Tila Tequila Adrianne Curry Esther Cañadas Tara Reed Ana Ivanovi
Monday, February 28, 2011
Afternoon Links With Jennifer Garner And Ben Affleck
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck enjoyed some family time at the farmer’s market with daughters Violet and Seraphina. (FAME) Get an in-depth look at Reebok toning shoes. (FitCeleb) Are all these awards ceremonies rendering themselves meaningless? (Trendmill) Jersey Shore star … Continue reading
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Usher - There Goes My Baby
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
Halle Berry Missy Peregrym Susan Ward Sienna Guillory Katharine Towne
Hailee Steinfeld Has Met With 'Hunger Games' Director
'It's definitely something that we're taking one day at a time,' 'True Grit' star tells MTV News on Oscars red carpet.
By Aly Semigran, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Hailee Steinfeld attends the 2011 Academy Awards
Photo: Getty Images
Hailee Steinfeld arrived on the Oscars red carpet on Sunday night (February 27) a first-time nominee for her breakthrough performance in "True Grit" and could very well leave the evening as a Best Supporting Actress Oscar-winner.
Check out photos of Hailee Steinfeld on the red carpet.
But even on her big night, fans are buzzing about her possible future projects, and one in particular. MTV News caught up with Steinfeld, who was wearing a Marchesa gown, on the carpet (she told us she felt, "so honored and so blessed to be here") and had to ask whether she was still in the running for the big-screen adaptation of "The Hunger Games," based on the popular young-adult novel.
Steinfeld has been one of the names in consideration for the coveted role of Katniss Everdeen. The young actress told us she has "a lot of projects that we're looking at at the moment," but she also confirmed that she has met with "Hunger Games" director Gary Ross.
"It's definitely something that we're taking one day at a time and making sure that everything is in place," Steinfeld said of her possible casting as the film's heroine.
Whether or not the "Hunger Games" role goes to Steinfeld, she's quickly becoming one of the hottest commodities in Hollywood. And the 14-year-old has already selected her first post-"True Grit" project, a film called "Forgotten," based on Cat Patrick's upcoming book of the same name. Steinfeld will play a teen who loses her memory daily.
"The Hunger Games" is slated to hit theaters on March 23, 2012.
Stick with MTV News on Oscar night and beyond for red-carpet fashion coverage, analysis of the winners, plus interviews, photos and more from your favorite Hollywood stars!
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Lady Gaga Trivia: Are You An Expert, Little Monster?
MTV News quizzes Monster Ball Tour fans. How much do you know?
By MTV News staff
Lady Gaga performs at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2011
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Lady Gaga's Little Monsters are certainly loyal to their Mother Monster, arriving to her shows in creative Gaga garb, singing along to every word and even crediting the pop sensation for helping them become comfortable with who they are, thanks to her feel-good messages. When MTV News caught up with some of Gaga's biggest fans at stops on the latest leg of her Monster Ball Tour, we quizzed them to find out just how much they know about the New York native.
Question: Which "True Blood" star appeared in Gaga's "Paparazzi" music video?
Answer: Alexander Skarsgard
Fans who got it right: 3 out of 5
Question: What was the first song Lady Gaga performed during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards?
Answer: "Poker Face"
Fans who got it right: 1 out of 9
Question: Is Lady Gaga left- or right-handed?
Answer: Left
Fans who got it right: 5 out of 10
Question: On which two MTV shows did Gaga appear (as Stefani Germanotta or Lady Gaga) before her big break?
Answer: "Boiling Points" and "The Hills"
Fans who got it right: 3 out of 7
Question: Which pop singer recorded a demo for "Telephone" but didn't end up using it?
Answer: Britney Spears
Fans who got it right: 2 out of 6
Question: Name all of the people Gaga mentions in her song "Dance in the Dark."
Answer: Judy Garland, Liberace, Jesus, Stanley Kubrick, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, JonBenét Ramsey, Sylvia Plath
Fans who got it right: 6 out of 6
How did you do? Share your results below!
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EXCLUSIVE: 'Drive Angry' Director Patrick Lussier Highlights The Best Of His 3-D Scenes
"Drive Angry 3D" hit theaters last Friday, and let's make one thing clear right now: you need to see this movie.
You'll have to be a fan of action naturally, and an undying love for star Nic Cage certainly helps as well, but director/co-writer Patrick Lussier proves in the space of two hours that 3-D [...]
You'll have to be a fan of action naturally, and an undying love for star Nic Cage certainly helps as well, but director/co-writer Patrick Lussier proves in the space of two hours that 3-D [...]
Julia Stiles Paz Vega Danica Patrick Ali Campoverdi Haylie Duff
Celebrities Without Makeup
(Kim Kardashian without makeup) We’ve been seeing a lot of celebrities without makeup lately and I thought to consolidate the pictures into one post. After all, seeing these women glammed up day in and day out can make a girl … Continue reading
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Beyonce Presents ?Beyonce: I Am ? World Tour Live? To The School Of Visual Arts
Beyonce was photographed attending a screening for her ‘Beyonce: I Am – World Tour Live‘ at the School of Visual Arts in New York City earlier today. Figured since we are all hanging around waiting for the 2010 American Music … Continue reading
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Charlie Sheen Is ?Never? Returning To ?Two And A Half Men?, Even If CBS Begs
And the fallout from Charlie Sheen’s rants continues. Pop Eater reports that friends of Charlie Sheen’s say the ‘Two and a Half Men’ star is so angry about CBS’ decision to cancel the remaining shows for the season that he … Continue reading
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Oscar Press Room: Colin Firth Says His Royal Wedding Invite Got Lost in the Mail
Colin Firth completed his successful award season sweep with his best actor Oscar for The King's Speech. Undoubtedly exhausted from the long award season, Firth shared his cute plans for the next few months, joked about the royal wedding, and talked more about the victory dance he mentioned in his acceptance speech.
On whether or not he'll be invited to the royal wedding: "As I understand it, the invitations have already gone out. Mine's almost definitely lost in the post somewhere, so I'll be working on tracing it."
On his post-award season plans: "I've started having fantasies about what I'll do. I think I'm going to cook a lot. I don't think I'm particularly good at it but I'm going to inflict my cooking on anybody within range, but I tend to find that's a very good way to decompress. I'll probably be the only one eating it but that's what I'm going to do."
On the message of The King's Speech: "I don't believe in messages in what I do. I don't think we're preachers. I don't think we're philosophers. What has struck me is the emotional response to it seems to be very, very personal. It's quite diverse. Quite obviously speech therapists and people who have difficulties with their speech of whatever kind, have responded to it, and that is very powerful to me to be on the receiving end of that kind of feedback because what we do is very often, it's justifiably judged as completely and utterly frivolous. I think frivolity is also very important. That's a whole other argument."
On the PG-13 cut of the film: "I don't support it, because I think the film has its integrity as it stands. I'm not someone who is casual about that kind of language. I take my children to see football games, soccer. And I wouldn't be able to, if I wanted to protect them from those kind of words at the expense of all else. I hate hearing that language around them, but I'm not going to deny them an experience of a live game. You know, it does distress me to, you know, to hear that language bawled in the ears of my kids. So I don't take that stuff lightly. But the context of this film could not be more edifying, more appropriate. It's not vicious. It's not to do insult or it's not in any of the context which might offend people, really."
On talking about his urge to dance during his acceptance speech: "I was struggling with contentment at that moment and I think I need some quality time alone. I don't think that this is the particular forum for it. Anyone who's seen Mamma Mia will know what I'm talking about.
Carla Campbell April Scott Jennifer Love Hewitt Uma Thurman Sophia Bush
Robert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year
Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant accept the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
"I'm bewildered," Robert Plant said onstage as he accepted the Grammy Album of the Year award with Alison Krauss on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."
He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because Raising Sand, which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect Grammy album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.
You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his Led Zeppelin days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.
Really, she's the key to Sand's success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, Sand was released.
And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.
And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on Sand. His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.
To date, Sand has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.
"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really good record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards."
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Sunday, February 27, 2011
Jennifer Love Hewitt Is Prepared To Get Married
Jennifer Love Hewitt visits ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ today, and in addition to talking about her new project, ‘The Lost Valentine,’ she also dished on wedding rings and working with Betty White. When Jennifer confirmed to Ellen that she already … Continue reading
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Clip: Barbara Walters Puts Jessica Hahn In Her Place (Video)
‘The View’ had a show looking at “Where They Are Now?” for people who were once all over the news but now have left the public eye. Jessica Hahn was one of the guests. And when she tried to compare … Continue reading
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Amy Winehouse Out Partying
Uh oh. Amy Winehouse was out partying until 3am at a pub in London the other night. She looks....wasted. There were a few more photos where she was giving the paparazzi the bird too. Fun. According to the photo agency, she had just come from a concert by The Libertines.All I can say is that I hope this doesn't become a regular thing again. Amy is so incredibly talented and I'm really praying that she doesn't spiral back out of control!Photos by Wenn.com Continue reading
Piper Perabo Zooey Deschanel Lisa Snowdon Ananda Lewis Asia Argento
Body Language Analysis! Are These Couples Hiding Anything?
Love was in the air this week in Hollywood—or so it seems! TooFab enlisted body language expert Toni Coleman to decipher what's really up with these seemingly lovey-dovey couples.
So are Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy really head-over-heels? What about Jessica Alba and Cash Warren? Check out what Coleman says. It may surprise you!
Halle Berry & Olivier Martinez: "They look a bit detached," says Coleman. "She looks like she's putting on a happy face, he looks like he doesn't want to be there." Read more…
Baby Girl On the Way for KISS? Paul Stanley
The lead singer of the rock group and Erin, an attorney, will welcome their third child together - a baby girl - in August, the couple confirm to PEOPLE exclusively.
Cat Power Izabella Miko Xenia Seeberg Melissa Howard Alicia Keys
Royal Pains Henry Winkler Interview
He will forever be known as The Fonz to me but having the opportunity to do an interview with Royal Pains Henry Winkler gave me the chance to know the man behind the beloved character. It was such an amazing experience and I am going to tell you all about it when you keep reading. [...]
Naomi Watts The Pussycat Dolls K. D. Aubert Emma Watson Lindsay Lohan
Kelsey Grammer Wedding on Broadway!
That didn?t take long at all, his divorce was just final and today there was already a Kelsey Grammer wedding, on Broadway no less. Kelsey didn?t waste any time making Kayte Walsh the new Mrs. Grammer! Find out all the details on the nuptials right here, there are some pictures and a video of the [...]
Abbie Cornish Raquel Alessi Hilary Swank Arielle Kebbel Dita Von Teese
Beyonce And Tina Knowles Debut Clothing Line On ?The View?
Beyonce and her mother, Tina Knowles, sat down with the ladies of “The View” to talk about Beyonce’s new concert DVD and Tina’s new, affordable clothing line for Walmart. I LOVE how they showed each outfit in two different sizes … Continue reading
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Hot Guy Of The Day: Alexander Skarsgard
Alexander Skarsgard was spotted leaving The Griddle Cafe in Hollywood. No sign of girlfriend Kate Bosworth. How does this guy manage to look good even in jeans, a jacket, and a cap? Bring on the new season of ‘True Blood’ … Continue reading
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Amy Winehouse Hangs Out Poolside In A Bikini
I forgot about Amy Winehouse’s breast implants. They smacked me in my face as I opened up this set. Hey now! Here’s Amy hanging out in a bikini with friends in Rio de Janeiro. The singer spent the afternoon with … Continue reading
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Anne Hathaway Will Be 'Wonderful' In 'Dark Knight Rises,' Says Aaron Eckhart
At the Independent Spirit Awards, the 'Dark Knight' villain is gracious about being left out of third film.
By Brian Warmoth, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Aaron Eckhart
Photo: Jeff Vespa/ WireImage
Director Christopher Nolan told Aaron Eckhart personally that "Dark Knight Rises" script wouldn't have a part for him. Eckhart took the news in stride, though, and the nominee for Best Male Lead at Saturday night's (February 26) Independent Spirit Awards said he expects the movie will do just fine without him — even if Nolan won't tell him what will be going down onscreen.
"I was just with Chris, and he's pretty tight-lipped about things," Eckhart told MTV News on the red carpet outside the Spirit Awards.
The man who played Harvey Dent and ushered the character into madness as Two-Face in "The Dark Knight" wouldn't admit to disappointment over not returning for the new Batman sequel. In fact, he claimed to have seen Two-Face's omission coming.
"I never intended to come back," Eckhart said. "That's Heath [Ledger]'s movie. It should live solo, and Chris is gonna go on."
Nolan's third Batman movie will include , best known in the Batman universe for her villainess alter ego Catwoman. Eckhart expressed high hopes for her.
"I think Anne Hathaway is going to be wonderful," Eckhart stated. The closest he would come to complaining about his absence from "The Dark Knight Rises" was to joke about sucker-punching Nolan after hearing that Harvey Dent wouldn't appear.
Eckhart lost in the Male Lead category to "127 Hours" star James Franco at the Spirit Awards, though judging by the gracious response he gave about the Bat-films going on without him, he seemed like he must be at ease with passing the spotlight around.
Eckhart made himself available last year, just in case Nolan had a change of heart, but now that the script is getting finished, and the big remaining casting searches seem to be limited to females, it's probably safe to consider Eckhart politely and amicably finished as a Bat-villain.
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Will it be a regal evening for "The King's Speech"? Can "The Social Network" dial up Oscar gold? Don't miss MTV News' "2011 Oscars Live" at 6 p.m. Sunday, February 27, when we'll be chatting with your favorite Hollywood stars live from the red carpet on MTVNews.com, and stick with us all Oscar night for winners, interviews, photos and more!
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Saturday, February 26, 2011
Eva Longoria And Tony Parker Finalize Their Divorce
Is it just me, or did this divorce happen in record time? Less than three months after announcing their split, Eva Longoria and Tony Parker have finalized their divorce. Tony Parker‘s�lawyer�slipped into a Texas courthouse Friday with legal papers that … Continue reading
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Natalie Portman and Nicole Kidman Make Bright and Bold Entrances at the Independent Spirit Awards!
Natalie Portman arrived at the Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica today in a bright and cheery, yellow, knee-length dress. The Black Swan star, who won the best actress award tonight, stepped out in her latest baby bump-accommodating ensemble after joining her director, Darren Aronofsky, and costar Mila Kunis at a pre-Oscar party earlier this week. Vera Farmiga and Nicole Kidman chose red for the afternoon celebration while Kerry Washington and Eva Mendes stood out in beautiful prints.
Winter's Bone star Jennifer Lawrence was on trend in a white, floor-length Dolce & Gabbana. Amanda Peet and Twilight's Anna Kendrick chose classic black and white combos, while Zoe Saldana and Rosario Dawson went wild with animal print. Don't forget to vote on all of Fab and Bella's love it or hate it polls and join us tomorrow at the Oscars!
We'll be LIVE from the red carpet on Sunday, so watch here on PopSugar, follow us on Twitter for breaking news and photos, and don't forget we're also giving away a Samsung TV, so be sure to fill out BuzzSugar's ballot for your chance to win!
To see more photos from the red carpet, just read more.
Naomi Watts The Pussycat Dolls K. D. Aubert Emma Watson Lindsay Lohan
Viggo Mortensen Pegged As Possible Zod For 'Superman'
Actor named 'person of interest' to play villain in Zack Snyder's reboot.
By Shawn Adler
Viggo Mortensen
Photo: Barry King/FilmMagic
He once demanded that any and all enemies of Gondor stand before him on the field of battle, but the once and possibly future Aragorn might be asking his next adversary to "Kneel!" as news comes that Viggo Mortensen has been singled out as a "person of interest" to play General Zod in Zack Snyder's "Superman" reboot, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Despite Snyder's previous statements to the contrary, the announcement of interest amounts to the first public confirmation that Zod, the megalomaniacal Kryptonian scientist portrayed by Terence Stamp in Richard Donner's "Superman II," will appear alongside Henry Cavill in the Christopher Nolan-produced reboot.
Zod's female co-conspirator, Ursa, was previously rumored to be in the film as well, with actresses Diane Kruger, Rosamund Pike and Alice Eve all reportedly up for the part.
Such as with Kevin Costner for the role of the Man of Steel's adoptive father, Jonathan "Pa" Kent, Mortensen remains simply a "person of interest," and no official talks have begun. But for Nolan and Snyder to get their man, they might have to move fast, as Mortensen is in negotiations for "Snow White and the Huntsman."
Mortensen most recently filmed the literary adaptation "On the Road" and "A Dangerous Method," where he played Sigmund Freud for director David Cronenberg. Aside from possible appearances in "Superman" and "Snow White," the Oscar-nominated actor has also repeatedly left the door open for a return appearance as Aragorn in "The Hobbit."
Is Zod the right choice of villain for the "Superman" reboot? Is Mortensen the right man to play him? Sound off below!
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
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Celebrities Including Lea Michele And Demi Moore Attend Private Dinner Hosted By Audi
It was another hot night at the Audi Forum Dallas as the brand hosted an intimate private dinner attended by Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, Jenna Ushkowitz, Chace Crawford, Tony Romo, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Hugh Jackman, Candice Crawford, Jessica Szohr, … Continue reading
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Red Carpet Fashion At The 2011 Sag Awards Plus Kidman Opens Up About Faith Margaret
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Tom Cruise Ready To Do ?Rock Of Ages??
It looks like Tom Cruise may have already lined up his next gig once he’s done filming ‘Mission Impossible 4,’ if E! News’ Marc Malkin’s story is accurate. The director of the film adaptation of the musical ‘Rock of Ages’ … Continue reading
David Arquette Explains Rehab To Coco
Actor David Arquette paid a visit to the Oprah Winfrey Show this week, where he opened up about his split from wife Courteney Cox and his recent stint in rehab.
After checking into rehab for alcohol addiction and depression in early January, the Scream star had to explain his absence to his 6-year-old daughter Coco.
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Spotted: Naomi Watts and Kai?s Park Playdate
Naomi Watts holds on tight to 2-year-old son Samuel Kai Wednesday during a day at the park in Santa Monica, Calif.
Daniella Alonso Jennifer Morrison Jodi Lyn OKeefe Deanna Russo Joanne Montanez
Oscar Preview: Will Natalie Portman Fly High? Can Colin Firth Be Stopped?
Annette Bening might pose a threat to the 'Black Swan' star, but Firth seems to be on a one-way track to Oscar glory.
By Eric Ditzian
Natalie Portman in "Black Swan"
Photo: Fox Searchlight
Last year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences coalesced around two ideas in the lead acting categories: for Best Actor, it was time to anoint a man whose time had come; for Best Actress, a populist favorite deserved the career thumbs-up that only a small golden statue can deliver.
And so five-time nominee Jeff Bridges finally triumphed for his unfettered turn in "Crazy Heart" and Sandra Bullock, long an American sweetheart but hardly an enduring critical fave, took home the win for her uplifting and cheesiness-eluding performance in "The Blind Side." Oscar, of course, is as fickle a gentleman as you'll find in Hollywood.
So this year, we find in Annette Bening ("The Kids Are All Right") a four-time nominee who's never managed to create a voting-community consensus that, shoot, this is my year, dammit! Thus, she finds herself trailing Natalie Portman ("The Black Swan") for Best Actress, though the winner in that category is hardly clear-cut at this point. The same cannot be said for Best Actor, in which Colin Firth ("The King's Speech") staked out an early lead that he hasn't relinquished all awards season.
As MTV News continues its week-long Oscar preview -- ahead of the big show Sunday, February 27, when MTV News will be live-streaming from the red carpet at 6 p.m. ET -- let's take a closer look at the two lead acting categories.
Best Actress
It's not Bening's fault. No one can take away anything from what she accomplished onscreen in a warts-and-all portrait of a lesbian couple struggling to keep their family together; 2011 just isn't her year. But hey, Al Pacino lost six times -- including for the first two "Godfather" films and "Dog Day Afternoon" -- before nabbing Oscar glory for "Scent of a Woman." Bening will eventually get her Academy win.
