AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 3:59 p.m. EST

Beyoncé, Venus Williams, Nicole Kidman and Anna Wintour will co-chair next Met Gala

NEW YORK (AP) — The next Met Gala co-chairs have been announced, and it's a high-powered quartet: Beyoncé, Venus Williams and Nicole Kidman will join Vogue's Anna Wintour in hosting the starry event next May. Williams will co-chair seven years after her younger sister, Serena, did the same. Beyoncé takes the role after serving as honorary chair in 2013, and Kidman served as co-chair in 2003 and 2005. The museum also announced a host committee of notables, including Sabrina Carpenter and Sam Smith. The dress code will be announced later, but will align with the spring fashion exhibit, “Costume Art,” celebrating the dressed body in art history.

5 notable books by author Sophie Kinsella, who died at age 55

Few authors made readers laugh harder than did author Sophie Kinsella. The British author died Wednesday at age 55. Her first novel came out 30 years ago. “The Tennis Party” was the debut and published under her real name, Madeleine Wickham. In the U.S., it was published as “40 Love.” Later came the introduction of Becky Bloomwood with the first “Shopaholic” book. That was 2000's “The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic.” Other highlights include “Can You Keep a Secret?,” “The Undomestic Goddess” and “Twenties Girl.”

Movie Review: Emma Mackey battles political scandal and wooden script in ‘Ella McCay’

For his first original feature in some 15 years, James L. Brooks has assembled an impressive supporting cast and an appealing lead in Emma Mackey. Unfortunately, in “Ella McCay” he gives them a script full of half-baked subplots and sadly undeveloped characters. Mackey is an idealistic young lieutenant governor in 2008. But when her boss joins the Cabinet and she's elevated to governor, trouble comes from all sides. There are nasty opponents, a pathetic husband, a weaselly father. The whole enterprise is a far cry, writes AP critic Jocelyn Noveck, from Brooks' memorable “Broadcast News,” “Terms of Endearment” or “As Good As It Gets.” Opens in theaters Friday.

Sundance 2026 lineup unveiled: Charli XCX, Olivia Wilde, Brittney Griner and more

Charli XCX is heading to the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026. She stars in three films, including a mockumentary she produced. Sundance programmers have announced a lineup of 90 feature films for the festival's final run in Park City, Utah. The slate includes documentaries on figures like Brittney Griner and Nelson Mandela, and feature films starring the likes of Natalie Portman and Channing Tatum. Olivia Wilde is also debuting “The Invite,” her first feature since “Don’t Worry Darling.” Sundance is known for its diverse offerings, with 40% of this year's films from first-time directors, showcasing a mix of new and familiar voices.

Oscars recognize casting for the first time, offering a spotlight on a key job in the movie industry

NEW YORK (AP) — Casting directors have long been the unsung heroes behind films like “Wicked.” Bernard Telsey and Tiffany Little Canfield are among those who helped populate the two-part movie. Casting directors will finally get Oscar recognition next year with a new award category. Telsey explains that casting is often invisible but crucial to a film's success. He and his team work across various mediums, from theater to TV. Despite challenges, they strive to find the perfect actors. Telsey believes good acting transcends mediums, and technology has changed the casting process, making it more global and fast-paced.

Our AP Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025 take a survey

The youngest is 16. The oldest are 40. Two are newly minted Emmy winners. Two had dreams of professional soccer. Two count Tom Cruise as a pivotal co-star. But there’s one thing all five have in common. That's a banner 2025. The Associated Press has named Arden Cho, Owen Cooper, Danny Ramirez, Chase Sui Wonders, and Tramell Tillman as its 2025 Breakthrough Entertainers. In interviews, they shared the impact of fame, the importance of supportive relationships and their thoughts on artificial intelligence. Each entertainer reflected on their childhood dreams and how their careers have evolved.

AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Owen Cooper goes from 'Adolescence' to new 'Heights'

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Owen Cooper has been named one of The Associated Press' Breakthrough Entertainers for 2025. Cooper was just 15 when he won an Emmy for best supporting actor for his astonishing performance as a murder suspect in the British Netflix drama “Adolescence.” Now 16, Cooper tells the AP that not long ago he spent most of his time playing soccer and dreaming of becoming a professional. But when some casual acting classes revealed his gift, he recalibrated his future plans. Next year, he'll make his movie debut in director Emerald Fennell's adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.” He says he wants to be fearless as an actor and try everything.

AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Arden Cho seizes her golden moment after Hollywood heartbreak

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Three years ago, Arden Cho was ready to walk away from acting. She’d landed her first lead role in the Netflix series “Partner Track” only to see it canceled after one season. Now, Cho is one of The Associated Press' Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025 after voicing the lead character Rumi in Netflix’s animated summertime hit “KPop Demon Hunters.” It's become the most-streamed movie on the platform and spawned inescapable earworms “Golden” and “Soda Pop” as its soundtrack dominated pop charts. Cho calls it her “golden moment.” She has multiple film projects lined up for next year.

Sophie Kinsella, author of the millions-selling ‘Shopaholic’ novels, dies at 55

LONDON (AP) — Writer Sophie Kinsella, known for her rom-com "Confessions of a Shopaholic," has died at 55. Her family announced her passing on Wednesday, following a battle with brain cancer. Kinsella, whose real name was Madeleine Wickham, revealed her diagnosis in April 2024. She published 10 "Shopaholic" novels starting in 2000, selling over 45 million copies worldwide. Her work was often labeled "chick lit," a term she embraced. Kinsella's books were adapted into films and translated into multiple languages. Her family described her final days as filled with love, music, and joy.