A bit of Hollywood magic as stars let their hair down By Jeffrey Jolson
Oscars still more important than parties but not as fun
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 2/23/09 — Oh boy, the Oscar after-parties were a thrill again as, with a few exceptions; the Academy Awards themselves have seen better evenings according to some vets.
Main reason was that the parties were back. Last year, it was the midst of the Writers Guild strike, when party-throwers like Vanity Fair put off their festivities due to the crisis. And while a Screen Actors Guild strike remains a possibility, folks took advantage of a lull in negotiations to party a bit without crossing any major or implied picket lines.
For instance, Madonna was her usual star-like self in black velvet and sparkles as she strutted up the carpet to the Vanity Fair party before her private after-hours bash.
The Governor’s Ball got an excellent turn-out - actors actually stayed and ate there before going on to other events rather than just doing a cameo there as in past years. Still Uma Thurman, Mick Jagger, director Darren Aronofsky and wife Rachel Weisz, even Natalie Portman and Daniel Craig were at the Vanity Fair Oscar party before the show was even over, according to the LA Times? We don’t know, we actually have to work until the show is over…
Elton John’s party was the only real competition to Vanity Fair as his AIDS charity event has become a must-do - and he even plays, so you can’t beat the show.
Viewing events like Norby Walters’ filled the hotels and mansions of Beverly Hills (see related story), so in spite of the economic times, people just needed a night off with a bit of champagne and shrimp.
This was in contrast to the Oscars itself, which was tame in gowns and jewels for the same reason of not showing up looking too rich while others are losing homes. But for the parties, it was like the librarian had taken off her glasses, shook out her hair and turned out to be a wild, beautiful girl - like in many Hollywood a scene.
Best Actor Oscar winner Sean Penn for playing gay activist Harvey Milk took a moment at the Governor’s Ball to speak up about gay marriage rights, striking out at the churches. saying “Here in California, those who voted against (the losing gay marriage rights act) I think that those who need to the most reflection are those involved in the churches here. And I have great optimism they will be reflective. This is not a human luxury, it’s a human need. It is inevitable and it is time they caught up with the human need. Things like this can be helped.”
The watch was on at the parities for 40-year-old rocker Marilyn Manson and Evan Rachel Wood, 21, who played Mickey Rourke’s daughter in “The Wrestler”, were an item again, after a break-up some time ago.
E! seemed surprised that Penelope Cruz carried her (heavy) Oscar around most of the evening, but that is normal. It is like your backstage laminated pass. If I ever got an Academy Award, I’d make it the hood ornament of my car. But once again, they forgot to nominate me. Maybe next year, if I make movies instead of newspapers.
At Elton’s, Whoopi Goldberg said she Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Emma Thompson, Ben Whishaw, Matthew Goode and Hayley Atwell talk about their roles in film
By Gabrielle Pantera
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) - 1/21/2009 - “I did quite a lot of thinking about what kind of relationship Lady Marchmain would have had with her God, how formal it actually was and how comforting it was to her,” says Brideshead Revisted star Emma Thompson. “But the church has changed so much since the 1920s. You can email the Vatican now!”
“The first thing that I start with is the script and it’s a superb and wonderful script by Andrew Davies and Jeremy Brock,” says Thompson. “I thought Lady Marchmain was so interesting, so different and quite peculiar…dark and controlling as well as controlled. I also felt I knew that world, having been brought up in Great Britain. That kind of upbringing is just part and parcel of our heritage, even if you don’t know that world personally.”
“Lady Marchmain is an incredibly complicated character,” says Thompson. “I think she was brought up by people who withheld all affection in lieu of the love of God, damaging her emotionally, which she then Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
HOLLYWOOD (Holllywood Today / RushPRnews) 01/06/09–Come Oscar time, David Fincher’s adaptation of great American writer, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1921 short story, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, about a man who ages in reverse, stands more than a good chance at winning Best Film at the 2009 Academy Awards. Using his father’s own death as a mechanism for telling the story, Fincher (Fight Club) told Hollywood today and RushPRnews “This was a movie that was about how people behave towards Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
After Months of denials, The Material Girl and Guy Ritchie are over
By Brian Frederick
Madonna leaving for A-Rod or Brit life?
LONDON, UK (Hollywood Today) 10/15/08 — “Madonna and Guy Ritchie have agreed to divorce after seven and a half years of marriage,” the couple issued in a statement. Amid the rumors of Madonna’s relationship with Yankee’s slugger Alex Rodriguez, Madonna and Ritchie announced today that their troubled marriage is over. Madonna has been out of the American tabloids in recent years but headlines them daily in London, where fodder for gossip is King.