The trouble for the 52-year-old actress is that she's facing off against Portman, who trained as a ballerina for 10 months, displayed a ripped physique onscreen and delivered a gutting portrayal of one woman's psychological disintegration in "Black Swan." It's a far showier performance than Bening's, and the fact of the matter is that subtlety doesn't often pay off when it comes to awards.
That's not to say it never does, and several influential Oscar prognosticators are picking Bening to pull off one of the evening's biggest upsets. Either woman would be deserving. And don't even get us started about why Michelle Williams isn't at least in the running after a "Blue Valentine" performance so depressingly unnerving she should be standing outside theaters giving out free hugs. That's just not the way the world works, and we're going to go ahead and say a very pregnant Natalie Portman will be up onstage Sunday accepting the Best Actress win.
Best Actor
Bridges is back again, and you could even say his "True Grit" performance is finer and tighter than his turn in "Crazy Heart." But Tom Hanks, he ain't (Hanks is one of only two actors to take the category in consecutive years, following wins for "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump"), especially not in a year when Firth learned to stutter and went on to dominate awards season.
Seriously, the guy has barely lost even an obscure critics association award, winning at the Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards and, oh, six dozen other ceremonies. Like Portman's performance, Firth as the eventual King George VI is a flashier performance than any other in the category, save perhaps for James Franco's (who, hey, didn't actually lop off his arm for "127 Hours" and nixed any miniscule chance he had at an upset when he accepted a job as Oscar co-host).
While we welcome Jesse Eisenberg to the ranks of the critically lauded -- he's been on our radar since a pitch-perfect debut as an anxious teen in 2002's "Roger Dodger" -- the 27-year-old actor never really had a shot to unseat Firth once the Brit's awards-season supremacy became clear early on. What's more, "The Social Network" peaked too early and now doesn't have the momentum to pick up Eisenberg's turn as Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg and carry it toward victory.
Best Actor, then, is an easy pick -- perhaps the easiest of the major categories. Say hello to Colin Firth, your Best Actor in these 83rd Academy Awards.
Will it be a regal evening for "The King's Speech"? Can "The Social Network" dial up Oscar gold? Don't miss MTV News' "2011 Oscars Live" at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 27, when we'll be chatting with your favorite Hollywood stars live from the red carpet on MTVNews.com, and stick with us all Oscar night for winners, interviews, photos and more!
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Michael Jackson Doctor Ordered Hundreds Of Bottles Of Propofol
Also during the preliminary hearing Monday, judge rules that evidence from Dr. Conrad Murray's phone can be used.
By Gil Kaufman
Dr. Conrad Murray (file)
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images
One thing became clear during testimony in the preliminary hearing of Dr. Conrad Murray on Monday (January 10) in Los Angeles: The cardiologist ordered a lot of the powerful anesthetic propofol in the months before his client Michael Jackson's death.
Los Angeles County Coroner's officials determined that the pop star died of a lethal dose of the surgical anesthetic in June 2009. Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, has admitted that he administered propofol to the singer in the hours before Jackson's passing.
And while Murray's lawyers have said that their client did not do anything that "should have" caused Jackson's death and may be preparing a defense in which they will claim that it was Jackson himself that administered the fatal dose, during continuing testimony in the second week of Murray's pretrial hearing on involuntary manslaughter charges, it became clear that there was plenty of propofol around.
According to TMZ, pharmacist Tim Lopez of Las Vegas Applied Pharmacy Services — Murray has offices and a home in Las Vegas — testified that Murray ordered more than 250 vials of propofol in the two months before Jackson's death. The drug is intended for use in a clinical setting during surgery where equipment is on hand to monitor blood pressure and oxygen levels.
Investigators executed search warrants on Murray's Las Vegas home and office, as well as Applied Pharmacy, in summer 2009 in search of evidence connected to an investigation into Jackson's death. The coroner's investigation reported that 12 vials of propofol were found in the bedroom and closet of Jackson's rented mansion after his death, and last week, one of the singer's bodyguards testified that in the moments before a 911 call was placed, Murray asked him to help put medical evidence in a bag, including vials that appeared to contain a milky substance that resembled propofol.
Jackson, a chronic insomniac, allegedly used propofol as a sleep aid, and according to Lopez's testimony, from the time Murray came onboard as Jackson's physician in April until the singer's death, the doctor ordered 130 vials of propofol in 100-millileter doses and another 125 in 20-millileter vials, as well as more than 40 vials of the sedative Versed and the anti-anxiety drug Ativan, which, like the propofol, was sent to Murray's girlfriend's home in Santa Monica, California, where he was staying while caring for Jackson. According to The Associated Press, Murray told Lopez the Santa Monica address was for one of the doctor's clinics.
Also on Monday, the judge in the case, Michael Pastor, ruled that recently obtained data from Murray's iPhone can be admitted as evidence in the case. The evidence reportedly includes a handful of voicemails and 12 screenshots.
The AP reported that a retired federal investigator testified on Monday that he retrieved e-mail from Murray's cell phone that included an exchange between the doctor and a London insurance broker who was handling the policy for Jackson's planned series of "This Is It" comeback shows. On the morning of Jackson's death, the broker asked Murray to respond to reports that the 50-year-old singer was in poor health. "As far as the statements of his health published by the press, let me say they're all malicious to the best of my knowledge," Murray replied.
