The choices on the movie marquee this weekend included Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, a film about Donald Trump, a “Saturday Night Live” origin story and even Pharrell Williams as a Lego.

“Joker” is a hard act to follow.

Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door” won the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion award Saturday.

Ridley Scott calls his upcoming Roman epic “Gladiator II” his best film.

Five years after “Joker” won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival, director Todd Phillips can’t help but be a little nervous about returning with its sequel.

The seasonal differences of the movie calendar have eroded a little bit with time.

After $1 billion at the box office, 11 Oscar nominations and two major wins, including for Joaquin Phoenix, it’s easy to forget the handwringing over “Joker.”.

The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival has begun, with major Hollywood films and stars arriving in Italy.

Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars are getting ready to descend on the Venice Film Festival this week, from George Clooney and Angelina Jolie to Lady Gaga, Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman and Joaquin Phoenix.

Five years after “Joker” won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival, filmmaker Todd Phillips is returning with the sequel.

Warner Bros.

This week’s new streaming entertainment releases include Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” storming Apple TV+, East meets West in feudal Japan with the kick-off of the series “Shogun,” and Disney+'s animated series “Iwájú” offers a coming-of-age story set in the future in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Walt Disney Co.’s “Wish” had been expected to rule the Thanksgiving weekend box office, but moviegoers instead feasted on leftovers, as “The Hunger Games: Songbirds and Snakes” led ticket sales for the second weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Sony chairman and CEO Tom Rothman did not hold back on the opening night of CinemaCon.

In Ari Aster’s new film “Beau is Afraid,” Joaquin Phoenix plays an anxious man in a rotten world who goes on a wildly weird journey, both Homeric and Oedipal, to his mother’s home.

Ari Aster really doesn’t want to talk about “Beau Is Afraid.”.

“The Super Mario Bros.

Crews for the “The Joker” sequel have been facing the possibility that filming in New York could be disrupted by real-life protests over the Trump case.

Anne Heche remains on life support and under evaluation for organ donation.

Actor Anne Heche is in the hospital after a fiery crash in Los Angeles.

The Academy Awards have always loved a comeback story.

Christmas may be over, but a feast of movies and television shows arrive next week.

The latest attempt to revive “Ghostbusters” has drawn a sizable audience to movie theaters while the awards darling “King Richard" is struggling.

It may have been the most abrupt ending since that cut-to-black final shot of “The Sopranos.”.

Anthony Hopkins has honored the late Chadwick Boseman after winning the best actor Oscar, hailing his fellow performer as a man “taken from us far too early.”.

Anthony Hopkins has won his first Oscar since he was victorious for playing Hannibal Lecter.

Dozens of celebrities including actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Jane Fonda and Joaquin Phoenix are calling on U.S. President Joe Biden to refrain from signing any environmental agreement with his Brazilian counterpart, Jair Bolsonaro.

The Oscars are aiming to be more like a movie than a television show and enlisting A-list stars like Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, Halle Berry and Reese Witherspoon to help.

This image released by Altitude shows, from left, Kosar Ali, Ruby Stokes and Bukky Bakray in a scene from "Rocks." Much like previous Academy Awards controversies, last year's nominations by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts were denounced for their all-male directing nominees and all-white acting nominees, a backlash that spawned a #BaftasSoWhite hashtag. The British academy responded with a seven-month review. Also nominated are Lee Isaac Chung for the family drama “Minari” and Thomas Vinterberg for the Danish dark comedy “Another Round.”More films were nominated, too. ___AP's Hilary Fox contributed to this report from London___Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP

She’s only the second woman in the history of the Globes to win, and the first since Barbra Streisand won for “Yentl” in 1984. Its star, guerilla comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, also won best actor in a comedy. “The Queen's Gambit” won best limited series, and best actress in the category for Anya Taylor-Joy. “Schitt's Creek,” the Pop TV series that found a wider audience on Netflix, won best comedy series for its final season. Catherine O'Hara also took best actress in a comedy series.

