Tom Cruise launches Web site devoted to himself

Tom Cruise launches Web site devoted to himself

Tom Cruise has launched a Web site devoted to himself: http://www.TomCruise.com.

Many stars have their own sites for fans, but Cruise's belated entry to the Internet is of particular interest.

Actor Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes arrive for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy" in New York in this May 5, 2008 file photo.

Few stars have seen themselves pilloried more on the Web than Cruise, who has watched numerous embarrassing moments ricochet around the Internet at warp speed. Who can forget watching the clips of Cruise appear on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" way back in June 2005, in the early days of Web 2.0?

The event — the beginning of Cruise's publicity crisis — is alluded to on the new site, which links to his recent interview with Winfrey. Sitting at his Telluride, Colo., home, the talk show host refers to it as "the sofa incident."

More than that, though, videos of Cruise speaking passionately about Scientology became viral hits earlier this year, prompting many parodies, including one by actor Jerry O'Connell.

So it makes sense that Cruise might want to protect his brand a little bit by using the great powers of the Internet. The site is in many ways standard for a celebrity. Among the features are a "message from Tom," a glowing biography and handsome photographs.

The actor explains: "I created this site as a thank you, to you, for sharing the journey with me and to invite you to continue to explore what the future will bring."

The occasion for his reflection is the 25th anniversary of "Risky Business," his first starring role and the one that immediately made him a star. Posted for streaming is a video edited by the Museum of the Moving Image looking back on Cruise's career.

"My hope with this site is to bring you in and share with you the fun I experience every day during the filmmaking process, from working with the script, to the making of the film through to what we finally see when we settle in our seats and the lights go down," writes Cruise.

If Cruise really does this - if he uses his Web site like a filmmaking journal - it could be a delightful and illuminating perspective on what it's like for a true megastar to make a movie. More likely, though, is infrequent postings and a less intimate perspective.

After all, even Cruise himself says he's now more guarded after so much criticism over his religion and personal beliefs.

"When I'm dealing with my humanitarian issues, I'll talk about my humanitarian issues," Cruise told Winfrey. "And when I'm promoting a film, I'm just going to promote the film. And that's just the way it's going to be."

His next starring role is as a World War II German officer in "Valkyrie." Its release was recently pushed back four months until Feb. 13, 2009, which many read as a bad sign for the film. The buzz has been much better for a cameo he makes in the upcoming Ben Stiller comedy "Tropic Thunder."

Harrison Ford's summer wedding

Harrison Ford's summer wedding

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart are reportedly getting married this summer. Twice-divorced Harrison is said to have been reluctant to walk down the aisle for a third time, but has now told Calista - his girlfriend of six years - he is ready to tie the knot.

A source told National Enquirer magazine: "He said he would marry Calista as soon as he's finished with the promotional work for the new 'Indiana Jones' movie - and Calista is holding him to his promise." The couple are believed to be planning a low-key ceremony, which is expected to be attended by family and close friends.

Harrison, 65, started dating 43-year-old Calista after they met at the Golden Globe awards in 2002. As well as his four children from his previous marriages, Harrison has helped the 'Brothers and Sisters' actress raise her seven-year-old adopted son Liam. The actor hopes to adopt Liam, but Calista told him they must marry first. A source said: "Harrison wants to give Liam his name. He adores him as though he were his own flesh and blood. Harrison is the only dad Liam has ever known. "There is just one detail Harrison will have to take care of - marrying Calista. She says it is fine if Harrison adopts her boy, but she wants to walk down the aisle first."

Sienna Miller's fattening film

Sienna Miller's fattening film

Sienna Miller binged on fried food to gain weight for her new film. The actress was delighted when she was ordered to pile on the pounds for her role as Welsh poet Dylan Thomas' wife in the forthcoming 'The Edge of Love'. Sienna said: "I just stuffed my face for the months that we were in production.

Actress Sienna Miller arrives at the 2008 Film Independent's Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California.

