AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 3:31 p.m. EST

Paramount goes hostile in bid for Warner Bros., challenging a $72 billion offer by Netflix

NEW YORK (AP) — Paramount has launched a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. The effort announced Monday initiates a potentially bruising battle with Netflix for the company behind HBO, CNN and DC Studios, and the right to reshape much of the nation’s entertainment landscape. Emerging just days after Netflix reached a $72 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros., the takeover attempt means Paramount will go straight to Warner shareholders with a bid worth about $74.4 billion, or $30 per share in cash. Unlike Netflix, Paramount is also offering to buy the cable television assets of Warner Bros.

Golden Globe snubs and surprises: ‘Wicked,’ Julia Roberts, Sydney Sweeney and more

The Golden Globe nominations have left many surprised with notable snubs and unexpected inclusions. “Wicked: For Good” and director Jon M. Chu were notably absent from the best picture and director categories. Despite its popularity, “The Joe Rogan Podcast” was also left out of the podcast category. Sydney Sweeney and Gwyneth Paltrow were snubbed in the acting categories, despite strong performances. Meanwhile, Julia Roberts and Emily Blunt secured nominations, even though their films received mixed reviews. The awards also recognized “KPop Demon Hunters” for box office achievement, despite Netflix's limited theatrical release.

Coldplay, U2 and Ed Sheeran top Pollstar's most popular touring artists of the new millennium

New York (AP) — Pollstar has ranked the top 25 “Most Popular Touring Artists of the Millennium” based on ticket sales from Jan. 1, 2001, to the end of 2025. Leading the list? Coldplay with 24.8 million tickets sold. They’re followed by U2, with 20.2 million tickets sold, and Ed Sheeran, with 19.6 million. Rounding out the top five is Dave Matthews Band with 19.6 million tickets sold. In fifth is Taylor Swift with roughly 18.9 million. Keep in mind that her debut album was released in 2006. Pollstar chart data is pulled from reported and estimated box office data from events that occurred between 2001 and 2025.

Eric Dane's emotional memoir, including his life with ALS, to be published in 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Eric Dane, known for his roles in “Grey's Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” has announced a memoir titled “Book of Days.” The book, set to be published in 2026 by Maria Shriver's The Open Field, will explore key moments in Dane's life. These include his first day on “Grey's Anatomy,” the births of his daughters and his ALS diagnosis. In a statement released Monday, Dane expressed his desire to capture meaningful moments and help others find meaning in their own lives. ALS is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells, often leading to death within three to five years.

California man marks his 15,000th spin on Disneyland's 'Cars' ride

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — A California man says he has marked his 15,000th spin on an auto-racing Disneyland attraction inspired by the animated film “Cars.” Long-time Disney enthusiast Jon Alan Hale, who marked the feat Monday, says he has been tracking his rides on Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure in a notebook. He says he tried out the ride after undergoing gastric bypass and knee replacement surgeries in 2010 and 2011 and was hooked. Hale says Disneyland officials have told him they don't keep ride records. He says he's gone on it an average of 13 times each time he's been to the park. He says through the years he's become friends with Disney workers who have cheered him on.

What Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. means for the movies

Netflix’s deal to acquire Warner Bros. is shaking up the entertainment industry. Warner Bros., one of Hollywood’s oldest studios, is part of the “big five” and plays a key role in theatrical releases. There are many questions about how Netflix’s ownership might change things, including antitrust scrutiny and the future of theatrical releases. Netflix says it plans to support theater releases but may shorten exclusive windows. The impact on movie theaters and filmmakers is uncertain, with concerns about the global exhibition business and reactions from top directors. Paramount on Monday launched a hostile takeover bid.

Ryan Coogler, Rose Byrne, Chase Infiniti, Joachim Trier react to Golden Globe nominations

The Golden Globes nominees have been announced, featuring a diverse group of top names from film and television. Leading the pack is Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” with nine nominations, boosting its Oscar momentum. Nominees like Ryan Coogler, Chase Infiniti, and Amy Madigan shared their excitement and gratitude in interviews with The Associated Press. Coogler likened the success of “Sinners” to renewing his marriage vows to filmmaking because it reaffirmed how much he loves his job. Infiniti, who is 25, says she feels incredibly lucky to be recognized. The Globes will be presented on Jan. 11, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Golden Globes enter the world of podcasts and tread carefully, avoiding controversy

NEW YORK (AP) — The Golden Globes have introduced a best podcast category that's likely to spark conversations. On Monday, the Globes announced six nominees, including “Armchair Expert” and “SmartLess.” They represented a mix of news, advice and celebrity interviews. Notably absent are politically oriented podcasts like “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “Pod Save America.” Experts suggest the Globes aim to avoid controversy by focusing on entertainment. The selection process has raised questions, as Luminate Data, owned by Penske Media Corp., chose the nominees. Despite the controversy, the inclusion of podcasts in a major awards show is seen as a positive step, highlighting the medium's growing influence and mainstream appeal.

Trump says Netflix deal to buy Warner Bros. 'could be a problem' because of size of market share

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says a deal struck by Netflix last week to buy Warner Bros. Discovery “could be a problem” because of the size of the combined market share. The Republican president says he will be involved in the decision about whether federal regulators should approve the deal. Trump commented Sunday when he was asked about the deal as he walked the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Honors. The $72 billion deal would bring together two of the biggest players in television and film and potentially reshape the entertainment industry.