This combination photo shows, from left, Awkwafina, Cynthia Erivo, Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Wiig and Renee Zellweger, who are among the first presenters announced for the Golden Globes awards ceremony. (AP Photo)LOS ANGELES – “Barb and Star” are headed to the Golden Globes — actors Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo will be among the presenters at the upcoming ceremony. Wiig and Mumolo's latest film, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” was released last week and some are already calling the campy film a cult classic. She’s won Golden Globes for her acting “Klute,” “Julia” and “Coming Home.”Norman Lear will be honored with the Carol Burnett Award, a counterpart to the DeMille Award that focuses on life achievement in television. Netflix dominated the nominations earlier this month, with its film “Mank” and its television series “The Crown” the leading nominees.

on Aug. 31, 2020, actor Chadwick Boseman in character as T'Challa in "Black Panther" and 10-year old twins Lenny, left, and Bobby Homes paying tribute to Boseman at their home in in Mesa, Ariz. on Aug. 31, 2020. (Takiyah Dupas, Marvel Studios, Annalie Homes via AP)And now, for our annual look at the year in pop culture…. Truth is, people turned to culture of all kinds in 2020 — highbrow and lowbrow — to satisfy varied and sometimes conflicting needs: Distraction, inspiration, consolation, escapism, hope. A Broadway star serenaded health workers from his apartment window, and ballet dancers performed “Swan Lake” from their bathtubs. The world mourns an actor of immense talent who, like many of his characters, radiated a regal sense of dignity.

LONDON – Britain’s film academy is shaking up its membership and its awards voting rules in a review prompted by the glaring lack of diversity in the nominations. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts promised to change after contenders for the 2020 awards were announced last January. The measures include recruiting 1,000 new members from under-represented groups to join the current 6,700-strong voting academy of film-industry professionals. The academy has also changed the rules for the British Academy Film Awards, introducing a new “longlist” round in the voting before the selection of the final nominees. For the best film prize, academy members will choose a 15-film longlist that all members must watch before voting for the winner.

(CNN) - "Joker," the gritty comic book film about the origins of the crazed Batman villain, has become the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. "R-Rated box office congratulatory posts aren't like the ones you're used to," Reynolds tweeted with a photo of Phoenix's Joker dancing above names of characters from other successful R-rated films like "It" and "Ted." The film may be the highest-grossing R-rated film globally, but it still has a long way to before beating the highest-grossing R-rated film domestically. "Joker" shattered box office records when it opened earlier this month to $96 million in North America. The film won the Venice Film Festival's top prize and critics have raved about Phoenix's performance, which has led to Oscar talk.

CNNNEW YORK (CNN) - Are the "Joker" stairs the new "Rocky" stairs? Fans of the "Joker," which hit theaters earlier this month, are taking photos in front of those stairs. Joker, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, dances down the stairs as Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll Part 2" plays in the background. "Always put a happy face..." wrote Arnaldo Silva in the caption of his "Joker" dance impression. Shout out to James May, who went for the basic tourist photo standing in front of the stairs.

Some viewers are outraged because the song he dances to was made by a convicted pedophile. Warner Brothers has been slammed because critics have been concerned that Glitter would get paid for the movie's use of his song. But apparently, Glitter no longer owns the rights to the song and won't get a penny. We've had no contact with him, according to a statement from Snapper Music, which now owns the song. RELATED STORIESMovie Theater Showing 'Joker' Is Shut Down After Cops Receive 'Credible Threat'Relatives of Aurora Shooting Victims Worry 'Joker' Could Inspire ViolenceThe Mysterious Death of Brandon Lee on the Set of The Crow

Joaquin Phoenix's creepy laugh in Joker is shedding light on a real-life medical disorder. In the film that shattered box office records over the weekend, Phoenixs sinister character explains he has a condition that causes him to laugh uncontrollably. It's called pseudobulbar affect, also known as PBA, and it's a neurological condition characterized by uncontrollable laughing and/or crying outbursts. RELATED STORIESLupita Nyong'o Faces Backlash for Modeling Spooky 'Us' Voice on Real Medical ConditionCould 'Joker' Controversy Hurt Film's Opening? Relatives of Aurora Shooting Victims Worry 'Joker' Could Inspire Violence

The latest is Joaquin Phoenix, who is bringing Batman's arch nemesis to the big screen in the original origin story, Joker. Various Voice Actors in Various Animated Batman ProjectsCourtesy of Warner Bros. Mark Hamill in Batman: The Animated Series (1992)Courtesy of Warner Bros. Joaquin Phoenix in Joker (2019)Courtesy of Warner Bros. PicturesFrom his unforgettable laugh to his sinewy, unrecognizable frame, Phoenix crafted an '70s-tinged Joker with a quiet menace and heartbreaking vulnerability. Joaquin Phoenix and Director Todd Phillips Weigh In (Exclusive)Joaquin Phoenix Lost Over 50 Pounds for 'Joker': Inside His Epic Transformation (Exclusive)

Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, two of Hollywood's most acclaimed actors, are also one of the most low-key couples in town. Amy Sussman/WireImageIn an interview with Vanity Fair, Phoenix admitted that he thought Mara despised him while they were working together. While Mara took the starring role, Phoenix played Jesus. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty ImagesSeptember 2019: Phoenix was awarded the Peoples Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival for Joker. RELATED CONTENT:Joaquin Phoenix Admits He Thought Fiancee Rooney Mara Initially Despised Him When They Worked on 'Her'Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara Make Rare Red Carpet Appearance at 'Joker' PremiereJoaquin Phoenix Lost Over 50 Pounds for 'Joker' Film: Inside His Epic Transformation (Exclusive)

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing us Joker wouldn't be another Batman origin story. The Wayne family is established early on in the story, with Arthur's mother, Penny (Frances Conroy), writing to businessman-turned-politico Thomas Wayne (Brett Cullen) asking for financial assistance. That's right: Batman and Joker are half-brothers, at least according to Penny. Movie-goers are now twisting the Batman canon with their own theories, one of which says that Phoenix's Joker is not actually the Joker but a predecessor who inspires another Joker to emerge, a Joker who will become Batman's longtime foe. RELATED CONTENT:How Joaquin Phoenix Perfected His 'Joker' Laugh (Exclusive)Will There Be a 'Joker' Sequel?

Joaquin Phoenix is drawing raves for his dark turn as "Joker," which aims to top "Venom's" October debut mark of $80.3M. Distributed by LAKANA. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Joker only just arrived in theaters, but it's already the most controversial movie of the year. Director Todd Phillips' origin story -- about a disturbed wannabe comedian, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), who will become DC's Clown Prince of Crime -- is either the best film of the year or dangerously reckless, with few opinions falling in the middle. At the Venice Film Festival, where it had its premiere, Joker received an eight-minute standing ovation. Joker was announced as a standalone film outside WB's ongoing DC Extended Universe, but is a sequel something Phillips is interested in? RELATED CONTENT:How Joaquin Phoenix Perfected His 'Joker' Laugh (Exclusive)Joaquin Phoenix Lost 50 Pounds for 'Joker': Inside His Physical Transformation (Exclusive)Upcoming DC Movies: The Full List From 'The Batman' to 'Wonder Woman 1984' and Beyond

And boy, does Joaquin Phoenix laugh. The result is like one of the Joker's "HA HAHA HA HA" speech bubbles from the comics brought to life, though the process to find it weighed on Phoenix. "I asked Todd to come over to my house to audition the laugh, and he said that wasn't necessary. "But a lot of it wasn't choreographed," Phoenix added. Instead, he found inspiration in vaudeville star Ray Bolger's performance of "The Old Soft Shoe" and found himself channeling Bolger's movements.

In the clip, an irritated Phoenix is seemingly trying to concentrate and cursing while complaining about a man named Larry. "I'm trying to, like, find something real." I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry you guys had to see that." "So it was wrong of me, I'm sorry, but he shouldn't have done it."

Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara didn't hit it off right away. Amy Sussman/WireImageIn addition to his relationship with Rooney, Joaquin also opens up about his unusual upbringing in a cult before his family moved to Florida, then Hollywood, then back to the Sunshine State. "We were in Florida, we were in the kitchen, and he said, 'Youre going to be an actor and youre going to be more well known than I am,'" Joaquin recalls. Despite the controversial nature of making a movie that's seemingly sympathetic to its villain, Joaquin finds "value" in the role. Rooney, Joaquin adds, also celebrated his role in the movie.