It wasn't hard for me. We were staying in this incredibly eccentric Welsh manor house. I had huge fried breakfasts, pasties for lunch and lots of toasted sandwiches." Despite being happy to bulk up for the role, the actress admits she suffers from the same insecurities as all women. She said: "My butt wobbles when I walk. Seriously, I have a lardy a**e. I have days when I wake up, look in the mirror and go, 'Yuk'." Sienna stars alongside Keira Knightley in the movie, and has nothing but admiration for her fellow Brit. She added to Britain's Elle magazine: "Keira is the most beautiful woman in the world. We totally bonded on the movie and it was so amazing to find a girlfriend in the business.

In Hollywood they don't know what to make of us because we both drink, smoke and eat."

Naomi Campbell's assault charge

Naomi Campbell's assault charge

British model Naomi Campbell leaves Heathrow Police Station, at Heathrow Airport, in west London on May 29, 2008. Campbell was charged with offences relating to incidents on a stationary aricraft at Heathrow's Terminal 5 in April.

British model Naomi Campbell leaves Heathrow Police Station in west London.

British model Naomi Campbell (C) leaves Heathrow Police Station, at Heathrow Airport, in west London on May 29, 2008. Campbell was charged with offences relating to incidents on a stationary aricraft at Heathrow's Terminal 5 in April.

British model Naomi Campbell leaves Heathrow Police Station in west London.

British model Naomi Campbell arrives at Heathrow Police Station, where she reported to the police, at Heathrow Airport, in west London on May 29, 2008.

British model Naomi Campbell arrives at Heathrow Police Station in west London.

British model Naomi Campbell leaves Heathrow Police Station, at Heathrow Airport, in west London on May 29, 2008. Campbell was charged with offences relating to incidents on a stationary aricraft at Heathrow's Terminal 5 in April.

British model Naomi Campbell leaves Heathrow Police Station in west London.

Gym bunny Gwyneth Paltrow

Gym bunny Gwyneth Paltrow

The 'Iron Man' star - who has two children with her Coldplay star husband Chris Martin - is totally committed to maintaining her svelte figure, according to her chef friend Mario Batali.

Gwyneth Paltrow works out for three hours a day.

Mario, who stars with Gwyneth in US TV documentary 'Spain... On the Road Again', said: "I think she works out three hours a day - which is one of the keys to success. If we all did that, we'd all look like Gwyneth Paltrow - or at least closer!"

Mario also revealed the 35-year-old actress is blessed with a fast metabolism which means she never gains weight.

He added: "Gwyneth loves to eat and, you know, she never puts on a pound!"

Gwyneth and Mario travel around Spain with Mark Bittman and Spanish actress Claudia Bassols in the documentary.

Mario said: "We had an amazing time - we saw everything! It's very much like a road trip, we just drove into a place, figured out what was going on and tried to get a hold of it."

Lawyer: Spears 'not yet fit' to take part in case

Lawyer: Spears 'not yet fit' to take part in case

Britney Spears is not yet fit to participate in court proceedings in her conservatorship case, her lawyer has told a Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner.

In this Dec. 1, 2007 file photo, singer Britney Spears poses on the press line at the Scandinavian Style Mansion party in Los Angeles.

Samuel Ingham, Spears' court-appointed attorney, and attorneys for the pop star's father and conservator, James Spears, spent 90 minutes in Commissioner Reva Goetz' chambers Thursday.

Ingham told the court afterward that Spears' medical condition is "fluid" because her treatment is changing.

Spears' probate case is scheduled to go to trial July 31, but Ingham said it could be "harmful" for her to participate. Goetz agreed and said Spears' diagnosis is not complete.

The 26-year-old singer and her estate have been under the conservatorship of her father for four months.

Shanghai film fest to screen Shaw actioners

Shanghai film fest to screen Shaw actioners

The famous Shaw Studios are credited with making Hong Kong known as "Oriental Hollywood" with their blockbuster action films.

To help fans recollect these films, the upcoming Shanghai International Film Festival will devote a special section of the event to Shaw Studios, local newspaper Oriental Morning Post reports.

