Hollywood box office struggles, the enduring appeal of a magic-heist franchise, and the rebranding of the SAG Awards define this period for film.

• Why Hollywood’s Star-Studded Movies Are Failing at the Box Office — New York Times Arts -
• ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ Has Tricks Up Its Sleeve — New York Times Arts -
• SAG Awards Changes Its Name to the Actor Awards — New York Times Arts -

Readers are exploring Joy Williams's latest work, 'The Pelican Child,' diving into new creepy psychological thrillers, and celebrating the comprehensive 'Poems of Seamus Heaney.'

• Book Review: ‘The Pelican Child,’ by Joy Williams — New York Times Books -
• Creepy New Psychological Thrillers — New York Times Books -
• Poetry Review: ‘The Poems of Seamus Heaney’ Is Complete, and Great — New York Times Books -

The stage is alive with Leslie Odom Jr.'s powerful return to 'Hamilton,' while the music world mourns the passing of folk singer Todd Snider.

• Leslie Odom Jr., Back in the Room Where It Happens — New York Times Arts -
• Todd Snider, Folk Singer With a Wry Wit, Dies at 59 — New York Times Arts -

'Saturday Night Live' tackles the Epstein files with the return of Will Forte's MacGruber, blending current events with comedic flair.

• Epstein Files Dominate “S.N.L.,” With the Help of Will Forte’s MacGruber — New York Times Arts -