Pitt's Tree triumphs at Cannes

Brad Pitt's new movie The Tree Of Life has grown on Cannes Film Festival judges - it has won the coveted Palme d'Or prize for Best Film.

The movie, directed by Terrence Malick, follows the fortunes of two young boys brought up by a strict, brutal and demanding father - played by Pitt.

The film divided critics at Cannes when it debuted last week, garnering boos and lacklustre applause from the audience, but triumphed on Sunday.

Kirsten Dunst took home the Best Actress award for her role in Melancholia - the film in competition from director Lars von Trier, who was banned from the festival after joking that he was a Nazi and"understood"Hitler.

Dunst sat next to von Trier as he made his controversial comments at a press conference and clearly looked uncomfortable.

The 29-year-old, whose career has ranged from Woody Allen to the blockbuster"Spider Man"franchise, was feted at the Palais des Festivals for her role as Justine in controversial Danish director Lars von Trier's"Melancholia."

In 2006 she had to endure boos from French critics at a Cannes screening in Sofia Coppola's"Marie Antoinette,"in which her performance in the title role clearly did not live up to Gallic expectations.

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Lars Von Trier 'accepts' Cannes ban

Danish director Lars Von Trier has accepted his ban from the Cannes Film Festival, following his claims that he sympathised with Adolf Hitler.

Speaking on Thursday, one of the producers of his film Melancholia said he"accepts whatever the festival directors want to do to punish him".

"It's up to the festival to decide what is good for the festival,"Meta Foldager told the AFP agency.

In a statement, organisers said the film-maker was now"persona non grata".

The director stunned onlookers on Wednesday by stating, during a press conference, that while he was"not against Jews... Israel is a pain in the ass".

His off-colour remarks, purportedly made in jest, prompted a swift rebuke from organisers and Von Trier apologised the same day.

"I am not anti-Semitic or racially prejudiced in any way, nor am I a Nazi,"he said in a statement.

The festival's decision to ban the director came after Wednesday's premiere of Von Trier's Melancholia, which remains in competition at this year's event.

The decision was supported by French culture minister Frederic Mitterrand who told reporters in Brussels that"there is a major difference between a film that was chosen in a calm atmosphere and a director who clearly blew a fuse".

He added Von Trier's remarks"did not have a place in the festival, or anywhere else for that matter".

Organisers said Cannes' board of directors had held"an extraordinary meeting"at which Von Trier was declared"a persona non grata... with effect immediately".

The director's comments, they said, were"unacceptable, intolerable and contrary to the ideals of humanity and generosity that preside over the very existence of the festival".

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Stephen Fry joins cast of 'The Hobbit'

Stephen Fry has become the latest British actor to join the cast of Peter Jackson’s currently-shooting Hobbit.

The legendary author/actor/presenter has signed on to play the Master of Laketown, which is one of the hamlets that Biblo and the Dwarves come across on their journey.

Producer and directorPeter Jacksonconfirmed that the actor and comedian will play The Master of Laketown in his two-part adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien novel.

Writing on his official Facebook page, he said:"We are thrilled to confirm that Stephen Fry will be playing The Master of Laketown."

"I've known Stephen for several years, and we're developing a Dambusters movie together. In addition to his writing skills, he's a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us."

Fry's character is the elected leader of Esgaroth and is described as capable, but greedy.

Jackson also gave an update on how filming on The Hobbit is faring, confirming that they’re coming to the end of their first shooting block in three weeks. At that point, the team will take a short break to do a little editing and visual effects work.

The Hobbit: Part One opens December 2012. Fry can next be seen in Sherlock Holmes 2 this December.

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Maria Shriver Breaks Silence

The former governor's wronged wife hasn't wasted any time in breaking her silence, releasing a statement just hours after news broke that her now estranged husband of 25 years fathered a child with a member of their household staff roughly a decade ago.

"This is a painful and heartbreaking time,"the 55-year-old said in a statement to E! News.

"As a mother, my concern is for the children. I ask for compassion, respect and privacy as my children and I try to rebuild our lives and heal. I will have no further comment."

Arnold released his own shockwave-sending statement earlier today, admitting that he cheated on his wife with a longtime member of their household staff. He said that he waited until he left the office of the governor in January of this year before telling his wife.

"I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family,"he said."There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused to Maria, my children and my family."

"I ask that the media respect my wife and children through this extremely difficult time. While I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not."

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Schwarzenegger fathered love child

Arnold Schwarzeneggersplit from his wife after she discovered he had fathered a child over 10 years ago with a member of their household staff.

Maria Shriver - who was married to the 'Terminator' actor for 25 years and has four children, Katherine, 21, Christina, 19, Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13, with him - moved out of the family's Los Angeles mansion earlier this year after Arnold admitted paternity of the child, whose mother worked with the family for 20 years before retiring in January.

Arnold - the former Governor of California - said in a statement released to the Los Angeles Times newspaper:"After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago. I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologised to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry."

"I ask that the media respect my wife and children through this extremely difficult time. While I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not."

Following the news of the couple's shock split earlier this month, Arnold, 63, revealed he was taking the break-up"one day at a time".

He said:"We both love each other very much. And we're taking it one day at a time. The bottom line is we want to thank all the people for their great, great support."

"I just spoke to Maria an hour ago before I came here. We both were saying the same thing - we're extremely blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people, by so many wonderful friends."

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Kutcher replaces Sheen in Two and a Half Men

Ashton Kutcher will replace Charlie Sheen in the hit CBS comedy Two and a Half Men, Warner Bros Television says.

Kutcher, who is married to actress Demi Moore, has hosted the prank show Punk'd and is probably best known as Michael Kelso on Fox's That 70s Show.

"I can't replace Charlie Sheen but I'm going to work my ass off to entertain the hell out of people,"Kutcher said.

Warner cut the show short and fired Sheen two months ago amid outbursts and reported problems with drink and drugs.

"We are so lucky to have someone as talented, joyful and just plain remarkable as Ashton joining our family,"said Chuck Lorre, the show's creator and executive producer.

"Added to that is the deep sigh of relief knowing that our family stays together. If I was any happier, it'd be illegal."

Sheen, who played hedonistic jingle writer Charlie Harper, was involved in a series of incidents that suggested he had personal problems.

Despite that, Two and a Half Men had continued its ratings success on the CBS network until Sheen's abrupt departure cut short the eighth series.

CBS said production on the ninth series of the comedy would start in the summer for broadcast in the autumn.

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Lohan is sentenced to jail over necklace theft

Lindsay Lohanhas been sentenced to four months in jail over the theft of a gold necklace from a shop in Los Angeles last year.

The actress changed her plea to no contest, which under California law effectively means she admitted taking the jewellery worth $2,500 (£1,529).

Officials say the actress is likely to serve 17 days of the sentence and that will probably be under house arrest.

Lindsay Lohan has until 17 June to report to jail.

The 24-year-old released a statement saying she had already started 300 hours of community work at a women's shelter.

Lohan said:"I hope to be able to fulfil my obligation without any press attention. I think the media spotlight should be on issues such as homelessness and domestic violence instead of on me."

Along with working at the women's shelter, she will do 120 hours of community service at the coroner's office in Los Angeles, have to complete an anti-shoplifting class and will remain on probation for the next three years.

The star was on probation for a 2007 drink-drive case last January when a jewellery store in the Venice area of Los Angeles told police that she'd taken a necklace without permission.

The theft happened three weeks after Lohan was released from rehab.

She had been sent there for three months of treatment after failing a separate drug screening for cocaine and amphetamines.

