AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 12:44 p.m. EDT

Rex Reed, longtime film critic and journalist, dies at 87

The well-known film critic and journalist Rex Reed has died at 87. A publicist says he passed away Tuesday at his Manhattan home after a short illness. Reed was a prominent voice in cultural criticism for over six decades, writing for The New York Observer and publishing eight books. He was known for his controversial comments, including remarks about Marlee Matlin and Melissa McCarthy. Reed also acted in films like “Superman” and appeared on TV shows. Reed once said he wanted to be remembered for respecting what was good in film.

Rick Riordan unveils new 'Camp Half-Blood' novels, starting this fall

NEW YORK (AP) — Fans of Rick Riordan's “Percy Jackson” books can explore new adventures at Camp Half-Blood this fall. Random House Children's Books announced Tuesday that Riordan is collaborating with four co-authors on a series of middle grade novels. These books will delve into the camp's history when Percy himself isn't there. Riordan was inspired by working on the Disney+ adaptation of his work. The first book is called “The Wild Zone” and was written with Annebelle Oh. It releases Sept. 29. It introduces new demigod heroes facing ancient threats and secrets. The series will expand Percy's world with fresh stories and diverse characters.

Eurovision song competition starts with the first semifinal after boycott over Israel

VIENNA (AP) — The Eurovision Song Contest is starting in Vienna with tensions simmering over Israel's participation. Five countries are boycotting in protest over Israel's involvement. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are planned, and security is tight with police from Austria and Germany. Israeli singer Noam Bettan competes in the first semifinal Tuesday, aiming for Saturday’s final. Favorite Finland is also hoping to win votes from viewers and juries with the song “Liekinheitin.” Eurovision has faced political challenges, including Russia's expulsion in 2022. Organizers have tightened voting rules to prevent rigging. The second semifinal will be Thursday, and the top finishers from both advance to Saturday's final.

South Florida officers sue Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, claiming details in 'The Rip' are too real

MIAMI (AP) — Two South Florida police officers claim Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s recent action thriller “The Rip” used too many real-life details in its fictionalized narrative, causing harm to the officers’ personal and professional reputations. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office sergeants filed the lawsuit in federal court earlier this month against Artists Equity, a film production company owned by Affleck and Damon. They play police officers who find millions of dollars inside a house. Parts of the movie were inspired by a real 2016 case, where police found over $21 million linked to a suspected marijuana trafficker. An attorney for Artists Equity says the film does not purport to tell the true story of that incident or portray real people.

Tony Award for educators won by a Georgia teacher who stresses self-empowerment and storytelling

NEW YORK (AP) — Freddie Hendricks, a middle school theater teacher in Georgia, is getting a Tony Award. Hendricks is receiving a special Tony that honors educators. He founded the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta and has been an arts educator for over 30 years. He estimates that between 20 and 28 of his students have gone on to Broadway. The award includes a $10,000 prize for Utopian Academy and tickets to the June 7 Tony ceremony. Hendricks emphasizes self-love and creating a safe space for his students. One of his former students will be at the Tonys with him — sound designer Justin Ellington.

What to know about the Eurovision Song Contest as it turns 70 with a Vienna extravaganza

LONDON (AP) — The Eurovision Song Contest is celebrating its 70th anniversary, with political tensions hanging over the musical extravaganza. The contest, held in Vienna from May 12-16, features 35 countries competing for the continent's pop crown. Five countries are boycotting due to Israel's participation and protests are planned in Vienna during the event. Eurovision began in 1956 to promote unity after World War II and has grown into a global celebration of diversity and pop music watched by 166 million people last year. Despite its motto “United by Music,” the contest often faces political controversies. This year, Finland is favored to win the grand final at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna on May 16.

50 Cent, Nelly and The Chainsmokers to headline Sports Illustrated concert series during World Cup

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rappers 50 Cent and Nelly, along with The Chainsmokers, headline a new World Cup concert series by Sports Illustrated. “SI Beyond the Pitch” will bring concerts and VIP experiences to Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami and New York during the global soccer tournament. The series kicks off June 12 in Los Angeles with Nelly. Dallas hosts Gordo on June 20, Miami features The Chainsmokers on June 26 and New York concludes the series July 18 with 50 Cent and Diplo. This marks a major push by Sports Illustrated into live entertainment tied to major sports events.

'The Voice' contestant Ephraim Owens will sing 'America the Beautiful' before the Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Ephraim Owens, an Indianapolis native who competed on television’s “The Voice,” will sing “America the Beautiful” before the Indianapolis 500 on May 24. Race organizers made the announcement Tuesday. It marks the second straight year Owens has been selected to sing the song before IndyCar’s biggest race of the season. He also sang the national anthem at the 2024 Brickyard 400. Owens is best known for his work on Season 24 of “The Voice,” when all four coaches turned their chairs during his blind audition performance of Labrinth’s “Beneath Your Beautiful.”

Neon, winner of 6 straight Palmes d'Or, comes into the Cannes Film Festival an unlikely heavyweight

It’s one of the most unparalleled streaks in movies. At the last six Cannes Film Festivals, Neon has won the festival's prestigious top award, the Palme d’Or. That stretch has included Oscar best picture winners like “Parasite” and “Anora.” With a quarter of this year’s competition lineup, Neon may extend it even further. A small specialty label has come to be one the most dominant forces Cannes has ever seen. It has done so through faith in filmmakers, bespoke release plans and a strictly no-algorithm approach to movies.