Famous Friends (and Naomi Campbell) Fete Mandela
Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday bash isn’t until Friday, but celebs are already flocking to London to fete the former South African president.
Will Smith (who’s emceeing Friday’s event) and Jada Pinkett Smith were just two boldfaced names in attendance at a prebirthday dinner party held in Hyde Park. Also on the list: Oprah Winfrey, Uma Thurman, Forest Whitaker, Kim Cattrall and Denzel Washington.
And yes, Naomi Campbell will be in the house on Friday.
Despite reports that the birthday boy had banned the supermodel from introducing some of the performers after her airport arrest, her rep says that was never the plan.
“To my knowledge, she has always just been a guest,” he told News.
One trainwreck who is allowed on stage at the soiree? Amy Winehouse. The troubled singer is slated to sing, as well as Leona Lewis, Queen and Annie Lennox.
It will be Amy’s first performance since her hospitalization last week.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Is Breathing Easy
Sarah Michelle Gellar Is Breathing Easy
Taking a break from scaring the crap out of audiences in the Grudge franchise, Sarah Michelle Gellar attended the premiere of her new flick The Air I Breathe last night.
The Scooby Doo actress was most definitely the belle of the ball, dressed in an atypical light blue sleeveless dress with gold accents and a prom-style updo.
And it sounds like Gellar has surrounded herself with a who’s who of costars in her new movie. Everyone from Forest Whitaker to Brendan Fraser to the iconic Kevin Bacon make up the ensemble cast of The Air I Breathe.
The Internet Movie Database describes the film as, “A drama based on an ancient Chinese proverb that breaks life down into four emotional cornerstones: happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love. A businessman (Whitaker) bets his life on a horse race; a gangster (Fraser) sees the future; a pop star (Gellar) falls prey to a crime boss (Garcia); a doctor (Bacon) must save the love of his life.”
The Air I Breathe opens in limited release on January 25th.
Marion Cotillard Wins Best Lead Actress Oscar
Marion Cotillard Wins Best Lead Actress Oscar
An Oscar statuette is the most coveted prize in acting. So it comes as little surprise that Marion Cotillard was nearly ecstatic after picking up Best Actress in a Leading Role for her work in La Vie En Rose.
The 32-year-old Frenchwomen broke down in tears when her name was announced - having a tough time gaining her composure as she took the podium.
Handed the award by past Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, Marion attempted to say: “Thank you life! Thank you love! It is true there are some angels in this city. Thank you! Thank you so much!”
The win at the Academy Awards follows trophies collected by Marion at the Golden Globes and the British BAFTAs.
Academy Awards To see the entire gallery from the 2008 Academy Awards (February 24) - !
Renee Zelleweger, Jessica Simpson Hit LAX
Renee Zelleweger, Jessica Simpson Hit LAX
As should be expected, Los Angeles International Airport is full of celebrity sightings the week after the Academy Awards. And so far, today has been no different.
Spotted making their way past security and aboard their flights were Blonde Ambition actress Jessica Simpson and Bee Movie babe Renee Zelleweger.
According to paparazzi on the scene, “Simpson was in a playful mood as she departed LAX, giving autographs and saying hi to fans.”
Meanwhile, Renée seemed to be in good spirits, as well - with witnesses tell: “As she went through security, she joked with the guards before guzzling down her water, which wasn’t allowed on board.”
Also seen making his way through the celeb airport hub was past Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, who gave a quick wave before moving along to his gate.