'Avatar' flies away with No. 1 spot
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- "Avatar," with its new filming techniques, blew away the competition for the No. 1 box office spot during the weekend, raking in $73 million.
The animated "The Princess and the Frog" was a distant second with more than $12.22 million.
All estimated box office gross receipts are from Box Office Mojo.
"The Blind Side" was third with $10.03 million; "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" debuted with $7 million; "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" was slowing down after its long run with $4.37 million for the No. 5 spot.
"Invictus" was sixth with $4.17 million; "A Christmas Carol" seventh with more than $3.41 million; "Up in the Air" eighth with $3.1 million; "Brothers" ninth with $2.63 million.
"Old Dogs" rounded out the top 10 with more than $2.28 million.
Jackson tribute show may not take place
LONDON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- A tribute show scheduled to take place in London in honor of the late U.S. pop singer Michael Jackson is at risk of not occurring, organizers say.
The BBC said Saturday that World Awards Media, the firm organizing the tribute concert, dissolved after reportedly losing its financial support from a major sponsor.
Organizers said the event, scheduled to take place in June, was to occur in London's Wembley Stadium after initial plans for a show outside Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna fell through.
A number of performers for the tribute concert were also unable to commit to taking part in the event due to scheduling conflicts, organizers added.
Jackson, known for hits such as "Thriller" and "Beat It," died in Los Angeles in June at the age of 50.
Singer Jonas marries at New York chateau
HUNTINGTON, N.Y., Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Singer Kevin Jonas of the Jonas Brothers married his girlfriend, Danielle Deleasa, at a chateau in Long Island, N.Y., the couple confirmed.
Jonas, 22, and Deleasa, 23, were married at Oheka Castle on Saturday night with nearly 400 friends and family members in attendance, People.com reported.
"We're so happy that we're finally married and we were able to share the special moment with family, friends and loved ones," the happy couple told People magazine.
Celebrity event planner Michael Russo said while heavy snowfall in the New York area put Saturday's event in jeopardy, it ultimately served as a nice addition to the wedding.
"The snow only made it look more like a winter wonderland," Russo said.
Russo told People magazine that Jonas, whose brothers Nick and Joe served as his best men at the wedding, is finally married to the "princess" he met in 2007.
"Kevin has said many times he feels like he met his princess," Russo said. "To see them together you can feel the warmth and the love all around them. They are just perfect for each other."
'Who' writer Davies proud of last episodes
LONDON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Russell T. Davies, chief writer for "Doctor Who," said actor David Tennant's final episodes with the British TV series turned out well.
The BBC said Saturday that Davies is set to end his run as the series' producer and Tennant is being replaced as the show's beloved Time Lord character following the final two "Who" episodes.
"I'm very proud of these two episodes," Davies said. "Now I simply feel happy to be honest, really happy with what we made."
"We've got one or two surprises in store before the episode on New Year's Day -- and it might not be quite what you expect."
Actor Matt Smith will take over the "Who" lead role from Tennant, while Steven Moffat will assume producer duties from Davies.
Davies, who helped "Who" return to television in 2005, told the BBC he remains in contact with Moffat regarding the everyday production of the popular science fiction series.
"He does find time to e-mail me every so often saying it's all a nightmare, and he's never been happier in his life," Davies said.
"I've read some of the scripts -- they are beyond brilliant -- I can't tell you what thrills and darkness and comedy you've got to come."
