Daniel Day-Lewis, pulled out of retirement by his son, finds his acting fire still burns
NEW YORK (AP) — It’s been eight years since Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting and said he wanted to “explore the world in a different way.” But the big-screen absence of the actor many would peg as the greatest one alive ends with “Anemone,” a new film directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. The two of them wrote it together. What began as something small, with no real ambitions, grew until a feature film and Day-Lewis’ long-awaited return to movies. In an interview alongside Ronan, Day-Lewis discussed the misunderstood mythology surrounding him, how “Anemone” reawakened his hunger to act and why he liked starting from scratch so much.
Morgan Wallen denied throwing chair off bar roof to police in 2024, footage shows
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Police video obtained by The Associated Press shows country music star Morgan Wallen denied throwing a chair off a Nashville bar roof before and after his 2024 arrest. Two weeks later, he accepted responsibility on social media, and later pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment. The Metro Nashville Police Department released footage of Wallen’s arrest, which shows officers reacting to a broken chair near their cruiser. Witnesses claimed Wallen threw the chair, and police cited video evidence. The video shows Wallen on the phone with bar proprietor and fellow country star Eric Church. He also sings along to a Thomas Rhett song in a police cruiser.
Jane Fonda revives Cold War-era activist group to defend free speech
NEW YORK (AP) — Jane Fonda has revived an activist group from the Cold War era, originally backed by her father, Henry Fonda. On Wednesday, she announced the launch of a modern version of the Committee for the First Amendment. This group was initially formed in 1947 to support screenwriters and directors targeted for alleged Communist ties. The new mission statement is signed by Florence Pugh, Sean Penn, Billie Eilish, Pedro Pascal and hundreds of others. The Fondas have a long history of activism, with Jane opposing the Vietnam War and Henry supporting Democratic candidates.
Movie Review: In ‘Orwell: 2+2=5,’ a powerful portrait of the author and his still relevant writings
Filmmaker Raoul Peck examines the prophetic messages of George Orwell in “Orwell: 2+2=5.” A Neon release in select theaters Friday, the film connects Orwell's writings to modern totalitarianism. “Orwell: 2+2=5” is loosely structured around Orwell’s time on the Isle of Jura, in Scotland, where he wrote what would be his last novel, “1984” while his health was deteriorating from tuberculosis. AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr writes that Peck's film artfully blends images from films, news reports and documentaries and makes a powerful case that 75 years later, Orwell's writings and warnings remain relevant. The film has not yet been rated.
Stephen King is the most banned author in US schools, PEN report says
NEW YORK (AP) — A new report on book bans in U.S. schools finds Stephen King as the author most likely to be censored. PEN America’s “Banned in the USA,” released Wednesday, tracks over 6,800 instances of books being pulled for the 2024-2025 school year. This number is down from over 10,000 in 2023-24. Around 80% of these bans originated in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Meanwhile, states like Maryland and New Jersey have laws limiting book removals. According to PEN, King’s books were censored 206 times, with “Carrie” and “The Stand” among the affected works. Reasons for bans often include LGBTQ+ themes and depictions of race.
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New York rapper who joined Trump at campaign rally sentenced to 5 years for attempted murder
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City rapper who joined President Donald Trump during a campaign rally last year has been sentenced to five years behind bars after pleading guilty to attempted murder and conspiracy charges. Sheff G, whose legal name is Michael Williams, had agreed on the sentence with the judge when the rapper pleaded guilty earlier this year. He was sentenced Wednesday. Prosecutors say Sheff G used his music earnings to fuel gang violence in Brooklyn. They say Sheff G also acted as a getaway driver in one shooting and lavished money, jewelry and other rewards on gang members.
'AI actor' Tilly Norwood stirs outrage in Hollywood
NEW YORK (AP) — Like thousands of actors, Tilly Norwood is looking for a Hollywood agent. But unlike most young performers aspiring to make it in the film industry, Tilly Norwood is an entirely artificial intelligence-made character. Norwood, dubbed Hollywood’s first “AI actor,” is the product of a company named Xicoia, which bills itself as the world’s first artificial intelligence talent studio. Since the Dutch producer and comedian Eline Van der Velden launched the digital character’s prospective career, Tilly Norwood has been all the talk in Hollywood. But not in a good way. Guilds, actors and filmmakers have met the Xicoia product with an immediate wave of backlash, protesting that AI should not have a starring role in the acting profession.
Taylor Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl' is almost here. Here's what to know
NEW YORK (AP) — Lights, camera, action. Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” arrives Friday. Are you ready for it? Swift announced her latest era back in August, when she began teasing the release. It will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. There are also a number of variants, including vinyl, CD and cassette offerings. There is even an iTunes digital download featuring a new cover image and a nearly three-minute exclusive video from Taylor herself detailing inspirations behind the album.
Apple TV+ extends its deal to be the exclusive streaming home for 'Peanuts' until 2030
NEW YORK (AP) — Apple TV+ has announced a five-year extension to remain the exclusive streaming home for “Peanuts.” This deal will last until 2030 and includes the classic “Peanuts” library, along with new original series and specials. Apple TV+ first obtained these rights in 2020, including the beloved “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” As part of a holiday tradition, Apple TV+ will offer non-subscribers free streaming of favorites like “It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” The platform's “Peanuts” library continues to grow, featuring shows like “Snoopy in Space” and “The Snoopy Show.”
After accomplishments in politics, media, former CNN chief Tom Johnson makes mental health his cause
NEW YORK (AP) — After a career as a presidential aide, publisher of two newspapers and CNN president, Tom Johnson has plenty of stories to swap. But Johnson says his primary purpose in writing the memoir “Driven” is to make sure that people know that depression is a treatable illness. It's something Johnson has been through himself, sinking so low in his final years as publisher of the Los Angeles Times he considered suicide, and made sure there were no guns in his house. In his professional life, Johnson has worked for two of the most influential and complex individuals in public life — President Lyndon Johnson and CNN founder Ted Turner.
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