MTV Cancels 'Teen Mom 3'

December 8, 2013, 12:49 pm

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"Teen Mom 3" has been canceled by MTV.

There had been rumors swirling that MTV would not renew "Teen Mom 3" for a second season, and it was made official when cast members tweeted about the show coming to an end. One of the moms, Briana DeJesus tweeted:

It's come to an end guys!

— Dejesus, Briana. (@BrianaDejesus_) December 7, 2013

Teen mom 3 was one of the best experiences I ever had! I will never forget it!

— Dejesus, Briana. (@BrianaDejesus_) December 7, 2013

Time to move on from MTV and do bigger and better things & no I don't mean become a porn star lol

— Dejesus, Briana. (@BrianaDejesus_) December 7, 2013

The latest addition to the "Teen Mom" franchise, "Teen Mom 3" debuted in August but suffered from low ratings and a cast that some viewers felt were "boring."

MTV has not given an official reason for the cancelation.

Even though MTV won't renew "Teen Mom 3," "Teen Mom 2" is going strong and will debut its fifth season on Jan. 20, 2014.

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Paul Walker Memorial In California Draws Thousands

December 8, 2013, 3:20 pm

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SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (AP) — The sounds of high-performance car engines filled the air Sunday as thousands of fans, friends and car enthusiasts headed to the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Clarita to pay tribute to Paul Walker at the site where the "Fast & Furious" actor died in a car crash.

The memorial, planned through social media, was scheduled to begin at noon, but mourners began arriving hours beforehand to leave flowers, candles, stuffed animals and other tributes. Throughout the afternoon, thousands of people, including entire families with children, dropped by. Many arrived in cars built for speed, and the sounds of engines revving echoed close to where Walker and his friend died on Nov. 30. The event was expected to conclude Sunday evening with a cruise through the area 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

Walker, 40, was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was riding in smashed into a light pole and tree and then burst into flames. The actor's friend and financial adviser, Roger Rodas, who was driving, also died. Authorities say speed was a factor in the crash.

The two had bonded over a passion for fast cars. They co-owned an auto racing team named after Rodas' custom car shop, Always Evolving, and Rodas, 38, drove professionally for the team on the Pirelli World Challenge circuit this year.

On Sunday, Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies directed often-heavy traffic as mourners passed by the crash site on foot and in cars.

The deputies set up a command post at a nearby high school, but there were no immediate reports of any problems. Authorities had encouraged attendees to obey all traffic laws, including not leaving memorial items in the roadway.

Many of the early arrivals parked in a nearby church lot, where they milled around and bundled up against chilly morning temperatures in the 40s.

Among those who turned out early was Edi Maya, a gardener who worked in Walker's neighborhood and said he chatted with the actor from time to time.

"I work next to his house every week, twice a week. Seeing those candles there, it's heartbreaking," he told KABC-TV.

Walker was in Santa Clarita for a fundraiser his charity, Reach Out Worldwide, organized for victims of the recent Philippines typhoon. The event took place at Rodas' shop, and the two stepped away for what was supposed to be a short drive in Rodas' car.

The limited-edition Porsche was previously owned by IndyCar driver Graham Rahal, who has said it could be difficult to drive.

Walker, the star of five of the six "Fast & Furious" movies, was the face of the franchise. He was making the seventh film in the series when he died.

Universal Pictures has shut down production while it contemplates how it might go forward without him.

American Film Institute's Top 10 Movies Of 2013 Includes 'Her,' 'Wolf'

December 9, 2013, 12:35 pm

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Steve McQueen's historic saga "12 Years a Slave," David O. Russell's con artist romp "American Hustle," Ryan Coogler's numbing "Fruitvale Station" and Alfonso Cuaron's space odyssey "Gravity" round out the American Film Institute's top-10 movies of the year.

