AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 10:39 a.m. EST

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.

Renée Fleming cancels Kennedy Center appearances

NEW YORK (AP) — Renée Fleming is withdrawing from two May appearances at the Kennedy Center. This follows a wave of cancellations since President Trump ousted the previous leadership and announced the venue's renaming. Fleming was set to perform with conductor James Gaffigan and the National Symphony Orchestra. A year ago, she resigned as “Artistic Advisor at Large” due to leadership changes. The Kennedy Center cites “a scheduling conflict” for her withdrawal. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bela Fleck, and Issa Rae have also canceled events. Trump has targeted the center in his attacks against “woke” culture.

Stars and the public say a final goodbye to fashion icon Valentino at a Rome funeral

ROME (AP) — Global fashion celebrities have joined the public in Rome to say a final goodbye to iconic designer Valentino. The Italian capital hosted his funeral service on Friday at the central Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. The funeral followed a two-day public viewing at the Valentino foundation’s Rome headquarters on Wednesday and Thursday. The service marked the final tribute to the internationally acclaimed designer. Celebrities who attended the funeral included designers Tom Ford and Donatella Versace, longtime Vogue magazine powerhouse Anna Wintour and Hollywood stars like Anne Hathaway. Valentino Garavani, who died aged 93 at his Rome residence on Monday, was adored by generations of royals, first ladies and celebrities.

Ruth E. Carter makes Oscar history again with costume designer nomination for 'Sinners'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ruth E. Carter has made history with her Oscar nomination for “Sinners,” becoming the most-nominated Black woman in Academy Awards history. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirms that Carter, a trailblazing costume designer, passed Viola Davis with her nom for her work on Ryan Coogler’s blues-steeped vampire epic. She previously won Oscars for “Black Panther” in 2018 and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2023. Carter is now a five-time nominee. She is tied with Spike Lee and Morgan Freeman for the third-most nominations among Black creatives. Carter says her work tells the story of culture and celebrates authenticity.

Blake Lively and Taylor Swift's texts exposed in lawsuit against Justin Baldoni

A trove of Blake Lively's text messages and emails has been released in her legal battle against Justin Baldoni, including exchanges with her longtime friend Taylor Swift. Lively sued Baldoni and his crisis communications expert alleging harassment and a campaign to damage her reputation while he directed her in the movie “It Ends With Us.” A federal judge is now considering whether to end their acrimonious, yearlong litigation. Baldoni's lawyer argued Thursday that Lively's claims are trivial. Lively's lawyer countered with allegations of unwanted physical contact.

Sundance kicks off its last year in Utah with powerful premieres and tributes to Robert Redford

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The Sundance Film Festival has kicked off in Utah, marking the first year without founder Robert Redford. His daughter, Amy Redford, shared in an interview with The Associated Press that her father believed everyone has a story, a principle guiding this year's festival. Several films are on the list to premiere Thursday. They 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.

Which films dominated the Oscar nominations and how to watch them

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oscar nominations were announced Thursday and “Sinners” led the pack with 16 nods. Ryan Coogler is nominated for best director and screenplay. Michael B. Jordan earns his first Oscar nomination for best actor. He played two roles. “One Battle After Another” follows with 13 nominations. They include acting nods for Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor. Other notable films are “Sentimental Value,” “Marty Supreme” and “Frankenstein.” Each received nine nominations. Many of the films are available on various streaming platforms like HBO Max, Netflix and Apple TV. Some are still in theaters.

'Sinners' makes history, setting Oscars nomination record

Ryan Coogler’s blues-steeped vampire epic “Sinners” led all films with 16 nominations to the 98th Academy Awards, setting a record for the most in Oscar history. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voters showered “Sinners” with more nominations Thursday than ever before, breaking the 14-nomination mark set by “All About Eve,” “Titanic” and “La La Land.” Coogler was still trying to process the record-breaking haul when reached by The Associated Press this morning. Paul Thomas Anderson’s father-daughter revolutionary saga “One Battle After Another” trailed in second with 13 nominations of its own, making it a banner day for Warner Bros.

Inside Super Bowl week's concerts, parties and celebrity scene heading into big game

Super Bowl week unfolds in the Bay Area with a mix of sports, music, and celebrity events. The week kicks off with leadership and media events, including the Sports Power Brunch on February 4. On February 5, Bad Bunny and other performers take the stage at the NFL media event, followed by the NFL Honors. February 6 features concerts by Shaquille O’Neal, Post Malone, and Kehlani. On February 7, Dave Chappelle's comedy show highlight the day. Game day on February 8 includes fan experiences like Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate near Levi’s Stadium.