'Encanto,' 'House of Gucci' fuel Thanksgiving box office
Thanksgiving weekend moviegoing was still far from the feast it normally is, but Disney’s “Encanto” and the Lady Gaga-led “House of Gucci” both gave a lift to two genres that have been particularly battered by the pandemic: family movies and adult dramas.
New this week: Will Smith, 'Tick, Tick... Boom!' and Adele
This week’s new entertainment releases include a much-anticipated album from Adele, a documentary about Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl half-time show and Will Smith playing father and tennis guru to Venus and Serena Williams.
Biden takes the helm, appeals for unity to take on crises
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden watch fireworks light up the sky from the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. Both he, Harris and their spouses walked the last short part of the route to the White House after an abridged parade. At Biden's invitation, congressional leaders from both parties bowed their heads in prayer in the socially distanced service a few blocks from the White House. The Bidens ended their evening watching fireworks from a White House balcony. Trump did adhere to one tradition and left a personal note for Biden in the Oval Office.
Hollywood on the Potomac: A-list turns out for Biden-Harris
A full-throated, supremely confident Lady Gaga belted out the national anthem at President Joe Biden's inauguration in a very Gaga way — with flamboyance, fashion and passion. While stars mostly eschewed Trump's inauguration four years ago, the A-list was back for Biden. Brooks was careful to call his decision to perform on Wednesday non-political, and in the spirit of unity. He had performed during the inaugural celebration for Obama in 2009, but turned down a chance to perform for Trump in 2017, citing a scheduling conflict. Alone with his guitar, The Boss sang his “Land of Hope and Dreams” in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
Joe Biden takes the helm as president: ‘Democracy has prevailed’
President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill, walk out for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. We’ve learned again that democracy is precious and democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed," Biden declared in his speech. Both he, Harris and their spouses walked the last short part of the route to the White House after an abridged parade. At the Capitol earlier, Biden, like all those in attendance, wore a face mask except when speaking.
From Gaga to Garth, Miranda to Moreno: Celebs join inaugural
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)Like so much this past year, the inaugural celebration will be like no other: pared down, distanced, much of it virtual. But for actor Christopher Jackson — the original George Washington in Broadway's “Hamilton" — performing in a virtual “ball” is a way of participating in an essential rite of American democracy. Miranda will contribute a classical recitation, joining musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and Bon Jovi. The inaugural committee has made sure to blend this high-powered list with ordinary Americans and inspiring stories. And the “AAPI Inaugural Ball: Breaking Barriers” celebrated the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities with planned participants including actors Kal Penn, John Cho, Kumail Nanjiani and Chloe Bennet.
The Latest: Springsteen, Miranda set for inaugural gala
Iconic artists Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen are among the stars who will highlight a primetime virtual celebration televised Wednesday night following President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration. Biden’s inaugural committee announced the lineup Sunday for “Celebrating America,” a multinetwork broadcast that the committee bills as a mix of stars and everyday citizens. Musicians John Legend, Demi Lovato and Justin Timberlake, among others, will join Springsteen and Bon Jovi. The safeguards will remain in place leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday. Fencing, boarded-up windows and lines of police and National Guard troops have transformed statehouse grounds ahead of expected demonstrations leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday.
A record 39 holiday songs dominate Billboard Hot 100 chart
(Apple TV+ via AP)NEW YORK – Tis the season to be jolly: A record 39 holiday songs have dominated this week's Billboard Hot 100 chart, including nine holiday tunes in the Top 10. Other holiday songs in the Top 10 include Dean Martin's “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” at No. Some acts have multiple holiday songs on the chart, including Bing Crosby, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Bublé, Perry Como and Carrie Underwood. Here's a full list of the 39 holiday songs on this week's Billboard Hot 100 chart:— No. 8, Dean Martin, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow”— No.
New this week: 'Soul,' a Tom Hanks film & 'Bridgerton' on TV
This image released by Disney-Pixar shows the character 22, voiced by Tina Fey, left, and Joe Gardner, voiced by Jamie Foxx, in a scene from the animated film "Soul." But with more than half of U.S. theaters closed, two of the biggest movies of the year — “Soul” and “Wonder Woman 1984” — will be going straight to streaming. — Also arriving Christmas Day is “Wonder Woman 1984,” Patty Jenkins' sequel to her barrier-breaking 2017 film. With Gal Gadot returning, “Wonder Woman 1984” fast-forwards from 1918 to the “greed is good” decade. — AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy___Catch up on AP’s entertainment coverage here: https://apnews.com/apf-entertainment.
