‘King’s Speech’ rules Oscars

    “The King’s Speech” was crowned best picture on Sunday at an Academy Awards ceremony. Colin Firth as stammering* British ruler George VI in “The King’s Speech” earned the best actor prize, while Natalie Portman won best actress as a ballerina* in “Black Swan.”

    Leong, Li break up

    Isabella Leong, who delivered three children out of wedlock* with Hong Kong-based Internet and telecom tycoon Richard Li, said in a statement on Saturday that she had broken up with Li. The statement was issued to Hong Kong media and reported by Sina.com. The statement did not mention a monetary settlement.

    Bryant works with Chou

    NBA All-Star MVP Kobe Bryant and Asian pop king Jay Chou have recorded the song, “The Heaven and Earth Challenge,” which was launched at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

    Written by Chou, the song encourages young people to be confident. The song will be used commercially by a soft drinks company. All proceeds* from the online ring-tone downloads of the song will go to charity.

    ‘Detective Dee’ prequel

    Director Tsui Hark says his Golden Lion-nominated film “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” doesn’t tell enough personal history of the legendary detective, so he is to make a prequel*.

    A film provisionally* named “Detective Dee: The Prequel” has been in production, the director said last week.

    In Hark’s first film on Dee, Hong Kong Andy Lau plays the detective, but Hark says Lau is unlikely to continue the role. (SD-Agencies)