Is Atlanta still the ‘Hollywood of the South’? A film boomtown faces a test
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s film industry is struggling. The state’s generous tax credits once turned Atlanta into the Hollywood of the South, drawing hundreds of productions and transforming the local economy. But spending has tumbled from a peak of $4.4 billion in 2022 to just $2.3 billion the last fiscal year. The 2023 writers and actors strikes accelerated the decline, and Marvel has since shifted its productions to the United Kingdom. Many crew members say they’ve struggled to find film work, forcing some to get second jobs or leave the industry entirely. State officials say things are improving and that tax incentives were recently widened to cover newer types of content.
Oscars presenters add a former host, three nominees and a famous father-son duo
The Oscars producers are rounding out their army of starry presenters. On Wednesday producers of the show say Bill Pullman, Lewis Pullman, Rose Byrne, Wagner Moura, Delroy Lindo, Jimmy Kimmel, Pedro Pascal, Channing Tatum and Sigourney Weaver will take the stage Sunday. The show will feature two major performances of Oscar-nominated songs. Those are “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” and “I Lied to You” from “Sinners.” Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq will be on hand for the “Sinners” moment, as will Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Conan O'Brien is returning to host the live broadcast Sunday.
Celebrity chef René Redzepi resigns from iconic Danish restaurant Noma after abuse allegations
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — René Redzepi has stepped down from his post at the iconic Danish restaurant Noma following allegations of abuse and assault at the Copenhagen landmark. The restaurant founder and celebrity chef has been dogged for years by reports of staff mistreatment and yearslong use of unpaid interns to fuel the pricy restaurant. Noma has been ranked first on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List five times. The criticism came to a head recently on social media and in the New York Times. Sponsors have pulled funding for the Southern California residency. The chef did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Q&A: Shakira says she feels like she's just getting started. A Rock Hall nomination begs to differ
NEW YORK (AP) — Shakira says her new world tour is turning lifelong dreams into reality as she sets attendance records and earns major recognition. The boundary-breaking Colombian performer told The Associated Press she feels like she is experiencing “a new beginning” in her career after more than three decades in music. She described a “magical” return to Mexico City’s Zócalo, the main square where 400,000 fans showed up to her concert. She also says her 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination is “surreal,” as rock music has shaped her from the start. She's happy to represent her Latino community with the nomination.
Movie Review: 'Reminders of Him' is a sad-happy Colleen Hoover adaptation, mixing grief and romance
“Reminders of Him” follows Kenna Rowan as she tries to rebuild her life after prison and reconnect with her young daughter. The movie opens in theaters Friday as a close adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, says AP critic Mark Kennedy. Kenna returns to her small town with no money and no support. Her daughter lives with her dead boyfriend’s parents. His best friend, Ledger, also helps raise the child. Kenna’s return threatens that fragile home. The story avoids clear villains and leans on empathy. Actors Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers ground the romance. The movie turns sad, tender, and sometimes melodramatic.
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Oscars preview: Producers tease ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ and ‘Sinners’ celebrations
The Oscars producers are turning this year’s nominated songs into big showpieces that celebrate the films behind them. On Sunday, “KPop Demon Hunters” performers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami take the stage with more than the usual “Golden” routine. The broadcast also spotlights “I Lied to You” from “Sinners,” with musicians and cast exploring how music shapes the movie. Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan say the show centers on the “human touch,” from set design to story packages. They also introduce a “fab five” moment for the new casting award and say they have protocols for surprises and disruptions.
Movie Review: In 'Undertone,' a paranormal podcast turns perilous
Writer-director Ian Tuason’s feature debut, the sonic-driven horror “Undertone,” has, at least at the outset, an appealingly stripped-down quality. It's set entirely in one location. It features one present, talking actor. Its “R” rating is merely for language. It’s a testament to Tuason’s evident filmmaking talent that, with these bare bones, “Undertone” swells into a gripping and unsettling experience. It’s the movie’s disappointing second half, though, that breaks its quiet spell. After conjuring a tapestry of tension through narrative drips, as well as literal ones, Tuason throws in the whole kitchen sink, drowning out “Undertone” with a cacophony of genre cliches, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review.
Ken Follett's next epic heads to Victorian Britain, where strict morals meet secret passions
NEW YORK (AP) — Ken Follett’s next historical epic is a story of forbidden romance set during a time of official propriety, the Victorian age. Follett’s “The Deep and Secret Things” will be published Sept. 21, 2027. His novel follows the life of a noblewoman from South Wales, Helena Bowen, and her attraction to a charming, but disreputable acquaintance. The 76-year-old Follett is one of the world’s most popular authors, with sales nearing 200 million copies. His novels, which have spanned from the Dark Ages to modern times, include “The Pillars of the Earth,” “Eye of the Needle” and “World Without End.”
Dudamel says Chalamet shows ignorance in claiming 'no one cares' about opera and ballet
NEW YORK (AP) — Gustavo Dudamel is pushing back after Timothée Chalamet said “no one cares” about opera and ballet. Dudamel says the comment shows ignorance and a lack of facts. Speaking at Lincoln Center while announcing the programming for his first season as music director of the New York Philharmonic, Dudamel says artists need to open more spaces for people to connect with classical music. The room broke into loud applause. Dudamel says cinema grows out of opera and music. The Philharmonic CEO invited Chalamet to attend a concert for free. Dudamel says this kind of thinking needs to end.
Jill Biden opens up in memoir about Joe Biden's decision to end his 2024 reelection bid
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jill Biden says she wants to “set the record straight” as she breaks her silence about Joe Biden’s decision to end his 2024 presidential reelection bid under pressure from Democrats who were concerned about his age and viability against Republican Donald Trump. The former first lady has written a memoir, called “View from the East Wing,” and it's set for release June 2. Jill Biden says it was “kind of cathartic” to write the book, though she didn't reveal details in a brief telephone interview Tuesday with The Associated Press. Jill Biden says that with the book, she's "put things in perspective” and presents a “more balanced view” of Joe Biden's presidency.
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