As reported by celebrity-gossip.net, powerhouse actors, Nicole Kidman and James Franco are set to appear in a revival of Tennessee William’s 1959 play, “Sweet Bird of Youth”.

This news comes alongside the Oscar Nominations in which Kidman and Franco are both up for leading actor/actress. “Sweet Bird of Youth” follows the story of a young gigolo and aspiring actor, Chance Wayne, who returns to his hometown to seek the help of Princess Kosmonopolis (also known as Alexandra Del Lago), a fading movie actress, in hopes that she will help him break into Hollywood. Wayne also returns to win back his former girlfriend whose father kicked him out of town years ago.

The play was adapted for the screen in 1962 with Richard Brooks directing and starring Paul Newman, Geraldine Page, and Rip Torn. It also went on to win an Oscar for Ed Begley in a best supporting role.

The play features very strong writing. With Kidman and Franco starring it should go on to receive rave reviews.

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It looks like Oprah’s going to be doing more than just taping a few shows during her trip to Australia this week.

Radar Online is reporting that the queen of middle-aged women everywhere took a break from her show’s special taping schedule in the land down under to take a yacht cruise with the ever-charming Russell Crowe.

O and Crowe took a quick sail through Sydney Harbor followed by a flotilla of smaller boats carrying the hundreds of lucky women and fans. The ladies were winners of the talk show’s dream trip giveaway and were invited to accompany Oprah on the landmark trip and taping.

We imagine this was a segment for the show and not just some spontaneous yachting jaunt…right?

Fellow Aussies Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are also due to hang with Winfrey during the trip, though what exactly they’ll be doing with her and her guests is unclear.

Come on, Nicole! We want to see Oprah go scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef!

Brace yourself for sky-high ratings amongst your Australian audience, Ms. Winfrey!

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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.”

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Woody Allen has added Nicole Kidman to the all-star cast of his latest film, which will begin shooting in London this summer.

According to Variety, the actress joins a cast that includes Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts and Freida Pinto of “Slumdog Millionaire” fame.

No plot details have been released for the as-yet-untitled project.

Meanwhile, acclaimed director Allen will release his already-completed film, “Whatever Works,” into theatres on June 19. The movie, which stars Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood, will premiere at next month’s Tribeca Film Festival.

Kidman, who most recently starred in the epic romance “Australia,” will next appear in “Nine.” The Rob Marshall-directed musical will hit theatres in November.

The Academy Award-winning actress was one of four Australian stars – alongside Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush – honoured last month with special edition stamps by their country’s post office.

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He’s only directed three other movies, yet five minutes into Australia I could already tell I was watching a Baz Luhrmann film. It wasn’t just the old-time opening, or the grainy-yet-computerized globe-trotting animation detailing Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman)’s journey from Britain to Australia (though that certainly helped), it was the film’s aggressively old-fashioned atmosphere, combined with a complete lack of cynicism on the director’s part. Formula rules in studio movies, but it’s a knowing, calculated formula, created by executives who don’t believe in it to hoodwink the masses who do. Like Moulin Rouge before it, Australia is most groundbreaking in its creator’s sincerity.

Pity it’s not a better movie.

It starts off well, justifying the reason for its existence by mentioning something about the Australian government’s policy during WWII to kidnap half-white/half-aboriginal boys and take them away to be trained for service – and to have the “black” stripped from them. These kids, according to the movie, became known as “the lost generation,” and the government didn’t issue a formal apology for them until this year. Australia is narrated by one of these lost boys, a “half-breed” known as Nullah, played by newcomer Brandon Walters. It quickly becomes clear, however, that Nullah’s place in history is just a backdrop for the old-fashioned romance he witnesses between Lady Ashley and Drover, a cattle driver played by Hugh Jackman.

This Western romance, which takes up the movie’s first act, is gorgeous and entertaining, as Luhrmann makes liberal use of both the Australian outback and his effective leads to bring us scenes that are by turns touching, thrilling, and funny. Lady Ashley and Drover (with Nullah’s help, of course) lead a cattle drive across the desert while contending with a group of wranglers led by Lady Ashley’s former rancher (played by David Wenham). I’d heard complaints the movie feels too long, but my impression with this first act was it wasn’t long enough – most glaringly we hear multiple stories about the treacherous “Never Never,” and apparently Nullah and co. trek through it, but we never actually see it.

