20 May 2008
Share on Facebook
Indiana Jones Triumphs At Cannes
Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull has proved a huge hit at the Cannes International Film Festival on Sunday - receiving a standing ovation from critics at its world premiere. The fourth installment of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas' famous adventure franchise was one of the most eagerly awaited screenings at the French event, attracting a huge amount of hype and publicity. But weeks of speculation threatened to tarnish the premiere after rumors suggested the film had been panned by movie bosses at an exclusive initial screening in Los Angeles last month. However, the film - which sees 65-year-old Harrison Ford return to the role of Indiana Jones after a 19 year gap - was praised by the world's media, reportedly garnering a three and a half minute standing ovation by the select few who were invited to watch it, according to American industry publication Variety. Before the screening, manic crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the movie's returning star Ford, who told awaiting reporters he didn't care if the movie received bad reviews, as long as moviegoers enjoyed the action. He said, "I expect to have the whip turned on me. I'm not really worried about it. I work for the people who pay to get in. They are my customers and my focus is on providing the best experience I can for those people." And although legendary moviemaker Lucas admitted last month he had hatched plans to revive the action hero for a fifth film, he kept tight-lipped about the plans at the Cannes premiere. He told reporters, "Harrison, Steven and I haven't talked about it. We can't do it unless I can come up with a good idea, which I haven't." The original trilogy - the last being 1989's Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade - was one of the highest-earning franchises in film history, grossing over $1 billion at the global box office.
Holmes Signs On For 'All My Sons'

The worst kept secret on Broadway is no longer a secret - Katie Holmes will star in the upcoming revival of playwright Arthur Miller's All My Sons. The Batman Begins star will join a cast that also will include John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest and Patrick Wilson. The drama, about a family patriarch's darkest secret, was Miller's first big hit and is beloved by thespians and theatre critics throughout the world. It will mark the first time a Miller play has been staged on Broadway since the writer's death in 2005. The play will also be Holmes' Broadway debut. Venue and dates were not available as WENN went to press, but the play is expected to debut this autumn.
U.K. Tabloid Publishes Jolie "Drug Video"

A British tabloid newspaper has published images of a video which allegedly shows Angelina Jolie in a "drugs den" with a woman who is openly smoking heroin. The actress is shown in video images published in The Sun newspaper looking disheveled and wide-eyed as she smokes a cigarette and tells the camera of her past drug use. The video captures the star reportedly saying, "I've done coke, heroin, ecstasy, LSD, everything." Last month, it was reported by America's National Enquirer a videotape of Jolie allegedly smoking and snorting heroin had been offered for sale for $70,000.. But in this footage, thought to be taken in the 1990s when she was in her 20s, Jolie does not take drugs, telling the camera, "I gave them up long ago." However, she allegedly discusses her interest in bizarre sex games, claiming that taking part in sexual activity where people get hurt is "just a cool thing." Jolie, who has three adopted children, a biological daughter and is expecting twins with actor partner Brad Pitt, has spoken out about her past substance abuse before, once saying, "I hate heroin because I've been fascinated with it. I'm not immune, but I won't do it now, at all." It is not known if the video referred to in The Sun newspaper is the same video reported as up for sale by the National Enquirer.
Johansson Snubs Cannes Premiere
Scarlett Johansson snubbed the premiere of Woody Allen's latest movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona at the Cannes International Film Festival after movies bosses reportedly refused to cater to her diva demands. The blonde beauty - who stars in the new movie alongside Penelope Cruz - was expected to grace the red carpet at the French festival on Saturday, but missed the prestigious premiere amid rumors movie bosses at the French arm of Warner Bros Films - the production's distributors - reportedly denied her extravagant hospitality expectations. According to British newspaper the Daily Mail, the Lost In Translation star made a string of demands to ensure her appearance at the renowned festival - including a $8,000 a day make-up artist. Reports also suggest Johansson was unwilling to stay at a luxurious central Cannes hotel with director Allen and co-star Cruz, preferring a suite at a hotel 30 miles away. A source tells the publication, "While Woody's terribly fond of Scarlett, he was a little upset that she wasn't being a team player." Johansson's male-star, Spanish Oscar-winner Javier Bardem, also missed the movie's Cannes premiere on Saturday, citing personal family reasons for his non-appearance.
Simpson & Romo Reunite For Ashlee's Wedding
Jessica Simpson and boyfriend Tony Romo have proved they are still an item - by putting on a display of affection at her sister's weekend wedding . The 27-year-old singer and Romo attended Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz's wedding at the Simpson family's California home on Saturday. It had been reported that American footballer Romo had called off his romance with the singer/actress after growing tired of her meddling father, Joe. But they proved they were still very much in love during the wedding ceremony, reports People.com. A source tells the publication, "They were very cozy and cute together... She was in an amazing mood and so happy her sister was getting married. They were kissing and holding hands throughout the night. He was very sweet to her. They were very much a couple." And Simpson's spokesperson, Cindi Berger, has continued to dismiss the break-up talk, insisting it's "not true."
Lohan's Fur Coat Fuss Goes To Court

The fur fuss swirling around Lindsay Lohan has gone legal - the actress has been slapped with a lawsuit for taking a coat without permission. Masha Markova claims the star took her $12,000 mink coat as she left a New York club at the end of a night out in January. The New York student has filed papers in Manhattan's state Supreme Court. She went public with the missing coat saga when she spotted Freaky Friday star Lohan wearing her mink in a magazine photo. She told the New York Post, "It was my coat. It was no doubt." The coat was reportedly returned to Markova in February.
Davis Denies 'Sex And The City' Infighting
Sex And The City star Kristin Davis has denied reports alleging the hit TV show was marred by infighting between the four leading ladies. Davis and her co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kim Cattrall have long been dogged by rumors they don't get on - with speculation that petty arguments about costumes and pay had divided the group. There was even gossip that the new movie adaptation was almost shelved because of the growing rift between the actresses - in particular between Parker and Cattrall, who have both admitted to a dispute over money. But Davis insists the four women rarely fight when working together - especially not over a trivial matter like costumes. She tells British TV show This Morning, "If we were fighting over shoes, if we actually got into a physical altercation over shoes - we would have to be in the nut house. We don't fight over shoes, we don't really fight. We are four of the luckiest, overpaid women in the world - with the best job in the world. We have been together for 10 years, working together for 18 hours a day. We would never have got through this if we weren't close. We love each other."
George Takei To Wed Following California Gay-Marriage Ruling
Star Trek actor George Takei will be the latest celebrity to take advantage of California's gay marriage ruling when he weds his longtime partner later this year. The 71-year-old star - known for his role as Sulu in the 1960s sci-fi series - has announced plans to walk down the aisle with partner Brad Altman this summer, after state authorities lifted the ban on same-sex marriage last Thursday. The couple has been together for over 20 years. In a posting on his website, Takei writes: "Our California dream is reality. At long last, the barrier to full marriage rights for same-sex couples has been torn down." The actor first opened up about his sexuality to speak out against California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2005 veto on gay marriage. Comedienne Ellen DeGeneres was the first star to announce that she and her actress-girlfriend of eight years, Portia de Rossi, are planning their nuptials, making the news public on her talk show on Friday.
Carey & Cannon Plan $4 Million Wedding
Mariah Carey and her new husband Nick Cannon will stage a $4 million wedding ceremony in New York when they renew their vows later this summer, according to reports. The pair wed in secret at Carey's Bahamas retreat last month, and the pop superstar has been desperate to walk down the aisle for an encore. The extravagant public event will boast a guest list including supermodel Naomi Campbell, according to MSNBC.com. A source says, "(Mariah) wants over 2,000 guests and the budget will be well over $4 million and she'll have at least 14 bridesmaids. It's going to be held in New York City in the next six weeks. Picture a wedding on the scale of Liza Minnelli's (to David Gest) and you'll be right on track." The hitmaker announced plans to host an annual ceremony with Cannon last week while talking to TV show host Ellen DeGeneres. Carey married her first husband, music executive Tommy Mottola, in a star-studded New York ceremony in 1993. The pair divorced in 1998.
Sutherland Single
Kiefer Sutherland is officially single - he has finalized his divorce four years after filing for a legal separation from his wife Elizabeth. The couple split in 1999. The divorce was made official in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday. The 24 star initially filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. His ex will now drop Sutherland from her name.
The Internet Movie Database takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the articles above. Studio Briefing is edited by Lew Irwin and articles are the copyright of StudioBriefing.
The Celebrity News articles are licensed from WENN (World Entertainment News Network) and published for the entertainment of our users only. The WENN items do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that WENN's reporting is completely factual. Please address any complaints regarding the content of WENN to imdb@wenn.com.
|