Who do you think was the best dressed at the 2009 Oscars?

Natalie Portman

Penelope Cruz

Angelina Jolie

Anne Hathaway

Heidi Klum

Vanessa Hudgens

Kate Winslet

Jennifer Aniston

Freida Pinto

Amy Adams

Naomi Watts

Taraji P. Henson

Beyonce Knowles

Miley Cyrus

Sarah Jessica Parker

Amy Winehouse to fight for Blake

2008 British singer Amy Winehouse performs at the Brit Awards at Earls Court in London February 20, 2008.

Amy Winehouse is to fly home to see her husband after he was released from jail yesterday (25.02.09).

Blake Fielder-Civil left Suffolk's Edmunds Hill prison where he was met by his mother Georgette and is now set for crunch talks with Amy about the future of their marriage.

Amy reportedly didn't know about her husband's release and has now pledged to travel back from St. Lucia, where she has been on an extended holiday since December.

A friend of Amy told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Hearing Blake was out brought lots of emotions back for Amy. She feels like she was the last to know he was getting released and that hurt.

"She is desperate to see him again and wants to work things out. She still loves him."

However, Blake has vowed to continue the divorce process he started while in jail, after growing tired of his wife's alleged affairs.

Speaking outside prison, he said of the divorce: "It's all going ahead - but I don't really know what will happen. It's just nice to be out.

"Now I am going to get over my drug habit."

A spokesperson for Amy admitted the singer is unsure if she can win back her husband, saying: "I don't know if Blake will change his plans."

Blake, 26, was given a 27-month prison sentence last July for grievous bodily harm (GBH) and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

He was initially released last November and ordered to enter rehab to be treated for his drug addiction. However, he was sent back to jail just a month later after failing a drugs test.

Blake started divorce proceedings in January after Amy was pictured with other men while on her Caribbean holiday.

He has since changed his status on website Facebook to single, while Amy updated her profile picture to one of them together yesterday.

Amy has also been battling drug addiction while in St Lucia, and her friends are worried about the star's return to the UK and the effects her reconciliation with Blake could have.

The source added: "We are nervous about her returning to London. She thinks the fights and problems with Blake are romantic in a tortured love kind of way. We think it's a bit sad - and very dangerous."

If they divorce Amy could have to pay Blake up to £2 million of her estimated £10 million fortune.

Robert Pattinson's movie split joy

Robert Pattinson arrives at the 81st Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2009.

Robert Pattinson can't wait to dump Kristen Stewart in his next movie.

The actor is set to reprise his 'Twilight' role of vampire Edward Cullen opposite Kristen's Bella in 'New Moon' and admits he is excited about filming the scenes where he ends their relationship.

When asked what he is looking forward to about the sequel, Robert replied: "The scene where we temporarily break up. On one hand, it's completely impossible. And on the other, it sets a very different tone to the series. I think it will be good."

The British star also spoke about working with a new director, Chris Weitz, on 'New Moon', saying he is expecting an "impressive" end result.

He added to MTV news: "I think there's going to be some continuity, but it's weird, because they are shooting it in a different city than the first film. I've talked to Chris a bit, but we've only talked about my character; I haven't really talked about the whole look of it. But Chris is great with visual stuff, so it should be pretty impressive."

Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson promote the movie "Marley & Me" in Paris

Cast members Jennifer Aniston (R) and Owen Wilson pose during the photocall to promote the movie "Marley & Me" in Paris February 26, 2009.

Cate Blanchett's Robin Hood role

2008 Actress Cate Blanchett, dressed in Dries van Noten and wearing jewellery by Lorraine Schwartz, presents the Oscar for best art direction during the 80th annual Academy Awards, the Oscars, in Hollywood February 24, 2008.

Cate Blanchett will star as Maid Marian in 'Robin Hood'.

The 'Curious Case of Benjamin Button' actress will appear opposite Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's big-budget adaptation of the classic folk tale, it has been confirmed.

'Factory Girl' star Sienna Miller was originally meant to play the female lead but was axed late last year amid rumours she would make the 'Gladiator' star seem old and out-of-shape.

Co-producer Brian Grazer insists Cate will be a strong match for Russell.

He said recently: "They are both highly accomplished dramatic actors who are taken seriously playing rich characters in period pieces, but each has the ability to show you fun."

The adventure film had originally been titled 'Nottingham' and Russell was set to play both outlaw Robin and his nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham, but the director recently revealed they have overhauled the script completely.

He said: "Russell in both roles was an idea so far back, way back when at the time I had this proposed to me, and I read it and thought, 'I don't really know what it does for it, but it's alright.'

"It is better to simply have the evolution of a character called Robin Hood, who will come out of a point in the Crusades which is the end.

"The Sheriff of Nottingham is always a kind of an amusing character in most of the movies, who represents the hierarchy in the story at that point."

The movie is now likely to focus on the origins of Robin Hood and how he falls in love with the beautiful Maid Marian.

Dev Patel quizzed for charity

Actors Freida Pinto and Dev Patel from best picture nominee "Slumdog Millionaire" pose on arrival at the 81st Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2009.

Dev Patel and Danny Boyle are going on 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' to raise money for Indian street kids.

The 'Slumdog Millionaire' star and the film's Oscar-winning director hope to bag the £1 million jackpot for the Railway Children charity when they team up for a UK celebrity special.

A source said: "Danny and Dev are keen to keep on giving back to the street kids depicted in the movie.

"It should happen this year. To have Dev back in the Millionaire hot seat would be brilliant, and would do a lot for the charity."

The film - which picked up eight Academy Awards at the Oscars - follows orphan Jamal, who is born into the slums of Mumbai.

After fleeing his violent and poverty stricken home, Jamal - played by 18-year-old Dev - enters India's version of the game show and scoops the top prize against all odds.

A spokesperson for the ITV show said: "We were approached by Railway Children about the special - and we think it would be fantastic.

"Danny and Dev would play together, as with all our celebrity specials, but filming depends on their availability."

Paris Hilton wants Benji back

Paris Hilton (2nd R) and sister Nicky Hilton watch the William Rast collection show at New York Fashion Week February 16, 2009.

Paris Hilton is reportedly desperate to win back ex-lover Benji Madden.

The hotel heiress - who split from the Good Charlotte rocker last November - has been consumed by jealously after seeing pictures of Benji spending Valentine's Day (14.02.09) with US singer Katy Perry.

A source said "Paris still has very strong feelings for Benji and seeing those pictures has really hurt her - especially as they were taken so close to her birthday. She is determined to get Benji back and she is not going to let anyone or anything stand in her way."

Benji and Katy spent the romantic day together in Las Vegas, although the 'Hot n Cold' singer has since claimed they are just good friends.

She said "It's two pseudo famous people sitting next to each other... doesn't mean we were bumping uglies! You know I don't just do that with anyone! "I was there celebrating a really fun show and a boozy Valentine's Day with all my good friends. We were like a group of 25! Benji is a nice young fellow, but my heart really belongs to my cat."

Shortly after Paris separated from Benji, the blonde socialite admitted she still had strong feelings for the musician. Paris, 28, said He's my best friend.

He's been so great to me, so loyal. He is an incredible person, and we will always be really close. I'm still in love with him. He's a very special person - there's no one like him. I still have feelings for Benji.

Lindsay Lohan in fake relationship

Michael Lohan says his daughter Lindsay's lesbian relationship is an "act".

The concerned parent remains unconvinced his 22-year-old daughter's romance with DJ Samantha Ronson is genuine, and blames Samantha for his crumbling relationship with Lindsay.

Asked what he thought of the photographs showing Lindsay and Samantha together in recent weeks, Michael cryptically replied: "Well is Lindsay a DJ or is she an actress - that's my question.

"My relationship with Lindsay has been a little strained because of her relationship with Samantha, but we do communicate."

Michael is also worried about his daughter's increasingly thin frame and has vowed to discuss her weight with her.

He said: "Lindsay goes through her fluctuations in weight for different roles she's in, and travelling and what she's eating and taking care of herself. I'll talk to her about it - I'll see what's going on."

Michael expressed his concerns about Lindsay's health on social networking website Twitter - despite promising to stop posting blogs about his family last month.

In the first of a series of posts seemingly appealing to Lindsay, he wrote: "Eat. please."

He then pleaded: "my daughter needs help. please, reach out to her it saddens ALl of us. Godbless (sic)"

A clearly worried Michael then wrote: "how long do we have to sit back and wait for something tragic to happen?"

Final Harry Potter film gets release date

J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter book series, sits in her car after leaving the U.S. District Court in New York April 15, 2008.

Harry has a final date with film destiny: Warner Bros. will open the eighth film in its Potter franchise -- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part II" -- on July 15, 2011.

"Deathly Hollows: Part I" is set to unspool November 19, 2010. The studio decided to split the seventh and final book in the Potter series into two movies because of the tome's length.

On Wednesday Warners also announced that is has postponed the release of its holiday feature "Sherlock Holmes" to December 25 from November 1.

Britney Spears to be cut in half

Britney Spears will be sawn in half as part of her upcoming stage show.

The 27-year-old singer will be a magician's assistant during her 'Circus' tour - which kicks off in March - working with 'Misfit of Magic' illusionist-and-comedian Ed Alonzo.

Ed said: 'Right away, she got into the boxes and into the magic contraptions to learn the stuff, and she's so excited about this tour and all the elements that are in it. We're going to be doing the classics of magic but a little high-tech. We'll be doing a little dissection, transposition, a vanish and an appearance."

Ed has specially developed each trick and says Britney will have to put her body on the line for several difficult sequences.

He added: 'If I do a trick, she doesn't just hold the props, she's actually getting inside the big boxes or I am slicing her up.

'I made the tricks really easy for her, but there are some complicated things that she is doing that you would think a contortionist would have to do, or a trained magician's assistant. But because she's a dancer, it really makes sense to put her in the magic, and it works and she's really, really good at it."

Ed refused to reveal which of Britney's songs will accompany their appearance together, but did reveal the three-ring circus set for the concerts will amaze fans.

He told 'E!' News: 'It's like watching a big Cirque du Soleil high-tech circus, but with a really focused star in the middle of all of this. It's going to be an amazing concert for people to watch."

Meanwhile, Britney's ex-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib is facing three felony charges - assault with a deadly weapon, hit-and-run and battery - over claims he drove his Mercedes at an unnamed victim.

It is alleged the victim was serving Adnan with a temporary restraining from Britney's father Jamie, at the time of the incident.

If convicted, Adnan faces up to seven years in prison.

Nick Mitchell has 'American Idol' judges laughing

In this image released by Fox, 'American Idol' contestant Nick Mitchell is shown.

"American Idol" hopeful Nick Mitchell isn't winning over the judges with his singing, but his over-the-top style clearly qualifies as comedy.

Mitchell left the judges laughing and nearly speechless Wednesday after he wailed a show-stopper from the musical "Dreamgirls." He came on as the flamboyant alter ego he has christened Norman Gentle.

Simon Cowell called the performance "atrocious" and "horrific," and his three fellow judges weren't arguing.

Mitchell was among the second group of 12 contestants vying to be chosen as one of a dozen finalists.

Wednesday's top three vote-getters will be revealed during Thursday's live episode.

Penelope Cruz's award-winning sleep

Best supporting actress Penelope Cruz from "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" poses backstage at the 81st Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, February 22, 2009.

Penelope Cruz is sleeping with her Oscar award.

The Spanish star picked up the Best Supporting Actress prize for her role in 'Vicky Christina Barcelona' on Sunday (22.02.09) and was so thrilled she took the famous golden statue to bed.

She told US TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey: "When they gave it to me I could not stop crying for 20 minutes. I could not look at it - is it for real, or one of those things my friends gave me or something?

"This morning I woke up with the same feeling. But I had put the Oscar in my bed, on the other pillow, I looked - and it was there!"

Penelope's friends and family all painted the letter 'P' on their foreheads to show their support for the actress at the awards.

In her acceptance speech, Penelope said: "I grew up in a place called Alcobendas, where this wasn't a very realistic dream."

The mayor of her hometown, a suburb of Madrid, has since said he may name a street after her.

Penelope - who is her country's first ever female Oscar winner - celebrated her win by partying until 5.30am after the ceremony.

In collecting an Academy Award, Penelope follows in the footsteps of her boyfriend Javier Bardem, who became the first Spanish actor to win an Oscar last year.

Javier didn't attend the awards on Sunday because he was filming his latest movie 'Beautiful'.

