Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Javier Bardem in "Biutiful" (Roadside Attractions)
Jeff Bridges in "True Grit" (Paramount)
Jesse Eisenberg in "The Social Network" (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Colin Firth in "The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company)
James Franco in "127 Hours" (Fox Searchlight)
Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale in "The Fighter" (Paramount)
John Hawkes in "Winter’s Bone" (Roadside Attractions)
Jeremy Renner in "The Town" (Warner Bros.)
Mark Ruffalo in "The Kids Are All Right" (Focus Features)
Geoffrey Rush in "The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company)
Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Annette Bening in "The Kids Are All Right" (Focus Features)
Nicole Kidman in "Rabbit Hole" (Lionsgate)
Jennifer Lawrence in "Winter’s Bone" (Roadside Attractions)
Natalie Portman in "Black Swan" (Fox Searchlight)
Michelle Williams in "Blue Valentine" (The Weinstein Company)
Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams in "The Fighter" (Paramount)
Helena Bonham Carter in "The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company)
Melissa Leo in "The Fighter" (Paramount)
Hailee Steinfeld in "True Grit" (Paramount)
Jacki Weaver in "Animal Kingdom" (Sony Pictures Classics)
Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
"How to Train Your Dragon" (Paramount), Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
"The Illusionist" (Sony Pictures Classics), Sylvain Chomet"
Toy Story 3" (Walt Disney), Lee Unkrich
Achievement in Art Direction
"Alice in Wonderland" (Walt Disney), Production Design: Robert Stromberg, Set Decoration: Karen O'Hara
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" (Warner Bros.), Production Design: Stuart Craig, Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
"Inception" (Warner Bros.), Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas, Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
"The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company), Production Design: Eve Stewart, Set Decoration: Judy Farr
"True Grit" (Paramount), Production Design: Jess Gonchor, Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
Achievement in Cinematography
"Black Swan" (Fox Searchlight), Matthew Libatique
"Inception" (Warner Bros.), Wally Pfister
"The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company), Danny Cohen
"The Social Network" (Sony Pictures Releasing), Jeff Cronenweth
"True Grit" (Paramount), Roger Deakins
Achievement in Costume Design
"Alice in Wonderland" (Walt Disney), Colleen Atwood
";I Am Love" (Magnolia Pictures), Antonella Cannarozzi
"The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company), Jenny Beavan
"The Tempest" (Miramax), Sandy Powell
"True Grit" (Paramount), Mary Zophres
Achievement in Directing
"Black Swan" (Fox Searchlight), Darren Aronofsky
"The Fighter" (Paramount), David O. Russell
"The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company), Tom Hooper
";The Social Network" (Sony Pictures Releasing), David Fincher
"True Grit" (Paramount), Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Best Documentary Feature
"Exit through the Gift Shop" (Producers Distribution Agency), A Paranoid Pictures Production, Banksy and Jaimie D'Cruz
"Gasland", A Gasland Production, Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic
"Inside Job" (Sony Pictures Classics), A Representational Pictures Production, Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
";Restrepo" (National Geographic Entertainment), An Outpost Films Production, Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
"Waste Land" (Arthouse Films), An Almega Projects Production, Lucy Walker and Angus Aynsley
Best Documentary Short Subject
"Killing in the Name", A Moxie Firecracker Films Production, Nominees to be determined
"Poster Girl", A Portrayal Films Production, Nominees to be determined
"Strangers No More", A Simon & Goodman Picture Company Production, Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon
";Sun Come Up", A Sun Come Up Production, Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger
"The Warriors of Qiugang", A Thomas Lennon Films Production, Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon
Achievement in film editing
"Black Swan" (Fox Searchlight), Andrew Weisblum
"The Fighter" (Paramount), Pamela Martin
"The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company), Tariq Anwar
"127 Hours" (Fox Searchlight), Jon Harris
"The Social Network" (Sony Pictures Releasing), Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
"Biutiful" (Roadside Attractions), A Menage Atroz, Mod Producciones and Ikiru Films Production, Mexico
"Dogtooth" (Kino International), A Boo Production, Greece
"In a Better World" (Sony Pictures Classics), A Zentropa Production, Denmark
"Incendies" (Sony Pictures Classics), A Micro-Scope Production, Canada
"Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi)" (Cohen Media Group), A Tassili Films Production, Algeria
Achievement in Makeup
"Barney’s Version" (Sony Pictures Classics), Adrien Morot
"The Way Back" (Newmarket Films in association with Wrekin Hill Entertainment and Image Entertainment), Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
"The Wolfman" (Universal), Rick Baker and Dave Elsey
Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original score)
"How to Train Your Dragon" (Paramount), John Powell
"Inception" (Warner Bros.), Hans Zimmer
"The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company), Alexandre Desplat
"127 Hours" (Fox Searchlight), A.R. Rahman"
The Social Network" (Sony Pictures Releasing), Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original song)
"Coming Home" from "Country Strong" (Sony Pictures Releasing (Screen Gems)), Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey
"I See the Light" from "Tangled" (Walt Disney), Music by Alan Menken, Lyric by Glenn Slater
"If I Rise" from "127 Hours" (Fox Searchlight), Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong
"We Belong Together" from "Toy Story 3" (Walt Disney), Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
Best Motion Picture of the Year
"Black Swan" (Fox Searchlight), A Protozoa and Phoenix Pictures Production, Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin, Producers
"The Fighter" (Paramount), A Relativity Media Production, David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg, Producers
"Inception" (Warner Bros.), A Warner Bros. UK Services Production, Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, Producers
"The Kids Are All Right" (Focus Features), An Antidote Films, Mandalay Vision and Gilbert Films Production, Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray, Producers
"The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company), A See-Saw Films and Bedlam Production, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers
"127 Hours" (Fox Searchlight), An Hours Production, Christian Colson, Danny Boyle and John Smithson, Producers
"The Social Network" (Sony Pictures Releasing), A Columbia Pictures Production, Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Ceán Chaffin, Producers "Toy Story 3" (Walt Disney), A Pixar Production, Darla K. Anderson, Producer
"True Grit" (Paramount), A Paramount Pictures Production, Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
"Winter’s Bone" (Roadside Attractions), A Winter’s Bone Production, Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers
Best Animated Short Film
"Day & Night" (Walt Disney), A Pixar Animation Studios Production, Teddy Newton
"The Gruffalo", A Magic Light Pictures Production, Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
"Let’s Pollute", A Geefwee Boedoe Production, Geefwee Boedoe"
The Lost Thing", (Nick Batzias for Madman Entertainment), A Passion Pictures Australia Production, Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
"Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)", A Sacrebleu Production, Bastien Dubois
Best Live Action Short Film
"The Confession" (National Film and Television School), A National Film and Television School Production, Tanel Toom
"The Crush" (Network Ireland Television), A Purdy Pictures Production, Michael Creagh
"God of Love", A Luke Matheny Production, Luke Matheny
"Na Wewe" (Premium Films), A CUT! Production, Ivan Goldschmidt
"Wish 143", A Swing and Shift Films/Union Pictures Production, Ian Barnes and Samantha Waite
Achievement in Sound Editing
"Inception" (Warner Bros.), Richard King";
Toy Story 3" (Walt Disney), Tom Myers and Michael Silvers
"Tron: Legacy" (Walt Disney), Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague
"True Grit" (Paramount), Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey
"Unstoppable" (20th Century Fox), Mark P. Stoeckinger
Achievement in Sound Mixing
"Inception" (Warner Bros.), Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick";
The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company), Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
"Salt" (Sony Pictures Releasing), Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan and William Sarokin
"The Social Network" (Sony Pictures Releasing), Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick and Mark Weingarten
"True Grit" (Paramount), Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland
Achievement in Visual Effects
"Alice in Wonderland" (Walt Disney), Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" (Warner Bros.), Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
"Hereafter" (Warner Bros.), Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojanski and Joe Farrell
"Inception" (Warner Bros.), Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb";
Iron Man 2" (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment, Distributed by Paramount), Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick
Adapted Screenplay
"127 Hours" (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy"
The Social Network" (Sony Pictures Releasing), Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
"Toy Story 3" (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Michael Arndt, Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
"True Grit" (Paramount), Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
"Winter’s Bone" (Roadside Attractions), Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini
Original Screenplay
"Another Year" (Sony Pictures Classics), Written by Mike Leigh
"The Fighter" (Paramount), Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson, Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
"Inception" (Warner Bros.), Written by Christopher Nolan
"The Kids Are All Right" (Focus Features), Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg"
The King’s Speech" (The Weinstein Company), Screenplay by David Seidler
The 83rd Academy Awards aired on Sunday, February 27 from the Kodak Theatre at 5 p.m.. PT/8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Britney Spears 'Very Hands-On' For Femme Fatale, Rodney Jerkins Says
Britney Spears is a month away from the release of Femme Fatale, and nearly every day, she's teasing fans with samples of some of the songs on the album, including the latest, her song with will.i.am, "The Big Fat Bass." Now, longtime collaborator Rodney Jerkins is opening up about hitting the studio with Spears.
"Britney's always great to work with. I've worked with Britney for 12, 13 years now," he told MTV News. "It's always great to work with someone when you work with someone time and time again; it's always great, and it always gets better. And just to see her evolve as an artist, it's an amazing, amazing thing."
Jerkins worked with Spears in the past on "Overprotected (Darkchild Remix)" and "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" in the early 2000s, as well as her leaked version of Lady Gaga's "Telephone," when she was recording Circus.
This time around, he said Spears knows exactly what she wants musically on the album. "She was very hands-on. She had a lot of ideas for me," he said. "She's great. She gets it. She is a top-notch veteran pro at this now."
