Actress Melissa Leo's true grit leads to Oscar

As the supremely competent Detective Kay Howard on "Homicide: Life on the Street," Ms. Leo famously refused to make herself look glamorous. She told Terry Gross on NPR's "Fresh Air" that she didn't use makeup on the show because her male colleagues didn't.

When she was unceremoniously dumped from "Homicide" at the end of its fifth season, Ms. Leo said collateral damage from her then-messy personal life and the flinty realness of her Kay Howard character marked her as damaged goods on a show belatedly striving for higher ratings.

Unable to find a steady network gig after "Homicide," Ms. Leo entered what she described to Ms. Gross as a career dry spell. She reprised her role as Kay Howard in "Homicide: The Movie" in 2000, but by then she had set her eye on the big screen, where the perception of being a "gritty gal" didn't work against her.

Ms. Leo had a series of small roles in small movies, the most memorable in "21 Grams" (2003) until her star turn as an impoverished trailer park mom turned illegal alien smuggler in "Frozen River" (2008).

Ms. Leo got her first taste of major industry respect that year when she was nominated for more than a dozen awards, including the Oscar for best actress in "Frozen River."

"Homicide" creator David Simon took a second look at the actress NBC fired in 1997 and hired her to play ACLU lawyer Toni Bernette in HBO's post-Katrina drama, "Treme."

When Ms. Leo signed on to play Alice Ward, the mother of boxers Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and Dicky Eklund (Christopher Bale), she became the spark that ignited "The Fighter" whenever she was on screen. Despite being only a decade older than Mr. Wahlberg, Ms. Leo learned enough from observing the real Alice Ward to make her role as his mother work.

On Sunday, Ms. Leo capped an extraordinary year by winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Fighter."

Having cleaned up more than half the regional critics' honors already, she was, justifiably, the front-runner. Still, hearing her name called on Hollywood's most prestigious night was not the kind of industry respect Ms. Leo was used to.

A self-promotional Oscar campaign in which she took out trade ads had landed her in hot water a few weeks ago. There was some talk that an industry backlash might deny her the coveted award.

Perhaps Ms. Leo was more relieved that the pessimists were wrong about her chances than she was surprised at her win when she uttered the first televised f-bomb in the history of the Oscars during her acceptance speech.

The censors caught it in time, but the happy outburst landed her a spot in Oscars infamy alongside the streaker who interrupted David Niven's speech during the 1974 broadcast.

Calculated or not, Ms. Leo's exuberance provided an otherwise dull show with one of its few genuinely interesting moments.

My affection for Ms. Leo began when I visited the set of "Homicide" in 1996. I interviewed the entire cast, but my time with the actress was particularly memorable.

Unlike the character she played, Ms. Leo had a wicked sense of humor. She was also far more attractive and articulate in person than her laconic character on TV.

Hours after our interview, our paths crossed again on the sound stage. That's when she insisted on taking me to where the cast and crew hung out for lunch. She escorted me around the set like an old friend instead of a nosy fan pretending to be a journalist.

When Colin Firth, 50, won his own Oscar for best actor Sunday, he quipped, "I have a feeling my career just peaked."

Ms. Leo, also 50, probably isn't giving much thought to the "curse" said to befall actresses trying to find meaty roles after they land an Oscar. She has been fortunate enough to never have been a pretty ingenue waiting for the phone to ring, so her hustling will never end.

Instead of peaking, Melissa Leo is just getting started.


Credit : Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Eminem 'most popular living person on Facebook'

Eminem has dethroned Lady Gaga as the most popular living person on Facebook.
The rapper has almost 29 million 'likes', according to Famecount.com
Meanwhile, Gaga, who briefly held the title after unseating U.S. President Barack Obama, is less than a million behind him.

Only the late Michael Jackson has more Facebook followers - with just over 29 million, reports the Daily Star.

Famecount.com bosses note that Eminem's Facebook fanbase is greater than the population of Luxembourg.

