Oscars will bring back last year's acting winners — Saldaña, Culkin, Madison and Brody — to present
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The film academy says last year’s acting winners return as presenters at the next Oscars. On Thursday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña will hand out trophies. The ceremony takes place on March 15 with Conan O’Brien as host. Saldaña, Madison and Culkin became first-time winners last year. Brody earned his second best actor Oscar. This year, “Sinners” leads nominations with a record 16. Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo are the “Sinners” cast members up for acting trophies.
'Love Story' is revealing just how much Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's style has endured
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is back in the spotlight as a style influencer nearly three decades after her death. The TV series “Love Story” chronicles her relationship with John F. Kennedy Jr. before the two died in a plane crash in 1999. Many fans are watching for the clothes. Admirers say Bessette Kennedy's enduring appeal lies in her understated elegance, which contrasts with today's conspicuous branding. Fashion experts describe her style as “educated tailoring.” It's a simple style with deceptively exact tailoring. It features iconic pieces like slip dresses, loafers and headbands. Bessette Kennedy's fashion influence is sometimes compared to Princess Diana and Ralph Lauren, embodying a clean, classic aesthetic.
Former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over ties to Epstein
LONDON (AP) — The former Prince Andrew has been arrested by British police on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his links to Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest Thursday was an extraordinary move in a country where authorities once sought to shield the royal family from embarrassment. It was the first time in nearly four centuries that a senior British royal was placed under arrest, and it underscored how deference to the monarchy has eroded in recent years. King Charles III took the unusual step of issuing a statement on the arrest of his brother, saying the law must take its course.
FCC chairman says the agency is investigating ABC's 'The View' over equal time rule
The Federal Communications Commission is investigating ABC’s “The View” over possible violations of the requirement that broadcast stations give equal time to political candidates when they appear on-air. That's according to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. At issue is a Feb. 2 appearance by James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Texas. There are exceptions to the equal time rule, including for newscasts, “bona fide” interview programs, and coverage of live events or documentaries. Carr has raised questions about the talk show exemption and whether it should stand. Stephen Colbert said CBS executives pulled an appearance by Talarico on Colbert's program this week over fears it ran afoul of equal time provisions.
Music Review: Mumford & Sons finds a new folk rhythm on the collaborative 'Prizefighter'
Mumford & Sons are back with their sixth album, “Prizefighter,” less than a year after “Rushmere.” This album marks a reflective yet upbeat return to form, writes The Associated Press' Elise Ryan in her review. Co-produced by Aaron Dessner, it features collaborations with Chris Stapleton, Gigi Perez, Hozier, and Gracie Abrams. The album's collaborative spirit reflects other recent forays by the band, including a summer tour which saw artists join them on a train tour of the U.S. from Louisiana to Vermont.
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Met Opera's 2026-27 season has 17 productions, its fewest in at least 60 years
NEW YORK (AP) — The Metropolitan Opera cut back its 2026-27 season due to a tight budget, even as ticket sales improved slightly. The Met will have 17 productions, its fewest in a non-shortened season since the company moved to Lincoln Center in 1966. It leans hard on longer runs of familiar hits like “Tosca,” “La Bohème” and “Aida.” This season’s seat sales have reached 72%, near pre-pandemic levels. The Met says lower average ticket prices limit revenue. New works can draw crowds, but the Met says unknown titles struggle in movie simulcasts. Budget tightening also delayed planned projects and included layoffs.
Barbara Kingsolver returns with 'Partita,' her first novel since 'Demon Copperhead'
NEW YORK (AP) — Barbara Kingsolver has completed a new novel that brings classical music into her familiar rural world. HarperCollins announced on Thursday that “Partita” comes out Oct. 6. The story follows a married former pianist. She feels haunted by a musical life she never pursued. Kingsolver understands that pull. She studied piano on scholarship in college. She later switched to biology after doubting a music career. She also says she once hid her love of Bach and Tolstoy in small-town Kentucky. Her new book questions who gets to feel welcome in a symphony hall.
Lukas prize finalists spotlight Baldwin biography and a searing look at Ukraine’s war
NEW YORK (AP) — This year’s Lukas Prize finalists spotlight deeply reported books on race, war and American life. On Thursday, the Columbia Journalism School and Harvard’s Nieman Foundation named finalists in three categories. The Lukas Book Prize list includes Danielle Leavitt’s intimate account of the war in Ukraine, and books on arson, family history, forever chemicals, and homelessness. The Mark Lynton History Prize list features a new James Baldwin biography and a history of the American West inspired by an 1868 photo. Past winners include Robert Caro, Jill Lepore and Samantha Power.
The former Prince Andrew went from helicopter pilot to trade envoy to royal pariah
LONDON (AP) — The former Prince Andrew is the first senior British royal in modern history to be arrested by police. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was detained on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, in an investigation stemming from his relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He was born in 1960, the third child of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip. He spent 22 years in the Royal Navy, serving as a helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War. Named Britain’s special representative for international trade in 2001, he was forced to step down from that role in 2011 amid growing concern about his friendship with Epstein. Last year that friendship cost him his royal title and honors.
A movie that takes liberties with 'Wuthering Heights'? Scholars are OK with that
NEW YORK (AP) — Emerald Fennell’s new “Wuthering Heights” sparked a familiar fight about book adaptations, but some Brontë experts say it still works. Last weekend, the film led the box office in North America despite mostly negative reviews. Experts and fans debated big choices, like casting Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as a blond Cathy. Scholar Claire O’Callaghan says Robbie captured Cathy’s spoiled side well. Writer Lucasta Miller says it makes no sense to demand strict fidelity. She calls the film stylized and fairy-tale like. Experts also argue the novel is too complex for a two-hour film.

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