Actor/director Kevin Spacey has denied reports of him approaching supermodel Kate Moss to appear in one of his upcoming London plays.
Spacey, 50, who serves as artistic director at the city's Old Vic theatre, is said to have taken Moss, 36, out to dinner earlier this month in a bid to convince her to take on a stage role.
But the American Beauty star has insisted on his Twitter.com page that there's "not a grain of truth" in the rumours.
"Great to hang w/ (with) Kate Moss last wk (week) but not sure where stories of her treading boards at the Old Vic came from. Not a grain of truth in it!" the Daily Star quoted him as writing.
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, September 7, 2009
Emma Watson charms classmates with magic trick
'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson had magic tricks up her sleeves to charm her classmates on the first day of her college.
She showed how from a sitting position to magically raise yourself to standing without putting your hands on the ground, reports the Sun.
The 19-year-old beauty's friends apparently had a hearty laugh on seeing the trick.
Watson is pursuing a degree in Literature at Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island.
She showed how from a sitting position to magically raise yourself to standing without putting your hands on the ground, reports the Sun.
The 19-year-old beauty's friends apparently had a hearty laugh on seeing the trick.
Watson is pursuing a degree in Literature at Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Penelope Cruz loves London, but not its weather
Penelope Cruz does not quite like British weather. Dressed in a red trouser suit and heels for the UK premiere of her latest film Broken Embraces, she said that the English climate didn't suit her.
"I love London... but I have difficulties with the rainy weather," the Telegraph quoted her as saying. However, the weather remained fine despite earlier showers.
Broken Embraces is the fourth collaboration between Cruz and director Pedro Almodovar. And the Woman on Top star can't choose her best movie among it. She said: "That's hard, it's like choosing one of your kids."
The plot revolves around a film-maker who goes blind after an accident and struggles to re-engage with life.
Lindsay Lohan spends 11hrs in salon to get red hair bleached
Mean Girls star Lindsay Lohan has taken her obsession with Marilyn Monroe a step further, by spending 11 hours in a salon just to get her red hair bleached.
Lohan, 23, is also said to have had long extensions put in during her trip to the hairdressers, reports the Sun.
The actress finally emerged from a Beverly Hills salon puffing on a cigarette, though she covered up her new hairdo with a Fedora as she headed to on-off girlfriend DJ Sam Ronson's home.
Lohan had also revealed that she wanted to take her obsession with Monroe to the big screen, and star in a remake of movie classic 'Some Like It Hot'.
Lohan, 23, is also said to have had long extensions put in during her trip to the hairdressers, reports the Sun.
The actress finally emerged from a Beverly Hills salon puffing on a cigarette, though she covered up her new hairdo with a Fedora as she headed to on-off girlfriend DJ Sam Ronson's home.
Lohan had also revealed that she wanted to take her obsession with Monroe to the big screen, and star in a remake of movie classic 'Some Like It Hot'.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Brad Pitt mobbed by school girls
Brad Pitt's heartthrob status is causing trouble for the actor as he gets mobbed every time he goes to pick up his son from school.
Pitt whose adopted son with partner Angelina Jolie, seven-year-old Maddox is a student at New York's prestigious Lycee Francais, causes such a uproar every time he appears at the gates of the school that the principal had to issue letters to parents warning their daughters to leave the actor in peace.
The school which is known for the celebrity kids on its rolls including Madonna's daughter and son, is flummoxed by its pupils reaction to the Ocean's eleven star, reported Daily Mail online.
"Madonna's children attend the school so students are used to celebrities, but Brad is another story. When he arrives at the school gates, all the girls rush out and practically mob the poor man," a parent told the newspaper.
Pitt whose adopted son with partner Angelina Jolie, seven-year-old Maddox is a student at New York's prestigious Lycee Francais, causes such a uproar every time he appears at the gates of the school that the principal had to issue letters to parents warning their daughters to leave the actor in peace.
The school which is known for the celebrity kids on its rolls including Madonna's daughter and son, is flummoxed by its pupils reaction to the Ocean's eleven star, reported Daily Mail online.
"Madonna's children attend the school so students are used to celebrities, but Brad is another story. When he arrives at the school gates, all the girls rush out and practically mob the poor man," a parent told the newspaper.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Oscars 2009
Hit British film Slumdog Millionaire has won the top prize at the Academy Awards, winning eight Oscars including best director and best picture.
In a great night for Britain, Kate Winslet won the best actress Oscar for The Reader, finally clinching the award on her sixth nomination.
The big surprise of the night was Sean Penn, winning best actor for his role as gay rights activist Harvey Milk.
Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for supporting actor for The Dark Knight.
The actor's family received the award on behalf of Ledger, who died in January 2008.
"We have been truly overwhelmed by the honour and respect being bestowed upon him with this award," his mother said.
Ledger becomes only the second performer to win a posthumous Oscar, following Peter Finch's win for Network in 1977.
But the night belonged to Slumdog Millionaire, the rags-to-riches tale that has enchanted audiences around the world.
Director Danny Boyle, 52, bounced up and down in delight as he received his award, telling the audience: "I swore [to my children] if this miracle ever happened I would receive it in the spirit of Tigger."
Optimism
The film, set in the slums of Mumbai (Bombay), won eight awards in total, including gongs for best adapted screenplay, cinematography, sound mixing, film editing, best original score and best song.
"There are certain places in the universe you never imagine standing. For me, it's the moon, the South Pole, the Miss World podium and here," joked British screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, previously best known for writing The Full Monty.
Indian composer AR Rahman, who received two Oscars - for best song and best score - praised the city which inspired the book, and subsequently the film.
He hailed "all the people from Mumbai and the essence of the film, which is about optimism and the power of hope and our lives".
"We had passion and we had belief and if you have those two things, truly, anything is possible," said Christian Colson.
As anticipated - after years of waiting in the wings - Winslet, 33, won her Academy Award for playing a Nazi prison officer in The Reader.
"I'd be lying if I hadn't made a version of this speech. I think I was probably eight years old and staring into the bathroom mirror," she said.
"I feel very fortunate to have made it all the way from there to here."
In a night of predictable outcomes, Sean Penn's best actor triumph for his portrayal of gay rights activist Harvey Milk seemed to win the A-list audience's approval.
"You Commie, homo-loving, sons of a gun," said Penn, addressing his fellow performers.
"I did not expect this, and I want to be very clear that I know how hard I make it to appreciate me," said the 48-year-old, who often attracts criticism for his outspoken views.
In an impassioned plea - and to rapturous applause - Penn called on "equal rights for everyone".
"I think it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame," he said.
His thoughts were echoed by Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, who won best original screenplay for Milk.
"I heard the story of Harvey Milk and it gave me hope ... that one day I could live my life openly as who I am. And that maybe I could even fall in love and one day get married," he said.
Musical medley
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie both went home empty-handed, while The Curious Case of Benjamin Button converted just three of its 13 nominations - all in the technical fields.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were eager to breathe new life into this year's ceremony, after a continued decline in TV viewing figures.
Australian actor Hugh Jackman hosted the show, and showed off his musical talents - opening with a medley of songs paying tribute to the best picture nominees.
He went on to join singer Beyonce in a tribute to Hollywood's best-loved musicals.
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz became the first winner of the night, picking up the best supporting actress award.
The 34-year-old star won her first Oscar for her performance as a passionate artist in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
"Has anybody ever fainted here. I might be the first one," said Cruz, who was previously nominated in 2007.
