Leslie Ambriz, Author at The Rapid City Post

How Duckwrth’s imaginary Grammy button led to a real Grammy nomination

January 21, 2026

Duckwrth manifested a Grammy nomination for his album “All American F—Boy.” He just didn’t know it. The Los Angeles-raised singer, rapper and producer would pretend to press an imaginary Grammy button whenever he and his friends finished a new track. The album is nominated for best immersive audio album at the 68th annual Grammy Awards. If it wins, the trophy goes to mix engineer Andrew Law, who transformed the stereo audio into a surround-sound Dolby Atmos experience. Duckwrth wanted the album to feel like a film, blending punk and alt-rock with his genre-bending style. He describes the process as challenging and vulnerable but ultimately rewarding.

Leonardo DiCaprio on the importance of creating cinema over content at Palm Springs Film Festival

January 4, 2026

Leonardo DiCaprio emphasizes the importance of creating cinema over content at the Palm Springs Film Festival’s 37th annual International Film Awards. The intimate A-list award show on Saturday night kicks off Hollywood’s whirlwind award season, honoring some of the film industry’s most anticipated award contenders. Notable peers at the event in Palm Springs, California, included Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Kate Hudson and Michael B. Jordan. Recipients and presenters made long, heartfelt speeches at the non-televised event. Many of the stars will travel to Los Angeles for the Critic’s Choice Awards on Sunday.

AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Danny Ramirez’s entrance into Hollywood began on the soccer field

December 11, 2025

Danny Ramirez’s acting career began unexpectedly on a soccer field. Now, he’s earned a spot as one of The Associated Press’s Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025. Known for his roles in “Captain America: Brave New World,” “The Last of Us” and more, Ramirez first began acting while sidelined with a sprained ankle when a production assistant invited him to be an extra in Mira Nair’s film “The Reluctant Fundamentalist.” Seeing actor Riz Ahmed portraying a soccer player on set inspired Ramirez. He’s set to produce, write, direct and star in his directorial debut “Baton,” and other upcoming projects.

Samara Joy poses for a portrait in Los Angeles on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Samara Joy reflects on her Grammy wins and the creative journey behind ‘Portrait’

October 24, 2025

Samara Joy’s voice transports listeners to the early jazz clubs, evoking legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. At 25, she’s a five-time Grammy winner, with her album “Linger Awhile” earning her best new artist and best jazz vocal album in 2023. Praised by artists like Chaka Khan and Quincy Jones, Joy has gained a large following on TikTok, introducing jazz to a new generation. Her latest album, “Portrait,” is her most personal, capturing the tension between excitement and overwhelm. Joy says it marks a turning point in trusting her instincts and creative vision.

Leonardo DiCaprio, from left, Chase Infiniti and Benicio Del Toro pose during a photo call for the film 'One Battle After Another' in Mexico City, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ brings revolution to the (very) big screen

September 25, 2025

Paul Thomas Anderson has spent about 20 years writing “One Battle After Another.” Inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s “Vineland,” the film explores themes like immigration, racism and systemic corruption. The story follows a revolutionary group called the French 75, who take justice into their own hands, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor deeply involved in the revolution. It’s Anderson’s most expensive project to date, shot entirely in VistaVision. The film aims to provoke thought about social issues and political division. It hits theaters on Friday.

Q&A: Mariah Carey enters ‘the era of me’ with her first album in 7 years

September 25, 2025

Mariah Carey is releasing her 16th studio album, “Here for It All,” marking a new chapter in her career. This 11-track album out Friday showcases Carey’s evolution as an artist and blends soulful records, R&B, ballads and pop. Fans have eagerly awaited this release, which includes chart-topping singles like “Type Dangerous” and “Sugar Sweet.” Collaborations with artists like Kehlani, Shenseea, The Clark Sisters and Anderson .Paak add to the album’s appeal. Carey describes this as “the era of me,” emphasizing her personal growth and connection with fans. Her spirituality and faith are woven into the music and reflect her journey with the title track and “Jesus I Do.”

‘Superman’ brings a message of hope to a cynical world

July 9, 2025

Superman might do more than just save Metropolis. Filmmaker James Gunn hopes the beloved superhero will bring hope to a cynical world. “Superman,” which flies into theaters nationwide Thursday, is a bit of a change in tone for the writer and director who brought a mischievous playfulness and snark to the chaotic worlds of “Suicide Squad” and the “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The film is threaded with optimism and what it means to be inherently good as audiences watch the metahuman save the day. Gunn doesn’t just focus on Superman’s humanity but highlights the importance of truth and the power of journalism to fight against injustice.

FILE - Music artist Nezza sings the national anthem prior to a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh, File)

Nezza’s anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium ignites debate over team’s immigrant support

June 18, 2025

After Latin pop and R&B singer Nezza’s viral controversial performance at Dodger Stadium, Dodgers fans have grown frustrated over the team’s lack of vocal support for local immigrant communities impacted by the rise of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests and raids. The baseball team has a long history with immigrant communities in Los Angeles, boasting a huge Latino fan base and hosting multiple heritage nights honoring various communities. Some fans have since called for a boycott online. Some are pushing for a more permanent boycott, while others say they’d be willing to return if the team spoke out in support.

Leslie Ambriz.