AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 3:16 p.m. EST

Killings of Rob Reiner and his wife stun Hollywood as son skips court appearance for medical reasons

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The killings of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner have left their communities in Hollywood and Democratic politics stunned. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested on suspicion of killing them. Los Angeles police say they'll present a case on Tuesday to prosecutors for potential charges. However Nick Reiner's attorney says his client won't appear in court Tuesday for undisclosed medical reasons.  Rob Reiner was a celebrated actor and director known for films like “When Harry Met Sally...” and “The Princess Bride.” Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer and LGBTQ+ rights advocate. The couple was deeply involved in Hollywood and Democratic politics. The communities celebrated their contributions to film and activism while expressing their sadness.

‘Sinners,’ ‘Wicked: For Good,' ‘KPop Demon Hunters' advance in Oscars shortlists

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released shortlists for 12 Oscar categories Tuesday, including best song, score, and the new casting prize. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and the musical “Wicked: For Good” lead with eight mentions each. Both films have two original songs advancing. The Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters” also made the list with its song “Golden.” The best international feature shortlist includes films from Norway, Spain, and South Korea. Notable documentaries include “My Undesirable Friends: Part I.” The final nominations will be announced on Jan. 22, with the Oscars airing on March 15.

The best movies of 2025, ranked by AP film writers

The bean counters might say otherwise, but 2025 was a good year for movies. That's the conclusion of The Associated Press' film writers, Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle, who have ranked their top films of the year. Both place Paul Thomas Anderson's “One Battle After Another” at the top of their lists. And both also include “Marty Supreme,” “It Was Just an Accident” and “Sinners.” Bahr's includes “If I Had Legs I'd Kick You,” “Sentimental Value” and “The Naked Gun.” Coyle's list includes “No Other Choice,” the third “Knives Out” movie, “Blue Moon” and the documentary “Afternoons of Solitude.”

Christine Baranski narrates `A Christmas Carol' before returning for new `The Gilded Age' season

NEW YORK (AP) — Christine Baranski has teamed with the Skylark Vocal Ensemble for a unique rendition of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol.” She narrates this music-and-spoken word version, recorded in June and released in December. Baranski, an Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress, performs with the group at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City, where the original manuscript is displayed. She enjoys bringing different characters to life, including Ebenezer Scrooge. The performance features choral underscoring by composer Benedict Sheehan and includes carols like “Silent Night.” Baranski hopes this collaboration becomes an annual holiday event.

Movie Review: Wonder and war in 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'

“Avatar: Fire and Ash,” will probably be a rewarding experience for fans of James Cameron's saga. But for those whose trips to Pandora have made less of an impact, it's like returning to a half-remembered vacation spot, only one where the local ponytail style is a little strange and everyone seems to have the waist of a supermodel, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. The 195-minute film is our longest stay yet on Pandora and the one most likely to make you ponder why you came here, in the first place. You can feel Cameron’s devotion to the dynamics of his characters, even when his interest outstrips our own.

Movie Review: Paul Feig's 'The Housemaid' is a twisty horror-thriller with nudity and empowerment

Paul Feig's new film, “The Housemaid,” offers a twisty, psychological horror-thriller with a satirical look at the ultra-rich, says AP's Mark Kennedy. Sydney Sweeney stars as Millie Calloway, a down-on-her-luck woman who becomes a live-in housekeeper in a wealthy New York suburb. Amanda Seyfried plays Nina Winchester, the mansion's madam, who hires Millie despite her fraudulent resume. The film, based on Freida McFadden’s novel, explores manipulation and power dynamics. Feig blends horror conventions with humor, creating a fascinating mix of gore and empowerment. “The Housemaid” is rated R and hits theaters Friday.

‘This is Spinal Tap,’ ‘The Princess Bride’ and more: Rob Reiner’s best films and where to watch them

Rob Reiner created iconic films that many people rewatch and quote. Before his death on Sunday, his work from 1984 to 1995 was often cited as a near-unparalleled, genre-jumping stream. Reiner's legacy includes a diverse range of films that continue to resonate with audiences, including mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap,” the comedic romantic adventure “The Princess Bride,” the coming-of-age film “Stand by Me,” the courtroom drama “A Few Good Men” and the rom-com classic “When Harry Met Sally....” The Associated Press remembers some of his best films and where to watch them.

Maximalism is back in cocktails with bold colors and flavors

LONDON (AP) — Maximalism in cocktails is making a comeback. Drinkers want more than simple serves, and bartenders are creating bold, layered drinks with theatrical glassware and playful twists. This trend echoes the extravagant drinks of the '90s but with a more refined touch. Bartenders emphasize flavor impact and sustainability, using edible or reusable garnishes. Creative drinks not only delight customers but also sustain the art of mixology. Signature cocktails like the "Foggy Fongo" and "Beyond the Sea" offer immersive experiences. Social media fuels this trend, with visually striking drinks becoming popular posts. At home, using unique glassware and garnishes can add a maximalist touch.

Britain’s BBC is both beloved and maligned. Now it faces a $10 billion Trump lawsuit

LONDON (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump is suing the BBC for $10 billion over a documentary he claims was defamatory. The BBC has apologized for editing a speech in the program but insists there's no basis for the lawsuit. The documentary, aired before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, allegedly portrayed Trump as inciting violence on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump's lawyers argue it damaged his brand and interfered with the election. Legal experts say Trump faces challenges proving his case. The BBC's decision to fight or settle is complicated by its public funding and potential costs to British taxpayers.