AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 8:51 a.m. EST

The best movies of 2025, ranked by AP film writers

The bean counters might say otherwise, but 2025 was a good year for movies. That's the conclusion of The Associated Press' film writers, Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle, who have ranked their top films of the year. Both place Paul Thomas Anderson's “One Battle After Another” at the top of their lists. And both also include “Marty Supreme,” “It Was Just an Accident” and “Sinners.” Bahr's includes “If I Had Legs I'd Kick You,” “Sentimental Value” and “The Naked Gun.” Coyle's list includes “No Other Choice,” the third “Knives Out” movie, “Blue Moon” and the documentary “Afternoons of Solitude.”

What to know about the Eurovision Song Contest as Israel's participation sparks walkouts

LONDON (AP) — The Eurovision Song Contest is facing a major crisis after four countries pulled out over Israel's participation. Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia announced they will not join the 2026 contest in Vienna. Organizers refused to expel Israel over its actions in Gaza. Iceland may also boycott. Eurovision expert Paul Jordan said Friday that a mass exodus is unlikely, but 2026 will be tense. The boycotts could hurt viewership and finances for the contest. More than two dozen countries have confirmed participation and the final list of competing countries is due before the end of December.

At least 4 countries pull out of 2026 Eurovision contest as Israel’s participation sows discord

GENEVA (AP) — At least four countries have announced they are pulling out of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. This decision follows the organizers' choice to allow Israel to compete, despite concerns over its conduct in the Israel-Hamas war. Dutch, Spanish, Irish and Slovenian broadcasters announced plans to sit out the context in Vienna next May. It came after the European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision, voted to adopt tougher voting rules after allegations of Israel manipulating votes. The contest has faced challenges due to the war in Gaza, with some countries threatening to boycott if Israel participates.

George Clooney reflects on fame, failure and a life in movies with 'Jay Kelly'

George Clooney plays a movie star with regrets in “Jay Kelly.” The film, streaming Friday on Netflix, is fiction, co-written and directed by Noah Baumbach, who assembled a starry cast including Adam Sandler, Laura Dern and Billy Crudup to tell a story about Hollywood, fame and parenthood. Clooney and the others were all eager to sign on before they'd even read the script. The making of the film had everyone reflecting on their own lives in the business and the personalities involved. Sandler shadowed his agent to prepare to play Jay Kelly's manager, and Dern did the same with her publicist.

From Pope Francis to Charlie Kirk, many deaths in 2025 had a wide impact

The world lost influential people in 2025, and some of their deaths had significant impacts. Pope Francis died in April, leading to the election of the first American pope. The fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September sparked discussions about political violence. Virginia Giuffre's suicide in April brought renewed attention to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and other notable politicians also died. The entertainment industry mourned the loss of Gene Hackman, David Lynch, Roberta Flack, Hulk Hogan and other stars.

AP's top songs of 2025: 'Lo que le pasó a Hawaii,' 'Abracadabra' and more

NEW YORK (AP) — The Associated Press has selected the 10 best songs of the year, showcasing a diverse range of artists and genres. Bad Bunny's “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii” stands out as a powerful anthem for Puerto Rico's cultural autonomy. Lady Gaga's “Abracadabra” marks a triumphant return to her electro-pop roots. Chappell Roan's “The Subway” showcases her versatility with dream-pop influences. Wednesday's “Elderberry Wine” offers a poetic take on classic country. Other notable tracks include dexter in the newsagent's “Special,” Feeble Little Horse's “This is Real,” and Kehlani's heartfelt “Folded.”

Movie Review: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ is a messy, un-scary sequel

“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2" builds on the first film's chaotic foundation with even more confusion, says Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy. The sequel continues the story of murderous animatronics, expanding the Freddy's Cinematic Universe. Returning director Emma Tammi and the original cast, including Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail, attempt to navigate the convoluted plot. The film introduces a new, genuinely creepy character, The Marionette, but fails to utilize it effectively. The storyline remains unclear about whether the animatronics are evil or friendly, leading to confusion. Released Friday, the film is rated PG-13 for violent content, terror, and some language.

Detroit's own crime-fighter RoboCop finally stands guard in Motor City

DETROIT (AP) — RoboCop has found a permanent home in Detroit — all 11 feet and 3,500 pounds of him. A statue of the crime-fighting movie character has been welcomed by fans since it began standing guard over Detroit Wednesday afternoon in the Motor City's Eastern Market area. Jim Toscano says streams of people have driven by his FREE AGE film production company where the bronze mold-cast statue is bolted into concrete. “RoboCop” developed a cult following after it hit theaters in 1987. It was set in a crime-ridden near-future Detroit. The city's homicide numbers have now dropped below mid-1960s levels, and the statue was erected without objection from city officials.