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Stars In Seriously Good Spirits At Oscar Nominees Luncheon
It’s overcast in Los Angeles today, but that didn’t stop this year’s batch of Oscar nominees from smiling at the annual Academy Award luncheon, honoring them and their competition at the iconic Beverly Hilton. Celebs like George Clooney, Viola Davis, Melissa McCarthy, Brad Pitt and Michelle Williams popped into the press room in between cocktails and kept reporters laughing with their banter and silly answers. I was there, hiding in the corner with my laptop, and it seriously sounded like the inside of the Laugh Factory. Who wouldn’t be happy hobnobbing with their A-List peers over some seriously good food?
Some of the best behind the scenes moments…
George Clooney was the first of the talent to hit the press room. “I got here early for the booze,” he joked. The actor, nominated twice this year, might just be the most beloved man in Hollywood. He knew all the reporters and even ribbed one guy about his vest. “Did your wife make that?” teased George. I’ve never seen a man charm a room of people so effortlessly as the Cloonster. Even more delightful – his gorgeous, silver hair. Sorry Anderson Cooper, but a new number one Silver Fox has arrived.
Also charmed by George – Viola Davis, who detailed her honeymoon stay at the actor’s Italian villa. “It was so romantic,” said The Help star. “And so generous of him. Its not like George and I hang out.” She added, laughing, “I mean, I like the guy.”
Viola looked amazing – and I do mean ahhh-mahhhh-zing – in a neon pink JC Obando dress and some serious arm muscles. The woman is ripped. She was also at ease, telling reporters, “At the end of the day you really have to define joy and happiness for yourself…Doing the publicity for this movie, I have found my voice…when I started getting all this scrutiny for this choice of playing a maid, I was taken aback at first. But through the course of having to defend my choices, I have really found my voice.”
I got to see Rooney Mara in the flesh for the first time. She’s quite pretty, and I find the thick bang look totally works on her. She revealed that she was at the Superbowl (her family owns the NY Giants) and laughed when asked what it takes to pick a dress for the Oscars. “I haven’t found a dress yet,” she said. “It’s a simple process. People send you things you try them on and you wear what you like.”
Octavia Spencer is THE best, and it’s not just because we share a last name. “This is my first time to the party so I am going to enjoy every aspect of it,” she said. In between answering questions she adorably sang “I’m an Oscar nomineeeeeee” into the mic multiple times.
The quiet Janet McTeer, nominated for her work in Albert Nobbs, got the biggest laugh of the press room when her cell phone rang in her purse. “Can you turn off your phones please?” she joked. “No respect for talent.”
Brad Pitt spoke about his charitable work. “It’s been one of the nicest things about where I get to stand today,” he said. Funny, because the nicest thing about where I stood today was getting to be ten feet away from Brad Pitt.
Jean DuJardin continues to rule my heart with his grin and his musings in broken English and his general hotness. He said he likes to eat cinnamon buns when he’s in LA. I like to eat cinnamon buns every day! Soul mates?
Best Actor nominee Demian Bichir received cheers from reporters upon his arrival in the press room. George Clooney and Brad Pitt praised his work in A Better Life, and he seemed equally taken with his competition. “It’s weird,” he said. “I was talking to Brad and George over there and I was like ‘What?!” Just to be a apart of those names in an industry with so much tslent, it makes it an incredible honor.”
For more moments from today’s luncheon, check out our gallery below.
Source: Stars In Seriously Good Spirits At Oscar Nominees Luncheon
Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.: "Music Nowadays Is Hurting People"
America’s Got Talent winner Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. has come a long way since being homeless and struggling “working regular jobs.” The crooner blew us away with his jazzy renditions of Dean Martin’s Ain’t That a Kick in the Head and Frank Sinatra’s My Way throughout the show’s sixth season. The reality TV star says he wanted to show the “younger generation what good music used to be like.”
