Paz Vega becomes sexy femme fatale in ‘The Spirit’

Actress Paz Vega has played a waitress, a mother, a grocery clerk, and even a feminist mystic over the course of her 10 year career. In her most recent film, “The Spirit,” based on Will Eisner’s comics, the 32-year-old actress from Seville, Spain transforms into comic-book character Plaster of Paris, a murderous French nightclub dancer and ex-girlfriend of the title character.

Halle Berry is Sexiest Woman Alive

The actress said she was pleased to receive the accolade seven months after giving birth to daughter Nuala.

"I don't know exactly what it means, but being 42 and having just had a baby, I think I'll take it," the actress said.

Berry, who thrilled James Bond fans when she emerged from the waves wearing an orange bikini in Die Another Day, joked: "I've been in the business for more than 20 years, and you decide now, at this particular time, that I'm the sexiest woman alive? Come on. I mean, you couldn't go with the Bond girl year?"

Eva Herzigová shares George's first word, plans birthday party

Revealing that she is missing son George while in Cannes this week, Eva Herzigová plans to make up for her absence next Sunday, June 1st, when her son celebrates his first birthday. Although she initially had been considering larger-scale plans, Eva explained that her fellow mom friends talked her out of it.

I have lots of friends who have one-year-olds so I've been asking them all: Should I get animals or clowns or what? They're like, 'Well, don't do too much because he's still not old enough to really enjoy it.' So probably some friends and some balloons. Definitely balloons.

Hollywood celebrities urge human rights in Myanmar

Dozens of Hollywood celebrities have joined together to call attention to the repressive military regime in Myanmar and the plight of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spent more than a decade under house arrest.

In more than 30 public-service spots that are being released online daily this month, actors and artists including Will Ferrell, Sarah Silverman, Ellen Page and Sylvester Stallone call for Suu Kyi's release and the establishment of democracy in Myanmar, also known as Burma.

Drew Barrymore: Brave and beautiful!

Actress Drew Barrymore was involved in a hit-and-run car accident, but managed to chase the other vehicle to get its licence plate number. The 33-year-old actress was not injured in the accident that happened on May 12 in West Hollywood. Instead of staying put, Drew followed the offending vehicle and snagged its licence plate number.

Zara Phillips named in British Olympic eventing team

Zara Phillips, a grand-daughter of Queen Elizabeth, has been named in the British three-day eventing squad for the Beijing Olympics in August.

Phillips, 27 later this month, was world champion in 2006 and European champion in 2005. She will ride Toytown at her first Olympics where she will be part of a five-strong British squad.

"I am lucky in that Toytown has been to championship events before, so he knows about big occasions and has been consistent, but an Olympic Games really is special," Phillips said in a statement. "I am delighted for Toytown as he really deserves it."

Kim Cattrall: all work, lust and foreplay

Kim Cattrall is the woman who put the sex into Sex and the City. But how close to reality is three-times married Kim Cattrall to the man-eating Samantha? Garth Pearce takes his chances.

Vanessa Hudgens Goes Gucci Glamour

Vanessa Hudgens models six of the season’s most adorable party looks in the latest issue of Glamour. On her favorite style-setters: “Mary-Kate Olsen, Victoria Beckham and Nicole Richie. [They] have fun with fashion.” On how a great dress makes her feel: “Feminine and sexy–just how a girl should!”

Tarantino touch fails to work for Bollywood

As I left the cinema, my senses reeling from an inces- sant assault by what can only be described as an overblown attempt to try to Tarantino-ise Bollywood, I bumped into a regular cinemagoer who put it all into perspective. “Thank goodness for bad films,” she said. “At least it makes us appreciate the good ones.”

“Bad” is what this wannabe cult classic wants to be — “bad” in a rap, hip-hop sense — and while there are moments when it’s on the button by being surreal, bold and even quite brilliant, overall the package is let down by gross over-indulgence by first-time director Vijay Krishna Acharya.

Cutting-edge cinema is a simple medium. By all means, push the envelope as far as you possibly can, but don’t throw the whole post office at the audience, as Acharya has done, to the extent that one has to duck to avoid the postman’s flying bicycle!

He loses grip of the reins, as everything is overplayed in every scene.

Is Roxanne Pallett the sexiest?

TONIGHT'S British Soap Awards are set for a photo-finish, and not just because of these sizzling snaps.

Insiders say so many votes have been cast this year that it’s too close to call a winner.

But as the nation’s sauciest stars prepared to try to outdo each other on the red carpet, gorgeous Emmerdale babe Roxanne Pallett, 25, was hoping it’s her year to do the double.

She has been nominated for Best Actress and Sexiest Female.

Chimpanzee gropes Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci is used to steamy scenes, but nothing could prepare the actress for being groped a chimpanzee on the set of her latest film Speed Racer.

"The chimp jumped over and grabbed my left breast and hung off me," Ricci said.

"It happened in the middle of the first take on the first day of shooting - it was painful."

But in an attempt to "not upset the chimp any further," Ricci said she stood still and meekly cried "help, help, ouch" until she got the attention of the crew, who were facing the other direction.

