AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 8:28 a.m. EST

Oscar contender ‘The Secret Agent’ capitalizes on the rise of Brazilian cinema

SAO PAULO (AP) — The Brazilian film “The Secret Agent” is opening nationwide in U.S. theaters. The Oscar-shortlisted Brazilian thriller follows Armando, a scientist targeted by Brazil's military dictatorship in the 1970s. Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, the film has been praised as one of the year's best and won major awards at Cannes. Set in 1977, it explores themes of identity and memory during Brazil's 21-year dictatorship. The film arrives during a strong moment for Brazilian cinema, following the success of “I'm Still Here.” Tania Maria, a 78-year-old artisan, shines as Dona Sebastiana, adding authenticity to the story.

Movie Review: Wonder and war in 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'

“Avatar: Fire and Ash,” will probably be a rewarding experience for fans of James Cameron's saga. But for those whose trips to Pandora have made less of an impact, it's like returning to a half-remembered vacation spot, only one where the local ponytail style is a little strange and everyone seems to have the waist of a supermodel, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. The 195-minute film is our longest stay yet on Pandora and the one most likely to make you ponder why you came here, in the first place. You can feel Cameron’s devotion to the dynamics of his characters, even when his interest outstrips our own.

Tennessee governor pardons country star Jelly Roll, who has sought redemption from criminal past

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s governor has pardoned country music star Jelly Roll, a Nashville native who for years has spoken about his criminal record and his path to finding redemption. Republican Gov. Bill Lee issued the pardon Thursday for the 41-year-old musician, whose legal name is Jason Deford. The state parole board made a nonbinding recommendation for the pardon in April. The rapper-turned-country singer has said it would make it easier for him to travel internationally to perform and share his message, after spending time behind bars when he was younger. Now, he often visits jails and rehabilitation centers before performing concerts.

In recorded message, Rob Reiner urged resiliency for Holocaust survivors at Hanukkah event

JERUSALEM (AP) — Hollywood icon Rob Reiner urged Holocaust survivors to show resilience in a video message recorded weeks before he was killed. Reiner’s message was delivered to a Hanukkah ceremony honoring Holocaust survivors. He noted his wife’s family was killed at Auschwitz, giving the event special meaning. The video was part of a virtual candle lighting by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. As part of the event, around 100 Holocaust survivors gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Thursday to light the fifth candle of Hanukkah. Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found stabbed to death Sunday at their Los Angeles home. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Trump's handpicked board votes to rename Washington performing arts center the Trump Kennedy Center

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s handpicked board has voted to rename Washington’s leading performing arts center as the Trump Kennedy Center. Democrats say only Congress has the power to change that name. But the institution — named after President John F. Kennedy — didn't wait for the debate to play out. It immediately changed the branding on its website. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the change on social media Thursday, saying it was because of the “unbelievable work" Trump has done over the last year in saving the building. The Republican Trump is chairman of the board.

Trump gave an unusually partisan White House address. Should networks have given him the TV time?

ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump's White House asked TV networks to grant him airtime for the first national address of his second presidency. The networks said yes. The Republican president proceeded to fill 18 minutes with falsehoods and exaggerations while blaming his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, for the nation's problems. It was a grab-bag highlight reel from his stemwinding rally speeches that most Americans never see in full, and it raised questions about whether networks should grant a president airtime just because he asks. People familiar with the process say networks are in a difficult spot. More often than not, networks grant presidents' requests for time.

Here are 10 TV shows from 2025 to catch up on before it's 2026

If you're staying in this holiday season, it's a great time to catch up on some of 2025's standout TV shows. “Dept. Q” features Matthew Goode as a detective solving cold cases. “Paradise” stars Sterling K. Brown in a sci-fi drama on Hulu. “Love Island USA” continues to entertain with its seventh season on Peacock. “The Pitt” brings Noah Wyle back to TV as a doctor. Seth Rogen's “The Studio” offers a comedic take on Hollywood. Netflix's “Adolescence” and “The Beast in Me” deliver gripping drama. “St. Denis Medical” and “The Paper” provide laughs, while “Forever” explores young love.

Movie Review: SpongeBob is back in madcap ‘Search for SquarePants’

SpongeBob wants to prove he's a big guy in “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.” In theaters Friday, the movie takes SpongeBob and his loyal pal Patrick on an adventure to the underworld with the ghost of The Flying Dutchman, who is voiced by Mark Hamill. Voice actors Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke and Clancy Brown are all back as well. In her review for The Associated Press, Film Writer Lindsey Bahr writes that the 3D animation style doesn't add anything, but that the zany, madcap spirit of SpongeBob remains firmly intact seven years after its creator died. It's rated PG.

Harrison Ford to receive SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award for his career and humanitarian work

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Harrison Ford will receive a lifetime achievement award from SAG-AFTRA in March. The actor union's president, Sean Astin, praised Ford on Thursday as a “singular presence” in American culture. The 83-year-old Ford has starred in iconic roles like Han Solo in “Star Wars” and Indiana Jones. His career spans six decades, also including roles in “Blade Runner” and on television. Ford has earned numerous accolades, including the Golden Globes Cecil B. DeMille Award. He expressed gratitude for the recognition from fellow actors. The award ceremony will stream live on Netflix from the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall.