03/08/2010 @ 12:05am PST "HOLLYWOOD BUZZ"! "The Hurt Locker" makes Oscar history!
Kathryn Bigelow made Oscar history when she became the first female to land the top director honor, beating the competition in her category, including her ex-husband James Cameron in the process.
Calling the huge win “the moment of a lifetime,” Bigelow dedicated the award to “the women and men in the military who risk their lives on a daily basis in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world.”
War movie “The Hurt Locker” was the toast of Hollywood on Sunday night after leading the Oscars with six honors, including Best Director and Best Picture.
The film also claimed the night’s sound awards, film editing and original screenplay prizes, as it collected six of the nine accolades it was nominated for.
“Avatar”, the world’s biggest grossing movie ever, was a triple winner and Up, Crazy Heart and Precious won double.
All the pre-show favorites won the big acting prizes with Jeff Bridges claiming Best Actor, Sandra Bullock Best Actress, Mo’Nique Best Supporting Actress and Christoph Waltz Best Supporting Actor.
Bigelow led what became a great night for firsts. Bullock became the first star to land a Golden Raspberry dishonor the same year as an Oscar, she picked up the Worst Actress Razzie for All About Steve on Saturday; Bridges won his first Oscar for Crazy Heart after five attempts, and 33 of 39 Academy Award winners took home their first Oscars, with The Hurt Locker trio of Bigelow, writer Mark Boal and sound editor Paul N.J. Ottosson picking up their first and second accolades at the 82nd annual prizegiving.
The full list of winners at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood is:
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)
Best Animated Feature Film: Up
Best Original Song: The Weary Kind by Ryan Bingham & T-Bone Burnett (Crazy Heart)
Best Original Screenplay: Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker)
Best Animated Short: Logorama
Best Documentary Short: Music by Prudence
Best Live Action Short: The New Tenants
Best Make-Up: Barney Burman, Mindy Hall & Joel Harlow (Star Trek)
Best Adapted Screenplay: Geoffrey Fletcher (Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire)
Best Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique (Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire)
Best Art Direction: Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg & Kim Sinclair (Avatar)
Best Costume Design: Sandy Powell (The Young Victoria)
Best Sound Editing: Paul N.J. Ottosson (The Hurt Locker)
Best Sound Mixing: Paul N.J. Ottosson & Ray Beckett (The Hurt Locker)
Best Cinematography: Mauro Fiore (Avatar)
Best Original Score: Michael Giacchino (Up)
Best Visual Effects: Andrew R. Jones, Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum & Richard Baneham (Avatar)
Best Documentary Feature: The Cove
Best Film Editing: Bob Murawski & Chris Innis (The Hurt Locker)
Best Foreign Language Film: El secreto de sus ojos (Argentina)
Best Actor: Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart)
Best Actress: Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side)
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)
Best Picture: The Hurt Locker
03/03/2010 @ 8:12pm PST "HOLLYWOOD BUZZ"! Osmond funeral for Marie's son on Monday!
Just days before Marie Osmond's son's suicide over the weekend, 18-year-old Michael Blosil legally changed his last name to Bryan. The reason behind the name change, like so many other aspects of the tragedy, is unclear.
Meanwhile, Marie's publicist Alan Nierob confirms that the family, including Marie's ex-husband and Michael's dad, Brian Blosil, is planning to hold a private funeral in their home state of Utah on Monday.
The family has been hunkered down together since the news. Earlier this week, they all gathered together in Provo to support nephew David in concert.
No other details have been disclosed about the event, which will be open only to family and close friends. A source says that a separate viewing will take place Sunday.
BURT REYNOLDS RECOVERING FROM QUINTUPLE BYPASS HEART SURGERY!
Publicist Erik Kritzer says the procedure had been planned for months and that Reynolds is "feeling great" now that he has "a great motor with brand new pipes."
The former box-office champ is recovering from quintuple bypass surgery. Reynolds, 74, had the operation last week, according to his rep, and is now back at his Florida home with 24-hour nursing care.
The Hollywood icon has battled other health issues in recent years, including back surgery that led a prescription pill addiction and trip to rehab in 2009.
MEGAN FOX TRYS TO FIX IMAGE CRISIS IN BAZAAR MAGAZINE INTERVIEW!
Megan Fox is having a bit of an image crisis after giving out way too many crazy quotes over the past couple years, reports a New York Times interview!
Now, according to the Times, her people are trying their hardest to "change the dialogue about Fox from the out-of-control sex bomb to the Fox they know, who is a homebody with a longtime boyfriend and a fondness for spending Saturday nights at Red Lobster, where she likes the cheese biscuits."
And just in time for June's "Jonah Hex" release, Megan is starting to make the magazine rounds, as part of this image makeover. She's on the cover of April's Harper's Bazaar UK, on newsstands March 4, telling everybody the exact number of men she has slept with.
"I've only been with two men my entire life. My childhood sweetheart and Brian. I can never have sex with someone that I don't love, ever. The idea makes me sick. I've never even come close to having a one-night stand. My biggest regret is that I've assisted the media in making me into a cartoon character. I don't regret what has happened to me, but I regret the way I have dealt with it."
JESSICA SIMPSON TELLS OPRAH "I FELT BETRAYED BY JOHN MAYER"!
It's hard being Jessica Simpson. because every ounce she gains is subject to media scrutiny, her recent racist boyfriend's remarks, and the feeling the world is still not entirely convinced that she knows the difference between chicken and tuna.
Jessica Simpson blames only herself a sit-down talk with Oprah Winfrey, "Yeah, I couldn't read the article," she said of John Mayer's Playboy interview. "I heard about it and I saw some of the clips and stuff. I tried to read the article and I was so...I was so disappointed in him.
"It made me so sad and it was really discouraging, because that's not the John that I knew. I guess it could have been a lot worse—my phone is ringing off the hook, I have to say,"
Jessica continued about Mayer, "Absolutely, I felt betrayed. I just...you know, I hope he gets his life together. He did apologize to me. I haven't written back," she said, ignoring Oprah's question of whether he pulled a Joe Jonas and resorted to texting the apology. "I don't accept it. It's just kind of one of those things—I don't resent him, I'm just gonna let that go, that part of my life."
Jessica also told Oprah her lowest point of the last few years came courtesy of "People couldn't stop talking about my weight fluctuating, It would bother any woman, I would think. The fact that I was famous last year for gaining 10 pounds is ridiculous and it's really sad."
On the subject of the Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson reality show, "I didn't know what I was signing up for, but I do think that I opened myself up to the world of judgment and of people's opinions," she said of her ill-fated decision to be a TV Newlywed.
"In a lot of ways it is my fault and I shouldn't expect people not to...I just didn't know it would end up so harsh. The sad part about it is when everything came out, I didn't want to say anything about the weight, I didn't want to sit down and talk to anyone about it, because I felt guilty," Simpson said.
"I just didn't want to feed into it. I didn't want people to let people know it was affecting me," she said, "It's a really hard thing for me to talk about because I celebrate women of all sizes and I think we're all beautiful. I do believe it is something that comes from within, and something you have to find within yourself to be comfortable with yourself."
Still, her press nightmare was not all in vain, as she credits the jean backlash with giving her the idea for her new VH1 globetrotting documentary, "The Price of Beauty".
What she saw pass for beauty around the world affected her deeply, evidenced by the tears that streamed down her face when discussing the negative impact media can have on women of all ages—including herself.
"Just the pressure that women feel to be thin or to be beautiful," she began. "The pressure that the media puts on women is so unfair and so disgusting."
As the tears came after Oprah previewed a clip dealing with a French model's battle with anorexia, Winfrey apparently felt it was the right time to ask Simpson whether she herself ever battled with an eating disorder.
"No, I've tried every fad diet, every diet there is, but never to the extent where it's unhealthy," Simpson replied. "Do you mind saying what size you are?" Oprah asked.
"I'm a size 4. I fluctuate from 4 to 6," Jessica said, admitting that those mom jeans actually fell on the lower end of her personal size spectrum. Which was almost too much for Oprah to bear.
"Those are size 4? And people are calling you fat in a size 4?!" Oprah asked. "Ay, ay, ay. Ay, ay, ay," she said. "Oh my god, 8 is a goal.
Jessica's mindset now is "Nobody else can define it but myself. Nobody's words, nobody's compliments, nobody's love"—nobody's ay ay ays?—"none of that, it's all what I have in myself. But I'm really finally relaxed. I don't care what people have to say about my weight, I really don't. I think I look great."
LINDSAY LOHAN PLANS TO PUT HER LIFE STORY IN A BOOK SHE'S STARTED!
Lindsay Lohan is getting ready to write something a little longer than tweeting 140 characters. The starlet is penning a memoir about her, well, troubled life. And according to the 23-year-old, she's been working on it for quite some time now.
"I write a lot and it's very therapeutic for me because then I can see what's happening on paper," she tells Britain's OK! magazine. "I've started writing a book. It's going to take a while, all my life experiences. I started writing it a year ago. There's a lot to put down, you know?"
NAOMI CAMPBELL WON'T FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES AFTER SLUGGING DRIVER!
Police say it's unlikely charges will be filed against Supermodel Naomi Campbell because the driver has opted not to file a formal criminal complaint. The incident in which she could have faced criminal charges for allegedly slugging her driver.
New York police say that Campbell's unnamed chauffeur stopped his vehicle in midtown Manhattan to inform authorities that he was on the receiving end of a Campbell punch. Before officers arrived, however, 39 year old Naomi had proceeded to flee the scene.
While there's no sign of Campbell, who has a long list of similar trangessions with the hired help, her spokesman suggested she'll be ready to tell her side soon.
"There shouldn't be a rush to judgment," publicist Jeff Raymond said. "Naomi will cooperate voluntarily, and there is more to the story than meets the eye."
"DANCING WITH THE STARS" UPCOMING SEASON PAIRINGS REVEALED!
The new season debuts on March 22 on ABC, and here are dance teams…
Kate Gosselin is paired with Tony Dovolani, but no, not that way, he's a married man.
Moonwalker Buzz Aldrin will be shaking it up with Ashly Costa (formerly DelGrosso), who returns for her fourth season.
Pamela Anderson takes her turns around the dance floor with Damian Whitewood.
ESPN's Erin Andrews is partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, in what would be our best bet for chemistry that extends beyond the parquet.
Shannen Doherty moves her hips to a new area code with two-time champ Mark Ballas.
Winter Olympics' golden boy Evan Lysacek will have five-time DWTS vet Anna Trebunskaya.
Style network star Niecy Nash and six-time participant Louis Van Amstel.
Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco gets two-time winner Cheryl Burke.
The Bachelor's Jake Pavelka finds his salsa mate, Chelsie Hightower.
Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls meets season seven winner Derek Hough.
Soap star Aiden Turner deals with the show's only 10-time pro, Edyta Sliwinska.
JAMIE FOXX AND BETTY WHITE WELCOME JAY BACK TO "TONIGHT SHOW"!
SIMON COWELL'S ENGAGEMENT RUMORS STILL CONTINUE IN THE NEWS!
These Simon Cowell engagement rumors are getting hard to ignore. First a source said it wasn't true. And then responding to another report that Simon was getting hitched to girlfriend and American Idol makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy, his rep's reply: "Simon does not discuss his private life."
But now Mezhgan was spotted over the weekend wearing a giant rock on that special ring finger—which must mean there's some truth to all these engagement rumors, right?!
"AVATAR" CONTINUES TO MAKE HISTORY, "SHUTTER ISLAND" IS STILL #1!
James Cameron's epic "Avatar" came up with another $14 million, and became the first film to gross $700 million-plus domestically.
Elsewhere, Martin Scorsese's and Leonardo DiCaprio's "Shutter Island" ($22.2 million) held on for its second straight box office win, while Kevin Smith's "Cop Out" ($18.6 million) and the zombie flick "The Crazies" ($16.5 million) did what they needed to do in their debuts.
1. Shutter Island, $22.2 million 2. Cop Out, $18.6 million 3. The Crazies, $16.5 million 4. Avatar, $14 million 5. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, $9.8 million 6. Valentine's Day, $9.5 million 7. Dear John, $5 million 8. The Wolfman, $4.1 million 9. The Tooth Fairy, $3.5 million 10. Crazy Heart, $2.5 million
02/27/2010 @ 1:30am PST "HOLLYWOOD BUZZ"! Andrew Koenig found dead in Vancouver!
Walter Koenig said that his son Andrew "took his own life."
A source close to the investigation into the death of Andrew Koenig said that the 41-year-old actor's body was found Thursday in Vancouver's Stanley Park hanging from a tree. According to the insider, Koenig's body was discovered by one of 11 friends and family members who had organized their own search party.
Three authorized search-and-rescue teams had searched the area on Tuesday, but it was a friend who ultimately found what Koenig's loved ones had dreaded they were going to find.
Koenig was discovered in a densely wooded area of native pines and brush, so deep into the forest off Stanely Park's Bridle Path, one of dozens of trails in the 1,000-acre area, that it appeared to the search party that "Andrew didn't want to be found," the source said.
The person who found him then alerted the other searchers via cell phone, after which Koenig's father, Walter, came to what was described as a "grisly" scene and identified his son.
Vancouver police have declined to comment on the nature of Koenig's death due to the ongoing investigation. But a police spokesman said that foul play has been ruled out and all evidence points to suicide.
A source in the Provincial coroner's office says that the exact cause of death may not be known for another two months, which is a "not unusual" length of time for such an investigation.
Close friends and family contacted on Friday declined to go on camera and were directing all inquiries to Walter Koenig. So far, the family hasn't released any information about a funeral or pending memorial service.
But they are already focusing their energies on their son's legacy.
"Andrew was a man who cared deeply about others, and who acted on his conscience ,working on a grass roots level to help those in need," parents Walter and Judith said in a statement Friday. "To honor him and his life, we are suggesting people donate in Andrew's memory to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or U.S. Campaign for Burma."
When addressing the media Thursday, the family encouraged anyone suffering from depression, like their son did, to seek help.
Andrew Koenig's former "Growing Pains" costar Kirk Cameron was one of the first celebrities to speak out when the actor went missing; it's only fitting that he's done the same in the wake of his tragic death.
"It is with great sorrow to hear about the final outcome of the search for my old friend Andrew," he said in a statement. "I hope everyone will be sensitive to the Koenigs and give the family some private time to reflect and to grieve the loss of their beloved son.
"At a time like this, we all are reminded of the briefness of life and the importance of being ready for our eternal destination. My prayers will continue to be with Andrew's family."
BELIEVE IT OR NOT, JIM CARREY IS A FIRST TIME GRANDFATHER!
Jim Carrey's family just experienced a very fortunate event.
The 47-year-old actor became a first-time grandpa Friday when his daughter Jane welcomed her first child with her musician hubby, Alex Santana.
Son Jackson Riley Santana was born at 12:28 a.m. in Los Angeles, weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring 20 inches long.
Carrey revealed that his baby was having a baby in July. "I am very excited," he said at the time. "Jane is going to be a great mom."
Jane and Alex, both lead singers in their respective rock bands, tied the knot November. Jane is Carrey's daughter with first wife Melissa Womer.
TIGER WOODS LOSES GATORADE AS A SPONSOR ENDORSEMENT!
Gatorade, a day after Nike announced its' continuing support for Tiger Woods, PepsiCo-owned Gatorade announced that it was dropping its endorsement of Woods.
"We no longer see a role for Tiger in our marketing efforts and have ended our relationship," said a spokeswoman for the beverage maker, which discontinued its Gatorade Tiger Focus energy drink in December. "We wish him all the best."
No one would say officially, of course, whether the recent slam to his image prompted their decision, but some mysteries solve themselves.
Accenture, which ironically was sponsoring the PGA tournament that was going on at the same time Woods made his big apology, was the first to completely cut ties, followed by AT&T.
Watchmaker Tag Heuer and Gillette, without completely firing him, have both minimized his role in any advertising campaigns for the near future.
But Electronic Arts, which produces Woods' titular best-selling golf game, and Nike, which outfits the rehabbing golfer, have continued to stick by him through thin and thinner.
"Under the circumstances, the more he deals with the issues and the better he deals with them, the better off he'll be when he does return," Nike president Charles Denson told the Associated Press Thursday.
"We've been supportive of Tiger since the story broke and we continue to be supportive. He's got issues he needs to deal with and he's dealing with them. We are looking forward to him getting back on the golf course."
JON CRYER A MURDER TARGET PLOT BY EX-WIFE REVEALED IN COURT!
As if Jon Cryer needs more drama now with good pal Charlie Sheen in rehab and their hit Two and a Half Men on unexpected hiatus. But now there's this.
A former boyfriend of Cryer's ex-wife, Sarah Trigger, claims in court documents that it was Trigger who wanted to orchestrate a hit on both Cryer and her estranged husband, David Dickey. Trigger has vehemently denied the allegations.
News of the purported plot first surfaced last month, according to sworn statements by the 44-year-old Cryer as part of their ongoing divorce case.
According to the document, Trigger's lawyer, Angela diDonato, claims her client had just broken up with a guy named Eddie Sanchez and that he informed Trigger that he was going to kill Cryer and Dickey. Startled, diDonato contacted both men's attorneys to warn them and suggested they take out a restraining order against Sanchez.
In a separate affidavit, Dickey says he confronted Sanchez about the allegations, and Sanchez blamed the whole scheme on the British-born Trigger. She and Cryer married in 1999 and had a son, Austin, now 9, before the two bitterly divorced in 2004.
"Mr. Sanchez not only flatly denied making such a statement, but he said that it was Trigger who had contacted him on numerous occasions, stating that she wanted to see the pair [Cryer and Dickey] dead, and even asking Mr. Sanchez if he would kill the pair," the court documents state. "Or if he would not, inquiring whether she could speak with Mr. Sanchez's father about this issue."
Dickey says in the documents: "Mr. Sanchez then told me that [Trigger] had created this story as a method to control him and to prevent me from speaking to him regarding the child custody matter, as he had enough proof for her to lose custody of her children."
Indeed, Trigger has her own problems. She was taken into custody last May on suspicion of child abuse after Dickey, from whom she's now separated, contacted police about an injury sustained by their 3-year-old son. That case is still pending.
Cryer, meanwhile, says in court documents that he and his reps have chosen to keep mum on the whole sordid subject to protect Austin.
The Emmy winner says he informed producers of his show of the alleged threats in mid-January, at which point security was heightened on the Two and a Half Men set. That week's taping went ahead as scheduled, while the FBI investigated the matter.
An attorney for Cryer did not return a phone call seeking comment. Dickey also declined to comment. Attempts to reach Sanchez and his lawyer were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, another Trigger lawyer, Vicki Greene, said that Duckie stated under penalty of perjury that he "never accused Sarah of hiring a hit man."
Adding further confusion to the twisted tale is a voicemail message left by Sanchez when he was apparently trying to reach Trigger at her mother's home.
"I've been interviewed by federal agents and lawyers are calling me," he says. "I just want to know how Sarah's doing...I know she didn't do anything...I just wanted for you to tell her that I explained to those people everything."
The recording, says Greene, shows Trigger's innocence. "Sarah did not threaten Jon or anyone," adds Greene. "Jon and David are litigating against Sarah in two different courts at the same time and are using anything they can get their hands on, even the press, against Sarah."
"AMERICAN IDOL" ELIMINATES THE FIRST FOUR THIS SEASON, FROM 24!
American Idol's top 24 weeded out four unlucky hopefuls who received the fewest votes of the bunch this week. The first to go was 24-year-old Janell Wheeler, who picked exactly the wrong song when she tried to tackle Heart's "What About Love" on Tuesday. The tune was too big for her, and she obviously received little love for her efforts.
Ashley Rodriguez, who couldn't have been too surprised after doing a disservice to Leona Lewis' "Happy," was next to go and offered up what had to be one of the angriest "thank you's" we've seen in a long time.
Also out is 20-year-old Tyler Grady, who miscalculated how far his mop-top would take him by choosing to scream his way through the first week with "American Woman."
Overall, America saved its slap in the face for Joe Muñoz, who garnered some of the few words of praise dished out by the judges last night for his vocal on Jason Mraz's "You and I Both."
Meaning, Tim Urban, who Simon Cowell may as well have smacked with a ruler, gets to stay another week.
Aside from all the bloodletting, Kris Allen, fresh from a relief trip to Haiti on behalf of the resurgent Idol Gives Back initiative, and Allison Iraheta, rocking bright red curls, both performed.
The top 20 resume performing for your votes next week.
PARIS HILTON'S LATEST AD GETS A LOT OF ATTENTION IN BRAZIL!
The land that brought us Carnival, Gisele, the skimpiest of bikinis and a certain style of, er, grooming, has a problem with what has to be one of Paris Hilton's demurest performances in a long time.
Brazil's Secretariat for Women's Affairs has objected to a commercial for Devassa beer, starring the heiress, in which she stands in the window of an office building and attracts interested looks from passersby on the street below—as well as a photographer in possession of what must be a zoom lens—as she writhes around holding a can of suds.
02/24/2010 @ 10:35am PST "HOLLYWOOD BUZZ"! Star Trek's Walter Koenig searching for his son!
Andrew Koenig is still missing! The search for the "Growing Pains" actor continues and his former Star Trek-starring father is forced to open up about his 41-year-old son who's been missing for more than a week.
"It's very, very tough," Walter Koenig told the "Today Show". "He was very depressed about his life." His mother, Judy Levitt Koenig, hopes that the public's heartwarming concern brings him home. "He is much loved and beloved in this world, and I just hope he gets that feeling," she says.
The family, including Andrew's sister, Danielle, is doing everything they can to stay positive about his current state, praying he's not injured or worse. "I don't want to think that way," Walter says. "I'm trying very hard not to think that way."
Anyone and everyone with information about Andrew to contact the authorities. Anyone who has spotted Koenig or has information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Vancouver police at 604-717-2534.
AMERICAN IDOL'S FIRST HOLLYWOOD NIGHT AND 1 BLOGGER'S OPINION!
CHARLIE SHEEN FOLLOWS HIS WIFE BROOKE MUELLER INTO REHAB STAY!
Just two weeks after wife Brooke Mueller began in-patient treatment—and two days after child services paid what was described as a "routine" visit to their residence—Charlie Sheen has also entered rehab. Again.
This time around, however, the sitcom star's decision to seek help (for an undisclosed cause) is being described by his rep as "a preventative measure."
"As a preventative measure, Charlie Sheen has entered a rehabilitation facility," says publicist Stan Rosenfield. "He will take some time off his series Two and a Half Men. He has asked that his privacy be honored."
In a separate statement, CBS said the network and show producers "support Charlie Sheen in his decision today to begin voluntary in-patient care at a treatment center. We wish him nothing but the best as he deals with this personal matter."
It's unclear where or for how long Sheen will be undergoing treatment, and answers are unlikely to come anytime soon. Yesterday, an attorney for Mueller lashed out at both the media and officials at her previous rehab center for revealing the location of her treatment.
Likewise, the network confirmed that production on Two and Half Men had been "temporarily suspended," but gave no specific timetable on Sheen's return or indication on how the stoppage would affect the show's schedule.
There's also no word on who is caring for the couple's 11-month-old twins while their parents are away. However, Charlie's parents, Martin and Janet, and brother, Emilio Estevez, as well as Mueller's brother's family all live nearby and may help, along with Charlie and Brooke's regular battery of nannies.
"JACK BAUER" CLEARED TO RETURN TO WORK ON "24" NEXT WEEK AGAIN!
Two weeks after production shut down on "24" to allow Kiefer Sutherland to have minor elective surgery, the actor has been given the all-clear to resume his day job.
"Kiefer's been cleared to return to work, and we resume production March 1," said Fox spokesman Chris Alexander.
Sutherland, 43, had an outpatient procedure Feb. 16 to treat a cyst that had ruptured near his kidney.
With cameras rolling again next week, there shouldn't be any interruption in the terrorist-thwarting show's broadcast schedule. The season is due to wrap in May, and maybe Kiefer and crew will start work on that "24" movie.
ANGELINA JOLIE REUNITES WITH HER FATHER AND HE SEES HIS GRANDKIDS!
Brad Pitt used his powers of persuasion set up last weekend's reunion of Angelina Jolie and her formerly estranged father, Jon Voight. Between Pitt and Angelina's brother, James Haven, the relationship has thawed considerably.
Things first went south between father and daughter (and son) during her Billy Bob Thornton days when things got very suggestive between the two during red carpet appearances.
A source close to the actress said that Papa Voight didn't take too kindly to those antics, even writing a letter to his daughter telling her how "disgusting" her behavior was. Voight even suggested his daughter needed an intervention. That also led to Haven to sever ties with Voight and align himself with his sister.
Eventually, however, Voight tried to make amends, mailing Jolie a gold necklace as a peace offering—that she promptly returned to sender.
Then, roughly a year ago, Haven became a born-again Christian and began training as a minister, at which point he successfully resumed and maintained contact with his father. Haven soon tried to get his sister to follow his lead by make-up with their dad, though she routinely rebuffed the idea.
That's when Brad Pitt took over, and said Voight "deserved a second chance and so he stepped in." It apparently did the trick, as it was Jolie who invited her father out to Venice last week.
"The visit actually went really well, and Angie's thrilled he got on really well with all her kids. She's grown up a lot, and forgiving Jon is a huge step," the source says.
The well-photographed trip marked the first time Voight had met with all six of his grandchildren.
KEVIN McHALE TWEETS: GLEE CAST INVITED TO PERFORM AT THE WHITE HOUSE!
Glee star Kevin McHale tweeted Monday, the fact that the cast of his Emmy-winning show has been invited by First Lady Michelle Obama to perform at the White House during the annual event on April 5.
"Two words... White house!!!!!!" tweeted Naya Rivera, while Amber Riley added, "Singing at the white house. I'm in total disbelief... So excited to meet my President and First Lady!!!! Yay!!!"
"so unreal. love me some obamz," McHale wrote.
And apparently the "obamz," particularly Sasha and Malia, love them some Glee, according to EW.com, which first reported the presidential coup.
JAY LENO'S FIRST WEEK BACK ON THE "TONIGHT SHOW" STAR-STUDDED!
NBC has unveiled the initial guest list for Kevin Eubanks and Jay Leno's return to "The Tonight Show" next week!
• March 1: Jamie Foxx, Olympic gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn, Brad Paisley • March 2: Sarah Palin, Olympic gold medal snowboarder Shaun White • March 3: Jaywalk All-Stars with cast of Jersey Shore, Chelsea Handler, Olympic gold medal speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, Avril Lavigne • March 4: Matthew McConaughey, Jason Reitman • March 5: Morgan Freeman, Meredith Vieira • March 8: Simon Cowell • March 9: Christoph Waltz, animal expert Dave Salmoni, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts • March 10: Kristen Stewart, Guy Fieri • March 11: Dana Carvey, Kim Kardashian, Colbie Caillat • March 12: Dakota Fanning, Judd Apatow
HE'S GOT THE HOTTEST COMMERCIAL ON TV THESE DAYS! ISAIAH MUSTAFA!
If you ladies are obsessed with the "I'm on a horse" Old Spice commercial, you'll be happy to know the star of said commerical, Isaiah Mustafa, is a former pro football player who has a Twitter and a Wikipedia stub.
"SHUTTER ISLAND" SCARES UP $40 MILLION AT WEEKEND BOX OFFICE!
Leonardo DiCaprio lost his crown this year as box office king of the world. But he rebounded nicely this weekend with the biggest opener of his career.
Shutter Island dominated the competition with an estimated $40.2 million Friday-Sunday, a bigger haul than DiCaprio's last two movies made during their respective domestic runs.
Meanwhile, Avatar, the movie that trumped DiCaprio's Titanic, celebrated its 10th weekend by moving up to third place, scoring another $16.1 million—and putting itself days away from an unprecedented $700 million domestic gross. More good stuff:
• The $80 million Shutter Island is also now the biggest opener of director Martin Scorsese's considerable career. His previous best was The Departed (also starring DiCaprio); DiCaprio's was Catch Me If You Can.
• DiCaprio hasn't had a movie that impressed at the domestic box office since The Departed. His last two, Revolutionary Road and Body of Lies, each failed to top $40 million here.
• Avatar's now at $687.8 million domestically. How long before it hits $700 million? Not long. Says Exhibitor Relations' Jeff Bock: "It looks like it's about seven days away, by this time next week."
• Bock says Avatar will to continue to be a force right up until Alice in Wonderland, which will usurp the blockbuster's 3-D and IMAX screens when the Tim Burton-Johnny Depp movie opens March 5.
• After two weekends, the $150 million Wolfman is at about $100 million worldwide, per Box Office Mojo. The horror redo is pretty much done here, with ticket sales freefalling almost 70 percent from last weekend, down to $9.8 million.
• Another holdover, The Lightning Thief, held better than The Wolfman: fourth place, $15.3 million. The $95 million fantasy epic stands at $58.7 million domestically.
• What happened to last weekend's champ? The suddenly dated Valentine's Day suffered a drop worthy of The Wolfman (down 69 percent, to $17.2 million). But the $50 million movie still looked great with an $87.4 million two-week domestic take.
• Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer loomed large on four screens in New York and, interestingly, Los Angeles, where authorities want him extradited to stand sentencing on a 1977 rape case. The movie's per-screen average—$44,750—was the biggest of any weekend film reporting grosses.
Here's a complete rundown of the weekend's top-grossing films from Friday-Sunday, per estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations:
1. Shutter Island, $40.2 million 2. Valentine's Day, $17.2 million 3. Avatar, $16.1 million 4. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, $15.3 million 5. The Wolfman, $9.8 million 6. Dear John, $7.3 million 7. The Tooth Fairy, $4.5 million 8. Crazy Heart, $3 million 9. From Paris with Love, $2.5 million 10. Edge of Darkness, $2.2 million
Tiger Woods has broken his silence. Nearly three months after the car crash that turned his world upside down, the disgraced golfer spoke to friends, family, business associates and a (very) small pool of reporters at a carefully controlled press address this morning.
The take-home message: He's "deeply sorry," working on his marriage—despite the notable absence of wife Elin Nordegren at his address—and, as of tomorrow, will begin his 46th day of in-treatment therapy.
"Many of you in this room are my friends," he said during the emotional speech. "Many in this room know me. Many of you have cheered for me, or you worked with me, or you supported me. Now, every one of you has good reason to be critical of me. I want to say to each of you simply and directly: I am deeply sorry for my irresponsibility and selfish behavior I engaged in."
"I know people want to find out how I can be so selfish and so foolish," he said. "People want to know how I could have done these things to my wife Elin and my children…My real apology to her will not come in the form of words. It will come in my behavior over time. We have a lot to discuss. However, what we say to each other will be between the two of us."
Woods went on to acknowledge that he has let down not only his fans, but his friends and business associates. "My behavior has been a personal disappointment," he said.
"I have made you question who I am and how I could have done the things I did. I'm embarrassed that I have put you in this position. For all that I have done, I am so sorry. I have a lot to atone for."
But first, he had one thing in particular to clarify.
"There's one issue I really want to discuss. Some people have speculated that Elin somehow hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night. It angers me that people would fabricate a story like that. Elin has never hit me that night or any night. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise, not blame. The issue involved here was my repeated irresponsible behavior. I was unfaithful, I had affairs, I cheated.
"What I did was not acceptable and I am the only person to blame. I stopped living by the core values I was taught to believe in. I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply. I thought only about myself…I ran straight through the boundaries that a married couple should live by. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn't have to go far to find them."
Woods said that he was turning to both Buddhism and his family to get him through the situation.
"I brought this shame on myself. I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife's family, my friends, my foundation and kids all around the world who admired me. I've had a lot of time to think about what I've done. My failures have made me look at myself in a way I've never wanted to before. Now it's time for me to make amends. It's up to me to start living a life of integrity." Tiger Woods, Reporters Joe Raedle/Getty Images
And while he does, he implored the press to give his family the privacy they deserve, despite their rampant and understandable curiosity.
"I understand people want to know whether Elin and I remain together. Please know that as far as I'm concerned, every one of these questions and answers is a matter for her and me.
"I still believe it is right to shield my family from the public spotlight. They didn't do these things; I did. For the sake of my family, please leave my wife and kids alone. I recognize I have brought this on myself, and I know above all I am the one who needs to change. I owe it to my family to become a better person. I owe it to those close to me to become a better man. That's where my focus will be."
As for a possible return to golf, Woods says he has not ruled out a comeback this year, though he has a lot of work to do before such a move could become a reality.
"When I return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game," he said, before wrapping up his comments.
"There are many people in this room and many people at home who believed in me. Today, I ask for your help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again. Thank you."
At that, the teary golfer stepped away from the podium and held a long embrace with his mother and other friends before leaving the room.
DISNEY'S HILLARY DUFF FOLLOWS A TREND, MARRYING A NHL HOCKEY STAR!
Disney diva Hilary Duff has become the second hockey fiancée of the season, thanks to her engagement to Edmonton Oilers star Mike Comrie.
"Hilary Duff & Mike Comrie were engaged this weekend while vacationing in Hawaii," Duff's rep said in a statement. "After having been together for over two years, they are very excited to share this happy news. They are thankful for all of your warm wishes."
JON GOSSELIN MAY BE PLANNING A COMEBACK TOO, TO TV, WITH A TLC TRUCE!
Jon Gosselin and TLC announcED an amicable end to what had been acrimonious dueling lawsuits. And by the sound of it, the deal not only will allow Kate Gosselin to resume her reality antics with an in-the-works spinoff show, but it seems to pave the way for Jon also, to make a return to TV.
"Jon has expressed his desire to close the litigation chapter of Jon & Kate Plus 8...He's hoping that TLC will move forward with the best interest of the Gosselin family," Jon's attorney, Mark Heller, said.
"Sometimes litigants kiss and make-up, finding their relationship is much better the second time around. As Jon's attorney, I truly hope that this new adventure for TLC and the Gosselins is a much more joyful journey."
The network also confirmed the confidential settlement, stressing "the whole Gosselin family remain under contract with TLC."
As the TV show fell apart, TLC launced the first salvo in October, suing the Jon & Kate Plus 8 patriarch for misrepresentation of the facts and breach of contract after he accepted paying gigs from the likes of Entertainment Tonight and The Insider and made several unauthorized disclosures about behind-the-scenes behavior on the Jon & Kate set.
He fired back with a $5 million countersuit in November, accuing the cable net of violating child labor laws during filming of his brood and forcing him to sign a "one-sided contract" that kept him from capitalizing on his fame. Finally, he claimed TLC still owed him at least $175,000 from the show.
Things grew nasty, as TLC deposed several of Gosselin's former inner circle, including flings Kate Major and Hailey Glassman, and one-time potential partner Michael Lohan. Jon's stonewalling, meanwhile, kept the network from filming his children for Kate's new reality excursion.
Had the two sides failed to reach a resolution via mediation, the case was scheduled to go to a jury trial in April. But last week, Team Gosselin signaled that they were willing to make a deal and had softened their stance.
Heller said that another show is under consideration but nothing is official: "I assume that time is money and TLC likes to enjoy the profits of good programming, so I assume that they won't wait too long to make some decisions. We'll just have to wait to see what unfolds."
"BIGGEST LOSER" TRAINER JILLIAN MICHAELS HIT WITH THIRD LAWSUIT!
"Biggest Loser" star trainer Jillian Michaels is facing another weighty legal challenge: She's been hit with her third class-action lawsuit in a week for endorsing a diet supplement that supposedly doesn't work.
But the biggest bombshell in the latest complaint accuses the Jillian Michaels Maximum Strength Fat Burner of being "potentially lethal."
Plaintiff Kathy Hensley claims in court papers filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court that the Michaels-sanctioned product is not only "worthless," but its blend of ingredients could cause major heart problems.
Other defendants in the suit are Thin Care International and Basic Research, the Utah-based companies that make and market the product, and Walgreens.
Hensley accuses the defendants of failing to disclose that a key ingredient, citrus aurantium, more commonly known as "bitter orange," can trigger high blood pressure and serious cardiac cardiac issues in certain individuals. And in lending her name, Michaels essentially "sold her proverbial soul to the devil."
"In essence, bitter orange is essentially a kissing cousin of Ephedra that's potentially lethal," Hensley's attorney, Aashish Desai, said.
"In the lawsuit they have to disclose the fact it can cause these severe risks and tragic results, and if people want to buy it from there, that's their prerogative. But as a supplement it escapes FDA regulation, and they can say whatever they want to say and use pseudoscience jargon to trick customers."
The latest lawsuit, which seeks less than $5 million in damages, comes about a week after the first legal salvo, accusing Michaels and cohorts of false advertising after the plaintiff followed the packaging ("two capsules before main meals and you lose weight...that's it!") but didn't shed the pounds.
A day later, a second suit made similar allegations, prompting the fitness guru to hit back with a statement defending the diet pill and her good rep and adding that she's prepared to duke it out in court.
PHOTO-OP FOR THE BRANGELINA CLAN, AS THEY TURN UP IN VENICE, ITALY!
The Brangelina clan recently set up shop in Venice, Italy, where Angelina Jolie is shooting "The Tourist" alongside Johnny Depp.
The 19-month-old babies made a rare public appearance as their parents boarded a water taxi. The public hasn't seen Vivienne and Knox since this time last year.
CHARLIE SHEEN'S "TWO AND A HALF MEN" CO-STAR SAYS HE'S HOLDING UP!
Brooke Mueller has checked into rehab, and Charlie Sheen's "Two and a Half Men" costar Jennifer Taylor says the actor is still "holding up really well."
"Charlie has been great with all of the stuff going on," Taylor said at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards on Tuesday night. "He's really good—he's in good spirits."
Taylor, who plays Sheen's on-again/off-again fiancée, Chelsea, on the hit sitcom, added that she's very impressed with his positive attitude while working. "He's amazing," she said. "He's holding up really well, and my prayers are with both of them."
And while the CBS comedy isn't shooting this week, Taylor pointed out it has nothing to do with any Sheen-related drama—the show is on its scheduled hiatus. Mueller checked into the Canyon rehab facility in Malibu last week.
FASHION DESIGNER ALEXANDER McQUEEN'S DEATH RULED A SUICIDE!
A British medical examiner Wednesday told the Westminister Coroner Court that fashion designer Alexander McQueen, died of asphyxiation and hanging, confirming the widespread reports that his death last Thursday was due to suicide.
At the five-minute hearing, during which the media present were asked once again to respect the McQueen family's privacy in the wake of their "grievous double loss in a very short space of time," more details of how the couturier was found were also revealed.
According to the coroner official, McQueen's body was found hanging in his wardrobe in his London apartment the day before the funeral of his mother, Joyce, was to take place. The 40-year-old designer, whose real name was Lee McQueen, had been tweeting about how difficult it was coping with that loss in the days leading up to his death.
"At about 10:30 a.m. last Thursday...a man was found hanging in his wardrobe at Flat 1, Green Street, London, W1," the medical examiner's official Lynda Martindill said in a statement to the court. "On Monday, February 15, he was identified as Lee Alexander McQueen…he was a single man, a fashion designer."
His older sister, Janet McQueen, was called in to identify the body, and officials said they found a suicide note left by the designer nearby, but did not divulge its contents. It has since been turned over to the coroner as part of the investigation. The detective in charge of the inquest, which is launched in the wake of any violent or otherwise unexplained death in Britain, also informed the court that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
A subsequent hearing on the inquest has been set for April 28. In the meantime, London Fashion Week officials are working overtime to plan a tribute to the fashion giant when the suddenly more somber sartorial festivities kick off on Friday.
LENO'S "TONIGHT SHOW" BANDLEADER KEVIN EUBANKS LEAVING THE SHOW?
Kevin Eubanks, the longtime "Tonight Show" bandleader, who jumped with Jay Leno to 10 p.m. and will return to late night with him on March 1, may not be hangin' with Jay much longer, according to NBC.
The network revealed that the 52-year-old jazz specialist has talked about leaving, or at least taking a break from "The Tonight Show" to possibly tour and record on his own.
Eubanks joined Tonight with Leno in 1992, composing the music that plays over the closing credits, and was appointed musical director in 1995 when Branford Marsalis left.
As tends to be the case, when NBC said that Eubanks might be going, they prompted immediate speculation about who might be taking his place.
A rep for Darius Rucker, the Hootie and the Blowfish frontman turned CMA Award-winning country singer, said that there's no truth to a rumor that he's in line to replace Eubanks.
JESSICA SIMPSON FIRES BACK AT JOHN MAYER IN "ALLURE" MAGAZINE!
Jessica Simpson is finally talking about John Mayer. Speaking in the new issue of "Allure" magazine, the singer turned "sexual napalm" symbol dismisses her infamous ex with this throwaway line: "He didn't make me go brunette! John doesn't get credit for making me brunette. He'd like to think so, but he doesn't deserve the credit."
(Fellow former flame Tony Romo fares much better: "I'm still a fan...I wear my gear, and I cheer Tony on."
"Valentine's Day" owned Valentine's Day, and is expected to own President's Day in record fashion by the time all celebrating is concluded Monday.
The all-star flick, featuring Julia Roberts, the Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner, and more, grossed a whopping $52.4 million Friday-Sunday, per estimates. "The Lightning Thief" ($31.1 million) and "The Wolfman" ($30.6 million) opened okay; "Avatar" ($22 million) was still not done.
"Valentine's Day" debuted more like "Sex and the City", which scored a blockbuster $57 million Friday-Sunday in 2008. Of the weekend's new releases, "Valentine's Day" made the most, and cost the least, with a reputed budget of about $50 milion.
In its ninth weekend, "Avatar" upped its all-time domestic haul to nearly $660 million.
"Dear John", the movie that upset Avatar last weekend, couldn't beat Avatar this weekend. It fell four places, to fifth, one spot below Avatar. The $34 million romantic drama has nothing to be ashamed of: It took in another $15.3 million, and stands at $53.2 million domestically.
1. Valentine's Day, $52.4 million 2. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, $31.1 million 3. The Wolfman, $30.6 million 4. Avatar, $22 million 5. Dear John, $15.3 million 6. The Tooth Fairy, $5.6 million 7. From Paris with Love, $4.7 million 8. Edge of Darkness, $4.6 million 9. Crazy Heart, $4 million 10. When in Rome, $3.4 million
KEVIN SMITH IN THE NEWS WITH A SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SEATING PROBLEM!
"24" PRODUCTION ON HOLD WITH KEIFER SUTHERLAND CYST SURGERY
20th Century Fox Studios has halted production on the hit series "24", after Keifer Sutherland "Jack Bauer", suffered a ruptured cyst earlier in the week, a "24" rep confirms
Sutherland is scheduled to undergo minor surgery related to the ailment, but is not expected to be out long as "24" is set to resume filming in just a few days.
"While Kiefer Sutherland is frustrated to miss even one day of work, he and Fox decided together that it would be best to complete this minor elective procedure now as a precaution as opposed to six weeks from now when production wraps," his rep tells the Los Angeles Times. "He looks forward to returning to work next week."
Likewise, Fox fully supports its action-star telling the publication: "We are temporarily suspending production of 24 while our friend and colleague Kiefer Sutherland undergoes a medical procedure. We hope to resume production shortly and do not anticipate any disruption in the broadcast of this season's episodes."
24's eighth season premiered on Fox this January.
APOLO ANTON OHNO TAKES HOME RECORD SIXTH MEDAL FOR MALE SKATER!
Apolo Anton Ohno, the speed-skating superstar, got off to a great start at the Vancouver Olympics Saturday after taking home the silver medal in the men's 1,500 meter race.
Ohno's win at the winter games marks the first of many anticipated U.S. medals, as well as boosting his personal record to six-medals, a tie with Bonnie Blair for most decorated U.S. winter Olympian of all time.
And arguably the most important fact to note might just be that Ohno's latest silver prize is his first since that show-stopping turn as season four's "Dancing with the Stars" champ.
COUNTRY STAR TRACE ADKINS' BUS INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASH WITH TRUCK!
Country star Trace Adkins is set to continue the Louisiana leg of his tour following his band's Saturday morning bus crash which claimed the lives of two motorists.
A pickup truck reportedly drifted into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on into Adkins' tour bus. The former "Celebrity Apprentice" star was not on board during the time, but immediately drove to the scene of the accident to check on the victims, and his five bandmates who were treated for minor injuries.
"This is a real tragedy," Adkins said in a statement. "Two people have been killed and I don't even know their names. So out of respect for their families, I prefer not to comment too much at this time."
Adkins, who is currently on tour with country star Martina McBride, took the stage with an acoustic set Saturday night, while sitting out Sunday's show Florida.
02/13/2010 @ 1:31am PST "HOLLYWOOD BUZZ"! Olympics open with "We Are The World" 2010!
The start of the XXI Winter Olympics featured the 25th-anniversary rerecording of the seminal charity single "We Are the World," cowritten by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in 1985 for USA for Africa. Proceeds are going to help Haiti and donations can be made at WeAretheWorldFoundation.org.
Dozens of recording stars—from veterans like Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett to Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber—came together in Los Angeles on February 1 to sing, and a 7-minute video from "Crash" director Paul Haggis, that will have its global television premiere Saturday on 53 channels at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
NBC aired a 3-minute clip Friday night during the start of the Vancouver Games. And just as the 1985 version star studded version featured Jackson sharing space with Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan and many more.
The Olympic preview of "We Are the World" 2010 opened with teen heartthrob Bieber and also featured in Friday's snippet were Streisand, Cyrus, Fergie, Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger, Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, Céline Dion, Josh Groban, LL Cool J, Nick Jonas, Lil Wayne, Jeff Bridges, Kanye West and Wyclef Jean.
And, though he's no longer with us in life, original "We Are the World" cowriter and executive producer Micahel Jackson was featured in a clip from the original, singing alongside Janet Jackson.
In real time, Canadian artists Bryan Adams, Nelly Furtado, Sarah McLachlan and k.d. lang. performed during the host-country cultural segment of the ceremony at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium.
More than 2,500 athletes from 84 nations paraded through the stadium, culminating in the Olympic flame being lit by hockey great Wayne Gretzky, NBA star Steve Nash, speed skater Catriona LeMay Doan and skier Nancy Greene.
NEW "DANCING WITH THE STARS" CO-HOST CASTING DOWN TO THREE!
"Dancing With the Stars" is one step closer to choosing a new cohost. ABC has only three serious contenders to replace the departing Samantha Harris: Melissa Rycroft, Brooke Burke and Vanessa Minnillo.
Each of the threesome has a connection to the show. Rycroft and Burke (who won the whole thing) were former contestants. Minnillo, meanwhile, is dating Nick Lachey, whose brother Drew won the disco ball trophy.
"They're only testing those three on camera for now," a production insider said. "The testing will happen some time next week." If the casting session doesn't work out, ABC has a backup plan to "rotate past contestants" in the role as backstage interviewer, with Rycroft, Burke, Drew Lachey and Nancy O'Dell among those at the top of the list.
"SURVIVOR - HEROES VS. VILLIANS" KICKS OFF THE FIRST "SUGAR" KIPER!
Thursday night's record-breaking "Survivor" audience of 14.2 million viewers—the largest for the long-running reality hit since 2007—saw the first torch-snuffing casualty from Heroes vs. Villains...Survivor, Hero, Jessica "Sugar" Kiper.
Sugar confessed "I kind of felt like I was DOA since I arrived. I'm weaker when it comes to challenges. And unless you have a really strong alpha male to keep you through the first half...you're going to go—unless all the weak girls and possibly weak boys team up and get out the stronger players, which is dumb in the beginning because you need to win challenges. I actually did go in trying to win. Maybe that's where I messed up. Maybe I should've tried not to win like I did the first time."
MADONNA SETS OUT TO ESTABLISH ALL-GIRLS SCHOOL IN AFRICA, LIKE OPRAH!
Madonna, in her attempt to pull an Oprah Winfrey, has dreams of establishing an all-girls school in Africa, specifically in Malawi, where she adopted son David Banda, now 5, and daughter Mercy James, 4.
Unfortunately, Madonna's proposal to build the facility in the village of Blantyre, just outside the capital of Lilongwe, has sparked an uproar with word that the government intends to displace more than 200 locals to make way for the project.
According to foreign reports, villagers are resisting the move, refusing to budge despite Madonna's offering an estimated $115,000 to compensate them for the loss of their land and assist in resettlement efforts.
"The district commissioner for Lilongwe told the villagers to move off the land and [make] way for the construction of the academy because it was government land reserved for development projects," a Malawi government official told Agence France-Presse.
The controversy is the latest to blow up for the singer, who previously faced backlash over attempts to adopt her children, despite going to great lengths to support various local charities. She even cofounded Raising Malawi, a nonprofit aiding children in need of shelter, medical care and education.
Assuming all goes well, her planned $15 million institution will enroll approximately 500 poverty-stricken girls beginning in 2012.
ALEC BALDWIN MAKES HEADLINES TWICE IN 1 DAY WITH MISUNDERSTANDINGS!
One headline-grabbing "misunderstanding" is bad enough. But two in a single day may be some kind of record…even for Alec Baldwin.
As if the "30 Rock" star wasn't having a bad enough day following his brief hospitalization Thursday, the actor returned home to his NYC apartment after a long day of shooting to find a throng of media waiting for him. One paparazzo in particular, Tim Wiencis from the New York Post, began peppering Baldwin with questions as to the current emotional state of daughter Ireland, who reportedly called 911 on her father the night before.
Well, that was all it took for Alec Baldwin. Eyewitnesses say Baldwin took the bait and began shouting, "This guy! This guy!" when he spotted Wiencis in the crowd. He then grabbed the collar of the offending paparazzo, but before anything or charges could come of it, cops who were already present and on crowd-control duty, pulled the actor away.
The New York Police Department confirmed that Baldwin returned home around 5:15 p.m. and after making his way through the crowd—both getting his arm grabbed by Wiencis and grabbing back in return.
"He then turned around and said, 'This man's just assaulted me, call 911,' " the source said. "His bellman called 911. I've never seen police turn up so fast in this city. Within minutes, there were four police cars."
Police entered the lobby of Baldwin's building alongside the actor, who then, without warning if not prodding, ran out and grabbed Wiencis' jacket. Police quickly stopped the action and brought Baldwin back inside. "He lunged for the photographer, grabbed him, and then the police separated the two," a source said.
JILLIAN MICHAELS ON NBC'S "THE BIGGEST LOSER" FACES 2ND LAWSUIT!
Jillian Michaels, the outspoken personal trainer and star of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" has been slapped with her second class-action lawsuit this week for endorsing a weight-loss supplement that allegedly failed to do the job.
The complaint, filed Thursday by California native Stephanie Creer, basically rehashes allegations first raised a day earlier by one Christie Christensen—that Jillian Michaels Maximum Strength Calorie Control doesn't live up to the packaging's boast of "two capsules before main meals and you lose weight...That's it!"
According to Creer, Michaels' miracle pills did not deliver and the labeling essentially constituted false advertising. (The label does contain a caution from the Food and Drug Administration noting the product has not been evaluated by the FDA, but apparently no one reads the fine print.)
Christensen is demanding unspecified damages totaling not more than $5 million. No word how much Creer is seeking. Late Thursday, the fitness trainer released a statement standing by the diet supplement and indicating she was ready to fight for her rep in court.
"My reputation and credibility are of the utmost importance to me," said Michaels. "This baseless lawsuit is entirely without merit and is being handled by my legal team...I stand behind all my products and remain committed to helping people achieve their health and wellness goals."
ThinCare International, the Utah-based company behind the product, defended Michaels, noting that research on the supplement "was reviewed by some of the leading weight-loss experts in the world before Jillian would put her name on the product.
"The lawsuit will be handled in the courts like all other lawsuits, and we are confident we will prevail. In the meantime, thousands upon thousands of men and women around the United States are using Jillian's Maximum Strength Calorie Control. To anyone questioning the product’s effectiveness, we suggest you try it for yourself," added ThinCare.
COURTNEY LOVE HIT WITH EXTENDED RESTRAINING ORDER BY JUDGE!
A judge has extended the restraining order filed by Frances Bean Cobain against her estranged mother, Courtney Love, ensuring that Courtney must refrain from contacting her at least through April 9.
The 17-year-old offspring of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love secured the temporary restraining order back in December, just as a judge stripped Love of legal custody of her daughter. Guardianship was granted to Kurt's mom and sister.
And while the extension sounds pretty bad, it could have been worse. Theoretically, the judge could have extended the TRO up to three years—of course, in reality, Frances turns 18 in August and will be free to decide without the aid of the courts what sort of relationship she wants with her mother.
JUDGE BARS DENNIS HOPPER'S ESTRANGED WIFE FROM COMING NEAR HIM!
Dennis Hopper is a seriously sick man and, by his account, his estranged wife isn't helping his health. A Los Angeles judge has sided with the "Easy Rider" star and barred Victoria Hopper from coming near him after he accused her of being "inhuman," "extremely volatile" and "insane and out of her mind."
The 73-year-old actor has been confined to his Venice compound, struggling with prostate cancer. Per Thursday's order, Victoria cannot come within 10 feet of her husband, his adult children or his assistant. Dennis, meanwhile, was granted permission to visit with his and Victoria's 6-year-old daughter, Galen, for two hours a day. And Victoria was allowed use of the couple's Jaguar.
Thursday's action was the latest in an ugly split. Hopper filed a petition for divorce from Victoria Hopper (née Duffy) on January 14, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking joint custody of Galen. Victoria is seeking sole custody of the child.
In new court papers, Hopper paints an unflattering portrait of his wife of 13 years, accusing her of mistreating him and keeping their daughter from visiting with him, including taking Galen to Boston over the holidays.
"This malevolent act...has caused me to miss what may very well be my last Christmas with my daughter Galen," Hopper says in his declaration.
Victoria fired back with allegations of her own, claiming he regularly smoked pot, kept loaded guns in the bedroom where Galen could get to them, watched explicit shows on TV while Galen was present and exhibited "unpredictable" behavior.
She's also asking the court to make sure she gets a substantial sum from Hopper—or his estate, in the event he dies before the case is adjudicated. According to the court documents, the couple's prenup would leave her with virtually none of Hopper's fortune.
So far, the judge seems to be siding with Hopper, perhaps in no small part by an affidavit from one his physicians. Dr. David Agus stated that it is his "belief and recommendation that the less Mr. Hopper has to do with his estranged wife at this time, the more likely he is to have his life extended."
BRITISH FASHION DESIGNER ICON ALEXANDER McQUEEN FOUND DEAD!
Avant-garde British fashion designer and icon Alexander McQueen was found dead Thursday morning in his London home.
"At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family," said a statement released by his office, referring to him by his real name.
Specifically, his camp is not confirming or commenting on widespread reports that the 40-year-old committed suicide, though Scotland Yard said it is not treating the death as suspicious.
"Lee's family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this."
The death of the go-to celebrity designer comes just days before the start of London Fashion Week and, perhaps tellingly, just days after the death of his beloved mother.
"I'm letting my followers know the my mother passed away yesterday if it she had not me nor would you RIP mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx," the designer wrote on his since shuttered Twitter account last Wednesday.
"But life must go on!!!!!!!!!!!!"
ELLEN DeGENERES SIGNS FOR THREE MORE SEASONS THROUGH 2014!
Ellen DeGeneres debuting on "American Idol" this past week, and winner of 29 Emmy awards has her "Ellen DeGeneres" TV show renewed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution for three additional seasons, extending her run in syndication until at least 2014.
"I'm so excited to sign on for three more years at NBC," said the daytime host, who's now moonlighting as an Idol judge. "They were the ones that believed in my show from day one.
"So, I'm thrilled to know I'll be here till at least 2014. Things will be a lot different by then. I won't be dancing over my coffee table anymore. Through the magic of 3-D, I'll be dancing over yours."
PHIL HARRIS OF DISCOVERY CHANNEL'S "DEADLIEST CATCH" DEAD AT 53!
Phil Harris, the skipper of the Cornelia Marie on the Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch, has died. He was 53.
The deep-sea fisherman suffered a stroke on January 29 and, although both his immediate and TV families were clinging to small signs of a recovery, he ultimately succumbed to the trauma on Tuesday.
"It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dad," Harris' sons, Jake and Josh, said in a statement. "Dad has always been a fighter and continued to be until the end. For us and the crew, he was someone who never backed down. We will remember and celebrate that strength. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers."
02/10/2010 @ 7:00am PST "HOLLYWOOD BUZZ"! Jay Leno ends his 10 p.m. run Tuesday night!
Jay Leno got a ratings bounce from Letterman-Oprah-Leno Super Bowl promo. Monday night's Leno Show, it turned out—was up 13 percent from the previous Monday (4.3 million viewers versus 3.8 million), before Letterman welcomed the presumed outcast into his and Oprah's good graces for their Super Sunday commercial.
Meanwhile Conan O'Brien's sympathy bounce has subsided, and his Tonight Show reruns are now losing again to Letterman's Late Show.
Was there any indication that the Super Bowl was going to be the biggest anything in TV history? When the CBS clip special, Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials, drew a bigger weeknight audience than new episodes of 24, How I Met Your Mother, The Office and lots more, then, yes, that was a sign folks were geared up. In the end, by the way, 153.4 million people—or more than half the nation's population—caught at least a glimpse of Sunday's game.
After the game, the new CBS reality show "Undercover Boss" was huge, 38.7 million!
DREW BREES, SUPER BOWL MVP QB OF THE SAINTS WAS ON LETTERMAN!
Here's a look at the top 10 broadcast network shows for the week ended Sunday, per Nielsen Media Research:
1. Super Bowl XLIV, 106.5 million 2. Super Bowl XLIV Postgame, 75.5 million 3. Undercover Boss, 38.7 million 4. American Idol (Tuesday), 24.7 million 5. American Idol (Wednesday), 21 million 6. NCIS, 19.2 million 7. Two and a Half Men, 16.5 million 8. NCIS: Los Angeles, 16.4 million 9. The Big Bang Theory, 15.5 million 10. Criminal Minds, 14.7 million
CBS: THE STORY OF HOW THE LENO-LETTERMAN PROMO HAPPENED SUNDAY!
The Saints won the Super Bowl. The Ad Bowl went to CBS. Specifically, to the Late Show, thanks to its revisit of the successful 2007 spot that featured David Letterman and Oprah Winfrey, and this time, Jay Leno.
So, how did this spot come together—and more importantly, why was it not a Dave-Jay-Oprah-Conan lovefest? "There was an initial thought of having Dave, Jay and Conan together in the spot," longtime Late Show exec producer Rob Burnett told The Wrap. "I did call O'Brien's producer Jeff Ross to talk about it."
"It wasn't as if they even said no," Burnett said. "I just think they weren't in a position to consider it at all."
But Leno was, and, according to Burnett, said yes right away—just after calling Letterman's team back to make sure that they were, in fact, being serious.
So Letterman, who masterminded the idea, got CBS' approval, and NBC not that surprisingly jumped at the chance to allow Leno to participate in a promotion for his rival during the most-watched broadcast of the year (and, let's be honest, everyone that appeared in that promo came out a winner).
Even NBC knew better than to look a gift horse like that in the mouth, and gave Leno access to the NBC Universal private jet to fly to New York last Tuesday, when the spot was secretly filmed at Letterman's home office, the Ed Sullivan Theater.
The parties worked overtime to ensure the spot's secrecy, with Leno going so far as to sneak into the theater wearing a hooded sweatshirt, glasses and fake mustache.
No word on whether Winfrey went to such lengths to remain incognito, but we're gonna go with no.
Meanwhile, this also answers the question as to why The Jay Leno Show was preempted last Tuesday to make way for a supersize edition of The Biggest Loser. No Jay in L.A. = no new show. (For those keeping track, the taping took place after Leno's Oprah sit-down in which he was scolded for his below-the-belt shot at Letterman. Nothing like a little zinger's remorse to facilitate the best ad of the night.)
The spot, which took about 30 minutes to shoot, was conceived and written by Letterman, but once the two men got together, they focused in on the best way to deliver the shock commercial. And if fans of either were hoping for fireworks, well, keep hoping.
"There was nothing frosty or awkward about it," Burnett said of the atmosphere once the legendary late-night rivals had gathered together, with the New York Times adding that the pros even greeted each other "warmly."
"These guys have known each other for a long time. I don't think either of them particularly care about these jokes that have been made...They were trying to execute this joke. So a lot of the conversation was about the spot."
The trio perhaps did too good a job of maintaining the secrecy of the commercial. After the spot aired early on in the big game, many Americans couldn't believe what they were seeing and theories about split screens and technological sleight of hand immediately began circulating. So much so that an ultimate authority had to step in.
"Yes that was REAL," Oprah tweeted shortly after the spot aired. "D, J and me. Shot Tuesday nite in New York undercover at D's studio."
IS PARIS HILTON SECRETLY ENGAGED? SOUNDS LIKE DOUG REINHARDT'S THE GUY!
Paris Hilton and Doug Reinhardt secretly engaged? The hotel heiress has made no secret about wanting to marry the former "Hills" regular, but she took it to another level this past weekend while accepting an award for her charity work.
"I'd like to thank my future sister-in-law Casey Reinhardt," Ms. Hilton said from the podium at the Hearts for Hope benefit in L.A. Doug wasn't at the event, but both his sister and mom were, and they were sitting at Hilton's table.
If Doug does propose to Paris, perhaps he can take some pointers from his mom. "At one point, Paris reached for Doug's mom's huge wedding ring," says an eyewitness. "She looked like she was in awe."
And the Reinhardts are such big fans of Paris, they'll even pay to hang out with her! "Paris auctioned off a party picnic at her house for charity, and the bidding went all the way up to $6,000," says our source. "Even though Casey can obviously party at Paris' house anytime for free, she went ahead and took the final bid."
In May, Paris gushed to our Hollywood Party Girl, "Doug's gonna be my future husband!"
TOM CRUISE SIGNS UP FOR "MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE IV" FOR RELEASE IN 2011!
More than three years after Tom Cruise was ushered off the Paramount Pictures lot, the movie star is reteaming with the studio for a fourth Mission: Impossible film, Cruise's rep confirmS.
The 47-year-old family man will be reprising the role of Ethan Hunt, secret agent extraordinaire, in the latest sequel, set to start shooting this summer in time for a release around Memorial Day 2011.
WANT TO SEE THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE "TOM" BRADY BUNCH? HERE HE IS!
Gisele Bündchen had a painless, drug-free perfect bathtub birth, and now we finally get a peek at the little guy.
Brazilian magazine Quem has the first pics of Gisele and Tom Brady's 6-week-old son, Benjamin, all bundled up in blue.
NANCY KERRIGAN'S BROTHER CHARGED WITH THE DEATH OF THEIR FATHER!
Nancy Kerrigan not only has to deal with the tragic death of her father, but the former Olympic star now faces the prospect of her brother being charged with murder.
The Massachusetts state medical examiner has concluded that 70-year-old Daniel Kerrigan died of a heart attack as a result of an attack by his son, Mark Kerrigan, following an argument in their home on January 24.
And while the D.A. says that might open the door to manslaughter or murder charges, the Kerrigans are lashing out at any such move.
"The Kerrigan family is extremely disappointed that the medical examiner would release a cause of death without having all of the relevant facts. We believe this finding to be premature and inaccurate," the family said in a statement.
"The Kerrigan family does not blame anyone for the unfortunate death of Dan Kerrigan, who had a pre-existing heart condition."
Mark Kerrigan, 45, was initially arrested on a count of assault and battery on an elder. Middlesex District Attorney Gerald T. Leone Jr. said Tuesday that the new evidence may warrant upgrading that charge.
KENDRA WILKINSON ROCKS THE COVER OF "OK" MAGAZINE, LOSING 25 POUNDS!
Kendra Wilkinson's rocking a bikini on the cover of OK! after giving birth only eight weeks ago! And while the magazine talks about how she lost "around 25 pounds," if you want her fitness tips, she's doing "45 minutes of hardcore training and weightlifting" followed by the treadmill until she's tired.
And she's also been doing lots of squats and lunges to try get a butt like Kim Kardashian's. "She can be my motivation to try and get the best booty in Hollywood!" Kendra tells the magazine.
ANGELINA JOLIE FOLLOWS-UP HER MILLION DOLLAR HAITI DONATION WITH VISIT!
Suing an international tabloid, cheering your team to victory, engaging in rumor-breaking PDA, visiting survivors of the worst natural disaster in a nation's history, that was the past week in the life of Angelina Jolie.
Fresh off her Saints' Super Bowl win, Angelina traveled down to the Dominican Republic yesterday in her role as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. There's no word on how long Jolie's trip will last, but so far her itinerary has included visiting with displaced survivors of the still-devastating Haitian earthquake in the pediatric wing of Santo Domingo's Dario Contreras Hospital and meeting up with Dominican president Leonel Fernandez.
Jolie, who along with Pitt donated $1 million to Doctors Without Borders, was expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince Tuesday.
BROOKLYN DECKER IS THE NEW SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT COVERGIRL!
Sports Illustrated has decorated the cover of its famed swimsuit issue with Brooklyn Decker, touted as "a perfect 10, sizzling in the Maldives."
An SI veteran at the age of 22, Decker posed last year wearing nothing but body paint.
Decker tied the knot with tennis ace Andy Roddick last April, about two years after the athlete first noticed his future wife in the '07 swimsuit issue and just had to meet her.
The 2010 edition hit newsstands Tuesday. As was the case last year, the big cover reveal came during Monday night's "Late Show With David Letterman".
CHARLIE SHEEN CHARGED: BUT BROOKE & CHARLIE GOING TO RECONCILE!
Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller appeared Monday afternoon in an Aspen court, where the actor was formally charged with three counts for his alleged Christmas Day knife-wielding attack on his wife.
Sheen was charged with suspicion of felony menacing, misdemeanor third-degree assault and misdemeanor criminal mischief. He did not immediately enter a plea.
Due to a protective order issued in the wake of the incident, the duo had been barred from contacting each other—though not from seeing each other. But at the request of the reconciliation-seeking couple, the judge relaxed that order during Monday's hearing.
Sheen and Mueller are now free to communicate and otherwise remain in contact with each other, something they were previously prohibited from doing.
Both parties arrived separately to the courthouse—Sheen, donning sunglasses and a dark coat, entered through the back, while Mueller, dressed in a black skirt, pink sweater and black scarf, arrived through the side of the building after spending the weekend in town.
But there are some strings attached: Sheen is still prohibited from drinking alcohol, harassing Mueller or possessing firearms. They embraced after the hearing and left without addressing reporters.
Mueller arrived refreshed from a brief hospitalization for pneumonia and emergency oral surgery after spending last week at a spa—not, as rumored, in rehab.
On Friday, the "Two and a Half Men" star was visited by the cops, after his Mercedes was stolen and found in a ravine off Mulholland Drive. Sheen's life had already regained some sense of normalcy prior to today's hearing. While Mueller was recuperating out of town, he was able to move back into their once-shared home to take care of their twin boys.
The couple, accompanied by Mueller's mother, immediately left the courthouse and headed to the airport for a flight by to Los Angeles on his chartered plane.
Sheen is due to return to court March 15 for his arraignment.
Saying his client got "everything she wanted today," Mueller's attorney, Yale Galanter, said that the couple plan to return to their Los Angeles home.
"Brooke's desire was to get the order modified so they could have contact and communicate because of their children," the attorney said. "Judge Boyd was gracious enough to grant that, and now Charlie and Brooke are on their way back to L.A. to continue their lives."
Sheen and Mueller have not cohabited since a temporary restraining order was put in place following Sheen's arrest for allegedly attacking his wife on Christmas Day.
"We need to give them a chance to be alone and catch up on everything that has happened over the last couple of months," Galanter said. "We'll see what happens."
Sheen moved back into their L.A. home to be with the kids after Mueller was released from the hospital and went with her mother to North Carolina to rest up at a secluded treatment facility, prompting speculation that she was rehabbing.
"They did a lot of Pilates, a lot of yoga, massages, ate well," Galanter said. "I think she feels much better; she looks great. She has that healthy glow about her and is doing really well."
DR. CONRAD MURRAY: INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER IN JACKSON CASE!
After spending the past eight months since Michael Jackson's death building a case—and the past week playing will-they, won't-they with the public—Los Angeles prosecutors finally believe they have enough evidence to lay the blame on Dr. Conrad Murray.
The district attorney formally filed a misdemeanor count of involuntary manslaughter against Murray today, blaming Jackson's personal physician with overmedicating the star with the powerful anesthetic propofol. The charge carries a maximum of four years in prison.
The court alleged that Murray "did unlawfully, and without malice, kill Michael Joseph Jackson...in the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony; and in the commission of a lawful act which might have produced death, in an unlawful manner, and without due caution and circumspection."
Murray, who has publicly maintained that he neither prescribed nor administered any medications that should have killed Jackson, voluntarily surrendered and was arraigned at the Airport Branch of Los Angeles Superior Court Monday afternoon.
Several of Michael's family members, including parents Joe and Katherine and siblings Jermaine, Tito, Randy and La Toya, were also at the courthouse.
The physician had been the primary focus of investigators since Jackson died back on June 25. But the case seemed to be ramping up in recent weeks, after the entertainer's death certificate was quietly amended in January to list his cause of death as "homicide." The document specifically cited "acute propofol intoxication" via "intravenous injection by another."
Murray quickly hired SoCal-based criminal defender J. Michael Flanagan as part of a growing legal team. In addition to having repped Britney Spears in her invalid driver's license fiasco a few years ago, Flanagan successfully defended another (albeit nonfamous) client against charges of involuntary manslaughter via propofol back in 2004. He won the acquittal by arguing that the death was caused by "a mistake in judgment," not negligence or recklessness, as would merit the involuntary manslaughter charge.
"He's lying. He's guilty. Nobody was there but him," mother Katherine Jackson told reporters after Murray entered a not-guilty plea.
"He's just trying to save his own behind," she added. "He killed him. He wasn't monitoring him."
"I didn't like the hearing at all," dad Joe Jackson said. "I just want justice done and that was not justice."
"DEAR JOHN" FINALLY KNOCKS "AVATAR" FROM THE TOP BOX OFFICE SPOT!
Final numbers on Monday showed "Dear John" grossed $30.5 million over the weekend, down nearly $2 million from estimates, and not enough to set a new Super Bowl weekend record. "Avatar's" final number slipped to $22.9 million.
The Channing Tatum-Amanda Seyfried romantic drama "Dear John" unseated James Cameron's record-busting blockbuster at the box office, with a far-bigger-than-expected $32.4 million Friday-Sunday take, per estimates.
"Avatar", which saw its weekend winning streak end at seven, didn't get knocked out cold. It took home $23.6 million, and upped its all-time domestic haul to $630.1 million.
1. Dear John, $32.4 million 2. Avatar, $23.6 million 3. From Paris with Love, $8.1 million 4. Edge of Darkness, $7 million 5. The Tooth Fairy, $6.5 million 6. When in Rome, $5.5 million 7. The Book of Eli, $4.8 million 8. Crazy Heart, $3.7 million 9. Legion, $3.4 million 10. Sherlock Holmes, $2.6 million
02/05/2010 @ 7:20pm PST "HOLLYWOOD BUZZ"! Charlie Sheen car stolen and dumped into ravine!
The site where Charlie Sheen's mangled Mercedes was found has produced yet another car, a dark gray Bentley, was found way, way off Mullholland Drive, not far from the ravine where Sheen's car was plucked from early Friday morning.
The Bentley was spotted at around 1:30 p.m. by a photographer who was checking things out post-Sheen incident. The actor's Mercedes-Benz sedan was discovered at 4 a.m. after it was driven off a cliff by an unknown perpetrator, the inflation of the airbags somehow triggering a call to 911.
Authorities say they are investigating whether the two incidents are connected, and maybe the Bentley's owner is now thinking twice about the whole fame thing...
TMZ reports that the luxury automobile is owned by Baywatch Nights alum Lisa Vanderpump, who is apparently on Bravo's radar for the cast of the upcoming "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills".
A source told the Los Angeles Times earlier today that, after interviewing both Sheen and his wife, Brooke Mueller, who's resting up in North Carolina in advance of traveling to Aspen for Monday's court hearing, police have ruled out any sort of domestic issue as a motive for the auto destruction.
Charlie Sheen, for his part, just left his keys in the car. Sheen left the keys in the ignition—and the garage door open—as he often does after returning home from the set last night around 8 p.m. It appears to be just a crime of opportunity.
Investigators are now considering the possibility that the vehicle might have been swiped by a gang of crooks operating in Sheen's gated community. Law-enforcement sources tell the Los Angeles Times that a string of garages in Sheen's neighborhood were also hit.
Why the thieves would drive an SUV off a cliff, however, remains a mystery. But authorities aren't discounting the theory that the perps were trying to destroy evidence.
"The fire companies that are around Mulholland and that area are very familiar with these types of rescues," says Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Cecco Secci. "I can't give a specific number, but I would say once a month." Things get even worse on the winding roads on rainy days like today.
But, Secci adds, there's usually a driver found. In this case, the vehicle was empty. Emergency crews have since hauled the car up 400 feet from the bottom of the ravine.
TRIAL DATE HAS BEEN SET FOR DOCTORS ACCUSED OF ANNA NICOLE'S DEATH!
A judge has set an August 4 start date for Howard K. Stern and two doctors accused of aiding and abetting Anna Nicole Smith's prescription-drug habit, which ultimately resulted in her death from an accidental overdose in 2007.
After a three-week preliminary hearing in October, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Wesley determined that there was enough evidence to merit a trial for Stern, psychiatrist Khristine Eroshevich and Dr. Sandeep Kapoor.
The trio have pleaded not guilty to 23 felony counts altogether, including obtaining an opiate prescription by fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; prescribing, administering or dispensing a controlled substance to an addict; and unlawfully prescribing a controlled substance.
Another hearing is scheduled for April 23.
CONRAD MURRAY, MICHAEL JACKSON'S DOCTOR, WILL FACE CHARGES MONDAY!
The weeklong waiting game to see whether Conrad Murray finally faces charges in the death of Michael Jackson will be carrying on a little bit longer.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has confirmed that "nothing will be filed Friday in the Michael Jackson death case." Instead, they're assuring the public that "a case will be filed on Monday, February 8."
"It's unbelievable," Miranda Sevcik, the spokeswoman for one of Murray's many lawyers, Ed Chernoff, said Friday of the D.A.'s continued foot-dragging on filing any charges. "I don't want people to think negotiations broke down because of anything we did. We bent over backwards."
In fact, earlier Friday, they fully intended on showing up for Murray's arraignment, regardless of whether any charges had been filed. "They're spending a lot of money and time that your city and state can't afford to spend on this," Sevcik said of the massive amount of resources that the back-and-forth has wasted. "I can say definitively it's very indulgent on the part of the LAPD and D.A. to drag this out. It's so unnecessary.
"Everything Ed does, he asks, 'Is this in my client's best interest?' And if it's not, he doesn't do it. To draw this out is in no one's best interest."
RUMORS THAT HOWARD STERN WILL TAKE SIMON COWELL'S PLACE ON "IDOL"!
Producers' first pick to fill the seat that will be vacant at the conclusion of the current season could be none other than Howard Stern, reports the New York Post. (Which is owned by Rupert Murdoch. Who happens to own Fox.
"It's one of the few shows that could compete with Stern's $100 million-a-year Sirius contract [which expires this year], and Idol bosses think he'd be even nastier than Simon," one of the Post sources says. "They know he would be great TV and would clash with the other judges, such as Ellen DeGeneres, and the contestants. Idol will do what it takes to sign him."
Of course, another source says, "Howard isn't ready to leave radio." That source clearly hasn't met Ryan Seacrest, who proves you can do Idol and radio and a thousand other things at the same time.
"DAY'S OF OUR LIVES" MATRIARCH FRANCES REID, DEAD AT 95!
Frances Reid, one of the original castmembers of Days of Our Lives, has died. She was 95. The Texas-born, Berkeley-grown actress played Alice Horton on the stalwart NBC soap opera since its debut on Nov. 8, 1965, going from loyal Vietnam-era wife and mom to snowy-haired town elder over the course of four decades.
Reid's character was seemingly murdered, along with a bunch of other fan favorites between 2003 and 2004, by Salem's most menacing serial killer to date, but the fates weren't that cruel and an ultimate twist showed Alice and her fellow nine "victims" alive and well.
Reid's last appearance on Days was in 2007, three years after she received the Daytime Emmys' Lifetime Achievement Award.
CORONER REPORT:BRITTANY MURPHY DIED OF PNEUMONIA AND DRUGS!
The Los Angeles coroner today announced that the 32-year-old star died from a combination of pneumonia and prescription drugs.
Pneumonia was listed as the primary cause, according to coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey. But secondary factors were iron-deficiency anemia and multiple drug intoxication. All the drugs ingested were prescription medications, Harvey says. The death was ruled accidental.
A more detailed report—with information on the types of drugs Murphy was taking and whether she died following an overdose or harmful drug interaction—is expected in about two weeks.
The actress died December 20 in her home, despite the frantic efforts of her mother, Sharon, and husband, Simon Monjack, to revive her.
Both her mother and Monjack have made the media rounds in recent weeks insisting that Murphy did not have a drug problem or any kind of eating disorder. Neither has commented on today's announcement. Coroner's investigators returned to the home just yesterday to get more information on the types of medications Murphy was using and who was prescribing them.
Monjack had been planning to hold a memorial/fundraiser for the Brittany Murphy Foundation in Beverly Hills Thursday evening. However, he scrapped the event earlier this week due to an unspecified illness.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD SET FOR SUPER BOWL ANTHEM, THEN FILM CAREER!
Carrie Underwood is crossing over for her film debut, signing up for "Soul Surfer", the biopic of 19-year-old surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack but persevered to resume hanging 10 less than a month later.
Underwood will play the church youth leader in the movie, joining AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid and, in a nice convergence of nepotism, Lorraine Nicholson and Sean Brosnan, the daughter and son of Jack and Pierce, respectively. Shooting kicked off in Hawaii this week.
02/03/2010 @ 7:57pm PST "HOLLYWOOD BUZZ"! "Avatar" takes the last "Titanic" money record!
On the same day "Avatar" scored nine Oscar nominations, James Cameron's sci-fi epic grossed an estimated $2.7 million, Fox said, and upped its domestic box office total to $601.1 million which tops "Titanic".
The domestic title was Titanic's last remaining major box office record. Avatar previously swiped Titanic's No. 1 ranking as James Cameron's biggest moneymaker.
As of Oscar Tuesday, Avatar had grossed an unprecedented $2 billion and change worldwide. Titanic still clings to a few titles: biggest PG-13 movie of all time, most consecutive weekends at No. 1, etc.
Titanic's reign as the No. 1 domestic movie lasted about 12 years, or until its director decided to make another movie. Until Avatar, the only film that came close to threatening its supremacy was "The Dark Knight".
Here's an updated look at the Top 10 domestic box office champs of all time!
1. Avatar, $601.1 million 2. Titanic, $600.8 million 3. The Dark Knight, $533 million 4. Star Wars, $461 million 5. Shrek 2, $441 million 6. E.T., $435 million 7. Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace, $431 million 8. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, $423 million 9. Spider-Man, $404 million 10. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, $402 million
LEIF GARRETT CHARGED WITH HEROIN POSSESSION BY SHERIFF DEPUTIES!
Leif Garrett was collared by sheriff's deputies Monday and charged with heroin possession. According to a sheriff's spokeswoman, officers patrolling a downtown Metrolink train station deemed that Garrett was sweating, shaking and acting suspiciously. He was searched, admitted to having black tar heroin in his shoe, and he was taken into custody around 11:20 a.m. He was free after posting bond Wednesday morning.
This isn't the first time the 48-year-old singer-actor has ran into trouble taking public transport. Garrett was arrested on similar charges in 2006 after being found in possession of heroin and quaaludes on the Metro Red Line. He wound up spending 90 days in jail for that ill-fated train ride.
The fallen Tiger Beat pinup also entered a court-ordered drug treatment program after violating his probation for a 2005 cocaine charge, one of a string of drug busts for Garrett over the past decade.
He's due in court for his latest misstep on February 24.
NO SERIOUS TALKS YET BETWEEN CONAN O'BRIEN AND FOX NETWORK!
Conan O'Brien, the former "Tonight Show" host and Fox may be talking, but so far, it's more of a flirtation than a relationship. "Sure, there have been some conversations," News Corp. Chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch said during a quarterly earnings call on Tuesday, per The Hollywood Reporter. But, he claimed, "no real negotiations" have taken place.
Murdoch says there are "different opinions" on the issue at the network, but claims that if the programming people can show that such a venture would "make a profit, we would do it in a flash."
Timing may also be an issue. Fox affiliates find their syndicated programming from 11:00 to 11:30 p.m. profitable, and negotiating a start time for Team CoCo may be easier said than done.
Per the terms of his NBC severance, O'Brien will be allowed to launch a new show in September.
SIMON COWELL'S STAR-STUDDED HAITI SINGLE RELEASED, AND ON YOUTUBE!
Enlisting the vocal prowess of a cavalcade of pop stars to rerecord a modern classic for the benefit of distressed Haitians isn't exclusive to just one side of the Atlantic.
So while the who's who gathered in Los Angeles Monday night to record "We Are the World," Simon Cowell was putting the finishing touches on his own London-concocted charity single, "Everybody Hurts," which was released to British radio Tuesday morning.
Understandably heavier on international acts, the R.E.M. cover features Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Vince Vaughn, Rod Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Bublé, Susan Boyle, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Cheryl Cole, Leona Lewis, Mika and James Blunt, among other stars.
The track will be available for download this Sunday through HMV, Play and Amazon's U.K. site, with proceeds from the single to be split between the Disasters Emergency Committee and the Helping Haiti campaign.
REDMOND O'NEAL RELEASED FROM JAIL, AND RETURNING TO REHAB!
Redmond O'Neal, the 25-year-old son of Ryan O'Neal and the late Farrah Fawcett, jailed since December 29 after falling off the wagon yet again, is getting one more chance to clean up.
"The plan for you is severe, and justifiably so," said Judge Michael Tynan at a hearing in Los Angeles today. "We all want you to do well but it's up to you."
O'Neal was in court for formal sentencing in that December bust, which came after he was caught under the influence following a 24-hour pass from a court-mandated treatment center, his fourth such trip.
Tynan approved O'Neal's release from jail as well as reinstated his probation and enrolled him back into rehab. Once O'Neal finishes this stint, he'll be placed in a sober living home. Tynan said he will again be allowed to receive day passes "from time to time" but will be under strict supervision and have rules about where he can go and the company he keeps.
"Nobody has a crystal ball," O'Neal attorney Richard Pintal said regarding his client's chance of success. "Redmond has made considerable progress in the last 30 days. Redmond has earned this."
Pintal says it will be several days before O'Neal makes the move from jail to the treatment center, where he's expected to spend the next 6-12 months.
"The length of his stay will be based on the treatment team's decision," he says.
O'Neal will be back in court on March 3 for a progress report. Should he complete the treatment successfully, his sentencing for pending drug charges will be postponed and eventually dismissed.
JUSTIN MENTELL, 27, OF "BOSTON LEGAL" FAME KILLED IN FATAL CAR CRASH!
Friends and family of former Boston Legal actor Justin Mentell were told Tuesday morning that the 27-year-old was pronounced dead on the scene of a fatal car crash.
According to the accident report , Mentell—driving alone, without a seatbelt on—drove off a steep embankment on a rural Wisconsin road just after 3 a.m. Monday. The Jeep struck two trees and Mentell was thrown from the vehicle.
The accident wasn't called in until around 8:30 a.m., when a passerby spotted the wreckage. Officials pronounced the actor—who in addition to appearing on Boston Legal's inaugural season, most recently had a role in G-Force—dead at the scene.
His funeral is expected to take place in Texas.
OSCAR NOMINATIONS ARE OUT, "AVATAR" AND "THE HURT LOCKER" DOMINATE!
Avatar, James Cameron's big, blue blockbuster will vie for Best Picture opposite The Hurt Locker; Inglourious Basterds; Precious; Up; Up in the Air; the Coen brothers' A Serious Man; An Education; one entry that wasn't entirely a sure thing, District 9; and one entry that was completely a shock, The Blind Side.
Avatar and The Hurt Locker lead all Academy Award nominees with nine nominations apiece, including Best Motion Picture and his and hers Best Directing nods for former spouses James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow. Inglourious Basterds is close behind with eight, followed by Precious and Up in the Air with six.
Meryl Streep, up for Best Actress for Julie & Julia, extends her reign as the most nominated performer in Academy history, with her 16th nod.
The Oscars will be handed out March 7 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Here's the complete list of nominees:
Best Motion Picture of the Year
* Avatar * The Blind Side * District 9 * An Education * The Hurt Locker * Inglourious Basterds * Precious * A Serious Man * Up * Up in the Air
Achievement in Directing
* James Cameron, Avatar * Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker * Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds * Lee Daniels, Precious * Jason Reitman, Up in the Air
Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
* Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart * George Clooney, Up in the Air * Colin Firth, A Single Man * Morgan Freeman, Invictus * Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker
Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
* Matt Damon, Invictus * Woody Harrelson, The Messenger * Christopher Plummer, The Last Station * Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones * Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
* Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side * Helen Mirren, The Last Station * Carey Mulligan, An Education * Gabourey Sidibe, Precious * Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia
Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
* Penélope Cruz, Nine * Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air * Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart * Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air * Mo'Nique, Precious
Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
* Coraline * Fantastic Mr. Fox * The Princess and the Frog * The Secret of Kells * Up
Original Screenplay
* The Hurt Locker, Mark Boal * Inglourious Basterds, Quentin Tarantino * The Messenger, Alessandro Camon and Oren Moverman * A Serious Man, Joel Coen and Ethan Coen * Up, Pete Docter, Tom McCarthy and Bob Peterson
Adapted Screenplay
* District 9, Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell * An Education, Nick Hornby * In the Loop, Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci and Tony Roche * Precious, Geoffrey Fletcher * Up in the Air, Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
* Ajami (Israel) * El Secreto de Sus Ojos (Argentina) * The Milk of Sorrow (Peru) * Un Prophète (France) * The White Ribbon (Germany)
Original Score
* James Horner, Avatar * Alexandre Desplat, Fantastic Mr. Fox * Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders, The Hurt Locker * Hans Zimmer, Sherlock Holmes * Michael Giacchino, Up
Original Song
* "Almost There," Music & Lyrics by Randy Newman (The Princess and the Frog) * "Down in New Orleans," Music & Lyrics by Randy Newman (The Princess and the Frog) * "Loin de Paname," Music by Reinhardt Wagner; Lyrics by Frank Thomas (Paris 36) * "Take It All," Music & Lyrics by Maury Yeston (Nine) * "The Weary Kind," Music & Lyrics by Ryan Bingham and T-Bone Burnett (Crazy Heart)
Achievement in Art Direction
* Avatar * The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus * Nine * Sherlock Holmes * The Young Victoria
Achievement in Cinematography
* Avatar, Mauro Fiore * Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Bruno Delbonnel * The Hurt Locker, Barry Ackroyd * Inglourious Basterds, Robert Richardson * The White Ribbon. Christian Berger
Achievement in Costume Design
* Bright Star, Janet Patterson * Coco before Chanel, Catherine Leterrier * The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Monique Prudhomme * Nine, Colleen Atwood * The Young Victori, Sandy Powell
Best Documentary Feature
* Burma VJ * The Cove * Food, Inc. * The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers * Which Way Home
Best Documentary Short Subject
* China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province * The Last Campaign of Booth Gardner * The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant * Music by Prudence * Rabbit à la Berlin
Achievement in Film Editing
* Avatar, Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua and James Cameron * District 9, Julian Clarke * The Hurt Locker, Bob Murawski and Chris Innis * Inglourious Basterds, Sally Menke * Precious, Joe Klotz
Achievement in Makeup
* Il Divo * Star Trek * The Young Victoria
Best Animated Short Film
* French Roast * Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty * The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte) * Logorama * A Matter of Loaf and Death
Best Live Action Short Film
* The Door * Instead of Abracadabra * Kavi * Miracle Fish * The New Tenants
Achievement in Sound Editing
* Avatar * The Hurt Locker * Inglourious Basterds * Star Trek * Up
Achievement in Sound Mixing
* Avatar * The Hurt Locker * Inglourious Basterds * Star Trek * Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Achievement in Visual Effects
* Avatar * District 9 * Star Trek
LOOK FOR HARRY POTTER THEME PARK COMMERCIAL AMONG THE SUPER BOWL ADS!
Hogwarts has a Super Bowl ad. Just in time for the big game, Universal Studios Orlando is launching a first-look commercial at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, that theme park opening this spring based on the movies based on J.K. Rowling's books.
Set atop his broomstick, Daniel Radcliffe leads a pair of kids twisting and turning through Hogsmeade, being chased by a dragon—if you look closely, you can tell that part is totally a hanging roller coaster!—and into Hogwarts Castle.
According to Wallet Pop, the studio is keeping mum about the ride tucked into the dark structure, called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It's supposedly super technologically advanced and features especially shot footage of Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
RIP TORN HEADED TO REHAB FOLLOWING DRUNKEN BANK BREAK-IN!
Rip Torn is hoping to sew up his latest legal woe with a trip to rehab. The beleaguered "Men in Black" star, arrested Friday night in Salisbury, Conn., for allegedly bank-robbing under the influence, has posted $100,000 bond later Monday and then head to a Manhattan clinic to dry out.
Wearing shackles and cowboy boots, the 78-year-old Emmy winner appeared in court this morning on charges of trespassing, possession of a firearm without a permit, carrying a firearm while intoxicated, criminal mischief and burglary. He did not enter a plea, though, as his arraignment was continued to February 17, a spokeswoman for the Bantam Superior Court said.
SUNDAY NIGHT GRAMMYS WITH 2 BIG WINNERS, BEYONCE AND TAYLOR SWIFT!
Beyoncé Knowles with her album "Sasha Fierce", the 28-year-old diva collected a field-dominating, record-setting six Grammys Sunday night, but it was 20-year-old Taylor Swift who was standing tallest at the end of the night, her 5 million-selling Fearless a winner for Album of the Year.
"When we're 80 years old and we're telling the same stories over and over to our grandkids and they're so annoyed with us, this is the story we're going to be telling over and over again," she said. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Swift, who entered the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards with a whopping eight nominations, made it out with four wins overall, including Best Country Album and Best Female Vocal Country Performance and Best Country Song, both for "White Horse."
Album of the Year: Fearless, Taylor Swift
Record of the Year: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon
Song of the Year: "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyoncé
New Artist: Zac Brown Band
POP
Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: The Black Eyed Peas, "I Gotta Feeling"
Pop Vocal Album: The E.N.D., The Black Eyed Peas
Female Pop Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, "Halo"
Male Pop Vocal Performance: Jason Mraz, "Make It Mine"
Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden, Michael Bublé
Pop Collaboration With Vocals: Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, "Lucky"
Pop Instrumental Performance: Bela Fleck, "Throw Down Your Heart"
Pop Instrumental Album: Potato Hole, Booker T. Jones Rihanna, Mos Def, Jay-Z Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images
R&B
Female R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
Male R&B Vocal Performance: Maxwell, "Pretty Wings"
R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Jamie Foxx and T-Pain, "Blame It"
Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, "At Last"
R&B Song: "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyoncé
R&B Album: Blacksummers' Night, Maxwell
Contemporary R&B Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé
RAP
Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West
Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: "Crack a Bottle," Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent
Rap Song: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West
Rap Album: Relapse, Eminem
Rap Solo Performance: Jay-Z, "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)"
Urban/Alternative Performance: India.Arie and Dobet Gnahoré, "Pearls" Taylor Swift Michael Caulfield/Getty Images
COUNTRY
Country Album: Fearless, Taylor Swift
Female Country Vocal Performance: Taylor Swift, "White Horse"
Male Country Vocal Performance: Keith Urban, "Sweet Thing"
Country Song: "White Horse," Taylor Swift
Country Collaboration With Vocals: "I Told You So," Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis
Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Lady Antebellum, "I Run to You"
Country Instrumental Performance: Steve Wariner, "Producer's Medley" Kings of Leon Steve Granitz/Getty Images
ROCK
Rock Album: 21st Century Breakdown, Green Day
Solo Rock Vocal Performance: Bruce Springsteen, "Working on a Dream"
Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Kings of Leon, "Use Somebody"
Rock Song: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon
Hard Rock Performance: AC/DC, "War Machine"
Metal Performance: Judas Priest, "Dissident Aggressor"
Rock Instrumental Performance: Jeff Beck, "A Day in the Life" Lady Gaga John Shearer/Getty Images
DANCE
Dance Recording: "Poker Face," Lady Gaga
Electronic/Dance Album: The Fame, Lady Gaga
TRADITIONAL/ALTERNATIVE/WORLD
Alternative Music Album: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Phoenix
Americana Album: Electric Dirt, Levon Helm
Bluegrass Album: The Crow/New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, Steve Martin
Traditional Blues Album: A Stranger Here, Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Contemporary Blues Album: Already Free, The Derek Trucks Band
Traditional Folk Album: High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project, Loudon Wainwright III
Contemporary Folk Album: Townes, Steve Earle
Hawaiian Music Album: Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Volume 2, Various Artists
Native American Music Album: Spirit Wind North, Bill Miller
Zydeco or Cajun Music Album: Lay Your Burden Down, Buckwheat Zydeco
Reggae Album: Mind Control—Acoustic, Stephen Marley
Traditional World Music Album: Douga Mansa, Mamadou Diabate
Contemporary World Music Album: Throw Down Your Heart: Tales From the Acoustic Planet, Vol. 3—Africa Sessions, Béla Fleck
New Age Album: Prayer for Compassion, David Darling
VISUAL MEDIA
Short Form Music Video: "Boom Boom Pow," The Black Eyed Peas
Long Form Music Video: "The Beatles Love—All Together Now," Various Artists
Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books and Storytelling): Always Looking Up, Michael J. Fox
Musical Show Album: West Side Story
Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: Slumdog Millionaire
Score Soundtrack Album tor Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: Up, Michael Giacchino
Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: "Jai Ho" (from Slumdog Millionaire), A.R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer and Vijay Prakash
Instrumental Composition: Married Life (from Up), Michael Giacchino
Instrumental Arrangement: "West Side Story Medley," Bill Cunliffe
GOSPEL
Gospel Performance: "Wait on the Lord," Donnie McClurkin featuring Karen Clark Sheard
Gospel Song: "God in Me," Mary Mary featuring Kierra "KiKi" Sheard
Rock or Rap Gospel Album: Live Revelations, Third Day
Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album: The Power of One, Israel Houghton
Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album: Jason Crabb, Jason Crabb
Traditional Gospel Album: Oh Happy Day, Various Artists
Contemporary R&B Gospel Album: Audience of One, Heather Headley
LATIN
Latin Pop Album: Sin Frenos, La Quinta Estación
Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album: Los De Atras Vienen Conmigo, Calle 13
Tropical Latin Album: Ciclos, Luis Enrique
Regional Mexican Album: Necesito De Ti, Vicente Fernández
Tejano Album: Borders y Bailes, Los Texmaniacs
Norteño Album: Tu Noche Con...Los Tigres Del Norte, Los Tigres Del Norte
Banda Album: Tu Esclavo y Amo, Lupillo Rivera
JAZZ
Contemporary Jazz Album: 75, Joe Zawinul & the Zawinul Syndicate
Jazz Vocal Album: Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman, Kurt Elling
Improvised Jazz Solo: "Dancin' 4 Chicken," Terence Blanchard, soloist
Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group: Five Piece Band—Live, Chick Corea and John McLaughlin Five Peace Band
Large Jazz Ensemble Album: Book One, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
Latin Jazz Album: Juntos Para Siempre, Bebo Valdés and Chucho Valdés
CLASSICAL
Engineered Album, Classical: Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10, Michael Tilson Thomas and San Francisco Symphony
Orchestral Performance: Boston Symphony Orchestra; Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé
Opera Recording: Britten: Billy Budd, London Symphony Orchestra; Gentlemen of the London Symphony Chorus
Choral Performance: Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10, Laura Claycomb, Anthony Dean Griffey, Elza van den Heever, Katarina Karnéus, Quinn Kelsey, James Morris, Yvonne Naef and Erin Wall; San Francisco Symphony; Pacific Boychoir, San Francisco Symphony Chorus and San Francisco Girls Chorus
Recording Package: Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, David Byrne and Brian Eno
Boxed or Special Limited-Edition Package: Neil Young Archives Vol. I (1963–1972), Neil Young
Album Notes: The Complete Louis Armstrong Decca Sessions (1935-1946), Louis Armstrong
Historical Album: The Complete Chess Masters (1950-1967), Little Walter
Engineered Album, Nonclassical: Ellipse, Imogen Heap
Producer of the Year, Nonclassical: Brendan O'Brien
Remixed Recording, Nonclassical: "When Love Takes Over" (Electro Extended Remix), David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland
01/30/2010 @ 3:08am PST "HOLLYWOOD BUZZ"! Jackson kids will be part of the Grammy night!
Michael Jackson's kids will be represented at the Grammy Awards. A source close to the Jackson family says that, as of late Friday evening, Michael Jackson's three children will not only attend the Grammys on Sunday, but will take the stage during the planned tribute to the pop icon to "read some sort of speech" about him.
Several other members of the Jackson family are already planning to be in the audience at Los Angeles' Staples Center, as well. Céline Dion, Carrie Underwood and Usher are among the current chart-toppers who will be participating in the Jackson tribute.
Janet Jackson presided over a muscial tribute to her older brother, who died last June, at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
GRAMMY TIME AGAIN, AND FOR RIHANNA, IT WILL BE A MUCH BETTER TIME!
It's Grammy time again, and this year Rihanna will be in attendance at the awards show, rather than in admittance to the hospital like she was last year. She's moved on from Chris Brown, and despite the fact Rhianna's still single, she's still very much dating Dodger Matt Kemp, who by the way, won't be with her on Sunday night, because reports are Matt is upset given "the negative publicity he's received over the last couple weeks."
But sources are saying "They are very much together and their relationship is unfazed by recent events." The negative attention and "recent events" are the ones in reporting on Kemp's history with his ex-girlfriend and media outlets comparing him to Chris Brown.
"I'm going to the Grammys alone, as always," Rhianna has said, "I'm still single, if that's what you really want to ask!" The new couple is set to rendezvous Super Bowl weekend in Miami.
NICOLE RICHIE SAYS TO EVERYONE, SHE DOESN'T HAVE AN EATING DISORDER!