2020 indelible TV moments: Trebek, debate bluster and Floyd
Trebek made no secret of the fight with pancreatic cancer that claimed his life on Nov. 8. Here are a selection of the defining moments of 2020 from the perspective of The Associated Press' media and television writers. ALEX TREBEKThe “Jeopardy!” host made no secret of the fight with pancreatic cancer that ultimately claimed his life on Nov. 8. Millions of viewers will see the story resolved on their own time, creating countless individual moments rather than a communal one. The actors were conciliatory toward each other about what occurred during a marital separation, but Will Smith couldn’t resist revising his wife’s description.
In seismic shift, Warner Bros. to stream all 2021 films
This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Timothee Chalamet, left, and Rebecca Ferguson in a scene from the upcoming 2021 film "Dune." The move follows Warner Bros.' decision to put “Wonder Woman 1984” on HBO Max in December, along with a concurrent theatrical run. Warner Bros.' move amounts to an acknowledgement that any full rebound for theaters is still a year or more away. Warner Bros. confirmed the films will be available to subscribers with no further charge. After a rocky rollout, HBO Max said in October that nearly 9 million people were using HBO Max, though 29 million had access to the streaming service as part of their HBO subscriptions.
Ladies' night at Latin Grammys: Lafourcade, Rosalía win big
(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)NEW YORK – A year after Rosalía made history by becoming the first solo female performer in 13 years to win the top prize at the Latin Grammys, Natalia Lafourcade followed in her footsteps with a big win at the 2020 show. The Mexican singer won album of the year — a category dominated by male acts — on Thursday night with “Un Canto Por México, Vol. Lafourcade didn't attend the Latin Grammys, which aired live on Univision and featured a number of performances, most of them pre-taped due to the coronavirus pandemic. Grammy, Emmy and Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda kicked off the Latin Grammys with a strong message about Latin music. Speaking in Spanish and English, he said Latin music “unites all of us and makes us human.”“This is our night,” he added.
Ladies' night at Latin Grammys: Lafourcade, Rosalía win big
Lafourcade won three awards, tying Rosalia and Carlos Vives for most wins. The Mexican singer won album of the year — a category dominated by male acts — on Thursday night with “Un Canto Por México, Vol. Lafourcade won three awards at the show, tying Rosalía and Carlos Vives for most wins. Lafourcade didn't attend the Latin Grammys, which aired live on Univision and featured a number of performances, most of them pre-taped due to the coronavirus pandemic. Grammy, Emmy and Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda kicked off the Latin Grammys with a strong message about Latin music.
Research sheds light on Alexander Hamilton as slave owner
FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, file photo, a statue of Alexander Hamilton stands in Central Park in New York. A new research paper takes a swipe at the popular image of Alexander Hamilton as the abolitionist founding father, citing evidence that he was a slave trader and owner himself. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)ALBANY, N.Y. – A new research paper takes a swipe at the popular image of Alexander Hamilton as the abolitionist founding father, citing evidence he was a slave trader and owner himself. Hamilton is almost universally depicted as an abolitionist in popular modern works, from Ron Chernow’s 2004 biography, “Hamilton,” to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning show, “Hamilton: An American Musical.”But after poring over ledgers and correspondence of Hamilton and his wife, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, Serfilippi, who works at the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site in Albany, concluded that image falls short. Serfilippi said her research interest goes beyond debunking myths about Hamilton.
It was all a dream: Whitney, B.I.G. inducted into Rock Hall
are among the inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2020 class. (AP Photo)NEW YORK – In a normal year, the newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class would have hit the stage and perform the well-known songs that made them famous and helped them enter the prestigious organization. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s all-star group was inducted Saturday night in a taped HBO special that told the stories of Whitney Houston, Notorious B.I.G. As she inducted Houston into the Rock Hall, Grammy-winning singer Alicia Keys gave a beautiful, heartfelt speech about one of the best singers in pop history. The Notorious B.I.G.
Golden Globes group gives $5.1 million in grants
Kidman was among the entertainers who appeared to discuss the charities that benefit from HFPA grants. More than $5.1 million in funds were given to over 70 nonprofit organizations during the “HFPA Philanthropy: Empowering the Next Generation” virtual event on Tuesday. The event, formerly known as the Grants Banquet, celebrated some of the organizations with aspiring artists, filmmakers and storytellers. The organization is known for putting on the Golden Globes. Salma Hayek paid homage to the Las Fotos Project, a nonprofit organization that inspires teenage girls through photography.