Rihanna, Ciara get into cyber catfight on Twitter

Rihanna and Ciara battled it out on Twitter on Friday night.
The two pop divas-and former flames of Chris Brown-got into a war of words after Ciara took a hit at the Barbados beauty on E!'s Fashion Police, reports the New York Daily News.
"I ran into her recently at a party. She wasn't the nicest," the 25-year-old recounted of Rihanna to Joan Rivers.
"It's crazy because I've always loved and respected what she's done in fashion... It wasn't the most pleasant run-in."
Rihanna apparently got wind of Ciara's remarks and tweeted, "My bad Ci, did I forget to tip you?," later adding "U gangsta huh?"

Ciara fought back on Twitter, posting "Trust me Rihanna you don't want to see me on or off the stage," to which the Disurbia singer replied "Good luck with booking that stage u speak of."

Before things got uglier, Rihanna called a truce. "Ciara baby, I love you girl!" she Tweeted. "You hurt my feelings real bad on TV! I'm heartbroken! That's why I retaliated this way! So sorry! Let's make up."

Ciara accepted the offer.
"Rhi, u know its always been love since day 1! Doing shows and everything," she wrote. "You threw me off in that party! Apology accepted. Let's chat in person."

WATCH Charlie Sheen's INSANE Today Show Interview: 'I'm A Rock Star From Mars'

The Today Show began airing their pre-taped, mulit-segment interview with Charlie Sheen this morning.

And yes, it is just as crazy as you thought it was going to be.

Sheen, who looks as though he as aged about 20 years since last he appeared on camera, says among other things that he is a "rock star from Mars" and that he is going to return to Two And A Half Men...but expects a raise.  Some highlights:

On continuing the show: "I'm not angry. I'm passionate. Everyone thinks I should be begging for my job back. I'm going to forewarn them that it's everybody else that will be begging me for their job back. I'm a man of my word. I will finish the show and even do season 10. At this point because of emotional distress it's $3 million an episode, take it or leave it....I'm underpaid now."

On getting, er, sober: "I said, 'Dude, you're 45 and have 5 kids, let's do something different."

NBC's chyron: "Sheen to CBS: Apologize 'while licking my feet.'"

"Tired of pretending I'm not special... [I'm] a rock star from Mars."

Bank of America targeted by US UnCut protests

Activists across the US ­frustrated with state and federal budget cuts ­took to the streets on Saturday Feb 26th to protest corporate tax dodging.

Protests in over 50 cities focused on Bank of America, which paid no taxes in 2009 or 2010, according to their SEC 10-K report filed on Friday.

Local activists protested inside and outside of Bank of America branches, conducting teach-ins about corporate tax avoidance and theatrical "bail-ins." Protests in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco forced the early closure of major bank branches.

The U.S. effort ­called US UNCUT ­has been inspired by a movement in England, called UK UNCUT. English activists have targeted corporations that have paid no or very low corporate income taxes, largely thanks to elaborate use of overseas tax havens and other tax loopholes.

As in England and across the Middle East, the decentralized protest movement is organized largely through the web site, and Facebook, Twitter and meet-up technologies.

The U.S. movement was started two weeks ago when 23-year old Carl Gibson, from Jackson Mississippi, became fed up with state budget cuts. While working 3 part-time jobs, Gibson organized a web site and a local Mississippi UNCUT group. He was galvanized into action by the activities of UK activists.

"There's a direct connection between corporate tax dodging and what's happening to real people¹s lives," said Gibson. "Because of overseas tax havens and other tax loopholes, US corporations are making profits in America but barely paying taxes here. If we close those loopholes, we wouldn't have to be cutting back on firefighters, library hours and student loans."

These protests are putting a spotlight on the shadowy world of overseas corporate tax havens. Irresponsible U.S. corporations shift their earnings around ­ reporting losses in the U.S. while reporting profits in tax havens like the Cayman Islands, where they pay little or no taxes. U.S.
congressional budget officials estimated that over $100 billion a year is lost because of such tax loopholes, enough to eliminate all state budget deficits combined.