Nicole Richie is on the cover of Marie Claire UK, but more important than hair color, Nicole talks eating disorders. Remember when Nicole was just part of Paris' Simple Life, then she got very skinny and everyone was concerned that she might have an eating disorder?
"I felt it was a little unfair to say someone has an eating disorder when they don't," she tells the magazine. "It's extremely insulting and irresponsible. An eating disorder is serious and it's a disease. I think when you see me in person, you see that I'm, like, five foot one - I'm a small person. When I was heavier, everyone said I was too heavy. You can't win in the public eye and I find it really hard. So I ignore it now, I really do."
Nicole says that that to hear the talk is "extremely insulting and irresponsible." But the 28-year-old mother of two is doing well, has a successful fashion line and figured out how to drive down the right side of the freeway, so everything's just fine now.
MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY AND CAMILA ALVES POST PICTURE OF DAUGHTER!
Nearly a month after Matthew McConaughey and girlfriend Camila Alves welcomed the arrival of daughter Vida, finally, a glimpse of the little bundle of joy.
The actor just posted this pic on his website showing the proud parents beaming with pride while posing with their family's newest addition soon after her birth. The couple also has a son, 18-month-old Levi.
J.D. SALINGER, REPORTS NOW SAY, DIED WEDNESDAY AT THE AGE OF 91!
J.D. Salinger, the devoutly private author of "The Catcher in the Rye", who denounced publishing, refused interviews and declined Hollywood's advances to turn his seminal novel of alienation, hunting caps and phonies into a movie, died Wednesday at his longtime New Hampshire hideaway, it was revealed. He was 91.
Salinger's signature—and only—novel was published in 1951. The story of Holden Caufield would go on to influence a universe's worth of loner tales and, more darkly, prove a touchstone for John Lennon assassin Mark David Chapman.
"I'm known as a strange, aloof kind of man," Salinger actually told a newspaper, the New York Times, in 1974. "But all I'm trying to do is trying to protect myself and my work."
Publishing, Salinger said, was "a terrible invasion of my privacy." And so Salinger stopped publishing: not a single novel after Catcher, not a single short-story collection after 1961's Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction, not a single short story after 1965's "Hapworth 16, 1924."
According to Hollywood lore, Steven Spielberg, former Miramax mogul Harvey Weinstein and the late legend Billy Wilder were among those who tried, but failed, to secure the movie rights to "Catcher In The Rye".
Try though he might, Salinger never truly succeeded at disappearing. His "Nine Stories" and "Franny and Zooey", both story collections, have been name-checked almost as much as Catcher.
In late 1980, Catcher forever became associated with delusional—and armed—young men when a camp counselor named Mark David Chapman carried a well-read copy to his deadly encounter with the Beatles' Lennon. The Jared Leto-Lindsay Lohan movie Chapter 27 is devoted to Chapman's toxic Holden Caulfield complex. Just a month later, in 1981, the novel was found in the hotel room of John Hinckley Jr., the would-be assassin of President Ronald Reagan.
Salinger's last interview, with the Paris Review, appeared in the summer of 1980.
SAMANTHA HARRIS IS LEAVING "DANCING WITH THE STARS" AFTER 8 SEASONS!
An ABC rep has confirmed that after eight seasons cohosting "Dancing With the Stars" alongside Tom Bergeron, backstage fixture Samantha Harris has decided to leave the show.
"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Samantha since she joined the "Dancing With the Stars" team in season two," Conrad Green, the show's executive producer, said. "She will be much missed but always part of the "Dancing With the Stars" family. "We support her and wish her all the best in her future endeavors."
Harris told "People" that she "loved every single second" of the cohost gig, but that she has decided to focus on her other time-consuming jobs at The Insider and Entertainment Tonight Weekend. Harris joined The Insider and E.T. in 2009, after several years as an E! correspondent.
Her notice comes in advance of the show's 10th season kicking off on March 22. Earlier this month, ABC confirmed that there would be less couples competing this spring than in the star-packed fall, and the celebs taking part will be announced a month or so before the show begins.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD WILL BE THE NATIONAL ANTHEM SUPER BOWL SINGER
Carrie Underwood has been given the honor of belting out the national anthem at Super Bowl XLIV. Which means American Idol's most successful artist is on track to become its most watched.
More than 151 million viewers tuned into the gridiron face-off last year, with similar figures expected on February 7, when the Indianapolis Colts take on the New Orleans Saints.
The NFL today also announced that Queen Latifah will be on hand to croon "America the Beautiful," while the previously announced The Who take on halftime duties.
"WALL STREET", THE MOVIE REMAKE, REALLY STEPS IT STAR CAST UP A NOTCH!
Long before Geico's gecko, there was Gordon Gekko, and like greed, he was good. OK, yes, technically he was bad and, as a result, he landed in jail at the end of 1987's Wall Street, but you know what we mean.
Which is why the sight of Michael Douglas' corporate raider being released from lockup in this new trailer for the long-awaited sequel, "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps", has us wide awake.
And with a cast that includes Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan, Josh Brolin and Frank Langella, as well as director Oliver Stone once again behind the lens, this movie's stock has definitely gone up.
FOLLOW-UP TO "WE ARE THE WORLD" SET TO HELP HAITI AFTER GRAMMYS!
It's been 25 years since Quincy Jones helped gather the biggest names in music to record "We Are the World," but the song is as relevant today as it was then.
Jones confirmed that he's helping spearhead a new recording of the charity song, with the proceeds going to help Haiti. The new version will be recorded on Monday after the Grammys in Los Angeles.
"It's the 25th anniversary and it's perfect timing," Jones said at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, where he was celebrating the launch of his new watch collection for Audemars Piguet. "It's not an accident, man. That's God. It will be 'We Are the World' for Haiti."
Jones declined to name which singers have committed themselves, but rumors are, the lineup may already include Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Will Smith, Jason Mraz, Sugarland, Sheryl Crow, Mya and teen sensation Justin Bieber, among others.
"I want to get a final list before I put it out." Jones said. Director Paul Haggis will likely film Monday's recording session, a source confirms.
The original song, which benefited African famine relief, was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and coproduced by Jones and Michael Omartian. It featured Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Dylan and Ray Charles.
This isn't Jones' first undertaking to help the disaster-stricken Caribbean nation. "I have two friends who are donating two $500,000 power generators," he said. "Another friend…is going to rebuild the presidential palace. All his money, his crew and his design so they don't even have to think about it."
Jones' partnership with Audemars Piguet also includes a $1 million donation from the watch company to the Quincy Jones Foundation.
Meanwhile, Jones said he is not involved with the Grammy tribute to Michael Jackson, but revealed that he will be opening up about the late King of Pop for an upcoming special on CNN.
ABC CANCELS "UGLY BETTY" AFTER 4 SEASONS, AND CAST TWEETS REACTION!
ABC has canceled "Ugly Betty" after four seasons. The network has also cut back this season's episode order from 22 hours to 20.
ABC boss Steve McPherson and Betty show runner Silvio Horta released a joint statement explaining the call: "We've mutually come to the difficult decision to make this Ugly Betty's final season, and are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion. We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series, and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell."
So how are the castmembers reacting to this announcement?
* America Ferrera says, "I'm grateful for the beautiful memories and the four years of a wonderful working family. I'm sad to leave my cast and crew and of course Betty herself. But I am confident that this show will live on and be remembered as the unique and beautiful tale that it is."
Ana Ortiz, who plays Betty's older sister Hilda, tells us exclusively, "I'm saddened by the news but it's not unexpected. I'm really proud of this season, and I'm proud to be going out on a high note. I think the fact that we stayed on this long is because of the fan support and their love for the show. I love them for that. And I love my Ugly Betty family. I will miss them dearly."
* Original castmember Mark Indelicato released a statement about the cancellation, saying, "It has been an amazing four years. I've learned so much from the wonderful actors I have worked with, it's sad to see this come so unexpectedly, but I think that we all recognize the tremendous work that we have done, and am very grateful for that."
* Eric Mabius, who plays Mode heir Daniel Meade, told us, "Although I am sad that it will be the last season of Ugly Betty, I am so grateful to the fans for tuning in each week and their amazing support through the years for the show. To be able to play Daniel Meade has been an incredible experience and to work with such a talented cast, crew, producers and network has been such an honor."
* Guest star Ralph Macchio tweeted, "All should be proud of the run & gr8 work!"
* Former castmember Chris Gorham, who played one-time Betty love interest Henry Grubstick, simply tweeted a sad face emoticon in reaction to the news.
01/27/2010 @ 9:45am PST "BUZZ"! Will Ferrell and wife Viveca Paulin welcome third son, Axel!
Just hours after a Lynyrd Skynyrd avatar named Will Ferrell led an all-star band to help Conan O'Brien sign off in style, the funnyman and his wife, Viveca Paulin, welcomed their third son, Axel Ferrell.
Which means that wasn't just a pregnant hippie dancing at his side. That was a very pregnant hippie. According to People, his dancing queen wife gave birth Saturday morning, and "all the Ferrells are well."
FORMER "HEROES" STAR, ADRIAN PASDAR, ARRESTED FOR DUI EARLY TUESDAY!
Former "Heroes" star, Adrian Pasdar, was busted for DUI at 2:40 a.m. Wednesday, after cops spotted the actor swerving and speeding on a Los Angeles freeway.
The 44-year-old was clocked driving his Ford F-150 truck at 94 mph and, after pulling him over, according to the police report, officers detected the telling "odor of alcohol beverage emitting from within the vehicle."
Pasdar took, and flubbed, a field sobriety test, per the police. He was booked on the DUI charge and released on $15,000 bail.
MARY J. BLIGE AND ANDREA BOCELLI TEAM UP ON GRAMMYS TO HELP HAITI!
The Grammys are going to help to raise funds for the Haiti relief efforts. The music awards show—airing live this Sunday night on CBS—is putting together a special segment dedicated to helping the earthquake-torn nation.
Nine-time winner Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli will be singing Simon & Garfunkel's classic "Bridge Over Troubled Water," on the 40th anniversary of that classic track's Grammy wins for Record, Album and Song of the Year.
Blige and Bocelli's cover will be available for download in iTunes following the telecast, with all proceeds benefiting the Red Cross.
RUMORS ARE MICHAEL JACKSON'S CHILDREN MAY BE PART OF GRAMMY TRIBUTE!
A source says that Grammy Awards producers have been making a last-minute effort to incorporate in some capacity Michael Jackson's children—Prince Michael, Paris and Blanket—into Sunday night's tribute to their late father.
The Grammys tribute will feature a 3-D minimovie set to Jackson's "Earth Song," which was going to be featured in his "This is It" tour.
"They've been working on everything from them singing to just making an appearance," a Grammys source says of the little Jacksons' possible involvement.
Another source close to the Jackson family said that as of Tuesday night, the children "might" be there. The source confirms that several members of the Jackson family, including father Joe, are scheduled to attend the Grammys.
"They might go, but Kate [Kathryn, their grandmother] is very protective of having them in front of the cameras, so I doubt they will walk the carpet," says the source.
Usher, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Céline Dion and Smokey Robinson are among the confirmed participants in the Jackson tribute.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD AND HOCKEY STAR FIANCE, MIKE FISHER, ON RED CARPET!
Carrie Underwood and her hockey star fiance, Mike Fisher, out and about together is quite rare. But they made their first red carpet appearance at a charity event Monday night in Quebecl. They were on hand for the Ottawa Senators' annual Soirée fundraiser to raise money for four local hospital foundations.
They even took time out to test their dealer skills at a blackjack table, much to the delight of those in attendance.
"AVATAR" SINKS "TITANIC" AS THE #1 FILM OF ALL-TIME AT THE MOVIES!
Avatar's total haul hit $1.859 billion on Monday, surpassing Titanic's $1.843 billion by $16 million, according to Fox.
James Cameron's unstoppable Avatar hit $1.29 billion at the international box office, Fox said today, passing Cameron's Titanic mark of $1.24 billion to set the new record. By Monday, the studio estimates, Avatar will top Titanic's worldwide gross of $1.85 billion to become Earth's biggest moneymaker of all time.
And within a week to a week and a half, Fox guesses, the 3-D- and IMAX-powered Avatar should swipe Titanic's last remaining major record: all-time domestic champ.
Avatar, which grossed $36 million domestically Friday-Sunday, and led the box office for a sixth straight weekend, is now at $552.8 million on that ledger. On Saturday, it blew past The Dark Knight for second place on the domestic list. Titanic's once-believed unbeatable $600.8 million will be the next to go.
"Milestones like this are great," calm and composed Fox exec Chris Aronson said Monday. "It's part of an amazing ride the film has taken us on. This film is still just captivating audiences on a global basis."
This past weekend's results:
1. Avatar, $36 million 2. Legion, $18.2 million 3. The Book of Eli, $17 million 4. The Tooth Fairy, $14.5 million 5. The Lovely Bones, $8.8 million 6. Sherlock Holmes, $7.1 million 7. Extraordinary Measures, $7 million 8. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, $6.5 million 9. It's Complicated, $6.2 million 10. The Spy Next Door, $4.8 million
HOPE FOR HAITI TELETHON NETS $61 MILLION DOLLARS SO FAR, AND COUNTING!
The Hope for Haiti Now benefit, which was broadcast by more than 60 television networks last Friday, was watched by roughly 83 million people in the United States, with about 24 million of them following along for the entire two hours.
Donations made during the telethon now stand at more than $61 million, according to MTV Networks, which teamed with George Clooney and Wyclef Jean to get this show on the road.
The international production, headed up by Clooney in Los Angeles, Jean in New York and Anderson Cooper in Haiti, and featuring live performances and testimonials from London, was also streamed online about 1.9 million times during the live show, plus about 5.8 million times over the weekend.
It was also the most talked about topic on Twitter, prompting 1 million tweets during and around the event on Friday alone, according to media monitor Collective Intellect.
Hope for Haiti Now will be accepting donations for the next six months.
PERNELL ROBERTS, OF THE FAMED "BONANZA" BROTHERS, DEAD OF CANCER!
Pernell Roberts, who became a small-screen staple as Adam Cartwright in Bonanza and later as the title character in the M*A*S*H spinoff Trapper John, M.D., has died. He was 81.
His wife, Eleanor Criswell, told the Los Angeles Times that Roberts passed away Sunday at the couple's home in Malibu after losing a battle with cancer.