She might be getting some help from Jerkins, but Dr. Luke and Max Martin are executive-producing the album, and Jerkins had nothing but the best to say about the production team. "I never spoke to them, [but] those guys are just great, and the stuff that they've been doing is just really, really great stuff," he said. "I'm sure with their hands on it, it's great."
Spears herself has described the album as "moody, edgy pop with A LOT of energy," hinting that many of the songs will be uptempo, and Jerkins noted that the songs he's been writing for her have certainly fit that label. "I know the songs that I do are uptempo," he said. "The stuff I've done, I think, will kind of shock people. I got a chance to go out my box a little bit too. She's great. Britney's just awesome."
Jerkins worked with Spears in the past on "Overprotected (Darkchild Remix)" and "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" in the early 2000s, as well as her leaked version of Lady Gaga's "Telephone," when she was recording Circus.
This time around, he said Spears knows exactly what she wants musically on the album. "She was very hands-on. She had a lot of ideas for me," he said. "She's great. She gets it. She is a top-notch veteran pro at this now."
She might be getting some help from Jerkins, but Dr. Luke and Max Martin are executive-producing the album, and Jerkins had nothing but the best to say about the production team. "I never spoke to them, [but] those guys are just great, and the stuff that they've been doing is just really, really great stuff," he said. "I'm sure with their hands on it, it's great."
Spears herself has described the album as "moody, edgy pop with A LOT of energy," hinting that many of the songs will be uptempo, and Jerkins noted that the songs he's been writing for her have certainly fit that label. "I know the songs that I do are uptempo," he said. "The stuff I've done, I think, will kind of shock people. I got a chance to go out my box a little bit too. She's great. Britney's just awesome."
The King's Speech crowned Oscars best picture
'The King's Speech' was crowned Best Picture of the Year at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards Sunday night in Hollywood, beating out nine other nominees: 'Black Swan,' 'The Fighter,' 'Inception,' 'The Kids Are All Right,' '127 Hours,' 'The Social Network,' 'Toy Story 3,' 'True Grit' and 'Winter's Bone.' That film's king, Colin Firth, was named Best Actor, while 'Black Swan' princess Natalie Portman was named Best Actress.
Shepherding a disjointed "History of Hollywood 101" theme throughout the lengthy show, genial co-hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco kept the proceedings pleasant, light and without bite -- the polar opposite of Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais' acerbic stint (although a Charlie Sheen joke did make it into the proceedings) -- and poked fun at their "young and hip" casting appeal "to a younger demographic."
Get the complete list of winners HERE.
The Best Thespians
Slightly stunned, Firth was named Best Actor for his portrayal of stammering King George VI of Britain in 'The King's Speech,' besting fellow nominees Javier Bardem, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg and James Franco. "I have a feeling my career's just peaked," joked Firth, whose thanks extended to his co-stars, "whose virtuosity made it very difficult for me to be as bad as I intended to be," as well as his wife Livia, for enduring his "fleeting delusions of royalty."
A pregnant Portman danced to the stage to cradle her Best Actress statuette for her riveting performance as a dancer on the edge in 'Black Swan,' out-pirouetting Annette Bening, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence and Michelle Williams. "I truly, sincerely wish the prize was to get to work with my fellow nominees," said Natalie. Brought to tears when she thanked her parents for "showing me every day to be a good human being by example," she also singled out her fiance and "beautiful love, Benjamin Millepied, who has now given me my most important role in life."
The Supporting Players
'The Fighter' came out swinging in the Best Supporting Actor categories, with both Christian Bale and Melissa Leo knocking out the competition. Bale bested fellow nominees John Hawkes, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo and Geoffrey Rush. Declaring, "Bloody hell -- what a room full of talented and inspirational people, and what the hell am I doing here?" Bale gave a shout-out to Dicky Ecklund, the real-life pugilist he portrayed, telling the audience, "He's had a wonderful story, and I can't wait to see the next chapter," then went on to promote Dicky as a trainer and even gave out his web address. Before departing the stage, Bale got a bit choked up in thanking his wife, "my mast through our storms of life," and their daughter.
Leo bested her 'Fighter' co-star Amy Adams in addition to Helena Bonham Carter, Hailee Steinfeld and Jacki Weaver for the Best Supporting Actress statuette. Asking legendary presenter Kirk Douglas, "Will you pinch me?" Leo basked in the moment, declared, "I'm shakin' in my boots here," then accidentally dropped the F-bomb before she thanked the real-life 'Fighter' clan matron Alice Ward.
Other Awards of the Night
Underdog contender 'The Social Network' still had some Academy fans, picking up Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing and Best Original Score, while 'The King's Speech' also added Best Director and Best Original Screenplay to its crown. 'Inside Job' was named Best Documentary; Denmark's 'In A Better World' was named Best Foreign Language Film; Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design went to 'Alice in Wonderland'; 'Inception' lived the dream with accolades for Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing; 'The Wolfman' snarled up the Best Makeup statuette; and while 'Toy Story 3' did not win Best Picture of the year, it picked up the Best Animated Feature statuette in addition to Randy Newman's Best Original Song, "We Belong Together."
