest community without a city-based newspaper. Terms of the deal were not closed. The Post-Gazette said it would continue to publish print editions on Thursday and Sunday.
Tom Holland says new 'Spider-Man' is the most emotional, most mature, yet
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tom Holland’s Peter Parker is dealing with the fallout of making his friends forget his identity in the new “Spider-Man” movie. Sony Pictures unveiled new footage from “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” Monday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Five years after “Spider-Man: No Way Home” became a sensation, the webslinger’s fourth standalone movie is highly anticipated. Its trailer already broke records. Tom Holland says it’s the most emotional Spider-Man movie yet. Destin Daniel Cretton directed this installment, which opens July 31. Sony Chairman Tom Rothman acknowledged industry challenges and urged theaters to improve the moviegoing experience.
FBI says suspects tried to rob Offset outside a Florida casino when he was shot in the leg
The FBI says rapper Offset was ambushed by a large group outside a Florida casino last week. The suspects tried to rob him and shot him in the leg. The incident happened Monday night outside Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood. Offset was hospitalized but quickly returned to perform in a wheelchair. The suspects fled in two SUVs. Police detained two people, including rapper Lil Tjay, who was charged with disorderly conduct. Offset, known for his work with Migos, rose to fame with hits like "Bad and Boujee." The group is celebrated for their influence on hip-hop.
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Harvey Weinstein is going on trial again in a New York rape case
NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein is going on trial again on a rape charge in New York City, after years of #MeToo infamy, legal peril and prison. Jury selection is set to start as early as Tuesday in the onetime movie mogul’s latest retrial. For the third time, jurors will weigh whether he raped a woman in a Manhattan hotel in 2013. This time, jurors will weigh only one charge based on one accuser, rather than the array of allegations aired at Weinstein’s previous trials in New York and Los Angeles. The Oscar-winning producer denies all the claims.
Movie Review: In 'Mother Mary,' a pop star's costume crisis turns existential
A pop star’s need for a new dress sets in motion David Lowery’s “Mother Mary,” a fitfully spellbinding chamber drama that grows more operatic with every stitch. After more than a decade of estrangement, a reunion between Anne Hathaway's pop star and Michaela Coel's fashion designer reopens old wounds, stirs reinvention and spawns a ghost story sewn together by phantom threads. It’s best at its least adorned, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. As the movie grows more abstract, it looses momentum. But an impassioned melodrama and a curiously sincere belief in the transformative power of pop music wrap “Mother Mary” in a gothic garb all its own.
Oprah Winfrey names Maria Semple’s 'Go Gentle' as her latest book club pick
NEW YORK (AP) — Oprah Winfrey has chosen Maria Semple's comic novel “Go Gentle” for her book club. The story follows a Stoic philosopher and single mother facing challenges to her way of life. Winfrey praised the book for its wit and wisdom, saying it offers a wild ride with insights into Stoicism and relationships. Semple, known for bestsellers like “Today Will Be Different,” released her new book this week. Her interview with Winfrey is available on the “Oprah Book Club Podcast” via YouTube. Semple expressed joy and disbelief at receiving the call from Winfrey, calling it a dream come true.
Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Sade, Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan and Luther Vandross get into Rock Hall
NEW YORK (AP) — Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade and Joy Division/New Order are set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. First-time nominees Wu-Tang Clan and the late Luther Vandross will also join them. The induction ceremony will take place on Nov. 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. A TV presentation will air in December. Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before being eligible. This year’s inductees include Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz and Fela Kuti, among others, under special committee categories.
Dave Chappelle stands firm through backlash and considers revisiting ‘Chappelle’s Show’
YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio (AP) — Dave Chappelle finds clarity away from the spotlight in the Ohio village where he lives. In an interview, he reflects on his comedic voice, which has sparked debate and criticism, particularly over jokes about transgender people. Despite the backlash, Chappelle feels his audience remains supportive and views criticism as something to endure, drawing inspiration from figures like Muhammad Ali. he says he has never set out to provoke controversy, describing his work as an extension of the same stand-up he has always done. He's also open to revisiting "Chappelle’s Show," acknowledging that the comedy landscape has changed with digital platforms.
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