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Schwarzenegger and wife separate

Former California GovernorArnold Schwarzeneggerhas announced that he and his wife of 25 years Maria Shriver are separating.

"After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer, we came to this decision,"the two said in a statement.

They said they were working on the future of their relationship while living apart and would also continue to parent their four children together.

They did not provide further details.

"This has been as time of great personal and professional transition for each of us,"Mr Schwarzenegger and Mrs Shriver said in the statement issued by Mr Schwarzenegger's spokesman.

Schwarzenegger finished his second term as governor in January and has been on the speech circuit and pursuing various entertainment projects.

Shriver was a correspondent for NBC News when she left to fulfil her role as First Lady to the California governor.

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Potter star Radcliffe on rich list

Daniel Radcliffe,Robert PattinsonandKeira Knightleyare among the wealthiest Britons under the age of 30, the Sunday Times Rich List reveals.

The three actors all made the top 10 Young People list, which excludes those who made their fortunes in sports.

Daniel, the 21-year-old star of the Harry Potter movies, was the highest ranked celebrity in the list, equalling his 2010 fifth place position but with an increased wealth of£48 million.

R-Patz, star of the Twilight series, is joint eighth in the list at£32 million, up from 14th place last year.

He overtakes Keira Knightley, whose wealth has increased by£2 million to £30 million this year but who now ranks at number 10, down from joint 7th last year.

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Charges dropped against Nicolas Cage in New Orleans

Nicolas Cagehas avoided prosecution in New Orleans three weeks after he was arrested following a drunken argument with his wife, People magazine reported on Thursday.

It quoted his attorney as saying that charges of domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace and public drunkenness had been dropped.

"The New Orleans District Attorney has confirmed that no charges of any kind will be pursued against him,"Harry Rosenberg told the magazine."After their investigation, the Das refused all charges against Nick and the matter has been closed."

After-hours calls to officials in New Orleans were not answered, and Cage's publicist did not immediately reply to an email seeking further information.

The 47-year-old actor was taken into custody late on April 16 after police said he and his third wife, Alice Kim, got into an argument about the correct address of the home they were renting.

According to a statement that described him as"heavily intoxicated,"Cage began striking cars and tried to get into a taxi cab. He then yelled at police officers who promptly arrested him. There were no visible injuries to his wife.

Two days later the couple attended the wedding of Cage's 20-year-old son, Weston, in New Orleans.

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Harry Potter, Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Inception dominate MTV Movie Awards nominees

The nominees are in for the 20th annual 2011 MTV Movies Awards, and there's no surprise that mega-hits like 'Twilight Saga: Eclipse,' 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' and 'Inception' are up for multiple trophies. Those three films join 'Black Swan' and 'The Social Network' in the Best Movie category.

Among this year's typically non-traditional categories are awards for Best Scared as Sh*t Performance, and Best Jaw-dropping Moment.

Biggest Badass Star includes two kids (Jaden Smith, 'The Karate Kid' and Chloe Grace Moretz for 'Kick-Ass'), but no Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, or any cast member of 'The Expendables.'

Here's a complete list of the nominees:

Best Movie

"Black Swan"

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"

"Inception"

"The Social Network"

"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

Best Female Performance

Emma Stone,"Easy A"

Emma Watson,"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"

Jennifer Aniston,"Just Go With It"

Kristen Stewart,"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

Natalie Portman,"Black Swan"

Best Male Performance

Daniel Radcliffe,"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"

Jesse Eisenberg,"The Social Network"

Robert Pattinson,"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

Taylor Lautner,"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

Zac Efron,"Charlie St. Cloud"

Best Breakout Star

Andrew Garfield ,"The Social Network"

Chloë Grace Moretz,"Kick-Ass"

Hailee Steinfeld,"True Grit"

Jay Chou,"The Green Hornet"

Olivia Wilde,"TRON: Legacy"

Xavier Samuel,"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

Best Comedic Performance

Adam Sandler,"Just Go With It"

Ashton Kutcher,"No Strings Attached"

Emma Stone,"Easy A"

Russell Brand,"Get Him to the Greek"

Zach Galifianakis,"Due Date"

Best Line From A Movie (New Category)

Alexys Nycole Sanchez,"Grown Ups":"I want to get chocolate wasted."

Amanda Bynes and Emma Stone,"Easy A": Amanda Bynes:"There is a higher power that will judge you for your indecency."Emma Stone:"Tom Cruise?"

Jesse Eisenberg,"The Social Network":"If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you'd have invented Facebook."

Justin Timberlake and Andrew Garfield,"The Social Network": Justin Timberlake:"... A million dollars isn't cool. You know what's cool?"Andrew Garfield:"A billion dollars. And that shut everybody up."

Tom Hardy,"Inception":"You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger darling."

Best Villain

Christoph Waltz,"The Green Hornet"

Leighton Meester,"The Roommate"

Mickey Rourke,"Iron Man 2"

Ned Beatty,"Toy Story 3"

Tom Felton,"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"

Best Fight

Amy Adams vs. The Sisters,"The Fighter"

Chloë Grace Moretz vs. Mark Strong,"Kick-Ass"

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint vs. Death Eaters,"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"

Joseph Gordon-Levitt vs. Hallway Attacker,"Inception"

Robert Pattinson vs. Bryce Dallas Howard and Xavier Samuel,"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

Best Kiss

Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon-Levitt,"Inception"

Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe,"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson,"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner,"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis,"Black Swan"

Best Jaw-Dropping Moment

James Franco,"127 Hours,"Cuts Off His Arm

Justin Bieber,"Justin Bieber: Never Say Never,"Performance Spectacular

Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page,"Inception,"Paris Café Scene

Natalie Portman,"Black Swan,"Mutilation: Pulls the Skin off Her Finger

Steve-O,"Jackass 3D,"Port-A-Potty Bungee Stunt

Best Scared-As-Sh*t Performance

Ashley Bell,"The Last Exorcism"

Ellen Page,"Inception"

Jessica Szohr,"Piranha 3D"

Minka Kelly,"The Roommate"

Ryan Reynolds,"Buried"

Biggest Badass Star

Alex Pettyfer,"I Am Number Four"

Chloë Grace Moretz,"Kick-Ass"

Jaden Smith,"The Karate Kid"

Joseph Gordon-Levitt,"Inception"

Robert Downey Jr.,"Iron Man 2"

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Charlie Sheen finalises divorce

Charlie Sheen's divorce from Brooke Mueller has been finalised.

The couple - who married in 2008 and have two-year-old twin sons, Bob and Max, together - have officially ended their union, with former real estate agent Brooke being granted $55,000-a-month in child support on top of a lump sum of $757,698.70 and another $1 million for her share of their marital home.

According to gossip website TMZ, the former 'Two and a Half Men' actor - who also has two daughters, Sam, seven, and five-year-old Lola, with ex-wife Denise Richards, as well as a grown-up daughter, Cassandra, from a previous relationship - will keep the family home in Los Angeles.

The documents also state:"Under no circumstances shall the child support paid by Charlie for Bob and Max be less than the child support paid by Charlie to Denise Richards for Sam and Lola."

The news comes after Charlie, 45, lost his custody battle against Brooke.

The troubled star had hoped to win primary legal and physical custody of Bob and Max after Brooke refused to take a drug test last month and entered rehab but had his plea rejected by judge Hank Goldberg at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles.

The decision maintained the situation decided in court on March 10, which sees Brooke have majority custody of Bob and Max while Sheen will be allowed to spend time with them every other weekend from Saturday morning until Sunday evening for the first two months.

