Madonna wins privacy case against UK tabloid

London — Madonna won a court battle Monday against a British tabloid that published pictures recently of her wedding eight years ago.

The one-time Material Girl won a judgment against a British tabloid that she accused of breaching her privacy and copyright by publishing pictures of her 2000 wedding to film director Guy Ritchie. The court victory came just a few weeks after she was granted a preliminary divorce from Ritchie.

Madonna, who says the pictures were stolen from her by an interior designer in California, is seeking damages in excess of $7.5 million from the publishers of the Mail on Sunday newspaper.

Judge David Eady entered a judgment in her favor but deferred a decision on compensation until the new year.

Compensation awards in similar cases are usually much smaller, but Matthew Nicklin, a lawyer representing Madonna, said the exclusive personal pictures were estimated to be worth that much.

Australia gives Ledger posthumous award

Melbourne, Australia — Heath Ledger’s family paid a teary tribute to the late actor as they accepted a top Australian film industry award on his behalf.

Ledger was posthumously given the Australian Film Institute’s international award for best actor for his role as the Joker in “The Dark Knight.”

His father, Kim, mother, Sally, and sister Kate accepted the award.

“It’s been without a doubt the most difficult year, losing such a loved family member,” said Kate Ledger, fighting back tears.

“We are so proud of him and humbly accept this award on behalf of his beautiful daughter, who we will cherish forever,” she said, referring to Matilda, his 3-year-old daughter with actress Michelle Williams.

Ledger’s performance in the Batman blockbuster is regarded as having a solid chance for a posthumous Academy Award for best supporting actor.

“It was this swaggering, psychopathic clown that turned his career into a legacy and the name Heath Ledger into an ongoing inspiration to actors everywhere,” the Australia Film Institute said at the awards ceremony Saturday night in Melbourne.

Suspect in Ruffalo shooting in custody

Beverly Hills, Calif. — Police say two people wanted for questioning about the shooting of actor Mark Ruffalo’s brother have turned themselves in.

Beverly Hills police say the pair, Shaha Mishaal Adham and Brian Scofield, surrendered themselves to police on Monday afternoon.

Adham is suspected of shooting 39-year-old Scott Ruffalo a week ago. His condition was not updated Monday.

Authorities had issued an attempted murder arrest warrant for the 26-year-old.

Scofield is being held on a misdemeanor traffic warrant. Jail records did not indicate whether the pair have attorneys, but did show that a court date for Adham has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday.

Ruffalo’s publicist declined to comment.

Guitarist sues over 2008 Coldplay hit

Los Angeles — A noted guitarist has sued members of Coldplay, claiming the band’s smash hit “Viva La Vida” copied parts of one of his songs.

The copyright infringement lawsuit by Joe Satriani was filed Thursday in federal court in Los Angeles.

The 52-year-old claims Coldplay copied “substantial, original portions” of his 2004 song, “If I Could Fly.” The Coldplay hit, which was nominated for a Grammy this week, has topped charts around the world and been used to sell iPods in commercials.

Representatives for the band and their label, Capitol Records, did not return calls seeking comment on Friday.

Satriani wants a federal judge to order an accounting so he can determine how much money he may be owed, or else stop using the song.

Vegas charges dropped against ‘Suge’ Knight

Las Vegas — A judge on Friday dismissed drug and battery charges filed against Marion “Suge” Knight, a hip-hop mogul accused of beating a woman in a parking lot.

Justice of the Peace Abbi Silver dismissed the charges without prejudice, said Clark County Court spokesman Michael Sommermeyer.

Knight’s attorney, David Chesnoff, said the prosecution had “discovery problems and witness problems.”

Court records show that the district attorney’s office has filed a notice indicating it may try to revive the charges by seeking a grand jury indictment, Sommermeyer said.

Knight had been charged with two counts of felony drug possession and one count of misdemeanor battery in the beating of a woman in August. Police said they had seen him striking Melissa Isaac while holding a knife in a parking lot near the Las Vegas Strip.

Authorities said Isaac wasn’t stabbed but was treated at a hospital for injuries.

Leno to stay at NBC, move to prime time

New York — The New York Times is reporting that NBC has signed its late-night star Jay Leno to a contract that will keep him at the network and move him to prime time.

Under the new deal, Leno, whose “Tonight” show hosting job will go to Conan O’Brien, would have a new show airing 9 p.m. Central every weeknight.

The deal reportedly will be announced today.

The arrangement would enable NBC to hold on to Leno, who might have jumped to a competing network.