Also landing on the list, announced Monday: Paul Greengrass' Somali pirate drama "Captain Phillips"; Spike Jonze's futuristic computer love tale "Her"; Ethan and Joel Coen's folk scene-focused dark comedy "Inside Llewyn Davis"; John Lee Hancock's Disney comedy "Saving Mr. Banks"; and Martin Scorsese's provocative stockbroker story "The Wolf of Wall Street." The AFI also selected the year's top-10 television shows. "Breaking Bad," ''Game of Thrones," ''House of Cards" and "Scandal" were among the favorites.

The creative assemblages will be awarded at a Jan. 10 luncheon in Los Angeles.

Jennifer Aniston Lands On Forbes' 'Most Overpaid Actors' List Of 2013

December 9, 2013, 12:59 pm

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Jennifer Aniston might be America's Sweetheart, but that doesn't mean she's always box office gold. Her rusty performances have landed her on Forbes' "Most Overpaid Actors" list of 2013.

Forbes named the 10 "Most Overpaid Actors" by looking at the last three movies each actor or actress starred in over the last three years up until June 1, 2013. His or her average return on investment was calculated with pay, movie budgets and expenses data.

Adam Sandler topped the list, with box office bombs like "Jack & Jill" and "That's My Boy." He can command northward of $15 million per flick but delivers only $3.40 for every $1 paid. Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon landed at No. 3 on the list, returning $3.90 for every $1 paid. Aniston came in at No. 8 with a $10.60 return for every $1 paid. Forbes noted she is having more box office success with supporting roles rather than leading ones recently.

The 44-year-old star can make $5 million per comedy, The Hollywood Reporter revealed in September. And Aniston does have some certifiable hits under her belt to back it up, including "We're the Millers," "Marly & Me" and "Just Go With It."

Still, some critics have panned her big-screen clout.

"Jennifer Aniston is the most peculiar of A-list celebrities. She’s a movie star with no star power," The Daily Beast's Kevin Fallon wrote back in August. "Few female celebrities are as recognizable -- or on as many magazine covers -- as Aniston. But when it comes to selling tickets at the box office, Aniston, for all her apparent popularity, seems remarkably … unpopular."

Click here to see Forbes' full list of "Most Overpaid Actor."

Miley Cyrus Named MTV's Artist Of The Year

December 9, 2013, 1:01 pm

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NEW YORK (AP) — Here's something to wag a tongue at: MTV says Miley Cyrus is the best artist of the year.

The former child star twerked her way to the top. Her eye-popping duet with Robin Thicke on the MTV Video Music Awards was one of the year's most talked about cultural events.

MTV said Monday the VMA duet on "We Can't Stop" and "Blurred Lines" was the year's most watched video on MTV websites. Similarly, the MTV artist site devoted to Cyrus had more visits than any other artist's.

'Californication' Canceled: Showtime Announces That Series Will End After Season 7

December 9, 2013, 1:16 pm

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Get ready to be in a bad "Moody," "Californication" fans.

Showtime has announced that the upcoming seventh season of "Californication" will be its last, according to TV Guide.

The series, starring David Duchovny as womanizing writer Hank Moody, will return for one last 12-episode season in April 2014.

"With its unique blend of lyricism and excess, Californication has been one of our groundbreaking signature series," Showtime Entertainment president said in a statement. "We will always be indebted to Tom Kapinos for leading the creative charge on this memorable comedy, and to David Duchovny for making us root for an unapologetic hedonist like Hank Moody."

Premiering in 2007, the series has won two Emmys and increased its ratings every season, with the sixth season boasting its best ratings ever.

While the announcement may come as unexpected, Nevins promises that Tom Kapinos, "Californication's" creator and executive producer, has created the perfect ending for Hank Moody. "Tom has carefully planned the final chapter of Hank's journey and has brought it to a beautiful and satisfying conclusion for new and longtime fans alike."

"Californication" has always been known for their choice of guest stars and the upcoming season looks to be no different with actors like Heather Graham and Michael Imperioli joining in on the fun before Moody rides off into the sunset.

