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Showing posts with label Hollywood Gossip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hollywood Gossip. Show all posts

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Renowned Pianist Charles Rosen Dies Aged 85


Renowned Pianist Charles Rosen Dies Aged 85

Revered pianist and author Charles Rosen has died at the age of 85.
Rosen lost his two-year battle with cancer at the Mount Sinai hospital in New York on Sunday (09Dec12), according to his London-based agents, Owen White International Artist Management.
Born in New York, Rosen began his music career when his parents enrolled him at the prestigious Juilliard School at age six and he later earned a doctorate in French Literature at Princeton University.
His love of contemporary music brought him into close collaboration with a number of notable 20th century composers, including Milton Babbitt, Pierre Boulez and the late Elliott Carter.
Rosen's many honours include the National Book Award in 1972 for The Classical Style, which focuses on the music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, and is considered essential reading for classical music scholars.
In February (12), Rosen was presented with the National Humanities Medal by U.S. President Barack Obama in recognition of his "rare ability to join artistry to the history of culture and ideas" at a ceremony at the White House, at which Al Pacino and singer Mel Tillis were also honoured.
Rosen held a number of academic posts during his career, including the Charles Eliot Norton Chair of Poetics at Harvard University and positions at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and the University of Chicago.
A statement on his management's official website reads, "Owen White Management is sorry to anounce (sic) that Charles Rosen died on 9 December 2012 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He will be greatly missed."

Sir Paul Mccartney To Sing With Nirvana At Sandy Relief Gig



Sir Paul Mccartney is to fill in for Kurt Cobain as the surviving members of Nirvana reunite at the Superstorm Sandy benefit in New York on Wednesday (12Dec12).
Grunge stars Dave Grohl and bassist Krist Novoselic have reportedly enlisted the Beatle to play onstage with them at the Madison Square Garden charity gig.
The Fab Four legend reveals Grohl invited him to "jam with some mates", but admits he had no idea he was filling in for tragic rocker Cobain, who committed suicide in 1994.
Sir Paul tells Britain's The Sun, "I didn't really know who they were. They are saying how good it is to be back together. I said, 'Whoa? You guys haven't played together for all that time? And somebody whispered to me, 'That's Nirvana. You're Kurt.' I couldn't believe it."
The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, The Who, and Eric Clapton are also on the bill for the 12-12-12 Concert for Sandy Relief.

Dna Samples Taken From Jenni Rivera Wreckage



Authorities in Mexico have begun performing Dna tests to identify human remains found in what is believed to be Jenni Rivera's plane crash.
The Latin superstar and six others who were on-board the private Learjet 25 have been presumed dead after wreckage was found scattered in Nuevo Leon state in northern Mexico on Sunday (09Dec12).
Experts transferred remains found in the debris to a hospital in nearby Monterrey, and investigators are now examining Dna samples in order to give relatives definitive confirmation of their loved ones' deaths.
According to the Associated Press, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team to Mexico to help with the probe.
Officials have told the Mexican media it could take days to confirm whether the remains are Rivera's and to piece together why the plane crashed soon after takeoff.

Lea Michele Overjoyed With Streisand Gift



Lea Michele Overjoyed With Streisand Gift
Christmas came early for Glee star Lea Michele on Tuesday (11Dec12) after she received a gift from Barbra Streisand in the mail.
The singer/actress, who has long hailed the Funny Girl star as her idol, was thrilled after unwrapping an autographed poster from the veteran entertainer's Back To Brooklyn tour.
Posting photos of her surprise on her Twitter page, Michele told fans, "Just got this in the mail!!!!!!" and added, "Is this real life!!??"
The hand-written message from Streisand reads, "For Lea - Would have liked to give you a hug! Next time... x x Barbra."

Hugh Jackman's Showbiz Career Saluted In New York



Hugh Jackman's Showbiz Career Saluted In New York
Hugh Jackman was honoured for his lengthy showbiz career at a special gala in New York on Tuesday night (11Dec12).
The X-Men star, who is a favourite to land an Oscars nod for his critically-acclaimed turn in Les Miserables, was feted for his movie and stage successes at the 27th annual Museum of the Moving Image black-tie salute at Cipriani Wall Street.
Jackman was surrounded by former colleagues and pals including his Les Miserables co-stars Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne, as well as Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber.
The museum's Executive Director Carl Goodman said, "We are thrilled to be honouring one of the world's most beloved and talented performers."
The star joins former recipients of the Salute including Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro, Goldie Hawn, Tom Hanks, and Steven Spielberg.

David Boreanaz Speaks Out After Oregon Shooting



Actor David Boreanaz has sent his condolences to victims of a shopping mall shooting in Oregon on Tuesday (11Dec12).
A gunman opened fire inside Clackamas Town Center in Portland, killing at least two people before turning the gun on himself and ending his own life.
A third shopper, a young woman, also sustained a gunshot wound and was taken by helicopter to a hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
As news of the killings emerged, former Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Boreanaz took to his Twitter to express his horror, and send prayers to those affected by the tragedy.
He writes, "Senseless, disturbing act of violence in a Portland mall. My heart goes out to those killed and prayers for the families."

Tuesday 11 December 2012

Stanley Tucci And Felicity Blunt Bonded Over Food



Stanley Tucci And Felicity Blunt Bonded Over Food
Actor Stanley Tucci fell for his wife Felicity Blunt after discovering they have a shared obsession with food.
Actress Emily Blunt introduced her sister Felicity to her The Devil Wears Prada co-star Tucci, who was widowed when his wife Kate lost her battle with cancer in 2009.
And the Big Night star admits he took an immediate liking to the literary agent after an unusual first date spent plucking game birds.
He tells fastmazaa.blogspot.com , "One of the reasons I fell in love with my wife Felicity is she's as obsessed with food as I am.
"One night at the Ledbury (restaurant), in Notting Hill, the chef gave us two uncooked pheasants. We spent an hour and a half plucking together. Not wildly but carefully. She says the reason I fell in love with her was because of 'the way the light hit the carcass' when I saw her tearing flesh, with her bare hands, from the 26-pound suckling pig we'd spit-roasted."
Tucci married Felicity earlier this year (12).

Ed Sheeran Was Drunk When He Learned About Grammy Nod



Ed Sheeran Was Drunk When He Learned About Grammy Nod
British singer Ed Sheeran heard about his Grammy nomination on a boozy night out with boyband The Wanted, and he vowed to have a new tattoo to commemorate the honour.
The flame-haired pop star was thrilled to learn his hit track The A Team is up for Song of the Year at next year's (13) ceremony but admits he was a little worse for wear when he got the call
He tells fastmazaa.blogspot.com , "I got kidnapped by The Wanted boys. They took me on their tour bus and I found out (about the nomination) after six or seven beers, which for me (is a lot), I'm a very cheap date. I can't really handle too many beers. So I was in a state anyway and, yeah, I just had loads of giggle fits... It was a pretty mental night."
Sheeran already has a vast collection of body art but is adamant that even if he doesn't win, he will still get a Grammy tribute inked.
He adds, "I'm gonna get a Grammy tattoo if I win a Grammy. I'm gonna get one anyway - a nomination, man, it's the s**t."

Helena Bonham Carter To Be Honoured For Film Achievements



Helena Bonham Carter To Be Honoured For Film Achievements
Actress Helena Bonham Carter is to be honoured by the London Critics Circle in January (13) for her outstanding contribution to film.
The British star will be presented with the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film at a star-studded ceremony at the May Fair Hotel in London.
Bonham Carter will follow in the footsteps of Dame Judi Dench, Quentin Tarantino and Kristin Scott Thomas, who have all been honoured with the award.
She said, "To be chosen for this award is a surprise and an honour. I am delighted. It's always nice when critics say something nice about you for a change, and especially the critics in your hometown."
Rich Cline, chairman of The Critics' Circle Film Awards, adds, "Helena Bonham Carter is an undisputed star of British cinema and one the Critics' Circle is absolutely delighted to honour. Her filmography is packed with iconic, offbeat characters, each of which she invests with an unusual spark of humanity. She regularly receives nods from the Critics' Circle Film Award, most recently with two nominations in 2010, for The King's Speech and Alice in Wonderland. And she gave three unforgettable film performances this past year."

Jewel Records Duet With Kelly Clarkson



Jewel Records Duet With Kelly Clarkson
Singer/song writer Jewel has enlisted Kelly Clarkson for a revamped version of her hit Foolish Games.
The duo has reworked the 1997 single for Jewel's upcoming Greatest Hits release, and the former American Idol winner admits she was thrilled to record the track as it's one of her personal favourites.
Chatting from a studio in Nashville, Tennessee, Clarkson tells Entertainment Tonight, "This was actually supposed to be my week off, but I heard that she asked me to sing Foolish Games with her and I was like, 'Who cares about a week off when I can sing with Jewel?' I was very, very excited to be able to come and record with her. It's one of my favourite songs ever, so I'm pretty nervous about it - she sounds pretty bada**."
Jewel has also collaborated with Miranda Lambert's country girl group Pistol Annies for a new take on her break-up ballad You Were Meant For Me.
She explains, "It's really different. The first version is really hopeful and optimistic - this version isn't! It's full of angst."

Jay-z And Rick Ross Snap Up Pricey Artwork



Jay-z And Rick Ross Snap Up Pricey Artwork
Hip-hop heavyweights Jay Z, Sean '' Combs and Rick Ross showed off their arty side by spending more than $100,000 (£62,500) at an exhibition on Friday (07Dec12).
The trio was among the stars who headed to Miami, Florida for the annual Art Basel fair, and they wasted no time in picking up pricey works to display at home.
Empire State of Mind hitmaker Jay Z and his wife Beyonce paid $20,000 (£12,500) for a painting by U.S. artist Hebru Brantley, and Combs handed over $65,000 (£40,600) for a mirrored sculpture by Ivan Navarro, according to New York Post gossip column Page Six.
Ross reportedly snapped up a photograph by Jack Shainman for $20,000 (£12,500). Other celebrity guests at the event included Hollywood stars Owen Wilson and Jane Seymour.

Kristin Cavallari wants kids collection


Kristin Cavallari wants kids collection

Kristin Cavallari is hoping her forthcoming shoe line will be a success so she can then work on a range for children.
Kristin Cavallari wants to create a children's shoe line.
The reality TV star - who has four-month-old son Camden Jack with fiance Jay Cutler - recently unveiled her six-style capsule collection in collaboration with Chinese Laundry and is hoping if the range sells well when it launches in spring, she will be able to expand with a junior line.
She said: ''Kids shoes are adorable and would be fun, but I hope my shoe line is successful first and then I can branch out and do other things.''
Kristin enjoyed working on the collection and says she was very hands-on with the design process.
She told fastmazaa.blogspot.com : ''It has been awesome. [The Chinese Laundry team is] really good at listening to what I like -- they really get my style. We decide on colours and everything together.''
Kristin, 25, says the collection is influenced by her own sense of style and she also pays careful attention to fashion trends.
She said: ''I flip through magazines to get an idea of what trends are important. All of the shoes represent my style and what I like to wear. I like the bootie, but I've been wearing flats a lot because of my everyday life [as a new mom].''
And as well as her footwear collection, Kristin is looking forward to launching her jewellery range in the new year.
She said: ''My jewellery line [with Glamboutique.com] will be out in February, just in time for Valentine's Day.''

Peter Jackson's The Hobbit Gets Panned for Fast Frame Rate



Peter Jackson's The Hobbit Gets Panned for Fast Frame Rate
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is in the news again, but maybe not for the right reasons.
Rather than going into the acting, the pace or the film’s faithfulness to Tolkien’s original, critics tend to get hung up on Peter Jackson’s unusual choice to film at 48 frames per second, instead of the industry standard of 24. While the visuals in this first installment of the trilogy are no doubt spectacular, the reviews are split so far. Wired magazine’s Hugh Hart calls Peter Jackson’s vision “insanely gorgeous”, while critics from The Independent and The Telegraph, among others, have panned the film, calling it “kitsch and alienating”.
The main criticism here is that the high frame rate exposes the production techniques, making the film look cheap and garish. Jackson himself defends the film, by saying that there are always those, who resist changes, but that the audience will be the ultimate decider for The Hobbit. The director goes on to say that he isn’t expecting the Tolkien adaptation to take any of the big awards this season, except maybe for the visuals and production quality.
This seems like quite limited praise for a film as highly anticipated as The Hobbit, but, with fans as devoted as the faithful “ringers”, “Tolkienists” and other such ridiculous designations, the film is set for a healthy amount of sales and probably a good run in the box office charts – 48 frames or not.

Quincy Jones And Michael Caine To Turn 80 In Style


Quincy Jones And Michael Caine To Turn 80 In Style

Legendary music producer Quincy Jones and veteran actor Sir Michael Caine have no intention of slowing down as they approach their 80th birthday - the pair is throwing a huge celebratory bash in Sin City next year (13).
The longtime pals will both will turn 80 on 14 March, and to celebrate the occasion they are joining forces for a huge party at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas the following month (Apr13).
The event will also serve as a fundraiser for memory disorders charity Keep Memory Alive and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
In a Facebook post announcing the event, Jones writes, "Can't wait to celebrate my 80th birthday in Las Vegas with lifelong friend, Sir Michael Caine on Saturday, April 13. The celebration will help raise funds for Keep Memory Alive and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health."
The party will feature auctions, wine tasting and cuisine by celebratory chefs Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck.

Monday 10 December 2012

Playing for Keeps Movie review


Playing for Keeps Movie review
Playing For Keeps does what every failed romantic comedy has done in the past five years ” put Gerard Butler in the lead role as a charming and funny Ladies Man.
Sadly director Gabriele Mucchino learned nothing from the critical and box office drubbing of Butler’s previous rom-com efforts like Bounty Hunter, PS I Love You and The Ugly Truth. The result is a painfully unexceptional and hackneyed effort that fizzles the moment it begins.

Apart from the lack of a decent and likable lead, the film makes the mistake of wasting the potential of genuinely likable women like Uma Thurman, Judy Greer and Catherine Zeta Jones, and expects the audience to believe that a shallow sexual predator like Butler’s character would be happier in bed with all of those ladies than with Jessica Biel. It is hard enough to get past the supremely silly premise and it doesn’t help that the majority of the movie is a poorly acted, forced and cliched hot mess that fails to even be unintentionally funny to offer any kind of entertainment value.

Butler plays George, a bankrupt, divorced former soccer champion who moves into his ex-wife Stacie’s (Biel) town to be closer to her and their nine-year-old son. George aspires to get his life back on track by becoming the coach of his son’s soccer team — and he does it by hitting on and sleeping with the mothers of the kids in his soccer team. As screenwriting and logic go for a toss, George slowly gets closer to Stacy, leading up to an all too familiar and saccharine finale that expects you to believe in the power of love.

Director Mucchino, who displayed a sharp knack of drawing emotions from the audience in The Pursuit of Happyness, unfortunately fails to invest any energy into the proceedings. Butler and Biel share no chemistry whatsoever, as the former looks more than happy to collect his paycheck while the latter seems like she was hustled into signing the film. The only thing the film going for itself is its pretty cinematography but that is hardly a reason enough to head over to the multiplex for a rom. 

Girls Aloud rely on lyric sheets at Jingle Bell Ball


Girls Aloud rely on lyric sheets at Jingle Bell Ball

Girls Aloud relied on lyric sheets at last night's Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball in London's 02 Arena as they kept mixing up who sang what during rehearsals.
Girls Aloud needed lyric sheets for their performance at last night's (09.12.12) Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball.
The 'Something New' hitmakers - formed of Cheryl Cole, Nicola Roberts, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle and Kimberley Walsh - took to the stage at the second day of the festive concert at London's The O2 but needed extra help to remember who sang what and when before they performed to a crowd of over 16,000 fans.
Kimberley said: ''We needed lyric sheets for every single song - it was so funny.''
Cheryl - who performed a solo set at the event on Saturday (08.12.12) - added to Capital FM: ''In rehearsals I was singing Kimberley's lines and she was like, 'Cheryl, you don't sing that', and I was like, 'I'm sorry.' ''
Nicole said: ''Cheryl had like made her own part up in 'The Promise' and I was like 'I like what you've done there, freestyling.''
The show marked the group's first major show since they went on hiatus in 2009, and they admit they were stricken with nerves beforehand, though they were pleased to be back.
Sarah said: ''It's a bit nerve-racking - but it's good to be back.''
As well as Girls Aloud, stars including JLS, Miley Cyrus, The Wanted, Pink, Bruno Mars, One Direction and Rizzle Kicks took to the stage for the two-day pop extravaganza.

Sir Michael Gambon Acting is dodgy career


Sir Michael Gambon Acting is dodgy career

Sir Michael Gambon warned young people that acting is a stressful and unstable career at the BIFA Awards yesterday (09.12.12) .
Sir Michael Gambon thinks acting is a terrible career.
The 72-year-old star - who was granted the Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution by an actor to British film at the BIFA Awards yesterday (09.12.12) - has urged young people to reconsider pursuing a film career because it's too stressful and isn't financially secure enough.
Speaking at the Moet British Independent Film Awards in London's Old Billingsgate, Michael told fastmazaa.blogspot.com : '''Don't', that's what I'd say to the young people. Unless there's some machine inside of you, unless you're driven by some enormous desire, don't do it, don't be an actor. It's too dodgy, and the money is not really good''.
The acting legend's 50-year career was honoured at the 15th annual awards ceremony, which celebrates films made outside major studios, and Michael admitted that despite experiencing such longevity in the industry, the only time he actually had fun and relaxed on set was while shooting magical family favourite 'Harry Potter'.
He laughed: ''[When I was watching all those clips of me] I thought it was amazing, all the things I've done. Today I've been an actor for 50 years and I can't believe that. It seems like time just flies.
''I've spent my whole life worried doing television and films; always concerned and never relaxed, apart from 'Harry Potter', where I just had fun''.
Jude Law, Olivia Coleman and Elle Fanning joined Michael on the red carpet at the glittering awards, which saw gritty drama 'Broken' crowned Best British Independent Film and psychological thriller 'Berberian Sound Studio' pick up the most awards. The latter received four trophies, including Best Director for Peter Strickland and Best Actor for Toby Jones.

List of 2012 BIFA Winners:

Best British Independent Film: Broken
Best Director: Peter Strickland - Berberian Sound Studio
The Douglas Hickox Award (Best Debut Director): Basrt Lyton - The Imposter
Best Screenplay: Alice Lowe, Steve Oram, Amy Jump - Sightseers
Best Actress: Andrea Riseborough - Shadow Dancer
Best Actor: Toby Jones - Berberian Sound Studio
Best Supporting Actress: Olivia Colman - Hyde Park on Hudson
Best Supporting Actor: Rory Kinnear - Broken
Most Promising Newcomer: James Floyd - My brother the Devil
Best Achievement in Production: Berberian Sound Studio
Best Technical Achievevent: Joakim Sundström, Stevie Haywood AMS IPS (Sound Design) - Berberian Sound Studio
Best Documentary: The Imposter
Best British Short: Volume
Best Intenational Independent Film: The Hunt
The Raindance Award: Strings
The Richards Harris Awards: Sir Michael Gambon
The Variety Award: Jude Law
The Special Jury Prize: Sandra Hebron

Pamela Anderson hit with huge tax debt



Pamela Anderson hit with huge tax debt
Former 'Baywatch' star Pamela Anderson has had two tax liens filed against her, totalling a massive $370,000.
Pamela Anderson has a tax debt of over $370,000.
The buxom blonde was hit by two separate tax liens from the US government, ordering the 45-year-old star to cough up the money for her unpaid taxes in 2011 immediately.
The first lien was filed by the Inland Revenue Service (IRS), claiming Pamela owes $259,395.75 for 2011 taxes, while the State of California also says the 'Baywatch' beauty owes a further $112,118.90 for 2011, according to fastmazaa.blogspot.com.
The 'Dancing with the Stars: All Stars' contestant - who was axed from the ballroom dancing contest in the first round - has previously had tax problems, notably in 2009 when she was hit with a lien for a whopping $1.7 million.
Pamela has even been blacklisted on California's list of 'Top 500 Delinquent Tax Payers' in the past.
Following her short-lived spell on 'DWTS: All Stars', the 45-year-old star has reportedly signed up for British talent show 'Dancing on Ice' in a bid to ice skate her way to victory - and the prize money.
A source previously commented: ''Pamela will bring a bit of Hollywood glitz and glamour to the show, which we will all need come the winter.
''She's no stranger to dancing in front of viewers after her stints in America.''

Disney orders Alice in Wonderland sequel



Disney orders Alice in Wonderland sequel
Disney has ordered a script for a sequel to its 2010 hit 'Alice in Wonderland' which starred Mia Wasikowska and Johnny Depp.
Disney has ordered a script for an 'Alice in Wonderland' sequel.
The studio has hired Linda Woolverton to pen a follow-up to the 2010 film starring Mia Wasikowska as Alice and Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, but details are being kept under wraps.
Linda has been a long-time writer at Disney, previously writing scripts for 'The Lion King', 'The Beauty and the Beast', and the upcoming 'Maleficent' starring Angelina Jolie, as well as contributing to scripts for 'Mulan' and 'Aladdin'.
Not much is known about the plot for the proposed sequel, but the first film combined ideas from Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland' and sequel, 'Alice Through the Looking Glass'.
2010's 'Alice in Wonderland' grossed over $1 billion at the box office worldwide, and is being adapted into a stage musical by Disney's theatrical arm.
The sequel would see Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd return as producers.
The status of the cast - Mia, Johnny, Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway - as well as director Tim Burton is unknown.

Martin Sheen returning for Amazing Spider Man 2



Martin Sheen has confirmed he will reprise his role of Uncle Ben in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2', even though his alter-ego was killed off in the first instalment of the motion picture.
Martin Sheen is to star in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'.
The 72-year-old actor confirmed he will reprise his role of Uncle Ben - who was shot dead by a thug in this year's 'The Amazing Spider-Man' - in the superhero sequel, which is set to start filming in February 2013.
Speaking on 'The Late Late Show', he said: ''They've called me back, I don't know what the part is gonna be, but I'm going to be Uncle Ben once again in Spider-Man next year. We shoot in February.''
Martin's reappearance as Ben - the uncle of Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) - looks likely to be in a flashback or a dream scene.
Andrew is already confirmed to reprise his role as the titular character alongside his off-screen girlfriend Emma Stone, who will return to portray the superhero's love interest Gwen Stacy in the sequel.
'The Amazing Spider-Man' director Marc Webb will take up the reins for the follow up motion picture, and he recently confirmed Dane DeHaan - who has starred in 'Lawless' and 'Lincoln' - will portray Peter's tormented best friend Harry Osborn, who goes on to become his enemy, in the movie.
The filmmaker said: ''Dane is an exciting and extraordinary young actor and he is a fantastic addition to our cast.''
Jamie Foxx and Shailene Woodley have also been confirmed as Electro and Mary-Jane Watson respectively, and Sally Field is expected to reprise her role of Uncle Ben's wife, Aunt May.
'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' will be released in the UK on 18 April, 2014.