Cruz, who becomes the first Spanish actress to win an acting Oscar, dedicated her award "to all the actors from my country".
"Thank you Woody for trusting me with this beautiful character," she said.
Comedian Jerry Lewis received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which recognises humanitarian efforts.
"This award touches my heart and the very depth of my soul because of who the award is from, and those it will benefit," said 82-year-old star.
The Nutty Professor star has raised over $2 billion (£1.3bn) for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through his annual Labor Day telethon.
In a great night for Britain, Kate Winslet won the best actress Oscar for The Reader, finally clinching the award on her sixth nomination.
The big surprise of the night was Sean Penn, winning best actor for his role as gay rights activist Harvey Milk.
Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for supporting actor for The Dark Knight.
The actor's family received the award on behalf of Ledger, who died in January 2008.
"We have been truly overwhelmed by the honour and respect being bestowed upon him with this award," his mother said.
Ledger becomes only the second performer to win a posthumous Oscar, following Peter Finch's win for Network in 1977.
But the night belonged to Slumdog Millionaire, the rags-to-riches tale that has enchanted audiences around the world.
Director Danny Boyle, 52, bounced up and down in delight as he received his award, telling the audience: "I swore [to my children] if this miracle ever happened I would receive it in the spirit of Tigger."
Optimism
The film, set in the slums of Mumbai (Bombay), won eight awards in total, including gongs for best adapted screenplay, cinematography, sound mixing, film editing, best original score and best song.
"There are certain places in the universe you never imagine standing. For me, it's the moon, the South Pole, the Miss World podium and here," joked British screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, previously best known for writing The Full Monty.
Indian composer AR Rahman, who received two Oscars - for best song and best score - praised the city which inspired the book, and subsequently the film.
He hailed "all the people from Mumbai and the essence of the film, which is about optimism and the power of hope and our lives".
"We had passion and we had belief and if you have those two things, truly, anything is possible," said Christian Colson.
As anticipated - after years of waiting in the wings - Winslet, 33, won her Academy Award for playing a Nazi prison officer in The Reader.
"I'd be lying if I hadn't made a version of this speech. I think I was probably eight years old and staring into the bathroom mirror," she said.
"I feel very fortunate to have made it all the way from there to here."
In a night of predictable outcomes, Sean Penn's best actor triumph for his portrayal of gay rights activist Harvey Milk seemed to win the A-list audience's approval.
"You Commie, homo-loving, sons of a gun," said Penn, addressing his fellow performers.
"I did not expect this, and I want to be very clear that I know how hard I make it to appreciate me," said the 48-year-old, who often attracts criticism for his outspoken views.
In an impassioned plea - and to rapturous applause - Penn called on "equal rights for everyone".
"I think it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame," he said.
His thoughts were echoed by Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, who won best original screenplay for Milk.
"I heard the story of Harvey Milk and it gave me hope ... that one day I could live my life openly as who I am. And that maybe I could even fall in love and one day get married," he said.
Musical medley
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie both went home empty-handed, while The Curious Case of Benjamin Button converted just three of its 13 nominations - all in the technical fields.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were eager to breathe new life into this year's ceremony, after a continued decline in TV viewing figures.
Australian actor Hugh Jackman hosted the show, and showed off his musical talents - opening with a medley of songs paying tribute to the best picture nominees.
He went on to join singer Beyonce in a tribute to Hollywood's best-loved musicals.
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz became the first winner of the night, picking up the best supporting actress award.
The 34-year-old star won her first Oscar for her performance as a passionate artist in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
"Has anybody ever fainted here. I might be the first one," said Cruz, who was previously nominated in 2007.
Cruz, who becomes the first Spanish actress to win an acting Oscar, dedicated her award "to all the actors from my country".
"Thank you Woody for trusting me with this beautiful character," she said.
Comedian Jerry Lewis received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which recognises humanitarian efforts.
"This award touches my heart and the very depth of my soul because of who the award is from, and those it will benefit," said 82-year-old star.
The Nutty Professor star has raised over $2 billion (£1.3bn) for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through his annual Labor Day telethon.
Best Film: Slumdog Millionaire makes it India's night at the Oscars
It was a night to remember for India at the 81st annual Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday (early Monday in India). Slumdog Millionaire swept the Oscars with the film bagging eight awards, including Best Director and Best Film.
Among the winners were three Indians, music composer AR Rahman (best Original Score and best Original Song, Jai Ho), lyricist Gulzar (Jai Ho), and sound engineer Resul Pookutty (best Sound Mixing). AR Rahman became the first Indian to win two Oscars.
Danny Boyle picked up one of the biggest awards of the night, the title of Best Director, for Slumdog Millionaire. The cast and crew of the film went on stage to collect the Best Film award, which went to producer Christian Colson.
Simon Beaufoy was awarded for best Adapted Screenplay, Anthony Dod Mantle for best Cinematographer, Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, and Pookutty for best Sound Mixing and Chris Dickens for best Film Editing.
Earlier, Pookutty became only the second Indian to win the prestigious award, after Bhanu Athaiya for the costumes of Gandhi in 1982. (Filmmaker Satyajit Ray was given an honorary Oscar while he was on his deathbed in Calcutta in 1992.)
Accepting the accolade, Pookutty said, "This is not just an award. This is history being handed over to me."
He was soon overtaken by Rahman, however, who became the first Indian to win two Oscars. Rahman shared the Oscar for Best Song for Jai Ho with lyricist Gulzar, who wasn't present at the function.
Other winners of the most coveted categories included Kate Winslet as Best Actress for The Reader and Sean Penn as Best Actor for Milk.
Heath Ledger won the Oscar posthumously for best Supporting Actor for his diabolical act in The Dark Knight while Penelope Cruz picked up the best Supporting Actress Oscar for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Dustin Lance Black scooped the Oscar for best Original Screenplay for the film Milk.
Among the winners were three Indians, music composer AR Rahman (best Original Score and best Original Song, Jai Ho), lyricist Gulzar (Jai Ho), and sound engineer Resul Pookutty (best Sound Mixing). AR Rahman became the first Indian to win two Oscars.
Danny Boyle picked up one of the biggest awards of the night, the title of Best Director, for Slumdog Millionaire. The cast and crew of the film went on stage to collect the Best Film award, which went to producer Christian Colson.
Simon Beaufoy was awarded for best Adapted Screenplay, Anthony Dod Mantle for best Cinematographer, Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, and Pookutty for best Sound Mixing and Chris Dickens for best Film Editing.
Earlier, Pookutty became only the second Indian to win the prestigious award, after Bhanu Athaiya for the costumes of Gandhi in 1982. (Filmmaker Satyajit Ray was given an honorary Oscar while he was on his deathbed in Calcutta in 1992.)
Accepting the accolade, Pookutty said, "This is not just an award. This is history being handed over to me."
He was soon overtaken by Rahman, however, who became the first Indian to win two Oscars. Rahman shared the Oscar for Best Song for Jai Ho with lyricist Gulzar, who wasn't present at the function.
Other winners of the most coveted categories included Kate Winslet as Best Actress for The Reader and Sean Penn as Best Actor for Milk.
Heath Ledger won the Oscar posthumously for best Supporting Actor for his diabolical act in The Dark Knight while Penelope Cruz picked up the best Supporting Actress Oscar for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Dustin Lance Black scooped the Oscar for best Original Screenplay for the film Milk.
Dev Patel wrecked our relationship, says Freida's fiance
Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto's fiance blames the movie, and co-star Dev Patel, for the end of his relationship with the actress.
Jilted fiance Rohan Antao revealed that Pinto not only compelled him to stay mum about their engagement for the benefit of the movie, but also snubbed him to be with her on-screen lover.
The 24-year-old said his former love gave him the thumbs down in a phone call while she was promoting the film with her co-star, who is six years younger to her.
"She ended it with me after getting close to Dev Patel," News of the World quoted Rohan as saying. "Now everywhere I go, I see them on billboards. I am devastated.
"I hate the film. It wrecked my relationship. As soon as it became a success and she started spending all her time with Dev, she ended it," Antao said.
He continued: "She decided she didn't want to be with me anymore. She said she wanted us to be friends. But how can I be when she has destroyed my faith in love?
"She is infatuated with Dev. I don't know if they were having a sexual relationship, but if I came face to face with him I would have things to say.
"This is a very hard time for me, because as much as I don't want to let go, I have to.
"I wish her success in her career, but I can't watch the Oscars, and I don't want to watch the film -- it wrecked our love."
Jilted fiance Rohan Antao revealed that Pinto not only compelled him to stay mum about their engagement for the benefit of the movie, but also snubbed him to be with her on-screen lover.
The 24-year-old said his former love gave him the thumbs down in a phone call while she was promoting the film with her co-star, who is six years younger to her.
"She ended it with me after getting close to Dev Patel," News of the World quoted Rohan as saying. "Now everywhere I go, I see them on billboards. I am devastated.
"I hate the film. It wrecked my relationship. As soon as it became a success and she started spending all her time with Dev, she ended it," Antao said.
He continued: "She decided she didn't want to be with me anymore. She said she wanted us to be friends. But how can I be when she has destroyed my faith in love?
"She is infatuated with Dev. I don't know if they were having a sexual relationship, but if I came face to face with him I would have things to say.
"This is a very hard time for me, because as much as I don't want to let go, I have to.
"I wish her success in her career, but I can't watch the Oscars, and I don't want to watch the film -- it wrecked our love."
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Winslet hated kissing co-star Leonardo Di Caprio
Actress Kate Winslet has revealed that she hated kissing co-star Leonardo Di Caprio in their latest movie Revolutionary Road.
Winslet's husband, director Sam Mendes, brought her and Di Caprio back together on the big screen in Revolutionary Road after they were last paired in the blockbuster romantic film Titanic, the Daily Mail reported.
Winslet had to get intimate with Di Caprio as they play a married couple in the film. But the actress was most uncomfortable because the intimate scenes were being coordinated by her husband, who did not seem to be affected at all.
"It was more that neither Sam nor Leo seemed the slightest bit bothered," she said. "I was like, 'Is it just me who feels a bit weird about this? You know. My friend. My husband'.
"But it was just me. There is this amazing still that was taken on set of Leo and me kissing, and Sam is in the background...You can see this look of absolute intensity on his face and I knew that all he was thinking about at that moment was the frame of the shot," Winslet told Elle magazine.
Winslet said she and Leo have a special chemistry onscreen because they have stayed close since the 1997 blockbuster Titanic. "Leo's friendship is a major thing in my life. It's a big relationship. We met when we were very young and did this incredible film (Titanic) which changed both our lives, but the best thing to come out of it was this friendship."
Winslet's husband, director Sam Mendes, brought her and Di Caprio back together on the big screen in Revolutionary Road after they were last paired in the blockbuster romantic film Titanic, the Daily Mail reported.
Winslet had to get intimate with Di Caprio as they play a married couple in the film. But the actress was most uncomfortable because the intimate scenes were being coordinated by her husband, who did not seem to be affected at all.
"It was more that neither Sam nor Leo seemed the slightest bit bothered," she said. "I was like, 'Is it just me who feels a bit weird about this? You know. My friend. My husband'.
"But it was just me. There is this amazing still that was taken on set of Leo and me kissing, and Sam is in the background...You can see this look of absolute intensity on his face and I knew that all he was thinking about at that moment was the frame of the shot," Winslet told Elle magazine.
Winslet said she and Leo have a special chemistry onscreen because they have stayed close since the 1997 blockbuster Titanic. "Leo's friendship is a major thing in my life. It's a big relationship. We met when we were very young and did this incredible film (Titanic) which changed both our lives, but the best thing to come out of it was this friendship."
BBC Sound of 2009: The pundits
More than 130 influential and impartial UK-based music critics and broadcasters were canvassed to find the best new acts for the BBC Sound of 2009 list. They were:
Mark Adams - Box TV head of music (4Music, The Box, Kiss, Smash Hits, Magic, Q, Kerrang!)
Sean Adams - Drowned in Sound editor-in-chief
Edward Adoo - NME, BBC Asian Network
Henry Barnes - Guardian.co.uk
Mark Beaumont - NME
Joanne Bell - BFBS head of music
Sarah Boden - Observer Music Monthly
Clint Boon - Xfm Manchester DJ
Helen Bownass - More magazine
Paul Brannigan - Kerrang! magazine editor
Lauren Brennan - BBC Radio 1 music scheduler
Lucio Buffone - Capital FM and Hit 40 UK DJ
Jim Butler - Observer Music Monthly, Big Issue
Tim Chipping - HM-PJ music editor (Holy Moly, Popjustice, 4Music)
Stuart Clarke - Music Week magazine talent editor
Richard Clayton - Financial Times, Sunday Times
Greg Cochrane - BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat music reporter
Hattie Collins - RWD magazine editor, i-D music editor, The Guardian, Big Issue
Scott Colothan - Gigwise.com editor
Matt Cook - MTV UK director of talent and music
Andy Cowan - Hip-Hop Connection magazine editor
Will Cozens - Kiss DJ
James Curran - Absolute Radio head of music
Robery D'Ovidio - Heat Radio station manger
Rob Da Bank - BBC Radio 1 DJ, Bestival festival organiser
Kim Dawson - Daily Star Playlist editor
Nick Decosemo - Mixmag editor
Antonio Dellamura - Pyro Radio station manager
Niall Doherty - The Fly magazine editor
Andi Durrant - Galaxy Radio DJ
John Earls - Teletext, News of the World
Ben East - Metro
Rick Edwards - T4 & Xfm presenter
Matilda Egere-Cooper - Independent
George Ergatoudis - BBC Radio 1 head of music
Chantelle Fiddy - Thelondonpaper, Mixmag, i-D, Tank, RWD magazines
Mark Findlay - Capital FM and Hit Music Network head of music
Paul Flynn - Grazia, i-D, Pop, Attitude magazines
James Foley - Record of the Day magazine music editor
Harriet Gibsone - The Fly magazine Ones To Watch editor
Ben Gilbert - Yahoo! Music UK
Sam Grape - Thatgrapejuice.net blog
Phoebe Greenwood - Times music editor
Gareth Grundy - Observer Music Monthly deputy editor
Hanna Hanra - The Pix, i-D, Sunday Times Style
Nigel Harding - BBC Radio 1 music producer
Simon Harper - Clash magazine editor
Bob Harris - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Gary Harrison - Gaydar Radio head of music
Todd Hart - Dalston Oxfam Shop and Der Fresh Creamy blogger
Jaimie Hodgson - NME new music editor
Alison Howe - BBC Later... With Jools Holland producer
Ludovic Hunter Tilney - Financial Times
Lara Hutcheson - Top of the Pops magazine acting editor
Allan Jones - Uncut magazine editor
Tim Jonze - Guardian.co.uk music editor
Anna Karatziva - MTV UK label director, talent and music
Nik Keene - Contactmusic.com editor
John Kennedy - Xfm DJ
Jordan Kensington - Invincible magazine editor-in-chief
Ted Kessler - Q magazine reviews editor
Talia Kraines - The Hits and Smash Hits Radio producer, Londonist music editor, Popstarz DJ
Ras Kwame - BBC 1Xtra and Radio 1 DJ
George Lamb - BBC 6 Music DJ
Stuart Last - BBC Radio 1 Jo Whiley producer
Paul Lester - Guardian new bands editor
Luke Lewis - NME.com
Caspar Llewellyn Smith - Observer Music Monthly editor
Geoff Lloyd - Absolute Radio DJ
Janice Long - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Alexia Loundras - The Independent
Laura Lukanz - BBC 1Xtra music manager
Dorian Lynskey - Guardian
Ben Machell - Times
Paul MacInnes - Guardian.co.uk entertainment editor
Paul Mack - The Hits and Smash Hits Radio acting station manager
Gavin Martin - Daily Mirror
Nadine McBay - Metro music editor
John McConnell - Prancehall.com, Guardian.co.uk, The Sun, Vice, NME, Fader
Neil McCormick - Daily Telegraph
Craig McLean - Daily Telegraph, Times, Independent on Sunday, Observer Music Monthly
Conor McNicholas - NME editor
Malik Meer - Guardian Guide editor
Toya Melvina - Toya's World blog
Alexander Milas - Metal Hammer magazine editor
Alex Miller - Vice magazine
Mistajam - BBC 1Xtra DJ
Iain Moffat - Rock Sound, Attitude, The Fly magazines
David Mogendorff - MTV UK talent and music
John Mulvey - Uncut magazine deputy editor, The Times
Jon Myer - BBC 6 Music music manager
Nick Neads - T4 head of music (Channel 4)
Tim Noakes - Dazed & Confused magazine music editor
David O'Coy - Fused magazine editor
Chloe Pearson - BBC Radio 1 music producer
Chris Price - MTV UK head of music programming
Mark Radcliffe - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Becky Reed - Clickmusic.com editor
Paul Rees - Q magazine editor
Marc Riley - BBC 6 Music DJ
John Robinson - Guardian Guide, Uncut magazine
Peter Robinson - Popjustice.com editor
Tom Robinson - BBC 6 Music DJ
Jude Rogers - Guardian, Word, New Statesman, Mercury Prize judge
Joanna Russell - Absolute Radio DJ
Chris Salmon - Guardian
Paul Scaife - Record of the Day editor in chief
Rachel Seagrave - BBC 6 Music scheduler
Victoria Segal - Times
DJ Semtex - BBC 1Xtra DJ
Paul Sexton - Sunday Times Culture, Financial Times, Billboard, Sunday Express
Eddie Shaw - Lincs FM group head of music
Adam Sherwin - The Times People editor
Jeff Smith - BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music head of music
Mike Smith - Nothing But Green Lights blog
David Smyth - London Evening Standard
Huw Stephens - BBC Radio 1 DJ
Paul Stokes - NME news editor
Tom Stroud - The Local Radio Company head of music
Stuart Stubbs - Loud & Quiet magazine editor
Caroline Sullivan - Guardian
Mark Sutherland - Billboard magazine global bureau chief
Jacqui Swift - The Sun's Something For The Weekend
Ashley Tanton - Likesounds.com editor
Darren Taylor - Rock Sound magazine editor
Graeme Thomson - Observer Music Monthly, Word magazines
Adrian Thrills - Daily Mail
Terry Underhill - Guardian Media Group head of music
Tim Vernon - Absolute Radio music producer
Lisa Verrico - Times
Mike Walsh - Xfm head of music
Andy Welch - Press Association music editor
Ben Wolford - Hit Music Network music scheduler
Jonas Woost - Last FM head of music
Mark Adams - Box TV head of music (4Music, The Box, Kiss, Smash Hits, Magic, Q, Kerrang!)
Sean Adams - Drowned in Sound editor-in-chief
Edward Adoo - NME, BBC Asian Network
Henry Barnes - Guardian.co.uk
Mark Beaumont - NME
Joanne Bell - BFBS head of music
Sarah Boden - Observer Music Monthly
Clint Boon - Xfm Manchester DJ
Helen Bownass - More magazine
Paul Brannigan - Kerrang! magazine editor
Lauren Brennan - BBC Radio 1 music scheduler
Lucio Buffone - Capital FM and Hit 40 UK DJ
Jim Butler - Observer Music Monthly, Big Issue
Tim Chipping - HM-PJ music editor (Holy Moly, Popjustice, 4Music)
Stuart Clarke - Music Week magazine talent editor
Richard Clayton - Financial Times, Sunday Times
Greg Cochrane - BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat music reporter
Hattie Collins - RWD magazine editor, i-D music editor, The Guardian, Big Issue
Scott Colothan - Gigwise.com editor
Matt Cook - MTV UK director of talent and music
Andy Cowan - Hip-Hop Connection magazine editor
Will Cozens - Kiss DJ
James Curran - Absolute Radio head of music
Robery D'Ovidio - Heat Radio station manger
Rob Da Bank - BBC Radio 1 DJ, Bestival festival organiser
Kim Dawson - Daily Star Playlist editor
Nick Decosemo - Mixmag editor
Antonio Dellamura - Pyro Radio station manager
Niall Doherty - The Fly magazine editor
Andi Durrant - Galaxy Radio DJ
John Earls - Teletext, News of the World
Ben East - Metro
Rick Edwards - T4 & Xfm presenter
Matilda Egere-Cooper - Independent
George Ergatoudis - BBC Radio 1 head of music
Chantelle Fiddy - Thelondonpaper, Mixmag, i-D, Tank, RWD magazines
Mark Findlay - Capital FM and Hit Music Network head of music
Paul Flynn - Grazia, i-D, Pop, Attitude magazines
James Foley - Record of the Day magazine music editor
Harriet Gibsone - The Fly magazine Ones To Watch editor
Ben Gilbert - Yahoo! Music UK
Sam Grape - Thatgrapejuice.net blog
Phoebe Greenwood - Times music editor
Gareth Grundy - Observer Music Monthly deputy editor
Hanna Hanra - The Pix, i-D, Sunday Times Style
Nigel Harding - BBC Radio 1 music producer
Simon Harper - Clash magazine editor
Bob Harris - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Gary Harrison - Gaydar Radio head of music
Todd Hart - Dalston Oxfam Shop and Der Fresh Creamy blogger
Jaimie Hodgson - NME new music editor
Alison Howe - BBC Later... With Jools Holland producer
Ludovic Hunter Tilney - Financial Times
Lara Hutcheson - Top of the Pops magazine acting editor
Allan Jones - Uncut magazine editor
Tim Jonze - Guardian.co.uk music editor
Anna Karatziva - MTV UK label director, talent and music
Nik Keene - Contactmusic.com editor
John Kennedy - Xfm DJ
Jordan Kensington - Invincible magazine editor-in-chief
Ted Kessler - Q magazine reviews editor
Talia Kraines - The Hits and Smash Hits Radio producer, Londonist music editor, Popstarz DJ
Ras Kwame - BBC 1Xtra and Radio 1 DJ
George Lamb - BBC 6 Music DJ
Stuart Last - BBC Radio 1 Jo Whiley producer
Paul Lester - Guardian new bands editor
Luke Lewis - NME.com
Caspar Llewellyn Smith - Observer Music Monthly editor
Geoff Lloyd - Absolute Radio DJ