The 37-year-old father-of-five gets frank with Celebrity baby Scoop about how “music nowadays is hurting people” and says he’s challenging other artists to rise above the oppressive lyrics. “I didn’t want to go out there and sing a song that was going to upset somebody or degrade any women,” he says. He continues to tell his inspirational story that led him to AGT, opens up about his “great” kids, and says music can be good again “if we started picking up instruments again and loving one another.”
CBS: Congrats on your America’s Got Talent win! How has life changed?
LEM: “Thank you so much. Life hasn’t changed too much. I’m just really busy, but I’m still myself.”
CBS: Tell us about how you got on the show.
LEM: “After washing cars and working regular jobs, I started singing in a blues band throughout West Virginia. I did charity events and things like that. While I was doing that, my mother in law passed away and my wife started spending time up at their place [before she died]. It got to the point where she didn’t want us to go home. Sometimes we would spend up to a week with her and one time when we went home, my door was kicked in and was wide open. Somebody had broken in and taken everything that I owned – all my clothes, all my furniture.
And then my blues band fell apart. So with that and the robbery, I remember just laying in my bed and asked, ‘What can I do?’ God spoke to me and said, ‘You need a bigger stage.’ And right at that moment, an America’s Got Talent comercial came across my TV screen and I just knew: ‘This is what I need to do.’ I signed up and I told a lot of my friends and family that I was going. Some of them laughed because I told them what I was singing. I told them I was going to stick to my gut. AGT is the kind of show that lets you be yourself. I told them the songs I wanted to sing, and they let me go out and do it. And I really appreciated that.
And I didn’t even go on the show to win! I just went to have a better chance at doing something. I really wanted to go to New York and sing Frank Sinatra without getting ‘booed’ – as a black male, I’m 6’4″ with dreadlocks. Either they were going to make fun or me, or they would like me. I chose Frank Sinatra because I didn’t want to go out there and sing a song that was going to upset somebody or degrade any women.
And then I wanted to bring back all the old crooners from my memories, and create new memories for generations to come just to show the younger generation what good music used to be like. And what it could still be like if we started picking up instruments again and loving one another.
I sang I’ve Got You Under My Skin. That’s the first one I sang on my audition.”
CBS: Do you like R&B and rap music?
LEM: “Yes, I like everything from motown to southern rock. But everybody’s doing R&B. There’s millions of rappers. I do it too; I do R&B and hip hop. But I just wanted to do something different. And plus, as far as the show goes, the winner headlines a show in Vegas. I was thinking about what was missing in Vegas… a crooner! That’s the only thing that’s missing in Vegas. So that’s why I chose Frank Sinatra.”
CBS: Are you in Vegas right now?
LEM: “No I’m at home right now and have some shows coming up including the Super Bowl. I sold out the Clay Center which is the biggest arts center in West Virginia where I’m from. I sold it out four times in a row. No one has ever sold it out – Céline Dion has been here and no one has ever sold it out.”
CBS: What are your kids’ names and ages?
LEM: “Michael, 17, Marcus, 15, Morgan, 13, Terrick,18, and my stepdaughter Kyra is 15. They’re doing great. My son is about to graduate and he plans on going to college. He plays and sings also. He might play in some of my shows.
They can’t believe I won the show! I’m 37 and they think I’m old. They say, ‘I can’t believe you’re still following your dreams, dad.’ Why wouldn’t I?! Teenager think 30-year-olds are old.
I want to set the example for all kids. Or just anybody who has a dream to just go out and do it. I just got the West Virginia of the year award! There’s just a whole lot of stuff going on. It’s been a fantastic ride.”
CBS: How do you feel about Jay-Z ditching the word ‘bitch’ from his lyrics?
LEM: “He’s listening to me! That’s what music has to do. Music nowadays is hurting people, it’s not making things better. They’re talking about all the women they’ve had sex with, or that they can’t have sex with. And all the money and all the cars. People are getting tired of it! Why would you go out and buy somebody’s CD if they’re going to dog you in their songs? I don’t understand why women would buy a booty-shakin’ song when all they’re doing is dogging you in the video. They’re talking about you through the whole album and you’re at the club dancing to their song like it’s a good song for women. It’s not.