So far, prosecutors have used phone records and testimony from police and Murray's current and former girlfriends to create a timeline that shows that the doctor was on the phone throughout the morning of Jackson's death, including the time after he administered the last of several doses that morning of propofol to the pop star. Previous testimony has focused on Murray's botched attempts to deliver CPR to Jackson, the delay in calling 911 and the belief by paramedics that the "Thriller" singer was already dead when they transported him to a local hospital.
The preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to bring Murray to trial is expected to last around two weeks. Murray has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter, which could land him in prison for up to four years.
Related Photos Related ArtistsRose McGowan Sunny Mabrey Majandra Delfino AnnaLynne McCord Shana Hiatt
Jessica Simpson: Talks Wedding Work Outs
Looking forward to her upcoming nuptials, Jessica Simpson has been hitting the gym on the regular, but insists she won?t do anything drastic to drop any weight before the wedding.
The ?Come On Over? babe tweeted recently tweeted, "Yes, I am working out, but why is that worth any sorta press? I always take care of myself."
Her love for fiance Eric Johnson is all that matters. She added, "Eric and I could get married right now in sweats!"
Last month, Jess joked about her Johnson?s behind, writing, "Saying my prayers before bedtime...Thank you Lord for blessing me with a Man that has the perfect tush. Laying my hands upon it with peace :)"
Friday, February 25, 2011
Lady Gaga Inspires Fans At Madison Square Garden Show
'She's god! This little monster loves her mommy!' one fan told MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga performs at Madison Square Garden on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
On Monday night, Lady Gaga's little monsters put on their best Gaga as they headed to Madison Square Garden for Mother Monster's latest stop at the famed New York City venue, where she was making her first of two appearances. The fans were not only treated to her Monster Ball, but also got the chance to see Gaga's new single "Born This Way" live and be part of Gaga history as she taped the concert for an upcoming HBO special.
So, what stood out most? "When she gave her little speech about never letting someone tell you can't get a Grammy [or] you can't get an HBO special," Gaga fan Leanna told MTV News outside the show, moments after Gaga wrapped up. "I cried because it was just so meaningful ... it's like no one can tell me no."
Fellow fan Carey noted that Gaga is always thinking of her fans when she puts on her two-hour-plus spectacle. "I always feel like it's catered to her customers and her fans," he excitedly shared. "Go little monsters!"
Casey noted that being in the room as Gaga performed "Born This Way" was awe-inspiring. "I mean, it's her hometown and she just reenacted the Grammy performance," she said. "It's f---in' beautiful."
It seemed that particular song really resonated with the fans who came out to see Gaga. "My favorite was the last song, 'Born This Way.' To me, it's a great anthem for kids today, or anyone for that matter," Gaga fan Tony said.
Evie and her pal Cecelia also loved the finale. "I loved 'Born This Way' at the end," Evie said. "It was perfect. It was the perfect ending."
And two of Gaga's New York fans summed it up this way: "She is our religion," Danielle proclaimed. Her pal Joey agreed, adding, "She's god! This little monster loves her mommy!"
Related Photos Related ArtistsEva Mendes Samantha Morton Genelle Frenoy Mariah Carey Sarah Silverman
Celebrities Out And About: Jon Hamm, Tom Cruise, And Ashlee Simpson
Tom Cruise enjoyed a morning in the park with all three of his kids. Connor, Isabella and Suri joined their dad at the Central Park playground in NYC for some playtime while Katie was making an appearance on one of the morning shows. Ashlee Simpson is also in New York City today. The singer was spotted leaving her hotel this morning. I have to admit, I miss her red hair. Actually, I loved her as a blonde, too.Jon Hamm was spotted as he arrived in London at Heathrow Airport this afternoon. What do you think of "Mad Men" season four so far?Photos by INF Continue reading
Ivanka Trump Emmy Rossum Bianca Kajlich Mia Kirshner Leila Arcieri
Michael Jackson's 'Thriller': Story Behind The 'Glee' Cover
MJ classic is mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Heads Will Roll' for post-Super Bowl episode.
By Aly Semigran
"Glee"
Photo: FOX
Madonna, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and now, finally, Michael Jackson. The cast of "Glee" has covered plenty of icons during their first two seasons, but it's taken 33 episodes to get around to the King of Pop.
With a huge catalog of Jackson songs, the singing, dancing students of McKinley High paid homage to the late singer with one of his biggest staples (and, arguably, the greatest music video of all time) with their take on "Thriller."
The groundbreaking single from Jackson's best-selling album of the same name was mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Heads Will Roll" for the post-Super Bowl episode (titled "The Sue Sylvester Bowl Shuffle"), featuring a zombie-fied "Glee" cast.
Bound to become a smash all over again (though with its nonstop rotation at Halloween parties and wedding receptions until the end of time, it's never truly gone away), here's a brief history of the dance/pop classic.
Released on January 23, 1984, "Thriller" was the seventh, and final, single to be released from Jackson's smash record. According to the RIAA, the album (released by Epic Records) has gone gold 29 times, narrowly edging out the Eagles' Greatest Hits 1971-1975 for the title of best-selling album of all time.
In 2009, MTV News estimated that the Thriller album was poised to go triple diamond, meaning 30 million records sold in the U.S. alone.
After Thriller's other singles (including "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and "Wanna Be Startin' Something") dominated the charts, it was time for the spooky, undeniably original track to take over. The song "Thriller" also appeared on many of Jackson's other albums, including the compilations HIStory and Number Ones.
Clocking in at a little under six minutes (though the radio edit was closer to four-and-a-half), the song features pop-music mainstays like synthesizers but shakes things up with its spooky sound effects, including creaking floors, howling and thunder.
The song was produced by Quincy Jones and written and composed by Rod Tempterton and spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #4.
But it's the music video for "Thriller" that truly made it the phenomenon it was in the '80s and continues to be today. Less a music video than a mini-motion picture, the video (over 13 minutes long and directed by John Landis) won three MTV Video Music Awards and has been named the best music video of all time by many outlets, including VH1 for the special "VH1: 100 Greatest Videos."
The chiller features Jackson in that iconic red leather jacket on a date with his girlfriend (played by Ola Ray) before things go terribly awry. After all, as Jackson (whose disclaimer at the start of the video reads, "This film in no way endorses a belief in the occult") sings in the opening line, "It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark." Cue werewolves, zombies, Vincent Price's soliloquy and one of the most memorable dance sequences ever.
The video was (no pun intended) a monster hit. As the Los Angeles Times notes, "At the height of the song's popularity, MTV would run the 14-minute 'Thriller' video twice an hour."
Choreographed by Jackson and Michael Peters (who, as the LA Times also reported, appears in the video as one of the zombies) and with makeup by Oscar-winner Rick Baker (also an undead "Thriller" extra) was made with a huge budget of an estimated $500,000.
Still, the efforts paid off. Landis (who told the "Today" show back in 2009 that no one wanted to give them the funds to make the risky vid) made the accompanying 45-minute documentary about the venture, called "The Making of Thriller." Featuring the behind-the-scenes wizardry, as well as the music video in full, it would go on to move more than 10 million copies.
Since then, the signature song and video have seen their share fair of tributes in movies (notably in the 2004 comedy"13 Going on 30") and TV ("South Park," "Family Guy," "30 Rock," among others), not to mention the countless flash mobs that have gone viral. (Remember the prisoners in the Philippines who became overnight phenomenons on YouTube?)
Even with the "Glee" number, this likely won't be the last incarnation of "Thriller." Billboard reported in October that a "Thriller" film is in the works. With a plot allegedly revolving around Price's narration, Kenny Ortega, who directed Jackson's last effort, "This Is It," will reportedly helm the project.
Since Jackson's untimely passing on June 25, 2009, the song and video's legacy continue to live on. In the week following Jackson's death, "Thriller" was the best-selling track in the U.S., with sales of 167,000 copies on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles chart.
Then, in December 2009, "Thriller" was the first music video to ever be inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. It seems "no mere mortal can resist ... the thriller" after all.
What did you think of the "Thriller" mash-up on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!
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Beyoncé - Diva
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Melina
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Jordana Brewster Michelle Branch Samantha Mathis Moon Bloodgood Leslie Bega
Updated: Golden Globes Red Carpet: Helena Bonham Carter, Sandra Bullock, And More
More shots continue to roll in from the red carpet of the Golden Globes awards. Sandra Bullock, Helena Bonham Carter, Nicole Kidman, Sofia Vergara, Mila Kunis, Natalie Portman, Mark Wahlberg and wife Rhea Durham, Eva Longoria and Diana Agron all … Continue reading
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Britney And Boys Make Their Way Back To LA
Britney Spears and her boys Sean Preston and Jayden James arrived at the Louisiana airport today to head back to Los Angeles. Oh Britney ? she just looks so ? tired. Although I?m sure travelling with two young boys can?t … Continue reading
Oscars Best And Worst Fashions: Experts Weigh In!
MTV News asked a pair of fashion-industry notables to share their choices for the best and worst looks in Oscars history.
By Jocelyn Vena
Miley Cyrus at the 2010 Oscars
Photo: Getty Images
The Academy Awards are just days away and that means that soon enough some of Hollywood's biggest names will be hitting the red carpet while donning some of the most haute couture they can get their hands on. But, before they hit the carpet, MTV News reached out to some fashion-world experts and asked them to weigh in on the event's best and worst looks ever, which the stars perhaps should take note of before they decide on what to wear.
We caught up with fashion-industry maven and People's Revolution founder Kelly Cutrone, as well as Faran Krentcil, digital director at Nylon magazine, who divulged their favorite and least favorite looks from Oscars history.
Best
Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta, 2010:
Both Cutrone and Krentchil agreed that this was a winning look for the star. "On another actress it might have looked a little overdone, but Cameron managed to make the dress look like it was just lying on her bedroom floor, and she grabbed it on her way out of the bath. That's true star power, isn't it?" Krentcil explained.
Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten, 2010:
"I think that it's not that hard to put a beautiful dress on a girl and get away with it, and then there are people who really understand it ... I think that Maggie Gyllenhaal was a great example of that," Cutrone revealed. "Dries was not obvious; it's an inside brand. It's really about beauty and aesthetic."