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Pattinson Lied About Experience To Land Acting Jobs

Twilight superstarRobert Pattinsonlied on his resume before he was famous in a bid to land acting roles.

The British actor got his first big break portraying Cedric Diggory in 2005 movieHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)and subsequently shot to fame as vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight franchise.

Pattinson had previously struggled to land roles, spending two years unemployed before moving to Los Angeles in a bid to find work.

He was so desperate to get a job, he pretended to have attended London's prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) and Oxford University to impress potential employers.

He tells Britain's Daily Mirror,"I'd been unemployed for ages, and when I came to Los Angeles all the casting directors would ask what I'd been doing for the past few years. I'd say, 'Oh, I was at Rada' - if you've got an English accent you can get away with it. I'd say I went to Oxford, too. I did it for years. But it didn't work when loads of English people started moving to Los Angeles. So then I pretended to be American for a bit. When Twilight came out I still tried to pretend to be American but people thought I was insane, so I stopped."

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Lohan back onboard Gotti film as part of two-picture deal

Lindsay Lohan is back onboard John Travolta's new Gotti family biopic after signing on for back-to-back mob films produced by Fiore Films.

The news comes hours after Gotti: Three Generations executive producer, Mark Fiore, announced he was tired of negotiating a deal with Lohan's managers and urged the actress to get in touch with him directly - and it seems the actress has done just that.

Hours after he stated,"Maybe if Lindsay calls me up, we can talk about it,"Fiore has announced the Mean Girls star has signed on to play Gambino family boss John Gotti's daughter-in-law Kim in the film as part of a two-picture deal.

The role was initially earmarked for reality TV star Kim Kardashian, according to insiders, while Lohan was formerly in negotiations to portray Gotti's daughter Victoria.

As part of the new deal, Lohan will also have a starring role in Fiore Films upcoming production of Mob Street, a movie based on a screenplay written by actor Chazz Palminteri.

"We're very pleased to have Lindsay onboard for both of these films. She has been very enthusiastic about the Gotti project, and, after resuming discussions with her, we were impressed by her commitment to the film and felt she would be a perfect Kim Gotti."

Travolta will play Gotti in the film and Joe Pesci will play his right-hand man Angelo Ruggiero.

The project is still without a director after Nick Cassavetes quit the film earlier this week, due to a scheduling conflict.

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Berry resolves custody dispute with ex

Halle Berryhas spoken out about her custody battle with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry for the first time to assure fans it isn't as bad as the media has been reporting.

The actress has reportedly backed out of a film and a play in New York over the custody battle, and took aim at Aubry earlier this year over his"lack of co-operation".

But she insists the court battle over the couple's daughter Nahla is not what it seems.

Berry tells news show Extra,"Our issues were never about fighting for her."

"We both know a child needs both her parents. But what I want to say about it is sometimes, as a couple, you reach an impasse. We need a court and a judge to help us work out some of the delicate issues... I'm so happy we've arrived at that place, because, for her sake, this is the best way. We both love her more than life."

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Nicolas Cage 'returns to work after arrest'

Nicolas Cagehas returned to work following his New Orleans arrest.

The Oscar-winning actor - who was detained for domestic abuse, disturbing the peace and public intoxication after allegedly pushing wife Alice Kim - was said to be"extremely professional"when he arrived on the set of 'Medallion' in New Orleans today (18.04.11), and is"ready"to get back to his job.

According to People, Cage was back at work on the set of his latest movie Medallion on Monday.

"He is always extremely professional,"a source said."He is a dedicated actor when he is at work, and I don't think people would hire him so much if he wasn't."

Cage was reportedly seen screaming in the street before his arrest, according to a witness.

He was bailed out of jail by Dog the Bounty Hunter after spending only 8 hours in custody. The A&E star posted Cage's $11,000 release bond on the same day the actor was arrested.

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The Harry Potter UK Page on Facebook smashes records as it hits one million fans!

London 18th April 2011….The Harry Potter UK Page on Facebook has secured its one millionth fan, smashing Facebook’s record for largest film fan page in the UK around the Blu-ray™ and DVD release of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows™ - Part 1, released on Monday 11th April.

Fans of the biggest franchise in film history have enthusiastically 'Liked', 'Commented' and 'Shared' to ensure that the Harry Potter UK Page on Facebook secured a place in the social media record books, beating the record previously held for a UK film page by Toy Story 3.

With Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ - Part 1 now available on Blu-Ray and DVD there is also the opportunity to watch a sneak peek of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ - Part 2 on Video on Demand via Sky Box Office, FilmFlex in Virgin Media’s Movies on Demand and BT Vision services

Warner Home Video worked closely with Think Jam, a leading social media, PR and creative agency, on the creation and management of the Harry Potter UK Page on Facebook to engage, inform and entertain the growing Harry Potter fan community with exclusive trailers, stills, interviews and updates. This exciting initiative was launched for the theatrical release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ - Part 1 in November 2010 and will continue through the theatrical and home entertainment releases of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 2.

The Harry Potter UK Page on Facebook can be found atwww.facebook.com/HarryPotterUK

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Samuel L Jackson debuts on Broadway

Samuel L Jacksonwill make his Broadway debut this autumn as the Rev Martin Luther King Jr.

Producers of The Mountaintop said the Academy Award-nominated actor will star in the play that reimagines the night before the civil rights leader's assassination.

The play, by Katori Hall, made its debut in London in 2009.

It had been rumoured that Halle Berry would join Samuel but producers said"child custody issues"ruled her out.

Performances on Broadway will begin on September 22 at the Bernard B Jacobs Theatre on 45th Street. The official opening is set for October 13.

Samuel, known for films such as Pulp Fiction and Snakes on a Plane, originated roles in two of August Wilson's plays at Yale Repertory Theatre and appeared at the New York Shakespeare Festival.

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Catherine Zeta-Jones treated for bipolar disorder

Catherine Zeta-Jones's representative has revealed that the star sought treatment for bipolar disorder at a health facility.

Zeta Jones, 41, made a decision to check into a"mental health facility"for a brief stay, said her publicist.

Bipolar disorder, otherwise known as manic-depressive disorder, brings about unusual changes in mood and energy that can result in manic episodes - an overly excitable state - or depressive episodes - a state of heightened sadness.

A representative for the actress released a statement saying:"After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her Bipolar II disorder."

"She's feeling great and looking forward to starting work this week on her two upcoming films."

It is unclear when Zeta Jones, who is from Swansea, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder or where she received treatment.

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Douglas' ex revives movie cash bid

The clash between Michael Douglas and his ex-wife over his Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps earnings is back for another run in a New York court.

Diandra Douglas is seeking half the Oscar-winning actor's earnings from the 2010 film.

Her legal team has pressed a judge to reconsider his view that the case belongs in California, where the couple divorced in 2000 after 23 years together.

Lawyers for both sides traded barbs in court. Douglas was not there.

Michael Douglas' lawyer said her client's ex"should be ashamed of herself"for seeking more when she had received more than 51 million dollars (£31 million).

Her lawyers, meanwhile, mentioned his recent purchase of a£3 million-plus home near New York.

Outside court, Diandra Douglas criticised"mudslinging"she felt was directed at her."I've always behaved as a lady, and I always intend to do so in the future,"she said."I think the facts speak for themselves."

Michael Douglas' lawyer, Marilyn Chinitz, said his former wife's claim was meritless and"she ought to get the message and move on".

The couple's lengthy, multi million-dollar divorce deal gives Diandra Douglas a share of proceeds from projects related to work the actor did when they were married.

But she says that should include last year's follow-up to Wall Street, the 1987 Oliver Stone film that won Michael Douglas an Oscar for his portrayal of an era-encapsulating financier who declared that"greed is good".

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Nicolas Cage's Rare Superman Comic Found

A 1938 comic featuring Superman's debut that has been recovered in a storage locker in the US appears to be the copy stolen from Nicolas Cage, police say.

A mint-condition copy of Action Comics No. 1 that Cage reported stolen 10 years ago was discovered last month in a San Fernando Valley storage locker, and the Oscar winner can't wait to get it back.

"It is divine providence that the comic was found and I am hopeful that the heirloom will be returned to my family,"Cage said in an awesome statement Monday.

Detective Don Hrycyk, of the Los Angeles Police Department's art theft department, said an investigation into the theft and recovery - from a locker in the San Fernando Valley - was in its early stages.

He said a number of false leads had been generated over the years, including a 2002 tip-off that the comic was in a safety deposit box in Tennessee.

When detectives followed the lead, they found a replica of the comic's cover wrapped around a woman's underwear catalogue.

Cage auctioned off a collection of 400 vintage comic books in 2002 for upward of $1.6 million. Meanwhile, a different copy of the debut Superman, which was issued in 1938 with a 10-cent price tag, was sold in March 2010 for a reported $1.5 million.

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Shannon Is Superman's Nemesis

Actor Michael Shannon has landed the coveted villain role in the upcoming reboot of the Superman franchise.

The Revolutionary Road star will play General Zod opposite British hunk Henry Cavill as the young superhero - and director Zack Snyder is delighted with the casting.

He tells The Hollywood Reporter,"Zod is not only one of Superman's most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don't. Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role."

Kevin Costner and Diane Lane will star as Superman's parents, while Amy Adams has accepted the role of Lois Lane in Superman: Man Of Steel, which is set for a 2012 release.

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Fey's doubts over second pregnancy

Expectant mother Tina Fey struggled with"guilt and panic"over her decision to have a second child, fearing her career would stall if she fell pregnant again.

The Date Night star recently announced she is five months pregnant, but the actress admits she questioned whether she was ready for another baby after her five-year-old daughter Alice began asking for a sibling.

Fey suffered many sleepless nights before finally breaking down in her gynaecologist's office.

In her new memoir Bossypants, she recalls,"I went for my annual check-up and, tired of carrying this anxiety around, burst into tears the moment she said hello. I laid it all out for her, and the main thing I took away from our conversation was the kind of simple observation that only an impartial third party can provide: 'Either way, everything will be fine.'"

The comedienne was also concerned that expanding her family would kill her career - but she eventually concluded that she didn't care.

She adds,"Science shows that fertility and movie offers drop off steeply for women after 40... (But) what's so great about work anyway? Work won't visit you when you're old. Work won't drive you to get a mammogram and take you out after for soup."

"Hollywood be damned. I'll just be unemployable and labelled crazy in five years anyway."

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Hilton sued over borrowed jewels

A break-in atParis Hilton's Los Angeles home has led to a New York lawsuit over 60,000 US dollars in borrowed gems.

A jeweller's insurer said the celebrity socialite simply held onto them after police gave them back to her.

Insurer Allianz Global sued Paris. Her spokeswoman said only costume jewellery was recovered by police.

The Munich-based insurer said jeweller Damiani lent Paris the gems in 2007. The lawsuit says the Damiani jewels were taken along with about two million US dollars worth of other jewels in the December 2008 burglary.

Police returned a Louis Vuitton bag full of jewellery to the reality TV star after making arrests in 2009. The suit says Paris then ignored Allianz' requests to return the Damiani gems.

Five people still face charges in the break-in.

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Third Batman to film in Pittsburgh

The latest Batman movie will be filmed this summer in Pittsburgh, it has been announced.

DirectorChristopher Nolan, who has helmed the two previous Batman films - starringChristian Baleas caped crime fighter and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne - said the Pennsylvania city will host filming for a third film for at least a month.

"Pittsburgh is a beautiful city. We have been able to find everything we were looking for here and I am excited to spend the summer in Pittsburgh with our final installment of Batman,"he said in a statement, adding that he finally settled on the city because of its architecture and diverse sampling of locations.

Mayor Luke Ravensthahl said the decision was"another example of the growing film industry in our community and we will be rolling out the red carpet for them."

The city is no stranger to film productions, having been the location for more than 100 film and television products since 1990, including I Am Number Four and Kevin Smith's Zack&Miri Make A Porno.

The film, The Dark Knight Rises, is scheduled to be released in July 2012, and stars Christopher Bale,Gary Oldman, andAnne Hathawayas Catwoman.

The previous two films include Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

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Arnie's Back As Animated Crime-Fighter

Arnold Schwarzeneggercombines politics and the big screen in his new TV series and 3D film - featuring a superheroic guy who gets things done without the constraints of laws that thwart his action.

The Hollywood action man-turned-California governor says The Governator is an animated TV show that it is a funny, action-packed, crime-fighting fantasy.

Think Bruce Wayne - the civilian tycoon behind the Batman mask - but involving a former governor who assembles a team of whiz kids to fight both crime and natural disasters.

"When I ran for governor back in 2003 and I started hearing people talking about 'The Governator', I thought the word was so cool,"the 63-year-old told Entertainment Weekly.

"The word Governator combined two worlds - the world of politics and the movie world. And the cartoon brings everything together."

He added:"It combines the governor, the Terminator, the bodybuilding world, the True Lies world."

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Depp could be back for more Pirates

Johnny Deppwill be asked to make a fifth Pirates Of The Caribbean film if the fourth instalment is a success.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer said he already has a screenplay in the works for a fifth Pirates tale, which would follow the forthcoming Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

"As long as the audience embraces this one, we'll certainly try to make another one. It's really up to Johnny. He loves the character,"he said.

The original three Pirates blockbusters ended up as a trilogy continuing the same key characters and story line.

But Jerry said On Stranger Tides - the first Pirates flick shot with digital 3D cameras - and future Pirates films will be stand-alone stories continuing the adventures of Johnny's woozy buccaneer Captain Jack Sparrow.

"The audience told us (at test screenings of On Stranger Tides) what they loved about it is that it was fresh, it was new, it was a whole new story,"Jerry said.

"So that will carry over into the next one, too, to give it something fresh and different."

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Jackie Chan death rumours denied

Jackie Chanhas reassured fans he is alive and well after rumours of his death began to circulate on the internet.

The Rush Hour star was rumoured to have died of a heart attack aged 56 after pranksters began to report the hoax on social networking sites and 'RIP Jackie Chan' was soon trending on Twitter.

A statement on Jackie's official Facebook page said:"Jackie is alive and well. He did not suffer a heart attack and die, as was reported on many social networking sites and in online news reports."

"Jackie is fine and is busy preparing for the filming of his next movie."

The Karate Kid star also posted a picture on his official website jackiechan.com showing him meeting with Yuji Kumamaru, Consul-General of Japan, in Hong Kong on Tuesday to discuss a charity benefit for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Jackie is helping organise the Love Without Borders 3/11 Candelight Gala on April 1 at Victoria Park in Hong Kong.

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Lohan: No charges on rehab case

Lindsay Lohanhas one less legal worry after prosecutors announced they would not pursue any charges against her over a December scuffle with a rehab worker.

Riverside County District Attorney's spokesman John Hall said prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to pursue a misdemeanour battery case against the actress.

Police were called to a Betty Ford Centre facility in Palm Desert around 1am on December 12 after a worker accused Lohan of hurting her during an altercation.

The worker, Dawn Holland, later spoke about the incident on camera with TMZ and was fired by Betty Ford for violating patient confidentiality rules.

Lohan was nearing the end of her three-month court-ordered treatment at the centre after violating her probation on a 2007 drunken driving case.

Prosecutors had sought further investigation from police agencies that responded to the call, but ultimately found there was not enough evidence to file charges.

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Amy Adams is new Lois Lane

It has been confirmed American actress Amy Adams will play Clark Kent's love interest, Lois Lane, in the new Superman film.

After a long search, director Zack Snyder said the Academy-Award nominated actress is perfect for the role in the upcoming Superman: Man of Steel.

In a written statement, he said:"We are excited to announce the casting of Amy Adams, one of the most versatile and respected actresses in films today."

"There was a big, giant search for Lois, We did a lot of auditioning, but we had this meeting with Amy Adams, and after that I just felt she was perfect for it."

"Amy has the talent to capture all of the qualities we love about Lois: smart, tough, funny, warm, ambitious and, of course, beautiful."

The 36-year-old will star alongside British actor Henry Cavill, who has landed the role of the iconic superhero.

Superman: Man of Steel is due to be released in December 2012.

Source

Reese Witherspoon weds

Hollywood starReese Witherspoonhas tied the knot with her fiance Jim Toth.

A spokeswoman for the Academy Award winning actress said she wed Hollywood agent Jim Toth, on Saturday in Ojai, California, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles.

Publicist Nicole Perna did not reveal details of the ceremony.

The Oscar-winning actress and Toth announced their engagement in December.

Toth is an agent for Creative Artists Agency, which represents Witherspoon through another agent.

The 35-year-old actress won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter in 2005's Walk the Line. Witherspoon's other film credits include Legally Blonde, Four Christmases and the forthcoming Water for Elephants.

She was previously married to actor Ryan Phillippe, with whom she has two children, 11-year-old daughter Ava and seven-year-old son Deacon.

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Elizabeth Taylor Late to Her Own Funeral

Elizabeth Taylor was late to her own funeral, it has been uncovered. The two-time Academy Award winner was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California on Thursday, March 24, but the private Jewish ceremony got delayed for about 15 minutes after the announced start time at her request.

In a statement, publicist Sally Morrison confirmed that the Hollywood icon, whose casket was draped with gardenias, violets, and lily of the valley for the service, has left instructions in which she requested that her funeral started late."She even wanted to be late for her own funeral,"so the representative announced.

Attended by family and friends, Liz's funeral service lasted for around one hour and was conducted by Rabbi Jerry Cutler. It began with a recitation of Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem"The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo"by actor Colin Farrell and family members. During the service, her grandson Rhys Tivey also performed a trumpet solo of"Amazing Grace".

The Westboro Baptist Church had earlier threatened to picket the funeral, but appeared to be caught off guard by the speed of the service. Still, Glendale Police Department was asked to assist with the security in anticipation of the protesters and in consideration of the close proximity of an elementary school.

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New 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark' injury

T.V. Carpio has been forced to take a two-week hiatus from Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark after suffering an undisclosed injury.

The Broadway actress, who took over the role of Arachne from Natalie Mendoza earlier this year, will be on mandatory bed rest during the break.

"T.V. Carpio sustained an injury on Wednesday, March 16, during an on-stage battle scene with a fellow actor,"said production spokesman Rick Miramontez in a statement on Tuesday.

"On doctor's orders, she will be out of the show for the next two weeks. America Olivo will be performing the role of Arachne during this time."

A source told the New York Times that Carpio's injury seemed to involve her neck, though the report has not been confirmed.

The incident is the latest in a string of difficulties that have beset the production. Director Julie Taymor left her role earlier this month and it was recently suggested that choreographer Daniel Ezralow also plans to leave the musical.

Source

Dame Elizabeth Taylor dies

Dame Elizabeth Taylor, the iconic actress, activist and Hollywood legend, has died at age 79

She had been hospitalized several times in recent years for congestive heart failure and was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital in February for monitoring; congestive heart failure is listed as the official cause of death.

Dame Elizabeth's most famous films included National Velvet, Cleopatra and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

She was equally well-known for her glamour and film partnership with Richard Burton, one of seven husbands.

In her prime, she was arguably one of the world's greatest actresses and most beautiful women.

Her colourful private life, screen success and Aids charity work ensured she was never far from the spotlight since finding fame at the age of 12.

The peak of her film career came in the 1950s and 1960s, with four Oscar nominations in a row from 1958 to 1961.

She lost out in her first three attempts - for Raintree County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Suddenly, Last Summer - but triumphed at her fourth attempt with Butterfield 8.

Her second Oscar came in 1967 for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, one of 12 films with Burton.

She met the actor while filming 1963's Cleopatra - which became notorious as one of the most expensive films of all time, but which also sparked one of Hollywood's greatest romances.

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Lohan may take a plea deal

Lindsay Lohanis said to be thinking about taking a plea deal in her court case, after initially saying that she never would.

The Mean Girls star will appear back in court on Friday, over charges that she stole a£1,500 necklace from a jewellery store in California and for violating her probation.

It was originally thought that Lindsay was going to reject the deal but an insider told website TMZ:"Reality is starting to sink in and Lindsay is beginning to understand the risks of going forward with a trial."

If LiLo fights the charge and loses she risks going to jail for over a year, while taking the deal means she could end up only doing a 3 month stint behind bars.

It is reported that could also be reduced to just 19 day because of prison overcrowding.

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Hobbit filming finally under way

Filming on the two Hobbit movies has begun following months of delays caused by funding problems, a row over actors' wages and surgery for its director.

Filming is taking place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.

Production on the films, starringMartin Freemanas Bilbo Baggins, is expected to take up to two years. The first is due out in late 2012.

Studios Warner Bros and New Line had previously considered taking the production away from New Zealand after acting unions threatened to boycott the films in protest over payments.

The films had earlier been stalled by problems including rows over distribution rights and the exit of original directorGuillermo del Toro.

The film, which also stars Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey, Andy Serkis as Gollum, Elijah Wood as Frodo and Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, is based on JRR Tolkien's epic fantasy novel.

The Hobbit films act as a prequel to Jackson's trilogy of films based on Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

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Prisoner of Azkaban named film of the decade

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has been named film of the decade at the First Light Awards.

Producer David Heyman said it was an"honour and a privilege"to receive the award at a ceremony at London's Odeon Leicester Square.

The prize, voted for by the public in association with the Bafta Kids' Vote, was chosen by children aged five to 15.

Prisoner of Azkaban was up against other films including Shrek, Whale Rider, Happy Feet and Up.

Heyman said:"It's especially exciting and moving to be voted Film of the Decade by children aged five to 15."

"We made the film for children of all ages from from to 105 really, but clearly a core part of our audience is young people and to be honoured is a privilege."

Clemence Posey, who plays Fleur Delacour in the films and presented Heyman with the award, said she was sad the franchise was coming to an end this summer.

"I remember my last day of shooting which was the last day for a lot of people, and some of them had been there for more than 10 years, so it really became very emotional,"she said.

The annual First Light awards celebrate short films made by young people.

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Radcliffe enjoys anonymity in NY

Daniel Radcliffeis enjoying the anonymity that New York offers.

The Harry Potter star is staying in the Big Apple with his girlfriend as he prepares for his second Broadway musical, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.

"I love it, because it's possible to be kind of anonymous - I'm five foot five, and I'll wear a big parka and put the hood up, and nobody gives me a second glance,"he told USA Today.

Daniel, who previously stayed in New York during his Equus stint on Broadway in 2008, will soon have to adjust to a long-distance relationship.

"She's here with me as much as she can be. She's about to start a new job in not too long, though, so I won't see her for a few months,"he continued.

And he added:"I'm very comfortable discussing my personal life, because it's so boring."

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, also starring five-time Emmy award-winner John Larroquette, opens on February 26 at the Al Hirschfeld theatre.

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Seann William Scott 'enters rehab'

Seann William Scott has entered rehab.

Reps for the actor announced on Tuesday that the American Pie star is currently seeking treatment for"health and personal issues", though it was not revealed at which facility he is enrolled.

"Seann William Scott has voluntarily admitted himself for proactive treatment to address health and personal issues,"read a statement.

The full details behind Scott's decision to check into an undisclosed rehab facility are unknown, but it is not believed to be related to alcohol or drugs.

In a 2003 interview, the tee-total star revealed,"I don't do drugs or alcohol. I don't party. I don't watch porn."

"He appreciates the support of his many fans at this time."

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Steven Spielberg discusses motion capturing Tintin

Steven Spielberghas spoken out about his decision to make upcoming comic adap Tintin using motion capture rather than more traditional methods.

Talking with the LA Times, the director reveals his reasoning behind the controversial approach to moviemaking, as well as his thoughts on the process.

“It was based on my respect for the art of Hergé and wanting to get as close to that art as I could,” Spielberg says. “Hergé wrote about fictional people in a real world, not in a fantasy universe.

“It was the real universe he was working with, and he used National Geographic to research his adventure stories. It just seemed that live action would be too stylised for an audience to relate to.

“You’d have to have costumes that are a little outrageous when you see actors wearing them. The costumes seem to fit better when the medium chosen is a digital one.”

Once he’d tested the method out, Spielberg knew there was no turning back– like Robert Zemeckis before him, he was in love with it.

“I just adored it,” he says. “It made me more like a painter than ever before. I got a chance to do so many jobs that I don’t often do as a director.

“You get to paint with this device that puts you into a virtual world, and allows you to make your shots and block all the actors with a small hand-held device only three times as large as an Xbox game controller.”

The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn opens 26 October.

Read more: Steven Spielberg discusses motion capturing Tintin | TotalFilm.com

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Lohan to enter plea deal in theft case?

Lindsay Lohanhas reportedly been granted more time to consider a plea deal offered to her in her ongoing felony theft case.

According to TMZ, Los Angeles judge Judge Keith Schwartz previously offered the actress a deal - which would include mandatory time behind bars - upon the condition that she accepted the bargain by Thursday morning.

However, she is now said to be expecting a continuance in the case upon attending court tomorrow morning which would allow her to have more time to consider the deal.

Lohan, who pleaded not guilty last month, told the website:"I am ready for court tomorrow, and I believe that the truth will prevail through all of this."

It was recently suggested that Lohan will sue the jewellery company from which she allegedly stole after they sold a surveillance tape reportedly showcasing the incident for which she is on trial.

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Seyfried 'exhausted' shooting Red Riding Hood

Amanda Seyfriedworked herself to the point of exhaustion on the set of her latest movie Red Riding Hood, insisting it was"really tiring"to film in front of a green screen.

The actress was forced to rely on her imagination when shooting the new thriller, inspired by the Little Red Riding Hood fable, as several scary wolf effects were added in post-production.

And the blonde beauty admits her acting skills were put to the test when she had to react to a plank of wood.

She tells US news show Access Hollywood,"(CGI filming) is exhausting and probably the least fun part of my job. I say that because our imaginations are all we have in times like those, but I had to have this certain level of fear that is hard to get when you're not terrified. I had to trick my body into being scared and that was just exhausting."

"I hyperventilated, I (jumped) up and down, and (was) crying, and it's just really tiring, and I'm looking at a piece of wood. I wasn't getting anything. It was all in my head."

"We did have a Styrofoam wolf called Stuffy that was life-sized - he didn't really help that much!"

Source

Sheen fired from Two and a Half Men

Charlie Sheenhas been fired from the hit US sitcom Two and a Half Men by Warner Bros Television.

The studio said it had acted after"careful consideration". The news comes amid a frenzy of US media reports on Sheen's controversial personal life.

No decision has been made on the future of the television series, a spokesman for Warner Bros said on Monday.

Sheen, the highest paid actor on US television, has also appeared in films including Wall Street and Platoon.

Production on the current season of the CBS comedy had initially been shut down following controversial remarks made by Sheen about show creator Chuck Lorre. The actor has since given a number of television interviews blasting Lorre and other executives and threatening to sue Warner Bros and CBS.

The sitcom is the most popular series on the CBS television network.

"After careful consideration, Warner Bros Television has terminated Charlie Sheen's services on Two and a Half Men effective immediately,"Warner Bros said in a statement.

When asked by the Associated Press news agency if he would sue, Sheen replied via text message with the word"big". He added his next move would be a"big one".

It is not yet clear whether the show will continue in Sheen's absence. CBS has so far declined to comment.

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Schwarzenegger 'considering many scripts'

Arnold Schwarzeneggerhas revealed that he is looking at a number of possible scripts for his next film.

Schwarzenegger, who stepped down from his role as Governor of California in January, recently announced that he would like to return to making movies. According to Movie Web, he is seriously considering at least 15 possible scripts.

"There are obvious ones from The Terminator to remakes of Predator and The Running Man and all of those things,"said Schwarzenegger.

He continued:"Then also a lot of original stuff too. But I am also packaging a comic book character right now. I'm going to announce that sometime by the end of March or the beginning of April."

Schwarzenegger refused to reveal whether or not the comic book character would get his or her own movie franchise, stating that details on the character would have to wait.

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Harry Potter studio tour to open in 2012

Fans of Harry Potter will be able to experience the magic of the movies' sets, costumes and props when a new tour opens next year.

The Making of Harry Potter will let fans go on a walking tour through the wizard franchise's production base in Leavesden.

Among the sets, they'll see Hogwarts headteacher Professor Dumbledore's office and the Great Hall of the wizarding school, where starsDaniel Radcliffe,Emma WatsonandRupert Grintall filmed scenes.

A spokesperson for film studio Warner Bros. Says,"We're incredibly excited."

The tour will be open to the public next spring.

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Warner Bros"furious" over Radcliffe play

Warner Bros is reportedly"furious"after being forced to buy out several showings of Daniel Radcliffe's Broadway show in order to secure his appearance at the final Harry Potter premiere.

New York Post reports that the actor, who is starring in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying until at least November, would not have been given a release for the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on July 7.

According to the newspaper, a"bitter"negotiation took place between Warner Bros and the play's producers, which resulted in the studio paying $500,000 (£306,206) to free Radcliffe from his role for five nights.

A source said:"Warner Bros is furious that Radcliffe committed to Broadway when he should be promoting Harry Potter.

"This is the final film, so it's a big deal. A grand world premiere is being planned as well as a US premiere and a press tour. They absolutely couldn't do it without their big star.

"But the theatre producers dug their heels in and said they wouldn't release Radcliffe unless Warner bought out the entire theatre for the nights they need him."

Source

Christina Aguilera freed from jail

Christina Aguilera has been released from jail after passing a sobriety test.

The singer and her boyfriend, Matthew Rutler, were picked up by police after he was spotted driving their car erratically in West Hollywood.

According to Sheriff's spokesperson Steve Whitmore, she"wasn't able to take care of herself...so for the safety of the individual we brought her here until she could fend for herself".

The star was booked on a misdemeanour charge of public intoxication and was released after posting $250 bail.

Her boyfriend was charged with suspicion of driving under the influence and booked. Bail was set at $5,000 and he too was later released.

The singer was arrested early on Tuesday morning for public drunkenness, while boyfriend Matthew Rutler faces more serious charges of driving under the influence.

"When she got out of the car, she couldn't stand. We had to help her stand,"said Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore.

"She didn't know where she was and she didn't know her own address. We took her into custody for her own protection."

He added:"It was an arrest for her own safety... It is a public welfare issue. She was incapacitated and not able to take care of herself."

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Hollywood star Jane Russell dies

Former Hollywood actress and sex symbol Jane Russell has died at the age of 89.

The brunette was discovered by eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, who cast her in his 1943 Western The Outlaw.

Some of her most memorable films include the The Paleface (1948) with Bob Hope, and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) with Marilyn Monroe.

She died on Monday at her home in California of a respiratory-related illness, her daughter-in-law confirmed.

She worked with many of the industry's stars in the '40s and '50s, appearing alongside Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1953. She also worked with Frank Sinatra, Groucho Marx and Vincent Price during the '50s.

In a statement to Reuters, her son Buck Waterfield said:"Jane Russell passed away peacefully today (Monday) at home surrounded by her children at her bedside."

Russell adopted three children with her first husband, American football player Bob Waterfield and in the 1950s founded the World Adoption International Fund.

She had continued to perform and carry out work for charities up until a few weeks ago when her health began to decline.

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The King's Speech reigns

King's Speech, The (2010)has been crowned best picture at the Oscars, with starColin Firthnamed best actor.

Tom Hooper was named best director for the film, which also won for best original screenplay at the ceremony.

Its best picture rival, The Social Network, won for adapted screenplay, film editing and score.Natalie Portmanwon best actress for Black Swan.

BritonChristian BaleandMelissa Leowon supporting acting awards for boxing drama The Fighter.

Firth, who had been firm favourite to win for his portrayal of King George VI battling a stammer, joked:"I have a feeling my career's just peaked."

The success of The King's Speech denied director David Fincher and his film The Social Network, the story of the creation of Facebook that was considered its closest rival at the ceremony in Los Angeles' Kodak Theatre.

Paying tribute to his film's stars, Hooper said:"Thank you to my wonderful actors, the triangle of man-love which is Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and me. I'm only here because of you guys."

Screenwriter David Seidler thanked the Queen for"not putting me in the Tower of London"for the swearing that featured in his Oscar-winning script.

The King's Speech had led the nominations, competing in 12 categories, ahead of the 10 nominations for True Grit - from which the Coen brothers' Western won nothing.

There had been eight nominations each for Inception and The Social Network, the adapted screenplay for the latter winning an Oscar for The West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin.

Portman had been the favourite for the best actress prize for her performance as a disturbed ballet dancer in Black Swan.

"This is insane, and I truly, sincerely wish that the prize tonight was to get to work with my fellow nominees - I'm so in awe of you,"said the pregnant actress.

Among the women she beat to the Oscar was The Kids Are All Right actress Annette Bening, who has now been nominated four times without success.

Best Motion Picture of the Year

  WINNER: The King's Speech (2010): Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Gareth Unwin

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

  WINNER: Colin Firth for The King's Speech (2010)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

  WINNER: Natalie Portman for Black Swan (2010)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

  WINNER: Christian Bale for The Fighter (2010)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

  WINNER: Melissa Leo for The Fighter (2010)

Best Achievement in Directing

  WINNER: Tom Hooper for The King's Speech (2010)

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen

  WINNER: The King's Speech (2010): David Seidler

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published

  WINNER: The Social Network (2010): Aaron Sorkin

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year

  WINNER: Toy Story 3 (2010): Lee Unkrich

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year

  WINNER: Civilization (2010): Susanne Bier(Denmark)

Best Achievement in Cinematography

  WINNER: Inception (2010): Wally Pfister

Best Achievement in Editing

  WINNER: The Social Network (2010): Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall

Best Achievement in Art Direction

  WINNER: Alice in Wonderland (2010): Robert Stromberg, Karen O'Hara

Best Achievement in Costume Design

  WINNER: Alice in Wonderland (2010): Colleen Atwood

Best Achievement in Makeup

  WINNER: The Wolfman (2010): Rick Baker, Dave Elsey

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score

  WINNER: The Social Network (2010): Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song

  WINNER: Toy Story 3 (2010): Randy Newman("We Belong Together")

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

  WINNER: Inception (2010): Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo, Ed Novick

Best Achievement in Sound Editing

  WINNER: Inception (2010): Richard King

Best Achievement in Visual Effects

  WINNER: Inception (2010): Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley, Pete Bebb, Paul J. Franklin

Best Documentary, Features

  WINNER: Inside Job (2010): Charles Ferguson, Audrey Marrs

Best Documentary, Short Subjects

  WINNER: Strangers No More (2010): Karen Goodman, Kirk Simon

Best Short Film, Animated

  WINNER: The Lost Thing (2010): Shaun Tan, Andrew Ruhemann

Best Short Film, Live Action

  WINNER: God of Love (2010): Luke Matheny

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Rose McGowan wins restraining order

Rose McGowan has won a restraining order against a man she says has threatened her agent and other employees in attempts to contact her.

The former Charmed star obtained an order preventing Louis S. Santo III of Connecticut from contacting her or her agents.

In a Los Angeles court filing, Rose states Santo has claimed to love her and threatened violence if he did not speak with her.

The actress wrote she is"severely unnerved"by Santo's actions.

Santo said in a phone interview he wrote a script for Rose but that her claims do not make any sense to him. He said he does not know if he will try to fight the order.

A hearing to extend the order is scheduled for March 11.

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Lindsay Lohan will go to jail if she accepts deal

Lindsay Lohan has been told she will be going to jail if she accepts a plea bargain for her grand theft felony charge.

The troubled actress appeared at a Los Angeles courthouse today (23.02.11) for a hearing focusing on the accusation she stole a $2,500 necklace from upmarket jewellery store Kamofie&Company, in Venice, California.

Lindsay - who has pleaded not guilty to the charge - was informed by Judge Keith Schwartz she can expect to serve a prison sentence if she accepts the deal offered to her by the District Attorney, details of which were not revealed.

He said:"Miss Lohan there are a couple of things you need to understand so there is absolutely no misunderstandings about anything dealing with this case."

"I never met you before the last court appearance, you never met me. One of the things about me is that I treat everyone the same. I don't care you are Lindsay Lohan versus John Doe or Jane Doe."

"I'm just going to tell you a couple of things that if the case settles in this court will happen. This case does involve jail time. Period. If this case is resolved in front of me - you are going to jail. Period."

"Now there may be an issue as to the amount of time that you go to jail and that's why a judge has discretion in sentencing. But if it settles here I don't want you under any apprehension, you will be going to jail."

Before the hearing started, the judge met in his chambers with the 'Machete' star's attorney Shawn Chapman Holley and prosecutor Danette Meyers to discuss the plea bargain, and admitted he came away with the impression Lindsay was not interested in taking it.

Judge Schwartz set a new court date for March 10 and at that hearing Lindsay must either accept the plea bargain, or plead not guilty or guilty to the grand theft felony charge.

If she pleads not guilty her case will go in front of another judge for a preliminary hearing and then she will face trial over the alleged necklace theft.

