LA critics awards

    George Clooney’s family drama “The Descendants” was chosen on Sunday as the year’s best film by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, whose prizes are an early influence on the way to the Academy Awards.

    From “Sideways” director Alexander Payne, “The Descendants” stars Clooney as a neglectful father in Hawaii trying to tend* his daughters after his wife falls into a coma.

    Top artist of 2011

    British singer Adele made Billboard history on Friday when she became the first female singer to be named top artist, have the top album, “21,” and score the top single, “Rolling in the Deep,” all in one year. The 23-year-old was followed in the top artist group by Rihanna, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga.

    Zhang Yimou autobiography

    Leading Chinese film director Zhang Yimou’s first autobiography* will be published later this month. The book will accompany the release of his latest movie “The Flowers of War.”

    In the book, Zhang talks about his family, his overseas studying experience, and some untold stories of directing the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

    Restraining order

    U.S. actress Kirsten Dunst has obtained a temporary restraining order* against a Frenchman who’s accused of stalking* her. The actress’ mother, Inez Dunst, says that 51-year-old Jean Christophe Prudhon of Dijon, France, showed up at the doorstep of her Toluca Lake, California, home last Saturday, asking to speak to Kirsten. (SD-Agencies)