"Californication" returns for its final season in April 2014 on Showtime.

What do you think "Californication" fans? Think it's too soon or the right time to say goodbye to the series? Sound off in the comments.

Tila Tequila Claims Paul Walker Was Murdered

December 9, 2013, 1:17 pm

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Oh boy. Tila Tequila has a lot of thoughts, including some on Paul Walker's death, which she believes was a "ritualistic murder."

On Dec. 8, the former MTV reality star took to her Facebook page claiming that she knows who killed Elisa Lam, the 21-year-old Canadian woman who was found dead in the rooftop water tank of the Los Angeles' Cecil Hotel in February, and that Lam's death was a "ritualistic murder" like Paul Walker's.

Post by Tila Tequila.

Um, OK ...

The Los Angeles County coroner's office ruled Lam's death accidental due to drowning back in June, while Walker's death by car crash was also ruled an accident.

Heart, Barenaked Ladies, Willie Nelson All Cancel SeaWorld Gig After 'Blackfish'

December 9, 2013, 1:44 pm

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The rock bands Heart and Barenaked Ladies along with country singer Willie Nelson have canceled their planned performances at SeaWorld in Florida, citing the recent documentary "Blackfish," which raises questions about the effects of captivity on whales.

Joan Jett on Monday also joined the list of recording artists distancing themselves from the marine park when she sent a letter to SeaWorld President Jim Atchison asking that the park stop using her song "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" as the opening music for its "Shamu Rocks" show. "I'm among the millions who saw 'Blackfish' and am sickened that my music was blasted without my permission at sound-sensitive marine mammals," Jett said in the letter.

A SeaWorld spokesman didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about the letter.

Heart was the latest act in the past week to cancel appearances at SeaWorld Orlando's Bands, Brew & Barbecue music series in February, making their announcement over the weekend. The series is held over several weekends and features top classic rock and country acts.

A posting on Heart's official Twitter page said the decision was influenced by the recently-released documentary "Blackfish." The documentary raises questions about the effects of captivity on killer whales at marine parks such as SeaWorld.

Nelson and Barenaked Ladies made their decisions after fans launched Change.org petitions urging them not to perform at SeaWorld.

Barenaked Ladies said in a statement provided by their spokeswoman: "We watch movies too, ya know!"

"This is a complicated issue, and we don't claim to understand all of it, but we don't feel comfortable proceeding with the gig at this time," the statement said.

SeaWorld officials "have been gracious, and extended us invitations to the park to learn more about what they do, and how they do it," it said.

SeaWorld spokesman Nick Gollattscheck said in a statement that marine park officials respect the performers' decisions but added that they were disappointed that "a small group of misinformed individuals" was able to influence the performers.

"The bands and artists have a standing invitation to visit any of our parks to see firsthand or to speak to any of our animal experts to learn for themselves how we care for animals and how little truth there is to the allegations made by animal extremist groups opposed to the zoological display of marine mammals," Gollattscheck said.

"Blackfish" explores what may have caused Tilikum, a 12,000-pound orca, to kill veteran SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010. She was killed when Tilikum pulled her into a pool. The orca was also involved in two other deaths.

Tilikum was one of three orcas blamed for killing a trainer in 1991 after the woman lost her balance and fell in the pool at Sealand of the Pacific near Victoria, British Columbia. Tilikum was also involved in a 1999 death, when the body of a man who had sneaked by SeaWorld security was found draped over him. The man either jumped, fell or was pulled into the frigid water and died of hypothermia, though he was also bruised and scratched by Tilikum.

The documentary released this year chronicles past incidences of killer whales in captivity acting aggressively toward human trainers and other orcas.

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Jennifer Lawrence Steals 'American Hustle'

December 9, 2013, 2:00 pm

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Underscoring deeply conflicted characters, who are on a mission to reconceive their unsatisfying circumstances, has become director David O. Russell's sweet spot. From his raw 1996 film, "Flirting with Disaster," to last year's acclaimed "Silver Linings Playbook," he effectively unravels the disarray.

In the 1970s-set con artist tale "American Hustle," Russell's ability to depict an audacious take on a bedlam breakdown peaks, making this his most entertaining jaunt yet. Loosely chronicling the FBI investigation designed to implicate government officials by way of bribery known as the Abscam scandal, Russell inserts this disclaimer at the start: "Some of this actually happened." The note sets the facetious tone for the corruption smear — six congressmen and a senator really went down — that riddled New York in the late '70s and early 1980s.

Russell, who co-wrote the script with Eric Singer ("The International"), could have devised an austere new-age noir. But he avoided the melodrama, instead heightening the ludicrous true-crime thread to an outrageously savage, comical and rapid degree. The result is a sleek revival of the '70s, complete with oversized glasses, plaid suit jackets, plunging come-hither necklines and a rapturous soundtrack.

Just about all of his characters are painstakingly obsessed with getting ahead. As a result, they cast morality and logic to the side at the expense of love, stability and a clean criminal record.

Some of the names from the real operation have been changed here, as Irving Rosenfeld, played by Christian Bale, is based on actual con artist Mel Weinberg, who was forced to conspire with the FBI to evade doing time.

The constantly effective Bale, as the bearded Irving, is a clever swindler who owns a slew of dry cleaners, sells both poached and fake art and hooks people into pseudo loan deals. But he's not exclusively heartless. His conscience ensures he ideally wants a person to feel satisfied, which makes him quite lovable.

Sacrificing his usual sex appeal, Bale committed to packing on an extra 40 pounds and hiding a fake balding head with a hairpiece and a comb-over for this role. Still, his Irving is able to charm the smart and sassy former stripper Sydney Prosser (a memorably bold and genius Amy Adams) at a winter indoor-pool party by identifying their mutual love for Duke Ellington. Sydney, who is tired of slumming, pitches in on Irving's crooking and assumes the perfect British blue blood persona for luring clientele into the loan scam. Before long, the two, who take turns narrating the story, fall madly in love.

But we soon find out Irving is married and stashes his lady Roselyn and her son on Long Island. His sultry and blunt companion, fiercely pronounced by Jennifer Lawrence, ensures she's far from forgotten as she threatens to unmask Irving's scheming if he utters the word divorce. The 23-year-old actress is the most irresistible part of this film, as she shifts between fiery and needy in an instant.

As Irving and Sydney's plotting gains steam, they attract the interest of FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), who is thirsty for recognition and threatens a bust unless the couple goes in on a plan to nail politicians. But Richie, who lives with his mother and packs his head with rollers for that sexy curly look, falls victim to Sydney's deceitful advances, as he certainly isn't as clever as he thinks he is.

However, with themes of duality and skepticism running throughout, Sydney's attraction toward Richie (who Cooper cleverly punches up in each scene), inevitably becomes real.

When the scheme to take down questionable pompadour-donning New Jersey mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) goes wrong, things begin to unravel.

The film may lack grit but the stellar cast adds to its allure, helping to round out this dynamic account where reinvention offers the means to endure.

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"American Hustle," a Sony Pictures release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for "pervasive language including some sexual content and brief violence." Running time: 137 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four.

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MPAA definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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Follow Jessica Herndon on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/SomeKind

Jordin Sparks Gets Flustered During HuffPost's #nofilter Challenge

December 9, 2013, 2:20 pm

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These days, our knowledge of celebrities too often originates with paparazzi images and snarky quotes by anonymous "insiders." After a while, it's easy to forget that stars are real people. That's why HuffPost Celebrity decided to launch its all-new #nofilter quick-fire question-and-answer series. Because how well do you know someone until they've shared their guiltiest pleasures?

Jordin Sparks has been in the spotlight since she won Season 6 of "American Idol" at the ripe age of 17. But since 2007, Sparks has been focused on expanding her music career and trying her hand at acting, appearing in films like "Sparkle" and "Left Behind."

The 23-year-old stopped by HuffPost Live today (Dec. 9) to talk about her new Christmas single "This Is My Wish" and got a bit bashful while taking HuffPost Celebrity's #nofilter challenge.

What's your guiltiest pleasure?
I really enjoy “SpongeBob SquarePants.” I love watching it. I love it, I love the show.

What sense would you be most afraid to lose?
I’d be afraid to lose my hearing.

What's the working title of your autobiography?
"I’m Too Young To Have An Autobiography."

What or who is overrated right now?
Oh my God, I don't want to get flak for this ... s**t ... I think there’s a lot that’s overrated.

Harry Styles Reportedly Takes Kendall Jenner To Therapy, NYC Gay Bar

December 9, 2013, 2:24 pm

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Harry Styles certainly isn't doing anything to dissuade those gay rumors, this time by reportedly going to a gay bar in NYC -- but with a member of the Kardashian clan in tow.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, Styles reportedly spent the night at Therapy, a popular gay bar in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen, with half-sister of Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner. The theme of the night? "Gays Gone Wild."

"Harry has actually been here a few times before," a source reportedly told US Weekly. "He's just a regular customer when he comes in -- he gets a table and usually drinks beer and cocktails on the side."

The two haven't publicly confirmed whether they are or aren't in a relationship, though they've been spotted together on multiple occasions.

Styles and Jenner apparently left Therapy together when "What Makes You Beautiful," a One Direction hit, began playing.

Styles has faced gay rumors in the past, even from other celebrities. The One Direction singer has previously addressed about the rumors, telling GQ "I'm pretty sure I'm not" bisexual earlier this year.

(h/t ONTD)

Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis And 'Annie' Cast Perform In The Streets Of Harlem (VIDEO)

December 9, 2013, 2:49 pm

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We absolutely love this video that surfaced last week showing the cast of "Annie" performing "Tomorrow" on the streets of Harlem in New York City.

The film's star-studded cast-- including Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis, Cameron Diaz, Rose Byrne and more -- look like they're having a blast as they sing and dance along with a full band to the production's iconic tune.

Produced by Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment, in association with Jay Z, the revamped "Annie" has been in production for the past few months and is set to be released by Sony Pictures in December 2014.

Check out the video above to see the cast singing and dancing for the cameras. You'll definitely want to sing along!

Lamar Odom Receives Three Years Probation In DUI Case

December 9, 2013, 3:02 pm

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This morning (Dec. 9), Lamar Odom finally closed his DUI case by entering a no contest plea deal. This plea bargain leaves the NBA star with three years probation and $1,814 in fines after his August arrest, reports E! News. He will also have to complete an alcohol education course.

Odom originally plead not guilty after he was arrested on suspicion of DUI last summer. Khloe Kardashian's husband was caught driving under the speed limit and refused to take a breathalyzer test. He spent a night in jail, had his license suspended and faced DUI charges.

A separate DMV hearing has been scheduled to determine the status of Odom's now–suspended license.

As for his relationship with Kardashian, the couple is still working on sorting through their issues. Reportedly, Odom was invited to spend Thanksgiving with the Kardashian clan, but elected to spend the holiday with his father, who is not close with the reality stars.

The closed case is a positive monument for the basketball player, who is rumored to be considering a deal with the Clippers to move his career forward.

Mila Kunis And Ashton Kutcher Attend Her Brother's Wedding

December 9, 2013, 3:03 pm

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Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher haven't made any plans to make things official, but they looked pretty good walking down the aisle at Kunis' brother's wedding in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Saturday (Dec. 7).

The 30-year-old actress turned heads as a bridesmaid in a strapless pink dress, as her older brother Michael Kunis, 36, tied the knot with ballet dancer Alexandra Blacker, 29. The pair became engaged last year after meeting through Mila, who was trained by Blacker to play a dancer in the 2010 film "Black Swan," reports People magazine.

And though it was her brother's big day, Mila reportedly caused quite the buzz herself, as she continued to wear a ring on that finger.

"Mila wore a gold band on her engagement ring finger but it didn't have a diamond, just a simple gold band similar to a wedding band," a source told E! News. "Mila was very happy for her brother and his wife. During the ceremony, she stood at the altar and seemed very focused on the vows."

Rumors that she may be engaged to Kutcher first began when Kunis was spotted sporting the ring in September.

See Mila and Ashton at her brother's wedding below:

'Bad Words' Red Band Trailer Takes Jason Bateman To Another Level

December 9, 2013, 3:11 pm

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The new red band trailer for Jason Bateman's "Bad Words" is bursting with all sorts of bad words. The boundary-pushing teaser to the upcoming comedy is two crass minutes full of racism, breast ogling, and the basic plot of Bateman going up against kids in competitive spelling bees. Bateman also serves as the director to "Bad Words," which is set to hit theaters in March 2014. Take a look at the clip below.

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'The Wire' Creator David Simon Goes On EPIC Rant Against Inequality

December 9, 2013, 3:28 pm

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David Simon doesn't like to mince words.

The creative genius behind such acclaimed television shows as "The Wire" and "Treme" has never been one to keep his opinions to himself. But the former Baltimore Sun reporter and screenwriter may have outdone himself, however, when he delivered an epic address on American inequality.

Simon originally made his speech on Nov. 2 during the Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney, Australia. The address gained attention over the weekend when various outlets published excerpts online.

"America is a country that is now utterly divided when it comes to its society, its economy, its politics," Simon said. "There are definitely two Americas. I live in one, on one block in Baltimore that is part of the viable America, the America that is connected to its own economy, where there is a plausible future for the people born into it. About 20 blocks away is another America entirely. It's astonishing how little we have to do with each other, and yet we are living in such proximity."

While noting that he is not a Marxist in the traditional sense, Simon complained that capitalism has in some ways failed, as it has "achieved its dominance without regard to a social compact, without being connected to any other metric for human progress."

In order for societies to thrive, they must believe in the spirit of cooperation, Simon explained. But that doesn't mean everyone gets the same amount. Rather, each person must feel "if the society succeeds, I succeed, I don't get left behind."

Continued Simon:

And so in my country you're seeing a horror show. You're seeing a retrenchment in terms of family income, you're seeing the abandonment of basic services, such as public education, functional public education. You're seeing the underclass hunted through an alleged war on dangerous drugs that is in fact merely a war on the poor and has turned us into the most incarcerative state in the history of mankind, in terms of the sheer numbers of people we've put in American prisons and the percentage of Americans we put into prisons. No other country on the face of the Earth jails people at the number and rate that we are.

He later warned that "unless we reverse course, the average human being is worth less on planet Earth" and went on to add that this course could be reversed if societies address what he calls the "socialist impulse" and marry that impulse to the "engine that is capitalism."

Simon was joined by a variety of international thinkers at the festival, including web theorist Evgeny Morozov, journalist Hanna Rosin, environmentalist Vandana Shiva and reporter-writer Erwin James, according to The Guardian.

Of course, this is not the first time Simon has delivered an outspoken take on American politics. Following the verdict of not guilty in the trial of George Zimmerman, Simon wrote in a blog post that he was "ashamed to call himself an American."

"You can stand your ground if you’re white, and you can use a gun to do it," Simon wrote at the time. "But if you stand your ground with your fists and you’re black, you’re dead.

(Hat tip, Raw Story)

Eleanor Parker Dead: 'Sound Of Music' Actress Dies At 91

December 9, 2013, 5:33 pm

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Eleanor Parker, who was nominated for Academy Awards three times for her portrayals of strong-willed women and played a scheming baroness in "The Sound of Music," has died at 91.