It’s been reported that the couple is seeking relief from the tabloid press and the paparazzi while they sort out their future, which includes a $500 million fortune. Some of the issues to resolve besides the money are the 1,200 acre estate in London, homes in Los Angeles and New York and child custody concerns. “They have both requested that the media maintain respect for their family at this difficult time,” the statement continued.
Madonna had recently informed the press a few months ago that her relationship with Rodriguez was based on a friendship through a pre arranged meeting with their manager Guy Oseary. Rodriguez had asked her about Kabbalah so it goes. After months of questions, Madonna stated to the press, “I am not romantically involved with Alex Rodriguez.” The Star Light Star Bright girl added, “My husband and I are Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Mandy Moore hosts 11th annual “Fresh Faces in Fashion” amid announcements of upheaval in Los Angeles’ own version of fashion week
By Stacey Silberman
No more Fashion Week in LA?
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 10/12/08 – Los Angeles Fashion is off to an interesting start this year as longtime host Smashbox announces its upcoming split from IMG World following the Spring 2009 Mercedes Benz fashion show that boasts a line-up of 23 shows in its remote Culver City venue.
Smashbox, a primarily-photo studio run by Max Factor makeup mogul’s offspring Davis Factor, had been considered too small for some designer shows at MBFW. The hottest runway events were perpetually overcrowded and Culver City Police and Fire Marshals controlled the gates as much as the presenters. Also IMG charges were too high for some smaller Los Angeles designers, who don’t have Armani-type income, so those designers were going to alternative events to show their wares.
It’s customary now for Gen Art to informally kick-off L.A. fashion week after presenting its annual “Fresh Faces In Fashion” show. This year the event featured 12 newly hatched L.A. designers at the Petersen Automotive Museum on Friday, Oct. 10.
The runway show featured hipster designs that celebrate youth a’ la city of Angels. This was how the line up was shown.
Beginning with an introduction by event producers and hosted by singer and actress Mandy Moore, designers were given the opportunity to show their wares to the sounds of DJ Jasepi. Professional models with stilt legs walked to blaring music in newly Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
LaBeouf collision, H’wood Goldenboy taken to Cedars with two females
By Brian Frederick
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 7/27/08 - - “It was immediately apparent to officers responding on the scene that LaBeouf was intoxicated and he was subsequently placed under arrest,” said Sgt. Scott Wolf of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s department. Shia LaBeouf, 22, was the star in last year’s mega hit film ‘Transformers’ and played opposite A-list star, Harrison Ford in last month’s fourth sequel to the Indiana Jones saga, ‘Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull.’
LaBeouf was driving his pick-up truck in Hollywood at approximately 3:00 a.m. when he collided with another vehicle. The collision rolled the pick-up; causing extensive injury to his hand and knee. LaBeouf was immediately taken to Cedars Sinai Medical Center for treatment.
“LaBeouf under went hand surgery and plans to return to work within a month,” said publicists Mellissa Kates.
Riding with LaBeouf was an unknown female passenger. The woman is said to have not had any serious injury. The woman driver of the other vehicle in the accident was also said to not have any serious injury.
No camaraderie among IRL women, as Duno gives Patrick cold shoulder
By Matthew B. Zeidman
LEXINGTON, Ohio (Hollywood Today) 7/21/08 – When Danica Patrick has had trouble with another racer, she hasn’t been shy in showing it, and Saturday at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was no exception. After fellow female competitor Milka Duno’s car obstructed her own open-wheel vehicle multiple times during a practice session for the Honda Indy 200, Patrick ran over to Duno’s pit and demanded to know whether the blocks were intentional.
“Do you have the slightest f**king idea what you’re doing out there?” Patrick asked the Venezuelan model-turned-racer, prompting Duno to throw a towel at her opponent and order her to leave.
“I see you! I see you!” Duno forcefully replied, when pressed by Patrick about her on-track behavior, before throwing the towel again.
NY’s Shea Stadium, made famous by Mets and Beatles, gets star-studded send-off with Billy Joel before being supplanted in 2009 by Citi Field
By Matthew B. Zeidman
FLUSHING, N.Y. (Hollywood Today) 7/19/08 – It was a magical night for the 63,000 fans gathered Friday at historic Shea Stadium to see local hero and “Piano Man” Billy Joel and a bevy of other big names let loose musically. It was also an historic one. No further musical performances will be held at the 44-year home of the New York Mets, which will be supplanted by nearby Citi Field this fall and demolished in 2009.
