Juror Flirting With John Edwards
Obama's Pot-Smoking Detailed
Mexico's Michel Franco wins Cannes sidebar prize
CANNES, France (AP) — "After Lucia" by Mexican director Michel Franco has won the top prize in the Cannes Film Festival's sidebar competition, Un Certain Regard. It was chosen Saturday from a slate of 20 films by a jury headed by British actor Tim Roth.
Sweden's Loreen wins Eurovision song contest
BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — Sweden's Loreen has clinched the top spot at this year's Eurovision Song Contest with her dance hit "Euphoria," pushing aside competition from a sextet of Russian grannies and a Serbian balladeer. Juries and television viewers from across Europe awarded Loreen a total of 372 points, handing her an easy win in an event that ended in the early hours Sunday in host country Azerbaijan. Sweden will take over hosting duties next year.
NC musician Doc Watson still in critical condition
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Grammy-winning folk musician Doc Watson remains in critical condition at a North Carolina hospital after undergoing colon surgery this week. A spokeswoman at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem says Watson remained in critical condition Saturday.
Matthew McConaughey pulls off Cannes double header
CANNES, France (AP) — To have one film competing at the Cannes Film Festival is a privilege. To have two, Matthew McConaughey says, is wonderful good fortune — and the reward for a spell of hard labor in the trenches of independent cinema. In Lee Daniels' steamy Southern noir "The Paperboy," McConaughey plays a journalist who returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a murder.
Country's George Jones released from hospital
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country music star George Jones has been released from the hospital. In a news release from Jones' publicist on Saturday, Jones says he is improving, and "I look forward to seeing everyone soon."
Morocco hosts world's artists, imprisons its own
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Morocco's glittering Mawazine international music festival wraps up this weekend with performances by Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz, after nine days of showcasing the North African kingdom's cool factor — even as dissident Moroccan musicians are imprisoned for their anti-establishment lyrics. The 11-year-old "Rhythms of the World" festival in the capital Rabat has always highlighted Morocco's contradictions as the country spends millions to lure top world artists to perform at generally free concerts, while much the country remains mired in poverty.
Tear-jerker 'Mud' ends Cannes competition lineup
CANNES, France (AP) — The Cannes film festival on Saturday wrapped up the movies in competition wading deep in the Mississippi river with "Mud," a heart-wrenching, Mark Twain-influenced tale of a teenage boy searching for the meaning of life in a harsh world and starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon. With snake bites, shootouts, and a happy ending, it is proudly — even blatantly — inspired by the bard of the Mississippi. Stellar performances from 15-year-old Tye Sheridan — who starred in last year's Palme d'Or winner "The Tree of Life" — and McConaughey separate it from a pack of films in competition set in the colorful American South.
'Idol' moves toward lower payouts for runners-up
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Coming in second on "American Idol" may still be a path to superstardom, but it no longer offers guaranteed paychecks worthy of the next pop idol or rock star. Wednesday night's runner-up, 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, doesn't have a definite shot at producing an album and could be paid as little as $30,000 in advances for recording singles, according to the "Idol" contract she and other Season 11 contestants signed earlier this year.
Jenna Jameson arrested for suspected DUI in Calif.
WESTMINSTER, Calif. (AP) — Former adult film star Jenna Jameson has been arrested in Southern California for investigation of driving under the influence after she struck a light pole with her vehicle. Police say Jameson had driven her vehicle into a light pole early Friday in Westminster. She suffered minor injuries but refused medical treatment.
TV director-producer Robert Finkel dies at 94
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Emmy Award-winning TV director and producer Robert Finkel has died. He was 94. Publicist Dale Olson said Friday that Finkel died April 30 of age-related complications at his home in Beverly Hills, Calif.
