UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.28.08

"No Country for Old Men" wins big at SAG Awards.

Glitz and glamor were back in Hollywood at last night's Screen actor's guild awards. Despite the ongoing writer's guild strike, the ceremony went on and stars were out in full force. "No Country For Old Men," directed by Joel and Ethan Coen won big, grabbing the top honor for best ensemble cast. Javier Bardem took best supporting actor for that film as well. Other winners included Daniel Day-Lewis who took best actor for "There Will be Blood" and Julie Christie won acting honors for her role in "Away From Her."

In the TV category "Sopranos" dominated the honors. Best actor and actress in a drama went to the show's stars James Gandolfini and Edie Falco. The HBO drama, which finished it's run in June, also took best cast in a TV drama. Comedic acting honors were awarded to Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin for "30 Rock." But it was "The Office" that took the trophy for best cast in a TV comedy. The SAG Awards are the only honors chosen by the actors themselves.

The comedic spoof "Meet the Spartans" was a big hit at U.S. theaters over the weekend. The film, starring Carmen Electra debuted at number one at the box offices, bringing in more than 18 million dollars in ticket sales. Sylvester Stallone's "Rambo" followed closely behind, landing in the second spot in its opening weekend. In third is the romantic comedy "27 Dresses" starring Katherine Heigl. That's all according to Box Office Mojo.

"Heroes" actress Hayden Panettiere is using her star power for a good cause. The actress was in Washington DC yesterday for a conservation rally...calling for an end to whale hunting. Panettiere is a self-proclaimed animal lover and the spokesperson for the "Save the Whales Again!" campaign. She's reportedly planning to visit several different embassies in DC today, to address fight for the whales once more.

New Kids on the Block are reportedly reuniting. One source tells People magazine says tall five members; Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood, and brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight will take the stage together once again. The group was a huge hit in the late 80's and early 90's, selling more than 50 million albums. The band broke up in 1994 and several members went on to pursue solo careers. There' no word yet on when we'll see the Kids back together.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.22.08

Oscar nominees announced.

Oscar nominations are in. Nominees were announced this morning in Los Angeles. Up for best actress are Julie Christie for "Away From Her," Marion Cotillard for "La Vie En Rose," Ellen Page for "Juno," Cate Blanchett for her role in "Elizabeth: the Golden Age," and Laura Linney for "Savages." In the Best Actor Category Daniel Day-Lewis grabbed a nod for "There Will be Blood," George Clooney is nominated for "Michael Clayton," Johnny Depp for "Sweeney Todd," Tommy Lee Jones for "In the Valley of Elah," and Viggo Mortenson for "Eastern Promises."And rivaling for best picture are "Atonement,""Micahel Clayton," "Juno", "No Country For Old Men," and "There Will be Blood."

In other news, Kiefer Sutherland is now a free man. The "24" star was released from jail yesterday after 48 days there. He was serving time for a second driving under the influence conviction and violating his probation. He was apparently greeted by a swarm of media when he left the California facility. Sources say he looked very happy to be out.

Britney Spears made an appearance at a custody deposition yesterday. She drove to her ex Kevin Federline's attorney's office to attend the session, although apparently arrived late. The singer was reportedly cross examined for more than 2 hours. It's all part of the ongoing custody battle for their two sons two year old Sean Preston and one year old Jayden James. Spears has missed several other appointments to discuss her parenting skills.

John Travolta is backing his buddy Tom Cruise. Travolta says the media attention focused on Cruise lately has gone too far. The "Mission Impossible" star has made the headlines recently after a video was released on the internet, showing Cruise praising the Church of Scientology. Travolta, who also follows Scientology, tells people magazine everyone has a right to practice what they want.

Stars are out in full force at the Sundance Film Festival. Paris Hilton was spotted at the festival, in the middle of all the action as well as director Quentin Tarantino. Sarah Jessica Parker brought her husband Matthew Broderick to the premiere of her film "Smart People." Dennis Quaid, who also stars in the film was at the event with his wife Kimberly. Other stars like Jack Black and musician Mos Def attended the premiere of their film "Be Kind Rewind" along with actor Danny Glover.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.14.08

"Atonement" and "Sweeney Todd" honored at Golden Globes.

"Sweeney Todd" and "Atonement" took big honors at last night's Golden Globe Awards. "Sweeney Todd" grabbed best comedy or musical and the film's star Johnny Depp won best actor. "Atonement," starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy picked up best motion picture. Other winners include Marion Coitillard who took best female actress in a comedy or musical for "La Vie En Rose." In the drama category, Julie Christie won for "Away From Her" and Daniel Day Lewis best actor for his performance in 'There will be blood.'

