ROLL CALL: Reese Witherspoon Would Love To Do ‘30 Rock’

November 26, 2008

By Jesse Spero

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

Plus, Ryan Phillippe and Jesse Bradford hit up Dan Tana’s. And, Joaquin Phoenix returns to making movies after saying he’s retiring.

Get your Daily Dispatch of Celebrity Shenanigans inside!

Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party Set To Return — Only Scaled Back

November 25, 2008

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.

The hottest Oscar after-party in town is back — only smaller.

Vanity Fair says its annual Academy Awards party is returning for next year’s Oscar night on Feb. 22. The magazine’s 2008 bash was canceled in support of the Hollywood writers’ strike.

`Twilight’ Is The New Breed Of Chick Flick

November 25, 2008

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

With its muscular $70 million opening weekend despite scant appeal for guys, “Twilight” has redefined expectations for the chick flick.

While offering some high-flying vampire battles, its main action centers on the developing romance between two teens played by relative unknowns Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. Women and girls made up more than 75 percent of the film’s opening-weekend audience, according to Fandango.com, which sells tickets and conducts surveys about recent releases.

Hugh Jackman People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ 2008

November 19, 2008

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

Joining the ranks of Matt Damon, George Clooney and Matthew McConaughey, Australian actor Hugh Jackman has been named “The Sexiest Man Alive” by People Magazine.

Hugh said his wife of 12 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, was amused by the news that he had made the list.

“God bless her, she said, ‘I could’ve told them that years ago!” Hugh told the mag. “And then she said, ‘Obviously Brad [Pitt] wasn’t available this year.’ And I said, ‘That was a joke right?’”

Nicole Kidman: ‘Australia’ Film Fulfilled Childhood Dream

November 18, 2008

SYDNEY, Australia

It was hot and dusty during filming in one of the world’s most remote locations. But Nicole Kidman says the prospect of a smooch with Hugh Jackman eased the troubles of working on the Outback romance, “Australia.”

“Obviously we’re in character when we kiss, but it was good to go to work,” a laughing Kidman told a news conference Tuesday ahead of the worldwide premiere of the film, in which Kidman’s prim British aristocrat character falls in love with Jackman’s rugged cattleman in World War II-era Australia.

Jennifer Hudson Thanks Fans For ‘Thoughts & Prayers’

November 14, 2008

CHICAGO, Ill.

Jennifer Hudson thanked her fans on Thursday for the support that she’s received since the tragic death of her mother, brother and nephew.

“Thank You All…I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the 27-year-old Oscar winner wrote on her Celebrity MySpace. “My sister and I take great comfort and strength from your love and concern. jhud.”

Hollywood Gets Chance To Rewrite Oscar History

October 07, 2008

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

Still fuming over “Shakespeare in Love” beating out “Saving Private Ryan” for the Best Picture Oscar in 1998? Can’t sleep at night over Johnny Depp losing out to Sean Penn for Best Actor in 2003?

Well, here’s your chance to rewrite Academy Award history.

Entertainment Weekly has launched the “Recall the Gold” project, inviting a who’s who of Hollywood to re-cast their votes on Oscar races from years past.

Ricky Gervais To Host The Oscars?

September 25, 2008

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

It’s official: British funnymen are the toast of Hollywood!

Just weeks after U.K. comedian Russell Brand and his trademark teased-out hair hosted the MTV Video Music Awards comes news that “Office” creator Ricky Gervais may be being lined up to helm the Oscars.