Show Highlights
Fun and memorable moments of the night included the show-opening 'Inception' spoof, with Franco and Hathaway finding themselves inside the dream of former Oscar co-host Alec Baldwin, highlighted by Hathaway doing the "dance of the brown duck" alongside Franco in a revealing white leotard during their 'Black Swan' moment; Justin Timberlake jokingly outed himself as incognito 'Exit Through the Gift Shop' street artist Banksy; Kevin Spacey sang a few lines from 'Top Hat,' then introduced himself as "George Clooney"; Hathaway did a solo song-and-dance, putting down "Hugh Jackass" for turning down her offer to perform together -- and then Franco came out in drag, dressed as Marilyn Monroe, quipping, "The weird part is I got a text message from Charlie Sheen." Gwyneth Paltrow performed her "Coming Home" tune from 'Country Strong'; and more music and laughs came from edited scenes featuring big movies of the year (from 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' to 'Toy Story 3' and 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse') remixed in "Auto-Tune."
In Memoriam
And stars we lost this past year were remembered in tribute -- including Tony Curtis, Gloria Stewart, Leslie Nielsen, Pete Postlethwaite, Robert Culp, Lynn Redgrave, Anne Francis, Jill Clayburgh, Dennis Hopper, Blake Edwards, Kevin McCarthy and Lena Horne -- as Celine Dion sang an emotional rendition of the song "Smile."
Shepherding a disjointed "History of Hollywood 101" theme throughout the lengthy show, genial co-hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco kept the proceedings pleasant, light and without bite -- the polar opposite of Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais' acerbic stint (although a Charlie Sheen joke did make it into the proceedings) -- and poked fun at their "young and hip" casting appeal "to a younger demographic."
Get the complete list of winners HERE.
The Best Thespians
Slightly stunned, Firth was named Best Actor for his portrayal of stammering King George VI of Britain in 'The King's Speech,' besting fellow nominees Javier Bardem, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg and James Franco. "I have a feeling my career's just peaked," joked Firth, whose thanks extended to his co-stars, "whose virtuosity made it very difficult for me to be as bad as I intended to be," as well as his wife Livia, for enduring his "fleeting delusions of royalty."
A pregnant Portman danced to the stage to cradle her Best Actress statuette for her riveting performance as a dancer on the edge in 'Black Swan,' out-pirouetting Annette Bening, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence and Michelle Williams. "I truly, sincerely wish the prize was to get to work with my fellow nominees," said Natalie. Brought to tears when she thanked her parents for "showing me every day to be a good human being by example," she also singled out her fiance and "beautiful love, Benjamin Millepied, who has now given me my most important role in life."
The Supporting Players
'The Fighter' came out swinging in the Best Supporting Actor categories, with both Christian Bale and Melissa Leo knocking out the competition. Bale bested fellow nominees John Hawkes, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo and Geoffrey Rush. Declaring, "Bloody hell -- what a room full of talented and inspirational people, and what the hell am I doing here?" Bale gave a shout-out to Dicky Ecklund, the real-life pugilist he portrayed, telling the audience, "He's had a wonderful story, and I can't wait to see the next chapter," then went on to promote Dicky as a trainer and even gave out his web address. Before departing the stage, Bale got a bit choked up in thanking his wife, "my mast through our storms of life," and their daughter.
Leo bested her 'Fighter' co-star Amy Adams in addition to Helena Bonham Carter, Hailee Steinfeld and Jacki Weaver for the Best Supporting Actress statuette. Asking legendary presenter Kirk Douglas, "Will you pinch me?" Leo basked in the moment, declared, "I'm shakin' in my boots here," then accidentally dropped the F-bomb before she thanked the real-life 'Fighter' clan matron Alice Ward.
Other Awards of the Night
Underdog contender 'The Social Network' still had some Academy fans, picking up Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing and Best Original Score, while 'The King's Speech' also added Best Director and Best Original Screenplay to its crown. 'Inside Job' was named Best Documentary; Denmark's 'In A Better World' was named Best Foreign Language Film; Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design went to 'Alice in Wonderland'; 'Inception' lived the dream with accolades for Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing; 'The Wolfman' snarled up the Best Makeup statuette; and while 'Toy Story 3' did not win Best Picture of the year, it picked up the Best Animated Feature statuette in addition to Randy Newman's Best Original Song, "We Belong Together."
Show Highlights
Fun and memorable moments of the night included the show-opening 'Inception' spoof, with Franco and Hathaway finding themselves inside the dream of former Oscar co-host Alec Baldwin, highlighted by Hathaway doing the "dance of the brown duck" alongside Franco in a revealing white leotard during their 'Black Swan' moment; Justin Timberlake jokingly outed himself as incognito 'Exit Through the Gift Shop' street artist Banksy; Kevin Spacey sang a few lines from 'Top Hat,' then introduced himself as "George Clooney"; Hathaway did a solo song-and-dance, putting down "Hugh Jackass" for turning down her offer to perform together -- and then Franco came out in drag, dressed as Marilyn Monroe, quipping, "The weird part is I got a text message from Charlie Sheen." Gwyneth Paltrow performed her "Coming Home" tune from 'Country Strong'; and more music and laughs came from edited scenes featuring big movies of the year (from 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' to 'Toy Story 3' and 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse') remixed in "Auto-Tune."
In Memoriam
And stars we lost this past year were remembered in tribute -- including Tony Curtis, Gloria Stewart, Leslie Nielsen, Pete Postlethwaite, Robert Culp, Lynn Redgrave, Anne Francis, Jill Clayburgh, Dennis Hopper, Blake Edwards, Kevin McCarthy and Lena Horne -- as Celine Dion sang an emotional rendition of the song "Smile."
50's Bombshell Jane Russell passed away
'40s and '50s screen legend Jane Russell has passed away. The actress died Monday at her home in Santa Maria, Calif. from respiratory heart failure, her family told The Associated Press. She was 89.
Russell starred in Howard Hughes' 'The Outlaw' in 1941. Staying true to her Western roots, her daughter-in-law, Etta Waterfield, told the AP, "She always said I'm going to die in the saddle, I'm not going to sit at home and become an old woman." Until recently, Russell remained active in her church and her foundation, World Adoption International Agency.
She once shared the screen with another famous bombshell, Marilyn Monroe, in 1953's 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.' Russell referred to Marilyn as "a little sister," according to the AP. The actress retired from movies following 1970's 'Darker Than Amber.'
Unable to bear children of her own which may have been due to an abortion in high school, Russell and first husband, NFL quarterback Bob Waterfield, adopted three children together. Their 24-year marriage concluded in divorce in 1968. Just three months after exchanging vows with actor Roger Barrett, he died of a heart attack. She was also widowed by third husband, John Peoples, who died of heart failure in 1999 after a 21-year marriage.
Russell's autobiography "My Paths and Detours," published in 1985, reveals intimate details of her childhood, film career, and love life. Born June 21, 1921, her full name was Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell. She is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. A public funeral will take place on March 12.
Russell starred in Howard Hughes' 'The Outlaw' in 1941. Staying true to her Western roots, her daughter-in-law, Etta Waterfield, told the AP, "She always said I'm going to die in the saddle, I'm not going to sit at home and become an old woman." Until recently, Russell remained active in her church and her foundation, World Adoption International Agency.
She once shared the screen with another famous bombshell, Marilyn Monroe, in 1953's 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.' Russell referred to Marilyn as "a little sister," according to the AP. The actress retired from movies following 1970's 'Darker Than Amber.'
Unable to bear children of her own which may have been due to an abortion in high school, Russell and first husband, NFL quarterback Bob Waterfield, adopted three children together. Their 24-year marriage concluded in divorce in 1968. Just three months after exchanging vows with actor Roger Barrett, he died of a heart attack. She was also widowed by third husband, John Peoples, who died of heart failure in 1999 after a 21-year marriage.
Russell's autobiography "My Paths and Detours," published in 1985, reveals intimate details of her childhood, film career, and love life. Born June 21, 1921, her full name was Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell. She is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. A public funeral will take place on March 12.
Katy Perry made a surprise apperance at Oprah's Ultimate after-Oscar Party
Fresh from their Oscar performance last night, Staten Island's PS 22 Chorus took the stage again for Oprah's special show, only to part like the Red Sea to let Perry join them for a rousing rendition of her new hit "Firework" -- to the surprise and excitement of the crowd.
Once the performance was complete, the kids surrounded Perry, who gave them high-fives. Perry, who is on tour, said she flew in at the special request of Oprah, and that she was inspired by the chorus after seeing them on YouTube.
Oprah also had an additional surprise for the kids, telling them that they'll all return to school with their own brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet computers, courtesy of Sprint.
Oprah's show was chock full of stars, including 'The King's Speech' Best Actor Oscar winner Colin Firth, Best Supporting Actress winner Melissa Leo, Oscar show co-host Anne Hathaway, former statuette winners Sandra Bullock, Mo'Nique, Jeff Bridges and more
World's tallest Buildings
World's Tallest Stuff: Burj Khalifa, Dubai
The honor of tallest building in the world goes to the Burj Khalifa, which soars above downtown Dubai at 2,716.5 feet. Its 160 stories are filled with offices, 900 private residences, the Armani Hotel, a four-story fitness complex and an observation deck on the 124th floor. Since it opened, the Burj Khalifa has dwarfed all former "world's tallest buildings," including this one in Toronto.
