AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 4:43 p.m. EST

Usher sues investors to recover $700,000 he lent to buy property for 'Homage ATL'

ATLANTA (AP) — Usher is suing a group of investors over a failed restaurant venture in Atlanta. The music artist had lent $1.7 million to the group for the planned Homage ATL, but the deal never materialized. Usher has been repaid $1 million but has been unable to collect the remaining $700,000. The lawsuit, filed recently, names Atlanta lawyer Alcide Honoré and songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox among the defendants. Honoré has referred questions to his attorney, while Cox stated on Instagram that his friendship with Usher remains intact. No lawyers for the defendants are listed in court records at this early stage.

Movie Review: Joel Edgerton delivers a profound, understated performance in ‘Train Dreams’

Joel Edgerton plays a logger at the beginning of the 20th century in “Train Dreams.” Clint Bentley's film is an adaptation of Denis Johnson's novella, about the toll of progress and the people left behind. Edgerton stars alongside Felicity Jones and William H. Macy in the meditative film. In her review, Associated Press Film Writer Lindsey Bahr praises Edgerton's understated performance and adds that, “Bentley’s film is haunting and patient, a dreamlike journey through a world that was disappearing in real time and an ode to the beauty that’s remained.” Rated PG-13, “Train Dreams” is streaming on Netflix Friday.

2026 Oscars broadcast will include all 24 awards, including new casting prize

The Oscars are making room for one more award on their live broadcast in 2026. The academy says the new prize for achievement in casting will be part of the 98th Academy Awards in March. That brings the total to 24 awards for the Oscars broadcast. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the new prize last year. This marks the first addition since the best animated feature film category in 2001. Earlier this year, the academy also announced a stunt design award for 2028. Conan O’Brien has agreed to return as host for the 98th ceremony on March 15.

For Brandon Lake, crossing over means more opportunities to spread a Christian message

NEW YORK (AP) — Christian music is gaining in popularity, and Brandon Lake is one reason why. The singer-songwriter's latest album, “King of Hearts,” melds pop, rock, country and hip-hop. That is unusual in contemporary Christian music, and it's one reason why he's seeing a lot of success. Lake is up for Grammys in February. This year he was nominated for his first Country Music Association Award. He told The Associated Press that he views this as a crossover moment and an opportunity to further his message of worship. Lake also made headlines earlier this year when he performed at a memorial for conservative personality Charlie Kirk. Lake says he was not making a political message and that he was simply going to minister for Kirk's widow.

All eyes in publishing are turned to the 76th annual National Book Awards

NEW YORK (AP) — All eyes in publishing are turned to the 76th annual National Book Awards being held in Manhattan. Novels by Megha Majumdar and Karen Russell, and a memoir by Yiyun Li are among the finalists Wednesday night. Hundreds of writers, publishers, and industry professionals are expected to gather at Cipriani Wall Street for a dinner ceremony. The event will include honorary awards for fiction writer George Saunders and author-publisher Roxane Gay. Actor-comedian Jeff Hiller will host, and Grammy winner Corinne Bailey Rae is the musical guest. Competitive awards will be announced for five categories, with winners receiving $10,000 each. The National Books are presented by the nonprofit National Book Foundation.

Chef Lidia Bastianich hits the road in search of community in a divided country

NEW YORK (AP) — Lidia Bastianich is highlighting community togetherness in her 14th TV special. “Lidia Celebrates America: A Nation of Neighbors” premieres Nov. 25 on PBS. She travels to places like wildfire-scarred neighborhoods in California, a pay-what-you-can café in Denver, and the nation’s first legislatively supported free grocery market in San Francisco. She showcases acts of kindness. Bastianich believes these connections make people feel more human and foster positivity. Her journey includes meeting volunteers and visiting a free grocery market in San Francisco. Bastianich, who once lived in a refugee camp in Italy, emphasizes that small gestures can make a big difference in building community spirit.

Texas man indicted on murder charge in shooting of 'King of the Hill' voice actor Jonathan Joss

HOUSTON (AP) — A grand jury in Texas has indicted a man on a murder charge in the shooting of “King of the Hill” voice actor Jonathan Joss. But it's unclear if Joss’ killing will be considered a hate crime. Police in San Antonio did not immediately return an email seeking comment Wednesday on whether its investigation had determined that Joss’ sexual orientation played a role. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office declined to comment. A grand jury returned the indictment Monday against Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez for Joss' June 1 death. Police allege Ceja Alvarez confronted Joss and his husband as they were checking their mail at their San Antonio home.

Movie Review: Sorry, my pretty, ‘Wicked: For Good' doesn’t delight

“Give us a clock tick” is an expression uttered several times in “Wicked: For Good.” But Jon M. Chu’s two-part musical has asked for quite a bit more than that. Together, the two halves of this “Wicked” adaptation have run 297 minutes, which, more than the threat of lions and tigers and bears, is enough to make any moviegoer not entirely bewitched by the “Wizard of Oz” revision breathe a sigh of “Oh, my.” For most “Wicked” fans, more is good. But for those of us who felt – what’s a non-wicked way to say this? – mildly waterboarded, in pink and green, by “Wicked,” “For Good” doesn’t offer much relief, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review.

Movie Review: George Clooney stars in 'Jay Kelly,' a Hollywood tale of self-discovery

George Clooney stars in "Jay Kelly," a film by Noah Baumbach that blurs reality and fiction, says Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy. Clooney plays a movie star in a mid-life crisis, questioning his life choices. The script co-written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer explores themes of identity and self-discovery. A meeting with an old acting partner played by Billy Crudup reveals harsh truths and sends Kelly on a journey to Tuscany. The film touches on missed family moments and the sacrifices made for success. With nods to classic cinema, R-rated "Jay Kelly" is ultimately about time and where we choose to spend it.