On Saturday, Joaquin Phoenix was joined by longtime girlfriend Rooney Mara at the lavish premiere of his new film, Joker. He also sported a mustache and beard at the rollout for the film, which earned him the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and is already attracting awards season buzz. ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty ImagesAnd in August, the pair exuded Old Hollywood glamour while side by side at the rollout for Joker at the Venice Film Festival. Phoenix wore a tuxedo with a bow tie. RELATED CONTENT:'Joker' Director Todd Phillips Discusses Popular Theory | Full InterviewBradley Cooper Makes Dapper Surprise Appearance at 'Joker' Premiere -- PicsRooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix Are the Cutest Couple at Cannes Closing Ceremony -- See the Sweet Pics

For Joaquin Phoenix, becoming the Clown Prince of Crime involved a lot more than makeup and a colorful suit. The acclaimed leading man sat down with ET's Ash Crossan to discuss losing over 50 pounds in order to take on the titular character in DC's upcoming origin film, Joker, and how the transformation informed his performance. It was bit of a conversation and then he just started losing the weight and he lost, I think, 52 pounds. You hear Joker and I think anybody has their idea of what they think the film will be. RELATED CONTENT:Bradley Cooper Makes Dapper Surprise Appearance at 'Joker' Premiere -- PicsFinal 'Joker' Trailer Reveals Even More About the Mad Clown's BackstoryBrian Tyree Henry Says Keeping 'Joker' Casting a Secret Was Like Kryptonite (Exclusive)

The new movie starring Joaquin Phoenix is facing backlash from some before it even opens. Could it incite violence? Some are calling out Trump after his frosty encounter with Greta Thunberg at the United Nations. Blood-curdling screams echoed through a California neighborhood when a real estate agent came under attack while showing a house. For more Inside Edition stories tune in to today's show.

Titled "Joker," Phoenix stars as failed comedian Arthur Fleck, who ultimately becomes the comic book villain. Several victims of the 2012 mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado, are expressing their concerns in particular. The film feels like a "slap in the face," Sandy Phillips, whose daughter was killed in Aurora, told The Hollywood Reporter. "I don't think it's the responsibility of a filmmaker to teach the audience morality or the difference between right or wrong," Phoenix told IGN. Relatives of those killed in the Aurora shooting are asking Warner Brothers, the studio behind the film, to donate to anti-gun violence causes.

Warner Bros. Pictures via CNN(CNN) - A group of people whose loved ones witnessed or were killed in 2012's Aurora theater shooting are calling on Warner Bros. to help combat gun violence as the studio prepares to release its rated-R comic book film "Joker." (Warner Bros., like CNN, is owned by WarnerMedia.) "Over the last several weeks, large American employers from Walmart to CVS have announced that they are going to lean into gun safety. Shooter James Holmes is currently serving multiple life sentences for the shooting, which killed 12 and injured 70. Warner Bros. has not responded to CNN's e-mailed request for comment.

The Joker premiere at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival on Monday got an extra dose of star power! Bradley Cooper graced the red carpet of the DC film, posing with the film's cast, including Joaquin Phoenix, who plays the Clown Prince of Crime. Although his appearance was a surprise to fans, the 44-year-old leading man wasn't merely there to show his support -- he's a producer on the project. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August, where it earned the Golden Lion jury award and sweeping acclaim for Phoenix's portrayal of villainous titular character. RELATED CONTENT:Joaquin Phoenix Goes Full Joker While Shooting Intense Chase SceneJoaquin Phoenix Transforms Into the Joker in First Clip of Him in Full MakeupSee First Look at Joaquin Phoenix in 'Joker' Standalone Film

Joaquin Phoenix attends the "Joker" premiere during the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on Sept. 9, 2019, in Toronto. (CNN) - Joaquin Phoenix is known for being extremely private and rarely mentions his late brother, River. Phoenix thanked his late brother during an emotional acceptance speech Monday at the Toronto International Film Festival after he was awarded the TIFF Tribute Actor Award. The Phoenix brothers aren't the only ones who have found success in Hollywood, as their sisters Rain, Liberty and Summer are also actors. Joaquin Phoenix also had words of gratitude for them Monday in his speech.

The last trailer has arrived for Joker, teasing more details on the Clown Prince of Crime's origin. The clip begins with yet another glimpse at Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix's character before adopting his iconic persona) in counseling with a social worker. It appears to be their last meeting, during which, Fleck admits "all I have are negative thoughts." One particularly chilling scene shows violence breaking out on a subway as Fleck dons a clown mask. RELATED CONTENT:Brian Tyree Henry Says Keeping 'Joker' Casting a Secret Was Like Kryptonite (Exclusive)Joaquin Phoenix Goes Full Joker While Shooting Intense Chase SceneJoaquin Phoenix Transforms Into the Joker in First Clip of Him in Full Makeup