Other Topics : Art Culture - Fashion - Tourism

Latest & Hot Hollywood Film News : * hourly updation

Back to Hollywood Current News Section

Britney Spears named worst dressed celebrity
DPA

Los Angeles, Jan 11 (DPA) Pop princess Britney Spears has been named the worst dressed celebrity in the world by a fashion critic, placing her ahead of actress Mary-Kate Olsen and actress-singer Jessica Simpson.

The 46th annual worst-dressed list prepared by self-appointed fashion guru Blackwell also included "Desperate Housewives" actress Eva Longoria, singer Mariah Carey, party girl and heiress Paris Hilton and model Anna Nicole Smith. Latin singer Shakira and actresses Lindsay Lohan and Renee Zellweger completed the top 10.

Issuing his annual barbs, Blackwell said Spears' wardrobe made her look like "an over-the-hill Lolita", while Simpson was compared to "a cut-rate Rapunzel".

Blackwell said Hilton "still looks like yesterday's cheesecake ... with a side of kitsch", while Zellweger looks like "a painted pumpkin on a pogo stick".

"2005 turned out to be a particularly bad year for couture chaos, wardrobe wrecks and stylistic sleaze," Blackwell said. 

"These woman may be fabulously talented in their respective fields, but when it comes to fashion, they resemble weary weeds in a lovely garden."

Blackwell's worst dressed lists have become a Hollywood tradition over the years. They have poked fun at everyone from the Queen to Elizabeth Taylor.

Indo-Asian News Service

 
Yeoh defends 'Geisha' casting
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, Jan 11 (IANS) Malaysian born star of "Memoirs of a Geisha" Michelle Yeoh has reacted to criticism regarding her casting in a Japanese role, saying all that matters is talent.

According to Internet Movie Database, Yeoh is surprised by critics who have questioned the decision to use Chinese and Malaysian stars in the movie. 

She says: "The actors were chosen because of their suitability to the characters. It is the same as an English actor playing a German or an American. So it seems strange to me when you say, 'Why are you playing Japanese?' Why? Because I am an actor."
  
Crystal confirms Oscars rejection
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, Jan 11 (IANS) Comedian Billy Crystal says he turned down the chance to host this year's Oscars ceremony because he is too busy with his one-man stage show, "700 Sundays".

According to hollywood.com, Crystal is currently touring with the self-written two-act play about his childhood and refused to accept the invitation to host the Oscars even after the Academy Awards producer Gil Cates' persistent requests. 

Crystal says: "I am so tired at the end of '700 Sundays', I didn't want to go from that into a meeting where I am saying, 'Give me 'Brokeback Mountain' jokes.' It seemed so not what I wanted to do." 

Host of "The Daily Show" Jon Stewart has now taken up the job. He is thrilled to be hosting the ceremony even though he suspects ulterior motives by the show's business.

He says: "As a performer, I am truly honoured to be hosting the show. Although, as an avid watcher of the Oscars, I can't help but be a little disappointed with the choice. It appears to be another sad attempt to smoke out Billy Crystal."
  
German cannibal blocking release of 'Butterfly...'
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, Jan 11 (IANS) A German cannibal is attempting to block the release of a horror movie called "Butterfly: A Grimm Love Story" claiming it is inspired by his own life.

According to hollywood.com, Armin Meiwes was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for eating a man he met over the Internet, and he is now upset that his crime has been made into a film without his permission. 

The movie revolves around a student who becomes interested in the Internet cannibal community after researching a jailed cannibal for her thesis.

The film, which is scheduled for released on March 9 in Germany, is facing legal opposition from Meiwes' lawyer who slams the film as a 'slavish re-enactment' of real life events, which could prejudice the second stage of Meiwes' trial. 
 
Pitt calls up Aniston about Jolie's pregnancy
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 11 (IANS) Actor Brad Pitt has reportedly phoned ex-wife Jennifer Aniston to inform her about Angelina Jolie's pregnancy.

According to ananova.com, Brad supposedly called up Aniston so that she won't hear the news third hand. Pitt and Aniston separated last year and the divorce was finalised in October. 

A source says: "Jen's a class act. She told Brad she wished him and Angie all the happiness in the world, and said she hoped the baby would be healthy and Angie's pregnancy would go smoothly, too. But after she hung up she cried her eyes out."

