Rita Hayworth's grandson found dead in NYC
NEW YORK, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Film star Rita Hayworth's grandson, who had a history of drug abuse and suicide attempts, has been found dead in his New York apartment.
Andrew Embiricos was a 25-year-old sales executive for Virgin Atlantic Airways, who earned a degree in psychology at Fordham University and founded a Facebook charity group that provides clothing to homeless people. The son of Hayworth's philanthropist daughter, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, he also was an active member of HIV/AIDS advocacy groups and the Alzheimer's Association.
Embiricos was discovered Sunday night lying on his bed with a plastic bag over his head by a friend who was worried because he missed several appointments and went to his Manhattan apartment to check on him, sources told the New York Daily News.
The newspaper said officials are calling the preliminary cause of death an "apparent suicide," but an autopsy is being conducted to determine the definitive cause.
Village Voice gossip columnist Michael Musto remembered Embiricos in his blog as a "strikingly handsome, personable guy who radiated charm." Musto also said he had been battling HIV, had spent time in drug rehab and had attempted suicide in the past.
Hayworth suffered from Alzheimer's disease before she died in 1987 at age 68. Her film credits include "Only Angels Have Wings," "The Lady from Shanghai," "Strawberry Blonde," "Cover Girl," "Gilda," "Pal Joey" and "The Wrath of God."
Jason Aldean wins 6 American Country Awards
LAS VEGAS, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Jason Aldean won six American Country Awards, including the top prize of Artist of the Year, at a ceremony in Las Vegas.
Aldean also picked up the awards for Touring Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for his CD "My Kinda Party." In addition, he shared with Kelly Clarkson the awards for Single of the Year Vocal Collaboration and Music Video of the Year Group or Collaboration for their duet "Don't You Wanna Stay." Aldean grabbed the Single of the Year by a Male Artist honor for the title track of "My Kinda Party," as well.
Carrie Underwood was declared Female Artist of the Year, and took home the prizes for Music Video of the Year and Single of the Year By a Female Artist for "Mama's Song."
Brad Paisley was named Male Artist of the Year, while the Group Artist of the Year title went to Lady Antebellum. Scotty McCreery was dubbed New Artist of the Year and Chris Young was declared Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Blake Shelton earned the award for Video of the Year By a Male Artist for "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking."
Entertainers Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth served as hosts of the show, which aired on FOX Monday night.
D.C. critics honor 'Artist,' 'Hugo'
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- "The Artist" was declared the Best Film of 2011 by the Washington Area Film Critics Association Monday.
The black-and-white nod to Hollywood's silent movie era also won the award for Best Score.
The critics group honored Martin Scorsese as Best Director for his work on "Hugo," which also picked up the prize for Best Art Direction.
"In honoring both 'The Artist' and 'Hugo,' WAFCA is spotlighting two films that are love letters to the film industry that we all love so well," WAFCA President Tim Gordon said in a statement.
George Clooney won the Best Actor award for his performance in "The Descendants" and Michelle Williams was named Best Actress for her portrayal of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe in "My Week with Marilyn."
"The Descendants" won the award for Best Adapted Screenplay, while "50/50" snagged the Best Original Screenplay honor.
Albert Brooks won Best Supporting Actor for his work in "Drive" and Octavia Spencer earned the Best Supporting Actress prize for her performance in "The Help." The Best Acting Ensemble award went to the cast of "Bridesmaids."
The Best Animated Feature prize went to "Rango"; Best Documentary went to Werner Herzog's "Cave of Forgotten Dreams"' and Best Foreign Language Film went to Pedro Almodovar's "The Skin I Live In."
"This is WAFCA's 10th anniversary, and we are very proud of the choices that our membership made," Gordon said. "There were no sweeps this year. No ties. Our list highlights both the exceptional films nominated and the distinct make-up of our group."
Knox hires lawyer to pursue book deal
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The American coed acquitted of killing her roommate in Italy has hired an attorney to represent her in seeking a book deal, a family spokesman said.
Dave Marriott told ABC News Washington attorney Robert Barnet will represent Knox as she discusses book deals.
Barnet previously brokered book deals for Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush as well as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
Knox was convicted in 2007 in Perugia, Italy, of murdering her then-roommate Meredith Kercher of England. Her Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito was also convicted and later acquitted along with Knox.
The Knox family spent more than $1 million on attorneys, travel and living in Perugia to be near their daughter, Marriott said.
