Taking Names: Wes Anderson film is first at Cannes

“By far the most important thing the academy does is give awards to deserving artists, writers and composers,” said architect and academy President Henry N. Cobb. “It really does help people in advancing their careers.”

The new inductees will be welcomed officially at a ceremony in May, with the keynote speech — the Blashfield Address — to be given by artist Chuck Close. Previous Blashfield speakers include Helen Keller, Thornton Wilder and John Updike.

Indie-rock darlings the Shins set to release 4th album

Indie-rock favorites the Shins are back with a new album, a new lineup and a more upbeat sound that lead singer-songwriter James Mercer credits in part to his tranquil family life.

The band’s fourth album, “Port of Morrow,” is set for release March 20 in the U.S. It comes five years after the Shins’ Grammy-nominated album “Wincing the Night Away” entered the Billboard 200 at No. 2.

Mr. Mercer acknowledged he’d love to snag the top spot this time, saying that would put the Shins “up there with the biggest bands in history.”

Between albums, Mr. Mercer parted ways with the other original band members and recruited a new team.

He defended that move, saying, “When you work with somebody new, you get a whole new perspective on your song.”

Swift tops Billboard list of 2011 money-makers

Taylor Swift is No. 1 again: The singer is the top act on Billboard’s money-makers list.

Miss Swift earned more than $35 million in 2011, according to the Billboard list released Friday. U2 were second with $32 million. Kenny Chesney, Lady Gaga and Lil Wayne rounded out the top five.

Artists’ rankings were based on U.S. income sources from tours, albums sales and publishing royalties. Billboard said in a press release that it didn’t factor in “sponsorships, merchandise sales or synchronization deals.”

Adele was 10th on the list. Though she canceled most of her 2011 U.S. tour because of issues with her vocal cords, her album “21” sold more than 5 million units in 2011. Including sales from this year, “21” has sold nearly 8 million copies.

c Compiled from Web and wire service reports.