Nicholas Shaxson, author of the new book Treasure Islands , writes that tax havens are a major mechanism through which "wealthy and powerful elites take the benefits from society without paying for them."

"Why has the knee-jerk reaction for our politicians been first and foremost budget cuts to critical social services? They tell us that no other options are on the table, yet cracking down on corporate tax avoidance has received little, if any attention," said George Taghi, an organizer for the DC Uncut action.

Protests against corporate tax dodging could be one of the ways that the spark of Wisconsin could spread widely. While not every state has a reckless anti-union governor like Scott Walker or the union solidarity to push back ­every state is facing huge budget cuts. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the combined budget gaps in U.S. states is at least $102 billion ­and probably closer to $148 billion.

This is just the beginning. USUNCUT is identifying the next wave of targets for actions that include corporations with high profiles and retail outlets.

A coalition of domestic businesses has spoken out against tax havens. Small and U.S.-rooted businesses are hurt by tax havens because they are forced to compete on an unlevel playing field. Business and Investors Against Tax Haven Abuse , launched last summer, is organizing business voices and has a national petition.

The Tax Justice Network USA is looking forward to hosting author Nicholas Shaxson for the US release of his new book, Treasure Islands: Tax Havens and the Men Who Stole the World ­which will come out during the US April 15 "Tax week."

My grandfather’s test works in NFL

 After all this time, Charles Wonderlic still can’t help but be amazed that his family name is synonymous with NFL talent evaluation.

His grandfather, E.F. “Al” Wonderlic, didn’t have a keen eye for judging the quality of a quarterback’s throwing motion or a cornerback’s backpedaling skills. He did, however, know a thing or two about gauging one’s intelligence, and in 1937 he devised a written examination that does precisely that.

In 1975, the NFL began giving potential draft picks what has since simply become known as “The Wonderlic,” a timed and proctored assessment that measures an individual’s ability to learn, understand instructions and solve problems. The questions cover areas such as word and number comparisons, simple math, sentence forming, and graphs.

Charles was 12 at the time, so he didn’t quite grasp the significance of it all. But while making his annual visit to the NFL Scouting Combine — where college prospects are taking the test, along with being put through a battery of physical drills to help determine their draft worthiness — he reflected on its staying power.

“It works,” Wonderlic said. “People don’t do things for long periods of time that don’t work. Things don’t last 35 years for happenstance.”

NFL talent evaluators like “The Wonderlic” because it can be conducted with relative quickness and efficiency. However, through the years, it has weathered a fair amount of controversy. From time to time, critics have challenged its validity, asking a basic question: Why would anyone care how bright a football player is, especially one who has the physical qualities necessary to play the game at the highest level?

“Go ask any of the players if they think that intelligence matters on the field,” Wonderlic said. “What do you think they’re going to say, no? Of course it does. There are different jobs that have different mental demands.

“In this case, we’re not saying that we’re looking to hire the brightest people necessarily. We say there’s a certain amount of intelligence necessary to perform. More is better, usually, but people learn at different speeds.”

Sample 'Wonderlic' Test

One of the more interesting tests the players at the NFL Scouting Combine have to take is not even on the gridiron. It's in the classroom and it's the intimidating 'Wonderlic' Test, which supposedly goes a long way towards measuring a player's "Football IQ." The history of the test includes some very interesting scores, both at the high and low end. A few years ago, former University of Texas and Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young reportedly scored a '6' on the test. At the same time, Buffalo Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick scored a '50' and Washington Redskins QB Donovan McNabb got a '14' on his test.

Does this really matter in terms of translating into a good, or bad NFL player? That still remains to be seen with scores all over the place for both good and not-so-good players in the league. Regardless, it's still an interesting topic for conversation around the NFL Combine.

Jane Russell dies at 89

Jane Russell, a Hollywood actress who was among the biggest stars in the 1940s and 1950s, died on Monday at her home in Santa Maria, California. She was 89.

According to her daughter-in-law, Etta Waterfield, Russell died of a respiratory-related illness.

Russell was discovered by Howard Hughes in 1940 and was cast in the movie “The Outlaw.” Her motion picture debut was a success, so she went on to appear in more projects opposite much-sought-after actors like Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra.

Actress & Pin-Up Jane Russell -- Dead at 89

Golden-age Hollywood actress and pin-up girl Jane Russell -- who starred in Howard Hughes' "The Outlaw" in 1943 -- has died.
Russell also played Calamity Jane in 1948 alongside Bob Hope in "The Paleface" -- and subsequently starred with Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 musical "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."

So far, no specific cause of death has been reported. Russell was 89.

Hollywood comes to Bollywood

Three new Hollywood films are set to be shot in India shortly as producers explore the Indian market with the help of an Indian American talent manager in Hollywood.

"The process of selecting India as a location has been easy," says Jai Khanna, a manager at Brillstein Entertainment Partners (BEP), a top Hollywood talent management film and television production company.

"The key is finding the right partners, those with the right sensibility, in order to navigate the landscape and politics of India, as well as appeal to an American crew and cast," Khanna, who heads BEP's new efforts to explore the Indian market, told IANS in an interview.

"Hope Lost", the first of three films targeted for India production, is aimed for a summer shoot in Mumbai. Based on the hit comic book series by Jeff Albert, it's an action-thriller about the duality battle between good vs evil, with themes of the Ramayana.

To be produced by Marlon Parry, the film will be directed by Rajeev Virani.

The second, "River of Gods", based on a novel by Ian McDonald that won the British Science Fiction Award in 2004, imagines a futuristic India, inhabited by ancient traditions as well as artificial intelligence, robots and nanotechnology.

To be produced by Anthony Dorment and Susan Cherian, it is aimed for a fall shoot.

Also to be shot at the same time is "Last Bachelor", an international romantic comedy, in Rajasthan and Goa. The film will be produced by Lux Entertainment in Britain.

"India has been viewed as an exotic location for actors, and not immediately thought of as a film location. If we can marry the two experiences, of exploring the wonders of India, and working in a professional manner, we hope for more productions to enter India," Khanna says.

Zoe Saldana: Vanity Fair Fabulous

Zoe Saldana: Vanity Fair Fabulous

Stepping out for a swanky affair, Zoe Saldana turned up at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, CA last night (February 27).

The “Avatar” beauty dazzled as she waltzed along the red carpet in a red and pink dress and heels before heading inside for the soiree held at Sunset Tower.

Quite the busy lady over the weekend, Ms Zoe Saldana attended the 2011 annual Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday night.

Not only did Zoe Saldana catch up with fellow celebs like “Glee” star Jane Lynch, she also took the stage to present an award to one of this year’s winners.

 

 See more Zoe Saldana pics next page...

Hollywood Gossip
Photo Credit: Getty Images 

Sandra Bullock on 83rd Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet

Sandra Bullock on 83rd Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet

Sandra Bullock on 83rd Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet

Sandra Bullock looked fabulous in a red strapless Vera Wang with a matching clutch.

It's been a year of changes for Sandra Bullock since the last time she walked the carpet, from her divorce from Jesse James to introducing us to adorable baby Louis.

The brunette beauty brightened things up in a lovely red frock as she sashayed into the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center venue to tend to her presenter duties.

 

celebpic

Reese Witherspoon: 2011 Oscars' Beauty

Reese Witherspoon: 2011 Oscars' Beauty

Reese Witherspoon - 83rd Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood

Academy Awards was on hand for the 83nd annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday evening (February 27).

Black and white is a classic combo on the red carpet, and Reese Witherspoon is channelling some seriously old school Hollywood glam in her monochrome Armani Prive gown. The two toned, strapless column dress oozes elegance, and Reese has added a touch of colour to her Oscars look with emerald drop earrings and coordinating cocktail ring. Diamond encrusted cuffs add the all important bling.

Held at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, the "Four Christmases" actress dutifully made her press rounds while gearing up for presenter duties at the Tinseltown ceremony.


celebpic

Halle Berry: 83rd Annual Academy Awards White Beauty

Halle Berry: 83rd Annual Academy Awards White Beauty

Halle Berry - 83rd Annual Academy Awards Hollywood

Halle Berry always kills it in the fashion department, and she certainly certainly brought it on the 2011 Academy Award red carpet.

The Oscar-winning actress wore a showstopping, crystal-encrusted corset gown with organza and silk tulle ruffles by Marchesa. Simple makeup and large diamond earrings completed the look. Halle is on hand to present at this year’s ceremonies.

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Amber Heard at Vanity Fair Art Auction

Amber Heard at Vanity Fair Art Auction

Here is Hollywood’s sexiest lesbian, Amber Heard looking mighty fine at the Vanity Fair Campaign Hollywood “Pieces of Heaven” Art Auction on Wednesday. 

If not for the religious zealots, Amber Heard here would be considered a piece of heaven. 

 

pairody

Jameela Jamil & Jade Williams at Shockwaves NME Awards

Jameela Jamil & Jade Williams at Shockwaves NME Awards

Here is MIA looking Jameela Jamil and Amy Smart lookalike Jade Williams at the Shockwaves NME Awards in London last Wednesday.

 

 See more Jameela Jamil & Jade Williams pics next page...

 

 

 

 pairody

Katie Price: ‘I still sleep with Alex and I want to talk to a rapist.’

Katie Price: ‘I still sleep with Alex and I want to talk to a rapist.’

This is fun. Everyone is writing about Katie Price still sleeping with Alex Reid and how she thinks Peter Andre is just plain evil.

In an interview published in ES magazine today she has shit to say on just about everything, most of it you can read over there, but be warned it’s thick girl boring.

On Alex Reid:

    ‘Do I go and f*** Joe Public or do I f*** an ex? Can anyone here tell me that they’ve never f***ed an ex?’

On Plastic surgery:

    ‘I like my old nose. If I could get it out the cupboard and put it on, then I would’

On Peter Andre:

    ‘Pete’s probably still in f***ing love with me. That’s the problem. There’s a thin line between love and hate’

    via Evening Standard

Where I’m going with this is an altogether scarier place. Katie talks about her dream project, going into prisons and interviewing serial killers and rapists.

On serial killers:

    “My main dream – and I’m trying to get Living TV to do it – is to go into prison and interview serial killers, rapists, murderers, psychopaths. I’m so interested in the brain. I read true crime. I’m not interested in any bollocks made-up stuff; it’s got to be true.”

‘I’m interested in the brain???’  This is lost and confused at it’s best. Do I actually need to write anymore or are we all on the same song sheet.

newsmediaimages

Cheryl Cole: The new American X Factor… helper

Cheryl Cole: The new American X Factor… helper

I don’t know why I’m taking such perverse pleasure in this. Cheryl Cole has been offered the role of Simon’s little helper on American X Factor. How can this be true? It can’t be so, she’s gonna be a judge sitting in the middle seat like J Lo showing off her legs and crying, isn’t she?

Didn’t the News of the World tell us she’d just signed a £10million contract ? (Don’t look at me sweethearts I’ve never spent a Rupert pound in my life.) Wots this? The Mail said something about it too?

Didn’t they all darling, how those pink pooed pantie-etters in Fleet street raced a girls gallop to Cowell’s jockey shorts and back to write for us the very last word in show biz groove. How they preened and sputtered in their made it up finery, and everyone knew of course, from the top of Heat towers to the dark corners of Wapping willies listening room, they all knew, that Cheryl ‘DEFO HAD THAT JUDGES SEAT.’

Everyone except me. Nobody told me anything.

Guess what? She hasn’t got the job. Why… because Fox bosses can’t understand a word she says, they’ve confused her with the tea lady and have stubbornly refused to accept Syco’s protests that nobodies perfect.

In fairness to Fox they said from the very start a nobody isn’t perfect and they wanted a somebody…. a somebody who speaks American.

So Syco has used Cowelery to get Cheryl Cole a job, any job. And the job is – helper !

Like Sinitta, Simon’s little helper.

The only bucks Cheryl Cole can the make from stars in America is probably a Starbucks – to go.

newsmediaimages

Oscar Disasters: Madonna comes dressed for trade

Oscar Disasters: Madonna comes dressed for trade

I don’t know how many people gave Madonna a eeweee side look at the Vanity fair party last night but you gotta feel for Lourdes having to stand next to her Mom’s bared bottom all night, it must have felt like a hookers day out at the slave market.

What do you say to your 52 year old Mom when she dresses in an outfit last seen in the window of a slut auction. How do you tell her that your little mini ha ha dress IS the limit and not an inch less?

If the restaurant I’m going to has a habit of filling it’s car park with Aston’s and Ferrari’s I arrive by cab. I don’t polish my 30 year Fiat Panda and park right alongside Malcom’s Massarati or Roland’s Rolls Royce.

I can understand Madonna dressing her 52′s this way had the dress code said come dressed for trade, but that could hardly have been written on an invite to one most prestigious events in the show biz calendar…. could it?

   

Madonna and Lourdes inside at the Vanity Fair party

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Trisha Hot Thigh Show

Kate Garraway : Flappequette and Vanity

Kate Garraway : Flappequette and Vanity

 

There’s something mildly horney about a famous woman weeping her heart out on your shoulder. Ever since Kate Garraway lost her dignity and went into a sobbing plea bargaining mess after being pictured smoking whilst pregnant I’ve had a soft spot for her. Women that cry, they get me every time, I couldn’t whisper baby maimer in her ear and kick her out of the car.

Why am I telling you this after all this time? Dunno, I guess when Kate lost her composure all over again, this time outside the Vanity fair party it sort of brought it back. Memories.

She was just telling everyone on Daybreak how Jamie Oliver somehow got an invite to the Vanity Fair party but he wasn’t exactly an A lister when Jamie and Jools happened to drool their way past her. Just like the smoking pregnancy incident Kate instantly lost it, threw dignity to the wind and chased Oliver down like he’d won an Oscar breakfast boner or something. She seemed to be blissfully unaware that her gush rush flappery was going out live on air.

Sadly ITV won’t release the clip so I have no choice but to show you a Kate Garraway upskirt mess instead. Sorry about that.

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Indian Page 3 Babe Madhuri Bhattacharya Pictures

Fergie Appreciate Beautiful Women

Fergie Appreciate Beautiful Women

 

Fergie — who is married to Transformers actor Josh Duhamel — says she will always “appreciate” beautiful women. The Black Eyed Peas star says she finds the ladies attractive, but insists she’d never cheat on her husband.

“Oh, I totally celebrate women,’ the Boom Boom Pow hitmaker told Britain’s Cosmopolitan magazine. “Of course, I’m married now so it’s a different story — I’m a one-man woman. But yes I still appreciate beautiful women.”

Fergie, 34, says that she has calmed down since her 20s.

“That was like a different life! I was going to clubs a lot and staying up for days at a time,” she said. “I still love the club scene and seeing what people are wearing, but I’m not taking drugs and damaging myself like I was.”


judyhalone

Stars gather as 'King's Speech' eyes Oscars crown

HOLLYWOOD: British royal drama "The King's Speech" got another boost on the eve of what supporters hope will be its Oscars coronation Sunday, as stars gather for the climax of Tinsel Town's annual awards season.

The movie, nominated for 12 Academy Awards including best picture and best actor for Colin Firth, won best foreign film at the Spirit independent movie awards, barely 24 hours before the main Hollywood show.

Ballet thriller "Black Swan," nominated for five Oscars, won best film at the Spirits as well as best actress for Natalie Portman -- who is frontrunner in that category on Sunday.

With less than 24 hours to go before the annual awards mega-bash, stars were fine-tuning their acceptance speeches -- fingers crossed -- and preparing to don their gowns and tuxedos for the Oscars red carpet.

While "The King's Speech" is the frontrunner, no one is taking anything for granted as rivals including Facebook movie "The Social Network," classic Western remake "True Grit" and boxing movie "The Fighter" vie for Oscars glory.

That said, Firth is considered all but certain to be named best actor for his portrayal of Britain's King George VI, helped by Australian voice coach Lionel Logue -- played by Geoffrey Rush -- to overcome his crippling stammer.

David Fincher could well be named best director for "The Social Network," which tells the story of how Mark Zuckerberg created the game-changing website from a controversial start while a Harvard student, some critics say.

"The Social Network" started the awards season as favorite, taking four Golden Globes in January. But the British royal film has since swept up a series of prizes, in the US as well as at Britain's BAFTAs.

On Sunday the 10-strong shortlist for best film also includes hi-tech thriller "Inception," "127 Hours" -- about a hiker forced to amputate his own arm -- and "Toy Story 3," widely tipped as best animated feature.

Others hoping for a touch of Oscars gold include Britain's elusive graffiti artist Banksy, whose film "Exit Through the Gift Shop" is nominated for best documentary Oscar. The movie won the Spirit awards prize Saturday.

The best foreign film contest is between Mexico's "Biutiful" -- whose star Javier Bardem is also up for best actor -- "Dogtooth" from Greece, Denmark's "In a Better World," "Incendies" from Canada and Algeria's "Outside the Law."

Actors James Franco and Anne Hathaway will host the Oscars show, while organizers this week released more details of who will present awards, the latest including Helen Mirren, Bardem, Mila Kunis and Amy Adams.

The Oscars weekend also provides an excuse for endless festivities, ranging from Elton John's traditional bash in west Hollywood to one reportedly co-hosted by Madonna and Demi Moore.

Once the big show is over, the real fun starts: Oscars after parties -- and after parties -- go on well into Monday, as Hollywood recovers from its annual awards season binge.

Before that, though, some of the Hollywood's finest were preparing to cringe Saturday night when the traditional Golden Raspberry Awards -- or Razzies -- were to be revealed.

Stars including Jennifer Aniston, Ashton Kutcher, Robert Pattinson, Miley Cyrus and Barbra Streisand are on the shortlist for the Razzies, billed as "saluting the worst that Hollywood has to offer each year."(AFP)

Carrie Underwood Keeps in Shape with Exercise DVDs

Carrie Underwood Keeps in Shape with Exercise DVDs

According to Self magazine, Carrie Underwood, the country music star, — who’s currently dating hockey star Mike Fisher — keeps in shape with exercise DVDs. Underwood says she works out with Jillian Michaels‘ videos.

“I have Exercise TV on cable,” Underwood said. “Jillian Michaels’s videos will kick your butt. She’s my trainer, and she doesn’t even know it!”

Carrie Underwood says she has lowered her sugar intake, including cutting out soda.

“I have a lot fewer breakouts,” she explains. “People have asked me, ‘What are you doing differently?’ I’m honestly just eating healthier.”

Carrie Underwood recently revealed she wants to start a family.

“Not that I have a husband to have one with yet, but someday I’d like a family – not a big one, but not a small one either,” she said. “Two kids is good; three is fine. Four? Somebody’s getting something done, because we ain’t having five!”


judyhalone

Freida Pinto Reveals Secret Behind Beauty

Freida Pinto Reveals Secret Behind Beauty

Celebrity Beauty – Freida Pinto – the Slumdog Millionaire actress – has revealed her beauty secrets, which is ‘lots of water and lots of sleep’. Pinto prefers to stay natural when it comes to her looks but says that takes even more care than a ton of make-up.

“I don’t have too many beauty tips because I am not fond of wearing too much make-up but the first would be to drink a lot of water because water really cleanses your system and it keeps you fresh and your eyes looking fresh, I also recommend adding a lot of fruit and vegetables to your diet and not making it too meat centric. The next one would be sleep well – sleep is as important as food and water and keeps you looking fresh the next day. So if you get a good 8 hours sleep it always helps. It all still takes work.” said the 25-year-old.


judyhalone

Britney Spears Hates Her Appearance

Britney Spears Hates Her Appearance

Celebrity Beauty – According to Britain’s Look magazine, Britney Spears – the Toxic singer – admits she doesn’t like the way she looks. Spears admits her perfectionist nature means she’s rarely satisfied with what she sees in the mirror.

“I’m such a perfectionist, which means I’m never satisfied, I always strive for things to be better. I think you can be happy with the person on the inside but on the outside you’re always striving for more. But that’s how you end up driving yourself crazy.” the singer said.

Britney Spears says she can’t understand why she’s considered a sex symbol.

“I don’t see myself like that at all, I don’t know why. To me, someone who is sexy is someone with confidence, who carries themselves properly and is comfortable in their own skin. It’s very flattering but at the same time I think it’s sexier when you don’t try and you’re just yourself. We all like to feel sexy.” she said.



judyhalone

Hayden Panettiere Has Issues About Her Body

Hayden Panettiere Has Issues About Her Body

 

Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere feels insecure about her body.

“I’m insecure about my body, I’m a typical girl. I often hate my body and have bad hair days. I could show you a million things I don’t like and would change. I’ve never been one of those people who’s been obsessed with working out or being super-skinny.” she said.

“The body I have isn’t going to change, so I just try to stay as healthy as I can. The older I get, the more comfortable I am with it. I still have ‘fat days’ when I have to wear baggy T-shirts with sweatpants though!”

Hayden Panettiere recently revealed that she has been drinking wine with her meals since the age of eight.

“I was raised Italian and we always had diluted glasses of red wine at dinner time from about the age of 8,” she said. That’s just what kids do in Italy. It wasn’t ever something bad.”


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Jennifer Aniston’s Hair is Getting Grey

 

It seems that actress Jennifer Aniston is finding difficulty in hiding her age.

On February 11, Aniston will be 42 years old, and like other women in their 40s, she has to face changes in hair color.

“I’m sprouting more than one little grey hair, my colorist has to get creative now with what I call my natural highlights!” ” she said.



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Kate Middleton Lose Weight Drastically

Kate Middleton Lose Weight Drastically

 

Whether because of stress or he did it intentionally to welcome her wedding in April, the prospective princess, Kate Middleton reportedly had lost weight drastically. In fact, her dress size went down four sizes all at once!

This was said by a photographer of The Sun, Arthur Edwards, who observed the development or in this case the weight loss that occurred in Prince William’s fiancees. Previously, Kate was sized 10, and is now down to 6.

The same thing happened in late prospective mother-in-law, Lady Diana, when she was about to marry the father of William, Prince Charles. At that time, The Sun had time to give advise to Diana to stop losing weight, which will also be submitted to Kate.

“The Sun gives advice to Diana to stop losing weight. And I will do the same to her. She’s naturally beautiful and there is no point of losing weight again,” said Edwards. Yep, that’s right, who wants to walk the aisle in just skin and bones?



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Emma Watson Wants Her Long Hair Back

Emma Watson Wants Her Long Hair Back

 

Emma Watson — who hot fame after starring in Harry Potter — says that she wants to grow her hair back like the way before she cut off her hair last year.

“I am trying to grow it but it’s slow, it’s taking a while obviously, If I want to keep acting then it’s more flexible for me to have it longer for different roles, it’s quite a specific cut. I’m kind of looking forward to getting to a cute little bob stage.” ” she said.

Emma Watson — who has earned millions playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movie franchise — recently admitted she hasn’t got a clue how she wants to spend her money.

“I have way too much money to know what to do with it,” she said.

“I bought a laptop, and a Toyota Prius when I passed my driving test, but that’s the most expensive things I’ve spent my money on outside my education.”

Emma Watson thinks it’s funny when people recognize her on the London Underground.

“The funny thing is people look at me and go, ‘Is that the girl from Harry Potter?’ And then they shake their heads and say: ‘No, it can’t be, she’s on public transport.’ And I’m sat there secretly thinking: ‘Ha Ha that’s funny’,” she said.


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