Americans still give awards shows consideration, a new AP-NORC poll finds
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Most Americans still want to thank the academy, at least a little. About half of U.S. adults say they’ve watched all or most of an awards show on TV or streaming in the past year. That's according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Just over half say they’ve watched clips from an awards show. The results suggest some vitality remains in the tuxedo-and-gown world of the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Golden Globes, whose makers have fought to make them relevant when Americans have more choices in what to watch. When the Emmys return Sunday, all eyes will likely be on the winners and the ratings.
Movie Review: The guys from Spinal Tap are back together, but is the reunion worth it?
“Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” hits theaters Friday, but it doesn't go to 11. The sequel to the iconic 1984 rock mockumentary struggles to capture the original's charm, says Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy. Despite star-studded cameos including a standout from Paul McCartney, the film leans too heavily on old jokes and themes of mortality. The plot revolves around the band's reunion for a final concert in New Orleans, driven by contract rather than passion. Kennedy writes the movies is “like watching a cover band playing the hits but then realizing it’s actually the original band onstage after all.”
Dan Brown on his new book, 'The Secret of Secrets,' and how he manages the writing process
NEW YORK (AP) — Dan Brown's latest thriller, “The Secret of Secrets,” has been published this week. Known for “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels & Demons,” Brown, in his new book, explores themes of consciousness and what happens after we die, inspired by his personal reflections following his mother’s death. Brown once again combines suspense, codes, and secret societies. This time, protagonist Robert Langdon is in Prague, racing to uncover the key to ultimate wisdom. Brown explains that writing a thriller requires a detailed plan to keep the complex plots organized. He writes daily and uses a wall of notes and diagrams to track the story. Brown says his views on mortality have evolved, influenced by conversations with philosophers and scientists.
Movie Review: The Crawleys — and their matriarch — get a loving sendoff in final 'Downton Abbey'
"Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" brings change to the Crawley family as they face the 1930s. There's no hand-holding for the audience when it comes to mastering the Crawley family tree or the broader family of servants that Downton fans know and love. Even those who saw the first two films – the last in 2022 – might feel the need for a refresher. Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writes in her review that for loyal “Downton Abbey” fans, the movie delivers a satisfying bit of closure and the sense that the future, though a bit scary, may look kindly on Downton Abbey as long as Mary is in charge.
Oprah Winfrey, Usher, Nick Jonas, Mindy Kaling and others attend an intimate Ralph Lauren show
NEW YORK (AP) — Oprah Winfrey attended Ralph Lauren's runway show on Wednesday, her first since his lavish 50th anniversary event in 2018, where she toasted the design legend. Wednesday's show was one of Lauren's smallest and most intimate, taking place at his Madison Avenue design studio. The Spring 2026 collection highlighted his signature menswear-for-women style with a palette of white, black, and brilliant red. Mindy Kaling noted Lauren's impact on her immigrant family, calling his work emblematic of the American dream. Also attending the 85-year old designer's show were Usher, Jessica Chastain, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, Ariana DeBose and Maggie Rogers, among others.
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David Bowie archive opens in London chronicling five decades of icon's restless creativity
LONDON (AP) — David Bowie's archive opens to the public this week, revealing a treasure trove of unrealized projects and personal items. Acquired by London's Victoria and Albert Museum, the 90,000-item collection includes ideas for a film titled "Young Americans" and a stage musical called "The Spectator." The archive, part of the V&A East Storehouse, offers fans and researchers access to stage outfits, instruments, letters, and more. Visitors can book free appointments to explore the collection, which showcases Bowie’s enduring impact on popular culture. Curator Madeleine Haddon says the archive reveals that Bowie was a multifaceted artist, and "music was (just) one angle into the worlds he wanted to build.”
Prince Harry has tea with his father, King Charles III, in their first meeting in over a year
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Prince Prince Harry has joined his father, King Charles III, for tea at his Clarence House home in London, the first time they’ve met in well over a year. The two have been distant since Harry and his wife, Meghan, left royal life and moved to California in 2020 and then publicly aired grievances about the royal family. Harry was driven through the gates Charles’ London home following an earlier engagement at the Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London. There had been speculation that Harry might meet his father after he arrived Monday in the U.K. to visit several charities.
The newest Bachelorette is 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star Taylor Frankie Paul
There’s a new Bachelorette in town, and we’ve met her before. “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul will be the lead on Season 22 of “The Bachelorette.” She broke the news herself Wednesday on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast. ABC confirmed the season would air next year. Paul became known as an influencer in the #MomTok community. She told “Call Her Daddy” host Alex Cooper she at first wondered if she could manage the show as a single mom. She's also returning to the third season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” on Hulu in November. Hulu and ABC are both owned by Disney.
Fashion meets Freud. A new exhibit explores clothes through a psychoanalytic lens
NEW YORK (AP) — A new exhibit at The Museum at FIT in New York City explores fashion through the lens of psychoanalysis. Curated by Valerie Steele, it features nearly 100 designer pieces to examine connections between fashion and such things as the unconscious mind and desire. Steele notes that Freud himself took care with what he wore. The exhibit discusses how Freud has played out in fashion in a variety of ways. There's Marc Jacobs' "Freudian slip" dress and John Galliano's "Freud or Fetish" collection. Among the highlights is Elsa Schiaparelli's "Hall of Mirrors" jacket. The exhibit runs from September 10 to January 4 of next year, with a companion book by Steele due in November.
Dick Van Dyke nears 100: A new documentary reveals untold stories
Movie theaters nationwide are celebrating Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday in December with a new documentary. Fathom Entertainment says Wednesday that “Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration” will be in theaters over his birthday weekend, Dec. 13 and 14. Van Dyke expressed his surprise and gratitude for the film. The documentary, in the making for over three decades, features clips from his classic films and TV shows, along with new interviews. It also includes a visit to his hometown of Danville, Illinois. Tickets for the special two-day theatrical event go on sale Oct. 31.
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