Los Javis storm global cinema with 'La Bola Negra.' It might mean Oscar glory for Netflix

NEW YORK (AP) — “La Bola Negra,” a $15 million Spanish queer epic, is expected to challenge “The Odyssey” for best picture. Netflix is giving “La Bola Negra” a 46-day exclusive run in cinemas, the longest ever for the streamer, and is pushing the movie for the Academy Awards. For its glamorous directors, Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo -- the writing-directing duo known as “Los Javis” -- it’s been a head-spinning rise. Their film, about the interconnected lives of three gay men across a century of history, has been widely acclaimed since its rapturous response at the Cannes Film Festival. It opens in theaters Friday before streaming next month on Netflix.

Kelly Clarkson and a Brooklyn store clashed on social media. Behind it, power dynamics loomed

NEW YORK (AP) — Kelly Clarkson's recent dispute with a Brooklyn store highlights the power dynamics between celebrities and everyday people. Over the weekend, Clarkson visited Art of Play, a store offering books, games, and magic shows. She later posted on social media, claiming she was judged as if she couldn’t afford a high-priced mechanical bird, leading to a negative interaction. The store responded, saying the item wasn't for sale and they offered alternatives, which Clarkson disputed. Since her post, the store has faced online backlash and even in-person confrontations.

Lena Dunham to bring back 'Girls' for a 5-episode run on HBO 10 years after its finale

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Girls” will return for a limited five-episode run a decade after its finale. HBO announced Tuesday that creator and star Lena Dunham will return along with key cast members Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet and Andrew Rannells. Judd Apatow will return as executive producer. The announcement makes no mention of Adam Driver returning to the cast. The show will begin production in 2027, 10 years after the finale of the generational series that ran for six seasons from 2012-2017. Dunham said in a statement that she would only bring the show back if there were a specific story that had to be told.

Greta Gerwig debuts first look at an epic, full-hearted 'Narnia' for Netflix — and the big screen

NEW YORK (AP) — Greta Gerwig has debuted a first look at “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew" that offers a full-hearted adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ allegorical adventure. Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” scores the trailer. Both were released online Tuesday. Gerwig unveiled the trailer at an IMAX event in New York where she discussed her “Barbie” follow-up with Stephen Colbert. Netflix is giving the film a wide theatrical release starting Feb. 12 and streaming available on April 2. It’s one of Netflix’s most ambitious films with its $280 million budget. Meryl Streep voicing the lion Aslan also sparks some debate. Gerwig describes the story as a spiritual quest.

New White House press secretary's debut: Brief, limited questions and some harsh reviews

The new press secretary for Donald Trump’s White House stepped to the podium. The eyes of a packed room of journalists — and many in their audiences — were upon her. Like her predecessor before her, she smiled broadly at the sea of faces both probing and friendly. With that, Katie Zacharia went live and became the official voice of the most powerful human being in the world. Fourteen minutes and just three questioners later, she was done. It was clear that the former commentator accomplished at least one thing: She put the “brief” back in briefing.

Selma Blair accused of attacking 2 flight attendants and assaulting a police officer and nurse

NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Selma Blair has been arrested after she was accused of injuring two flight attendants on a trip from Los Angeles to New York. She has also been charged with two counts of assault for allegedly kicking a police officer and a nurse after the flight. She has pleaded not guilty to those two charges, and faces more for the events of the flight. Authorities said Monday that Blair was detained late Sunday after the Delta Air Lines jet landed in New York. A Blair representative told The Associated Press that the actor had a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct.

Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis gets 40 years to life in prison for orchestrating the murder of Tupac Shakur

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Duane “Keffe D” Davis has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the murder of rap icon Tupac Shakur. Jurors convicted Davis of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon in late August. A Nevada judge handed down the sentence Tuesday. Shakur was struck in a drive-by shooting off the Las Vegas Strip in September 1996. The case went unsolved for decades. It was revived as Davis gave interviews and wrote a tell-all memoir about his role in the shooting. He later denied playing a part in it.

Dolly Parton's nephew denies threatening to harm her estate, pushes back against restraining order

Dolly Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, has filed a court response to a restraining order from Parton's longtime manager, Danny Nozell. Seaver claims the order is based on misrepresented text messages between friends. He says Nozell encouraged him to promote his security company's military ties, then used them against him. Seaver denies threatening Parton's businesses or partners. The restraining order was granted in September and restricts Seaver from properties and employees of the Parton estate. Seaver argues that the order is too broad and affects his life in Nashville and his family relationships. The dispute became public weeks after Parton's death on Aug. 25.

Alex Gibney’s ‘Musk’ has already gotten under Elon Musk’s skin. It goes nationwide this week

VENICE, Italy (AP) — Elon Musk has been vocal against Alex Gibney's documentary “Musk,” calling the filmmaker names like “idiot” and “horrible human.” The film opened in select theaters this weekend and goes nationwide on Friday. Despite Musk's criticism, he reportedly hasn't seen the film. The documentary's distributor, Bleecker Street, is facing challenges in advertising on platforms like X and TikTok. Gibney, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker who spent nearly four years making the film, explores Musk's rise and influence. The film includes interviews with Musk's family and associates and uses artificial intelligence to create a computer-generated Musk.

RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' actor and disability rights champion, dies at 34

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Breaking Bad” actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte has died at age 34. According to authorities and his representatives, Mitte was declared dead Monday in Brownsville, Texas. His representatives said that he died by suicide. Mitte was known for his role as Walter White Jr. on the acclaimed AMC show. He drew from his own experience living with cerebral palsy to bring authenticity to the role. His representatives said he used his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities. “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston said he is in “deep despair” for the loss of his TV son.