Isaiah Washington has hit out at producers of hit TV show Grey's Anatomy for firing him with such ease. The troubled actor's future on the medical drama had been in doubt ever since he made a homophobic remark about cast mate T.R. Knight last October - a comment he repeated at the Golden Globe Awards earlier this year. At the end of season three, his character Dr. Preston Burke was seen packing his bags in a cliffhanger finale and last Washington received a call from producer Shonda Rhimes revealing his services were no longer required. At the time, the 43-year-old star released a statement, simply saying, "I'm mad as hell" - and Washington still can't believe how calm and collected Rhimes was when she made the fateful call. He says, "I'm saddened by the outcome. I did everything that the producers and the network asked me to do. I came back under great duress and stress, and thought I was doing the job I was hired to do. Shonda Rhimes called me on Thursday of last week and told me that I would not be returning to the show. Just like she personally called me and invited me to the show. It was full circle."

Hit movie Little Miss Sunshine has prompted the heads of the Academy Awards to change their rules, so that all "legitimate" producers of a film can be nominated. Oscar rules stipulate only three producers can be credited for a film, and they must be full-time producers. That meant two of Little Miss Sunshine's five moguls were overlooked as part of the movie's nomination - and only three golden statues would have been handed out if the film had won the big prize. Upon consideration, the governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have approved a new rule, which will come into effect at the 80th Academy Awards next year. Academy President Sid Ganis says, "The committee and the governors believe strongly that it's very important to have a limit on the number of producers who can be nominated and potentially receive an Oscar statuette. But we also recognize that a truly unique situation could arise, and we want to have just enough flexibility to allow for that rare occurrence." Academy director of communications Leslie Unger adds, "The Producers Guild deemed there were five legitimate producers on Little Miss Sunshine and last year it was simply impossible to credit them all because there was no flexibility to the existing rules whatsoever."

Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg has declared his support for Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidency campaign. The Munich director is backing Clinton because he believes she is best suited for the top job at the White House and will bring America "back together." He says, "I've taken the time to familiarize myself with the impressive field of Democratic candidates and am convinced that Hillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate to lead us from her first day in the White House. Hillary is a strong leader and is respected the world over. As president, she will bring America back together, rebuild our prestige abroad and ensure our protection here at home."

Jake Gyllenhaal is considering making his Broadway debut after getting offered the chance to star in upcoming political drama Farragut North. The Zodiac star is the frontrunner to land the lead in the play, which will open later this year. Producer Jeffrey Richards reveals a private reading, featuring the actor, was held at the end of last week in New York. If he accepts the role, Gyllenhaal will play the communications director for an unorthodox presidential candidate, based on 2004 Democratic candidate Howard Dean. The play was created by former Dean campaigner Beau Willimon. The Oscar-nominated Brokeback Mountain is next set to appear onscreen in drama Rendition opposite Academy Award winners Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep and Alan Arkin.

Jennifer Aniston is planning to adopt a baby, according to reports. The Along Came Polly actress has allegedly begun filling out the required paperwork with the adoption agency which dealt with Sheryl Crow's adoption of baby Wyatt last month, according to OK! magazine. An adoption agency source tells the publication, "The process has 100 per cent started," and the New York Daily News reports friends of the star have confirmed Aniston's plans. A friend tells the newspaper, "She is happier and more excited than she has ever been in her life." Another pal adds Aniston had been considering adoption for a long time: "Jen has been thinking about adopting for a while. But after seeing Sheryl and her son, Wyatt, together, Jen didn't know why she was still waiting." Aniston is currently dating 36-year-old British model Paul Sculfor - who has allegedly moved into her new Beverly Hills, California, home - after failed relationships with Brad Pitt and Vince Vaughn. The actress' marriage to Pitt broke down in 2005 and the Ocean's Thirteen star has since gone on to start a family with Angelina Jolie.

John Travolta has been branded a hypocrite by gay rights activists furious his cross-dressing role in cult musical Hairspray is at odds with his religious beliefs. The star dons womenswear to play Edna Tumblad in the film, originally played by drag queen Divine in John Waters' 1988 adaptation. But Kevin Naff of gay website Blade believes the Pulp Fiction actor's involvement with the movie is disingenuous. He says, "Travolta, a prominent Scientologist, has no business for reprising an iconic gay role. It's well known that Scientology rejects gays and lesbians as members and even operates reparative therapy clinics to 'cure' homosexuality. Divine is spinning in his grave."

Ghostbusters star Dan Aykroyd is expanding his alcohol empire by putting his name to a new $11 million winery in Canada. The actor, who made a small fortune by introducing Patron tequila to his native Canada, is one of the investors behind The Dan Aykroyd Winery, which will be located near the town of Lincoln, Ontario. At a news conference to announce the venture yesterday, the actor revealed the vineyard's lodge will showcase souvenirs from his movies. He said, "This is really a dream... I never thought that a line of wines would be a possibility." Construction begins later this year and should be completed in time for the 2008 growing season. The winery will be all green, featuring solar panels and environmental water management systems.

George Clooney has demanded an apology from a media outlet after he was misquoted bad-mouthing jailed socialite Paris Hilton. The Syriana star was quoted as saying, "You can only get so far without discernable talent - then you either work, or use cheap publicity tricks to keep the public's attention. Paris has no reason to complain if she is on the end of bad publicity." According to Tmz.com, a representative for Clooney has demanded a retraction and an apology from KP International, who are reported to have distributed the actor's alleged words. Hotel heiress Hilton is serving time for violating her probation on a 2006 drink driving arrest, and is expected to be released for good behavior on June 25.

Britney Spears' mom Lynne reportedly pulled out of a June 6 appearance on morning show The View when she realized the topic of conversation would focus on her daughter's demons. Lynne Spears was hoping to promote a new business deal on the show and insisted she wouldn't talk about her daughter's recent rehab stint and recovery. But, as she made plans to appear on the show, she learned the four co-hosts of the popular program were insisting on grilling her about Britney - and she cancelled, according to Life & Style magazine. An insider tells the publication, "Lynne wouldn't do it." The decision not to do the show has reportedly brought Britney and her mom closer together - after they fell out over rehab plans; Britney wanted to avoid counseling, but her worried mum insisted the pop star check into Promises rehab facility in Malibu, and then personally drove her there. Family sources admit Lynne is thrilled she and her daughter are talking again. One tells Life & Style, "Lynne is more hurt than anything. She feels she sacrificed everything for Britney."

Prince has reportedly stalled the start of his summer residency at hip Hollywood hang-out the Roosevelt Hotel - over contractual issues. According to reports, the pop superstar's planned Friday night concert - the first of a seven-week run of shows - will not take place. Website HotelChatter.com claims Prince and the Roosevelt's bosses are still locked in contract talks and the singer won't perform until everything is signed, sealed and delivered. According to a report in last month's Los Angeles Times newspaper, Prince's seven Friday shows would take place in the Roosevelt's intimate Blossom Room at midnight and the singer's personal chef Lena Morgan would take over the Roosevelt's Dakota restaurant to host an after-hours dinner club. The concert/restaurant concept is similar to 3121 nightclub Prince created at the Rio hotel & casino in December for his residency there. Prince has also announced plans for a concert series this summer in the Hamptons and last month released details of a 21-date summer residency at London's 02 Arena.

The man accused of plotting to abduct chat show host David Letterman's son has been captured after escaping from a prison camp at the beginning of June. Kelly Frank was arrested by police yesterday morning after they spotted the convict hitching a lift by the side of a Montana highway. In 2005, Frank was accused of conspiring to kidnap the chat show host's then-infant son Harry from the Letterman ranch in Montana. After the kidnapping charge was dropped, Frank was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to felony theft and misdemeanor obstruction.