That’s why I chose the genre that I did. I could’ve come out and done the same thing, but I didn’t want to do that. I quit buying people’s music because they’re always talking about the same thing. When 2Pac and Biggie died, I just stopped buying hip hop.
My kids listen to Lil’ Wayne and Jay-Z. The point of it is, if I was to buy your CD or go to your concert and after the concert I feel like less of a man, there’s something wrong with that. I have to go out and try to rob a bank or sell drugs or do something to even get on your level, just to look good in my woman’s eyes or my kids eyes?! Why would I spend my last dollars on that? I don’t get that. I don’t understand why America does that. I really can’t see myself going to anybody’s concert unless they’re giving me a positive message in their song.”
CBS: Who inspires you musically?
LEM: “I like Beyoncé, Common from Chicago as a hip hop artist. I like Jennifer Hudson, Tony Bennett, and Queen Latifah has a jazzy thing going on now. There’s a whole lot of people who could be that way. Lil’ Wayne could be that way, he’s got enough followers.”
CBS: What’s up next for you?
LEM: “I want to focus on my goals for 2012. I want to give back to my community. I want to help out with my kids’ education. I’m trying to get our house built. And I’m working on a crooner album of my own songs. I also want to do a gospel CD and a Christmas CD.”
Source: Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.: "Music Nowadays Is Hurting People"
Which Lucky Lady Will Land On The Cover Of The 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue?
UPDATE (6:25pm): Sorry Dave Letterman, but the cover’s been spoiled. If you want to know who landed it, we’ve got the winner after the jump.
While the 2011 Oscars won’t be held for another few weeks, tomorrow is the day that’s known in supermodel circles as the “Bikini Oscars.” Yes, that’s right, the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue hits newsstands tomorrow, marking a day that is loathed by shrewish librarians, dreaded by cashiers at drugstores nationwide, and revered by horny dudes the world over.
Sure, the widespread prevalence of internet porn has stolen some of the luster away from what used to be regarded as the Fourth of July for masturbators, but that doesn’t mean that Sports Illustrated has lost its power to turn famous, barely clothed supermodels into slightly MORE famous, barely clothed supermodels. Take, for instance, Brooklyn Decker, who went from being a really hot bikini model in print magazines to being a really hot bikini model in major motion pictures after she landed the cover last year! If that isn’t proof positive that landing the cover of of the Swimsuit Issue can change a gorgeous young woman’s life, I don’t know what is.
So, with that said, who will be this year’s Brooklyn Decker? Take a highly unscientific, wildly biased and possibly offensive look at the seventeen candidates for the crown in our FABLife gallery below. Will it be the woman who escorted Lady Gaga to the Grammys in an egg yesterday, Anne V? Could former Victoria’s Secret model Izabel Goulart end up being the face that launched a thousand boners? Or will Brooklyn Decker be a repeat winner, putting her well on her way towards being this generation’s Elle MacPherson? WE! DON’T! KNOW!
SPOILER: And your 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover model is … Irina Shayk! Boy oh boy, is Cristiano Ronaldo ever going to be PISSED.
[Photo: Getty Images]
Continue reading here: Which Lucky Lady Will Land On The Cover Of The 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue?
2011 Chicago Auto Show Visitor’s Guide – Inside Line
With well over 1 million square feet of display space, the Chicago auto show is the largest event of its kind in the country. From trucks and SUVs to the smallest compact hatchbacks, there’s a little bit of everything at McCormick Place.
The 2011 Chicago Auto Show featured several notable world debuts in addition to a wide array of the latest production cars. If you saw our coverage of the 2010 L.A. Auto Show and 2011 Detroit Auto Show, you might recognize some of the cars as many of the same debuts that will show in Chicago, too.