The 24-year-old blonde - who is free on $40,000 bail - was also warned by Judge Schwartz if she pleads guilty or no contest to the charge then he could rule that she is in violation of her earlier driving under the influence (DUI) order.

Lindsay has always insisted she never stole the necklace and was told she could borrow the piece of jewellery by the store owners in return for publicity.

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Murray: 'I'm the problem for Ghostbusters 3'

Bill Murrayhas confirmed that he is yet to read the script for Ghostbusters 3, reports Screen Rant.

Appearing on The Howard Stern Show, Murray claimed that he is"the problem"holding up the long-awaited comedy sequel.

"Before I was an asset, but now I'm a problem. There's a script somewhere, but I haven't read it yet,"Murray said.

He continued:"I only made one sequel and it was Ghostbusters 2 and it didn't end up the way it was presented."

The comic actor said that he plans to get around to reading the screenplay from Office duo Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg as a favour to director Ivan Reitman.

"Ivan wants to make it and I owe him. He's puzzled that I haven't gotten to this one,"he said."I'll get to it, I feel bad. I got a message and I think people - I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings - it's not the foremost thing in my mind, so I don't think about it."

Of the continued efforts to resurrect the Ghostbsuters series, Murray said:"The studio gets excited every 10 years or so. What they'd really like to do is recreate the franchise."

"I remember when the new Ghostbusters was going to be Chris Rock, Chris Farley and Chris Crane... Kris Kringle... Someone - they had it together."

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Lindsay Lohan to star in a new film?

Lindsay Lohanmay be joining the cast of the film Escaping the Game, it has been reported.

Lohan, who was recently accused of stealing a $2,500 (£1,547) necklace, could be facing jail time for the crime if found guilty. However, movie producer Nathan Folks still wants the actress to star in his next project, according to Hollywire.

"Lohan wants to do it,"Folks said."She's doing great and we're going to prove to the world that she's back."

Folks went on to say that he is confident that Lohan's alcohol and drug dependencies will not cause any problems for the film.

"We can get her insured if she is with someone who is keeping an eye on her 24/7,"Folks said."Lindsay and I have discussed it and she's already agreed to the condition."

Should Lohan decide to join the movie, she would play an investigator looking into the disappearances of various celebrities.

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'Amazing Spider-Man is not a reboot'

Avi Arad, an executive producer on The Amazing Spider-Man, has revealed that the new Spider-Man movie will not completely reboot the first three films.

Arad spoke to Entertainment Weekly, stating that The Amazing Spider-Man will tell the stories that happened around the events of the earlier films.

"It's not a comeback. You have to look at it this way: Do you want to know more about Spider-Man? This movie is going to tell stories that you didn't see in movies 1, 2, and 3."

Arad went on to say that The Amazing Spider-Man"won't erase what came before, but will try to weave a narrative that could take place within the framework of the earlier films."

The Amazing Spider-Man is scheduled to open in cinemas on July 3, 2012. It stars Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man and Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy.

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British Actor To Be The New Man Of Steel

A relatively unknown British actor is to play one of America's best-loved superheroes.

Henry Cavill has been named by Warner Bros as the new Superman for the next instalment in the Hollywood franchise.

Best known for his role as Charles Brandon in the BBC historical drama The Tudors, he takes over the role from US actor Brandon Routh.

Zack Snyder will direct the new film entitled Superman: The Man of Steel which is due for release in December 2012.

The Dawn of the Dead and 300 director said he was"honoured"to be part of Superman's return to the big screen and"excited"to have Cavill as Clark Kent's alter ego.

He described the Brit as the"perfect choice to don the cape and 'S' shield".

Cavill has had roles in I Capture The Castle and The Count of Monte Cristo but was once dubbed the"most unlucky man in Hollywood"by Empire magazine after losing out on several major roles.

He was close to landing the lead role in the initial 2006 reboot of the comic book hero, Superman Returns, but lost out to Routh.

The role of James Bond was also within his grasp after he attended one of the final screen tests for Casino Royale but Daniel Craig ended up getting the nod instead.

Cavill is among a trio of British actors who are taking on American superheroes in blockbuster movies.

The Social Network star Andrew Garfield is the new Spiderman while Welsh actor and Golden Globe winner Christian Bale is the current Batman.

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Miley 'mad at Billy Ray over Disney slam'

Miley Cyrusis reportedly"furious"with her father over recent comments he made publicly about her role on Hannah Montana.

In an interview with GQ,Billy Ray Cyrusblamed the Disney series for"destroying"his family and causing his daughter to"go off the track".

A source told PopEater:"To say Miley is angry is an understatement. She's furious that her own flesh and blood would make a private matter so public. Who does he think he is, Michael Lohan?"

"This isn't what a father does. He never said a bad world about Hannah Montana all those years it made millions for the family, and now that Miley has turned 18 and is making her own decisions, he does this. Unforgivable."

The insider went on to claim that Miley and Billy Ray apparently have not spoken since December, adding:"Miley has told him that if he wants to talk with her he has her number."

"It's been the same number she always has had."

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Palicki to play Wonder Woman

Little known actress Adrianne Palicki has landed one of Hollywood's most coveted roles - she has been picked to play Wonder Woman.

The Friday Night Lights star will lead the cast of David E. Kelley's new TV series about the superheroine.

She'll play Diana Prince, a Los Angeles crime fighter who has a double life as a businesswoman, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Palecki's no stranger to superheroes and strange circumstances, though: She's appeared on Smallville and Supernatural, had a role in the Aquaman TV movie and even did voice work for Robot Chicken''s Star Wars spoofs.

Palicki will also star in the remake of action film Red Dawn.

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Jaime Pressly charged with DUI

Jaime Pressly who was arrested last month after police performed a sobriety test when they pulled her over for allegedly committing a traffic violation has been officially charged for the offence by the Santa Monica City Attorney.

According to gossip website TMZ, the 33-year-old star registered a blood alcohol level of .22 - which is more than three times the legal limit for driving - and could now face up to six months behind bars.

Jaime's charge comes just days after she filed for divorce from her husband of 16 months - entertainment lawyer Simran Singh - at the Los Angeles Superior Court.

However, the actress is now said to be concerned about how the split will affect her three-year-old son Dezi James, whose father is her former fiance DJ Eric Calvo.

An insider recently revealed:"I think it comes down to she married the guy too fast. He seemed like a good guy but he is super full of himself and puts her down for everything. He picks fights with her for any little thing."

"She doesn't want to confuse Dezi. Her baby is her top priority. She's a strong girl though and she will come out of this fine."

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New 'Spider-Man' title revealed

Columbia Pictures has confirmed that the new Spider-Man movie will be titled The Amazing Spider-Man.

Sony Pictures announced today that its new Spider-Man movie— directed by Marc Webb and starring The Social Network‘sAndrew Garfieldas Peter Parker and the heroic web-slinger— will be titled The Amazing Spider-Man.

The official moniker is an obvious hat-tip to the title of the 1963 comic book that launched the Marvel superhero, and could help further differentiate the feature film project from the much-maligned Broadway musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. And it’s probably better than Amazing Fantasy, the 1962 anthology title where Spidey first appeared.

Sony also released the first official photo of Garfield in his full Spider-Man costume, making clear that— like in the comics (but unlike in the Sam Raimi/Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movies) — this version of Peter Parker did indeed invent his web-slingers.

Emma Stone,Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, Martin Sheen and Sally Field co-star in the picture.

The Amazing Spider-Man is due to open in cinemas on July 3, 2012.

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