Then their trek comes to a successful close (was there ever any doubt?) and the second act begins.

The problem is this second act, the brooding, romantic war epic promised by the trailers, feels completely separate from the first. And since I already felt like I had seen a complete film, it would have needed a new setup to engage me. As is, it never gained its footing. The second act isn’t a total loss, since Kidman, Jackman, and Walters’ characters remain engaging, and Wenham makes an especially good nasty-yet-sympathetic villain, but instead of being pulled along like I was in the first act, I felt disconnected, and was simply watching it lumber from one plot point to the next with Luhrmann’s characteristic quickness. Perhaps audiences will disagree with me; I hope they do. Personally I was left to think about (and shudder at) what was ideologically wrong with the movie.

You didn’t think I’d finish this review without mentioning something, did you? The film pretends to be about something, but really isn’t. It elevates a beautiful white woman to sainthood for realizing how unfortunate the circumstances around her are, but never leaves any doubt that she is above them, nor does it address the underlying reasons. It pays the social consequences Nullah would have faced being a half-breed lip service without depicting them. It presents another character as an adult mirror to Nullah – half-black, half-white, when in reality he isn’t, nor could he look, less black. No less than three aboriginal characters are reverently presented as magic negroes, including one who heroically sacrifices himself. You really want to depict a lesson being learned? Have the sexist, racist white Russian sacrifice himself.

…And yet this is a Baz Luhrmann film. It was clearly directed by someone who cared about his audience and wanted to entertain. It looks like something that required nine months of shooting. As I’ve said before, better a movie that aims high and misses than a movie which aims low and hits. I would not have regretted spending $11 to see it. We deserve a market for intelligent filmmaking like this, so here’s hoping it does well.

I just can’t help wishing Australia had been a better movie.

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Kate Hudson has joined the Weinstein’s film adaptation of the musical “Nine,” reports Cinematical.com.

Hudson rounds out and incredible all-star cast, including last year’s Oscar darlings Daniel Day-Lewis and Marion Cotillard, as well as Judi Dench, Sophia Loren, Penélope Cruz and Nicole Kidman.

The play is about a director (Day-Lewis) going through a mid-life crisis following his biggest career success and becoming entangled romantically with several women.

“Nine” debuted on Broadway in 1982 and played 729 performances.

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In celebrity baby news, Nicole Kidman gave birth to a healthy baby girl this morning in Nashville, reports E! News.

Kidman and husband Keith Urban named their first child Sunday Rose Kidman Urban. The new bundle checked in at 6 pounds, 7½ ounces, according to a statement from their publicist.

“Keith was by Nicole’s side, and mother and baby are very well,” the rep said.
Urban also posted the good news on his website:

“Earlier this morning, Nic gave birth to our beautiful baby girl,” he wrote. “We want to thank everybody that has kept us in their thoughts and prayers. We feel very blessed and grateful that we can share this joy with all of you today.”

Kidman and Urban married June 25, 2006 and announced their pregnancy in January. Kidman has two other children from her marriage to Tom Cruise, Isabella, 15, and Connor, 13.

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Nicole Kidman has called her relationship much more laid-back than her previous marriage to Tom Cruise.

She told Vogue magazine, “Keith and I, we’re more like, ‘Hey’ [she shrugs and smiles]. We just gently, gently sort of fell into each other. We were just two lonely people who went, ‘Ah, there you are.’ I’m so committed to this relationship, and so is he. I don’t have addiction problems, but love is a very powerful force in my life. It’s my fatal flaw and my virtue.”

The couple are expecting a child this summer – an overwhelming emotional ride for Kidman, who has suffered several miscarriages.

“When I first saw the baby on the ultrasound, I started crying,” she said in the interview. “I didn’t think I’d get to experience that in my lifetime. I like the unpredictable nature of it. To feel life growing with you is something very, very special, and I’m going to embrace that completely.”

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Nicole Kidman will play Dusty Springfield in an upcoming biopic about the legendary English chanteuse.

According to Daily Variety, Kidman, 40, will also produce the movie through Fox’s Blossom Films.

