Filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal shares insights on her new project, while Matthew Lillard's resurgence in 'Scream 7' delights fans, complementing recommendations for winter comedy specials and discussions around reality TV strategies on shows like 'The Traitors' and 'Survivor', alongside critical acclaim for gay romance representation in 'Heated Rivalry'.

• ‘The Interview’: Maggie Gyllenhaal on ‘The Bride,’ and Reaching Out to Her Brother — New York Times Movies -
• 5 Great Specials to Stream This Winter — New York Times Arts -
• ‘Scream 7’s’ Matthew Lillard is a Fan Favorite. If Only Hollywood Understood. — New York Times Arts -

• After ‘Love Island,’ Rob Rausch Was Wary of ‘The Traitors’ — New York Times Arts -
• What It’s Like to Be the First Person Eliminated on ‘Survivor’ — New York Times Arts -
• I Needed ‘Heated Rivalry’: Gay Romance Minus the Tragedy — New York Times Arts -

The San Francisco Ballet's withdrawal from the Kennedy Center sparks discussion, as Brooklyn celebrates a unique display of snow sculptures, while Diya Vij steps in as New York's new Culture Czar, and Cambodia rejoices in the repatriation of looted historical artifacts.

• San Francisco Ballet Pulls Out of Kennedy Center Performances — New York Times Arts -
• The Brooklyn Park Where Dozens of Snow Sculptures Bloomed — New York Times Arts -
• Diya Vij Is New York’s Next Culture Czar — New York Times Arts -

• Cambodia Celebrates the Return of Looted Artifacts from Tainted Dealer — New York Times Arts -

The music world mourns the passing of pop icon Neil Sedaka at 86, while Luke Combs aims for new chart-topping success, and new song releases from Mitski, Raye, and Gnarls Barkley generate buzz this week.

• Neil Sedaka, Singing Craftsman of Memorable Pop Songs, Dies at 86 — New York Times Arts -
• ‘Fast Car’ Changed Luke Combs’s Life. He’s Back for More Hits. — New York Times Arts -
• Mitski, Raye: 9 Songs We’re Talking About This Week — New York Times Arts -

This week's literary highlights include reviews of Maria Stepanova's 'The Disappearing Act' and James Cahill's 'The Violet Hour', alongside a curated list of thrilling slasher books for horror enthusiasts.

• Book Review: ‘The Disappearing Act,’ by Maria Stepanova — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘The Violet Hour,’ by James Cahill — New York Times Books -
• Thrilling Slasher Books for ‘Scream’ and Horror Fans — New York Times Arts -

Jeffrey Epstein's attempt to finance a Dick Cavett documentary was notably thwarted when a background check on the financier revealed his controversial past.

• Epstein Effort to Finance a Dick Cavett Film Undone by Background Check — New York Times Arts -
• Epstein Effort to Finance a Dick Cavett Film Undone by Background Check — New York Times Arts -

Broadway legend **Sondra Lee, known for 'Peter Pan' and 'Hello, Dolly!', passed away at 97, as did renowned art philanthropist Iris Cantor** at 95.

• Sondra Lee Dies at 97; Originated Roles in ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Hello, Dolly!’ — New York Times Arts -
• Iris Cantor, Philanthropist and Art Collector, Dies at 95 — New York Times Arts -

The sports world is experiencing a "sports frenzy" as leagues embrace influencers, granting content creators unprecedented access to marquee events to connect with younger, social media-native audiences.

• A Sports Frenzy for the Most Valuable Influencers — New York Times Arts -