‘Star Wars’ is AP’s Entertainer of the Year

LOS ANGELES: “Star Wars” isn’t just strong. It’s unstoppable.
The revival of the nearly 40-year-old space saga has already dominated the box office and toy shelves. Now, it’s also been selected as The Associated Press Entertainer of the Year and is amassing support for Academy Awards consideration.
“Personally, it’s been three years of feeling privileged to be part of something that’s bigger than all of us,” filmmaker J.J. Abrams told the AP in an interview. “This accolade is very much appreciated and no exception to that feeling.”
“Star Wars” won the AP’s annual Entertainer of the Year contest with a volley of votes from members that would rival the firepower of the First Order.
The sci-fi series bested Adele, Taylor Swift and Amy Schumer as the top vote getter. Others up for the honor included streaming services, Jon Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis and the Kardashians. Voters were asked to consider who had the most influence on entertainment and culture in 2015.
“In a year full of sequels, reboots and returns, none have recaptured the zeitgeist like ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’” wrote Nick Dutro of The Advertiser-Tribune in Tiffin, Ohio.
“The Force Awakens” is already on the academy’s short list for a visual effects nomination with 9 other films, and O’Neil is hopeful that it will be among the best picture candidates when the Oscar nominations are announced Jan. 14.