World's Tallest Church: Ulm Münster in Ulm, Germany
Germany
Ulm Münster in Ulm, Germany, is the world's tallest church, with a steeple measuring 531 feet. It was also the world's tallest building from 1890 to 1901, when it was overtaken in height by this building. The stunning Gothic church in Ulm was spared from bombing in World War II that de stroyed much of the surrounding town. When you visit, climb the 768 steps to the gallery for spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.
World's Tallest Pyramid: Giza, Egypt
Ten miles west of Cairo, the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, stands as an ancient sentinel over the Giza Plateau. (See what famous face is also on the plateau.) No one knows exactly when it was built, but estimates date its construction to around 2,600 B.C. The pyramid originally stood as high as 480 feet, but time and the elements have eroded it to 454 feet. Still, that's about the same height as a 45-story building, and researchers state that if you stacked all 2.5 million stone blocks in the pyramid it would be taller than 30 Empire State Buildings. Now that's tall.
World's Tallest Waterfall: Angel Falls, Venezuela
Nineteen times taller than Niagara Falls, Angel Falls in Venezuela tumbles over the table-top mountain of Auyantepui, falling into a swirl of mist and water 3,212 feet below. The falls wasn't known to the wider world until American aviator Jimmie Angel flew over it in 1933 while looking for gold ore for a mining company. While trying to land atop the falls in 1937, his plane crashed — no one was hurt — and the wreckage remained there until 1970. It was reassembled and now is on display at the Ciudad Bolivar airport.
World's Tallest Statue: Spring Temple Buddha, China
The Spring Temple Buddha in Henan, China, stands 502 feet tall — impossible to miss for drivers along Highway 311. The Buddha stands atop a lotus throne in the Fodushan Scenic Area, not far from a famous hot springs. Completed in 2002, this Vairocana, or celestial Buddha, was reportedly conceived and built in response to an act of the Taliban in 2001.
World's Tallest Tree: Redwoods, California
The world's tallest tree is something that's been a source of great debate, but it can't be denied that the Sequoia sempervirens, or California redwood, is a source of great height. In 2006, one such tree, christened the Hyperion Redwood, was discovered deep in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It measures 379.1 feet, or 9 feet taller than the previous tallest tree. Presumably, the Hyperion is still growing, as redwoods can live to be more than 2,000 years old. That's old, but it has a long way to go to catch up with the world's oldest living tree. World's Tallest Bridge: Millau Viaduct, France
The state-of-the-art Millau Viaduct in southern France is the tallest vehicular bridge in the world, with a graceful mast that soars 1,125 feet into the air — higher than the Eiffel Tower. The cable-stayed design will be challenged for the record of tallest bridge in 2012, however, when the Baluarte Bridge on Mexico's Durango-Mazatlan highway is scheduled to be completed. World's Tallest Geyser: Steamboat Geyser, Yellowstone
Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park is the largest active geyser in the world, though not many people wait around long enough to witness it. The geyser can remain dormant for decades, but once it erupts — as it last did in 2005 — the water and steam can reach heights of 300 to 400 feet. That's more than twice the size of Old Faithful, which is much more reliable.America's Tallest Bridge: Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado
The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado was completed in 1929 at a cost of $300,000 and remains the world's tallest suspension bridge. (Coming in a close second is the new Hoover Dam bypass bridge, which sits 890 feet above the Colorado River in Nevada.) The Royal Gorge Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places, but the area around it has plenty of modern attractions, including one of the world's tallest Skycoaster rides, which swings willing participants 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River at speeds of up to 50 mph. America's Tallest Mountain: Denali, Alaska
With a summit at 20,320 above sea level, Denali is the tallest peak in the U.S. and deserving of its native name, which means, simply, The High One. Despite its beauty, the mountain is inhospitable: It's high enough to create its own weather; temperatures here can fall to minus 75 degrees Fahrenheit; and the summit is often shrouded in clouds. Merely catching a glimpse of the summit is a high prize for travelers to Denali National Park and Preserve north of Anchorage. kanye west american rapper
Kanye Omari West born June 8, 1977 is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and Janet Jackson. His style of production originally used pitched-up vocal samples from soul songs incorporated with his own drums and instruments. However, subsequent productions saw him broadening his musical palette and expressing influences encompassing '70s R&B, baroque pop, trip hop, arena rock, folk, alternative, electronica, synth-pop, and classical music.
West released his debut album The College Dropout in 2004, his second album Late Registration in 2005, his third album Graduation in 2007, his fourth album 808s & Heartbreak in 2008, and his fifth album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy in 2010. His five albums, all of which have gone platinum, have received numerous awards, including a cumulative fourteen Grammys, and critical acclaim. All have been very commercially successful, with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy becoming his fourth consecutive #1 album in the U.S. upon release.West also runs his own record label GOOD Music, home to artists such as John Legend, Common and Kid Cudi.West's mascot and trademark is "Dropout Bear," a teddy bear which has appeared on the covers of three of his five albums as well as various single covers and musicvideos.About.com ranked Kanye West #8 on their "Top 50 Hip-Hop Producers" list.On May 16, 2008, Kanye West was crowned by MTV as the year's #1 "Hottest MC in the Game." 17 December 2010, Kanye West was voted as the MTV Man of the Year by MTV.
