Kennedy Center Confirms Bill Maher as 2026 Mark Twain Prize Recipient

• 50 Cent announced a $100 million partnership with Planet Hollywood to launch PH Live, a state-of-the-art entertainment venue in Times Square, New York City, on March 27, 2026. • The immersive space will host surprise concerts, movie premieres, exclusive A-list parties, and feature curated menus including 50 Cent's favorites like steak with mac and cheese and a signature burger. • This deal redefines New York City nightlife, positioning 50 Cent as a major entertainment mogul with a high-tech hub in a prime location.

• NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas held second place in Q1 2026 ratings with 6.93 million total viewers and 1.04 million viewers in the key 25-54 demographic, marking growth from the previous quarter. • CBS Evening News, now anchored by Tony Dokoupil since January 5, averaged only 4.24 million total viewers and 532,000 demo viewers through March 20, significantly trailing competitors. • NBC's ratings increased from 6.22 million total viewers in Q4 2025 and showed slight growth compared to Q1 2025's 6.6 million viewers, indicating sustained viewership momentum.

• The Academy announced Thursday a 10-year agreement with AEG to move the Oscars ceremony from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, 9 miles away, beginning in 2029. • The move coincides with the telecast's transition from ABC to YouTube in 2029, marking a significant shift in both the ceremony's broadcast home and physical location. • The Dolby Theatre will host the final years of the ceremony on ABC, concluding with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028.

• Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band announced their 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour launching this spring, with dates spanning from Minneapolis to California, Texas, and Washington D.C. • The tour represents a significant return to the road for the legendary rock artist and his longtime backing band. • According to reports, Springsteen indicated the tour is 'going to be political,' suggesting the performances will carry thematic resonance beyond typical rock concerts.

• Actor Eiza González stars in the comedy film 'Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice' alongside James Marsden and Vince Vaughn, marking her entry into comedy acting. • The film premiered at SXSW before its official release on Hulu on March 27, 2026, bringing a new comedy offering to the streaming platform. • González expressed excitement about stepping into a comedic role and playing a fun and quirky femme fatale character in the ensemble cast.

• Netflix announced its second price increase in just over a year, with the standard plan without ads rising to $19.99 and the premium plan climbing to $26.99, both increases of $2 per month. • The ad-supported standard plan will cost $8.99, up $1 from its previous price, reflecting the company's monetization strategy across its tier offerings. • These price changes were reflected on Netflix's website Thursday as the streaming service continues expanding its content library amid ongoing subscriber growth.

• Diana Ross celebrates her 82nd birthday on March 26, 2026, joined by Steven Tyler at 78, Martin Short at 76, Jennifer Grey at 66, and Kenny Chesney. • The Supremes icon, born Diane Earl but renamed Diana due to a birth certificate error, continues performing despite her age. • Martin Short recently attended the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival screening of 'You Had to Be There.'

• Dawnn Lewis and Glynn Turman, veterans of the original 'A Different World' sitcom, have joined the ensemble cast of its upcoming sequel series announced on March 26. • The classic 1980s NBC show, a spin-off from 'The Cosby Show,' follows students at the fictional Hillman College. • This revival taps into nostalgia for 90s Black sitcoms amid growing demand for diverse streaming content on platforms like Peacock or Netflix.

• Elton John turns 79 on March 25, 2026, while actress Sarah Jessica Parker celebrates her 61st birthday on the same day. • Other notable celebrities sharing March 25 birthdays include Marcia Cross (64), Big Sean (38), Jenny Slate (44), and comedian Nate Bargatze (47). • The musical icon was recently featured at the 2026 Elton John AIDS Foundation's 34th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party charity event.

• Lainey Wilson attended the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special premiere on March 23 in a glamorous sheer open-back jumpsuit with dramatic long sleeves. • The special began streaming on Disney+ and Hulu on March 24, marking 20 years since the show's debut with Miley Cyrus as the youngest Disney Legend at age 31 in 2024. • Wilson previously covered the show's theme song 'The Best of Both Worlds' in August 2024 and connected with Cyrus over their shared Hannah Montana fandom.

• Jim Parsons turns 53 on March 24, known for four Emmy wins as Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory and currently starring in Titanique musical. • Jessica Chastain and Peyton Manning also celebrate birthdays today, with Manning famous for his 2007 SNL United Way spoof sketch. • Alyson Hannigan, star of Buffy and How I Met Your Mother, shares the date after competing on Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars.