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ISAIAH WASHINGTON FILES COMPLAINT OVER IMAGE
May
Isaiah Washington has filed a formal complaint with the Screen Actors Guild against his ex-employer ABC for allowing his image to be used in last week's episode of "Grey's Anatomy." The actor, who was fired from the show in 2007 amid controversy that he used a homophobic slur, claims the producers never got proper consent to use his head shot, which was featured in a newspaper article about his character receiving a prestigious surgeon's award. Washington's attorney, Peter Nelson, sent notices to ABC and SAG indicating the alleged inappropriate use of his image, his manager Howard Bragman told the Associated Press. "They have the rights of the character to advance the story, but not the image," he said, adding that he expects this matter to be resolved via a "financial settlement."
VANESSA WILLIAMS GRADUATES COLLEGE
May
Actress and singer Vanessa Williams received her bachelor of fine arts degree from Syracuse University Saturday and also delivered the convocation address to graduates of Syracuse's College of Visual and Performing Arts, according to reports. The 45-year-old actress-singer, who dropped out of Syracuse nearly 25 years ago to become the first black Miss America, encouraged her fellow graduates to "treasure this moment." "These days are irreplaceable and are the beginning of the rest of your life," she said, according to The Syracuse Post-Standard. Upon receiving her diploma, Williams raised it to show her mother and children. She attended Syracuse's drama department as a musical theater major from 1981-1983. She earned the remaining credits for her degree through industry experience and performances on stage and screen.
MAN CLAIMS O.J. CONFESSED TO MURDERS
May
A memorabilia dealer has written a book that claims O.J. Simpson confessed to killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ronald Goldman on June 12, 1994, according to the Associated Press. In "How I Helped O.J. Get Away With Murder: The Shocking Inside Story of Violence, Loyalty, Regret and Remorse," due in stores today, author Mike Gilbert says O.J. had smoked weed, took a sleeping pill and was drinking beer when Simpson told him he didn't bring a knife to his ex-wife's condo on the night in question -- and that, "If she hadn't opened that door with a knife in her hand ... she'd still be alive." "Nothing more needed to be said," Gilbert writes. "O.J. had confessed to me. There's no doubt in my mind." Gilbert also claims he helped Simpson avoid the murder charges by telling him how to bloat his hands so they wouldn't fit in the infamous Isotoners gloves, according to the AP. Simpson's current lawyer Yale Galanter said that all of Gilbert's claims are bogus and that he is "a delusional drug addict who needs money. "He's fallen on very hard times. He is in trouble with the IRS." "I've talked to O.J. about it," said Galanter, who refused to allow Simpson to comment directly because of his upcoming robbery trial in Las Vegas. "This stuff not only didn't occur but it's not factually supported by the evidence."
MORGAN FREEMAN MOVING TO BROADWAY
May
Morgan Freeman, 70, is looking to stretch his seasoned acting muscles into fresh territory with his new role in Broadway's "The Country Girl," a production of Clifford Odets' 1950 drama, directed by Mike Nichols. After decades of playing such characters as the all-knowing cop, the principal with a heart of gold, the voice-of-reason sidekick and the ultra-cool president, the Academy Award-winner travels to the other end of the spectrum in "The Country Girl" to play an insecure man described as a "bleary bum," reports the AP. Freeman plays Frank Elgin, a stage actor long past his prime who is battling both insecurity and an alcohol problem. When a juicy part in a Broadway-bound play comes along, a battle of sorts breaks out between his long-suffering wife (Francis McDormand) and a producer (Peter Gallagher) banking that Elgin will reclaim his acting chops. Freeman, who has twice played God on film, hopes the role will remind fans that he can also play characters with a less than noble core.
TYLER, OBAMA, MARIAH AMONG TIME'S 'INFLUENTIAL'
May
Filmmaker Tyler Perry, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and singer Mariah Carey join the likes of President Bush, the Dalai Lama and Miley Cyrus on Time magazine's list of the world's 100 most influential people. The list includes nearly 30 celebrities whose appearance was based on votes at the magazine's Web site. Winfrey was cited alongside fellow "influential" entertainers Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Mia Farrow as "heroes and pioneers" for global goodwill. Others making the list include finance adviser Suze Orman, actor George Clooney, media mogul Rupert Murdoch, Russia's Vladimir Putin, China's Hu Jintao, and Obama's fellow presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and John McCain.
DIDDY GETS STAR
May
Sean "Diddy" Combs' has received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. The college promoter-turned-record executive will be honored for his life-long contribution of both public and peer appreciation in the entertainment industry. Beginning with his acting debut in the film "Made," Diddy went on to receive critical acclaim for his supporting role in "Monster's Ball," opposite Halle Berry, and made a successful Broadway debut starring in the lead role of Walter Lee, Jr., in the classic Lorraine Hansberry play, "A Raisin in the Sun," which garnered four Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Play. In addition, Combs stars in and executive produced the highly anticipated, special three-hour television movie adaptation from Sony Pictures Television of "A Raisin in the Sun." The film will be released on DVD May 14.
GARY DOURDAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES
May
Exiting "CSI" star Gary Dourdan, 41, was arrested in Palm Springs for possession of narcotics and dangerous drugs after a patrol officer found a whole bunch of illegal substances in his vehicle. At 5:12 a.m., a cop spotted Dourdan asleep in a car that was parked on the wrong side of the road, according to reports. The actor appeared disoriented and under the influence of either alcohol or drugs once he woke up. Upon search of the vehicle, police found cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy, various prescription drugs, and drug paraphernalia. Dourdan, whose real name is Robert Gary Durdin, was booked at the Palm Springs jail and released at 10:30 a.m. Monday on $5,000 bail. Rumors are already flying that drugs may be at the root of the actor's reported exit from "CSI" at the end of this season when his contract is due to expire.
WESLEY SNIPES SENTENCED TO 3 YEARS
April
Actor Wesley Snipes has been sentenced to three years in prison for his tax crimes. The federal court decision came after a daylong hearing as Snipes' defense team struggled to keep the Orlando-born actor out of prison according to the Orlando Sentinal. When the sentence was read, Snipes remained expressionless -- as did his wife, who was sitting in the front row behind him,. When a reporter asked whether he wanted to say anything, Snipes just spread his arms as if to say, "Like what?" Dan Meachum, his legal counsel, replied: "Not now." After the sentence was announced by the judge, Carmen Hernandez, a recent addition to the Snipes defense team said, "Mr. Snipes was sentenced because he's Mr. Snipes." The judge disagreed, saying Snipes' celebrity had no bearing on the sentence. Hernandez also argued against imposing a fine on the actor. "He will pay off these taxes [with interest and penalties]. He will be paying a lot more than if he had paid his taxes on time," she said. The judge agreed with her on that point, saying Snipes has already paid dearly, a reference to his expensive stable of lawyers. Snipes smiled and nodded his head as if in agreement. Snipes was not taken into immediate custody. He will likely serve his time at a federal prison near his home in New Jersey. Snipes had made a last minute $5 million payment to the treasury, but prosecutors called it a grandstanding move. "It''ll be a fraction of what he owes," said Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Scotland Morris, who made the argument for the government. Snipes was facing sentencing along with his co-defendants, Eddie Ray Kahn, 64, and Douglas Rosile, 59.
MISSING ACTOR ORLANDO BROWN FOUND
April
That's So Raven star Orlando Brown has been found, one day after his manager reported him missing.Brown, 20, was reported missing after leaving his manager's office to visit a nearby 7-Eleven. It turns out, the actor went into seclusion after a bad experience at a nightclub the previous night where his performance skills were criticized. In a statement, Brown said, "It was wrong for me not to inform my manager about my whereabouts, especially when I am usually so routine and big on communication, but I felt a little lost and needed to get away."Brown has several projects in the works, including a Raven spin-off and a new album featuring Akon and Sean Kingston.
DAVE CHAPPELLE SUED BY FORMER MANAGER
April
A former manager for Dave Chappelle says the comedian has failed to pay up on a settlement deal they made regarding several projects, including the comic's film "Dave Chappelle's Block Party." According to TMZ.com, Mustafa Abuelhija settled a 2005 lawsuit with Chappelle after the former Comedy Central star gave him an abrupt pink slip. Terms of the deal called for Abuelhija to receive 10% of the profits from "Dave Chappelle's Block Party," 10% of the money Chappelle earned from seasons 2, 3 and 4 of "Chappelle's Show" and 10% of profits from the comedy special "For What It's Worth." In a new lawsuit filed in New York, Abuelhija claims he has yet to see any money. He says Chappelle has earned close to $1.2 million since they sgned the settlement, and he's entitled to his agreed-upon share.
ANTHONY ANDERSON JOINS 'LAW & ORDER'
April
Anthony Anderson goes from playing a New Orleans detective in Fox's short-lived "K-Ville" to an NYPD detective during the final push of "Law & Order's" 18th season. The actor, who made a guest appearance in 2006 as Det. Lucius Blaine, will reprise his role as a permanent member of the cast. Anderson will make his "L&O" debut on April 23, which doubles as the last episode for Jesse L. Martin's character Detective Ed Green.
TYLER PERRY ANNOYED WITH STALKER
April
In his latest letter to fans, filmmaker/playwright Tyler Perry shared news that he has spent a considerable amount of time dealing with a stalker. "I'm trying to be careful how I say this without inciting this person, but I have a stalker," he begins. "This person sends several hundred emails a day to my office and has planned our wedding and bought rings and such. She has showed up at my house several times. What's crazy is I've never met this woman nor have I even responded to her emails. I've had to increase the guards at my house as well as travel with body guards and I hate that. I hate to have big guys following me around."
GARY DOURDAN OUT OF CSI
April
The show is apparently over for "CSI's" Warrick Brown. The character, played by departing actor Gary Dourdan, will likely appear for the last time on the show's May 15th finale. According to TV Guide, Dourdan has informed producers that he will not renew his contract for a ninth season. No timetable for his exit has been announced, but his contract is set to expire next month CBS, meanwhile refuses to discuss the situation. A network rep told E! News: "We can't confirm or deny this information." According to TV Guide, producers are already looking to replace Dourdan. A recent casting notice sought a male in his late 20s to early 30s to take on the role of Ray Santoro, a "handsome, smart and athletic" CSI who works the graveyard shift at the crime lab.
PROSECUTORS WANT SNIPES IN JAIL FOR 3 YEARS
April
U.S. prosecutors have recommended that Wesley Snipes serve a maximum three-year prison sentence and pay a $5 million fine for failing to file his income taxes, according to a tax-season court filing. U.S. Attorney Robert O'Neill of Florida says his goal is to deter other potential tax dodgers by making an example of Snipes, who after years of "brazen defiance" of U.S. tax laws cheated the government of $41 million. "This case cries out for the statutory maximum term of imprisonment, as well as a substantial fine, because of the seriousness of defendant Snipes' crimes and because of the singular opportunity this case presents to deter tax crime nationwide," O'Neill wrote. Snipes was convicted in February on three misdemeanor counts of willfully failing to file federal tax returns for 1999-2001. Each count comes with a maximum sentence of one year. The actor was acquitted on two felony charges of filing false claims and fraud in seeking millions of dollars of refunds in other tax years.
NAOMI CAMPBELL ARRESTED FOR SPITTING ON COP
April
A stint cleaning toilets and attending anger management classes apparently was not enough to calm Naomi Campbell's temper. The supermodel was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport Thursday for allegedly spitting at a police officer. At 5:11 p.m., officers were called to the newly opened Terminal 5, where chronic baggage delays had been causing folks to lose their tempers all week, according to People.com. But it appears as if Naomi took her frustration a bit too far. After boarding a plane, she was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and taken to Heathrow Police Station. SHe was later relesed on bail but her bag is apparently still missing.
HUDSON TO JOIN BERRY FOR FUNDRAISER
April
Jennifer Hudson, an Oscar winner for "Dreamgirls," has been booked to perform at the Halle Berry Silver Rose Gala and Auction, benefiting the Jenesse Center. Karen Earl, Executive Director Jenesse Center said: "It is thrilling to have Ms. Hudson join our event lineup. She is a true supporter of our work in healing families in crisis." The Silver Rose Gala and Auction is the kickoff event to the Silver Rose Weekend, held April 27 - 28, and honoring individuals and organizations in Jenesse's circle of excellence that have demonstrated the "Power of One" to affect change in their communities. The Silver Rose Weekend will continue with the inaugural Halle Berry Celebrity Golf Classic at the Mountain Gate Country Club on Monday, April 28 at 8:30 a.m. Avid golfer Samuel L. Jackson will join Berry on the greens with several Hollywood A-listers and registered guests for a day of friendly competition, fun and several opportunities for vigorously generous charitable giving. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the women and children of the Jenesse Center, a non profit organization that provides a holistic, comprehensive program to nurture victimized families back to a place of mental, financial, physical and emotional well being.
GABRIELLE UNION SUES TWO MEN OVER FAKE ADS
April
Gabrielle Union has filed an invasion of privacy lawsuit against two Georgia men for posting a fake job advertisement on Craigslist.com. According to legal papers uncovered by TMZ.com, Calvin High and Steve Raymond claimed they were acting on Union's behalf to find her an executive assistant. But the actress says she's never heard of either defendant and was unaware of their actions. Union claims to have suffered "severe emotional distress" as a result of the bogus posting. She also says that High and Raymond subjected her to "embarrassment and humiliation" by putting out the false ad. Her lawsuit, filed in a Georgia district court on Friday, seeks unspecified damages and also names as defendants "John Does 1-10,' because Union's lawyers, Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell, LLC, claim the acts were committed "in conjunction with and/or with the help of several other individuals who are unknown... at this time."
WAYANS BROTHERS DROP OAKLAND PROJECT
April
That huge movie studio and shopping center complex planned by the Wayans brothers is now dead in the water due to conflicts with the nearby port of Oakland. Wayans business partner Britten Shuford said the development destined for the Oakland Army base ran out of gas when the brothers failed to get a commitment from the city to preserve the site's San Francisco Bay views, reports the Associated Press. The port of Oakland plans to stack storage containers and build a dividing wall that would block views of the bay. Now that the Wayans brothers have dropped their bid over the 100-acre parcel, Oakland business officials say the path is now clear for other proposals on developing the base, which closed in 1999. Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums has released a list of 13 other developers interested in building on the site.
PATERNITY SUIT FOR MIKE EPPS
March
A woman in Georgia has sued comedian Mike Epps over claims that he's the father of her newborn baby, yet refuses to submit to a paternity test so that she can secure child support, reports TMZ.com. "We are not asking for the moon, we are just asking him to take a paternity test," said the woman's lawyer, Randy Kessler. "Once the tests are completed and paternity is confirmed, hopefully, Mr. Epps will do the right thing and begin to provide for his child." Kessler says he and his client were trying to keep the matter under wraps, but efforts to contact Epps and his camp have been ignored. The paternity suit was filed in early February, and followed up with five letters as well as lots of phone calls to Epps' lawyers - all to no avail, reports TMZ. The Atlanta woman gave birth to the baby in December 2007.
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OPRAH WINFREY SUED OVER NEW SHOW
March
A Boston woman claims to have pitched a reality show idea titled "The Philanthropist" to producers for Oprah Winfrey, only to see her idea come to fruition and air three years later under the name "Oprah's Big Give." According to the New York Daily News' Rush & Malloy column, Darlene Tracy says it was Feb. 2005 when she developed her concept for "The Philanthropist," which would feature challenges in which contestants find ways to help the needy. Tracy claims she sent her pitch to Ellen Rakieten, executive producer of Winfrey's talk show, and that Rakieten and another producer, Jennifer Thornton, wrote back to ask for more details. Tracy claims to have mailed a detailed business proposal on March 1, 2005. Four months later, Thornton allegedly told Tracy that Oprah's company, Harpo Productions, was going to pass on her idea. In November 2006, Winfrey announced on her show that she was giving money to audience members so they could help their communities. When Oprah and ABC announced the following month they were teaming up for "Big Give,"Tracy, representing herself, promptly filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in Boston seeking to stop "Big Give" from airing, reports the column. Lawyers for Chicago-based Winfrey successfully argued that Massachusetts was the wrong venue in which to try the case. Judge Rya Zobel dismissed Tracy's action, without an opinion. Tracy has since hired a lawyer and filed an appeal that documents her contact with Winfrey's Harpo Productions and sets forth similarities between "The Philanthropist" and "Big Give." There are no details yet as to which state the suit will be filed in to meet legal requirements.
ANGELA BASSETT GETS STAR
March
"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 spoke those words to the crowd gathered to watch her accept her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Bassett received the Walk of Fame's 2,358th star. At the ceremony, the Yale University trained and Oscar nominated actress was joined by her 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." "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 shared. Whitaker said that Bassett was "a powerful artist, a beautiful person, a mother, a wife, a friend who illuminates my life."
IVAN DIXON DIES AT 76
March
Actor, director and producer Ivan Dixon, best known for his role as Kinchloe on the 1960s television series "Hogan's Heroes," died Sunday at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte after a hemorrhage and of complications from kidney failure. He was 76. Dixon's acting career was launched on Broadway in such plays as "The Cave Dwellers" and "A Raisin in the Sun." On film, he appeared in "Something of Value," "A Raisin in the Sun," "A Patch of Blue," "Nothing But a Man" and the cult favorite "Car Wash." His most famous role was U.S. Staff Sgt. James Kinchloe on TV's "Hogan's Heroes," a satire set in a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. Kinchloe, in charge of electronic communications, could mimic German officers on the radio or phone. Actor Sidney Poitier said he befriended Dixon when the actor worked as his stunt double in the 1958 movie "The Defiant Ones." "As an actor, you had to be careful," Poitier said in a statement. "He was quite likely to walk off with the scene." Dixon earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in the CBS Playhouse special "The Final War of Olly Winter." The actor also directed hundreds of episodic shows, including "The Waltons," "The Rockford Files," "Magnum, P.I." and "In the Heat of the Night." Born April 6, 1931, in New York City, Dixon graduated in 1954 from North Carolina Central University in Durham. His honors include four NAACP Image Awards, the National Black Theatre Award and the Paul Robeson Pioneer Award from the Black American Cinema Society.In addition to his daughter Doris Nomathande Dixon, survivors include his wife of 53 years, Berlie Dixon of Charlotte, and a son, Alan Kimara Dixon of Oakland, Calif. Two sons, Ivan Nathaniel Dixon IV and
N'Gai Christopher Dixon, died previously. At Dixon's request, the family said, no memorial or funeral is planned.
HALLE BERRY REVEALS BABY'S NAME
March
Halle Berry revealed Tuesday that she has named her newborn daughter, Nahla Ariela Aubry. "We didn't have a name picked out until just before we left the hospital," Berry told "Access Hollywood's" Nancy O'Dell. "For us, it was hard to name the most important person in our life until we met her." The 7-pound, 4-ounce girl born Sunday to the actress and her boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, is not only surrounded by a reported $60,000 worth of nursery items reportedly spread across three homes, but her mama's neighbor and "Perfect Stranger" co-star, Bruce Willis, showered her with baby gifts from Petit Tresor in West Hollywood. Berry also shopped for the baby at Petit Tresor, buying everything from a $1,200 Mia Bossi leather diaper bag, to sheets and stuffed animals in "all whites and neutrals," a witness told the Daily News. Gabriel's sister, Canadian resident Eugenie Aubry, was interviewed by People magazine about the birth of her niece. "I was so happy when I found out, she said. "It's been a long time since we've had a new baby in the family. It's very exciting."
WILL SMITH DISSED BY DR. DRE IN SOUNDTRACK
March
Sanitized rapper-turned-movie star Will Smith was secretly dissed on the soundtrack of his own 2003 movie "Bad Boys II" - and the responsible party was famed producer Dr. Dre. Dre’s confidant for nearly 20 years, Bruce Williams, revealed in his hip hop memoir "Rollin' With Dre," that producers asked Dre to do some background music for a key scene in the movie. Williams writes, "We made sure that the music underneath that scene was the song 'Bitch Niggaz' from 'The Chronic 2001'." We had to get our fun where we could," Williams says, because Smith had been critical of violent rap songs and had urged artists to tone down their lyrics.
HALLE BERRY HAS A GIRL
March
Oscar winning actress Halle Berry gave birth Sunday morning at Cedars Sinai hospital to a baby girl at approximately 10am! The 7 lb 4 oz baby is the first child for he 41-year-old actress and her 32-year-old boyfriend Gabrielle Aubry. Although the couple said they have no plans to marry, Berry told
Oprah in an earlier interview, the two of them are fully committed to
each other. They met in November 2005. No word on what the couple will name their baby girl, but in an In Style interview she said the baby would take the father's last name. In the February cover story for In Style magazine Berry also gave a clue as to her future motherhood plans. "I may only do this one time, so I want this moment to be as big as it can be," she said. "I want the biggest bang I can possibly imagine."
DANNY GLOVER HONORED AT VIRGINIA FILM FEST
March
Organizers of the Old Dominion University/City of Norfolk (ONFilm) Festival will honor Danny Glover with its lifetime achievement award during an event to be held on the ODU campus and city venues from March 29 through April 5. Glover, an advocate for social rights, will receive his award during a closing gala on April 5 at the Granby Theater. Under the theme "Reel Politics," the festival will include free screenings of films examining subjects from Cold War politics to the politics of gender. Glover, 60, is scheduled to appear in five films this year: "Por Vida," "Blindness," "Stride," Night Train" and the "Harimaya Bridge."
TYRA'S 'TOP MODELS' TRASH LOFT
March
They may have pretty faces, but the contestants from the latest cycle of "America's Next Top Model" are being accused of living like pigs in the New York loft where they stayed for 10 weeks. According to the New York Post's Page Six, landlord Michael Marvisi claims the show finished shooting three weeks ago and left his $6 million apartment with $500,000 worth of damages. The crew, according to a source, "punched hundreds of holes in the ceiling to hang lighting equipment" and ruined the Brazilian wood floors, forcing the owner to tear them up and install all new flooring. "These girls not only destroyed the floors, it appears they had food fights. There's ketchup and coffee splattered all over the landlord's $20,000 white drapes. There's lipstick on the walls," said the insider. "They moved in furniture and made holes all along the walls." The source also says the models damaged a $15,000 chandelier beyond repair and splashed so much water around, the bathroom was ruined and had to be tested for mold. "A plumber had to come fix the toilet and the water caused $90,000 worth of damage to the electrical store on the first floor," said the source, who added that show producers also "skipped out on" a $1,500 electric bill. While damages are estimated to cost about $500,000, the show offered to settle for $125,000, but has not paid Marvisi any money, according to the source. The landlord is reportedly planning to file a lawsuit against the show.
ROCK, STALLONE, SHANDLING ON WIRETAP WITNESS LIST
March
Chris Rock's name appeared on a list of potential witnesses released in the federal wiretapping trial of Hollywood private investigator Anthony Pellicano and four co-defendants. Pellicano acting as his own lawyer is defending charges that he ran a criminal enterprise that wiretapped phones and bribed police and telephone workers. Prosecutors said he obtained confidential information that could be used to gain advantage in divorce, business and other cases. According to court documents, reps for Chris Rock retained Pellicano in a paternity battle waged by then 33-year-old former model Monika Zsibrita. She claimed in April 2006 that Pellicano hired a former LAPD sergeant to snoop through her confidential records after she made a paternity claim against the comedian. Sylvester Stallone and Garry Shandling, also among the potential witnesses announced, were supposed victims of Pellicano's alleged wiretapping. Stallone told The Associated Press last month that he would testify if needed. The witness list compiled by prosecutors included 127 people, but it was not clear how many would actually testify. Also named were Brad Grey, chairman and chief executive officer of Paramount Pictures; Ron Meyer, president and chief executive officer of Universal Studios; and former Walt Disney Co. president and powerful talent agent Michael Ovitz.
UNCF TO HONOR DENZEL AND PAULETTA
March
Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta will be honored this week by the United Negro College Fund at its 64th anniversary dinner in New York. According to the Associated Press, the couple will receive the Frederick D. Patterson Award for helping historically black colleges and universities and assisting minorities with finances for their education. The award is named for a co-founder of the United Negro College Fund and former president of what is now Tuskegee University in Alabama. The UNCF dinner will be held March 7 at a Manhattan hotel.
NAOMI GOES UNDER KNIFE IN BRAZIL
February
Naomi Campbell was admitted to a Brazilian hospital for the removal of a small cyst in her abdomen, her rep said. "Following the successful procedure, she is now resting and is looking forward to getting back to work," said her publicist, Jeff Raymond. "She would like to thank the doctors who have kindly looked after her." The 37-year-old model was treated at Sirio Libanes Hospital in Sao Paulo. Dr. Jose Aristodemo Pinotti, a gynecologist, confirmed to the Associated Press that Campbell underwent abdominal surgery. "I cannot reveal what Naomi had, nor how serious her condition was, but I can say I operated on her yesterday, that everything went smoothly and that she is completely cured and walking in her room," Pinotti said. He described the procedure as a laparoscopy, in which doctors use a thin, lighted scope to view internal organs.
TIME LISTS 25 MOST IMPORTANT FILMS ON RACE
February
Time Magazine, in partnership with CNN, has marked Black History Month with the selection of 25 movies it believes honors the artistry, appeal and determination of African Americans on and behind the big screen. "The 25 Most Important Films on Race," spans nine decades and even includes Will Smith's latest film "I Am Legend." The list "reveals a legacy that was tragic before it was triumphant," writes Time magazine's Richard Corliss. "At first, blacks were invisible; when they were allowed to be seen, it was mostly as derisive comic relief. The 1950s ushered in the age of the noble Negro, in the imposing person of Sidney Poitier - the Jackie Robinson of movies. "Only when Hollywood realized that a sizable black audience would pay to see films more reflective of their lives, whether funny, poignant or violent, were they given control of the means of production. Sometimes. The fact remains that of the 25 films here, chosen to cover the widest range of black films, fewer than half were directed by blacks." The 25 films are listed below:
Hallelujah! (1929)
Judge Priest (1934)
Imitation of Life (1934)
God's Step Children (1938)
The Duke Is Tops (1938)
Gone With the Wind (1939)
The Blood of Jesus (1941)
The Jackie Robinson Story (1950)
Native Son (1951)
Carmen Jones (1954)
The Defiant Ones (1958)
In the Heat of the Night (1967)
Sweet Sweetback's Baad Asssss Song (1971) Lady Sings the Blues (1972)
Cooley High (1975) Killer of Sheep (1977) Richard Pryor Live in Concert
(1979) A Soldier's Story (1984) Do the Right Thing (1989) Boyz N the
Hood (1991) Eve's Bayou (1997) Bamboozled (2000) Madea's Family Reunion
(2002) I Am Legend (2007)
RUBY DEE HONORED BY BLACK ENTERPRISE
Febraury
Actress and activist Ruby Dee, corporate trailblazer Ann Fudge, best-selling poet Nikki Giovanni, and civil rights legend Dorothy Height were honored by Black Enterprise at its 2008 Women of Power Summit Legacy Awards Dinner. The gala kicked off the third annual Women of Power Summit, a four-day executive leadership conference attended by more than 700 professional women of color. "The Women of Power Legacy Award recognizes African American women trailblazers whose achievements, influence, and power have helped to open doors of opportunity and success for women of color," said Barbara Graves, Black Enterprise Senior Vice President and Board Member. "We're honored to celebrate this year's award winners, and are confident their accomplishments will continue to set the standard of success for women leaders." Dee, a 2008 Oscar nominee for her role in "American Gangster," said of her award: "Making important films about black life has been my passion. It's truly an honor to be recognized by Black Enterprise for making the arts responsible, because that's what is important. I want to thank Black Enterprise for making business responsible. That is the spirit of this Summit. I hope it permeates every aspect of our lives."'
DEBATORS' WINS BIG AT IMAGE AWARDS
February
Denzel Washington's "The Great Debaters" stole the spotlight at the 39th Annual NAACP Image Awards Thursday night (hosted by comedian D.L. Hughley), winning for outstanding motion picture and top acting honors for some of its lead and supporting cast. The film's star and director, Denzel Washington, was named best actor, while Jurnee Smollett, starring as one of the movie's lead debators, was named best actress. Denzel Whitaker, the young actor bearing a hybrid of Washington and Forest Whitaker's names, took home the award for outstanding supporting actor. Also making an impressive showing was Tyler Perry, with his project "Why Did I Get Married?" garnering Janet Jackson the award for outstanding supporting actress, while his venture with TBS, "House of Payne," won outstanding comedy series. Payne" earned actor LaVan Davis the outstanding actor in a comedy series honor, while Lance Gross was crowned outstanding supporting actor for his portrayal of the immature son of Curtis and Ella Payne. ABC's "Ugly Betty" and "Grey's Anatomy" and HBO's "Life Support" were other big winners in the television category. America Ferrera won for best actress in a comedy series for "Betty," while co-star Vanessa Williams took home the outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series award. "Anatomy" won for outstanding drama series, and the show's Chandra Wilson was honored as outstanding supporting actress in a drama series. Queen Latifah and Wendell Pierce were voted outstanding actress and actor in a television movie, miniseries or dramatic special for "Support," which also won for outstanding TV movie, miniseries or dramatic special. Alicia Keys cleaned up in the musical categories, winning four awards including: outstanding music video, song and album and the outstanding female artist award. Focus Features' "Talk To Me" garnered awards for Kasi Lemmons, outstanding directing in a motion picture, and for Seith Mann, outstanding directing in a dramatic series for his work on NBC's "Friday Night Lights." The organization doled out special honors to Aretha Franklin, who received the Vanguard Award, and Stevie Wonder, who was inducted into the Image Awards' Hall of Fame. Actress/producer/author and recent SAG winner Ruby Dee was honored with the event's annual Chairman's Award.
GOODING'S SCISSOR-KICK TOPS VH1 OSCAR LIST
February
When it comes to Oscar moments, Cuba Gooding Jr.'s spastic 1997 acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor ranked above all else on a new countdown from VH1. The actor did a scissor kick and was shouting his thank yous at the top of his lungs after winning an Oscar for his role as a pampered football player in Jerry Maguire. Premiering Feb. 14, "VH1's 20 Greatest Oscar Moments" features new interviews with Oscar nominees and presenters, past and present, such as Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Garner, Tatum O'Neal and more. Other moments on the list include Halle Berry's tearful acceptance speech in 2002 after becoming the first African American woman to win Best Actress (No. 19), and Berry being kissed by Adrien Brody the following year to celebrate his Best Actor win (No. 3). More Oscar moments making VH1's countdown are:
• No. 5: In 1977, Muhammad Ali came on stage to surprise presenter, and "Rocky" star, Sylvester Stallone, telling him, "I'm the real Apollo Creed." They jokingly sparred before Stallone said: "Although I might not win anything tonight, I will still remember this night forever to be standing next to a 100 percent legend."
• No. 10: Host David Letterman launches his "Uma/Oprah/Oprah/Uma" joke during the opening monologue.
• No. 11: Issac Hayes' 1972 performance of best song nominee "Shaft," when he emerged on stage from a cloud of smoke, decked out in chains and riding a piano.
• No. 14: Michael Jackson and Madonna went to the Oscar ceremony together in 1991.'
KIDS' CHOOSE MURPHY, BOW WOW, BEYONCE, KEYS
February
Eddie Murphy may not be top choice among a certain Spice Girl or film producer these days, but his appeal among the nation's youth was affirmed with a Kids Choice Award nomination for his role in "Shrek The Third" as the voice of Donkey. Murphy will compete against his two co-stars Mike Meyers and Cameron Diaz in the category of favorite voice from an animated movie. The film itself was nominated for favorite animated movie, giving "Shrek the Third" a leading four nominations. "Are We Done Yet?" was nominated for favorite movie, while its star Ice Cube received a nod for favorite male movie star against Murphy, Johnny Depp and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. New Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal joins Venus Williams, Serena Williams and Tiger Woods among the nominees for favorite athlete. Other Kids Choice nominees include Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Soulja Boy and Justin Timberlake in the favorite male singer category; and Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Fergie and Miley Cyrus for favorite female singer. Actor Jack Black will return as host for Nickelodeon's 21st annual Kids Choice Awards, scheduled to air live on March 29. Viewers can go online beginning March 3 to cast their votes for nominees.
CHRIS ROCK HOSTS UN FUNDRAISER
February
The stars were out in force helping to raise $3.7 million for the United Nations in its effort to help impoverished and sick children around the world. Gucci funded costs for the event and tied it in with tomorrow's opening of its Manhattan flagship store on Fifth Avenue. Chris Rock served as host of a $2,500-a-plate dinner and live auction held on the U.N.'s north lawn in New York. Rihanna, Timbaland and Alicia Keys performed at the red carpet event, which included such stars as Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Amy Adams, Brooke Shields, Salma Hayek, Djimon Hounsou, Dita Von Teese and UNICEF Ambassadors Tea Leoni and Lucy Liu. During the auction, guest Tom Cruise bid $100,000 for a sports package that included the privilege of hanging out at Yankee Stadium with Alex Rodriguez and a private hour playing soccer with David Beckham. But the actor was ultimately outbid by someone who offered $350,000. A trip to Paris with a tour of a vineyard and lunch with Francois-Henri Pinault and Hayek went for $120,000. The most expensive sale was a $600,000 winning bid to tour with Madonna and take a dance class with her and Gwyneth Paltrow.
OPRAH, TIGER, JAY-Z AMONG HIGHEST PAID BLACK STARS
February
It's no surprise that Oprah Winfrey tops a new Forbes list that ranks the highest paid African American celebrities in the U.S. The talk show host, whose overall net worth is $2.5 billion, pocketed $260 million between June 2006 and June 2007, according to the financial publication. Her revenues come from a number of successful enterprises, including her daytime talk show, magazine, satellite radio channel, Broadway show and newly-announced cable network slated to debut late next year. Tiger Woods ranks second on the list with $100 million banked within the list's June 2006 to June 2007 time frame, which is more than any athlete in history. At the rate he's going, Forbes estimates that Woods will become the world's first sports billionaire within a decade. Rounding out the top 10 are rap mogul Jay-Z with $83 million made between June 2006 and June 2007, rapper 50 Cent ($33 million), Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant ($33 million), Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal ($32 million), NBA legend Michael Jordan ($31 million), actor Will Smith ($31 million), singer Beyonce ($27 million) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James ($27 million).
SNIPES AQUITTED OF TAX FRAUD
February
Wesley Snipes has been found not guilty of federal tax fraud and conspiracy charges but was convicted on three misdemeanor counts of failing to file a tax return. Originally facing a possible 16 years in prison, the misdemeanor charges mean Snipes now only faces a possible three years behind bars. Snipes had faced six counts of willful failure to file a tax return from 1999-2004, a period in which he signed two contracts for more than $10 million on sequels in the "Blade" trilogy. He was acquitted on three of those counts but convicted on the others. Snipe's tax advisors and co-defendants Eddie Ray Kahn, the founder of a tax protest group, and Douglas P. Rosile, a delicensed accountant, were far less fortunate. Both men were convicted by the same jury of tax fraud and conspiracy. The actor had tried to use a tax protest argument long rejected by the courts that the IRS has no legal authority to collect on wages because it is not a proper government entity.
TYRA BANKS THROWS ALBA BABY SHOWER
February
The Tyra Banks Show threw a surprise baby shower for "The Eye" actress Jessica Alba, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Cash Warren. The film star received over $6,000 in gifts, according to MomLogic, which helped pull together the items. The bounty included a Valco baby stroller, Cariboo bassinet and Bel Bambini toys and clothes, reports People.com.
ZOE SALDANA SAYS STAR TREK FUN
February
Blackfilm.com has a lengthy Q&A with Zoe Saldana about her role as the iconic Uhura on the forthcoming Star Trek film. The actress was asked about meeting with Nichelle Nichols, who starred as Uhura in the original "Star Trek" television series from 1966-69, as well as several of the "Star Trek" films. "I was able to sit down with her and she told me the whole story of how Uhura came to be and where they were going with her character, but it all fell into place the moment she walked into the door and auditioned for the part," Saldana said. "She named the character herself and it was a special thing and she felt as an artist, she was going to make the part big." As for wearing the Uhura costume for the first time, Saldana said: "It was very interesting. The moment everything came together from the hair, the costume, being on the set, and then you start to feel, 'Okay, this is real. This is amazing and fun.'"
MONTEL WILLIAMS CALLS IT QUITS
February
Montel Williams says 17 years is enough. The talk show host has announced that his syndicated "Montel Williams Show" will take its final bow at the end of this season. "I can't say thank you enough to those who've welcomed me into their homes for the past seventeen years," Williams says in a statement. "It has been both an honor and a joy." Williams says the show has taken him around the world, including visits to the Middle East, a post-Katrina New Orleans and Ground Zero in New York City. He says: "[I] talked with over 30,000 guests and over a half million studio audience members." CBS Television Distribution, the syndicated show's producer and distributor, is offering the compilation series "Best of Montel" for fall, which includes 52 weeks of highlight episodes from the show. "We have been honored to have Montel as a part of our family for the past 17 years, and we're very excited that Montel will live on through these 'best of' episodes," said John Nogawski, president and COO of CBS TV Distribution.
DANNY GLOVER CONVICTED OF TRESPASSING
January
Danny Glover will be sentenced in Canada next month following his conviction Thursday for trespassing in a Niagara Falls, Ontario hotel, reports the Associated Press. The actor-activist participated in a Sept. 16, 2006 union rally that sought to boost salaries and improve working conditions for hotel workers in the U.S. and Canada. Following the protest, Canadian Niagara Hotels accused Glover and two others of trespassing at their Sheraton on the Falls property. Glover, 60, was not in court Thursday when the conviction was
announced. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 8. The two other men convicted Thursday were Ontario Federation of Labor President Wayne Samuelson and Alex Dagg of UNITE HERE, a union which represents 50,000 hotel, food service, garment and manufacturing workers across Canada and 450,000 in North America.
50 CENT LAUNCHES FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY
January
Rapper/actor 50 Cent has announced plans to begin producing independent films under his newly-launched production company reports the Los Angeles Times. Fitty, born Curtis Jackson, announced the venture during a press conference held Saturday (Jan. 19) at the House of Hype in Park City, Utah, where the Sundance Film Festival is currently taking place. The unnamed company is a joint venture with business partners Chris Lighty of Violator Management and movie executive Randell Emmett, who produced 50's film "Home of the Brave " and the rapper's upcoming movie, "Righteous Kill." co-starring Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino.
EDDIE MURPHY EARNS MULTIPLE RAZZIE NODS
January
Eddie Murphy has joined Halle Berry in the rare class of actors who have received nominations for both an Academy Award, honoring the best in film, and a Razzie Award, which "rewards" the year's worst.Berry was a winner at both ceremonies - earning a best actress Oscar for "Monster's Ball" in 2002 and a worst actress Razzie three years later for "Catwoman." While Murphy was unable to bag the supporting actor Oscar for "Dreamgirls" last year, chances are good that he'll take home at least one of eight Razzie nominations for his 2007 fiasco "Norbit." Murphy alone received five Razzie nods, more than anyone has ever gotten in a single year. Besides worst picture, "Norbit" had nominations for Murphy as worst actor in the title role, supporting actress as Norbit's morbidly-obese wife, supporting actor as an Asian man and worst screen couple for Norbit opposite either of Murphy's other characters. "We decided that each of his characters was so offensive that he deserved individual nominations," said Razzies founder John Wilson. Murphy also shared a screenplay nomination for co-writing the film. "Norbit's" biggest competition comes from Lindsay Lohan's thriller "I Know Who Killed Me," which received a leading nine Razzie nominations, including worst picture. The other worst picture nominees were "Bratz," a live-action take on the cartoon about four chic young girls; "Daddy Day Camp," with Cuba Gooding Jr. starring in a sequel to Murphy's "Daddy Day Care"; and "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry," Adam Sandler and Kevin James' comedy about firefighters posing as a gay couple. Sandler and Gooding joined Murphy in the worst-actor category, along with Nicolas Cage for "Ghost Rider" and Jim Carrey for "The Number 23." Razzie "winners" will be announced Feb. 23, a day before the Oscars.
WILL SMITH MAY GET 'CHICAGO 7'
January
Will Smith says nothing is set in stone yet, but he has been contacted by director Steven Spielberg to star in his upcoming film "Chicago 7," which will chronicle the 1969-70 trial of seven radicals accused of conspiring to riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. According to Brazillian Web site Omelete, Will Smith has confirmed his association with the project and said that Spielberg asked him to leave some free space in his schedule for the shoot. "When Steve is ready he will send it. I don't know specifics, story, anything, but he told me the filming dates, so I can be free to do it,"Smith told the Web site. "It's not a 100% sure thing yet, but I'm confident." Smith is up for the part of Black Panther Bobby Seale, who was tried on federal conspiracy charges for the anti-war riots.
EDDIE MURPHY MARRIAGE OVER IN TWO WEEKS
January
Two weeks after Eddie Murphy exchanged vows with Tracey Edmonds in a private—and, as it happens, not legally binding—ceremony in Bora Bora, the couple has separated, according to People. Per the magazine, the duo called off their union just 14 days after their seaside Jan. 1 nuptials. The breakup followed a less than fairy-tale start, with first days of the newlyweds' honeymoon marred by screaming matches and arguments that lasted the entire week. According to People, there are no plans for a reconciliation. There has been no comment from publicists for either camp.
OPRAH WINFREY STARTS NEW TV NETWORK
January
Oprah Winfrey has announced that she will launch her own television network through a 50-50 partnership with Discovery Communications to be titled the Oprah Winfrey Network, or OWN. The channel, to be programmed entirely by Winfrey, will debut next year in place of the old Discovery Health channel and reach 70 million homes in the U.S. The network will also be simulcast in HD. "Fifteen years ago, I wrote in my journal that one day I would create a television network, as I always felt my show was just the beginning of what the future could hold," said Winfrey. "For me, the launch of The Oprah Winfrey Network is the evolution of the work I've been doing on television all these years and a natural extension of my show." While details of programs have yet to be decided, a mission statement for OWN expresses a desire to "create multiple platforms for women, men and their families with a purpose and a passion: to celebrate life, to inspire and entertain, empowering viewers around the world to live their best lives, and by doing so, lift the lives of those around them in ever-widening circles." Discovery Communications chief David Zaslav said programming will be in Winfrey's "own voice," and some of Winfrey's stable of regular contributors could be expected to be part of the programming.
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VIVICA A. FOX CLAIMS THERE IS NO SEX TAPE
January
Film and TV star Vivica A. Fox is denying that she is the woman featured in a sex tape that has been circulating on the Internet. "Vivica does not have a sex tape. If I did, I would be making my own money off of it," the actress told People magazine Saturday night at the taping of the inaugural BET Honors in Washington, D.C. The video in question shows a man receiving oral sex from a woman he claims is Fox. The man, as the story goes, filmed the act and then distributed the footage to his friends, which eventually got back to Fox. The actress allegedly contacted a friend in the police department for advice on how to handle the situation.
QUEEN LATIFAH WINS GOLDEN GLOBE
January
Jenny Craig spokesperson, Queen Latifah won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a miniseries or movie for her role in the HBO original movie, "Life Support." Queen Latifah can add this trophy to her collection; another Golden Globe and an Emmy. The Golden Globe announcement ceremony took place Sunday night without the gala ceremony or red carpet announcement due to the Writers Guild strike.
HALLE BERRY HAS HER OWN GOLF TOURNAMENT
January
Halle Berry is lending her name to a golf fundraiser to be held annually by the Jenesse Center, a group that has assisted victims of domestic violence for the past 28 years through services designed to develop solutions and improve their quality of life. The Halle Berry Celebrity Golf Classic, to be held April 28 at MountainGate Country Club in Los Angeles (12445 MountainGate Drive), will raise money for the Jenesse Center and its effort to continue exposing issues surrounding domestic violence. "April 28, 2008 will be a day of great fun as we raise much needed funds to help families victimized by domestic violence," Berry said in a statement. "Working together we can stop the violence. I am looking forward to golfing with you. Let's have a great time."'
NORBIT' IN CONTENTION FOR ACADEMY AWARD
January
There is Oscar buzz surrounding Eddie Murphy's critically-maligned comedy "Norbit." The film, which featured Murphy playing multiple characters, made the shortlist of seven movies to be considered for the makeup category at the 80th annual Academy Awards. "Norbit" faces competition from "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," "La Vie en Rose," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," "Sweeney Todd" and "300." The members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Makeup Branch will view 10-minute excerpts from each of the seven films on Jan. 19, and will then vote to nominate three films for Oscar consideration. Nominations in all categories will be announced January 22.
HALLE BERRY CAN FINALLY EAT OUT
January
Halle Berry says she's found some welcome advantages to being seven month's pregnant, People magazine reports. "It is true that I am three times the girl I usually am. I have to say there are some really wonderful things that come along with that," she said Saturday night in accepting an award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. "This is the first red carpet that I've really walked down where I didn't have to think about holding in my stomach - because I can't." Berry, 41, is expecting her first child with model/boyfriend Gabriel Aubry. She says another positive side effect of pregnancy is being able to devour an entire meal during a glitzy event - something she was hesitant to do before. She told the black-tie crowd of 1,700 at the festival's awards gala: "It's the first time I've been to an awards show where they served a meal and I actually ate it - the whole thing. I was eating off everybody else's plate and that felt very liberating and good."
EDDIE MURPHY MARRIAGE INVALID?
January
A rep for Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds has responded to reports from Australian news sites that claim the couple's New Year's Day wedding on a private island off Bora Bora was invalid. The couple exchanged vows in French Polynesia, but news.com.au cites a general law specialist who says the two were ineligible to be married locally because they had not lived in the region for at least 30 days, as French law requires. "You need to have residence for at least 30 days - one month in the island of Bora Bora for instance - and this has not been the case," general law specialist Malgras Benoit was quoted as saying. "If you want to get married in Paris you have to live in Paris for at least one month." However, a rep for the couple told People.com Thursday that any legal issues surrounding the wedding will be properly addressed soon with another wedding ceremony to take place on U.S. soil. "As is typical when couples get married in foreign countries, a legal ceremony will take place when they return to the U.S.," says Edmonds's rep. "The wedding that took place in Bora Bora was a ceremony to bind Eddie and Tracey spiritually in the presence of family and friends. The couple plan a legal ceremony as soon as they return to the States."
CHAPPELLE AND WIFE ARGUE IN PUBLIC
January
The New York Post's Page Six is reporting that comedian Dave Chappelle and his wife, Elaine, got into a public shouting match over another woman. A witness at Coffee Shop in Union Square said the couple was there dining with their two sons Sulayman and Ibrahim when Chappelle suddenly left them at the table to go outside and chat with model Geena Rocero. Witnesses said Elaine wasn't having it and angrily confronted her husband in front of their kids and other customers.
VIVICA A. FOX IN RUMORED SEX TAPE
January
Rumors are bubbling that a sex tape has surfaced featuring film and TV actress Vivica A. Fox. According to Atlanta blogger Sandra Rose, Fox is allegedly caught on camera performing oral sex on an Atlanta man, who secretly recorded the act and promptly e-mailed the footage to his friends. Rose wrote at her Web site: "It was a tough decision for her to make, but V-103's Porsche Foxx confirmed that her close friend Vivica Fox appears in a controversial sex tape that is currently making the rounds." In the tape, an apparently inebriated Vivica can be seen on her knees servicing a male friend who surreptitiously taped the encounter on his cell phone. Allegedly the man, who lives in Atlanta, emailed the tape to friends who emailed it to Vivica. She quickly forwarded the tape to a friend at the Atlanta police department.
SMITH ANGRY OVER MISINTERPRETATION
December
Will Smith is not too thrilled with celebrity gossip website articles that he says misinterpreted his recent remark in a Scottish newspaper about Adolf Hitler. The Daily Record quoted Smith as saying: "Even Hitler didn't wake up going, 'let me do the most evil thing I can do today.' I think he woke up in the morning and using a twisted, backwards logic, he set out to do what he thought was 'good.'" The quote was preceded by the writer's observation: "Remarkably, Will believes everyone is basically good." Over the weekend, dozens of celebrity gossip sites posted articles, he says, that twisted his comment around to have the reader believe that he said Hitler was a "good" person. "It is an awful and disgusting lie," Smith said in a statement. "It speaks to the dangerous power of an ignorant person with a pen. I am incensed and infuriated to have to respond to such ludicrous misinterpretation. Adolf Hitler was a vile, heinous vicious killer responsible for one of the greatest acts of evil committed on this planet." Needless to say, the Jewish Defense league (JDL) pounced all over the misinterpretation: "(He) spit on the memory of every person murdered by the Nazis. His disgusting words stick a knife in the backs of every veteran who fought (and sometimes died) to save the world from the intentions of Adolf Hitler." The JDL is also calling on Barack Obama to repudiate Smith's comments, and wants theaters to pull Smith's new flick "I Am Legend" from their screens.
STRIKE ALTERS "PEOPLE'S CHOICE" SHOW
December
The writers strike has caused its first awards show casualty. The People's Choice Awards will still be hosted by Queen Latifah, but the ceremony will not have its traditional red carpet, live audience or acceptance speeches. Producers have instead opted for a "magazine-style format," where winners will give their acceptance remarks via video rather than from a stage in an auditorium, reports People magazine. Winners will also answer questions emailed by fans. "Obviously, we realized there are pressing issues facing the entertainment industry," says show spokeswoman Jeannie Tharrington. "Out of respect for all the people involved, we decided we would use this opportunity to use a new format." The Latifah-hosted People's Choice Awards is scheduled to air Jan. 8 on CBS.
DENZEL GIVES $1 M FOR WILEY DEBATE TEAM
December
Denzel Washington has donated $1 million to Wiley College for the resurrection of its historic debate team, the Associated Press reports. In his new film "The Great Debaters," Washington plays real life professor Melvin Tolson, who coached Wiley's elite debate team to the national championships in 1935. The squad eventually died out in the following decades, but Washington's gift will help get the program back on its feet. He expressed a desire to see the team rebuilt during a visit to the town last week. Meanwhile, the two-time Academy Award winner opened up about his philosophy about today's children on a new episode of "TV One on One." Washington told host Cathy Hughes that "The Great Debaters" reinforces the fact that all young people need someone who will inspire and challenge them - something today's kids don't have. "I don't blame anything that children are doing now," he said. "We're the ones that dropped the ball. We're the ones that said, 'Oh, it's about me the Me Generation, and I'm going to go off and do what I want to do -- what's best for me.' We have dropped the ball, and they are the result."
'GREAT DEBATERS' TOPS AAFCA'S TOP 10 LIST
December
The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has selected "The Great Debaters" as its Best Picture of 2007, while Don Cheadle and Kasi Lemons earned the group's Best Actor and Best Director honors, respectively for "Talk to Me". Directed by Denzel Washington, "The Great Debaters" captured a majority vote by the organization comprised of African-American media professionals from across the nation. Cheadle, notes AAFCA President Gil Robertson, IV, was particularly impressive this year with his portrayal of Ralph 'Petey' Greene in "Talk To Me." As for the group's choice of "La Vie En Rose" actress Marion Cotillard for Best Actress, Robertson explains: "Although our organization gives specific consideration to work by artists of African descent, Ms.Cotillard's astonishing portrayal of Edith Piaf is a standout performance worthy of recognition." AAFCA honored Ruby Dee and Chiwetel Ejiofor of "American Gangster" as Best Supporting Actress and Actor of 2007, while filmmaker Charles Burnett is recognized with the AAFCA Special Achievement Honor 2007, a year which saw the release of his seminal classic "Killer of Sheep" more than 30 years after its making. "The year 2007 embodied a year of powerful, personal filmmaking by high-profile directors who stepped up their game to create what we believe are future classics," says AAFCA Vice President, Wilson Morales, editor of Blackfilm.com. The African-American Film Critics Association's Top Ten Films of 2007 are as follows in order of distinction:
1. The Great Debaters
2. American Gangster
3. Talk To Me
4. Gone Baby Gone
5. No Country for Old Men
6. Michael Clayton
7. Juno
8. Sweeney Todd
9. Things We Lost in The Fire
10. There Will Be Blood
SNIPES BELIEVES RACE BEHIND FEDERAL CHARGES, AND MOVIE FLOP, AND...
December
After laying low following eight counts of tax fraud, Wesley Snipes has given his first major interview since being indicted in October 2006. In an Entertainment Weekly article titled "Wesley Snipes Breaks his Silence," the actor explains why he believes his black skin is at the root of his federal charges. "It was easy for people to jump on the 'Wesley's the bad guy' bandwagon," he says. "That's where I think the systematic racism comes in. We're conditioned in this country to believe that if there's a problem, the black man is the culprit." As for being in Namibia when federal prosecutors were looking for him, Snipes said, "They positioned it like, 'He's irresponsible, dangerous, guilty, this is why he's in Africa' . . . All these things, they play into our stereotypes . . . They think I'm an evil dude." Snipes also believes that racism is to blame for the failure of his 2004 movie, "Blade: Trinity," saying, "There are so few guys who do action and do it well. Even fewer who are African-American. Even fewer who have classical-theater training. So a cat like me coming in, I'm bringing all of that to an action movie. Since there are so few people that do this and have that pedigree, people disregard their contribution." Snipes' case is scheduled to go to trial next month in Florida.
SMITH KEEPING CHARITIES IN MIND
December
During press tours for "I Am Legend," Smith was asked repeatedly about his ties to Scientology - the belief practiced by his good friend Tom Cruise. The actor has said that he agrees with some of its principles, one of them being its insistence on home-schooling children. Fox.com columnist Roger Freidman says Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett, donated $20,000 to Scientology's literacy campaign, called HELP (The Hollywood Education and Literacy Program), which is the basis for Scientology's home-schooling system. The 2005 contribution is listed in the federal filing for The Will Smith Foundation for the previous year, reports Friedman. Since that time, Smith's children have been home-schooled. Also, Smith has recently discussed plans to launch his own private school in the way Oprah Winfrey started her Academy for girls in South Africa. HELP isn't the only recipient of Smith's money. According to Freidman, his foundation "has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to local
civic organizations in the Baltimore and Philadelphia areas. Last year he was even one of the few clients of Creative Artists Agency to give money to the talent agency's own tax-free fund ($2,500)." Smith's top donation in 2005 was $140,000 to Yesha Ministries of Philadelphia, a Florida organization that teaches Christian-based martial arts. He gave them another $125,000 last year, according to Freidman. "Among his other charitable donations in 2006, Smith gave $7,500 to a group called Partners for Educating Actors, Composers and Entertainers, or PEACE," Freidman reported.
CHEADLE/CLOONEY RECEIVE PEACE AWARD
December
Don Cheadle and his "Ocean's 11, 12 and 13" co-star George Clooney were presented with a peace award during a ceremony marking the opening of an annual meeting of Nobel Peace Prize laureates in Rome. The actors were presented with a bronze statue by Italian sculptor Oliviero Rainaldi for "their efforts in favor of pacifying the tormented region of Darfur and for helping save lives," organizers said. Clooney and Cheadle co-founded a humanitarian organization called Not on Our Watch together with other stars including Brad Pitt and Matt Damon to focus global attention on the plight of Darfur's people. They have raised more than $9.3 million for humanitarian efforts in the region. The laureates event, organized at Rome's city hall by a foundation headed by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, also featured an appearance by The Dalai Lama. Clooney told attendees, "Don and I... stand here before you as failures. The simple truth is that when it comes to the atrocities in Darfur those people are not better off now than they were years ago. The murders continue, the rapes continue and some two and a half million refugees are yet to go home."