Diddy, Springsteen among rock hall of fame guest list
FILE - In this Jan. 25, 2020, file photo, Sean Combs accepts the 2020 Industry Icon award at the Pre-Grammy Gala And Salute To Industry Icons in Beverly Hills, Calif. Combs will be among a star-studded guest list for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2020 induction. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)CLEVELAND – Sean “Diddy” Combs, Bruce Springsteen and Alicia Keys will be among a star-studded guest list for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2020 induction. The prestigious organization announced the guest list Thursday for the ceremony, which will debut Nov. 7 on HBO. Other guests will include Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Gwen Stefani, Charlize Theron, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Levine and Brad Paisley. The special guests will speak on how this year’s inductees impacted their personal life and careers.
A sweep for ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ ‘Succession’ tops Emmy Awards
(The Television Academy and ABC Entertainment via AP)LOS ANGELES – “Schitt's Creek,” the little Canadian show about a fish-out-of-water family, made history at Sunday's Emmy Awards with a comedy awards sweep, something even TV greats including “Frasier” and “Modern Family” failed to achieve. The awards for Pop TV's “Schitt's Creek” included best comedy series and trophies for its stars, including Catherine O'Hara and father-son Eugene and Daniel Levy. Moments later, his son won the award for comedy writing for “Schitt's Creek” episode, then shared a directing award and captured the supporting actor comedy trophy. As “Schitt’s Creek” gobbled up comedy awards, that left acclaimed “Insecure” and its creator Issa Rae empty-handed. But Black stories, Black performances and Black Lives Matter,” he said, urging Kimmel to shout with him.
Emmy show will include $2.8M donation to fight child hunger
LOS ANGELES – Every Emmy Award handed out Sunday will come with something extra — a $100,000 donation to fight child hunger. The Television Academy announced Friday that each network and streaming service competing on the telecast has pledged the donation for every Emmy they win. With 23 Emmys being handed out and the academy committing $500,000, that will mean a donation of $2.8 million to No Kid Hungry, a group working to relieve child hunger brought on by the coronavirus crisis. The 72nd Emmy Awards air Sunday at 5 p.m. on ABC. Guests set to appear include Anthony Anderson, Mindy Kaling, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Patrick Stuart, RuPaul and Oprah Winfrey.
Rivera, Estefan, Miranda to star in digital benefit show
NEW YORK Chita Rivera, Gloria Estefan, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Thala will headline a benefit digital concert in October to celebrate Latino culture and achievement in theater. Hear Our Voices will be held online Oct. 1 and will be hosted by Andra Burns. It's going to pay attention to the present and look to the future, said Trujillo, who said the themes will explore Latin representation, inclusion and diversity. Additional attendees include Lucie Arnaz, Melissa Barrera, Jaime Camil, Florencia Cuenca, Ral Esparza, Mandy Gonzalez, Ral Gonzalez, Ivan Hernandez, Ariana DeBose, Mauricio Martinez, Bianca Marroqun, Shereen Pimentel, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Philippa Stefani, Anglica Vale, Robin de Jesus and Ana Villafae. The concert will be broadcast on Playbill.com, Playbills YouTube Channel and on The Broadway Leagues Viva.Broadway website.
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival goes virtual in its 29th year
LOS ANGELES The annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival is going virtual with help from Tiffany Haddish, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Margaret Cho, Weird Al Yankovic and more than two-dozen others working in the realm of humor. The festival, presented by the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, will stream conversations with the artists over three weekends, starting Friday and running through Aug. 30. Other pairings include Cho with host and fellow comedian Judy Gold (10 p.m. EDT Friday); Haddish with comedian Flame Monroe (8 p.m. EDT Aug. 22); political satirist Mark Russell with Lewis Black (8 p.m. EDT Aug. 28). The 29th annual festival will pay tribute to Carl Reiner, the filmmaker and creator of The Dick Van Dyke Show who died in June. A rare Reiner interview from the center's archives will be shown at 8 p.m. EDT Aug. 30, with humorist Paula Poundstone hosting.