Even if you’re not interested in the latest new cars and trucks, there’s still plenty to do at McCormick Place. There are four different indoor test tracks to get you behind the wheel, in addition to a rock climbing wall at Dodge and a NASCAR display at Toyota. You can enter to win a free garage makeover or even a free iPad at the Hyundai booth.
If you’re there just to see the cars, here’s our list of can’t-miss vehicles that will be on the show floor from February 11-20:
2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe: It may be small, but this BMW coupe packs a 335-horsepower inline six-cylinder and a six-speed manual transmission. This limited-edition coupe also gets wider bodywork, a lower stance and 19-inch wheels.
2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: This is one of the most powerful and sophisticated Camaros ever built. It features a 550-hp supercharged V8, six-speed transmission and a fully adjustable suspension.
2011 Dodge Charger SRT8: The meanest-looking sedan on the road just got a little angrier. There’s now a 465-hp Hemi V8 under the hood of this big sedan, while new bodywork adds an even more menacing look. This car will scare kids and adults alike, which is exactly the way Dodge wants it.
Ford Vertrek Concept: Don’t be fooled by the funny name. This is nothing but a thinly veiled version of the next Ford Escape. You’ll notice that it looks less like an SUV and more like a tall wagon. That’s on purpose, as that’s where the market is headed these days. Take a look and see if it’s the kind of Escape you would prefer.
2012 Fiat 500: This is the Italian minicar that is hoping to make Americans appreciate small cars again. It will start around $15,000 and offer a wide array of personalization options. If a Mini seems too big these days, you’ll want to check out this new Fiat.
2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec: If you haven’t checked out this midsize luxury sedan yet, the Chicago show would be a good time to do it. Hyundai rolled out an all-new R-Spec model that offers a 5.0-liter V8 with 429 hp and an eight-speed transmission. Should be fast, and much cheaper than its European rivals.
2012 Hyundai Veloster: This all-new entry-level hatchback combines unique styling with surprising efficiency. Hyundai says it expects the Veloster to get up to 40 mpg when it goes on sale this summer. Not bad for a 140-hp coupe that will start at less than $18,000.
2012 Nissan GT-R: This Japanese supercar received some major upgrades for 2012. It now boasts 530 hp, even bigger brakes and a 0-60-mph time of just 3 seconds. If you want to see what a foolproof supercar looks like, take a good look at the latest GT-R.
2012 Porsche Cayman R: This is the Cayman for hard-core enthusiasts who don’t need all that sissy stuff like a radio, door handles or air-conditioning. Don’t worry: There’s a 330-hp flat-6 to keep you occupied when you’re not sweating at a stoplight in the summer.
2012 Volkswagen Passat: Maybe you saw this car in an ad during the Super Bowl? Or maybe you didn’t notice it with all the Star Wars stuff in the way. Here’s your chance to take a closer look at the sedan Volkswagen hopes will attract American buyers with its affordable price and spacious interior.
General Information
Chicago weather is far from friendly in midwinter, but fortunately McCormick Place is surprisingly self-contained, with hotel and restaurant facilities as well as the halls for the auto show. When we’re at the show, we try to stay right there and not risk frostbite.
Take advantage of the Chicago auto show’s excellent Web site, which provides all the details you need to arrange a visit, from the $11 ticket price for adults to the long list of special events, autograph signings and radio broadcasts scheduled to take place on the floor of the show. If you want to see what’s going on without ever leaving your house, check out the wide array of Webcams positioned through McCormick Place.
What with the winter weather, the Web site is invaluable for its description of parking and shuttle bus routes. If you hate to venture outdoors, you can park right in the Hyatt garage, or if you’re brave enough to face the weather, the far end of the Soldier Field South lot is adjacent to a shuttle bus stop.
Continue reading here: 2011 Chicago Auto Show Visitor’s Guide – Inside Line