Janice Long - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Alexia Loundras - The Independent
Laura Lukanz - BBC 1Xtra music manager
Dorian Lynskey - Guardian
Ben Machell - Times
Paul MacInnes - Guardian.co.uk entertainment editor
Paul Mack - The Hits and Smash Hits Radio acting station manager
Gavin Martin - Daily Mirror
Nadine McBay - Metro music editor
John McConnell - Prancehall.com, Guardian.co.uk, The Sun, Vice, NME, Fader
Neil McCormick - Daily Telegraph
Craig McLean - Daily Telegraph, Times, Independent on Sunday, Observer Music Monthly
Conor McNicholas - NME editor
Malik Meer - Guardian Guide editor
Toya Melvina - Toya's World blog
Alexander Milas - Metal Hammer magazine editor
Alex Miller - Vice magazine
Mistajam - BBC 1Xtra DJ
Iain Moffat - Rock Sound, Attitude, The Fly magazines
David Mogendorff - MTV UK talent and music
John Mulvey - Uncut magazine deputy editor, The Times
Jon Myer - BBC 6 Music music manager
Nick Neads - T4 head of music (Channel 4)
Tim Noakes - Dazed & Confused magazine music editor
David O'Coy - Fused magazine editor
Chloe Pearson - BBC Radio 1 music producer
Chris Price - MTV UK head of music programming
Mark Radcliffe - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Becky Reed - Clickmusic.com editor
Paul Rees - Q magazine editor
Marc Riley - BBC 6 Music DJ
John Robinson - Guardian Guide, Uncut magazine
Peter Robinson - Popjustice.com editor
Tom Robinson - BBC 6 Music DJ
Jude Rogers - Guardian, Word, New Statesman, Mercury Prize judge
Joanna Russell - Absolute Radio DJ
Chris Salmon - Guardian
Paul Scaife - Record of the Day editor in chief
Rachel Seagrave - BBC 6 Music scheduler
Victoria Segal - Times
DJ Semtex - BBC 1Xtra DJ
Paul Sexton - Sunday Times Culture, Financial Times, Billboard, Sunday Express
Eddie Shaw - Lincs FM group head of music
Adam Sherwin - The Times People editor
Jeff Smith - BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music head of music
Mike Smith - Nothing But Green Lights blog
David Smyth - London Evening Standard
Huw Stephens - BBC Radio 1 DJ
Paul Stokes - NME news editor
Tom Stroud - The Local Radio Company head of music
Stuart Stubbs - Loud & Quiet magazine editor
Caroline Sullivan - Guardian
Mark Sutherland - Billboard magazine global bureau chief
Jacqui Swift - The Sun's Something For The Weekend
Ashley Tanton - Likesounds.com editor
Darren Taylor - Rock Sound magazine editor
Graeme Thomson - Observer Music Monthly, Word magazines
Adrian Thrills - Daily Mail
Terry Underhill - Guardian Media Group head of music
Tim Vernon - Absolute Radio music producer
Lisa Verrico - Times
Mike Walsh - Xfm head of music
Andy Welch - Press Association music editor
Ben Wolford - Hit Music Network music scheduler
Jonas Woost - Last FM head of music
BBC Sound of 2009: Empire of the Sun
Australian fantasy pop duo Empire of the Sun have come fourth on the BBC's Sound of 2009 list, which features the best bands and singers to watch in the next 12 months.
One act from the top five is being unveiled every day this week, counting down to Friday, when the number one will be revealed.
Empire of the Sun are on a spiritual mission.
Dressed as extras from a psychedelic Star Wars, the duo are on an epic journey to seek out ancient cultures across the globe, searching for inner enlightenment while creating a musical dynasty that will last for ever.
It seems like a tall order. But the ambitious, enigmatic and utterly egotastic Empire of the Sun are dead set on their task.
So their debut album, the story it tells and the places it takes them is "a walk to finding the inner being", singer Luke Steele says. "It's kind of like a spiritual road movie.
"We went to Shanghai and met the emperors, and we went to Mexico and met the Aztecs, and now we're going to Iceland.
"It's now or never and we have to push the limit. There's no holding back and there's nothing to lose. We really want to make something otherworldly and special."
Steele, who also fronts indie group The Sleepy Jackson, has teamed up with Nick Littlemore of electronic outfit Pnau, who is friends with Sir Elton John, has worked with The Killers and been in a band with Ladyhawke.
Together, the pair's 1980s-influenced soft pop synthesisers and blissed-out space beats have already taken them into the Australian top 10.
The music is coupled with a striking image of two colourful, cosmic crusaders that has been inspired by movie characters and rosily-remembered childhood idols.
"We are superheroes. We are Emperor Steele and Lord Littlemore," proclaims the singer.
In the video for their first single, Walking on a Dream, the pair are seen in front of the Shanghai skyline striking overblown, dramatic poses.
Steele grandly waves huge feathers and a big red stick while wearing white face paint, a bright blue oriental frock coat, gold ceremonial neckwear and a tall ornamental crown that looks like it might have been a rather nice lampshade in a former life.
"We've done the band thing, which is great, but we wanted it to be a lot more epic and theatrical," he declares.
"We want to start something a bit bigger than what bands have been for the past 20 years. We want to bring entertainment and colour and positivity and melody back into it."
The album, also called Walking on a Dream, was made over two years between other projects. "I was only ever in town for a night in Sydney, where the studio was, so it was all quite spontaneous," Steele says.
"I'm really good at writing top lines and coming up with chord progressions and production." Littlemore is all of the above plus is "amazing in terms of writing words", the singer says. "He's quite romantic with his words. He's like a beat poet."
The group borrowed their name from a 1984 JG Ballard novel, which was adapted for the screen by Steven Spielberg in 1987.
"We wanted something quite epic," Steele says, citing the history of Chinese emperors and the importance of the sun to the Aztecs.
"And obviously Jesus Christ is the son of God and everything," he adds, slightly inexplicably.
"We were looking for a name and we saw that and it just seemed so fitting."
Steele has become so immersed in the band's mythology that he has even named his daughter, born in October, Sunny Tiger. (The band also have a song called Tiger By Your Side and tigers feature in their graphics.)
The singer now wants to blow the minds of young fans in the same way that pop stars did when he was growing up in the 1980s.
"We're so visual," he says. "We want to make something that as a child you see and you just love because it's so colourful and it's got imagination.
"Music is magic, and with imagination combined it can be completely epic. We've been both on the road doing shows for the last 10 years and we wanted something that's higher - visually, mentally, physically, a bigger level, a bigger vision that can last for ever."
One act from the top five is being unveiled every day this week, counting down to Friday, when the number one will be revealed.
Empire of the Sun are on a spiritual mission.
Dressed as extras from a psychedelic Star Wars, the duo are on an epic journey to seek out ancient cultures across the globe, searching for inner enlightenment while creating a musical dynasty that will last for ever.