Family friend Richard Gale said Parker died Monday morning due to complications from pneumonia. "She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children at a medical facility near her home in Palm Springs," Gale added. Parker was nominated for Oscars in 1950, 1951 and 1955, but then saw her career begin to wane in the early 1960s. Her last memorable role came in 1965's "The Sound of Music," in which she played the scheming baroness who loses Christopher Plummer to Julie Andrews.

"Eleanor Parker was and is one of the most beautiful ladies I have ever known," said Plummer in a statement. "Both as a person and as a beauty. I hardly believe the sad news for I was sure she was enchanted and would live forever."

Parker worked only infrequently after that, appearing in films and on such TV shows as "Fantasy Island," ''Murder, She Wrote" and "The Love Boat." She also starred in the short-lived 1960s TV series "Bracken's World."

"I'm primarily a character actress," she said in a 1988 interview, explaining why she never achieved the stardom of so many of her co-stars. "I've portrayed so many diverse individuals on the screen that my own personality never emerged."

Like William Holden, Robert Preston, Dustin Hoffman and others, Parker was discovered at the Pasadena Playhouse.

She was signed to a contract at Warner Bros., where she played only minor roles until the studio recognized her dramatic depth and cast her as Mildred Rogers in the 1946 remake of "Of Human Bondage."

The Somerset Maugham story had made Bette Davis a star 12 years before. On Parker's first day of filming, Davis sent her flowers and a note proclaiming, "I hope Mildred does as much for your career as she did for mine."

But the film flopped, and Parker was again relegated to mediocre roles until her breakthrough performance as an inmate in a brutal prison in the 1950 film "Caged." The role brought Parker her first Oscar nomination, for best actress.

Her second came the following year as Kirk Douglas's frustrated wife in "Detective Story."

Her career fully blossomed with such follow-up films as "Scaramouche" with Stewart Granger, "Above and Beyond" with Robert Taylor, "Escape from Fort Bravo" with Holden, "Valley of the Kings" with Taylor, and "The Naked Jungle" with Charlton Heston.

She took on one of her most challenging roles in 1955 in "Interrupted Melody," portraying opera star Marjorie Lawrence, who continued her career after contracting polio. Faced with having to lip-sync nine arias in three languages, she holed up in a Lake Arrowhead cabin for two weeks and played records eight to 10 hours a day.

The result: her third Oscar nomination.

Other notable films included "The Man with the Golden Arm" and "A Hole in the Head" (both opposite Frank Sinatra) and "The King and Four Queens" with Gable.

Growing up in Cedarsville, Ohio, Parker had yearned to be an actress, and when the family moved to Cleveland, she began taking acting lessons. In the summer she worked as an apprentice in a Martha's Vineyard stock company, waiting tables to support herself.

After moving to Pasadena, she was cast in her first movie role at 19, a bit part in "They Died With Their Boots On," starring Errol Flynn.

Parker's first three marriages ended in divorce: to Navy dentist Fred L. Losse; producer Bert Friedlob, which resulted in three children, Susan, Sharon and Richard; and painter Paul Clemens, with whom she had a son, actor Paul Clemens. Her 1966 marriage to Shubert Theater manager Raymond Hirsch ended with his death in 2001.

20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards Nominees List

December 11, 2013, 11:18 am

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Nominees for the 20th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards announced Wednesday:

MOVIES: Actor: Bruce Dern, "Nebraska"; Chiwetel Ejiofor, "12 Years a Slave"; Tom Hanks, "Captain Phillips"; Matthew McConaughey, "Dallas Buyers Club"; Forest Whitaker, "Lee Daniels' The Butler."

Actress: Cate Blanchett, "Blue Jasmine"; Sandra Bullock, "Gravity"; Judi Dench "Philomena"; Meryl Streep, "August: Osage County"; Emma Thompson, "Saving Mr. Banks."

Supporting actor: Barkhad Abdi, "Captain Phillips"; Daniel Bruhl, "Rush"; Michael Fassbender, "12 Years a Slave"; James Gandolfini, "Enough Said"; Jared Leto, "Dallas Buyers Club."