Contents
* 1 Early life
* 2 Music career
o 2.1 Early career (1996–2003)
o 2.2 The College Dropout (2004)
o 2.3 Late Registration (2005)
o 2.4 Graduation (2007)
o 2.5 Glow in the Dark Tour, 808s & Heartbreak (2008–09)
o 2.6 My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Watch the Throne (2010–present)
* 3 Personal life
o 3.1 Relationships
o 3.2 Mother's death
* 4 Musical style and influences
* 5 Other ventures
o 5.1 Business ventures
o 5.2 Philanthropy
* 6 Controversies
o 6.1 Media
+ 6.1.1 Award shows
o 6.2 Legal issues
* 7 Discography
* 8 Awards and nominations
* 9 References
* 10 External links
Early life
Kanye West was born in Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived with his parents. When he was three years old, his parents divorced, and he and his mother moved to Chicago, Illinois. father was Ray West, a former Black Panther who was one of the first black photojournalists at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and is now a Christian counselor. West's mother, Dr. Donda West, was a Professor of English at Clark Atlanta University, and the Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University before retiring to serve as West's manager. He was raised in a middle-class background, attending Polaris High School in suburban Oak Lawn, Illinois after living in Chicago. asked about his grades in high school, West replied, "I got A's and B's. And I'm not even frontin'".
West attended art classes at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and also enrolled at Chicago State University, but dropped out to focus on his music career. While attending school, West produced for local artists. He later gained fame by producing hit singles for major hip hop/R&B artists, including Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Cam'ron, Paul Wall, Common, Mobb Deep, Jermaine Dupri, Scarface, The Game, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, John Legend among others. He also "ghost-produced" for his mentor Deric Angelettie, according to his song "Last Call" and the credits of Nas' "Poppa Was a Playa".
Music career
Early career (1996–2003)
Kanye West's first career productions came on Chicago rapper Grav's 1996 debut album Down to Earth. West produced eight tracks on the album. While the album did not attract much attention and would be the only album released by Grav, West would soon be producing for higher profile artists. In 1998-1999 he produced for well known artists such as Jermaine Dupri, Foxy Brown, Goodie Mob, and the group Harlem World.
West got his big break in the year 2000 however when he began to produce for artists on Roc-a-Fella Records. He produced the well received Jay-Z song "This Can't Be Life" off of the album The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. West would later state that to create the beat for "This Can't Be Life" he sped up the drum beat from Dr. Dre's song "Xxplosive".
After producing for Jay-Z earlier, West’s sound was featured heavily on Jay-Z's critically acclaimed album The Blueprint, released on September 11, 2001. His work was featured on the lead single "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," "Heart of the City (Ain't No Love)" and a diss track against Nas and Mobb Deep named "Takeover"; West has worked with Mobb Deep and Nas since the track's release
kanye west
kanye west
kanye west
kanye west
kanye west
kanye west
kanye west
kanye west
kanye west
kanye west
West released his debut album The College Dropout in 2004, his second album Late Registration in 2005, his third album Graduation in 2007, his fourth album 808s & Heartbreak in 2008, and his fifth album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy in 2010. His five albums, all of which have gone platinum, have received numerous awards, including a cumulative fourteen Grammys, and critical acclaim. All have been very commercially successful, with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy becoming his fourth consecutive #1 album in the U.S. upon release.West also runs his own record label GOOD Music, home to artists such as John Legend, Common and Kid Cudi.West's mascot and trademark is "Dropout Bear," a teddy bear which has appeared on the covers of three of his five albums as well as various single covers and musicvideos.About.com ranked Kanye West #8 on their "Top 50 Hip-Hop Producers" list.On May 16, 2008, Kanye West was crowned by MTV as the year's #1 "Hottest MC in the Game." 17 December 2010, Kanye West was voted as the MTV Man of the Year by MTV.
Contents
* 1 Early life
* 2 Music career
o 2.1 Early career (1996–2003)
o 2.2 The College Dropout (2004)
o 2.3 Late Registration (2005)
o 2.4 Graduation (2007)
o 2.5 Glow in the Dark Tour, 808s & Heartbreak (2008–09)
o 2.6 My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Watch the Throne (2010–present)
* 3 Personal life
o 3.1 Relationships
o 3.2 Mother's death
* 4 Musical style and influences
* 5 Other ventures
o 5.1 Business ventures
o 5.2 Philanthropy
* 6 Controversies
o 6.1 Media
+ 6.1.1 Award shows
o 6.2 Legal issues
* 7 Discography
* 8 Awards and nominations
* 9 References
* 10 External links
Early life
Kanye West was born in Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived with his parents. When he was three years old, his parents divorced, and he and his mother moved to Chicago, Illinois. father was Ray West, a former Black Panther who was one of the first black photojournalists at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and is now a Christian counselor. West's mother, Dr. Donda West, was a Professor of English at Clark Atlanta University, and the Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University before retiring to serve as West's manager. He was raised in a middle-class background, attending Polaris High School in suburban Oak Lawn, Illinois after living in Chicago. asked about his grades in high school, West replied, "I got A's and B's. And I'm not even frontin'".