It seems like a tall order. But the ambitious, enigmatic and utterly egotastic Empire of the Sun are dead set on their task.
So their debut album, the story it tells and the places it takes them is "a walk to finding the inner being", singer Luke Steele says. "It's kind of like a spiritual road movie.
"We went to Shanghai and met the emperors, and we went to Mexico and met the Aztecs, and now we're going to Iceland.
"It's now or never and we have to push the limit. There's no holding back and there's nothing to lose. We really want to make something otherworldly and special."
Steele, who also fronts indie group The Sleepy Jackson, has teamed up with Nick Littlemore of electronic outfit Pnau, who is friends with Sir Elton John, has worked with The Killers and been in a band with Ladyhawke.
Together, the pair's 1980s-influenced soft pop synthesisers and blissed-out space beats have already taken them into the Australian top 10.
The music is coupled with a striking image of two colourful, cosmic crusaders that has been inspired by movie characters and rosily-remembered childhood idols.
"We are superheroes. We are Emperor Steele and Lord Littlemore," proclaims the singer.
In the video for their first single, Walking on a Dream, the pair are seen in front of the Shanghai skyline striking overblown, dramatic poses.
Steele grandly waves huge feathers and a big red stick while wearing white face paint, a bright blue oriental frock coat, gold ceremonial neckwear and a tall ornamental crown that looks like it might have been a rather nice lampshade in a former life.
"We've done the band thing, which is great, but we wanted it to be a lot more epic and theatrical," he declares.
"We want to start something a bit bigger than what bands have been for the past 20 years. We want to bring entertainment and colour and positivity and melody back into it."
The album, also called Walking on a Dream, was made over two years between other projects. "I was only ever in town for a night in Sydney, where the studio was, so it was all quite spontaneous," Steele says.
"I'm really good at writing top lines and coming up with chord progressions and production." Littlemore is all of the above plus is "amazing in terms of writing words", the singer says. "He's quite romantic with his words. He's like a beat poet."
The group borrowed their name from a 1984 JG Ballard novel, which was adapted for the screen by Steven Spielberg in 1987.
"We wanted something quite epic," Steele says, citing the history of Chinese emperors and the importance of the sun to the Aztecs.
"And obviously Jesus Christ is the son of God and everything," he adds, slightly inexplicably.
"We were looking for a name and we saw that and it just seemed so fitting."
Steele has become so immersed in the band's mythology that he has even named his daughter, born in October, Sunny Tiger. (The band also have a song called Tiger By Your Side and tigers feature in their graphics.)
The singer now wants to blow the minds of young fans in the same way that pop stars did when he was growing up in the 1980s.
"We're so visual," he says. "We want to make something that as a child you see and you just love because it's so colourful and it's got imagination.
"Music is magic, and with imagination combined it can be completely epic. We've been both on the road doing shows for the last 10 years and we wanted something that's higher - visually, mentally, physically, a bigger level, a bigger vision that can last for ever."
Marley still box office top dog
Canine comedy Marley and Me has topped the US box office chart for a second consecutive week, pushing its overall takings past the $100m (£68.9m) mark.
The movie, about a puppy acquired by newlyweds, made $24.1m (£16.6m) on its second weekend of release, according to box office tracker Media by Numbers.
Adam Sandler's latest comedy Bedtime Stories came second, making $20.3m (£14m) between Friday and Sunday.
Brad Pitt's film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was in third place.
The epic fantasy, which is up for five prizes at this weekend's Golden Globe awards, made $18.4m (£12.7m) on its second weekend in North American cinemas.
Tom Cruise's wartime thriller Valkyrie and Jim Carrey's comedy Yes Man stayed in fourth and fifth place respectively.
According to Media by Numbers, US and Canada takings totalled $9.63 billion (£6.66bn) in 2008 - just down on 2007's record tally of $9.68 billion (£6.69bn).
"The movie industry is totally holding its own in the face of the recession," said its president, Paul Dergarabedian.
With no new films out on widespread release in the US last weekend, those who could see World War II saga Defiance - released on Friday in just two cinemas - went in their droves.
The film, which stars Daniel Craig as a Jewish freedom fighter who takes arms against the Nazis in Eastern Europe, took an impressive $121,000 (£83,400) from its two locations.
The movie, about a puppy acquired by newlyweds, made $24.1m (£16.6m) on its second weekend of release, according to box office tracker Media by Numbers.
Adam Sandler's latest comedy Bedtime Stories came second, making $20.3m (£14m) between Friday and Sunday.
Brad Pitt's film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was in third place.
The epic fantasy, which is up for five prizes at this weekend's Golden Globe awards, made $18.4m (£12.7m) on its second weekend in North American cinemas.
Tom Cruise's wartime thriller Valkyrie and Jim Carrey's comedy Yes Man stayed in fourth and fifth place respectively.
According to Media by Numbers, US and Canada takings totalled $9.63 billion (£6.66bn) in 2008 - just down on 2007's record tally of $9.68 billion (£6.69bn).
"The movie industry is totally holding its own in the face of the recession," said its president, Paul Dergarabedian.
With no new films out on widespread release in the US last weekend, those who could see World War II saga Defiance - released on Friday in just two cinemas - went in their droves.
The film, which stars Daniel Craig as a Jewish freedom fighter who takes arms against the Nazis in Eastern Europe, took an impressive $121,000 (£83,400) from its two locations.
Sound of 2009 countdown kicks off
The first act from the BBC's Sound of 2009 list has been revealed, with electro-pop duo La Roux at number five.
The list is intended to highlight the best new music talent for the new year.
It is based on tips from 134 leading UK tastemakers, who named their favourite three new acts. A longlist of 15 artists was published last month.
One act from the top five will now be revealed every day this week, until the number one is announced on Friday. Last year, Adele and Duffy topped the list.
The Sound of 2008 top five also included The Ting Tings, Glasvegas and Foals.
The list is intended to highlight the best new music talent for the new year.
It is based on tips from 134 leading UK tastemakers, who named their favourite three new acts. A longlist of 15 artists was published last month.
One act from the top five will now be revealed every day this week, until the number one is announced on Friday. Last year, Adele and Duffy topped the list.
The Sound of 2008 top five also included The Ting Tings, Glasvegas and Foals.
Wrestler Rourke hits red carpet
US actor Mickey Rourke took to the red carpet in London on Monday night to promote his latest film, The Wrestler.
The 52-year-old stars as has-been professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson who is reluctant to throw in the towel.
The movie won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and Rourke is also tipped to be nominated for an Oscar for his role.
The Wrestler will be released in cinemas across the UK on 16 January.
Rourke gave up acting for more than a decade to take up boxing.
But speaking in London's West End, he said he had to forget his fighting background for the role in the The Wrestler.
"It got in the way because wrestlers don't move like fighters, and fighters don't move like wrestlers - it was really more like I had to get my mindset out of that," he said.
"In boxing, you move very gracefully. These guys move very hulkingly and you can read their punches."
'Emotional scenes'
Rourke struggled to get Hollywood roles following his acting absence, but came back into the limelight with a part in Sin City in 2005.
"I had 15 years to think about what I was going to do when I got a part I could sink my teeth into. So you just step up to the plate, or you go get a job," he said.
There had been reported rumours about a clash between Rourke and co-star Marisa Tomei, who did not attend the premiere.
Rourke said working with her was "an experience", and added: "The more heavy emotional scenes were with the very young and talented Evan Rachel Wood.
"They were the hardest to do, it was all about a father and a daughter.
"He was more concerned with being on the road and wearing his tights than he was with bringing up his daughter."
The 52-year-old stars as has-been professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson who is reluctant to throw in the towel.
The movie won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and Rourke is also tipped to be nominated for an Oscar for his role.
The Wrestler will be released in cinemas across the UK on 16 January.
Rourke gave up acting for more than a decade to take up boxing.
But speaking in London's West End, he said he had to forget his fighting background for the role in the The Wrestler.
"It got in the way because wrestlers don't move like fighters, and fighters don't move like wrestlers - it was really more like I had to get my mindset out of that," he said.
"In boxing, you move very gracefully. These guys move very hulkingly and you can read their punches."
'Emotional scenes'
Rourke struggled to get Hollywood roles following his acting absence, but came back into the limelight with a part in Sin City in 2005.
"I had 15 years to think about what I was going to do when I got a part I could sink my teeth into. So you just step up to the plate, or you go get a job," he said.
There had been reported rumours about a clash between Rourke and co-star Marisa Tomei, who did not attend the premiere.
Rourke said working with her was "an experience", and added: "The more heavy emotional scenes were with the very young and talented Evan Rachel Wood.
"They were the hardest to do, it was all about a father and a daughter.
"He was more concerned with being on the road and wearing his tights than he was with bringing up his daughter."
Monday, December 29, 2008
Kelly Brook has the body most admired by British women
British women crave for body like that of Kelly Brook, according to a new survey. The TV star, 29, who was voted the sexiest woman in the world in 2005, has a curvy shape most ladies dream of, reports the Sun.
Cameron Diaz’s long legs and Friends star Jennifer Aniston’s hair were also on most women’’s wish list.
The most coveted face was said to be that of Tomb Raider star Angelina Jolie. The poll of 5,000 was conducted by weight-loss pill LIPObind.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Jealous Victoria pulls plug on Beckham's Italian interview
Victoria Beckham might be the 'in girl' of fashion right now, but even she has her own insecurities. Posh spice was reportedly fuming with jealousy when she got to know that husband David has granted permission for an hour long interview with Italy's glamorous TV presenter Ilaria D'Amico.
Beckham who has recently made a move to join European football giant AC Milan was supposed to give his exclusive first interview in the city of Milan, but sources in Italy
claimed jealous Victoria was so angry she pulled the plug on the special hour-long chat.
After a day of confusion, the producers of the show finally revealed that the 'Beckham Show' would go ahead but last for only 15 minutes. The format had been changed "at the request of the Beckham camp," some sources revealed.
Though a spokesman for Posh and Becks dismissed that as "nonsense" and insisted the interview would go ahead as planned. Victoria had a right to fret as earlier David Beckhamhas been involved in some highly publicised extra marital affairs, the most well known being his affair with secretary Rebeca Loos in 2004.
Beckham who has recently made a move to join European football giant AC Milan was supposed to give his exclusive first interview in the city of Milan, but sources in Italy
claimed jealous Victoria was so angry she pulled the plug on the special hour-long chat.
After a day of confusion, the producers of the show finally revealed that the 'Beckham Show' would go ahead but last for only 15 minutes. The format had been changed "at the request of the Beckham camp," some sources revealed.
Though a spokesman for Posh and Becks dismissed that as "nonsense" and insisted the interview would go ahead as planned. Victoria had a right to fret as earlier David Beckhamhas been involved in some highly publicised extra marital affairs, the most well known being his affair with secretary Rebeca Loos in 2004.
Friday, December 19, 2008
I have no need for money in my life: Emma Watson
Harry Potter star Emma Watson has revealed that she has "no need for money in her life" and financial gains would not determine her choice of films.
The 18-year-old, estimated to have a £13 million fortune, told USA Today that she has not been affected by her wealth and will continue to make choices in their own rights.
"The wealth side of it hasn't hit me yet because I have no need for money in my life," she said. "My life will not be motivated by money. I will never do a film because they are going to pay me a certain amount of money. It's liberating. It means I can hopefully make great choices."
The France-born British actress, who played the role of Hermione at the age of nine and has starred in six Harry Potter films alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, said she likes to be grounded and still prefers to use public transport.
"I have a more normal life than people expect," she said. "When I take public transport, people are like, 'That girl looks like the girl from Harry Potter, but it can't be her on the train.'
"I get stopped by people, but that's fine. I'd never want to be so famous that I couldn't live a normal life to a certain extent. I can't imagine anything lonelier, just not being able to be part of the real world and being trapped and locked in hotel rooms and cars."
The 18-year-old, estimated to have a £13 million fortune, told USA Today that she has not been affected by her wealth and will continue to make choices in their own rights.
"The wealth side of it hasn't hit me yet because I have no need for money in my life," she said. "My life will not be motivated by money. I will never do a film because they are going to pay me a certain amount of money. It's liberating. It means I can hopefully make great choices."
The France-born British actress, who played the role of Hermione at the age of nine and has starred in six Harry Potter films alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, said she likes to be grounded and still prefers to use public transport.
"I have a more normal life than people expect," she said. "When I take public transport, people are like, 'That girl looks like the girl from Harry Potter, but it can't be her on the train.'
"I get stopped by people, but that's fine. I'd never want to be so famous that I couldn't live a normal life to a certain extent. I can't imagine anything lonelier, just not being able to be part of the real world and being trapped and locked in hotel rooms and cars."
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
£100m appeal to keep Titian works
Two galleries are hoping to raise £100m to buy a pair of paintings by Italian Renaissance artist Titian.
The Duke of Sutherland is offering the works to the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Gallery in London for £50m each.
If the galleries raise the funds to buy Diana and Actaeon, then the second painting - Diana and Callisto - will be offered for sale in four years.
The figure represents one third of their estimated open market value.
The paintings were created as part of a cycle of works for King Philip II of Spain from 1556 to 1559.
They form part of the historic Bridgewater collection owned by the duke and on display at the National Gallery of Scotland.
The collection also includes three paintings by Raphael, a Rembrandt, a Van Dyck, a Tintoretto and two more Titians.
'Most important'
The 7th Duke of Sutherland has decided to sell some of the collection to raise £100m.
His offer comes with the added incentive that, should the two galleries manage to raise the necessary funds, the entire collection will remain on long-term loan to the Scottish gallery.
"The Bridgewater Loan ... is the most important Old Master paintings loan to any public museum in the world," said the gallery's director, John Leighton.
Losing Diana and Actaeon, he added, "would be like the Mona Lisa being taking out of the Louvre".
Speaking to the BBC's Today programme, Mr Leighton maintained the investment was essential, despite current pressure on public spending.
"We would never argue that expenditure should be diverted from all those important areas - whether it's health, defence, or whatever - but we do have to keep spending on culture," he said.
"Every so often you just have to make a major investment in the quality of our National Collections.
"Not every year, not every ten years, [but] once or twice a century and that moment is now."
Under the deal, the galleries will be offered each painting in turn. They have until the end of this year to commit to buying the first.
Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) is acknowledged as one of the greatest colourists of all time, who pioneered the use of oil paints, and paved the way for generations of artists to come.
The Duke of Sutherland is offering the works to the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Gallery in London for £50m each.