The script is being penned by Michael Cunningham, the same writer behind the novel “The Hours,” which was adapted into a 2002 movie starring Kidman as literary giant Virginia Woolf. Kidman won an Oscar for her performance.

Kidman’s newest project is one of two Hollywood films about Springfield currently in the works. Universal is developing its own biopic, starring Kristin Chenoweth (“The West Wing”) as the pop icon.

The films’ release dates have yet to be announced.

Springfield reached the height of her popularity in the 1960s with hits like “I Only Want To Be With You” and “The Look of Love.” In her personal life, she strugged with mental illness and substance abuse.

She died from breast cancer in 1999 at the age of 59.

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The rumours are finally true: Nicole Kidman is pregnant with her first biological child.

After denying reports that she and hubby Keith Urban were knocked up, Kidman’s publicist confirmed the pregnancy yesterday, releasing this statement: “Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban confirmed today that they are expecting a baby. The couple are thrilled.”

Kidman has two adopted children with ex-husband Tom Cruise, young teens Isabella and Connor. This will be the first child for Urban.

The couple married in the summer of 2006. Urban checked himself into rehab for alcohol abuse several months later, but with Kidman by his side he has been doing much better.

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Despite topping the weekend box office, The Golden Compass couldn’t find its way to a record-breaking debut.

New Line Cinema was hoping the $180 million fantasy epic would pull in big numbers but had to settle for $26.1 million and the number one weekend spot.

It’s been compared to other children’s books turned movie franchises like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter but those movies grossed at least $47 million in their first weekends.

After loads of controversy surrounding the anti-Christian messages in the Golden Compass and less than great reviews, the movie seemed doomed. But even if it didn’t live up to the hype, the film pulled in much bigger numbers than stars Nicole Kidman’s and Daniel Craig’s last flop, The Invasion, E! Online reports.

Rounding out the top five weekend films are Enchanted with $10.7 million, This Christmas coming in at number 3 with $5 million, Fred Claus, $4.7 million and finally, Beowulf with $4.4 million.

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NICOLE KIDMAN has sensationally revealed the biggest secret during her
nine-year marriage to TOM CRUISE – she miscarried a child.

The tragedy has become the subject of much speculation in recent years, and now Kidman is revealing all in a stunning new Vanity Fair interview.

She recalls, “From the minute Tom and I were married, I wanted to have
babies.

“We lost a baby early on, so that was really very traumatic. And that’s when we would adopt (daughter) Bella.”

When asked to talk about her ill-fated pregnancy, the Australian actress
adds, “There’s a complicated background to that, given that I never speak much about many things. One day maybe that story will be told.”

Kidman and Cruise separated in 2000, shortly before their 10th wedding
anniversary. The divorce was finalised in 2001.

If the miscarriage revelation doesn’t shock, the Patrick Demarchelier Vanity Fair cover shot will – the normally demure and shy Kidman poses in a sailor’s hat and rips open her blouse to reveal a white bra. (KL/PE&VF/MT)

(c) 2007 WORLD ENTERTAINMENT NEWS NETWORK LTD. All global rights reserved. No unauthorized copying or re-distributing permitted.

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Nicole Kidman says her dream life would be quitting acting to live on a paradise island with a huge family.

The 39-year-old actress, who has been at the centre of pregnancy rumours in recent months, admits she would love to have a baby with husband Keith Urban and live the rest of her days in a tropical haven.

She is quoted as saying: “I’d love to be a mum again. I’d always thought I’d live on a Fijian island. I love the idea of being in sarong, with hair down to my bum and kids following me around.”

However, Kidman refused to confirm reports she is already expecting, only saying of her and her spouse: “Our priorities are aligned.”

The ‘Cold Mountain’ star already has two adopted children, Isabella, 13, and Conor, 11, from her marriage to first husband Tom Cruise.

Country music star Urban is currently in rehab being treated for alcoholism.

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Actress Nicole Kidman paid a visit to husband Keith Urban in rehab, squashing rumours their marriage is on the rocks.

Kidman was spotted with her country singer husband at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., on Sunday.

“Keith is expected to be in rehab for 35 to 40 days,” a source told US Weekly.

Urban was admitted to the centre on Oct. 19, where rehab programs start at $21,000 US.

