AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 5:44 p.m. EDT

From ‘The Invite’ to ‘The Studio,’ Seth Rogen loves screaming at Olivia Wilde

Seth Rogen and Olivia Wilde have found a unique chemistry in screaming at each other on screen. They first explored this dynamic in “The Studio” and now in “The Invite,” which opens nationwide on July 10. Wilde says they have a mutual understanding that allows them to perform without holding back. The two actors first met at a table read for “Knocked Up” over 20 years ago. Rogen and Wilde spoke about their roles and the film’s American themes. Wilde also shared insights on creative freedom, contrasting her experience with studio productions.

How 'Country Roads' became the soundtrack of the US team's World Cup run

John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” has become the unofficial anthem of the U.S. men’s national soccer team at the World Cup, with players and fans singing it together after victories. John Denver's estate says the song’s simple, relatable message has helped it transcend its lyrics, which focus on West Virginia. The song was actually inspired by a drive through Maryland and could have gone to Johnny Cash before Denver recorded it in 1971. “Country Roads” cowriter Bill Danoff told The Associated Press that he’s honored that the U.S. team has embraced the song, and that Denver, who died in a plane crash in 1997, would have relished watching the most recent match.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donate $26M to charities ahead of wedding

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have donated $26 million to charities this week ahead of their Friday wedding at Madison Square Garden. According to Swift's publicist, the donations were spread out across 20 local and national charities. The announcement did not include any mention of Swift and Kelce’s wedding, but a law enforcement official briefed on security plans has told AP that the wedding will be held Friday, with a smaller rehearsal dinner Thursday night. Nine of the selected organizations are based in New York, ranging from the Food Bank For NYC, City Harvest, to Musical Mentors, a nonprofit that connects music teachers with students in need.

Trump reads a children's book on Usha Vance's podcast, then riffs on past presidents and himself

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has offered a running commentary on his predecessors, his physique, and how he’s spending his time in the White House on second lady Usha Vance's podcast where guests are supposed to read picture books to children. In Trump’s appearance on Vance’s “Storytime with the Second Lady,” podcast, which was posted online Friday, the president read “Presidents Play!” a children’s book from the White House Historical Association that features illustrations of the presidents enjoying sports and using the White House and its grounds for recreation.

The best movies of 2026 so far, from 'Project Hail Mary' to 'Rose of Nevada'

The best films of the year so far include “Project Hail Mary,” “Disclosure Day” and “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie.” That's according to the picks of AP Film Writers Jake Coyle and Lindsey Bahr. Other favorites of the critics at the year's halfway point include the time-traveling indie “Rose of Nevada,” the mythic revenge thriller “Is God Is” and the antic animated feature “Minions & Monsters.” Coyle and Bahr also single out the directorial debut “Blue Heron” and Pixar's “Hoppers.”

Madison Square Garden is abuzz with eager Swifties ahead of Swift-Kelce wedding

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding has fans buzzing in New York City. Many fans and curious onlookers gathered around Madison Square Garden on Thursday, eager to catch a glimpse of what some are calling the wedding of the century. A law enforcement official confirmed the wedding will take place Friday night, with a smaller rehearsal dinner on Thursday. Despite the couple's silence on details, fans are excited to be part of the atmosphere. The area is bustling with increased police presence and busy preparations.

Czech film fest in Karlovy Vary honors Dustin Hoffman and Juliette Binoche

PRAGUE (AP) — The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic kicks off its 60th edition with honors for actors Dustin Hoffman and Juliette Binoche. Hoffman, known for his roles in “Kramer vs. Kramer” and “Rain Man,” is set to be honored for his artistic contribution to world cinema on the opening night Friday. On Saturday, he will present “The Graduate.” Binoche, an Oscar winner for “The English Patient,” will receive the same award at the closing ceremony on July 11. The festival will also honor cinematographer Robert Richardson and feature 12 movies competing for the Crystal Globe.

Turkish comedian sent to jail to await trial on charges of insulting Erdogan

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A Turkish court has ordered comedian Deniz Goktas jailed pending trial for allegedly insulting religious values and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Goktas was detained Thursday at Istanbul’s main airport after returning from a trip abroad. His stand-up routine, recorded last month, referred to Erdogan as a “dictator” and was viewed 9.5 million times online. The pro-government newspaper Sabah reported that complaints were filed over jokes on religion, prompting the investigation. Insulting the president is a criminal offense in Turkey. Critics say Erdogan has narrowed free expression, while the government insists courts act independently.

Video in case against Pooh Shiesty shows him pressing for record label release, prosecutors say

DALLAS (AP) — Prosecutors say a video shows rapper Pooh Shiesty pressing for his release from fellow rapper Gucci Mane’s record label while an armed man blocks a door during an alleged robbery at a Texas music studio in January. A court record shows the video was submitted as evidence in federal court in Dallas. Pooh Shiesty and eight others have been indicted there on kidnapping and extortion charges. Prosecutors say the victims were robbed at gunpoint after traveling to the city to discuss Pooh Shiesty’s recording contract with Mane’s 1017 Records label.