AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 8:32 a.m. EDT

Sydney Sweeney lands a knockout at TIFF with ‘Christy,’ stoking Oscar buzz

TORONTO (AP) — Sydney Sweeney came to the Toronto International Film Festival wanting to talk about her film “Christy,” not her American Eagle ad campaign. After a rapturous response to the movie, she’s getting her wish. The 27-year-old, Emmy-nominated actor landed immediate Oscar buzz for her performance in David Michôd’s biopic of the boxer Christy Salters Martin. For the role, Sweeney transforms into the female boxing trailblazer who emerged out of West Virginia as the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” to rise to the top of her then-nascent sport.

Venice Film Festival draws to a close and will announce its awards, which can give an Oscars boost

VENICE, Italy (AP) — The 82nd Venice Film Festival is wrapping up as juries decide on the awards Saturday. Prizes for acting, directing, and best picture, known as the Golden Lion, will be presented during an evening ceremony. This year’s lineup features a slew of potential Oscar contenders including Kathryn Bigelow's thriller "A House of Dynamite" and Guillermo del Toro's “Frankenstein.” Performances garnering buzz include Dwayne Johnson in "The Smashing Machine," and Julia Roberts in "After the Hunt," though it’s not eligible for prizes. Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania's "The Voice of Hind Rajab" may also be a top contender. It received a 22-minute standing ovation.

Music Review: Justin Bieber has more to say about love on 'Swag ll'

NEW YORK (AP) — If it wasn’t clocking to you before, it should be now. Justin Bieber is doing whatever he wants. Friday's “Swag ll” follows the July release of “Swag.” In a review, The Associated Press music writer Maria Sherman says “Swag ll” is an obvious companion piece, not only in name but also in sound, theme and zeal. Collaborators repeat. There are songs about his wife and references to his religion. But Sherman says there is also a kind of lightness to “Swag ll.” That is likely because Bieber spends less time considering how he is depicted in the media on this release. Sift and find gold.

'Severance' and 'The Studio' could rake in early awards at the Creative Arts Emmys

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shows like “Severance” and “The Studio” could bring in a lot of early Emmys this weekend, ahead of the main ceremony. Nearly 100 trophies will be handed out at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, a precursor to the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14. “Severance,” with 27 nominations, could win as many as 13 for Apple TV+ on Saturday. “The Studio,” also from Apple, is the top comedy nominee with 23 and could bring in 12. The Creative Arts Emmys mostly go to technical and craft nominees. However, big stars and moments also emerge, with guest acting categories featuring A-list nominees.

Giorgio Armani leaves a legacy as 'the master of luxury ready-to-wear'

MILAN (AP) — For Giorgio Armani, it was always the clothes. And his clothes all started with the fabrics. While other fashion empires make their money on handbags and footwear, Armani’s appeal has always been in the apparel, the core of his $10 billion empire. After his death Thursday at the age of 91, Armani has been remembered for softening the 1980s power suit, decades of fruitful Hollywood collaborations and as a defining figure of Italian luxury ready-to-wear. But he was also a keen businessman who maintained his independence in an era of consolidation, an innovative communicator and a boss who was in charge of every aspect of his business.

This year’s song of the summer is a ballad, not a banger. Here's what that says about us

NEW YORK (AP) — Every summer, one song emerges as the inescapable summer anthem. It's a phenomenon so reliable it's earned its own term in the media zeitgeist. But this year, the typical song of the summer seems to have gone missing. In its place is the slow, romantic ballad “Ordinary” by Alex Warren. But why? Listeners are gravitating toward nostalgia, favoring older hits from the “recession pop” era and streaming fewer new releases. Experts also suggest the appeal of “Ordinary” reflects the state of the world and the well-being of listeners in general.

Long in the shadows, a new generation of songwriters gain recognition and success as artists

New York (AP) — A new generation of songwriters are stepping into the spotlight, gaining recognition alongside the artists they write for. In recent years, figures like Muni Long and Julia Michaels have emerged as successful performers in their own right. This shift is partly due to fans' growing interest in the creators behind their favorite songs. Platforms like TikTok and artists acknowledging their collaborators have also played a role. Songwriters are releasing music under their own names, seeking creative autonomy and financial benefits. Despite challenges, this trend highlights a new era where songwriters are celebrated for their talents, so says Amy Allen, Julia Michaels and PYNK BEARD.

A John Candy documentary gives Toronto film fest a tender and appropriately Canadian opening night

TORONTO (AP) — The documentary “John Candy: I Like Me,” directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, is a tribute not just to Candy the actor, but Candy, the man. On Thursday night, it premieres as the opening night film of the Toronto International Film Festival. For a beloved Canadian icon like Candy, whose nickname was “Johnny Toronto,” the setting could hardly be more fitting. To reference Candy’s cameo in “The Blues Brothers,” it’s an occasion that calls for orange whips, all around. The movie is a kind of cinematic eulogy for Candy, who died of heart failure at the age of 43 in 1994. But Candy might be even more popular three decades after his death.

YouTube using creators to enhance broadcast of the NFL game between the Chiefs and the Chargers

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs face Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers in the most accessible game to viewers on Friday night in Brazil. It’s the first NFL game streamed on YouTube and there will be plenty of unique elements surrounding the broadcast. The league and YouTube have assembled a lineup of content creators to enhance the viewing experience. Cam Newton, Brandon Marshall, Derek Carr and Tyrann Mathieu will be part of a pre-game and post-game shows hosted by Kay Adams. Donald De La Haye, known as “Deestroying” to millions of social media followers, will serve as a sideline creator.