West attended art classes at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and also enrolled at Chicago State University, but dropped out to focus on his music career. While attending school, West produced for local artists. He later gained fame by producing hit singles for major hip hop/R&B artists, including Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Cam'ron, Paul Wall, Common, Mobb Deep, Jermaine Dupri, Scarface, The Game, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, John Legend among others. He also "ghost-produced" for his mentor Deric Angelettie, according to his song "Last Call" and the credits of Nas' "Poppa Was a Playa".
Music career
Early career (1996–2003)
Kanye West's first career productions came on Chicago rapper Grav's 1996 debut album Down to Earth. West produced eight tracks on the album. While the album did not attract much attention and would be the only album released by Grav, West would soon be producing for higher profile artists. In 1998-1999 he produced for well known artists such as Jermaine Dupri, Foxy Brown, Goodie Mob, and the group Harlem World.
West got his big break in the year 2000 however when he began to produce for artists on Roc-a-Fella Records. He produced the well received Jay-Z song "This Can't Be Life" off of the album The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. West would later state that to create the beat for "This Can't Be Life" he sped up the drum beat from Dr. Dre's song "Xxplosive".
After producing for Jay-Z earlier, West’s sound was featured heavily on Jay-Z's critically acclaimed album The Blueprint, released on September 11, 2001. His work was featured on the lead single "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," "Heart of the City (Ain't No Love)" and a diss track against Nas and Mobb Deep named "Takeover"; West has worked with Mobb Deep and Nas since the track's release
kanye west
kanye west
kanye west
kanye westkanye west
kanye west
kanye westkanye westkanye west
kanye west
'Idol Party Live' Will Feature Analysis, Celebrities And Karaoke
"American Idol" fans, you've been cordially invited to attend MTV News' brand-new weekly interactive online series, "Idol Party Live"! And unlike semifinalist Scotty McCreery's get-togethers, there's no need to "lock them doors" nor "turn the lights down low."
Hosted by "Idol" expert and MTV News correspondent Jim Cantiello, "Idol Party Live" is your new destination for can't-miss post-game analysis, commentary, interviews, conspiracy theories, "Idol" insanity, karaoke and more.
Every Thursday, immediately following the "American Idol" results show, Jim and a special celeb guest will gab about all the drama, music and Steven Tyler-isms that make "Idol" a TV addict's dream. Plus, viewers can join in the fun by tweeting their passionate opinions with the hashtag #idolparty. The best tweets will get shout-outs live on the air, and our favorite commenters may be asked to Skype in for a future episode.
In addition to past "Idol" stars, Jim will be joined by celebrities who watch the show just as religiously as he does. Find out who in Hollywood is rooting for your favorite season 10 contestant!
Did the right singer go home? Who had our favorite performance of the week? How much spit did Jacob Lusk unleash on the front row of the studio audience? Did Lauren Alaina really flirt with Steven Tyler again?! And what was up with that eyebrow-raising results-show performance from [insert current music star's name here]? "Idol Party Live" will dish on all the fun, burning questions that pop up throughout the "Idol" season.
And since it wouldn't be an "Idol" show without some ear-piercing karaoke, each episode will end with Jim and his guest performing the song they would have selected had they been on "Idol" that week.
So don't miss the premiere of "Idol Party Live" on MTV.com this Thursday night at 10 p.m. ET, the moment "Idol" goes off the air. (Don't worry West Coasters, we'll have the entire show archived on the site by the time the results show airs in your neck of the woods.)
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Lykke Li releases second album 'Wounded Rhymes' and plays instore tonight
Produced by Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn & John and recorded in Stockholm, Wounded Rhymes is the follow up to Lykke Li's critically-acclaimed debut, Youth Novels. The album includes 'Get Some' and 'I Follow Rivers'.
Lykke Li will be playing a very special in store tonight at London's Rough Trade East from 6:30pm
*** Please Note: I do not have any guestlist for this event ***
She will return in April for a string of UK dates:
April
12 - Bristol, Trinity
14 - London, Shepherds Bush Empire
15 - Leeds, Cockpit
16 - Dublin, Tripod
18 - Glasgow, Arches
19 - Manchester, Academy 2
*** Please Note: I do not have any guestlist for this event ***
She will return in April for a string of UK dates:
April
12 - Bristol, Trinity
14 - London, Shepherds Bush Empire
15 - Leeds, Cockpit
16 - Dublin, Tripod
18 - Glasgow, Arches
19 - Manchester, Academy 2
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