Melania Trump has wrapped up her first year as First Lady with the global release of a documentary titled "Melania." This film explores the crucial 20 days leading up to her and former President Donald Trump's return to the White House. The documentary premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Thursday, just a day prior to its worldwide theatrical release. Director Brett Ratner emphasized that he will not assess the film's success based on box office performance, as documentaries typically do not achieve massive financial success. Melania Trump has indicated that the documentary provides a rare glimpse into her life during the lead-up to the 2025 inauguration.
The Sundance Film Festival, renowned for showcasing independent films, is coming to an end this weekend in Park City, Utah. This year's festival has been notable as it prepares to shift to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. An emotional highlight included a special screening of "Little Miss Sunshine," featuring a reunion of filmmakers and cast members after 20 years. The festival has emphasized the importance of discovery, with about 40% of its slate consisting of first-time feature filmmakers. Noteworthy films included Olivia Wilde’s "The Invite," which ignited a bidding war, and Adrian Chiarella’s "Leviticus," which was acquired by Neon. The festival will conclude on Sunday.
On the eve of the 2026 Grammy Awards, Spotify hosted its annual pre-Grammy party in West Hollywood, California, showcasing all nominees for Best New Artist. The event featured performances by artists like Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, Katseye, Addison Rae, The Marías, sombr, and Alex Warren. Each artist performed three to four songs, captivating an audience comprised of both new listeners and dedicated fans. The dynamic stage setup kept attendees guessing which artist would perform next, enhancing the overall excitement of the night.
The 2026 Grammy Awards are expected to return to a sense of normalcy following last year’s focus on wildfire relief efforts. Harvey Mason Jr., the Recording Academy CEO and President, has teased viewers with promises of history-making moments. The award show is set to air live on CBS at 8 PM Eastern on Sunday, with the Paramount+ Premium plan allowing subscribers to stream it as well. All nominees for Best New Artist will perform, and the in memoriam segment will feature tributes to D'Angelo, Roberta Flack, and Ozzy Osbourne with multiple performers. Presenters confirmed for the event include Doechii and Harry Styles.
As the uncertain year of 2026 unfolds, nostalgia for 2016 has become a viral trend on social media. Many people, especially in their 20s and 30s, are sharing throwback photos from 2016, reminiscing about a time marked by a carefree spirit and iconic artists like Beyoncé, Drake, and Rihanna. This nostalgic wave highlights how cultural memories can shape current sentiments, prompting many to reflect on a seemingly simpler era.
Following its live programming, the Sundance Film Festival has made many of its featured films available for streaming. That includes Channing Tatum’s drama "Josephine," available online through the festival's website. Streaming has remained popular post-COVID-19, allowing audiences to watch films from home. All films from the main competition categories are accessible for a fee of $35 each, benefitting the Sundance Institute's initiatives, while a few films remain unavailable due to distribution contracts.
In a unique twist, the Detroit Opera is set to present "Symphonic P-Funk," an orchestral showcase of the greatest hits by George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. This special event will take place at the Detroit Opera House on Saturday, featuring 47 musicians, including a full string section and harp. Clinton has acknowledged that a classical rendition of his music was something he anticipated would happen eventually, blending classical instrumentation with funk classics in a groundbreaking performance.
The anticipation for the 2026 Grammy Awards also includes predictions from artists and critics alike. Kendrick Lamar leads the nominees, but Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, and several other contenders are poised to make their mark. AP Music Writer Maria Sherman and Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. have analyzed the races across genres, expressing expectations for victories for Lamar, Lady Gaga, Rosé, and Bruno Mars, while also highlighting the tight competition within country, Latin, and pop categories. The awards will be hosted at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and can be streamed on Paramount+.
Meanwhile, the National Film Registry has announced its new inductees, showcasing a range of timeless classics. Among the 25 films added are "Clueless," "The Karate Kid," "Inception," and Wes Anderson’s "The Grand Budapest Hotel." The films span from a silent film from 1896 to modern cinematic hits. A selection of these movies will be featured on a Turner Classic Movies special airing on March 19th, celebrating their cultural significance and historical impact.