Miley Cyrus in Jenny Packham, 2010:
Cutrone felt that Miley's look bridged the singer/actress from, well, tween star to teen star. She explained, "The truth of the matter is she has gone from a Disney star to a Vanity Fair cover girl and it brought it back to the middle. [She] really shined."
Natalie Portman in Lanvin, 2005:
"This dress was slightly see-through and the color of a gasping sea monster," Krentcil recalled of the outfit. "And its floaty shape and grey-blue-green-purple shimmer made it beyond chic."
Anne Hathaway in Valentino, 2009:
Krentcil didn't have much more to say than "yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes," about why the beaded, white sheath worked so well for this year's Oscars co-host.
Worst
Charlize Theron in Dior, 2010:
"She looked ridiculous and she's so beautiful. She deserved to wear something better," Cutrone noted, adding about the outdated nature of the dress, "It looked like a Gaultier throwback piece, not like Dior. I didn't know Nancy Reagan was working for Dior."
Jennifer Lopez in Giorgio Armani Privé, 2010:
"All those angular pieces, they look bizarre, and I'm hoping that this season we get rid of the asymmetrical art pieces," Cutrone explained about the Gaga-esque style J. Lo wore.
Angelina Jolie, 2000:
Jolie went gothy that year and Krentcil explained that "the whole thing was so Addams Family weird, when she started making out with her brother, we were too distracted to notice."
Gwyneth Paltrow in Alexander McQueen, 2002:
While noting that Paltrow's Ralph Lauren dress in 1999 tops her list for great looks, Krentcil said about her 2002 look, "The thing is, the dress would have worked without the bun hair and the weird chunky necklace — go with a practically bare face and loose, wavy tresses and all of a sudden, everyone would have wondered why they weren't as cool as Gwyneth."
Kate Winslet, 1998:
"Kate Winslet was my favorite actress in high school, so I was really disappointed when she showed up in an Oscar gown that looked like Maria Von Trapp had made it from the Sound of Music curtains," Krentcil explained. "Fortunately, her Yves Saint Laurent dress last year was so amazing, it exonerated this bummer of a gown."
Will it be a regal evening for "The King's Speech"? Can "The Social Network" dial up Oscar gold? Don't miss MTV News' "2011 Oscars Live" at 6 p.m. Sunday, February 27, when we'll be chatting with your favorite Hollywood stars live from the red carpet on MTVNews.com, and stick with us all Oscar night for winners, interviews, photos and more!
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Adam Lambert's 'Whole Lotta Love': The Story Behind The Cover
Glam rocker tackled the legendary 1970 Led Zeppelin song for 'American Idol' rock night.
By Gil Kaufman
Adam Lambert performs "Whole Lotta Love" on "American Idol" on Tuesday
Photo: R. Mickshaw/Getty Images/ Fox
Imagine a freight train speeding toward you at midnight. Or a rockslide barreling down a hill as you try to outrace it. That's the feeling of the ominous, chugging Jimmy Page riff that kicks off Led Zeppelin's 1970 Stonehenge of rock, "Whole Lotta Love." And that's before singer Robert Plant leans into one of the nastiest, ecstatic rock screams this side of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."
That's the song Adam Lambert chose to sing on "American Idol" rock night Tuesday (May 5), and, needless to say, it was a challenge that the eyeliner-loving Los Angeles stage veteran was more than up for, hitting a series of high notes and rock screams that would have made Plant proud. It was a risky maneuver that paid off for Lambert, who chose a tune that came in at #75 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004.
The legendary British rock act recorded the tribute to Chicago blues icon Willie Dixon during their second U.S. tour after working it out in their live show, including it on their 1969 classic album Led Zeppelin II. Like many of the songs Zeppelin performed early in their career, "Love" was a blues standard turned on its head with a heavy dose of crunching psychedelic guitar and thundering drums, courtesy of late drummer John Bonham. The song was based on a 1962 tune by another blues forefather, Muddy Waters, called "You Need Love," which was penned by Dixon.
For Zeppelin's version, Plant customized the lyrics by adding some lyrical quotes from a few other songs Dixon wrote for Howlin' Wolf, "Back Door Man" and "Shake For Me," nailing the tricky vocal in a single take. It was also inspired by 1966's "You Need Loving" from the British rock group the Small Faces, for whom Zeppelin had great affection, but they also did not credit Dixon for his part in writing the original lyrics. The song became Zeppelin's first U.S. single and their only U.S. top 10 hit. Though their manager would not let them release singles in the U.K. because he thought it cannibalized album sales, the song was finally released as the band's only British single in 1997.
Dixon sued Zeppelin over the song in 1985, claiming it borrowed too heavily from his "You Need Love," and Zeppelin reached an agreement with him, with Dixon using the money he received to set up a program that provided musical instruments for schools. A cornerstone of heavy rock, the tune -- which was the theme song for the long-running British countdown show "Top of the Pops" in the 1970s and '80s -- has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, from Tina Turner and Ben Harper to Prince, Slash, Leona Lewis, Train's Pat Monahan, the London Symphony Orchestra and Jane's Addiction.
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
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