Rumours of alcoholism and cocaine addition have swirled around Urban’s rehab stint. Even so, he took home the Best Male Vocalist trophy during Monday’s Country Music Association Awards in Nashville.

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Nicole Kidman has more on her mind than just her rumoured upcoming wedding this weekend with Keith Urban.

The actress visited a children’s hospital in Sydney yesterday, the Daily Telegraph in Australia reports.

Kidman, her two children and her mother spent two hours at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, visiting the oncology, haematology and neurology wards. Reportedly, she has been a long supporter of the hospital and visits it whenever she is home.

The actress has reportedly asked her wedding guests that in lieu of gifts, they should donate to the children’s hospital.

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In a very Australian gesture of goodwill, Actress Nicole Kidman and her fiance, country singer Keith Urban, gave a case of cold beer to the photographers camped outside her home in Sydney.

Apparently, about 20 paparazzi were stationed outside Kidman’s home when her garage door began to rise. But instead of an appearance by the celebrity couple, two women walked out carrying bottled water and a case of beer.

A note was attached to the case of “Victoria Bitter”: “Enjoy! Nicole and Keith.”

Earlier that day, the paparazzi sent Kidman flowers for her 39th birthday and even sang “Happy Birthday” to her through the intercom.

When she emerged from the house, smiling, she was asked what she had planned for her birthday.

“Not much, dinner at home with mum … boring,” she said. “Thank you for the flowers and the singing.”

Urban and Kidman arrived in Australia on Monday, saying they had returned to the country to be married. The wedding is widely expected to take place this weekend.

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According to Reuters, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have headed home to their native Australia to marry.

“We are very happy to be back in Australia. We have come home to celebrate our wedding with our family and friends,” the couple said in a statement.

Reports are that the wedding will be held at a small Catholic church near the home where Kidman grew up. Speculation is that the two will marry this Sunday.

The couple had not confirmed their relationship until last month when Kidman told People magazine that Urban was her fianc? and not her boyfriend. The two met in 2005 at an awards dinner hosted by the Australian government ? both were being honoured.

Expected guests to the ceremony include Naomi Watts, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Baz Luhrmann, and Rupert Murdoch and his wife Wendi Deng.

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Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are engaged, reports
People magazine.

Kidman announced the engagement to People at an event for the United Nations Development Fund for Woman gala in New York on Saturday.

The pair, who have been the subject of the tabloids since July of last year, never officially said they were a couple, even though four months after meeting, Kidman was sporting a ring on her wedding finger.

Kidman reportedly told People Saturday night that Urban is her “fiance. I wouldn’t be bringing my boyfriend.”

A spokesperson for Kidman could not immediately confirm People’s story, and a spokesperson for Urban could not be reached.

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Oscar-nominated director Baz Luhrmann has enlisted two big-name stars for another of his grand romances, this time set in the Australian outback.

The historical epic will star Oscar winners Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman, who worked with Luhrmann on 2001′s hit musical Moulin Rouge.

Luhrmann’s publicist Maria Farmer confirmed on Thursday that the movie will begin production in August. The filmmaker told Australian newspapers that he would direct and co-write the movie, which he compared to “Gone With The Wind” and “Lawrence of Arabia,” with Australian screenwriter Stuart Beattie.

He said the film would be set in the mid-1930s leading up to the Second World War.

“We have some of the most extraordinary landscape on the planet and we want to get two of the most extraordinary actors in the world and put them … in that landscape,” Luhrmann told The Australian newspaper.

Native Aussies Crowe and Kidman had planned to star in another Australian film based on the novel “Eucalyptus,” by author Murray Bail, but the project fell through last year.

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Actress Nicole Kidman and country singer Keith Urban are reportedly ready for a new year’s wedding.

Life & Style Weekly is reporting that Kidman and Urban could wed as early as this weekend. The magazine says Kidman has already sent out wedding invitations to her Australian friends.

“Nicole?s friends in Australia have received their invitations, and the wedding?s happening this coming weekend,” an insider told Life & Style. “She wants to do it before the year is out, to have it over and done with before Tom Cruise has his big day.”

Cruise and his pregnant fiancee Katie Holmes are getting hitched in the summer or early fall of 2006.

Kidman?s rep couldn?t be reached for comment.

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