Gemma Arterton: My Bond character is a geek

Gemma Arterton has denied that girls will be jealous of her role in the next Bond film - because her character is a geek.

The 22-year-old said: "My Bond girl's not really a Bond villain. She's not glamorous or anything - she's quite geeky. So I don't know... it's amazing what a haircut will do!"

"I just went to work every day, and if I thought about it too much I'd freak out! But it was absolutely brilliant."

Gemma, wearing a figure-hugging dress on the red carpet of her latest film Three And Out, denied she had gone on a fitness regime for the film, called Quantum Of Solace.

Korean Dramas Remade in Philippines

When the SBS drama "My Girl" was shown on primetime Philippine TV in 2006, the dialogue was dubbed in the Filipino language and the characters played by actress Lee Da-hae and actor Lee Dong-wook were re-named Jasmine and Julian.

Filipino audiences fell in love with the romantic comedy series, making it one of the most popular Korean dramas in the Philippines. Since it was such a big hit, ABS-CBN, the broadcasting network that aired the drama, decided to remake ``My Girl'' with an all-Filipino cast.

ABS-CBN bought the rights to remake the drama from SBS, and the Philippine version of ``My Girl'' is scheduled to air next month.

``We're retaining the basic core of the story, but we're `Philippinizing' it in so many ways. So it's going to be different. Ours is a combination of drama and comedy. It's a younger version definitely. The number of episodes is slightly more as well. Our version should run for about 16 to 20 hours," ABS-CBN business unit head Deo Edrinal said in a statement.

Actress Kate Hudson loves being a mother

Fool's Gold actress Kate Hudson has revealed she wants more babies. The star, who already has a son, Ryder, said being a mother "is the greatest thing in the world".

"Now he's at that age where I can't wait to have more. I can't wait. It's the best thing ever and the greatest journey of all, which is such a cliche, but it is.

"Now he's communicating and talking in sentences and ideas," she said of her four-year-old son, by former husband, Counting Crowes singer Chris Robinson.

"You just want to write everything down, I'm writing so many things down - the things he says are just amazing because you just know it's not going to last very long. This window of three and four years old is so cute."

Spanish version of I'm fucking Matt Damon

There is now a Spanish version of Sarah Silverman's "I'm fucking Matt Damon," which I guess is supposed to be a parody. The video, which I found on PerezHilton.com, is not only confusing due to the language barrier, but also a little awkward. Instead of Silverman and Damon, Martina Klein, left, is fucking Miki Nadal. The clip is only about 54 seconds long and does not make much sense to me at all. Americans and our silly digital clips seem to be influencing others around the world.

Sarah Polley arrives at Senate committee hearings in bid to put an end to `censorship' legislation

Legislation allowing a federal cabinet minister to revoke tax credits for film and television productions deemed too racy is "censorship" and will rob Canadian actors of their place on the airwaves, actress Sarah Polley says.

Polley traded the big screen for a star appearance on Parliament Hill yesterday to plead with senators to oppose legislation she denounced as "dangerous and unacceptable."

The Oscar-nominated actress, director and screenwriter, known for her role on the TV series Road to Avonlea and for her award-winning directorial debut Away from Her, gave an impassioned plea for changes. She said the proposed law threatens not just the artistic quality of productions but also the industry's financial future.

"I think ultimately that's the cost of freedom of expression. We're all going to see things we don't like. I see movies that I don't like. I see things that offend me politically. I see things that offend me morally," Polley told a Senate committee.

Anguish management

Naomi Watts has carved out a niche playing set-upon blondes and struggling heroines. Kelsey Munro looks at why torment on screen comes naturally to her. Naomi Watts has become the directors' choice to play pretty women having an awful time. She was a grief-stricken widow in 21 Grams; a journalist tormented by a girl from beyond the grave in both The Ring movies; a midwife who tangles with the Russian mafia in last year's Eastern Promises; and the mother in a family tortured by psychopaths in the coming Funny Games. If that weren't bad enough, she's soon to be brutalised by malevolent seagulls, reprising the Tippi Hedren role in a remake of Hitchcock classic The Birds.

Miss Texas crowned Miss USA

Miss Texas USA Crystle Stewart was named Miss USA 2008 in a gala event Friday night in Las Vegas. The University of Houston graduate won the 57th Annual Miss USA Pageant at Las Vegas's Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino thanks to her performance in the event's swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories, a Miss USA news release said.

Hosted by sibling performers Donny and Marie Osmond, the event was judged by "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Heather Mills, "The Singing Bee" host Joey Fatone, "Days of Our Lives" star Kristian Alfonso, actor Rob Schneider and Olympic gold-medalist Amanda Beard.

Other judges included San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, "Nip/Tuck" actress Kelly Carlson, Planet Hollywood International Inc. founder Robert Earl, celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves, celebrity journalist George Wayne and "Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano.

Lindsay Lohan Strips in Low-Budget Movie

The Hollywood actress and singer Lindsay Lohan is going to strip in the low-budget movie entitled "Florence". The star of "I Know Who Killed Me" will be paid USD 75 000 to play the role of a sex-addicted waitress, celebrity-mania.com reported.