Pitt and Jolie have not officially confirmed the pregnancy. Pitt is also trying to become the legal father to Jolie's adopted children, Maddox and Zahara.
 
Dalai Lama offers Shekhar Kapur help on biopic
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 11 (IANS) The Dalai Lama seems to be so impressed with filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's planned biopic on him that he has instructed his closest aides to assist the director in making the $120 million film.

According to contactmusic.com, Kapur visited the spiritual leader at the end of 2004 and Dalai Lama gave him permission to turn his life story into a film. 

Kapur plans to pay tribute to the Dalai Lama by creating his movie double using computer generated images rather than ask an actor to play him.
 
Pamela Anderson protests breast fixation on chickens
DPA

Hanoi, Jan 11 (DPA) Actress Pamela Anderson raised opposition to mechanical enhancement of breasts in chickens to make them more meaty.

The actress sent a letter to the chief of operations for the fast-food chain KFC complaining about the farming and slaughtering practices of the company's suppliers in Vietnam, a press release from People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals (PETA) stated Wednesday.

Anderson protested the mechanised slaughtering process - which she said makes chickens suffer needlessly through electric shock and scalding water - but also farms' selective breeding for birds that have the large breasts consumers love.

"Chickens who are raised for KFC are bred and drugged to grow so large so quickly that many become crippled under their own weight," Anderson wrote to Pornchai Thratum, head of the 17 KFC outlets in Vietnam.

The former "Baywatch" star says over-sized chicken breasts are no laughing matter - often, the top-heavy chickens' legs break under the strain and they are left to suffer and die crammed in small pens with thousands of birds.

Anderson has written similar letters to KFC operations around the world as part of her work with PETA. She has also narrated a graphic video showing farming and slaughtering practices worldwide, in which Anderson says KFC's "secret ingredient is cruelty".

Indo-Asian News Service

Julia Roberts to film in Prague
DPA

Prague, Jan 11 (DPA) Actress Julia Roberts will star in a new film that will be set in this scenic Czech Republic capital, a Prague radio station reported Wednesday.

Roberts, 38, is to star in a film version of the 2004 novel "Good Grief", a romantic comedy about a young widow, written by American author Lolly Winston.

Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Michael Cunningham is working on the film adaptation of the book for Universal Pictures.

Frekvence 1 radio cited an unnamed source for its report that Roberts would come to Prague for the filming. It gave no other details.

Prague is already the location for the next James Bond movie, "Casino Royale", starring British actor Daniel Craig. Filming is expected to start this month.

Other hit movies filmed in Prague in recent years include "Mission Impossible", "Triple X" and last year's version of "Oliver Twist".



Indo-Asian News Service
 
Liz Hurley not to marry Indian boyfriend
DPA

London, Jan 11 (DPA) British model and actress Liz Hurley has rebuffed rumours that she was planning to marry her boyfriend, the Indian millionaire businessman Arun Nayar.

Reports that she was going to get married to Nayar in February were a "myth", said Hurley.

"We are absolutely not getting married. It's a complete and utter myth", said Hurley.

She also poured scorn on rumours that her former lover, actor Hugh Grant, would tie the knot with Jemima Khan, the ex-wife of the Pakistani politician and former cricketer Imran Khan.

Hurley, 40, who dated Grant for 13 years before they split up in 2000, said the actor and Khan had no plans to marry.

"I don't see him as much these days, but I do know that he's not getting married, even though that has been written about in the newspapers", she told Grazia magazine.

"I think I would know if he was and I do know that he isn't."

Hurley and Khan, the 31-year-old heiress daughter of the late millionaire Sir James Goldsmith, are known to have frosty relations.

Grant's continued feelings for Hurley have been blamed for undermining his 18-month relationship with Khan, who has two sons with her former husband.

She said: "He's a big part of my life and it hasn't been a problem with Arun. Hugh is my best friend and I can't imagine life without him."



Indo-Asian News Service


Bond's Aston Martin to go on sale Jan 20
DPA

San Francisco, Jan 11 (DPA) The Aston Martin used in James Bond films "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball" is to go on sale in the US, complete with machine guns and oil slick ejector, an auction house said Wednesday.

The silver grey Aston Martin DB 5, built in 1965, comes with added spy extras such as machine guns, a rear bulletproof shield, a wheel-mounted tyre slasher, and systems for emitting smoke and oil slicks.

The classic car, one of only three of the special 007 models, is expected to fetch between $1.5 million and $2.2 million when it goes on auction in Phoenix, Arizona Jan 20, the auction house RM Auctions said.

The model being auctioned was mainly used for promotional work and has been in a US car museum since the 1970s. The museum is also selling a 1928 Cadillac which once belonged to gangster Al Capone.

Indo-Asian News Service
 
Jolie confirms pregnancy
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 12 (IANS) Oscar winning actress Angelina Jolie has confirmed she is pregnant with Brad Pitt's child. 

According to contactmusic.com, the couple, who have never spoken about their relationship, have been raising fierce speculations after sources claimed that Jolie was expecting. Jolie was quiet until recently when she told a charity aid worker in Santo Domingo: "Yes, I am pregnant." 

She is in the country filming the new movie "The Good Shepherd".

Representatives for both Pitt and Jolie have confirmed the pregnancy. The actress had recently spoken of adopting again. She had earlier said: "There's something about making a choice, waking up and travelling somewhere and finding your family."

Hurley reveals all about Grant
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 12 (IANS) Liz Hurley is revealing all about her relationship with actor Hugh Grant.

According to ananova.com, Hurley also dismissed rumours that Grant was set to wed his girlfriend of 18 months, Jemima Khan. 

"I don't see him as much these days, but I do know he's not getting married either, even though that has been written about in the newspapers," Liz told Grazia magazine. 

"I think I would know if he was and I do know that he isn't."

Grant and Hurley went out for 13 years, and she still lives just a few streets away from him. He is also the godfather of her son Damian. She calls Grant the closest friend and adds: "He is my best friend and I can't imagine life without him."
 
Julia Roberts to act with Tom Hanks
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 12 (IANS) Oscar wining actress Julia Roberts is reportedly in talks to star with Tom Hanks in a new drama.

According to ananova.com, she is in early talks with director Mike Nichols for the role in "Charlie Wilson's War". Roberts will star opposite Tom Hanks who is also co-producing the film. 

Hanks had revealed last year that he would play Charlie Wilson, a rogue Texas Congressman who oversaw the secret funding of the Afghan rebels in their battle against the Soviet Union. 

Roberts will play Joanne Herring, a beautiful Texas socialite who influenced Wilson to support the rebel cause.
 
Naomi Campbell deals with death
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, Jan 12 (IANS) Supermodel Naomi Campbell has conquered her fear of death by literally looking at it straight in the face.

According to pagesix.com, Campbell's adopted mother Mary Blackwell, the wife of Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, passed away last year and Campbell said: "The funeral home had done this makeup for her, it was awful." 

She added: "I wiped it off her, redid everything, fixed her hair. I've never spent so much time with a body before. It was a big learning experience because it made me not afraid of death anymore."
  

Andrew Morton working on Cruise book
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, Jan 12 (IANS) British biographer Andrew Morton, who has written books on famous people like Madonna and Princess Diana, has been spotted doing research around the world on what seems to be a definitive book on Tom Cruise.

According to New York Post, Morton was last seen at Toronto where he was conducting interviews. Cruise had spent sometime there filming for "Cocktail" and years later was there when his then wife Nicole Kidman was filming "To Die For". 

Morton was spotted dining with sources at the Spoke Club and was overheard complaining that compared to the Church of Scientology, reporting on "the Royal Family was a walk in Hyde Park".
  

Paris Hilton's dog inspires fashion
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, Jan 12 (IANS) Paris Hilton's habit of carrying around her pets like they were disposable fashion accessories has become a fashion in itself. 

According to pagesix.com, a Wisconsin designer has come out with a black leather handbag called The Tinkerbell. It is in the shape of a dead, upside-down Chihuahua. 

The designer James Piatt thought up the bag idea last year after it was reported that Paris had dumped her dog Tinkerbell with her mom when it got too big and then bought a smaller Chihuahua named Bambi. 

This switch was strongly rebuked by the People For Ethical Treatment Of Animals who said (PETA): "It's a pity that Paris' heart doesn't match her pocketbook. Animals shouldn't be disposed of like last season's trendy handbag." 

Piatt said: "I thought about what PETA said. Then I noticed how everybody imitated Paris out on the street - dozens of people carrying around little cats and dogs like accessories. It seems like the oddest trend."

Piatt is selling the bag for $175 through his website jamespiatt.com, and says he is neither an animal activist nor a Hilton-hater. He says he would actually be proud if Hilton carried one of his creations on her arm. 

He added: "I would love to give her one - that would be the best thing."
 

Clooney dreams up ideal woman
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 12 (IANS) Hollywood actor George Clooney wishes he could create a perfect soul mate by using different parts of his female co-stars.

According to contactmusic.com, Clooney, who split from his long-term partner Lisa Snowden, dreams of a romantic future with a Michelle Pfeiffer look alike and a perfect personality. 

He says: "The ideal woman is a mixture. She should have Nicole Kidman's laughter, then the personality of Julia Roberts and the aspect of Michelle Pfeiffer, the quintessence of beauty. And finally the ambition of Jennifer Lopez."
    
France honours actress Penelope Cruz
DPA

Paris, Jan 12 (DPA) The French government has honoured Spanish actress Penelope Cruz by making her a Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters, French media reported Thursday.

The 31-year-old Madrid native and star of "Blow" and "All About My Mother" received the award in a ceremony held late Wednesday in Paris and presided over by French Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres.

"It's France's role to be the ardent defender of cultural diversity and to recognize those who extend, with their talent, the culture of their country," de Vabres said. "I'm happy to have honoured this great European actress."

Declaring that she did not think she deserved the distinction, Cruz said: "I promise to do my best so that France will not regret it."

Cruz was accompanied by her sister and by Mexican actress Salma Hayek, her co-star in the film "Bandidas", which will open in France next week.

Previous recipients of the honour include Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese and Bruce Willis.

Indo-Asian News Service

Rowling keeps tab on spending
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 13 (IANS) "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling seems so determined to not become a frivolous spender that she sets herself limits when she goes shopping.

According to contactmusic.com, Rowling was a struggling mother a week before her novels made her richer than the queen of England. She enjoys being rich but feels guilty when she spends too much. 

She says: "If you have literally been worrying: 'Will the money last until the end of the week?' you will never, ever complain about having the money. It enables you, sets you free from worry. It allows you to travel, to help people. I am grateful for it every single day. I love a handbag and I love shoes (but) I have got a mental amount that I can't spend beyond. I still have a limit to what I think I would be justified in spending on frivolity."

  
Phoenix hasn't seen his own movie
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 13 (IANS) Actor Joaquin Phoenix can't bring himself to watch his performance in the movie "Walk The Line" because he is too self-critical.

According to contactmusic.com, Phoenix admits he hasn't seen any of his movies and doesn't expect his dislike for watching himself on screen will go away anytime soon. He says: "Maybe one day I will watch them all, but so far I haven't seen any of them. Maybe bits, by accident." 

His mother adds: "Joaquin never watches his own movies. He never has. He is too critical of himself."
  
Roth wants death at 'Hostel' screenings
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 13 (IANS) Director Eli Roth is hoping someone will die while watching his new torture film "Hostel" because that will generate great publicity for his film.

According to contactmusic.com, filmgoers have been fainting during the film. The film features graphic torture scenes but Roth is disappointed that nobody has died from a heart attack yet. 

He says: "I came out of one theatre and they told me, 'You missed it, there were ambulances and paramedics,' and I said, 'My God, are they alright?' and they said, 'Yeah, they're fine.' I was like, 'Dammit, we could have had two deaths.' It would have been so awesome, man. 'The Passion Of The Christ' had a death. I want a death."

Roth has met a few fans who have found it difficult to stomach the film. 

He adds: "In Orlando, a guy fainted in a stadium theatre. They had to stop the movie for 20 minutes. They carried him out on a stretcher. I was in Burbank (California) the other night and I was watching this really disgusting scene with an eyeball and this guy started heaving. He ran out and, in front of a line for all the people (waiting) for the midnight (screening), he was dry heaving and I'm just, like, the jackass there with my camera."
 
Bullock feared for husband's life
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, Jan 13 (IANS) Actress Sandra Bullock feared she would be a widow when her husband was caught up in bombings in Iraq.

According to hollywood.com, her husband, celebrity mechanic Jesse James, flew to Iraq to visit troops stationed in the war zone to film a segment for his hit TV show "Monster Garage". He was caught in crossfire just as he was ready to come back home for the holidays. 

Bullock recalls: "I just wanted him home for Christmas Eve and they were bombing and he's emailing from a bunker, going, 'We can't leave. We are being bombed.' People around him are being killed."

But she admits she knew that she would have to accept her husband's dangerous lifestyle when she married him.

She adds: "I knew what I was getting into. Not many people do what he does and I admire it so much."
  
Aniston and Paltrow deny Pitt phone calls
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 13 (IANS) Actors Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow have scoffed at reports they are spending hours on the phone criticising their ex Brad Pitt.

According to contactmusic.com, Paltrow was engaged to Pitt, which ended in 1997 and Aniston divorced Pitt last year after four-and-a-half years of marriage. The Star magazine had reported they had become best of friends since the Aniston-Pitt split and hade also "been exchanging tons of emails and calls".

A friend of Paltrow had supposedly said: "They love to bitch about Brad. They know him better than anybody else, and they get a real kick out of swapping stories." 

But a publicist who represents both actresses said: "The reports of Jennifer and Gwyneth burning up the phone lines is just another tabloid fabrication. Jennifer and Gwyneth have known each other for many years and whatever personal communication they may have with each other is not something we will be making public."

 
Love's daughter slams tabloids
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 13 (IANS) Kurt Cobain's daughter Frances Bean has slammed the media and accused them of spreading lies about her mother Courtney Love. 

According to contactmusic.com, the 13-year-old was just a baby when her father committed suicide in 1994 and has spent most of her childhood separated from her mother while she struggled with her drug problems. 

Frances says she is comfortable with her childhood and hates to read stories about her mother in the press despite all of her mom's problems. 

She says: "Sometimes I wish I wasn't so much at home alone and that it wasn't about nannies and chauffeurs and all that stuff. I get to meet everyone I want and I get quite a lot of attention because of it, you know? But of course it hurts when you see a lot of lies about her in tabloids and then you think, 'Well, it's not that cool to have a cool mom.' I don't like seeing my mom upset. No one does, right?"
  
Search for Bond girl is still on
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Jan 13 (IANS) Producers of the Bond movies are running out of time to find a new Bond girl for the next movie.

According to ananova.com, Sony Pictures has set Jan 30 as the starting date to film "Casino Royale" starring Daniel Craig. Apart from Craig and Judi Dench, the rest of the cast still has not signed up. 

Director Martin Campbell has made it his priority to find a female role. There are four actresses who are said to be reading the script for the part and are expected to take a decision soon. 
  
Stone in love again
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, Jan 13 (IANS) Actress Sharon Stone is in love again, this time with retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball star Rick Fox.

According to hollywood.com, Fox had split from his wife Vanessa Williams in 2004 and has started dating Stone. The couple is determined to keep their romance secret for now.

A source says: "Rick is smitten with her. He is waiting for the opportunity to take her out in public." 

Fox is 11 years younger than Stone, who was recently linked to the Scottish chat-show host Craig Ferguson.

  
Kylie Minogue reportedly clear of cancer
DPA

Sydney, Jan 13 (DPA) Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue has reportedly been declared free of breast cancer that forced her to undergo a surgery in May last year in Melbourne.

However, her agent denied reports that the 37-year-old was in her Melbourne hometown to impart the good news to her family.

Minogue had her final chemotherapy session Dec 18 before being given the good news a week ago, The Sun reported.

A scan had shown there were no more cancer cells in her body, the report said.

The former star of the television soap "Neighbours" was expected to start daily radiation treatment as a precaution to guard against a relapse and would be tested again after six weeks, the paper reported. 

If the results remained negative after six months, she would officially be in remission, it said.

Minogue had a lump removed from her left breast May 20 and was receiving treatment when she returned to her home in London. She then underwent treatment in France, where she is sharing an apartment with her fiancé, actor Olivier Martinez.

Indo-Asian News Service