OPRAH TO RECEIVE PRODUCER'S AWARD
December
The Producers Guild of America will present its 2008 Stanley Kramer Award to Oprah Winfrey and her fellow producers behind the new Denzel Washington film "The Great Debaters," the group announced Wednesday. The honor is given annually to producers who bring national attention to provocative social issues. Winfrey and other "Debaters" producers Todd Black, Kate Forte and Joe Roth will receive the award during a ceremony to be held Feb. 2 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. "Oprah and I are very proud of this film and honored to receive the PGA's Stanley Kramer Award," Forte said. "'The Great Debaters' has been a labor of love and we are grateful to be recognized in this way." The movie stars Washington as debate team coach Melvin Tolson, who helped shape a group of students from a small African American college into an elite debate team. The professor challenged social mores and was criticized for his teaching methods as well as his political views. Previous recipients of the Stanley Kramer Award include "Hotel Rwanda," "An Inconvenient Truth" "Good Night, and Good Luck," "Antoine Fisher" and "I Am Sam."
WILL SMITH SET IN CEMENT
December
Will Smith took his place among Hollywood legends Monday with imprints of his hands and feet planted in the cement in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. "I'm humble, I'm honored, my heart is just beating right now," said an emotional Smith, 39. "I don't really understand it -- I'm not used to feeling like that ... There's something in the concrete -- about being etched into the fiber of Hollywood." Smith was near tears during his comments. Among the friends and family on hand for the occasion were Smith's two youngest children, Willow and Jaden, and friend Tom Cruise.
LATIFAH DENIES WEDDING RUMORS
December
Chicago radio personality Kendra G. of Power 92 says she got a direct answer from Queen Latifah regarding rumors that she planned to announce an engagement to her personal trainer/girlfriend. Latifah reportedly said: "Oh my goodness you guys actually believe that. You can't believe everything you read...there will be no major announcement made. The only major announcement I have to make is "Merry Christmas." The Chicago Sun-Times also asked Latifah about the rumored engagement as she worked the red carpet this past weekend. "When you're famous these days, it's just part of the deal - unfortunately," she told the newspaper in denying the claims. "People will make up all sorts of things that are not true. There ain't gonna be no wedding." The artist made her comments while attending a premiere screening of her new film "The Perfect Holiday" at the Ice Theater in Chicago.
HALLE BERRY TO RECEIVE "PALM AWARD"
December
The Palm Spring Film Festival has announced it will honor actress Halle Berry with its Desert Palm Achievement Award during a ceremony scheduled for Jan. 5, reports Variety. "We're excited to honor Halle Berry for her impressive body of work and mesmerizing performance in this year's 'Things We Lost in the Fire,'" said Fest chairman Earl Greenburg, Actor Daniel Day-Lewis will also be honored during the ceremony. Both join past recipients Charlize Theron, Laura Linney, Naomi Watts and Kate Winslet. Mary Hart will host the gala, which will also recognize "Into the Wild" director Sean Penn, producer Jerry Weintraub and actors Marion Cotillard, Emile Hirsch and Nikki Blonsky.
VIVICA A. FOX AVOIDS JAIL TIME
December
Within the span of a week, Vivica A.Fox managed to avoid a bench warrant as well as jail time in her DUI case stemming from a March arrest in Los Angeles. The actress agreed to plead no contest to a misdemeanor count of driving with a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit of .08. In exchange, she will receive three years probation and must attend a 90-day alcohol education program. She must also pay a $390 fine, said city attorney's spokesman Frank Mateljan. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors dropped a charge of misdemeanor driving under the influence, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail.
CHAPPELLE BREAKS LAUGH FACTORY RECORD - AGAIN
December
Dave Chappelle took the stage at Hollywood's Laugh Factory night and told continuous jokes for six hours and 12 minutes straight, which is five minutes longer than his record-setting performance on that very stage eight months earlier. "Dave was determined to keep his record because he recently heard that Dane Cook was planning on trying to break (his) record," club owner Jamie Masada told the Associated Press Monday. Masada said Cook's record of three hours and 50 minutes, set in early April, was broken by Chappelle's six-hour-and-seven-minutes on stage later in the month. Richard Pryor set the original bar in 1980 with a Laugh Factory performance lasting two hours and 41 minutes. According to Masada, Chappelle says he's been spending his time
traveling, most recently to Ecuador.
VIVICA A. FOX THREATENED WITH BENCH WARRANT
December
TMZ.com is reporting that Vivica A. Fox has the threat of a bench warrant hanging over her head after she failed to show up at her scheduled DUI hearing in Los Angeles. A judge told Fox's attorney that she must report to the police station and be properly booked - with fingerprints and mugshot - no later than Dec. 11. If she fails to do so, the judge said Fox better appear in court that day or a bench warrant will be issued for her arrest. The actress, was arrested on March 20 after she whizzed by a police car going 80 mph in her Cadillac Escalade. According to authorities, she failed a field sobriety test and her blood alcohol level was over the .08 legal limit.
MONTEL APOLOGIZES FOR OUTBURST
December
Montel Williams had a little situation in Savannah, GA Friday with reporters from the Savannah Morning-News who claim the talk show host threatened them following an angry confrontation. According to the Associated Press, Williams was at a hotel promoting a program that gives free prescriptions to people in need. He became upset with one of the questions and terminated the interview. When the Savannah Morning-News reporters later returned to the hotel for an unrelated assignment, he approached one of them - high school student Courtney Scott, an intern at the newspaper. "As we were preparing to film, Montel walked up with his bodyguard and got in Courtney Scott's face pointing his finger telling her 'Don't look at me like that. Do you know who I am? I'm a big star, and I can look you up, find where you live and blow you up,'" said Joseph Cosey, a web content producer for the newspaper. "At this time he was randomly pointing at all of us." Scott said she had no idea how to take Williams' comment. "I'm not sure if he meant 'blow me up' and ruin my career or really blow us up, but it was threatening," Scott said. Williams, a patient advocate since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, later apologized for the tirade. "I mistakenly thought the reporter and photographer in question were at the hotel to confront me about some earlier comments," Williams said in a statement. "I was wrong, and I apologize for my overreaction."
WILL SMITH TO BE HONORED IN CEMENT
December
It's Will Smith's turn to join the ranks of Hollywood legends Sidney Poitier, Eddie Murphy and others, whose hands and feet are immortalized in the pavement outside of world-famous Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. The rapper-turned-actor will stick his extremities into the wet cement during a ceremony to take place on Dec. 10 at 11:30 a.m. Smith, star of the upcoming action thriller "I Am Legend," was selected for the honor due to his tremendous box-office success in such films as "Men in Black," "Independence Day," "I Robot," "Ali" and "The Pursuit of Happyness."
CHEADLE EARNS SPIRIT AWARD NOM
December
Don Cheadle, Chewitel Ejiofor and Marcus Carl Franklin will compete for top honors at the Independent Spirit Awards, an annual ceremony honoring the best in independent film. Cheadle's performance as Washington D.C. radio jock Waldo "Petey" Greene in "Talk to Me" earned a Best Male Lead nomination. The category includes Dustin Hoffman ("The Savages"), Frank Langella ("Starting Out in the Evening"), Tony Leung ("Lust, Caution") and Pedro Castaneda for the Spanish-language farmworker drama "August Evening." British star Ejiofor - Cheadle's "Talk to Me" co-star - will compete in the Best Supporting Male category alongside fellow nominee Marcus Carl Franklin, the young African American actor from Bob Dylan biopic "I'm Not There." Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Marianne Pearl in "A Mighty Heart" was nominated for Best Female Lead, while the film itself is up for Best Feature. Winners will be announced in Santa Monica on Feb. 23, the day before the 80th Annual Academy Awards.
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