Allegedly, with this movie Lohan wanted to demonstrate she was worthy as an actress, and had no problems appearing nude before the camera. She has already posed nude for the New York Magazine, recreating Marylin Monroe's legendary last nude photo shoot.

Lindsay Lohan Teams Up With Ne-Yo

Elaine Cassidy Leads CBS Drama ‘Harper's Island’

Irish actress Elaine Cassidy (Felicia’s Journey, Fingersmith) has landed a lead role in CBS drama ‘Harper’s Island’. The actress is currently filming the pilot for the series in Canada. Cassidy, who is known for her starring roles in feature films ‘Disco Pigs’, ‘The Others’ and TV drama series ‘The Ghost Squad’, will star alongside US actor Ryan Merriman (The Ring Two, Final Destination 3) and Australian actress Samantha Noble (All Saints).

The pilot is being directed by ‘National Treasure’ helmer Jon Turteltaub and is described as a “horror story” which unfolds when group of friends meet on an island near Seattle for a wedding. Merriman and Noble will play the groom and the bride, while the Cassidy is the groom's childhood friend with a tragic past.

Actress Robin Givens Supports The Retreat

She's a woman who seems to have it all. Robin Givens, a beautiful and well-known sitcom and film actress, has illuminated both stage and screen during her illustrious career. But there is a dark side: The role for which Givens is perhaps most well-known is not one any woman would choose to play.

As the real-life victim of domestic violence during her marriage to heavyweight champ Mike Tyson, Givens endured shame, terror and pain as she struggled to save her relationship – and herself.

Today, Givens is a survivor who shares her story honestly, revealing her innermost emotions as she tries to offer a ray of hope to victims of domestic violence, women living in the shadows of darkness and fear, without hope of ever emerging whole.

To that end, Givens will speak at an annual luncheon tomorrow hosted by The Retreat, an East Hampton nonprofit organization, founded in 1987, whose mission is to provide safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse and to break the cycle of family violence.

Stone Temple Pilots reunite in Los Angeles

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Reunited rock group Stone Temple Pilots, a band that never got much respect during its heyday, played its first show in almost eight years on Monday, taking a few hundred fans on a nostalgic trip to the '90s.

The Los Angeles foursome, fronted by ill-starred singer Scott Weiland, performed a half-dozen hits during a 30-minute set at a bucolic setting in the Hollywood Hills.

"I wish I was here at this party," Weiland, 40, said between songs, a wistful reference to the free alcohol and hot dogs that fueled the radio-station contest winners and usual industry denizens.

The band has reunited for a 65-date tour of North American amphitheaters that kicks off May 17 at the Rock on the Range festival in Columbus, Ohio. Reunion plans were already in the works before Weiland's ouster last week from Velvet Revolver, the "supergroup" he ditched Stone Temple Pilots for in 2003.

Tunes performed Monday included opener "Big Empty," "Vasoline" and "Interstate Love Song," all drawn from STP's second album, 1994's "Purple."

Leonardo DiCaprio buys green friendly condo

Leonardo DiCaprio has bought an environmentally friendly condo in New York. The actor's new property, situated in Manhattan's Battery Park City, has solar panels, roof foliage and air and water filters. The condo also houses a 50ft pool, a fitness centre, a dog spa and an in-house branch of the New York Public Library.

The actor released the following statement: "Riverhouse is a prime example of how green technology is both accessible and achievable for new residential developments - it is a groundbreaking building." DiCaprio is currently filming Shutter Island with Martin Scorsese, the pair's fourth collaboration. He recently narrated the environmental documentary The 11th Hour.

Raveena Tandon: ‘I am going to be a mother-in-law’

I have been repeating that it’s not my comeback so many times this evening that I think I am going to tape this line,” laughs Raveena Tandon, who’s very soon going to come to our drawing rooms. She will be a judge on a new reality television show called Chak De Bachche.

And, since we agree with her that this isn’t what you call a comeback, she laughs some more and says, “I wish I hadn’t had to explain this to everyone. I mean, a comeback would mean if I am doing some acting, playing a character. Here, I am playing myself. I am just resurfacing, that’s it.”

Raveena had been busy playing mommy and she says she enjoyed every bit of it. “After I had my daughter, I had almost said yes to a woman-oriented show, and then I was pregnant with my second baby. So, I went back to being a mommy.

The Rihanna and Chris Brown "Family Love"

Are they or aren't they? Chris Brown and Rihanna are very busy telling anyone that will listen that they aren't in a relationship. Really, trust them they are not. The Umbrella singer, who sparked rumors she was involved with the Gangsta Boo star after they were spotted together are denying any romantic relationship at all despite the fact that they were snapped by photographers leaving a London hotel together.

According to reports Rihanna told MTV, "We are best friends, honestly, like brother and sister. I won't say that we're just friends - me and Chris are really best, best friends." She went on to say that they are like family and that's the kind of love they have for each other.

Canadian celebs can't get no cash satisfaction

Actor Nicholas Campbell says it astounds him when people assume he should be enjoying a jet-setting retirement after his years as a staple of Canadian television.

