President Donald Trump awarded medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during a ceremony held in the Oval Office. The recipients included celebrated figures from various entertainment genres: actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the iconic rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford. Trump praised this group as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled.”
As the ceremony took place, music from Gaynor and Kiss played on a sound system located in the Rose Garden patio, where reporters waited to enter. Later that evening, Trump was set to join the honorees for a traditional dinner at the State Department, celebrating their contributions to American culture.
Controversies and Arrests in the Entertainment World
In a separate event, American playwright Jeremy O. Harris, known for his Tony-nominated work *Slave Play*, was arrested in Japan on November 16, 2025. Harris faced charges of smuggling ecstasy, specifically 0.0275 ounces of MDMA, found in his tote bag at Naha Airport in Okinawa. He had been traveling from London via Taiwan for a sightseeing trip. Authorities suspect the drugs were for personal use and are continuing their investigations. Harris’ representatives have yet to comment on the situation. Under Japanese law, suspects can be held for up to 23 days before an indictment, and drug smuggling can lead to lengthy prison sentences.
Meanwhile, Olivia Nuzzi, the West Coast editor for *Vanity Fair*, is parting ways with the magazine amid controversy surrounding her past coverage of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. Nuzzi and the publication announced on Friday that they have mutually agreed to let her contract expire at the end of the year. The situation escalated following revelations about her personal relationship with Kennedy, who currently heads the Department of Health and Human Resources. Nuzzi’s previous profile of Kennedy did not disclose their connection, raising questions about journalistic integrity.
Upcoming Releases and Reflections in Film
In film news, Pope Leo XIV is set to release his first full-length book in the United States titled *Peace Be with You! My Words to the Church and to the World*, scheduled for publication on February 26, 2026. The book will feature sermons and addresses delivered since his election in May and aims to present a vision for peace and reconciliation in today’s fractured world. The title echoes his inaugural remarks as pope from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
On the cinematic front, actor George Clooney stars in the new film *Jay Kelly*, which begins streaming on Netflix this Friday. Clooney portrays a movie star reflecting on fame and personal regrets. Co-written and directed by Noah Baumbach, the film features a notable cast including Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Billy Crudup. The actors engaged in shadowing professionals from their respective fields to authentically portray their characters, adding depth to their performances.
In broader entertainment industry developments, Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. has stirred discussions regarding the future of theatrical releases. Warner Bros. is one of Hollywood’s oldest and most influential studios, currently responsible for three of the top five earning films domestically. As Netflix plans to support theatrical releases while potentially shortening exclusive windows, the impact on filmmakers and cinema is still unfolding.
Finally, the world mourns the loss of groundbreaking architect Frank Gehry, who passed away at the age of 96. Gehry was celebrated for his innovative designs, including the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. His passing marks the end of an era for contemporary architecture, as he leaves behind a legacy defined by his distinctive style and influence.