If the galleries raise the funds to buy Diana and Actaeon, then the second painting - Diana and Callisto - will be offered for sale in four years.
The figure represents one third of their estimated open market value.
The paintings were created as part of a cycle of works for King Philip II of Spain from 1556 to 1559.
They form part of the historic Bridgewater collection owned by the duke and on display at the National Gallery of Scotland.
The collection also includes three paintings by Raphael, a Rembrandt, a Van Dyck, a Tintoretto and two more Titians.
'Most important'
The 7th Duke of Sutherland has decided to sell some of the collection to raise £100m.
His offer comes with the added incentive that, should the two galleries manage to raise the necessary funds, the entire collection will remain on long-term loan to the Scottish gallery.
"The Bridgewater Loan ... is the most important Old Master paintings loan to any public museum in the world," said the gallery's director, John Leighton.
Losing Diana and Actaeon, he added, "would be like the Mona Lisa being taking out of the Louvre".
Speaking to the BBC's Today programme, Mr Leighton maintained the investment was essential, despite current pressure on public spending.
"We would never argue that expenditure should be diverted from all those important areas - whether it's health, defence, or whatever - but we do have to keep spending on culture," he said.
"Every so often you just have to make a major investment in the quality of our National Collections.
"Not every year, not every ten years, [but] once or twice a century and that moment is now."
Under the deal, the galleries will be offered each painting in turn. They have until the end of this year to commit to buying the first.
Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) is acknowledged as one of the greatest colourists of all time, who pioneered the use of oil paints, and paved the way for generations of artists to come.
Twilight sequel's director named
Chris Weitz, of About a Boy and The Golden Compass fame, has been named as the director of New Moon, the sequel to vampire hit Twilight.
The announcement followed last week's news that Catherine Hardwicke would not be returning for the next instalment in the supernatural film franchise.
"I am honoured to have been entrusted with shepherding New Moon from the page to the screen," said Weitz.
"I will put every effort into realising a beautiful film," he continued.
The 39-year-old, who left The Golden Compass in 2004 only to later return, said the job of filming Stephenie Meyer's novel was "not a task to be taken lightly".
Werewolf
"The extraordinary world that Stephenie has created has millions of fans," he said.
"It will be my duty to protect on their behalf the characters, themes and story they love."
Twilight, which tells of the romance between a young girl and a dashing vampire, has been a huge success at the US box office.
Producers Summit Entertainment hope to have its sequel ready for either late 2009 or early 2010.
In New Moon, heroine Bella - played by Kristen Stewart - finds a new beau who turns out to be a werewolf.
Hardwicke reportedly quit the production because she felt she needed more time to work on the film.
The announcement followed last week's news that Catherine Hardwicke would not be returning for the next instalment in the supernatural film franchise.
"I am honoured to have been entrusted with shepherding New Moon from the page to the screen," said Weitz.
"I will put every effort into realising a beautiful film," he continued.
The 39-year-old, who left The Golden Compass in 2004 only to later return, said the job of filming Stephenie Meyer's novel was "not a task to be taken lightly".
Werewolf
"The extraordinary world that Stephenie has created has millions of fans," he said.
"It will be my duty to protect on their behalf the characters, themes and story they love."
Twilight, which tells of the romance between a young girl and a dashing vampire, has been a huge success at the US box office.
Producers Summit Entertainment hope to have its sequel ready for either late 2009 or early 2010.
In New Moon, heroine Bella - played by Kristen Stewart - finds a new beau who turns out to be a werewolf.
Hardwicke reportedly quit the production because she felt she needed more time to work on the film.
Titian announcement expected soon
The National Gallery of Scotland and London's National Gallery are poised to reveal whether Titian's Diana and Actaeon has been saved for the nation.
The two institutions are hoping to raise £50m to jointly buy the painting before a deadline of 31 December.
But a spokeswoman for the National Gallery said an announcement would "ideally" be made this week.
The campaign, launched in August, was recently boosted by a £10m pledge from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
At the time, the galleries said it took them "significantly" closer to their target.
A statement for the National Gallery of Scotland said: "The campaign to save Diana and Actaeon is ongoing. The target has not yet been met. We will make an announcement when we are in a position to do so."
The Scottish Government is also expected to reveal a "significant" pledge to the fund soon.
Private buyer
The painting has been on public display at the National Galleries of Scotland and London for more than 200 years but it is now being sold by its private owner, the Duke of Sutherland.
If the galleries raise the funds to buy Diana and Actaeon, then a second Titian painting - Diana and Callisto - will be offered for sale in four years.
If they fail to raise the required £50m then Diana and Actaeon could be sold to a private buyer.
The two Titians were created as part of a cycle of works for King Philip II of Spain from 1556 to 1559 and form part of the Bridgewater collection, which has been on loan to the National Galleries of Scotland since 1945.
The collection also includes three paintings by Raphael, a Rembrandt, a Van Dyck, and a Tintoretto.
Government pledge
Some newspaper reports have suggested the Scottish Government will give a further £10m to the fund.
A spokesman said: "The Scottish Government recognises the national importance of the Bridgewater Collection to Scotland as the greatest private collection of old masters on loan to a public gallery anywhere in the world.
"That is why we acted decisively, giving the National Galleries a significant funding pledge which was essential to get its fundraising campaign off the ground. We will make a further announcement soon.
"We are determined to do everything we can to ensure that this world-class collection remains on view for visitors and for the enjoyment of the people of Scotland."
Should the two galleries manage to raise the necessary funds, the entire Bridgewater collection will remain on long-term loan to the Scottish gallery.
The two institutions are hoping to raise £50m to jointly buy the painting before a deadline of 31 December.
But a spokeswoman for the National Gallery said an announcement would "ideally" be made this week.
The campaign, launched in August, was recently boosted by a £10m pledge from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
At the time, the galleries said it took them "significantly" closer to their target.
A statement for the National Gallery of Scotland said: "The campaign to save Diana and Actaeon is ongoing. The target has not yet been met. We will make an announcement when we are in a position to do so."
The Scottish Government is also expected to reveal a "significant" pledge to the fund soon.
Private buyer
The painting has been on public display at the National Galleries of Scotland and London for more than 200 years but it is now being sold by its private owner, the Duke of Sutherland.
If the galleries raise the funds to buy Diana and Actaeon, then a second Titian painting - Diana and Callisto - will be offered for sale in four years.
If they fail to raise the required £50m then Diana and Actaeon could be sold to a private buyer.
The two Titians were created as part of a cycle of works for King Philip II of Spain from 1556 to 1559 and form part of the Bridgewater collection, which has been on loan to the National Galleries of Scotland since 1945.
The collection also includes three paintings by Raphael, a Rembrandt, a Van Dyck, and a Tintoretto.
Government pledge
Some newspaper reports have suggested the Scottish Government will give a further £10m to the fund.
A spokesman said: "The Scottish Government recognises the national importance of the Bridgewater Collection to Scotland as the greatest private collection of old masters on loan to a public gallery anywhere in the world.
"That is why we acted decisively, giving the National Galleries a significant funding pledge which was essential to get its fundraising campaign off the ground. We will make a further announcement soon.
"We are determined to do everything we can to ensure that this world-class collection remains on view for visitors and for the enjoyment of the people of Scotland."
Should the two galleries manage to raise the necessary funds, the entire Bridgewater collection will remain on long-term loan to the Scottish gallery.
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