A scene from the 1973 Hong Kong film "The Blood Brothers," which will be screened at next month's Shanghai International Film Festival.

On the screening list are seven classic Shaw films, including "One-Armed Swordsman" (1967), from which director Quentin Tarantino found ideas for a remake; "The Blood Brothers" (1973), the inspiration of last year's most lucrative film, "The Warlords"; "The 36th Chamber of Shaolin" (1978), which is widely regarded as one of the greatest kung-fu films of all time.

Some stars of these films will also make an appearance at the Shanghai festival, the report says.

Apart from the tribute to Shaw Studios, two other events are being planned to commemorate the late directors Ingmar Bergman and Anthony Minghella. The latter was to head the jury at the festival but unfortunately passed away in March.

The Shanghai International Film Festival, a major event for the Asian film industry, will take place from June 14 to 22.

Madonna's adoption approved

Madonna's adoption approved

Madonna's adoption of David Banda has finally been approved. The '4 Minutes' singer was delighted when a court in two-year-old David's native Malawi ruled she and husband Guy Ritchie could legally be his parents yesterday(28.05.08).

Singer Madonna arrives at amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS 2008 event in Mougins.

A lawyer for the 49-year-old star said: "We are very happy with what the judge has ruled. It is a positive and beautiful judgment that will have an impact on Malawi's adoption laws." David's biological father Yohane Banda revealed he is delighted for Madonna and Guy and wished them luck in the future.

He said: "I am glad this is over now. I am happy for David. "I gave Madonna 100 per cent rights for my son. He is her son. It's because of her benevolent nature that she assured me she will not cut ties with me. "We wish David and his mother, new dad, sister and brother would join us. We are now family." Madonna caused great controversy when she first began the process of adopting David in October 2006.

Critics claimed the Malawi government had given the singer special treatment by ignoring laws banning non-residents from adopting children in the country. It was also revealed that while David's mother had died, his father was still alive and had been visiting him in his orphanage.

Madonna - who has two other children, Lourdes, 11, and seven-year-old Rocco - recently said the adoption process was like "natural childbirth". She said: "It was painful and a big struggle and I didn't understand it. In the end, I rationalised that when a woman goes through natural childbirth, she suffers an enormous amount. I went through my own kind of birthing pains."

Jolie, Pitt buying $70 mln home in south of France

Jolie, Pitt buying $70 mln home in south of France

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are buying a new home in the south of France.

The couple has spent a reported 70 million U.S. dollars for a 1,000-acre estate in the European country, which even comes with its own title -- Chateau Miraval.

Cast member Angelina Jolie and actor Brad Pitt arrive for the screening of the film "The Exchange" by U.S. director Clint Eastwood at the 61st Cannes Film Festival May 20, 2008.

The estate, located in a village called Brignol near the Aix-en-Provence, comes complete with a three-mile long driveway, a private lake, moat and for ultimate privacy, its own forest.

Inside the lavish home are 35-spacious rooms, many of which featuring balconies offering amazing views of the surrounding valley.

Cast member Angelina Jolie and actor Brad Pitt arrive for the screening of the film "The Exchange" by U.S. director Clint Eastwood at the 61st Cannes Film Festival May 20, 2008.

On the grounds of the estate, 13 different varieties are reportedly harvested, and sprawled across the acreage are 20 fountains and a stream which runs through hidden tunnels, filling the moat and the lake.

The Pitts, who banked a combined 55 million dollars last year, already own a multi-million home in Berlin, and Angelina also owns a 4 million dollar converted farmhouse in Buckinghamshire, England.

In the United States, the couple owns a 9 million dollar oceanfront home in Malibu, California, and another home in Santa Barbara. They also paid the full asking price of 3.75 million dollars for their home in New Orleans.

Jolie waves during a photocall at the 61st Cannes Film Festival.

Angelina Jolie is teaching her children to speak French in honor of her late mother.

Jolie's French mother Marcheline Betrand died of cancer in January 2007 and the pregnant actress is determined to keep her memory alive.

The pregnant actress and her partner Brad Pitt are currently living in France and she is making sure all her children have a good grasp of the language.

She tells Us Weekly magazine, "(French is) a second language in the house, although I'm still learning and am not going to attempt any of it here today. My children are starting to speak French, so being here is very good for them and their language."

Jolie and Pitt are currently expecting twins. They also have three adopted children Maddox, six, Pax, four, Zahara, three, and biological daughter Shiloh, nearly two.

Britney Spears' BBQ ruined

Britney Spears' BBQ ruined

Britney Spears' plans for a family barbecue with her two sons were ruined because of bad weather this weekend.

Singer Britney Spears arrives with an unidentified woman at Barrigona beach on the Pacific coast in Samara.

Britney Spears had to cancel a family party with her sons this weekend.

Singer Britney Spears is pictured with an unidentified man on Barrigona beach on the Pacific coast in Samara.

The troubled singer planned to host a pool party during a visit with her sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, but bad weather spoiled the feast.

Britney Spears stands with an unidentified man on Barrigona beach on the Pacific coast in Samara.

A source said: "She started setting up around 1pm for what was intended to be an all-out bash."
Britney's dad Jamie, who is a trained cook, had planned a barbecue by the pool for the entire Spears family, but the arrangements had to be cancelled when it began to rain and temperatures dropped.

Shortly after 5pm, Britney's sons returned home to their father Kevin Federline and Jamie also returned to his house as their day drew to a close.

The singer was stripped of visitation rights to two-year-old Sean Preston and one-year-old Jayden James in January after she was ruled to be a danger to herself and the children.

In February, the ruling was amended to allow occasional supervised visits with her sons, and a further hearing earlier this month saw her permitted to spend more time with them.

Another hearing is due to take place in July.

Angelina Jolie's marriage plans

Angelina Jolie's marriage plans

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt will marry later this month. The Hollywood couple are reportedly planning to tie the knot in a "simple outdoor ceremony" with their friends and family present.

A friend of the pair said: "Angelina and Brad aren't going to do a lot of planning. It will just be a simple outdoor ceremony at Villa Maryland, the home of Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen, in France, where they have been staying while they are house-hunting in the region. "Angelina wants all the children - Maddox, six, four-year-old Pax, three-year-old Zahara and two-year-old Shiloh - to participate in a celebration of their family. The kids will be central to the blessing.

Maddox and Pax have contributed to the vows as well." Brad's parents - who flew to France earlier this week, again suggesting the couple are planning to marry soon - are said to be "thrilled" Angelina has finally agreed to marry their son.

A source told Britain's Grazia magazine: "Brad's parents are thrilled that she has come round to the idea of a wedding. It took a long time for them to accept Angelina, and she hated that people saw her as the one who stole him from Jennifer Aniston, but all that is ancient history now she's prepared to take the next step." Angelina is said to be planning to give birth in France, as a tribute to her late French-Canadian mother Marcheline Bertrand.

Best and worst dressed at Cannes

Best and worst dressed at Cannes

Best: Mommy-to-be Angelina Jolie glowed in a gorgeous green Max Azria gown, while her main squeeze Brad Pitt picked a classic Tom Ford tux.

Worst: We applaud fashion-forward stars who take risks, but Madonna's outrageous octopus-inspired Chanel creation crashed on the red carpet.

Best: Silver fox Harrison Ford and his honey Calista Flockhart impressed in simple yet chic ensembles.

Worst: Julianne Moore proved that few women look yummy in yellow. The 4-time Oscar nominee disappointed in haute couture courtesy of Christian Lacroix.

Worst: Apparently aging action star Jean-Claude Van Damme raided Sonny Crockett's closet. The kickboxer's retro ensemble, which consisted of a pastel tee and a stark white Italian sport coat, screamed Miami circa '85.

Best: Armani muse Cate Blanchett got gussied up in a sophisticated strapless gray gown.

Worst: Eva Longoria Parker should have kept it sleek and slim; however, the diminutive diva's cascading tulle was an absolute catastrophe.

Worst: Gwyneth Paltrow's status as a fashion icon was jeopardized when she debuted this bow-trimmed hip-hugging Chanel tragedy.

Best: Bollywood box office queen Aishwarya Rai exemplified true elegance in her bejeweled champagne-colored gown and matching heels.

Worst: Linda Evangelista glittered in a gold Alber Elbaz potato sack that she quite possibly stole from Linda Evans' "Dynasty" dressing room.

Best: Natalie Portman looked cute as a button in her flirty blue cocktail frock designed by one of Europe's oldest fashion houses, Lanvin.

Worst: Salma Hayek typically rules the red carpet in masterpieces from the world's leading fashion mavens, but this matronly green mess was far from regal.

Worst: The woman best known for solving paranormal crimes on The X Files, Gillian Anderson forgot to solve her own fashion faux pas. Even Dana Scully wouldn't be caught dead in this boring bath mat.

Best: Despite her wild mane and unnecessary shades, the gorgeous Goldie Hawn put women half her age to shame in sexy white chiffon.

Worst: Talk show troublemaker Star Jones didn't exactly shine upon arriving in Cannes. Her heinous multi-colored halter dress lacked class... and enough fabric!

Best: Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese embodied old Hollywood glamour in her exquisite Christian Lacroix invention.

Worst: F-lister Phoebe Price, whose biggest role to date was a guest spot on the now defunct "Arli$$," made the worst dressed list in a matter of minutes thanks to this venomous gown.

Worst: Former supermodel Eva Herzigova turned heads -- in a bad way -- in this gaudy and gauzy floor-length flop.

Best: Spanish siren Penelope Cruz showed off her best assets in an ivory Marchesa frock.

Diane Kruger's baby denial

Diane Kruger's baby denial

Diane Kruger has dismissed speculation she is pregnant. The actress was seen recently with an apparent baby bump, but the 31-year-old - who is dating former 'Dawson's Creek' actor Joshua Jackson - says she has no plans to start a family.

She said: "I don't have any plans for a family yet. We're both a little young for that. "I can imagine that if I have children in the future I'll completely immerse myself in motherhood, because I tend to get obsessive about whatever I'm doing at any particular point." Diane says that despite their busy schedules, she and Joshua try their best to see each other as often as they can in order to make their relationship work, adding: "I've realised that if you want to make it happen enough, it will happen."

The 'National Treasure' star was previously married for five years to French actor-director Guillaume Canet.

Olsens coffee 'spiked' with full fat milk

Olsens coffee 'spiked' with full fat milk

If you've been noticing that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been piling on the micrograms in recent weeks, a US gossip magazine has unearthed the horrible truth - a barista has been putting full-cream milk in their non-fat lattes.

A barista has been spiking coffee bought by the Olsen twins with full fat milk, it has been reported.

The story, which is sure to send a chill down the spine of fat-fearing caffeine consumers everywhere, said a former barista at a Starbucks in West Village, New York, had been spiking the rake-thin twins' coffees with full fat milk.

"The barista thought the Olsens were too thin, so whenever they ordered their usual drink, he would replace the skim-milk with full-fat!" tittered an anonymous "source".

The twins always ordered 'grande nonfat lattes" from the US coffee chain, the magazine wrote.

When approached for comment a spokesperson for the Olsen twins, who began their careers as nine-month-olds on the American sitcom, Full-House, said: "This is ridiculous."

Fair comment, one would think.

Paris Hilton's smiley lover

Paris Hilton's smiley lover

Paris Hilton says boyfriend Benji Madden "always knows" how to make her smile. The hotel heiress "couldn't be happier" with the Good Charlotte rocker, and was delighted when he decided to join her on the shoot for her new MTV reality TV show, which follows her search for a new best friend. She said: "Benji and his friends came out to support me on the first two days of shooting. I love how he's always there for me, he always knows how to make me smile. Life is amazing, couldn't be happier, excited for what the future holds."

That's cool.....!

Paris is thrilled with the progress of the show, tentatively title 'Paris Hilton's My New BFF', and has already found some potential contenders for the coveted role of Best Friend Forever. She added on her official blog: "I met all the contestants on Wednesday night (21.05.08). I was a little nervous at first because I always get shy meeting new people. But everyone ended up being very sweet, cool and fun to be around. "

I'm really happy with the final contestants, although it was really hard to pick only 18 people from so many great choices. They all looked stunning and beautiful and hot! So much fun!" However, Paris admits she's terrified about making the first elimination decision, saying: "I am having anxiety and really dreading those moments of all the eliminations. But it's going to be a lot of fun and a these people will get to have a fun experience and I'm happy cause I feel like I've made friends with some of these people already."

'Indiana Jones' whips up S$137 mil at US box office

'Indiana Jones' whips up S$137 mil at US box office

WHIP-CRACKING archaeologist Indiana Jones dug up treasure at the box office this weekend, with the return of Harrison Ford's fedora-topped icon pulling in US$101 million over three days at North American theaters, Hollywood figures showed on Sunday.

'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' grabbed the lion's share of movie audiences over the US's Memorial Day weekend, according to preliminary figures from box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

The movie set opening records for both Ford and legendary director Steven Spielberg, but paled for a Memorial Day weekend next to 2007's 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' which earned US$114.7 million and 'X-Men: The Last Stand,' which took in US$102.8 million on the same weekend in 2006.

'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' grabbed the lion's share of movie audiences over the US's Memorial Day weekend, according to preliminary figures from box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

That was a sign of the downturn in theatre receipts this year, with earnings off so far by four per cent and attendance down over seven per cent. For the Memorial Day weekend, total earnings were projected to fall 15 per cent from last year, Exhibitor Relations said.

'The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' marked the return of the now four-film Indiana Jones franchise after nearly two decades, with Ford, almost 66, still drawing raves as the sometimes bumbling action-star first introduced to audiences in the 1981 blockbuster 'Raiders of the Lost Ark.'

Second in the weekend rankings was last week's kids' fantasy chart-topper 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,' which earned US$23 million. That was followed by 'Iron Man,' which brought in US$20.2 million dollars, taking its four week total to US$252.3 million.

Fourth was the romantic comedy 'What Happens in Vegas,' starring Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher, with US$9 million, and fifth was 'Speed Racer,' at US$4 million dollars in tickets sold.

French Classroom Film

French classroom film wins top prize in Cannes 61st

"Entre les murs" (The Class), a film set in a tough Parisian high school, won the Palme d'Or for best picture at the Cannes festival on Sunday.

Directed by Laurent Cantet, the picture based on an autobiographical novel by Francois Begaudeau was the first French winner in Cannes since 1987.

It is likely to be a popular choice with critics, who praised its naturalistic portrayal of the energy and high tension of the classroom as well as its exploration of universal themes of race, individuality, and truth.

The Class comes at time when problems in overcrowded French schools and youth violence have become hot political issues.

"I think it would be good for all those people who claim to be able to judge youth ... in two or three aphorisms to learn something new about youth," said Begaudeau, who also plays the central teacher in the film.

"It's essentially a film for adults even though I hope young people will also enjoy the film."

The Class was one of 22 movies in the main competition in Cannes, and Sunday's glamorous red carpet prize ceremony ended 12 hectic days of screenings, interviews and late night revelry for actors, producers, directors and journalists.

Big names like Angelina Jolie, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Penelope Cruz, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford as well as sports stars Mike Tyson and Diego Maradona all trod the famous red carpet this year.

Jury President Sean Penn (R) and actor Robert de Niro pose beside actress Catherine Deneuve after she receives the Special Mention from the jury for her film 'Un Conte de Noel (A Christmas Tree)' during the award ceremony at the 61st Cannes Film Festival May 25, 2008

The Grand Prix runner-up prize went to Italy's "Gomorra" (Gomorrah), Matteo Garrone's hard-hitting film about the world of the Camorra Naples crime network whose empire extends from waste disposal to haute couture.

Garrone was lauded for his courage in tackling the subject, especially since the author of the bestseller on which it is based has lived under police protection for the past two years.

ITALIAN DOUBLE

The second Italian competition entry, "Il Divo," a satire on the life of former prime minister Giulio Andreotti and directed by Paolo Sorrentino, won the jury award.

A special prize was given to Catherine Deneuve and Eastwood, whose film "The Exchange," starring Jolie, was in competition.

The Best Director award went to Turkey's Nuri Bilge Ceylan for "Three Monkeys," a dark tale of family secrets.

Benicio del Toro was named Best Actor for his portrayal of the Argentine revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara in Steven Soderbergh's epic four-and-a-half hour "Che."

"I'd like to dedicate this to the man himself, Che Guevara," del Toro said.

The Best Actress award went to Sandra Corveloni, who plays an overworked mother in the popular Brazilian drama "Linha de Passe" (Line of Passage), set in the slums of Sao Paulo.

Belgium's Dardenne brothers, Jean-Pierre and Luc, have won the Palme d'Or twice but this time took away the prize for Best Screenplay for "Lorna's Silence," and Britain's Steve McQueen won the Camera d'Or, given to debut directors, for "Hunger."

The visually stunning film portrays Bobby Sands' 66-day hunger strike in 1981 which ended in his death and made him a potent symbol of opposition to British rule in Northern Ireland.

Jury president Sean Penn had been expected to favor a film with a social or political slant, and the only big surprise on the night was the fact that Israeli animated documentary "Waltz With Bashir" went unrecognized.

Critics believed the film was a contender for the top prize due to its innovative techniques and for its haunting retelling of an Israeli conscript's efforts to dig up buried memories of the massacre of Palestinians in Beirut's refugee camps in 1982.

Lindsay Lohan no lesbian

Lindsay Lohan no lesbian

Lindsay Lohan is just friends with DJ Samantha Ronson, her sister Ali Lohan has insisted. Rumours have been rife Lindsay and openly gay Samantha are lovers, after they were seen cuddling and sporting love bites in France.

However, Ali has hit out at the speculation, saying: "They're best friends. It's pathetic what people say." Ali and Lindsay's mother Dina echoed the sentiments, calling Samantha an "amazing girl" and adding: "It's so silly. We actually laugh about it now. It really does hurt but you develop a thick skin. You have to ignore it."

In the joint interview, screened on US TV show 'Extra', Ali and Dina also defended their upcoming reality show 'Living Lohan' -which sees Dina trying to carve out a successful showbiz career for her daughter. Dina said they were appearing in the series to "set the record straight as to who we are as people". Ali, 14, added: "My mom is just a regular mom trying to help her kids follow their dreams."

Nicole Kidman's pregnant photos

Nicole Kidman's pregnant photos

Nicole Kidman has chosen Patrick Demarchelier to take exclusive photographs of her pregnant body.

The 40-year-old actress - who is expecting her first biological child with husband Keith Urban - is said to have decided on the renowned photographer to take the exclusive snaps, but wants to wait until she is nearly ready to give birth before the shoot.

A source close to the 'Cold Mountain' actress told the New York Daily News newspaper: "Nicole wants to wait until she looks really pregnant." Nicole isn't the first celebrity to be photographed while pregnant.

Demi Moore caused controversy when she bared her baby bump on the front of Vanity Fair magazine in 1991, while she was expecting daughter Scout LaRue. Troubled singer Britney Spears and 'Dirrty' star Christina Aguilera have also posed nude in tasteful shots for magazines while pregnant.

Meanwhile, the 'Moulin Rouge' star - who has two adopted children with her ex-husband Tom Cruise - has revealed she is enjoying being pregnant. Nicole said: "I feel good!" when asked how her body was coping with the third trimester.

What Happens in Vegas

What Happens in Vegas

Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher star in 20th Century Fox's What Happens in Vegas

Two people discover they've gotten married following a night of debauchery in Vegas, with one of them winning a jackpot after playing the other's quarter. The pair trys to undermine each other and get their hands on the money... falling in love along the way.

Celine Dion with her family at the Palace in Paris

Celine Dion with her family at the Elysee Palace in Paris

Canadian singer Celine Dion (R) arrives with her husband Rene Angelil (L) and son Rene-Charles at the Elysee Palace in Paris May 22, 2008. Dion was awarded with France's Legion d'Honneur by President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Canadian singer Celine Dion (R) arrives with her husband Rene Angelil (L) and son Rene-Charles at the Elysee Palace in Paris May 22, 2008. Dion was awarded with France's Legion d'Honneur by President Nicolas Sarkozyd.

Canadian singer Celine Dion with her husband Rene Angelil

Naomi Campbell's tearful birthday

Naomi Campbell's tearful birthday

Naomi Campbell broke down in tears at her 38th birthday party. The supermodel celebrated the occasion with a VIP party on rapper P. Diddy's yacht in Cannes, France, on Wednesday night (21.05.08).

However, although Naomi appeared to be happy when she arrived, she left the party at 3am looking distraught and tearful. While the reason for her upset is not clear, Naomi and Diddy have a chequered past.

At last year's Grammy Awards after-show party hosted by Jermaine Dupri, the pair had a vicious confrontation. Onlookers claimed the hip-hop mogul started screaming obscenities at her and even shouted at her male companion, 'Iron Man' actor Terrence Howard.

Meanwhile, Campbell caused controversy earlier this week when she took a convicted criminal to a red carpet event at the world famous Film Festival. She was accompanied by Christophe Rocancourt - who conned rich investors out of millions of dollars in a string of scams - to the premiere of Steven Soderbergh's new movie 'Che'.

After admitting three counts of fraud, 41-year-old Rocancourt was sentenced to five years in prison and fined $9 million.

Winehouse too late to pick up prestigious award

Winehouse too late to pick up prestigious award

Amy Winehouse has added another trophy to her growing collection, winning the 2008 Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically with Love is a Losing Game.

The annual awards for songwriting and composing are among Britain's most prestigious music prizes.

But the singer, who has battled drink and drugs and has a turbulent private live, arrived too late to collect her award in person.

Her father Mitch, who accepted the award in her absence, told the audience she was "getting better".

In her brief career to date Winehouse has won five Grammy Awards, the Oscars of the music world. Thursday's was her third Ivor, as the awards are known.

Now in their sixth decade the Ivors are judged and presented by practicing song and music writers.

Reformed boyband Take That won Most Performed Song with Shine, while Radiohead's In Rainbows topped the album award and singer Gabrielle won Outstanding Song Collection.

Soul II Soul star Jazzie D won the first Novello Inspiration Award, while Lebanese-born Mica was named Songwriter of the Year.

Genesis singer/drummer and solo artist Phil Collins won the International Achievement award while Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour won the Lifetime Achievement award.

Britney Spears' dad compensation

Britney Spears' dad compensation

Britney Spears' father has demanded compensation from his daughter. The 'Gimme More' singer has been ordered to pay her father Jamie 5,000 to compensate him for the loss of earnings he suffered when he gave up his job to care for her earlier this year.

Jamie was made conservator of Britney's estate in January after she suffered a public meltdown and lost custody of her children, two-year-old Sean Preston and one-year-old Jayden James. Court papers state: "As a result of the responsibilities Mr. Spears has assumed as Temporary Conservator of the Person and Temporary Co-Conservator of the Estate, he has been able to continue his prior employment." With Jamie's help, Britney has managed to turn her life around.

As well as two successful appearances on hit US TV show 'How I Met Your Mother', the singer has also returned to the recording studio. The judge in her child custody battle is so impressed by her progress he has recently granted her extra visitation rights to her sons, who live with her ex-husband Kevin Federline. A spokesman for Kevin said: "This wouldn't have happened if Jamie Spears wasn't involved."