AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 9:16 a.m. EST

Partial list of 2026 Oscar nominees

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — This year’s class of Oscar nominees has been announced. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” led all films Thursday with 16 nominations to the 98th Academy Awards, setting a record for the most in Oscar history. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” was second in the tally with 13 nominations.

The Eagles' 'Greatest Hits' is the first album in US history to sell over 40M units

NEW YORK (AP) — Take it easy and go quadruple diamond. The Eagles’ 1976 album “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975" is the bestselling album of all-time in the U.S. It has officially sold over 40 million units. That’s according to new certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. It was also announced on Thursday that the band’s 1976 record “Hotel California” has been certified 28x platinum, making it the third bestselling album. The second? That’s Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The RIAA tracks U.S. sales and streaming equivalents. Certifications must be applied for and go through a third-party audit.

Sundance first look: Chris Pine and Jenny Slate in the delicate romantic drama 'Carousel'

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Chris Pine stars in and produces Rachel Lambert's film “Carousel,” which premieres Thursday at the Sundance Film Festival. The film tells the story of a single father in Cleveland navigating love and life challenges. Pine was captivated by Lambert's unique storytelling, while Lambert admired Pine for his intelligence and sensitivity, likening him to classic actors like Jimmy Stewart. The film, shot on location and on celluloid, is Lambert's most personal. Pine and co-star Jenny Slate share a strong on-screen chemistry, enhancing the film's emotional depth. “Carousel” is seeking a distributor at the festival.

Alex Honnold is climbing Taipei 101 with no ropes, live on TV. It's drawing excitement — and concern

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Alex Honnold plans to climb Taipei 101 in his signature free solo style without ropes or protective gear. Netflix will broadcast the event live. The announcement has sparked excitement and concern, especially since Honnold is now a married father of two. Known for his ropeless ascent of Yosemite's El Capitan, Honnold aims to push climbing limits worldwide. He won't be the first to climb the skyscraper, but he will be the first to do so without a rope. Safety measures are in place, but ethical concerns remain about broadcasting such a high-risk endeavor live.

Movie Review: 'Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!' is a sweeping tribute to a comic genius

It’s not often we get to pay tribute, in full, to our giants while they’re still with us. But in “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!” Judd Apatow dutifully and affectionately celebrates the laugh-filled life of a comedy legend who’s still here to tell the story — and the jokes — himself, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. “The 99 Year Old Man,” which debuts Thursday in two parts on HBO and HBO Max, is a big-hearted tribute to an indefatigable comic force who did more than most anyone to lighten the mood of the 20th century.

In operatic dispute, Met Opera director and designers order names stripped from 'Carmen'

NEW YORK (AP) — The production team of Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Metropolitan Opera demanded their names be removed from programs due to a restaging decision. Director Carrie Cracknell’s version, which opened on Dec. 31, 2023, moved the setting to a modern American town. The revival included a Jaguar convertible and three pickup trucks that moved. A restaging decision removed the Jaguar, added a motorcycle and used one stationary pickup. Set designer Michael Levine expressed frustration, saying it altered the original artistic intent. The Met cited financial reasons for the changes. The company plans to bring back Richard Eyre’s retired 2009 staging in the future.

Sundance kicks off in Utah with powerful premieres and emotional tributes to Robert Redford

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The Sundance Film Festival kicks off Thursday morning in Utah, marking the first year without founder Robert Redford. His daughter, Amy Redford, shared in an interview Wednesday with The Associated Press that her father believed everyone has a story, a principle guiding this year's festival. Over a dozen films will premiere on the opening day. They will include Amir Bar-Lev’s documentary on mountain climbing, Rachel Lambert’s drama “Carousel,” and Judd Apatow’s film about comedian Maria Bamford. Other highlights include a look at playwright Luis Valdez's legacy and a midnight movie by Casper Kelly. The festival runs through Feb. 1.

How Duckwrth's imaginary Grammy button led to a real Grammy nomination

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Duckwrth manifested a Grammy nomination for his album “All American F—Boy.” He just didn't know it. The Los Angeles-raised singer, rapper and producer would pretend to press an imaginary Grammy button whenever he and his friends finished a new track. The album is nominated for best immersive audio album at the 68th annual Grammy Awards. If it wins, the trophy goes to mix engineer Andrew Law, who transformed the stereo audio into a surround-sound Dolby Atmos experience. Duckwrth wanted the album to feel like a film, blending punk and alt-rock with his genre-bending style. He describes the process as challenging and vulnerable but ultimately rewarding.

Movie Review: In 'Mercy,' Chris Pratt is on trial with an artificial intelligence judge

A detective must prove his innocence to an artificial intelligence judge in the new film “Mercy,” starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson. Set in a near-future Los Angeles, AI has taken over law enforcement and the judicial system. The story follows Chris Raven, played by Pratt, who wakes up strapped to an electric chair with 90 minutes to prove he didn't kill his wife. In her review for The Associated Press, Film Writer Lindsey Bahr writes that despite the intriguing premise, the film has very little to say about AI and fails to engage. Rated PG-13, “Mercy” opens in theaters Friday.