Supporting actress: Jennifer Lawrence, "American Hustle"; Lupita Nyong'o, "12 Years a Slave"; Julia Roberts, "August: Osage County"; June Squibb, "Nebraska"; Oprah Winfrey, "Lee Daniels' The Butler."

Cast: "12 Years a Slave," ''American Hustle," ''August: Osage County," ''Dallas Buyers Club," ''Lee Daniels' The Butler."

Stunt ensemble: "All is Lost," ''Fast & Furious 6," ''Lone Survivor," ''Rush," ''The Wolverine."

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TELEVISION:

Actor in a movie or miniseries: Matt Damon, "Behind the Candelabra"; Michael Douglas, "Behind the Candelabra"; Jeremy Irons, "The Hollow Crown"; Rob Lowe, "Killing Kennedy"; Al Pacino, "Phil Spector."

Actress in a movie or miniseries: Angela Bassett, "Betty & Coretta"; Helena Bonham Carter, "Burton and Taylor"; Holly Hunter, "Top of the Lake"; Helen Mirren, "Phil Spector"; Elisabeth Moss, "Top of the Lake."

Actor in a drama series: Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"; Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"; Jeff Daniels, "The Newsroom"; Peter Dinklage, "Game of Thrones"; Kevin Spacey, "House of Cards."

Actress in a drama series: Claire Danes, "Homeland"; Anna Gunn, "Breaking Bad"; Jessica Lange, "American Horror Story: Coven"; Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey"; Kerry Washington, "Scandal."

Actor in a comedy series: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"; Jason Bateman, "Arrested Development"; Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"; Don Cheadle, "House of Lies"; Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory."

Actress in a comedy series: Mayim Bialik, "The Big Bang Theory"; Julie Bowen, "Modern Family"; Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"; Tina Fey, "30 Rock"; Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Veep."

Drama series cast: "Boardwalk Empire," ''Breaking Bad," ''Downton Abbey," ''Game of Thrones," ''Homeland."

Comedy series cast: "30 Rock," ''Arrested Development," ''The Big Bang Theory," ''Modern Family," ''Veep."

Stunt ensemble: "Boardwalk Empire," ''Breaking Bad," ''Game of Thrones," ''Homeland," ''The Walking Dead."

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Lifetime Achievement: Rita Moreno.

Prince William And Kate Middleton Watch 'Downton Abbey'

December 11, 2013, 11:46 am

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We were always "Downton Abbey" fans, but now that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are watching it, it's officially the coolest show on TV.

While chatting with Andy Cohen, Allen Leech -- who plays Tom Branson -- revealed that the royal couple can't get enough of the Masterpiece series.

"I was actually at an event last week with Prince William, now the Duke of Cambridge, so yeah -- I met him last week, shook his hand," Leech said, according to Us. "He actually said, 'I’m a big fan of the show -- only now that my wife’s had a baby.'"

Sure, William. Blame it on the baby.

Season 4 of "Downton Abbey" will premiere on Jan. 5 on PBS. And if you're in New York this week, make sure to stop by the "Downton Abbey" tea truck for free tea and biscuits.

Madonna, Brahim Zaibat Split After Three Years Of Dating

December 11, 2013, 11:48 am

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It looks like it just wasn't meant to be.

After three years of dating, Madonna and her much-younger boyfriend, Brahim Zaibat, have decided to call it quits, the singer's rep confirmed to Us Weekly.

The 55-year-old met Zaibat, 25, back in 2010 when he performed at the launch of Madonna's daughter Lourdes' Material Girl clothing line. He went on to land a gig as a backup dancer on the icon's MDNA tour -- after they were already dating, of course.

It remains unclear as to why the couple decided to part ways, but there have been reports that Zaibat may have already moved on, as the Daily Mail claims he's become very close to his professional partner Katrina Patchett on the French version of "Dancing With The Stars."