AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 3:58 p.m. EST

Jordan Peele’s ‘High Horse: The Black Cowboy’ doc sheds light on an erased part of history

NEW YORK (AP) — “High Horse: The Black Cowboy,” a new docuseries executive produced by Jordan Peele and his Monkeypaw Productions that is now streaming on Peacock, highlights who it says are the first American cowboys – Black men. Directed by Jason Perez, the three-part docuseries is an extension of Peele’s 2022 blockbuster film “Nope,” which follows siblings who operate the only Black-owned horse ranch in California. The docuseries focuses on the history and erasure of the Black cowboy, systemic racism and the current battles Black citizens face with land ownership dating back to the post-slavery Reconstruction era, as well as the entertainment impact African Americans have made throughout country western history.

Eddie Murphy to receive life achievement award from the American Film Institute

Eddie Murphy is being celebrated with a life achievement award from the American Film Institute. The award will be presented at a gala tribute in Los Angeles on April 18. Murphy, 64, has been a force in entertainment for nearly 50 years. He started as a teenage stand-up comedian, became a “Saturday Night Live” cast member and starred in films like “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Shrek.” He received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes in 2023. Murphy is the 51st recipient of the AFI life achievement award, joining honorees like Nicole Kidman and Denzel Washington.

Fugees rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison over illegal donations to Obama campaign

WASHINGTON (AP) — Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel of the Fugees has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for a case in which he was convicted of illegally funneling millions of dollars in foreign contributions to former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. Michel declined to make a statement before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly sentenced him on Thursday. Justice Department prosecutors said federal sentencing guidelines recommended a life sentence for Michel. His attorneys requested a three-year prison sentence. In April 2023, a jury convicted Michel of 10 counts. The trial included testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

Eurovision plans changes to voting, security after allegations of Israeli government 'interference'

GENEVA (AP) — Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest say they’re changing the voting system of the popular musical extravaganza to ensure fairness. The announcement on Friday came in the wake of allegations of “interference” by Israel’s government. The European Broadcasting Union is a union of public broadcasters that runs the event. It says the changes were “designed to strengthen trust, transparency and audience engagement.” Israel has competed in Eurovision for more than 50 years and won four times. But calls for Israel to be kicked out swelled over the conduct of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in the Hamas-Israel war in Gaza.

New play looking at friendship between AIDS activist Larry Kramer and Anthony Fauci in the works

NEW YORK (AP) — A new play titled “Kramer/Fauci” explores the complex relationship between playwright and AIDS activist Larry Kramer and Dr. Anthony Fauci. The play will premiere in New York early next year, directed by Tony Award-winner Daniel Fish. It will run at The Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts from Feb. 11 to 21. Fish uses the transcript of a 1993 C-Span face-off between Kramer and Fauci as the text. The two went from adversaries to friends during the AIDS crisis. Fish aims for a theatrical experience rather than a literal recreation of their exchange.

'Rental Family' spotlights real-life Japanese businesses that offer fill-in relatives, friends

TOKYO (AP) — “Rental Family,” a moving drama from Searchlight Pictures starring Brendan Fraser, is sure to spark interest in Japan’s real-life industry. The film, which opens in theaters Friday, centers on Phillip, an American actor who is recruited by a Tokyo “rental family” agency. It isn’t long before Phillip starts to become emotionally invested in what were supposed to be superficial relationships. The film’s Japanese supporting cast also bring to life the intense highs and lows of assuming a role in a stranger’s life. In reality, these niche businesses highlight how deeply people in Japan experience loneliness and worries about saving face.

Mexico's bullied pageant contestant gets payback by capturing Miss Universe crown

BANGKOK (AP) — Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe 2025. Her victory comes after a dramatic pageant in Bangkok, marked by controversy and solidarity. Bosch faced public bullying from a host, leading to a walkout by some competitors and a tearful apology from the organizer who set it all off. She expressed a desire to change the Miss Universe prototype and praised the pageant as a platform for women's voices. The first runner-up was Praveenar Singh of Thailand, with Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser of Venezuela placing third. Bosch's win follows a tumultuous event, including allegations of rigging and other controversies.

The Weeknd's 'After Hours 'Til Dawn' Tour grosses over $1 billion, Live Nation says

NEW YORK (AP) — The Weeknd’s After Hours ’Til Dawn Tour has officially crossed the $1 billion mark according to Live Nation. The lengthy tour launched in Philadelphia in July 2022 and runs through September of next year. Live Nation says it has officially grossed $1.004 billion with approximately 7.55 million tickets sold across 153 tour dates. The entertainment company's data is pulled from presales and ticket sales reports as well as VIP and platinum sales reports, collected from March 4, 2022 through Nov. 14, 2025. The tour ends on September 6, 2026 at Estádio do Restelo in Lisbon, Portugal. The tour spans North America, Europe, Latin America and Australia.

Fátima Bosch's Miss Universe 2025 win echoes in Mexico where women fight for equality

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Fátima Bosch Fernández’s Miss Universe victory is resounding across Mexico. It's being framed as the vindication of a disrespected contestant from a country where women have pushed their way into positions of power and are increasingly calling out traditional chauvinism. Bosch won Thursday night in Thailand after being scolded by the Thai national director earlier in the competition. Bosch walked out in response, with other contestants following in solidarity. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch for speaking up against injustice. She says women are prettier when they speak and participate. Cheers erupted when Bosch was announced as the winner, with Mexican flags waved by supporters. Her home state of Tabasco partied into the night.