Michael Jackson’s death among 2009’s major moments

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The groundbreaking sci-fi movie “Avatar,” Michael Jackson’s death and Hollywood’s $10 billion-plus box office record rank among the 2009 “moments of significance” recognized by the American Film Institute.

Avenged Sevenfold drummer dies in California

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The drummer with Avenged Sevenfold, a rising force in the heavy metal scene, died on Monday at his home in southern California, the group and authorities said.

Charlie Sheen’s wife claims knife threat in assault

DENVER (Reuters) – Charlie Sheen’s wife accused the actor of threatening her with a knife in a Christmas Day emergency phone call to police that led to his arrest, a recording released on Monday revealed.

Tyra Banks bringing end to TV talk show

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Former supermodel Tyra Banks said on Monday she is ending her Emmy-award winning TV daytime talk show in the spring of 2010.

Polanski thanks backers as extradition wait goes on

PARIS (Reuters) – Roman Polanski has thanked people who have sent messages of support during his battle to avoid extradition from Switzerland to the United States over a case of having sex with a 13-year-old in 1977.

"Avatar", Chipmunks lead worldwide box office

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The 3-D extravaganza “Avatar” ruled the worldwide box office for a second weekend on Sunday, while the latest exploits of Alvin and the Chipmunks and Sherlock Holmes helped set a North American sales record.

"It’s Complicated": a man’s film in a woman’s world

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Nancy Meyers, the middle-aged men of America thank you.