See AP’s top entertainment photos of 2023

In the year 2023, significant events and developments reshaped the landscape of the entertainment industry. From the resurgence of fashion extravaganzas to the revival of the Oscars, this year brought both triumphs and challenges.

Fashion houses, emerging from the shadow of the pandemic, staged grandiose and visually stunning shows that captured the imagination. The Oscars, back to full capacity, left behind the controversy known as “The Slap” and crowned “Everything Everywhere All At Once” as the top winner, bestowing Oscar glory upon Michelle Yeoh and breathing new life into the career of the endlessly optimistic Ke Huy Quan.

Amidst the glamour, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and newcomer Ethann Isidore exuberantly graced the Cannes premiere of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Meanwhile, the stars of “Asteroid City,” including Bryan Cranston and Tom Hanks, reveled in their togetherness at the opulent French Riviera festival. The event also honored Michael Douglas and provided Johnny Depp with a formidable platform for his comeback.

Jared Leto made waves at the Met Gala with a startlingly lifelike cat costume inspired by the late Karl Lagerfeld’s beloved feline companion, Choupette. Doja Cat joined in with her own feline-inspired ensemble, adding a touch of whimsy to the gala. In a delightful twist, real animals later strutted their stuff, donning outfits inspired by celebrities like Cardi B and Salma Hayek at the Pet Gala.

However, beneath the surface of merriment, Hollywood faced turbulent times. Screenwriters initiated a strike in early May, followed by actors joining their ranks two months later, resulting in a complete halt of film and television production. Fran Drescher, renowned for her role in “The Nanny,” galvanized the union with her fiery speech, leading the actors’ charge.

The “Barbenheimer” matchup between “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” emerged as a box-office sensation, delivering two blockbuster hits. Live music, silenced by the pandemic, roared back to life, with Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Coldplay, and others headlining a year filled with unforgettable concerts.

Amongst the celebrations, stories of loss and heartbreak cast a shadow. Striking actors and writers spoke out about their struggle for protection from artificial intelligence and a share of streaming profits, highlighting the importance of their cause. The absence of stars from their own moments was poignant, as “Blue Beetle” director Angel Manuel Soto attended the film’s premiere holding a photo of the absent Xolo Maridueña.

The industry mourned the loss of beloved stars like Paul Reubens, known for his iconic role as Pee-wee Herman, and Matthew Perry, whose portrayal of Chandler Bing in “Friends” had delighted audiences for three decades. Other headlines were dominated by Gwyneth Paltrow’s two-week courtroom drama in Utah, which ultimately ended with a symbolic $1 verdict in her favor.

Jonathan Majors, originally praised for his film “Magazine Dreams” at Sundance, faced accusations of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and found himself on trial. Taylor Swift, however, remained a towering presence in the entertainment world, with her record-breaking Eras tour, an unexpected romance with NFL player Travis Kelce, and the blockbuster release of a film adaptation of her Eras show.

The year 2023 was marked by unpredictability and challenges but also by moments of joy and celebration. Taylor Swift’s enduring dominance and the industry’s resilience in the face of adversity defined a year that played out like a captivating script, taking unexpected turns at every corner.

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More about Entertainment Industry 2023

• AP’s Top Entertainment Photos of 2023
• Everything Everywhere All At Once
• Met Gala 2023
• Screen Actors Guild Awards 2023
• The Barbenheimer Matchup
• Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
• Gwyneth Paltrow’s Trial