Lang Lang had to age like red wine before releasing a complete set of Beethoven piano concertos

Star Chinese pianist Lang Lang has recorded all five Beethoven piano concertos after more than 25 years on the classical music circuit. Deutsche Grammophon announced on Friday the release for March 5, featuring recordings with conductor Andris Nelsons and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. The release coincides with the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's death. Lang Lang, known for his crossover appeal, has collaborated with artists like Sting and Metallica. He says he feels more mature now, influenced by past recordings and experiences.

Rosalía wins album of the year 2026 at the Latin Grammy Awards for 'Lux,' capping a thrilling night

Rosalía has won album and song of the year at the 27th annual Latin Grammy Awards. She also opened the Thursday night show. Juanes won the first award for best pop/rock album. Performers at this year’s bash included Karol G, Anitta, Jorge Drexler and Silvana Estrada. The 2026 Latin Grammy Awards’ person of the year was Daddy Yankee. He became the first Latin urbano artist to receive the honor. He ripped through his biggest hits an hour into the evening, treating the award show stage like a stadium floor. Edgar Barrera became the most awarded person in the show’s history with 30 career wins.

Darth Vader's light saber used in ‘I am your father’ duel sells for nearly $5 million

A light saber used by Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” movies “The Empire Strikes Back” and ”Return of the Jedi” sold Thursday for nearly $5 million in an auction. Heritage Auctions said that light saber sold for $4.875 million at the Ultimate Star Wars auction and that the sale marks a world auction record for any “Star Wars” collectible. Heritage Auctions said the sale also established a new auction record for a screen-used “Star Wars” prop, shooting past their $3.75 million July auction sale of Luke Skywalker’s light saber and severed hand-effects rig from “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Adam Driver on 'Paper Tiger' and gaming the Hollywood system

NEW YORK (AP) — From the moment he swans in with takeout from Peter Luger and dances a few impromptu steps with Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver looks and moves differently in James Gray’s “Paper Tiger.” Driver’s performance has been called one of his very best. And it follows a period of reexamination on screen and off for the 42-year-old actor. Driver has been trying to redefine what he can control behind the camera. Last autumn, Driver revealed that he and Steven Soderbergh had spent two years working on a Ben Solo “Star Wars” film that The Walt Disney Co. ultimately nixed. Increasingly, Driver has pushed back against what films Hollywood is willing to bankroll.

Movie Review: Johnny Depp’s dour 'Ebenezer' is a horror-tinged holiday slog

Johnny Depp takes on Ebenezer Scrooge in the new film "Ebenezer," hoping to add a unique twist to the classic tale. Director Ti West uses modern horror elements to revamp Charles Dickens' story. Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy says Depp's portrayal includes oddball character traits, reminiscent of his past roles, but with a darker twist. The film features eerie scenes, like street lamps going out and graveyard zombies, but also unexpected moments, like a cast performance of "Silent Night." Despite its creative attempts, the movie struggles to find its footing or say anything new. "Ebenezer" is rated PG-13 and releases on Friday.

Godzilla returns in special-effects glory in the latest movie with an anti-war message

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s most famous monster is back in “Godzilla Minus Zero” in all its fire-breathing, stomping glory, delivering its trademark allegorical message of the destruction of nuclear war and the pathos of human folly. Takashi Yamazaki, the director, writer and head of special effects, told The Associated Press in an interview that Godzilla is “a metaphor for war and nuclear weapons,” reflecting the uncertainties in people's hearts. Yamazaki also directed “Godzilla Minus One,” released three years ago, which won the Oscar for best visual effects. The new movie is proving to be a huge hit, topping $31.6 million over the opening weekend, a record debut for a foreign-language film at the North American box office.

Gram Parsons celebrated in song by Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello on eve of his Rock Hall induction

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Gram Parsons, the country-rock pioneer, is being honored with a musical tribute as he enters the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 53 years after his death. Artists like Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris performed his songs Wednesday night at the Troubadour club in Los Angeles. Harris, who had a brief but impactful partnership with Parsons, sang “Love Hurts” and other classics. Parsons, who died in 1973, is credited with influencing the country-rock genre. His daughter, Polly Parsons, emphasized his lasting impact on alternative country and Americana music.

Maika Monroe shows how much more than 'Scream Queen' she is in 'Victorian Psycho'

CANNES, France (AP) — After years spent fleeing serial killers and worse, Maika Monroe is on the offensive. In the gothic thriller “Victorian Psycho,” she plays a deranged governess. On the surface, the movie appears to extend Monroe’s reputation as the preeminent “Scream Queen” of her generation thanks to movies like “It Follows” and “Longlegs.” Bodies get bloody in “Victorian Psycho,” too, but Monroe’s deranged protagonist is hysterically funny as she finally turns the tables in this gleefully morbid gothic thriller. Maiko told The Associated Press that this is the character she enjoyed the most. “Victorian Psycho” opens in theaters Friday.

Longtime NBC Sports announcer Dan Hicks dies at 64

Sportscaster Dan Hicks, who was the voice of golf, Olympic swimming and Notre Dame football during a 35-year career at NBC Sports, has died. He was 64. Hicks was best known as the lead announcer for golf, as well as swimming and skiing at the Olympics and Notre Dame football. He joined NBC in 1992 following three years at CNN. Hicks died in Connecticut late Wednesday. He died of an acute illness, according to his wife, Hannah Storm. He had been scheduled to call Notre Dame’s game Saturday.

Dan Hicks shared the TV stage in golf and got plenty in return. Expect anything different?

Dan Hicks is being remembered as a TV broadcaster who made sure every voice was heard. And he got plenty in return. Roger Maltbie worked with Hicks nearly his entire career and says he was inclusive and respectful. Hicks died Wednesday of an acute illness. Paul Azinger says it leaves a void in golf because Hicks never got cheated out of being happy every day. Hicks is most famous for his “Expect anything different?” call when Tiger Woods made a clutch putt to force a playoff in the 2008 U.S. Open. Hicks also called Olympic swimming and Notre Dame football.