Kylie Minogue in Mumbai to work on MV for Bollywood film 'Blue'

Australian singer Kylie Minogue gestures towards fans after arriving at the international airport in Mumbai early February 26, 2009. Minogue is in Mumbai to work on a music video for the Bollywood film 'Blue' which stars Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Katrina Kaif, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan. The movie has its music scored by Oscar winner A R Rahman.

Natalie Portman's Twilight crush

Natalie Portman has a crush on Robert Pattinson.

The 27-year-old actress - who split from boyfriend Devendra Banhart last September and has also been romantically linked to Maroon 5's Adam Levine and multi-billionaire Nat Rothschild - was spotted flirting with the young 'Twilight' star at Vanity Fair's Oscar party on Sunday (22.02.09).

An onlooker said: "The two totally flirted outside on the patio. Natalie is used to getting what she wants and she dominated Robert's attentions for most of the evening."

It seems Natalie has competition for Robert's affections.

Paris Hilton was also keen to snare the British actor on Oscars night.

The blonde hotel heiress stunned guests at Patrick Whitesell's Hollywood party when she dragged Robert, 22, into the garden for some private time together.

Before she led him away, the pair were seen "giggling and in deep conversation" for an hour and seemed oblivious to other guests.

Paris, 28, fell for the screen hunk after watching 'Twilight', in which he plays a vampire.

She said: "I saw 'Twilight' and I have to say that I think Robert is a beautiful man and an amazing actor. He's fabulous!"

Hairdresser: Britney Spears "scared" of former manager

Britney Spears poses with her awards for Video of the Year, Best Pop Video and Best Female Video for "Piece of Me" at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles September 7, 2008.

Britney Spears' hairdresser testified Wednesday that the pop superstar told her she was scared of her former manager and friend, Osama "Sam" Lutfi.

Hairdresser Roberta Romero said Spears' comments came after Lutfi repeatedly sent her text messages, trying to ask her to convey them to the singer, including that he was making efforts to "free" her.

In the text messages described by the hairdresser and another witness, a former bodyguard for Spears, Lutfi criticized Spears' parents and the conservatorship. “I've done everything I can to free her from this. Very close to getting her free now,” he wrote in a message last December.

Romero, who has worked as Spears' stylist for more than a year, said the singer told her to tell Lutfi to leave them alone.

The testimony bolstered claims by attorneys for Spears’father, Jamie Spears, that Lutfi is part of a conspiracy with two other men, an ex-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib and a lawyer Jon Eardley, to terminate the conservatorship.

Jamie said Lutfi has used drugs and mind games to control her.

A judge on Wednesday extended temporary restraining orders against Lutfi and planned to hear further testimony April 1.

Lutfi's attorney, Bryan Freedman, declined to comment after the hearing about the text messages.

Spears is not expected to testify in the case. She opens a tour for her hit album "Circus" on March 3 in New Orleans. The 27-year-old pop singer was placed under a court-ordered conservatorship more than a year ago.

Zhao Wei's portrayal as Mulan unveiled

Chinese actress Zhao Wei's portrayal as folk heroine Mulan in the same-titled upcoming film "Mulan" is unveiled to the public Tuesday. The film is shooting in Hebei Province.

Chinese actress Zhao Wei's portrayal as folk heroine Mulan in the same-titled upcoming film "Mulan" is unveiled to the public Tuesday. The film is shooting in Hebei Province.

Chinese actress Zhao Wei's portrayal as folk heroine Mulan in the same-titled upcoming film "Mulan" is unveiled to the public Tuesday. The film is shooting in Hebei Province.

Michael Jackson planning to stage comeback

U.S. singer Michael Jackson arrives for the 2006 World Music Awards at Earls Court in London in November 15, 2006 file photo.

Michael Jackson, the 50-year-old pop singer, is planning a string of comeback concerts in London which could earn him up to 45 million pounds(about 65 million U.S. dollars), according to media reports Tuesday.

Jackson is said to be in secret talks with organizers to stage his pop revival with up to 30 dates at the O2 arena.

A portrait of pop singer Michael Jackson dressed as a king by artist Norman Oak is shown in this image released to Reuters February 17, 2009.

The negotiations are thought to be at an advanced stage, with Jackson poised to secure 1.5 million pounds(about 2.1753 million U.S. dollars) per night to perform at the 20,000 capacity venue in Greenwich.

It is believed that an announcement confirming the deal will be made within weeks. AEGLive, which runs the arena, has pencilled in Jackson's first performance for July.

The series of concerts would attract fans from all over the world and tickets could sell for as much as 1,000 pounds (about 1 450 U.S. dollars) for VIP packs.

Rumours have circulated that the debt-ridden singer, who was cleared of child molestation charges in 2005, is in no fit state to face the demands of performing live.

But sources have dismissed speculation of illness, overuse of prescription drugs and stage fright, and organisers have been told that Jackson is ready to make a comeback.

The London arena is competing with US venues to secure Jackson on the bill, but it is believed that he would favour re-launching his career in Britain because he still enjoys huge popularity in Europe.

The 30-night stint would eclipse the longest run of 21 shows which Prince performed at the O2 in 2007.

Tom Cruise "flustered" by Penelope Cruz

U.S. actor Tom Cruise waves during a photo call as he presents his movie "Valkyrie" in Rio de Janeiro February 3, 2009.

Tom Cruise was "weird" and "awkward" when he bumped into his ex-girlfriend Penelope Cruz.

The 'Valkyrie' star was "visibly flustered" when Penelope - who he dated for three years before they split in 2004 - approached him at a pre-Oscars party in Beverly Hills on Friday night.

A source said: "Penelope tapped him on the shoulder and timidly asked, 'Tom?'

"Tom turned around, got visibly flustered and awkwardly said, 'Oh, hey. Hi', and gave her a small, distant hug before turning back around to his friends. It was weird."

The 46-year-old actor is now married to actress Katie Holmes, who was absent from the party, hosted by the head of Creative Artists Agency Bryan Lourd.

The source told the New York Post newspaper: "Katie was not there. But he clearly hasn't run into Penelope very often since they split."

Madonna, Sir Elton John, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Ford, Mike Myers, Shirley MacLaine, Meg Ryan, Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio were also at the party.

Oscar ratings improve as "Slumdog Millionaire" dominates awards

The graphics shows British director Dan Boyle's rags-to-riches love story "Slumdog Millionaire" which won big at the 81st Academy Awards Sunday night,on Feb.22.2009,in Los Angeles, grabbing eight Oscars including best picture and best director.

Preliminary numbers released Monday showed that ratings for the 81st Academy Award show overnight climbed about six percent from last year's record low.

The ABC-produced Oscar telecast show, where British director Dan Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" took eight statuettes including best picture, probably had an average viewership of more than 34 million across the United States, according to a market research firm.

Preliminary numbers from Nielsen Media Research, which measure roughly 50 of the biggest markets in the U.S., showed that New York, Chicago and Los Angeles were among the markets where most households tuned in to watch the film industry's annual gala show.

Although total viewer estimates are expected to be issued later in the day, it is a good bet that this year's Oscar show will rise comfortably ahead of last year's all-time low. About 32 million U.S. viewers watched the show last year.

Last year's record-low ratings prompted organizers to change their traditional format to hand out the awards and present more dance-and-song performances during the ceremony hosted by Australian actor Hugh Jackman.

"Sexiest man" chosen as host for Oscar Awards ceremony

Hugh Jackman, People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2008 and an Emmy winner for hosting the 2004 Tony Awards ceremony, has been chosen as the host for the Oscar Awards Ceremony Sunday night, organizers said.

His selection indicates that after using a rotating roster of comedians for the past few years, Oscar producers opted this year for sexy over comedy, analysts said.

"Hugh is the ideal choice to host a celebration of the year's movies -- and to have fun doing it," producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon said in a joint statement when they announced Jackman as the host.

"Hugh Jackman is a consummate entertainer and an internationally renowned movie star. He also has style, elegance and a sense of occasion."

The 40-year-old Australian native, who starred last year in his homeland tale "Australia", said he knows he isn't as funny as Oscar-hosting-favorites Billy Crystal, Bob Hope or Johnny Carson. But he said he's getting advice from some top comic talents, including Steve Martin, Whoopi Goldberg and Ricky Gervais.

"I hope I'm funny, but there's not the same pressure on me to be knocking them out," he told the Los Angeles Times. "I don't think anyone is expecting seven minutes of stand-up."

Jackman was tight-lipped about plans for the ceremony but said only he would be making use of his singing ability. He won a 2004 Tony Award for best actor in a musical for his work in "The Boy from Oz." He has also appeared in stage productions of "Carousel," "Oklahoma," "Sunset Boulevard" and "Beauty and the Beast."

On the big screen, Jackman will next be seen this summer in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," his fourth turn as the comic book hero. His other film credits include "The Prestige," "Happy Feet" and "Swordfish."

Penelope Cruz of "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" wins the Oscar best supporting actress

Penelope Cruz holds up her trophy for Best Supporting Actress of the 81st Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California, the United States, Feb. 22, 2009.

Penelope Cruz of "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" has won the Oscar for best supporting actress.

Penelope Cruz holds up her trophy for Best Supporting Actress of the 81st Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California, the United States, Feb. 22, 2009.

Actress Penelope Cruz, nominated for best supporting actress for her role in "Vicky Christina Barcelona", arrives at the nominees luncheon for the 81st annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California Feb. 2, 2009.

Tyler Perry's "Madea" tops box office over Oscars weekend

"Madea Goes To Jail" opened at the top of the box office in the United States and Canada this weekend with 41.1 million U.S. dollars, as thriller "Taken" was in distant second place, showed preliminary figures released Sunday.

The latest Tyler Perry movie had the fifth-best February opening ever, while the Liam Neeson film "Taken" rebounded from third place last week to take the No. 2 slot, with 11.4 million dollars over the three-day period, according to Los Angels-based box office tracking firm Media by Numbers.

"Taken," which was released four weeks ago, has grossed over 95million dollars collectively in North America.

The animated 3-D film "Coraline" was in third-place, up from last week's fourth place with 11 million dollars, while "He's Just Not That Into You," the romantic comedy with the all-star cast, pulled in 8.5 million dollars for fourth place.

"Slumdog Millionaire," which is expected to sweep Oscars at Sunday night's Academy Awards ceremony, came in fifth place and tallied 8 million dollars in ticket sales. The film's total rose to 98 million dollars over the past three months.

Seven EU-funded films to compete for 13 Oscar Awards

British director Danny Boyle attends a news conference for his new film "Slumdog Millionaire" in New Delhi January 21, 2009.

Seven films funded by the European Union (EU)'s MEDIA film support program are set to compete in 13 categories at this year's Oscar Awards ceremony to be held next Sunday, according to the European Commission on Thursday.

Among the films, "Slumdog Millionaire" (UK/U.S.) will compete in 9 categories including the Best Film and Best Director, and "Der Baader Meinhof Komplex" (Germany), "Entre les murs "("The Class") (France) , and "Waltz with Bashir" (Israel/Germany/France) will fight for the Best Foreign language Film prize. "Entre les murs " won the Palme d'Or at the 2008 Cannes film festival.

Meanwhile, "Man on Wire" (UK/U.S.) is nominated in the Best Documentary Feature category, "The Duchess" (Britain/France/Italy)in the Art Direction/ Costume Design category, and "Happy Go Lucky" (Britain) in the Best Original Screenplay category.

In 2008, two MEDIA-funded films brought home Oscars, with the Austrian-German co-production "The Counterfeiters" winning the Best Foreign Language Film award. In the last three years, MEDIA-funded films have won a total of eight Oscar awards.

"The diversity and riches of European film is well reflected in this year's Oscar nominations," said Viviane Reding, EU Media Commissioner. "I see this as a great pay off for the European Union's efforts to make European cinema more competitive by supporting the development of films made or co-produced in Europe, their distribution across borders, as well as the use of digital new technologies."

The MEDIA program provided significant financial support to these films figuring high on the nominations list of the Oscars ceremony. The total contribution from the MEDIA program for these films alone amounted to three million euros (3.9 million U.S. dollars) , with even more support likely to follow for distributing the film to cinemas.

The MEDIA program plays a crucial role in supporting Europe's audiovisual sector through the development and distribution of thousands of films as well as training activities, festivals and promotion projects throughout Europe, according to the European Commission.

Nine out of every ten feature films in Europe distributed outside their home country received MEDIA support every year, said the Commission.

The program's overall objectives are to strengthen the competitiveness of the European audiovisual sector by facilitating access to financing and promoting use of digital technologies, to reflect and respect Europe's cultural identity and heritage, and to increase the circulation of European audiovisual works inside and outside the EU. In 2008 the MEDIA program supported over 1,800projects with a total 107 million euros (139 million dollars).

Tom Cruise to get "Lost for Words" with Zhang Ziyi

A combination photo shows actor Tome Cruise and actress Zhang Ziyi.

The stalled production of the Hollywood romantic comedy "Lost for Words" might get a jumpstart with the possible addition of Tom Cruise to the cast.

Universal Pictures, which is producing the film, reportedly invited the Hollywood star to step in as the lead to fill the vacancy left by British actor Hugh Grant, according to leading U.S. showbiz magazine "Variety."

Grant quit the project last October after a disagreement about the screenplay with Richard Curtis, his longtime partner in previous films and the producer of "Lost for Words." After Grant's departure, Zhang Ziyi, the lead actress in the film, returned to China to shoot another film.

According to media reports, Universal is currently contacting Tom Cruise on the contract.

"Lost for Words" is about a love triangle in which a Hollywood actor falls for his Chinese director after romancing her translator during their making of a film. Susanne Bier, the Danish filmmaker and former Oscar nominee, will direct the movie.

Madonna hearing to be public

Singer Madonna (L) and director Guy Ritchie arrive on the red carpet at the 61st Cannes Film Festival May 21, 2008.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie's custody hearing will be made public.

The legal meeting to decide the arrangements for their two sons - Rocco, eight, and David, three - has been moved to the New York Supreme Court.

Pop star Madonna and film director Guy Ritchie (R) are seen leaving Dornoch Cathedral after the christening of their four month old son Rocco, Scotland in this December 21, 2000 file photograph.

Unlike English family law court cases, the inquiry - which will take place on March 2 - will be open to the general public.

Madonna - who also has a daughter, Lourdes, 12, from a previous relationship - is planning to move to New York with her children and needs US courts to ratify a custody deal negotiated in London.

A source said "There is going to be a hearing next month and the papers that have been filed will be available then.

"The New York hearing will confirm the English proceedings. There will be revelations, but the divorce remains amicable and intelligently handled."

She will be forced to provide the court with details about her divorce proceedings, including financial arrangements and demands for her sons' welfare.

It has been claimed the 50-year-old singer - who is a devout follower of Kabbalah, a mystical off-shoot of Judaism - makes her sons eat kosher food and attend religious meetings.

It has also been alleged she has demanded Guy, 40, upgrade the internet connection and computer equipment at his country home in England so she can contact the boys at all times when they are visiting.

The couple - who married in 2000 - announced they were separating last year, but have not revealed any details of their ongoing divorce proceedings.

Family affair for Pitt, Jolie at Oscars

U.S. actor Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrive for the 2009 BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards ceremony at the Royal Opera House in London Feb. 8, 2009.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will join an exclusive club when they step out at the Oscars on Sunday as only the seventh couple ever to be nominated for acting honors in the same year.

But while the couple should add a high-voltage jolt of old-fashioned Hollywood glamour to the Oscars red carpet, history suggests that the duo are likely to finish the night empty-handed.

Pitt, 45, is nominated in the best actor race for his performance as a man who ages in reverse in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

Partner Jolie, 33, is nominated for her performance as an anguished mother trying to uncover the fate of her abducted child in period drama "Changeling."

It is believed to be the first time in 42 years that a couple have arrived at the Oscars in the running for acting awards: Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor were the last in 1966 for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

On that occasion, neither Burton nor Taylor was successful.

Three years earlier British duo Rex Harrison and his wife Rachel Roberts were both nominated for their respective performances in "Cleopatra" and "This Sporting Life," yet just as for Burton and Taylor, an Oscar remained elusive.

Similarly, husband and wife nominees Elsa Lanchester and Charles Laughton, given nods in 1958 for their performances in Billy Wilder's "Witness for the Prosecution" were both overlooked.

One of the few acting couples to have tasted success on Oscar night were Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner. Sinatra won a best supporting actor statuette in 1954 for his performance in "From Here to Eternity."

While Sinatra celebrated, Gardner, nominated for "Mogambo," lost out to Audrey Hepburn, winning her first Oscar for "Roman Holiday."

In 1940, Laurence Olivier and soon-to-be second wife Vivien Leigh arrived at the Academy Awards just months before tying the knot.

Leigh was riding high from the success of "Gone With the Wind" while Olivier had came to the attention of US audiences with his performance as the brooding Heathcliff in "Wuthering Heights."

Olivier would have to wait for his first Academy Award however, losing out to Robert Donat for "Goodbye Mr Chips." Leigh meanwhile won for her legendary performance as Scarlett O'Hara.

The first couple to be jointly nominated for best actor and actress Oscars were the legendary Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, who both picked up nods for 1931 film "The Guardsman." Both came away empty handed.

Oscar win or loss, Winslet on threshold of history

Win or lose at Sunday's Oscar ceremony, British actress Kate Winslet will enter Academy Award history.

Actress Kate Winslet arrives on the red carpet for the screening of the movie 'The Reader' of the 59th Berlinale film festival in Berlin, February 6, 2009.

Winslet, 33, will either walk past her chief rival, Meryl Streep, to collect her first Oscar for her performance as a woman with a secret Nazi past in The Reader, or share the dubious title of biggest loser for having been nominated for the coveted honor, and lost, six times.

The betting in Hollywood ahead of the Feb 22 ceremony for the world's top film awards is that Winslet should be getting her acceptance speech ready.

"I think it is her time. When Academy members are voting, they are going to be thinking not just of The Reader but of Revolutionary Road," said Hollywood.com movie critic Pete Hammond, when talking about the two movies starring Winslet that were released within weeks of each other in 2008.

"That is pretty daunting when you have two great performances like that back to back," Hammond said.

The three other best actress nominees are Anne Hathaway as a resentful sister in Rachel Getting Married, Melissa Leo in border smuggling drama Frozen River and Angelina Jolie playing a mother searching for her child in Changeling.

Winslet, who parlayed art house success into international stardom in Titanic in 1997, has already picked up two Golden Globes for her role as a German woman with a teenage lover and a secret in The Reader and as a frustrated 1950s American housewife in Revolutionary Road.

She has also won BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and in emotional speeches, she has expressed shock at her wins after smiling bravely from her seat so often in the past.

"Kate is way overdue. One more loss and she will be tied at six as Oscar's biggest losing actress with Deborah Kerr and Thelma Ritter. And at the age of 33, that would be terrible," said Tom O'Neil of awards website TheEnvelope.com.

"Kate has a solid lead. She is in a Holocaust movie, speaking with a foreign accent, she ages dramatically and she looks great naked - all key elements for a win," he said.

Fashion lovers Justin, Jessica fall for New York runway

Justin Timberlake and his actress girlfriend Jessica Biel have both taken to the fashion runway during the ongoing New York's Fall 2009 Fashion Week.

The Grammy-winning pop singer rocked the runway during the premiere of his William Rast fashion show while Jessica was sitting in the front row on Monday night. After the show, the two love birds hung out together at Rose bar in downtown New York City.

Singer Justin Timberlake watches a drive during the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 15, 2008.

With a show like the William Rast fashion event, it's no wonder Justin topped GQ magazine's Most Stylish Men in America list.

Earlier Justin shared his rules for looking stylish to reporters. They include: "If you're going to do something, do it right," and the always important "Never — and we mean never — dress yourself around a hat."

As for his signature style of wearing a suit with sneakers, Justin said it was more a matter of practicality than design.

Cast member Jessica Biel attends the premiere of "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City, California, July 12, 2007.

"I just put sneakers on because I couldn't dance in the shoes I had. I couldn't leap with just insoles and dress shoes. I would've hurt myself," said Justin, who rose to fame as a singer with the boy band 'N Sync and went solo in 2002.

Justin, 28 and Jessica, 26, are reportedly set to move in together after he purchased a 5.5-million-U.S.-dollar apartment in New York's exclusive TriBeCa district.

Earlier this year, it was claimed Justin was planning to propose to Jessica after he reportedly splashed out on an expensive vintage ring during their romantic holiday in Rome, Italy.