“This stadium opened up to play baseball in the year 1964, and that was the first year I joined up in a band,” Joel, 59, told the enthusiastic crowd. “They’re gonna tear this house down, but I want to thank you for letting me keep doing this job. It’s the best job.”
Joining Joel on stage to perform his songs, as well as hits of their own, were country singer Garth Brooks, The Who’s Roger Daltrey, former Beatles member Paul McCartney and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler.
Nicole and Keith share the birth of their first child, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban
By Brian Frederick
NASHVILLE, TN (Hollywood Today) 7/7/08 - - “Early this morning Nic gave birth to our beautiful baby girl, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban. We want to thank everybody that has kept us in their thoughts and prayers,” said Keith Urban. This is their first child together.
Sunday Rose was born into the world on Monday at 6 lbs. 7.5 ounces.
“Husband Keith was by Nicole’s side and mother and baby are doing well,” said family spokesperson Paul Freundlich. The couple has remained in their gated community in Nashville during the past few weeks to prepare for the birth. They officially announced Nicole’s pregnancy in January when she was three months pregnant.
Although many people associate Nicole Kidman, 41, as Australian, that is partly correct since she has lived “down under” since she was four and maintains dual citizenship. In truth, Kidman is a U.S. citizen, born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her country music husband, Keith Urban, 40, is New Zealand born. The couple first met at an event in Hollywood, CA and began dating six months later. They were married in Sydney, Australia on June 25, and celebrated their second wedding this year.
Grammy nominee Timothy Wright in critical condition, wife and grandson die
By Brian Frederick
DANVILLE, PA (Hollywood Today) 7/6/08 - - “He shall live,” Rev. Frank Williams told the congregants at the Grace Tabernacle Christian Center.
Grammy nominee Timothy Wright, 61, his wife Betty Wright, 58, and their grandson D. J. Wright, 14, were driving eastbound on interstate 80 Friday night when John Pick, 44, of Lewisburg, PA drove westbound on the eastbound interstate (the wrong way) opposite Wright’s vehicle, slamming head-on at approximately 10:30 p.m. while passing through Greene Township, Clinton County.
Despite the tragedy, Rev. Williams held Sunday services for hundred of worshipers. “He has impacted too many people. He has paid some of our rents when he couldn’t even pay his own.” Rev. Williams said.
Mourners solemnly gathered for services Sunday morning but the church’s founding pastor and co-pastor wife Betty, were noticeably missing. Rev. Wright lay in Geisinger Medical Center’s intensive care unit recovering more than 150 miles away in Danville, Pennsylvania. Betty died at the scene and their grandson died in the hospital on Saturday.
Copter brings Angelina Jolie to French Riviera hospital with birth of her twins expected soon
By Brian Frederick
NICE, FRANCE (Hollywood Today) 7/2/08 - - “I can’t give you a date. Let’s say the birth will happen in the weeks to come,” said the family’s doctor, Dr. Michel Sussman. Unaware the couple was not married, Dr. Sussman further added, “Mrs. Angelina Jolie and her husband, Mr. Brad Pitt, told me to tell you that she is doing absolutely fine.”
French medical secrecy laws are very strict but Dr. Sussman informed the press on Wednesday that Jolie, 33, and Pitt, 44, have given her authorization to give out a few details, although the Dr. would not reveal the sex of the babies or give any further details on what expected date the birth of Jolie’s twins would be born.
France’s strict privacy laws will make taking pictures of the world’s most celebrated birth of the century, difficult to obtain. Paparazzi have been following the celebrity couple relentlessly since Jolie officially announced her pregnancy at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Paparazzi insiders heard of the pregnancy before the official announcement and have been seen near the couple’s new home in the Provence region of France.
The first pictures of Jolie’s twins are expected to fetch close to $10 million.
The couple checked into the Santa Maria maternity clinic at the Lenval hospital, in the southern French city of Nice on Sunday by helicopter. They landed on the hospital’s roof and were whisked Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Stuntman Conway Wickliffe also paid tribute, killed in the line of duty
By Matthew B. Zeidman
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 6/27/08 – As July looms and audiences draw ever closer to the highly anticipated release of “The Dark Knight,” Warner Bros. has revealed that star Heath Ledger will be specially honored in the film’s closing credits. The newest “Batman” big-screen feature will see the late Oscar nominee playing heinous criminal Joker in his last completed production.
The movie studio posted the homage on its press Web site Thursday, which read, “In memory of our friends Heath Ledger & Conway Wickliffe.” Wickliffe was a special-effects technician for the film, who was killed in September in a work-related accident. Ledger passed away four months later in his Manhattan apartment as a result of an accidental drug overdose, shocking his fans and the entertainment community at large.
