UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 02.13.08

Paris Hilton's brother arrested for DUI.

Another Hilton is in trouble with the law. Paris Hilton's 18 year old brother Barron was reportedly arrested yesterday morning for driving under the influence. Police say he was pulled over on a Malibu highway around 8am and failed a sobriety test. He reportedly spent all yesterday in jail. His big sister spent time in jail last year...also for alcohol related driving charges.

A Beagle named Uno is making history as the first in his breed to take Best in Show at Westminster. The crowd went wild last night as Uno took the title at the famous dog show. He competed against more than 160 breeds of dogs and more than 2500 entries. But the final competition was tight...the Beagle was up against a toy poodle, a Weimaraner, a Sealyham terrier, an Akita and an Australian shepherd.

Hollywood writers are heading back to work today...the strike is officially over. As expected, the Writer's Guild of America voted yesterday to end the strike after 3 months out of work. This comes after Hollywood producers agreed over the weekend to give striking writers a portion of the internet profits. That means the Oscars on February 24 will go on as planned, and new shows will start airing in the next few weeks.

Actress Mia Farrow is putting pressure on China to take action against the atrocities in Darfur. At a demonstration outside the Chinese consulate in New York yesterday, Farrow called for protest of the Beijing Olympics. China reportedly helps support the military in Sudan. Farrow is pressing the country to not turn it's back to the killings in the Darfur region.

Four new members have been inducted into the Country music Hall of Fame. Emmylou Harris, Tom T. Hall, the Statler Brothers and the late Ernest "Pop" Stoneman all became new members of the famous hall yesterday. Harris is a twelve time Grammy winner who began her solo career in the seventies. The Statler Brothers started up doing back up for Johnny Cash before starting their successful career. And Hall was a top radio hit in the seventies. Stoneman, who died 40 years ago is known best for his 1920's hit "The Sinking of the Titanic."

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.29.08

Britney Spears seeking help.

Britney Spears is apparently now seeking treatment. On ABC's "The View" yesterday, Barbara Walters recounted a conversation she had with Spears' friend Sam Lutfi. Walters said Lutfi told her the pop star suffers from "mental issues which are treatable." Walters says Spears is now seeing a psychiatrist and is reunited with her mother Lynne. The singer has reportedly been having mood swings and trouble sleeping.

Michelle Williams' film is being postponed for now as she copes with the death of Heath Ledger. The actress and Ledger dated for about 3 years before separating last summer. They also have a two-year old daughter Matilda together. Williams was supposed to start working on the film "Blue Valentine" next month, but it's reportedly been put on hold until she's ready to return to work.

Led Zeppelin is considering getting back on the road. The British rock band is reportedly talking about reuniting for a world tour. This comes after they had an extremely successful one night show in London last month. Guitarist Jimmy Page says that performance got him geared up for a full tour with singer Robert Plant and bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones. But because of busy schedules, the band would likely not hit the stage until next fall at the earliest.

The Writer's Guild of America have reached an agreement with Grammy producers. The deal allows striking to work on the upcoming Grammy Award ceremony on February 10. This comes following an earlier decision from the WGA, choosing not to picket in front of the event. The WGZ has been on strike against TV and film producers since early November.


The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is recognizing those who've made an impact on the entertainment world. Soap opera star Susan Lucci was honored a ceremony last night for her years on television and contributions to the community. Veteran journalist Sam Donaldson was also given an award for his 40 years covering the news. And singer Maureen McGovern was recognized for her years on Broadway, recording hit CDs and work in TV and radio.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.23.08

Heath Ledger found dead in New York

Hollywood is mourning the loss of a loved and admired star. Australian born actor Heath Ledger was found dead at his New York apartment yesterday. He was only 28 years old. There's no confirmation on the cause of death but police say the Oscar nominated actor apparently died of an accidental drug overdose. Ledger was found with prescription drugs near his body.

The actor first emerged into the entertainment scene at age 16. He appeared in the Australian show "Sweat." In 1998 he played a heartthrob alongside Julia Stiles in "10 Things I hate About You." He's also known for his roles in "The Patriot" and "A Knight's Tale." Two years ago he was for an Academy Award for "Brokeback Mountain." On the set of that film, he and actress Michelle Williams began dating and soon after had a daughter Matilda. The pair split last September but friends say he stayed in close contact with his daughter.

In other news, Amy Winehouse's rep is denying rumors that the singer is in rehab. Her spokesperson says Winehouse only visited a doctor whom she sees regularly and did not check in anywhere overnight. There's no indication of the type of treatment she received. Recently, a British newspaper posted tape showing the singer allegedly smoking crack. That video prompted rumors that she was now seeking help. Friends of Winehouse tell People magazine everyone knows she should get treatment.

Some stars are promising not to cross writer's picket lines at the Oscars. Nominee Viggo Mortenson says he won't attend the ceremony if the WGA is striking out front. But the "Eastern Promises" star is confident they'll strike a deal with TV and film Producers soon. Others like Director Tony Gilroy, nominated for "Michael Clayton," agrees...he says he would never cross a picket line. The strike shut down the Golden Globe Award ceremony after most stars refused to attend.

Soccer star David Beckham is working to help children around the world. The athlete reportedly visited Sierra Leone last weekend with the children's charity UNICEF. Beckham made the trip to bring attention to the impoverished country, where child deaths are reportedly the highest in the world. In a statement, the soccer player says helping the kids there is as simple as a mosquito net to help them avoid malaria or a measles vaccination.

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 12.10.07

Oprah campaigns for Obama.

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey is showing her support for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Winfrey spoke at a campaign event in Iowa over the weekend. She expressed her strong belief in Obama's capabilities to change the country for the better. This is Winfrey's first time campaigning for a presidential hopeful. She says it's the first time she felt compelled to stand up and show support.

Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough has tied the knot. People magazine says he married his girlfriend of about 7 years Leigh Boniello. The pair apparently said their vows in Dorough's hometown of Orlando, Florida. The singer proposed to Boniello last New Years in front of friends and family.

"The Golden Compass" topped U.S. box offices over the weekend. The fantasy thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig took the number one spot in theaters, bringing in more than 26 million dollars in ticket sales. Number two was Disney's "Enchanted starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey. The holiday film "This Christmas" landed in third.

Production workers are calling for an end to the Writer's Guild strike. Workers involved in TV and film marched in Los Angeles over the weekend to fight for their jobs back. They want negotiations between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to continue. These production workers are not part of the strike, but many have lost their jobs as a result.

Stars flooded a Hollywood red carpet last night for the premiere of a new romantic comedy. Oscar award winning actress Hillary Swank stars in "P.S. I Love You," as well as Girard Butler and Lisa Kudrow. The film is about a widow trying to get her life back together. Other stars like singer James Blunt and actress Mary Louise-Parker made it to the premiere as well. The film hits theaters December 21.