Entertainment News Roundup: Kevin Spacey appears in London court for start of sex offence trial; Factbox-Kevin Spacey: What we know about his trial over sexual offences? and more

"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest posted on Instagram and Twitter. Taylor Swift, Ke Huy Quan, Austin Butler join Hollywood's film academy Pop singer and songwriter Taylor Swift, "Elvis" star Austin Butler and best supporting actor winner Ke Huy Quan were among more than 300 people selected to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group that awards the Oscars.

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Kevin Spacey appears in London court for start of sex offence trial

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey appeared in a London court on Wednesday at the start of his four-week trial on a dozen sex offence charges. Spacey, 63, denies allegations of historic offences committed against four men which are said to have taken place between 2001 and 2013.

Factbox-Kevin Spacey: What we know about his trial over sexual offences?

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey appeared in a London court on Wednesday at the start of his trial on a dozen sex offence charges. Here are some facts about the case. HOW LONG IS THE TRIAL DUE TO LAST?

Ryan Seacrest to host US game show 'Wheel of Fortune' after Pat Sajak retires

"American Idol" TV show host Ryan Seacrest said on Tuesday he will be the new host of "Wheel of Fortune" beginning in 2024, after Pat Sajak retires and ends his four-decade run on the daily syndicated U.S. game show. "I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest posted on Instagram and Twitter.

Taylor Swift, Ke Huy Quan, Austin Butler join Hollywood's film academy

Pop singer and songwriter Taylor Swift, "Elvis" star Austin Butler and best supporting actor winner Ke Huy Quan were among more than 300 people selected to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group that awards the Oscars. Swift, 33, was invited to join the academy's music branch after writing songs for the soundtracks of the 2022 movie "Where the Crawdads Sing" and the 2019 film adaptation of the musical "Cats."

Hong Kong film-makers say censorship law spooks investors, actors

Two years after screening an internationally acclaimed documentary on the democracy movement in Hong Kong, director Kiwi Chow has been forced to complete a new movie with fresh financing after political concerns scared off some investors. The fears spiked after Hong Kong adopted a new censorship law in October 2021 to bar films that "might endanger national security", but directors say they now face difficulties lining up funding and even actors, while others have shifted overseas.

Madonna postpones tour after hospitalization for infection

Pop superstar Madonna has postponed the start of her upcoming tour after being hospitalized in intensive care for a serious bacterial infection, her manager said on Wednesday. The "Vogue" singer is expected to make a full recovery, manager Guy Oseary said in a statement on Instagram.

Harrison Ford hangs up his 'Indiana Jones' hat in 'Dial of Destiny'

Harrison Ford is bidding farewell to one of his most famous roles with new film "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," which heads to theaters on Friday. The 80-year-old Ford, who plays the adventurous Nazi-punching archaeologist, confirmed to Reuters that he will not be returning for more relic-related escapades.

Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks to get honorary Oscars

Actor Angela Bassett and veteran filmmaker Mel Brooks will receive Academy Honorary Awards this year in honour of their careers and contribution to cinema, Hollywood's Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has said. The Academy announced it had voted to present the awards to two-time Oscar nominee Bassett and "The Producers" writer Brooks, as well as to editor Carol Littleton at its Governor Awards in November.

British actor Julian Sands confirmed dead, months after vanishing in California mountains

British-born actor Julian Sands, best known for his role in the Oscar-celebrated film "A Room with a View," was confirmed dead on Tuesday, five months after he went missing while out for a hike in snow-covered mountains of Southern California. He was 65. Mostly skeletal human remains discovered by hikers on June 25, in the vicinity where Sands had vanished, were positively identified by the San Bernardino County coroner as belonging to the actor, the county sheriff's department said.

From caterers to cowboy outfitters: Writers' strike hits Hollywood economy

Before Hollywood writers walked off the job in early May, Pam Elyea's prop house History for Hire filled an average of 53 requests per week for everything from period-appropriate cameras and luggage to camping gear and snow globes. Weekly orders this year now average 26 as the strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) halted many film and TV productions, Elyea said. She estimates the revenue of the company, which she runs with her husband, has dropped 60% and it is falling $100,000 short of meeting monthly expenses.