AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 3:23 p.m. EST

Jimmy Cliff, reggae giant and star of landmark film 'The Harder They Come,' dead at 81

NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor who preached defiance, joy and endurance in such classics as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get it If You Really Want” and “Vietnam” and starred in the landmark movie “The Harder They Come,” has died at 81. Cliff was a native Jamaican with a spirited tenor and a gift for topical lyrics who joined Kingston’s emerging music scene in his teens and helped lead a movement in the 1960s that included such future stars as Bob Marley, Toots Hibbert and Peter Tosh.

Movie Review: Jessie Buckley startles and shimmers in ‘Hamnet,’ a meditation on love, loss and art

Prepare your tear ducts. Chloé Zhao's unabashedly emotional “Hamnet” will have them flowing. The film based on Maggie O’Farrell's novel imagines the early life of William Shakespeare and wife Agnes, whose love is tested by the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. It is that death, argue co-writers Zhao and O'Farrell, that inspired Shakespeare's most celebrated play. Zhao's film sticks its landing with a huge assist from the strength of its cast, writes Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck, but especially Jessie Buckley's startling performance. Paul Mescal is magnetic as Shakespeare, and Jacobi Jupe is nobly endearing as their doomed boy. Opens in limited release Wednesday.

Movie Review: Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner and Miles Teller lead clever, charming ‘Eternity’

Elizabeth Olsen has to choose between two husbands in the afterlife in the new film “Eternity.” In this high concept screwball comedy from director David Freyne, the husbands are played by Callum Turner and Miles Teller. In her review, Associated Press Film Writer Lindsey Bahr writes that “Eternity” is imaginative and shrewdly whimsical with an utterly charming cast,” praising Olsen for a Diane Keaton-esque performance and Teller for his comedic and egoless portrayal of the underdog to Turner. Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early also shine in supporting roles. “Eternity,” in theaters nationwide on Wednesday, is rated PG-13.

The best new holiday music releases for 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — ’Tis the season to put on some holiday music. The best way to get festive is to sing along to Christmas classics new and old. But don’t know what to press play on? We’ve got you covered. In honor of the most wonderful time of the year, The Associated Press has selected some of the best new holiday releases for the 2025 season. So, grab a loved one, a cup of eggnog and get to listening. The list includes new releases from Brad Paisley, Trisha Yearwood, Pentatonix, LeAnn Rimes and Mickey Guyton.

'Bel-Air' cast reflects on series, building its own legacy and identity entering final season

LOS ANGELES (AP) — With “Bel-Air” entering its fourth and final season on Monday, the cast reflects on how the ambitious Peacock drama expanded the possibilities for Black-led prestige television. The series, inspired by a viral reimagining of the ’90s sitcom, built its own identity through deeper emotional storytelling and high-end production values rarely afforded to a young Black ensemble. While reports cited its high production costs as a factor in its ending, the actors say the show is concluding exactly how the creative team intended. The new season pushes the Banks family into pivotal crossroads as the series reaches its planned finale.

6 notable songs from Jimmy Cliff, the reggae star who has died at 81

NEW YORK (AP) — The story of Jimmy Cliff, who has died at age 81, is in part the story of reggae itself. He moved to Kingston in the early 1960s and joined a rising musical movement that would help give voice to the country's independence from Great Britain. A decade later, he helped reggae ascend to the international stage with his starring role in the cult favorite “The Harder They Come” and his featured place on the film's classic soundtrack. In the years following, his songs were covered by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to UB40 and confirmed the music's power to inspire or just get you dancing.

Dharmendra, iconic Bollywood actor and Indian cinema’s ‘He-Man,’ dies at 89

NEW DELHI (AP) — Dharmendra, a beloved star of Indian cinema, has died at 89. Known for his versatile roles in the 1970s and 1980s, he became a defining presence in Bollywood. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling him an iconic film personality. Dharmendra's performances in films like "Sholay" and "Chupke Chupke" made him a household name. His on-screen chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, whom he later married, was legendary. Despite a personal life marked by controversy, his career spanned over six decades with more than 300 films. Dharmendra received the Padma Bhushan award in 2012.

‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' co-hosts are Chance the Rapper, Rob Gronkowski, Julianne Hough and Rita Ora

NEW YORK (AP) — Ryan Seacrest will have some star-studded company for "Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin’ Eve" to usher in 2026. ABC announced Monday that Chance the Rapper, Rob Gronkowski, Julianne Hough, and Rita Ora have signed on. Seacrest and Ora will host from New York City's Times Square. Chance the Rapper will be in Chicago, while Gronkowski and Hough will broadcast from Las Vegas. Details for a Puerto Rico celebration are coming soon. Seacrest has been part of the show since 2006. The event airs live on ABC on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. EST, and the next day on Hulu. More performers will be announced later.

BBC leaders grilled by lawmakers over its standards after Trump threatened to sue

LONDON (AP) — The BBC's chairman acknowledges the broadcaster was too slow in responding to a misleading edit of a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump. On Monday, senior BBC leaders were questioned by Parliament's Culture, Media and Sport Committee amid a major crisis. The controversy arose after a documentary spliced together quotes from Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021, speech, making it seem like he encouraged supporters to storm the Capitol. Chairman Samir Shah says the documentary gave “the impression of a direct call for violent action.” He also defended board member Robbie Gibb against claims of political bias and interference. The BBC faces scrutiny due to its status as a publicly funded national institution.