Top Story
President Bush hosted a White House reception for five artistic legends–Jack Nicholson, Julie Andrews, Van Cliburn, Quincy Jones and Luciano Pavarotti–at the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, Reuters reports. In attendance were Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Candice Bergen, Carol Burnett, Michael Douglas, Lorne Michaels and Oprah Winfrey. Bush, who has not had as close a relationship with the entertainment industry as President Clinton, paid tribute to the honorees and teased them: “This year’s honorees can carry a tune,” he said. “And there’s Jack.”
Births
Singer Toni Braxton gave birth to a 5-pound, 12-ounce boy at an Atlanta hospital Sunday, The Associated Press reports. Denim Cole Braxton Lewis is the first child for Braxton, 33, and her husband Keri Lewis.
Deaths
Oscar-winning costume designer Danilo Donati died at his home in Rome Saturday night, the AP reports. The cause of his death is not known. Donati, 75, had been working on Roberto Benigni‘s Pinocchio, which is expected to be ready in about a year.
Director Budd Boetticher died on Nov. 29 at his home in Ramona, Calif., after a battle with cancer, Variety reports. Boetticher, 85, was best known for his Westerns starring Randolph Scott made between 1956 and 1960, including Seven Men From Now.
In General
U2 ended their Elevation tour on Sunday night at Miami’s American Airlines Arena on a poignant note. Lead singer Bono, known his criticism of U.S. government policy, declared the band’s affection and sympathy for the United States, Reuters reports. “I’d like to say how much we love this country,” Bono said. “We wish you safety and prosperity.”
‘N Sync has teamed up with Swiss watch maker Audemars Piguet to create 200 limited-edition watches to raise money for children orphaned by the Sept. 11 attacks, the AP reports. Fifty of the men’s watches and 150 of women’s watches have been engraved with the signatures of all five ‘N Sync members and will be priced between $5,900 and $8,500. Buyers will also receive tickets and sound-check passes to an ‘N Sync concert.
Cher, Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker, Shaggy, Lenny Kravitz, Brooks & Dunn and Yolanda Adams are set to perform at the 29th annual American Music Awards on Jan. 9, People reports. The event will air live from Los Angeles on ABC.
