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Nicole Kidman Speaks Out Against Hollywood

Sara Harowitz — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:18:11 +0000

Nicole Kidman is not pleased with the way Hollywood portrays women, reports Oh No They Didn’t.

The Oscar-winning actress, in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, stated that she thinks Hollywood has contributed to violence against women by representing them as weak sex objects in so many blockbuster films.

Before the “International Violence Against Women: Stories and Solutions” hearing at Rayburn House Office Building started, a crowd of people lined the hall and around the corner to hear the film star speak.

Kidman said she is not interested in acting in such roles, when she testified before a Foreign Affairs subcommittee. This committee is considering legislation to combat violence against women overseas through humanitarian relief efforts, as well as grants to local organizations addressing the problem.

Kidman was asked by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher if Hollywood has “played a bad role” in the violence against women. Kidman responded that it “probably” has, but added that she herself has not.

“I can’t be responsible for all of Hollywood but I can certainly be responsible for my own career,” Kidman said.

The 42-year old actress appeared before the Congress committee as a Goodwill Ambassador for the U.N. Development Fund for Women, known as UNIFEM. She has taken on this role to promote the International Violence Against Women Act.

“In the real world, the laws go unenforced and impunity is the norm,” said Kidman.

This piece of legislation has gone unenforced in the past, but Rep. Bill Delahunt said he plans to reintroduce it soon.

The Australian movie star told the committee that UNIFEM needs more funding.

“We need the money,” she said.

Kidman added that combating violence against women needs to become a priority for the government.

“Violence against women is not prosecuted because it is not a top government and ugent social priority,” she said. “We can change this. [They] need and deserve our support. Not with a box of band-aids but with a comprehensive, well-funded approach that acknowledges that women’s rights are human rights.”

Patrick Swayze Dead At 57

Jeremy Singer — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:50:08 +0000

In a year littered with celebrity passings, one more soul was added to the list today as Houston-born actor Patrick Swayze died- after a nearly two year battle with pancreatic cancer.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the 57-year-old Dirty Dancing star passed away with family at his side.

“Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months,” said a statement released Monday evening in Los Angeles by his publicist, Annett Wolf. No other details were given.

Swayze first came forward about his diagnosis in spring 2008, but decided to undergo treatments at the Stanford University Medical Center and still continue working at the same time-most recently on A&E’s now cancelled series The Beast. The actor was told he had Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN), a rare stage IV pancreatic cancer.

After he was treated with Cyberknife radiotherapy cancer treatment in 2008, Swayze appreared to be healthy -appearing on the ABC, NBC and CBS Simulcast of Standup to Cancer- but on January 9 2009, the actor was hospitilized with Pneumonia.

Swayze checked out a week later, but was then told in April 2009 that the cancer had attacked his liver. The actor admitted that his chain smoking “may had haved something to do with it,” but continued to smoke regardless.

Story Developing…

Degrassi: The Next Generation, Makes The Trek From Toronto To Tinseltown

Jeremy Singer — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:55:09 +0000

Eight seasons running. A cult in Canadian pop culture. Winners of the Gemini, Teen Choice and Directors Guild of Canada Awards.

And now Degrassi: The Next Generation finally boasts its first red-carpet TV movie.

But known as a “show of the people”, the season 8 finale Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood premiere last Wednesday night at Toronto’s Bloor Cinema, allowed tons of lucky special-bracelet-wearing fans bask in Degrassi glory. A free-for-all for snagging autographs and pictures from their favorite cast members, and what’s more- the opportunity to enjoy the movie side-by-side with them too.

And the word got out not only to lucky fans. Among a packed-to-the-brim theatre audience was Camp Rock 2 stars Jordan Francis and Matthew “Mdot” Finley, So You Think You Can Dance Canada winner Nico Archambault, MuchMusic VJ Devon Soltendieck and MTV Live’s Nicole Holness.

Fresh off of an SUV limo, former Degrassi mean-girl star Lauren Collins (Paige), 23, seemed ecstatic by the outcome.

“I’m so used to just walking around in the area, and just grabbing a pita or something,” a smiling Toronto native Collins tells andPOP. “But all of a sudden you’re just showing up in a limo with cameras and fans, it’s bizarre- not really used to it.”

“But I’m so happy everyone came out.”

Collins represents the previous generation of Degrassi members who have left the show to move on in their respected acting careers: Jake Epstein (Craig) is currently the lead in the touring Tony-Award winning musical Spring Awakening, Nina Dobrev (Mia) is set to star in the hyped fall CTV series The Vampire Diaries, Aubrey Graham (Jimmy) is gearing up for his Hip/Hop debut as Drake- signing with Lil’ Wayne’s record label, and Shenae Grimes (Darcy) is shooting her second season of 90210 in Los Angeles.

This time around in Paradise City, old meets the new, as the Degrassi alumnus share the screen with the show’s newest characters. The bunch make the cross-continent trek from Toronto to Tinseltown where they try their fare share at making it big in the industry.

Jason Mewes plays himself as a director, who’s holding auditions for his new movie “Mewesical High”- which causes a stir among the students at school. Paige, who’s been living in Hollywood to become a fashion designer, hasn’t had the best of luck- finding herself rather working as an assistant to a reality star. But when her sudden audition catches the eye of Robbie (Dan Levy), a studio producer, she lands the lead role and invites old friends Marco (Adamo Ruggiero) and Ellie (Stacey Farber) down to come along for the ride.

This also causes Manny (Cassie Steele) to carve out her own journey to L.A. -along with Jay Hogart (Mike Lobel) and Degrassi rock band Stüdz- to claim that lead role which she believes is rightfully hers.

“It was amazing,” says Steele, 19, “you know, hanging with Mike Lobel and all the crew, good times laughing.”

But now what would Degrassi be without a little bit of Drama, eh? Well from Paige letting the celebrity life get to her head, to Ellie running into Craig, a former flame who’s been living out west in Los Angeles, clean from his season six coke addiction- the four-part season 8 finale has a healthy balance of everything on the checklist.

Directed by the series’ very own alumni Stefan Brogren (Snake), the movie was shot both in Toronto and Los Angeles. And it’s obvious that “going Hollywood” requires a few celebrity cameos -which the film delivered, sprinkled throughout the story- including Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Mewes and Kevin Smith (Jay and Silent Bob), Vivica A. Fox, and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.

“Obviously having Kevin and Jason was so exciting,” recalls Collins. “And also Dan levy and then the L.A. people, I can’t pick one, it was just such a fun experience.”

Known to be avid fans of the show, Smith and Mewes made appearances on seasons 4 and 5, and an on-the-carpet Mewes was in high-spirits about the latest experience.

“It was great,” says Mewes, 35, known for playing the drug dealer Jay, in Jay and Silent Bob. “Those guys were great to have called me, and shooting with all of the cast was awesome.”

Degrassi’s latest Queen-Bee Charlotte Arnold (Holly J.), who was featured only in a brief scene, had nothing but praise toward her fellow cast-mates.

“For me this was exciting,” says the 20-year-old former Naturally, Sadie star, “because I had never seen the movie before, and truthfully, I hadn’t even read the script. So this was brand new, and what they did was incredible, so proud of everyone.”

And for Arnold and the rest of the cast, the fall season is just around the corner, which means back to school at Degrassi Community School for the next two months for season 9 filming. A 22-year-old franchise known to just keep on teaching the lessons of life, but the latest advice now: to catch Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood, on CTV on Sunday, August 30 at 8 pm ET.

Lindsay Lohan Robbed Again

Emma Renda — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:13:50 +0000

For the second time in three months, Lindsay Lohan’s Hollywood home was robbed, according to E! Online. Perhaps she could consider locking all her doors.

Early Sunday morning, three burglars gained access to Lohan’s property and entered her home through an unlocked door. Once inside, they apparently ransacked the house but didn’t nick her more expensive goods. Instead, Lohan posted on Twitter they stole only items of personal value – “just things that a certain old friend knew meant a lot to me,” Lohan Tweeted.

None of the items were listed in detail but Lohan told police it looked like the perps knew what they were doing. Security photos from a camera on Lohan’s property have been released (they are available on E!Online), and the LAPD has posted a detailed list of traits to identify the three burglars – two females and one male between 18-25 – but no arrests have yet been made.

To make matters worse, the British press have pounced on the robbery. A story on the Mirror UK’s website says a sex tape could be among the stolen goods, that also include incriminating videos and photos, but no valid sources have been revealed to qualify those claims. Considering the rest of Lohan’s career moves, it wouldn’t be a surprise but for her sake – and the rest of the world’s - I hope the alleged tape never sees the light of day.

Degrassi Headed To Hollywood

Eva Lam — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:21:16 +0000

The kids of “Degrassi: The Next Generation” are going to Tinseltown for the series’ first-ever movie.

Titled “Degrassi Goes Hollywood,” the movie follows the characters Manny (Cassie Steele) and Paige (Lauren Collins) from the popular Canadian series as they try to launch acting careers in L.A.

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz will show up in cameo roles.

The two-hour film, which was shot in Toronto and L.A. last fall, will air on the N channel in the U.S. this summer and on CTV at an undetermined date.

Fans can check out the trailer on YouTube here.

“Degrassi: TNG” finished airing its eigth season in April. Last week, the show won a People’s Voice Webby award in the best sound design category for its Halloween-themed episode, “The Curse of Degrassi.”

Young Hollywood At The Oscars

Ilan Mester — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:33:56 +0000

Rumours have been flying everywhere that Disney stars like Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Miley Cyrus and “Twilight” actor Robert Pattinson will make appearances during the Academy Awards on Sunday February 22.

“High School Musical” star Zac Efron and his girlfriend and “High School Musical” co-star Vanessa Hudgens are rumoured to be presenting the award for Best Original Song according to E! Online.

On Monday, rumours started about “Twilight’s” Robert Pattinson and if he would present an award. However, there has been no confirmation of this, or if co-star Kristen Stewart will present the award with Pattinson.

Last year, “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus made an appearance at the Academy Awards, and although there has been no confirmation if Cyrus is scheduled to take the stage, it has been reported by E! Online that she will be at the Oscars in support of the animated flick “Bolt,” which is nominated under the Animated Feature category.

Saturday Night Live Reunion

Ilan Mester — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:13:09 +0000

Adam Sandler and his former “Saturday Night Live” co-stars Chris Rock, Rob Schneider and David Spade are planning a comedy flick alongside “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” actor Kevin James.

The film will follow five high school buddies who reunite on a July 4 holiday weekend after 30 years. Sandler co-wrote the comedy that will be directed by “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan” director Dennis Dugan according to Variety.

In other news, rapper Snopp Dogg has sealed a deal with MTV to host a variety show called “Dogg After Dark.” The show will feature celebrity interviews, performances by artists and sketch comedy. “Dogg After Dark” will air for seven Tuesdays consecutively starting February 14, according to E! Online.

Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins and Oscar nominee Josh Brolin are set to join an ensemble cast for Woody Allen’s next movie. The film written by Allen will start filming this summer in London.

25 Celebrities to Receive Walk of Fame Stars Next Year

andPOP Staff — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:37:41 +0000

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame Committee has announced that 25 celebrities, ranging from Felicity Huffman to the Village People will get stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame next year.

The committee chose nominees which were later approved by their board of directors.

According to MSN.com, other celebrities who will receive stars include singer Shakira, John Stamos, Cameron Diaz, Robert Downey Jr., Kenneth “Baby Face” Edmonds, Tim Burton and Tinkerbell.

SAG Negotiations Not Going Well

andPOP Staff — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:58:13 +0000

It looks like another Hollywood strike may be around the corner

Talks between Hollywood studios and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) have come to a standstill once again, fueling rumours that an agreement may not be reached by the June 30th deadline.

Hollywood studios walked away from the bargaining table Tuesday.

Both sides could not agree on how much actors would be paid for shows streamed online, the types of web programs that would be covered under the contract and the use of clips on the Internet without actors’ consent.

The studios also turned down SAG’s demands for a larger cut of DVD revenues and higher pay for guest stars and other performers.

SAG is accusing the studios of focusing on talks with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), a smaller actors union, in order to pressure SAG into an agreement.

AFTRA covers actors on a few prime time shows while SAG covers movie, TV and commercial actors. Both unions share 44, 000 members, but after a year long feud, AFTRA broke off its joint bargaining agreement with the Guild.

The studios have offered to resume talks with SAG on May 28th in the hopes that they can come to an agreement before the fast approaching deadline.

Eric Schiffer in Talks for Buddy Flick

andPOP Staff — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 21:06:48 +0000

Best-selling author Eric Schiffer is turning his focus to acting.

Schiffer is in discussions to appear in an action comedy film with TK Carter (Dr. Detroit, Domino and Showtime’s “The Corner”). The buddy flick would also feature a well-known actor.

Schiffer recently signed up for an independent release – a Charles Bronson remake currently titled “Death Wish Returns.”

Filming will begin in December 2007 in Glasgow, Scotland, and will be released some time in 2008.

This is not his first foray into the entertainment business, however.

He appeared in “Yesterday’s Target” with Daniel Baldwin and LeVar Burton, and “Boys Klub” with Beau Bridges. He has directed such actors as Faye Dunaway, Rachael Hunter, Corbin Bernson and Robert Wagner.

Schiffer is also producing the upcoming film “Asylum Hill.”

His book, “Emotionally Charged Learning,” was released in 2003 and he has been featured on the cover of such publications as The Saturday Evening Post and Entertainment Today.

“In this fast-moving and captivating book, Eric Schiffer…defines a new vision he calls Emotionally Charged Learning,” says fellow author Bob Nelson. “This book will help you integrate what we know with what we feel. It will help you merge understanding with experience– and enjoy doing it in a way you never imagined possible.”

Sponsored post: Hollywood News Entertainment Service.

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