SummaryBrief-Entertainment

By Canadian Press on January 30, 2026.

—

Melania Trump’s documentary premières at the Kennedy Center ahead of global release

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump is capping her first year after becoming first lady again with the global release of a documentary about the 20 days before she and President Donald Trump returned to the White House. The Kennedy Center in Washington hosted a screening for the movie, “Melania,” on Thursday, one day before its release in theatres worldwide. Director Brett Ratner says he won’t measure success by how it does at the box office, because documentaries traditionally are not “huge box office smashes.” Melania Trump says the film offers rare insight into her life in the run-up to the 2025 inauguration.

—

The Sundance Film Festival’s big moments and breakout movies

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The last Sundance Film Festival in Utah is drawing to a close this weekend. The Park City gathering has been a nostalgic farewell, as it moves to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. A Wednesday night screening of “Little Miss Sunshine” was especially emotional, with filmmakers and actors reuniting after 20 years. The festival has focused on discovery, with first-time feature filmmakers making up about 40 per cent of the slate. Highlights included Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite,” which sparked a bidding war, and Adrian Chiarella’s “Leviticus,” acquired by Neon. The festival runs through Sunday.

—

Katseye, Addison Rae, Lola Young and more light up pre-Grammy Spotify showcase

LOS ANGELES (AP) — All of the 2026 Grammy Awards best new artists nominees have taken the stage at Spotify’s annual pre-Grammy Party in Los Angeles. The event Thursday night was held at the Lot at Formosa in West Hollywood. The lineup included Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, Katseye, Addison Rae, The Marías, sombr and Alex Warren. The event spotlighted up-and-coming talent across genres and backgrounds. Each act ran through three to four songs. They introduced themselves to an audience built of new listeners and dedicated fans in seemingly equal measure. The stage rotated to reveal another backline and leaving the audience closest to the stage to guess who would emerge next.

—

What to know about the 2026 Grammys

NEW YORK (AP) — This year’s Grammys mark a return to normalcy after the 2025 award show was altered to focus on supporting wildfire relief efforts. Recording Academy CEO and President Harvey Mason jr. says viewers can expect history-making moments. The main show will air live on C-B-S beginning at 8 p-m Eastern Sunday. Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers will be able to stream live as well. All eight best new artist nominees will perform. The in memoriam segment will feature multiple performers and special tributes to D’Angelo, Roberta Flack and Ozzy Osbourne. Doechii and Harry Styles are the first confirmed presenters.

—

As an uncertain 2026 begins, virtual journeys back to 2016 become a trend

LONDON (AP) — The year is 2016. Somehow, it feels carefree, driven by internet culture. Everyone is wearing over-the-top makeup. At least, that’s how Maren Nævdal, 27, remembers it — and has seen it on her social feeds in recent days. For Njeri Allen, also 27, the year was defined by the artists topping the charts that year, from Beyoncé to Drake to Rihanna’s last music releases. These days, a lot of people, particularly those in their ’20s and ’30s, are thinking about 2016. Over the past few weeks, millions have been sharing throwback photos from that time on social media, kicking off one of the first viral trends of the year — the year 2026, that is.

—

The Sundance Film Festival is now streaming. Here’s how, and what, to watch

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Many films from the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, are available to stream online starting Thursday through the weekend. This includes the Channing Tatum drama “Josephine.” Streaming became popular during COVID-19 and remains a beloved option. You can watch on your computer or T-V through the Sundance Film Festival website. All feature films in the main competitions are available, including “Josephine,” “Carousel,” and “The Musical.” Some films, like “The Moment” and “The AI Doc,” won’t be streaming due to existing distribution deals. Streaming costs 35-dollars per film, benefiting the Sundance Institute’s programs.

—

Detroit Opera orchestra to set George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic hits to classical music

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Opera is showcasing Parliament-Funkadelic in a new way. George Clinton’s and P-Funk’s greatest hits will be performed by an orchestra. The event, titled “Symphonic PFunk-Celebrating the Music of Parliament Funkadelic,” takes place Saturday at the Detroit Opera House. Violins, cellos, horns, and more will bring some of the group’s classics to life. The 84-year-old Clinton says going classical is something he has been expecting to happen at some point with the group’s music. Detroit Opera has assembled 47 players, including a full string section and a harp, to perform these iconic tunes.

—

Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, K-pop and more: AP predicts who will win at the 2026 Grammys

Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammys nominee pack, but Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny and others are vying for their moment in the spotlight. But who will take home trophies on Sunday? Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman and Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. break down the close races for Grammy glory. They predict victories for Lamar, Lady Gaga, Rosé and Bruno Mars. They also expect close genre races across country, Latin and pop. The 68th Grammy Awards will be held February 1st at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and air on C-B-S and stream on Paramount-plus.

—

The biggest surprise at Paris couture? It got wearable

PARIS (AP) — Paris couture has taken a lighter, more down-to-earth approach this season, focusing on restraint with impact. Major debuts at Chanel, Dior, and Armani Privé emphasized clothes that are both miraculous up close and wearable. Transparency was a key theme, showcasing craft without nakedness. Chanel opened with a classic skirt suit in blush organza, while Dior paired sheer tanks with embroidered skirts. Armani Privé featured organza shirts and ties. Designers leaned into nature motifs, using them as symbols of freedom and transformation. The week also saw couture moving toward everyday wear, with relaxed suiting and softer tailoring.

—

As if! ‘Clueless,’ ‘The Karate Kid,’ ‘Inception’ among 25 movies entering National Film Registry

As if they’d leave “Clueless” off the list. Amy Heckerling’s 1995 teen comedy is one of 25 classic movies chosen this year by the Library of Congress for its National Film Registry. The films chosen range from an 1896 silent film to Wes Anderson’s 2014 “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Among them: “The Karate Kid,” “Glory,” “Inception,” “Philadelphia,” “Before Sunrise,” “The Incredibles” and “Frida.” From old Hollywood, there are the 1954 musical “White Christmas,” and the 1956 “High Society.” Turner Classic Movies will host a T-V special on March 19th to screen a selection of the films.

—

The Canadian Press

34
-33