Tarantino se vraća u Cannes

STORY:

Quentin Tarantino returns to Cannes as part of a group of familiar faces at the world's biggest film festival that includes Pedro Almodovar, Ken Loach and New Zealand's Jane Campion. Tarantino will present his long-awaited World War Two caper "Inglourious Basterds" starring Brad Pitt in the 20-strong main competition line-up. The 62nd edition of the festival will open for the first time with an animated feature when Pixar's 3-D comedy "Up" kicks off proceedings on May 13.

Rockers Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, pop singer Jesse McCartney and British songstress Natasha Bedingfield took to the stage at ASCAP's 26th annual pop awards, saluting the songwriters and publishers behind 2008's most popular music. More than 600 songwriters, recording artists and industry members gathered at the Hollywood event.

The studio behind last year's blockbuster vampire movie "Twilight" has picked David Slade to direct the third film in the series. The film is due out in summer 2010. Slade is no novice when it comes to vampire films. His 2007 horror movie "30 Days of Night" revolved around blood sucking monsters in Alaska.

Las Vegas bid farewell to Elton John -- five years and 241 shows at Caesars Palace later. Elton John rolled through his hits and reflected on his time at the Colosseum, a stage he famously shared with Celine Dion, Bette Midler and Cher. John initially signed on for 75 shows over three years when his run began in February 2004, but casino officials say the deal was expanded because of demand.

Director Woody Allen marked a return to filmmaking in New York by premiering his latest creation at the Tribeca Film Festival and saying he usually can't afford to make films in his beloved city anymore. Allen, who has spent the past four years making movies in Europe including last year's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," opened the festival on Wednesday (April 22) night with his romantic comedy, "Whatever Works," which stars Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood.