Damage minimal in Morgan Freeman’s airplane mishap

Damage minimal in Morgan Freeman’s airplane mishap

TUNICA, Miss.

A statement from the Tunica Airport says there was minimal damage to actor Morgan Freeman’s plane in a forced landing.

Airport spokesman Patrick Collins said in an email Sunday that he cannot give specifics because federal authorities are investigating the Saturday incident.

Freeman said in a statement released by his publicist Saturday that neither he nor his pilot was hurt but “I cannot say the same about my plane.”

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement emailed Saturday by spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen that the landing gear collapsed, and the plane ran off the side of a runway.

‘Hunger Games’ finale fends off ‘Krampus’

LOS ANGELES

The “Hunger Games” finale spoiled an early Christmas for the holiday horror comedy “Krampus” to maintain its top spot at the North American box office for the third week running.

The Jennifer Lawrence-led film took in an estimated $18.6 million in the U.S. and Canada, bringing its domestic total to $227 million, according to Rentrak estimates Sunday.

The anti-Santa Claus thriller from Universal, the only film to debut in the top 10 this week, brought in $16 million.

The normally slow weekend after Thanksgiving was up 26 percent from a year ago thanks to the fresh fodder from Universal, which slipped in between the release of two huge franchise movies – “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2,” and “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,” which is due out Dec. 18.

Modestly budgeted for under $15 million, “Krampus” is likely to add to the profits of what has been a record year for Universal following the release of movies like “Jurassic World,” “Furious 7,” and “Minions.”

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. Final domestic figures will be released today.

1. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2,” $18.6 million.

2. “Krampus,”

3. “Creed,” $15.5 million.

4. “The Good Dinosaur,” $15.5 million.

5. “Spectre,” $5.4 million ($23 million international).

Lucas, 4 others receive Kennedy Center Honors

WASHINGTON

Less than two weeks before the release of the new “Star Wars” movie, George Lucas received the nation’s highest award for lifetime achievement in the arts.

President Barack Obama was among those celebrating Lucas and four others at Sunday’s Kennedy Center Honors.

Lucas created the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” movie franchises. The latest installment, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” opens Dec. 18. It’s the first “Star Wars” movie that was made without Lucas’ involvement.

This year’s other honorees are singer-songwriter Carole King, actress and singer Rita Moreno, conductor Seiji Ozawa and actress Cicely Tyson.

The gala has new producers for the first time in its 38-year history, and Stephen Colbert will host it for the second time. It will be broadcast Dec. 29 on CBS.

Associated Press