"It happens all the time, and it just makes me crazy – as if that's ever going to happen," the 55-year-old Campbell said yesterday.

"If I'd had the kind of financial advice I'm getting now, I probably would have been okay, but let's face it, I was never making huge money as an actor in Canada anyway. You can make okay money here, but you're never going to be wealthy."

Many Canadian actors who are household names in Canada are far from living the same lives of wealth as their American counterparts.

Bollywood extra large

There’s a lot of action in Bollywood this season and not all of it onscreen. Actor Akshay Kumar is celebrating his Rs 20-crore price tag by buying a three-acre Portuguese heritage bungalow on Goa’s Anjuna beach. Kareena Kapoor has just bought herself an apartment in Bandra but is too busy to move.

Apoorva Lakhia, a director, who is still owed Rs 11 lakh by his last producer, has just ordered a BMW on the basis of the signing amount for his next movie. And actor-director Rajat Kapoor, who spent seven years struggling to raise Rs 30 lakh for his second film, now has a blank cheque to make five films for Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC).

He’s marking the occasion by working out for a towel scene written into the Rs 5-crore movie his friend is directing. From corporates in Hugo Boss suits to independent producers in Gucci T-shirts, there’s a new buzz in town. It’s the new economy of Bollywood and it’s extra large.

Kylie Minogue takes centre stage in US

Kylie Minogue dazzled in front of 20 million American TV viewers as she took centre stage on America's version of Dancing with the Stars. The Australian pop star sang two songs in what was her first US TV performance in five years.

"Are you feeling good?" Minogue, wearing a platinum blonde bobbed wig, red sequined mini-dress and gold platform shoes, asked the studio audience before singing her ballad, All I See.

The gig on one of America's highest-rating shows was perfect timing for Minogue who has struggled to dominate US charts as she has in Australia and Europe.

Her latest album X was released in American stores today.

Madonna and Mariah Carey Do Unthinkable Record Break

Pop divas Madonna and Mariah Carey have managed the unthinkable, a record break tinged with blasphemy: they have both surpassed Elvis Presley, the former with most top-ten singles, the latter with most No. 1 singles.

Elvis Presley, the undefeated King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, has lost two crown jewels to Mimi and Madge. Elvis’ decade-long triumphant lead of the Billboard charts, which included most No. 1 singles by a solo artist and most Top 10 hits in the 50-year history of Billboard's Hot 100, has been chipped by two of the most successful female singers ever.

Mariah Carey’s latest single, “Touch My Body,” put her name ahead of Elvis’ when it comes to counting No. 1 singles, with only The Beatles ahead of her. Spooky, some would say!

Tennis star Roddick gets engaged

American tennis star Andy Roddick has got engaged to his model girlfriend Brooklyn Decker. According to the New York Daily News, 25-year-old Roddick popped the question to Decker, 20, last week.

"The couple wanted to tell their family and close friends first, but good news travels fast," Roddick's Web site announced.

"With their hectic travel schedules, Andy and Brooklyn plan to enjoy their engagement and will wait to set a wedding date," the statement on the site added.

Decker, who grew up in Ohio and started modeling as a teen, appeared in the last three Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues.

Jordan queen seeks to tackle stereotypes through YouTube

Jordan's Queen Rania has launched her own Internet channel on YouTube in a bid to encourage young people to help tackle stereotypes of Muslims and Arabs, her office said on Tuesday.

"In a world where it's so easy to connect to one another, we still remain very much disconnected. There's a whole world of wonder out there that we cannot appreciate with stereotypes," a statement quoted her as saying.

"I want people to know the real Arab world, to see it unedited, unscripted and unfiltered, to see the personal side of my region, to know the places and faces and rituals and culture that shape the part of the world I call home."

Rania, the wife of King Abdullah II, urged viewers to respond with their opinions of the Middle East "and to acknowledge stereotypes they've heard of Arabs and Muslims".

I'll always be Bridget Jones, says Renee Zellweger

Renee Zellweger has enjoyed a brilliant screen career with a string of hit movies and a Best Supporting Oscar. But it's her portrayal of Britain's most famous singleton that her fans seem to love to talk about.

"Wherever I go, people come up to me and want to talk about Bridget Jones," admits Renee.

"And it's not just women. A lot of men come up to me and say 'Oh Renee - I AM Bridget Jones'."

On screen she was perfect as the unlucky in love Bridget who struggled with her weight, her cigarette habit and most famously, her men. But while Bridget eventually found love, sadly for Renee, real life has not brought her a happy ending...yet.

Her boyfriend, musician Sims Ellison, killed himself after she left him in Texas in 1995 to move to Hollywood. She subsequently dated director Josh Pate, Jim Carrey, White Stripes' frontman Jack White and singer Damien Rice.

Natalie Portman encouraging people to vote

Natalie Portman has taken to the Internet for a little political promotion, and is urging people to exercise their voting rights. The 26-year-old actress went on a 30-second public service announcement, encouraging people to go and cast their vote.

“Voting’s how our democracy works,” People quoted her as saying.

Portman, who is on neutral grounds and not in any way affiliated with the presidential election, laid stress on the importance of participating in the democratic process.

“To vote is to express yourself,” she stated.

Coleen McLoughlin, Kate Moss and Sienna Miller are nation's top style icons

Coleen McLoughlin has been voted Britain's most influential fashion role model. The 21-year-old Liverpudlian, who is engaged to footballer Wayne Rooney, came in ahead of supermodel Kate Moss in second place and actress Sienna Miller in third.

Coming just five years after Miss McLoughlin came to Britain's attention as a sixteen-year-old schoolgirl in an outsized jacket, this represents a spectacular climb up the ranks in the nation's consciousness.

The survey, carried out for women's magazine Look, placed David Beckham's wife Victoria fourth and his England team-mate Ashley Cole's wife Cheryl fifth. The magazine's editor, Ali Hall, said: "Coleen has transformed herself from Puffa-jacket schoolgirl to style icon in just a few years.

"Dexter" actress cut out for "Saw V" role

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Julie Benz, a co-star in Showtime's serial-killer drama "Dexter" has joined the cast of "Saw V" the next outing in the annual horror franchise.

Benz plays a Brit with clothes and hair too proper and elegant to be a pawn in the latest games of the evil Jigsaw (played by Tobin Bell).

Generation X Right Now

Molly Ringwald, of the quintessential Gen X film The Breakfast Club, celebrated her 40th birthday earlier this year. Prozac Nation author Elizabeth Wurtzel might well be spending her days taking notes on perimenopause -- she's turning 41 in July. And if Kurt Cobain were still alive, no one would be thinking of him as an angry young man. He would be 40-plus too.

Backgrounds not a problem for singer Lucie Silvas and her rugby beau

The stunning fiance of Irish rugby star Geordan Murphy has revealed that she and her future hubby will have to organise a suitable service for their big day to accommodate their religious differences.

Singer Lucie Silvas is a Jewish New Zealander, whilst her Naas beau is a Christian.

Lucie, who lives in Leicestershire with Geordan, even joined Jewish movement ‘Habonim' while she was a teen in her native country of New Zealand and went on to tour Israel with her sister Mia.

But Lucie is adamant that she and her rugby star partner can work around their different backgrounds when it comes to their May wedding, which she says she's “very excited” about. “My mum converted before she married my dad so they understand our situation,” she said.

“I was brought up having an open attitude to all religions and that made me very, very accepting.

There was never any pressure to marry into the Jewish faith. Being Jewish made me feel part of something, of a community of people.”

She continued: “I was quite involved with Wimbledon and District Synagogue when I was younger. Judaism was a big part of my life when I was growing up.”

Maysville Prepares For Clooney Premiere

Monday is going to be a big day for Maysville and Northern Kentucky as a famous native son brings Hollywood to town.

Actor George Clooney will be coming home to hold a "red carpet" premiere of his new movie, "Leatherheads", in Maysville, Monday evening.

We watched just after dawn Monday morning as Maysville got busy "setting the stage" for its second major "Hollywood" movie premiere in 55 years.

Maysville is turning its West Second Street, in front of the historic Washington Opera House, into a Hollywood Boulevard of sorts. Special spot lighting is up on lampposts. Movie signs are nearly in every downtown window and banners are being hung from street signs.

Lavigne's new image, show seem by the numbers

Avril Lavigne, the sneering pop-punk princess who burst onto the music scene six years ago with two monster singles ("Complicated" and "Sk8er Boi") and middle fingers blazing, was nowhere to be found on Friday.

The Lavigne who did appear at Allstate Arena was neither bratty nor contentious. With her blond locks and bubbly stage persona, the 23-year-old Canadian who wed Sum-41's Deryck Whibley in 2006 appeared to have been replaced by a spirited high school cheerleader. Her between-song banter, which sounded as if it were pieced together in a boardroom, proved as robotic and hollow as her newfound grin. "I want to dedicate this to anyone who's been a fan of mine since Day One," she offered at one point, punctuating her statement with the toothy faux smile of a beauty pageant contestant.

Bollywood actress Koena Mitra will be starring in a Hollywood movie

Bollywood actress Koena Mitra will be starring in a action-packed Hollywood movie, for which she has already started taking "special training" in various forms of martial art.

"The movie is named Karna. You will get to see lot of action scenes performed by me in this movie. I have been taking special training in various forms of martial art as I am expected to do lot of stunts," 23-year-old Koena, who performed in a Indian Cricket League match here last night, told reporters today.

Without divulging any details about her latest venture, she said, "even children will enjoy watching this movie".

My worst blog recommends Juno

16-year-old Minnesota high-schooler Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) discovers she is nine weeks pregnant with a child fathered by her friend and longtime admirer, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). Although she initially opts for an abortion, a last-minute change of heart leads her to decide to have the baby and make a plan for the child's adoption. With the help of her friend Leah (Olivia Thirlby), Juno searches the Pennysaver and finds a couple she feels will provide a suitable home. Along with her father, Mac (J. K. Simmons), Juno meets the couple, Mark and Vanessa Loring (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner), in their expensive home and finalizes the arrangements for a closed adoption.

Actress From Clinton’s 3 A.M. Ad Strikes Back, This Time on Obama’s Side

A Washington state teen who weeks ago objected to a controversial Hillary Clinton ad that used stock footage of her from when she was a child has come back with an ad of her own. And this time she’s on Barack Obama’s side.

Casey Knowles, who was one of the sleeping children shown in the Clinton ad that asked voters who they wanted answering the phone at 3 a.m. in a crisis, apparently is an ardent Obama backer.

Now her new YouTube ad, posted on Obama’s Web site, urges voters to “reject the politics of fear that Sen. Clinton uses to drum up votes” and support the Illinois senator. Clinton’s ad, which aired ahead of the Texas primary, was used to raise doubts about Obama’s experience and judgment and was widely credited with boosting her performance in the contest.

Cine Brasil at Brown Film Festival 2008

CineBRASIL, Brown University’s Brazilian Film Festival, announces its first edition from March 5th to March 9th, 2008, with film screenings, Q&A’s with directors, and panel discussions at the Avon Cinema, as well as in other venues on the university campus. VIP festival guests, academics, Brown students and faculty, local officials, as well as the general audience, will have the unique opportunity to share the rich Brazilian culture and traditions, as well as some of the contemporary issues affecting Brazil and its people, through its excellent cinematography.

Sponsored by the Center for Latin American Studies, the Department of Portuguese and Brazilian Studies and the generous contribution of Brown University alumnus Oliver Kwon ’87, this event will bring the latest in Brazilian cinema to New England. In collaboration with the Cinemateca Brasileira in São Paulo, Brazil, the program will consist of newly produced feature films, documentaries, and shorts made in or about Brazil.

Oprah Winfrey lends her support to British singer Leona Lewis

TV talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has given her backing to upcoming British singer Leona Lewis, insisting the pop star will succeed in her bid to conquer America.

The former winner of British reality TV show 'The X Factor' was introduced on Winfrey's programme by her mentor, American Idol judge Simon Cowell, and went on to receive a standing ovation from the studio audience after a rendition of her hit single 'Bleeding Love'.

Adaptation wildly flawed; Garcia Marquez's Cholera makes awkward move to film

Much of the great joy of reading an author like Gabriel Garcia Marquez is the fact you're reading him - that you're allowing yourself to become engrossed in his florid phrasing and vivid descriptions, that he's taking you to a fully realized place, and that you're succumbing, gladly.

When a writer's voice is as distinctive as the Colombian Nobel Prize winner's, it's difficult to replicate it on screen, even though director Mike Newell and screenwriter Ronald Harwood remain largely faithful to Love in the Time of Cholera in their wildly flawed adaptation of Garcia Marquez's sweeping 1985 novel about a decades-old romantic obsession.

Harwood won an Academy Award for his adaptation of The Pianist. Here, he maintains much of the original dialogue but the meaning and emotion behind it is often strangely lacking. So, when the elegant Dr. Juvenal Urbino (Benjamin Bratt) assures his virgin bride (Giovanna Mezzogiorno) on their honeymoon, "This is going to be a lesson in love," a line that might have seemed palatable on the page clangs on the ear instead.

Similarly, the lovesick Florentino Ariza, insufficiently fleshed out without the benefit of pages upon pages of back story, comes off as a crazed stalker, a guy who needs to get a life (as well as a sturdier stomach). This, despite the fact he's played by Javier Bardem, an actor who's shown time and again that he has a great capacity for subtlety.

Angela Bassett Gets Hollywood Star

Angela Bassett has had good days — becoming a mother to twins, winning a Golden Globe, being nominated for an Academy Award. Then there was Thursday.

"Do you ever have one of those days? I woke up and the sun wasn't really shining but then it burst through the clouds and it was glorious. Hallelujah!" Bassett exclaimed to the crowd at the ceremony for the 2,358th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Angela Bassett, 49, was joined by husband Courtney B. Vance, their children and guests Forest Whitaker, Laurence Fishburne and Rick Fox, her co-star in the new film "Meet the Browns," out Friday.

Fishburne, who starred alongside Bassett in 1993's "What's Love Got to Do With It," highlighted Bassett's resilience in the industry. She landed an Oscar nomination for the role portraying Turner triumphing over abuse.

"You get a lot of no's in this business and you have to have that desire and determination which is what Angela has," Fishburne said.

Sarkozy's ex-wife set for third marriage

Three days of celebrations to mark the marriage of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's ex-wife and her Moroccan-born lover kicked off near New York on Friday, guests of the couple told AFP.

Cecilia Ciganer-Albeniz and events organizer Richard Attias were due to tie the knot over the weekend, the guests said, as they left their upmarket Manhattan hotel for a party at Attias's Connecticut home late Friday.

Details surrounding the wedding ceremony itself have been shrouded in secrecy, with rumors swirling that the couple could hold a Jewish ceremony at a New York synagogue on Sunday.

But even the guests, who asked not to be named, said they did not know where and when the ceremony would take place. One said he expected the ceremony to be on Sunday, followed by a reception at the Rockefeller Center.

He added that the invitees, a total of 150 of whom were expected to attend the weekend celebrations, would go out for a Tex-Mex meal on Saturday and take in the ABBA-themed Broadway show "Mama Mia!"

Preity Zinta: I'm Not The Burning Bra Chick

Preity Zinta is known for speaking her mind. In the Capital recently to announce the arrival of The Golden Ovary Awards in India, she spoke as the ambassador of the Godfrey Phillips Bravery awards.

Preity is an interesting mix of glamour tantrums and an aware intellect. She’s unafraid to discuss women’s issues over tabloid rumours.

“I am not the burning bra kind of feminist chick. But I have the strength to stand behind what I believe in,” she says.

Having won the Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Award for speaking out in court in the Bharat Shah case, she is now lending support to The Golden Ovary Awards, which she believes will help recognise “the unsung but not lost women who have lived and worked with the

Music Review: Kate Voegele - Don't Look Away

Internet sensation Kate Voegele is the first artist signed to Myspace's record label and has landed a role on "One Tree Hill." She treated us to her song "Only Fooling Myself."

Anna Friel Pondering Cosmetic Surgery

Pushing Daisies star, Anna Friel is thinking about having cosmetic surgery sometime in the future. The 31-year old British actress said “I don’t think I need Botox or cosmetic surgery right now, but I’m sure I will later on” according to a report on IrelandOn-line. The actress was driving when she looked at herself in the mirror and saw the early signs of aging.

Friel may also be known to American audiences for her role in Rogue Trader and Timeline. The actress is the face of Pantene Pro-V Ice Shine in the UK. She is in a relationship with Harry Potter actor, David Thewlis with whom she has a daughter, Gracie Ellen Mary.

Joshua Jackson rises from 'sub-sub' stardom

The horror movie Shutter, with a premise reminiscent of a Twilight Zone and filled with its share of "gotcha" jolts, seems at first blush like typical Hollywood fare.

What makes it more than a popcorn movie for American audiences, says the film's star, Joshua Jackson, is that its Japanese director, Masayuki Ochiai, simultaneously made a different cut of the film for Japanese audiences.

"The old paradigm is unraveling," Jackson said. "That idea that you could make a movie that would have regionally specific cuts. I think that's a really interesting idea."

Juliette & The Licks New Album & Cover

Juliette & The Licks are about to go into the studio to record a new EP before they start work on their new album, and they'd like suggestions for a track they could cover.

In an online message the band said: "We want to know what song you think we should cover? It could be from any genre pop, rock, soul whatever, please comment with what song you want to hear get Licked?!"

Chelan Simmons, scream queen

It’s the scream that makes horror films believable. If the actor or actress can make you believe he or she is really scared, then they have done their job and sold the show. It is no easy task, but that scream is just one of the things that actress Chelan Simmons has mastered.

Known as a scream queen, Simmons loves being a part of horror and science fiction films. She has appeared in such films as “Chupacabra Terror,” “Final Destination 3” and the remake of “Carrie.”

“I think its fun. I mean, I love any script that I can either do some comedy with or that I can scream my head off the entire movie. I’ve just always liked that. When you scream, it’s a fun feeling. It’s so much fun to scare the audience, and I try to do the best that I can with that.”

Gwyneth Paltrow salutes ex-addict's success

Film star Gwyneth Paltrow paid tribute to a reformed heroin and crack addict who has set up a business educating thousands of school children and prisoners on the dangers of drugs and binge-drinking.

Ian Fisher, 20, from The Wirral, Merseyside, won the Learning and Skills Council Young Achiever Award at a ceremony organised by the Prince's Trust and attended by the Prince of Wales, who established the charity more than 30 years ago.

The honours recognise young people who have overcome homelessness, drug addiction and unemployment to achieve success with the charity's support.

Paltrow said: "Ian has shown remarkable will-power and strength of character to overcome drug addiction and prison. I am personally humbled by how such a young man can put his past experiences to good use and help others avoid similar problems."

Mariah Carey admits she lacks self esteem

Mariah Carey has admitted she has a "ditzy" image and says she lacks self esteem.

"It's a dichotomy, I understand," the 37-year-old Grammy winner tells Allure magazine in the US. "I understand that people think I am a ditzy moron."

The singer - who was treated for exhaustion in 2001 after a public meltdown - says she still struggles with her confidence.

"I've always had really low self esteem, and I still do," she says.

"What's weird about that is being on stage, and the love that you get, and the adoration that you feel from your real fans. It's hard for a partner to compete - just imagine."

Aishwarya highest paid Bollywood actress

Aishwarya Rai carrying home a pay packet of Rs.40 million for her proposed stint as Rajnikant’s leading lady in Shankar’s “Robot”, she has now become the highest-paid actress in Indian cinema. “Yes, it’s close to Rs.40 million. And she’s very amused when she reads that she is the highest-paid actress in Bollywood. With three hits in a row, ‘Guru’, ‘Dhoom 2′ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, Ash’s equity as a Rai and a Bachchan have gone through the roof,” said a source close to Aishwarya.

“It is no surprise that Aishwarya is getting Rs.40 million. It’s still chicken feed compared with what Rajnikant carries home. He takes home Rs.150 million plus fifty percent of his film’s profits. But still he cannot make a film commercially viable outside the Tamil belt on his own.

Driving 124 mph in Maserati, actor Thomas Jane arrested

Actor Thomas Jane is facing drunken driving charges after being pulled over in his Maserati in Kern County.

The California Highway Patrol says Jane was pulled over on Interstate 5 near Buttonwillow around 2:43 a.m. Monday and arrested on suspicion of DUI. The CHP says he was driving his black 2008 Maserati at 124 mph when he was stopped.

The star of "The Punisher" and "The Mist" was described as cooperative and underwent field sobriety tests and a blood test at Kern Medical Center.The 39-year-old Jane was booked into the downtown jail and later released.

Lorenzo Lamas Daughter, Shayne Lamas, on The Bachelor: Cruel Intentions?

Shayne Lamas is one of the most memorable women from last night's premiere of The Bachelor. The petit blonde may be stunningly gorgeous but that's not why she's so unforgettable.

The 22-year-old is an aspiring actress, who also happens to be the daughter of Lorenzo Lamas - one of Hollywood's hottest actors.

Lorenzo, who plays hunky Hector Ramirez on The Bold and The Beautiful, has also starred in countless movies and has experience in directing and producing as well.

Meanwhile, Lorezno's daughter, Shayne, has also had a few small roles on television (she appeared on General Hospital as well as a few semi-successful movies) but has yet to make it big in Hollywood.

Country Singer Carrie Underwood To Be Inducted Into Grande Ole Opry

Carrie Underwood may have started as a contestant on "American Idol," but thanks to her powerhouse voice and popularity in the country music world she has been tapped to be a member of the Grande Ole Opry. Underwood will become the newest member of the Opry, having been invited on Saturday by country artist Randy Travis. The Opry, established in 1925, is the longest continuously running radio show in the country.

Underwood will be inducted into the Opry on May 10, becoming one of the latest of young musicians to become Opry members. Recent young hit makers include Brad Paisely, Josh Turner and Dierks Benltey.

Beijing students in silent protest for Tibet

Anti-Chinese unrest spreading through Tibetan regions reached the capital, Beijing, today when Tibetan students at the National Minorities University staged a sit-in.

About 100 students braved a cordon of police to hold a demonstration, apparently in support of Tibetans who have been demonstrating since last Monday in Lhasa, capital of the Himalayan regions, and many other towns to demand greater religious freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama.

The students sat cross-legged on the ground in a circle near a tennis court at the centre of the campus. Their heads were bowed and a mass of glowing candles spread out in front of them. The students maintained complete silence and ignored teachers and university leaders who tried to persuade them to disperse.

China blocks YouTube after Tibet protests

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck Love Obama

Celebrities and politicians always seem to get linked together somehow. And luckily for Barack Obama two of Hollywood’s hottest - Ben Affleck and wife Jennifer Garner- are backing him up in this election year.

Getting back to his hometown roots, the “Good Will Hunting” actor/writer hosted a fundraiser for the Democratic Presidential Candidate at Boston nightclub Rumor yesterday.

They started off the night with a pre-party wherein a $250 ticket bought a little bit of face time with Bennifer. Of course, those passes sold out quickly.

ABBA drummer found dead in Majorca home with his throat cut

Ola Brunkert, the former drummer with the Swedish pop group ABBA, has been found dead with his throat cut at his home in Majorca. He is believed to have fallen through a glass door in his kitchen.

The body was found in his garden at Arta, on the holiday island's north-east coast, at about 8pm last night by a friend and neighbour.

Officers from the Civil Guard are investigating. A spokeswoman at the paramilitary police force's headquaters in Madrid said today: "All the indications are that this was a tragic accident.

"A glass door in the kitchen of the house was shattered and it appears that this man fell through the door. He then managed to get out into the garden where he died."

Michelle Williams in April issue of Elle

Featured in an interview and photospread in the April issue of Elle, actress Michelle Williams, 27, discussed the birth of now 2-year-old daughter Matilda Rose, 2, how she's a New York kid as well as Michelle's greatest prize, and her guess at just who former co-star Katie Holmes was dating when news broke in 2005.

Minnie Driver reveals pregnancy

Actress Minnie Driver has confirmed she is pregnant in a televised interview but would not reveal the name of the father.

The Good Will Hunting star announced she is pregnant with her first child on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.

Leno joked that she appeared to have gained weight.

"Are you calling me fat? You've noticed my tummy, haven't you?" Driver said.
"Are you pregnant?" Leno replied.
"Yes, I am," she said.

Sienna Miller declares her love for Wales

WELSH actor Rhys Ifans’s soon-to-be bride Sienna Miller has declared her love for Wales and is reportedly looking to settle down here.

The outspoken actress, 26, is apparently thinking of buying a house in Snowdonia with Notting Hill star Rhys, who’s been bringing her on regular trips to his homeland since the pair started dating last year.

Layer Cake actress Miller, who was born in New York, is quoted in a London-based newspaper as saying, “I love Wales. I think it is the most beautiful country in the world and the people were just gracious and lovely considering they have been raped and pillaged by the English for so long.”