New this week: 'Psych,' The Chicks album, '30 Rock' reunited
Heres a collection curated by The Associated Press entertainment journalists of whats arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called it essential to Miranda disciples. After the film's June debut was postponed in solidarity with Black Lives Matter protests, it lands on Hulu on Friday. AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSIC The Chicks: After changing their name and recording their first album in 14 years, Grammy-winning country trio The Chicks will release their new album, Gaslighter, on Friday. AP Music Editor Mesfin FekaduTELEVISIONThe documentary Showbiz Kids promises a candid look at the high risk, high reward careers of child actors, with perspective from those who have been there.
How many people saw 'Hamilton'? For now, that's a secret
(Disney Plus via AP)NEW YORK Disney+'s streaming of Hamilton was surely the biggest event on television screens over the holiday weekend. Hamilton is the poster boy for how the science of measurement is not keeping up with how entertainment content is being consumed. For example, Fox News Channel drew 5.7 million viewers on Friday night when it showed President Donald Trump speaking at Mount Rushmore. CBS had 3.3 million, ABC had 2.3 million, Univision had 1.4 million, Fox had 1.3 million, ION Television had 1 million and Telemundo had 820,000. ABC's World News Tonight led the evening newscasts with an average of 8.9 million viewers.
5 musicals that should be filmed for a streaming network since Broadway is still closed
Considering Disney+ saw a 72% increase in downloads of its app over the weekend, it’s safe to say that bringing musicals filmed on stage to a mass audience is a pretty good idea. Some will argue that theater is meant to be consumed live, but with so much uncertainty about when Broadway will return, it’s not a bad idea to start filming more Broadway musicals and plays for streaming networks. While it’s still a wildly popular musical, fans have been begging for some sort of movie version for years. Disney’s most popular and long-running show on Broadway is “The Lion King,” and it’s hard to imagine the people wouldn’t love to watch a filmed version of this production. Do you plan to watch “Hamilton?” Are there any musicals you’d like to see from the comfort of your home?
What you need to know before streaming ‘Hamilton’ on Disney+ over the weekend
Since there’s likely to be a good chunk of people who will watch “Hamilton” over the weekend who’ve probably never seen it before, here is a quick rundown of what you need to know before experiencing the phenomenon. The “Hamilton” on Disney+ is a filmed version of the show, not a movie. It’s easy to call the version of “Hamilton” coming out on Disney+ a movie, but technically, it’s the stage version, filmed. An actual movie version of “Hamilton” will probably happen eventually, but this is a great way to really capture the magic of the stage version of the show. And because the people at Disney are incredibly smart, free trials of the streaming service have ended, so if you want to watch, you’re going to have to sign up.
New this week: Willie Nelson, Nick race special, 'Hamilton'
This cover image released by Legacy Recordings shows "First Rose of Spring," the latest album by WIllie Nelson, available on July 3. The PG-13 film was shot in summer 2016 over two Hamilton performances with the original cast, and it comes complete with an intermission. The legend Willie Nelson will release his 70th studio album, First Rose of Spring, on Friday. AP Music Editor Mesfin FekaduTELEVISIONAlicia Keys hosts Kids, Race and Unity, a Nick News special aimed at helping children understand the crisis facing America. The special debuts 7 p.m. EDT Monday on Nickelodeon, TeenNick, and Nicktoons and online on sites including Nickelodeon YouTube.
Hamilton movie trailer released ahead of Disney+ premiere
Walt Disney Studios has released the trailer for the film version of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton.Tickets for the Broadway production were incredibly hard to get, but fans will soon be able to enjoy the movie version from the comfort of their own homes. It's set to premiere on Disney+ on July 3. It shows a montage of scenes set to a mash-up of the show's opening number, "Alexander Hamilton," and "Satisfied." Miranda posted the film trailer on Twitter along with the caption, "May you always be satisfied." The studio opted to release the film early on its subscription streaming service amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Lin Miranda doc postponed out of solidarity with protesters
NEW YORK Just two days before it was to begin streaming, We Are Freestyle Love Supreme," a documentary about the hip-hop improv group with Lin-Manuel Miranda and friends, has postponed its release out of solidarity with protesters. The group announced the postponement Wednesday, citing that our collective attention is turned toward more pressing concerns. Today our country, our world struggles to reach an end to this systemic racial injustice, intolerance, police brutality and hate, Freestyle Love Supreme said in a statement on Twitter. "We are for the freedom of expression, creativity, inclusion, equality, and most of all, love, the group said. The film captures the group reuniting for a Broadway run that concluded earlier this year.