NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

‘The Vow’ bows with $41.7M at box office

LOS ANGELES

Love triumphed over action at the weekend box office with a No. 1 debut for the romantic drama “The Vow.”

Studio estimates Sunday show that the love story starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum took in $41.7 million to come in ahead of two new action tales and the first 3-D “Star Wars” reissue.

Landing a close second with $39.3 million was Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds’ action thriller “Safe House.” Coming in solidly at No. 3 was Dwayne Johnson’s family action sequel “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” with $27.6 million.

And adding to George Lucas’ riches was the 3-D premiere of “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace,” which was No. 4 with $23 million.

In fifth place was “Chronicle” with $12.3 million.

RI player wins $336M Powerball jackpot

PROVIDENCE, R.I.

Lottery officials say someone who played the Powerball in Rhode Island has won the $336.4 million jackpot.

The new multimillionaire has not stepped forward, and the lottery has not said where the winning ticket was sold. To win, the player had to match all of Saturday’s five numbers, 1-10-37-52-57, and Powerball number 11.

Because of rising sales, the jackpot nearly doubled from $173.5 million Feb. 1.

Powerball is played in 42 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

‘Artist’ is best picture at British film awards

LONDON

Silent movie “The Artist” had a night to shout about Sunday, winning seven prizes including best picture at the British Academy Film Awards.

Britain’s equivalent of the Oscars rewarded the French homage to old Hollywood over a homegrown favorite, espionage thriller “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.”

Meryl Streep was named best actress for her depiction of Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female prime minister, in “The Iron Lady.” Jean Dujardin of “The Artist” took the male acting prize.

The supporting actor prize went to Christopher Plummer, as an academic who makes a new start late in life in “Beginners.”

Octavia Spencer was named best supporting actress for her turn as a fiery maid in Deep South drama “The Help.”

The British prizes, known as BAFTAs, are considered a strong indicator of likely success at Hollywood’s Academy Awards, to take place Feb. 26.

Associated Press