A New York-based architectural firm was on Tuesday awarded a prestigious contract from billionaire Roman Abramovich to design an island in Russia's imperial capital Saint Petersburg.

The WORKac firm was announced the winner in a private tender organized by the Millhouse investment firm of the billionaire businessman that oversees the design of the New Holland project.

Irish rock band U2 has closed out what was described as "the most successful concert tour of all time" over five continents and two years, according to concert promoter Live Nation.

Liz Morentin, a Live Nation spokeswoman, told Agence France Presse Tuesday the final numbers are not yet in from the U2 "360 degree Tour" but said "it surpassed $700 million, beating the Rolling Stones record" from a 2005-2007 tour.

One of the earliest films made by British master director Alfred Hitchcock has been found in New Zealand, researchers said Wednesday.

The New Zealand Film Archive said the first three reels of the six-reel feature "The White Shadow" were found in a cache of ageing nitrate prints given to the archive in the 1990s.

Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones and makeup artist Dick Smith will be getting Oscars.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says the three will be honored with Oscar statuettes at the Governors Awards in November. The academy's Board of Governors voted Tuesday to recognize the entertainment industry veterans.

A five-seat box at the world-famous Royal Albert Hall in London is up for sale for a princely £550,000 (630,000 euros, $900,000), the estate agents said Tuesday.

Harrods Estates described the box, which it is claimed contains the best seats in the concert hall, as the "ultimate gift" for a loved one.

The legendary Playboy bunny costume can be pretty snug, but it puts a wearer in the mood.

The actresses who star as those alluring waitresses in NBC's "The Playboy Club" say dressing for the role made it easier to play.

Jennifer Lopez told Vanity Fair magazine that she still believes in love despite her split from her husband of seven years, Marc Anthony.

The singer and actress gave the publication her first interview since announcing her divorce earlier this month.

In an unusual match-up, big-budget Hollywood action thriller "Cowboys & Aliens" shared the top box office spot this weekend with kid animation "The Smurfs," industry estimates showed Sunday.

"Cowboys," with reported production costs of around $163 million and starring Hollywood A-listers Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig as cowboys warding off an alien invasion in the 19th century Old West, pocketed $36.2 million for its opening weekend, according to industry tracker Exhibitor Relations.

Brazilians with heavy hips and buxom busts want clothing that suits their voluptuous forms, plus-size fashion advocates say in this country more commonly known for its string bikini.

"If I go to a mall where there are 300 to 400 shops, I will walk and walk and still be unable to find a dress in my size... It's sad and annoying," said Renata Poskus Vaz, a journalist who blogs about plus-size fashion.

Amy Winehouse's album "Back To Black" has climbed back to top of the British album chart, eight days after the singer died in London.

The Grammy award-winning album was also No. 1 in 2006 when it was released. Also on Sunday, Winehouse's debut album "Frank" reached No. 5.