Babel, The Departed, The Queen, Little Miss Sunshine and Letters from Iwo Jima competed for Oscar love in the Best Picture category at the 79th Annual Academy Awards. In a surprise twist, Golden Globes champ Dreamgirls did not make the cut in the Best Picture category but led the field in overall nominations with a total of eight; Babel was close behind with seven nominations. This only proves that the Academy’s internal politics influence choices
Keira Knightley sued Britain’s Daily Mail, claiming it implied she lied about having an eating disorder by illustrating a Jan. 11 article about a teenage girl who died of anorexia with a photo of a bikini-clad Knightley. The actor publicly denied suffering from anorexia last summer at the London premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, saying, “I don’t have it. I’m very sure I don’t have it.” Right, it’s a simple lack of food, not anorexia.
Isaiah Washington met with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network on Monday to discuss how he might work with the group on an ongoing basis to educate people about the dangers of name-calling. Washington issued a public apology last week after he was criticized for using the word “faggot” in connection with his Grey’s Anatomy costar T.R. Then, rumor has it: Isaiah and T.R. kissed and made out.
Jamie Foxx launched the Foxxhole, a new urban comedy, entertainment and lifestyle channel on Sirius Satellite Radio. The actor will be heard on the channel daily, with a dispatch from wherever he may be in the world.
Paris Hilton pleaded no contest to alcohol-related reckless driving Monday, a reduction of a DUI charge stemming from her arrest in September. The heiress was sentenced to 36 months of probation, ordered to attend an alcohol education program and fined $390. She paid by giving the court her Chihuahua Tinkerbell.
Keith Urban posted a video message to his fans on his official Website Monday, explaining there was “no cataclysmic event” that inspired him to enter rehab, but that his life had become “unmanageable” before he checked into the Betty Ford Clinic in October. Urban thanked his friends and family for their support, especially Nicole Kidman, whom he said was “extraordinarily strong and loving” during the three months he was in rehab. He could have said, “And the chicks were great in rehab.” But Nicole would have had a cow!
The Motion Picture Association of America announced a new system of determining movie ratings designed to make the process more understandable to filmmakers. The organization designated a longtime employee as a liaison to filmmakers to offer advice on scripts and guidance on how ratings are determined. Was George Carlin consulted?
After being questioned over her bizarre behavior in a series of recent interviews, Paula Abdul denied she has been drunk or on drugs while promoting American Idol. Rampant speculation began after several video clips were posted online showing Abdul slurring her words, giving nonsensical responses to questions, appearing to fall asleep and swaying wildly in her seat. “I’ve never been drunk. I’m not under the influence of anything,” Abdul told the New York Times. Yeah, and Michael Jackson likes girls!
Meanwhile, Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson denied reports they have been meaner to this season’s Idol contestants than in the past and remain unapologetic about the put-downs they have been dishing out. “If you don’t want to hear that, don’t show up,” Cowell told reporters at the Television Critics Association conference Saturday. Simon’s mean quips keep the viewers watching this lame ass show.
Sharon Stone’s performance in Basic Instinct 2 finally got the recognition it deserves, with a leading seven nominations for the 2007 Razzie Awards, which recognize the worst films and performances of the year. The Wayans brothers’ Little Man also racked up seven nominations for the dishonors, which will be awarded Feb. 24, the day before the Academy Awards.
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