In the TV category, Tina Fey grabbed best actress in a comedy for "30 Rock" and David Duchovny took best comedic actor for "Californication" For Drama, Jon Hamm won best actor for "Mad Men" and best actress went to Glenn Close for "Damages." "Extras" starring Ricky Gervais took best comedy series and "Man Men" took best dramatic series. Because of the ongoing writer's guild strike, this year's awards were announced at a televised press conference.

In other news, Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman are now parents. The singer gave birth to a healthy boy on Saturday. His name is Max Liron Bratman. Aguilera's rep says both mom and baby are happy and healthy. In a message on her website, the singer said it was a joyful day for her and Bratman. She also thanked her fans for all their support.

Another celebrity couple has a new addition to their family. Reality TV star Nicole Richie and Good Charlotte frontman Joel Madden now have a baby girl. Richie gave birth on Friday. Her name is Harlow Winter Kate Madden. Madden tells People magazine they feel blessed.

Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson's new film topped U.S. box offices over the weekend. "The Bucket List" took the number one spot at the theaters, bringing in more than 19 million dollars in ticket sales. "First Sunday" with Ice Cube and Tracey Morgan debuted at second. And in third is "Juno" starring Ellen Page and Michael Cera.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.08.08

Nicole Kidman is pregnant.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban will soon have a new addition to their family. The actress's rep says they're expecting their first baby and they're thrilled. This will be Kidman's third child, she has two kids from her previous marriage with Tom Cruise. It will be Urban's first time being a parent. The couple married in Australia in June of 2006.

The Golden Globe Award Ceremony is being officially cancelled. Organizers of the event say there will no longer be a televised event this Sunday...only a press conference announcing winners. This comes in the middle of the Writer's Guild Strike. The WGA threatened to picket at the awards and most stars had refused to cross the picket lines.

"No Country for Old Men" won big at last night's Critic's Choice Awards. The film took best picture of the year, best Director for Joel and Ethan Coen and best supporting actor for Javier Bardem. The Broadcast Film Critics Association also named Nikki Blonsky best young actress for "Hairspray" and Julie Christie best actress for "Away From Her." Other winners included Daniel Day-Lewis who took acting honors for "There Will be Blood" and "Juno" starring Ellen Page took best comedy.

Dr. Phil McGraw is canceling a show dedicated to Britney Spears. The TV therapist had planned to air a show this week focusing on the pop star's problems. But McGraw released a statement yesterday saying out of respect for the Spears' family, he won't go forward with the taping. The TV host reportedly visited the singer while she spent 72 hours under mental lockdown at an L.A. hospital over the weekend.

TV host Elisabeth Hasselbeck returned to "The View" yesterday with her newborn in her arms. She made her comeback following two and a half months on maternity leave. Hasselbeck and her husband Tim welcomed a baby boy named Taylor Thomas in November. The new addition joins the couple's two year old daughter Grace.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.21.07

SAG nominations announced.

The Screen Actor's Guild Award nominations are in. Actors Terrence Howard and Jeanne Tripplehorn announced the nominees yesterday. Cate Blanchett scored 4 nods from the SAG including best actress for "Elizabeth: the Golden Age." The adventure drama "Into the Wild" also grabbed four nominations...including a best actor nod for the star Emile Hirsch. The award ceremony will air on January 27 on TNT and TBS.

Former "American Idol" contestant Jessica Sierra may be pregnant while in jail. According to TMZ.com , sources say the 22 year old is expecting with her rapper boyfriend. She's reportedly now on a pregnancy diet at the Florida jail infirmary. Sierra was arrested earlier this month for resisting arrest, disorderly intoxication and felony cocaine possession. The charges violate her probation from a previous battery charge.

Comedians Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are heading back to work. Comedy Central says new episodes of "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report" will return to TV January 7...without their writers. This comes in the middle of the ongoing writers Guild strike. In a joint statement the hosts say they feel ambivalent to return and wish they were doing so with their writers.

R&B singer R. Kelly showed up at a Chicago courtroom yesterday for child pornography charges. He apparently arrived 20 minutes early...attempting to make up for missing an appearance scheduled for Wednesday. The singer's lawyer says he was unable to make it to court because of bad weather. Kelly has been charged with 14 counts of child pornography for allegedly taping himself having sex with a girl 13 or 14 years old in 2002.

Eva Mendes is baring it all for a new animal rights ad campaign. She's featured naked in a new series of posters for the group PETA. The organization launched the campaign last night in L.A. It's called "Fur? I'd Rather Go Naked." Stars like Christina Applegate and Alicia Silverstone have also appeared in similar ads for the charity.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.07.07

Kanye West and Amy Winehouse lead Grammy nods.

Kanye West and Amy Winehouse are leading the way in Grammy nominations. West grabbed 8 nominations including album of the year for "Graduation." Winehouse earned herself six nods including best new artist and song of the year for "Rehab." Other artists like Justin Timberlake and Jay Z took 5 nominations. The Award ceremony will take place on February 10 in Los Angeles.

More celebrities are signing on to star in the new "X-Files" movie. Actress Amanda Peet, rapper Xzibit and comedian Billy Connolly are all on board for the sci-fi thriller. They'll join the original cast members from the popular TV series, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. But producers won't confirm the actors' roles yet. Filming is set to begin next month and it's set to be released in July.

Actress Scarlett Johanssen may take legal action against US Weekly magazine. In a statement to OK! magazine the actress says she feels compelled to sue the publication for misleading her fans. US Weekly featured pictures of Johansson's nose, suggesting she may have gotten plastic surgery...a claim that the actress firmly denies. The magazine says they never blatantly said she had gotten work done.

Rascal Flatts Guitarist Joe Don Rooney will soon become a Dad. The musician and his wife, former Playboy Playmate of the year, Tiffany Fallon, are expecting their first baby. The pair say they are so excited to be parents. Rooney and Fallon married in 2006 in Mexico.

Nicolas Cage is promoting his new film in Japan. He and his wife attended the Japanese premiere of "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" last night. Co-stars Justin Bartha and Diane Kruger also attended. The movie's producer Jerry Bruckheimer made the trip as well. The film is about a treasure hunter, investigating the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It's set for a U.S. release December 21.

KANYE TOPS GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

The chances of more KANYE WEST awards show drama have increased exponentially, as he received a leading eight GRAMMY nominations THURSDAY. British singer AMY WINEHOUSE received six nominations after months of personal problems that took the focus off her music. Other top nominees included the FOO FIGHTERS, JAY-Z, RIHANNA, PAUL MCCARTNEY, T-PAIN and TIMBALAND.

Both WEST and WINEHOUSE were nominated for Album of The Year for their CDs "Graduation" and "Back to Black," respectively. WINEHOUSE was also cited for Best New Artist, plus record and Song of The Year for the defiant hit "Rehab."

Other Record of The Year candidates included BEYONCE’s "Irreplaceable," THE FOO FIGHTERS "The Pretender," RIHANNA’s "Umbrella" and "What Goes Around Comes Around" by JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE.

Song of The Year candidates included CORRINE BAILEY RAE’s sweet-sounding "Like A Star," CARRIE UNDERWOOD’s revenge anthem "Before He Cheats," THE PLAIN WHITE T’s "Hey There Delilah" and "Umbrella."

BMI Urban Awards Held In Las Vegas

The Newest BMI "Icon"

U.S. performing rights organization BMI saluted the world’s premier R&B, rap and hip-hop songwriters, producers and publishers at its Urban Awards, held at the ZUMANITY THEATRE at NEW YORK-NEW YORK HOTEL AND CASINO in LAS VEGAS.

T.I., NE-YO and MR. COLLIPARK each earned Songwriter of the Year titles. "Check On It" secured Song of the Year honors for co-writers SLIM THUG and SEAN GARRETT, and a special presentation officially recognized legendary MC JOSEPH "REV RUN" SIMMONS of RUN DMC as the newest BMI Icon.

The night’s other big winners included PHARRELL WILLIAMS, who earned the Producer of the Year title; EMI Music Publishing, named Urban Publisher of the Year; and T-PAIN’s "I’m N Luv (Wit A Stripper)," which nabbed the BMI Urban Ringtone Award.

As one third of RUN-DMC, REV RUN helped change the sound of rap by simultaneously being more street and rock ‘n’ roll than his contemporaries. From the boom-box classic single "Sucker MCs" (1983) to their standard-setting discs RUN-DMC, King of Rock, Raising Hell and Tougher Than Leather, RUN-DMC defined a new level of cool for the world. Dressed in their trademark black hats and outfits to match, RUN-DMC stayed at the top of the pop charts for most of the ’80s and knocked open the doors to commercial freedom for the rap generation.