AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 8:25 p.m. EST

The greatest mystery of Rian Johnson's 'Knives Out' movies? Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc

NEW YORK (AP) — The greatest mystery in Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” movies might be Benoit Blanc. Over the course of three films, Johnson and Daniel Craig have stingily dropped clues to Blanc’s past and personal life. Since Blanc first introduced himself in “Knives Out” as “a respectful, quiet, passive observer … of the truth,” following the breadcrumbs has been a sport of its own. Every “Knives Out” movie is a wholesale change. New setting. New case. New cast of characters. But Craig and Johnson are the mainstays. Together, they’ve turned Blanc, the gentleman sleuth, into one of the greatest protagonists in recent movies.

Udo Kier, striking German actor from 'My Own Private Idaho' and 'Ace Ventura,' dies at 81

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — A German actor known for his icy gaze and unique screen presence, Udo Kier has died at 81. His partner, Delbert McBride, told Variety that Kier died Sunday in Palm Springs, California. Kier was a favorite of filmmakers like Andy Warhol and Lars von Trier. He appeared in over 200 films, including “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” and the recent Brazilian thriller “The Secret Agent.” Kier's breakout roles were in Warhol's “Flesh for Frankenstein” and “Blood for Dracula.” He was introduced widely to American audiences in Gus Van Sant's “My Own Private Idaho.” Kier had lived in Palm Springs since the early 1990s.

Movie Review: Jessie Buckley startles and shimmers in ‘Hamnet,’ a meditation on love, loss and art

Prepare your tear ducts. Chloé Zhao's unabashedly emotional “Hamnet” will have them flowing. The film based on Maggie O’Farrell's novel imagines the early life of William Shakespeare and wife Agnes, whose love is tested by the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. It is that death, argue co-writers Zhao and O'Farrell, that inspired Shakespeare's most celebrated play. Zhao's film sticks its landing with a huge assist from the strength of its cast, writes Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck, but especially Jessie Buckley's startling performance. Paul Mescal is magnetic as Shakespeare, and Jacobi Jupe is nobly endearing as their doomed boy. Opens in limited release Wednesday.

Movie Review: Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner and Miles Teller lead clever, charming ‘Eternity’

Elizabeth Olsen has to choose between two husbands in the afterlife in the new film “Eternity.” In this high concept screwball comedy from director David Freyne, the husbands are played by Callum Turner and Miles Teller. In her review, Associated Press Film Writer Lindsey Bahr writes that “Eternity” is imaginative and shrewdly whimsical with an utterly charming cast,” praising Olsen for a Diane Keaton-esque performance and Teller for his comedic and egoless portrayal of the underdog to Turner. Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early also shine in supporting roles. “Eternity,” in theaters nationwide on Wednesday, is rated PG-13.

BBC leaders grilled by lawmakers over its standards after Trump threatened to sue

LONDON (AP) — The BBC's chairman acknowledges the broadcaster was too slow in responding to a misleading edit of a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump. On Monday, senior BBC leaders were questioned by Parliament's Culture, Media and Sport Committee amid a major crisis. The controversy arose after a documentary spliced together quotes from Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021, speech, making it seem like he encouraged supporters to storm the Capitol. Chairman Samir Shah says the documentary gave “the impression of a direct call for violent action.” He also defended board member Robbie Gibb against claims of political bias and interference. The BBC faces scrutiny due to its status as a publicly funded national institution.

Dharmendra, iconic Bollywood actor and Indian cinema’s ‘He-Man,’ dies at 89

NEW DELHI (AP) — Dharmendra, a beloved star of Indian cinema, has died at 89. Known for his versatile roles in the 1970s and 1980s, he became a defining presence in Bollywood. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling him an iconic film personality. Dharmendra's performances in films like "Sholay" and "Chupke Chupke" made him a household name. His on-screen chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, whom he later married, was legendary. Despite a personal life marked by controversy, his career spanned over six decades with more than 300 films. Dharmendra received the Padma Bhushan award in 2012.

Jimmy Cliff, reggae giant and star of landmark film 'The Harder They Come,' dead at 81

NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor who preached defiance, joy and endurance in such classics as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get it If You Really Want” and “Vietnam” and starred in the landmark movie “The Harder They Come,” has died at 81. Cliff was a native Jamaican with a spirited tenor and a gift for topical lyrics who joined Kingston’s emerging music scene in his teens and helped lead a movement in the 1960s that included such future stars as Bob Marley, Toots Hibbert and Peter Tosh.

What to Stream: 'Stranger Things,' 'Mickey 17,' Kevin Hart and 'A Grand Ole Opry Christmas'

Director Bong Joon Ho’s “Mickey 17” starring several versions of Robert Pattinson and Kevin Hart debuting a new comedy special on Netflix are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of Nov. 24 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists include “Everybody Loves Raymond” getting a 30th anniversary special on CBS, the Hallmark’s special “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” with Brad Paisley and Mickey Guyton, and a new Beatles documentary series hits Disney+.

The best new holiday music releases for 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — ’Tis the season to put on some holiday music. The best way to get festive is to sing along to Christmas classics new and old. But don’t know what to press play on? We’ve got you covered. In honor of the most wonderful time of the year, The Associated Press has selected some of the best new holiday releases for the 2025 season. So, grab a loved one, a cup of eggnog and get to listening. The list includes new releases from Brad Paisley, Trisha Yearwood, Pentatonix, LeAnn Rimes and Mickey Guyton.