If you’re both a movie fan and a consummate statistician, it’s easy to love and appreciate the Oscars for shoehorning the majority of film history into a manageable grading rubric. I’m an Oscar apologist myself, and I still have one bone to pick with the Academy — and all award-spewing organizations: the unnecessary reliance on gender-based categories. Is it not more thrilling to pit all actors against each other? Is there such an objective difference between Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock? Meryl Streep and Robert Downey Jr.? “Actor” is a gender-neutral term, and I think we’d all better off — and better entertained — without the meaningless siphoning. Thus, I’m stacking up the best performances of 2011 without categorical regard for gender or role size. It’s a winner-take-all affair, and this winner definitely wants it all. Here’s my top 10:
Britney Spears’ engagement last week was welcome news to millions of fans and celebrities alike, drawing praise from the likes of 50 Cent and even K-Fed . Jason Alexander, however, does not approve. Back in 2004, Brit’s childhood friend personified the term 15 minutes of fame … though it was more like 55 hours. They got married on a whim in Vegas. Their union was annulled less than three days later, but Jason Alexander likely got it in at least once – and continues to throw in his two cents about Brit. In short, he’s not a fan of Jason Trawick. “I know everyone wants me to be happy about this, but I am not,” Alexander, who is now in training for the World of MMA fighting competition (apparently), told Us . “I think it’s fake and I think people are afraid to say it.” “If you look at all the pictures between them there is no connection. They look like they are going through the motions. It seems like a answer to the court thing.” The singer is currently under the conservatorship of her father Jamie Spears, and Trawick, who once served as the star’s agent, meets Jamie’s stamp of approval. “Sort of a nice way to sew it all up; [Britney] marries her handler,” Alexander sniped. “That way she always has someone controlling her. It’s really sort of sad.” Or you’re really sort of bitter. Somehow we doubt he has much contact with Spears these days, has met Jason Trawick , or has any clue what he’s talking about.
Dutch magazine Jackie says story ‘had no racial motive at its basis.’ By Jocelyn Vena Rihanna Photo: Getty Images After Rihanna took to Twitter to respond to a racial slur used by Dutch fashion magazine Jackie in a recent article written about her, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, Eva Hoeke, has resigned from her position at the publication. In a press release translated by Parlourmagazine.com, the publishers of Jackie attempt to break down the sequence of events, including a Facebook apology from Hoeke about the article, followed by Rihanna’s tweets in response, and confirm that the editor has resigned, effective immediately. “I realize that my first reaction through Twitter, in which I indicated that it was a joke, has been an incomplete description of what me, and also the author of the article, meant. The term ‘n—abitch’ came from America and we solely used it to describe a style of dress. Because of the enormous pressure through social media I was tempted to promise amendment regarding the language in future issues of Jackie ,” Hoeke says in the lengthy statement. “Apart from that I also offered a rectification. I have now come to the conclusion that rectification is not the right solution. I regret that I have taken a stand too quickly regarding an article in Jackie — which moreover had no racial motive at its basis. Through the course of events, me and the publisher have concluded that because my credibility is now affected, it is better for all parties if I quit my function as editor-in-chief effective immediately,” it continues. “After putting my heart and soul into for Jackie for eight years, I realize that these errors — although not intended maliciously — are enough reason for leaving. … I should have counted to ten before taking un-nuanced stands through social media channels.” The magazine has extended an invitation to Rihanna “to share her feelings and thoughts on the article in the next issue.” A rep for the singer had not responded to MTV News’ request for comment as of press time. Related Artists Rihanna
Short film follows Andrew Jenks on the campaign trail with young voters, and the GOP candidates courting them. By James Montgomery Andrew Jenks speaks with young voters in “Power of 12: Our Voice” Photo: MTV News In December, filmmaker Andrew Jenks hit the road to talk with young voters — and the Republican candidates currently courting them — as part of MTV’s Power of 12 campaign, our ongoing coverage of the 2012 election. And, well, let’s hope he packed a big suitcase. Because for the next 11 months — from the pre-primary stump speeches to the last minute of Election night — Jenks will be working overtime for MTV , covering the race for the White House and amplifying the voices of the 45 million voters ages 18 to 29, who not only make up one of the largest voting blocs, but genuinely hold the power to swing the election. The first of his reports, “Our Voice,” premiered Tuesday (December 20) on MTV, and can be seen in this story. In it, we follow Jenks as he crosses the country interviewing young voters — everyone from high-school students concerned about attending college and members of the ongoing Occupy Wall Street protests to the recently graduated unemployed and returning war veterans. The 25-year-old filmmaker gets their take on the issues that matter the most, and scores face time with a handful of Republican presidential hopefuls, including Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul. “Our Voice” is just the first phase MTV’s “Power of 12” series, which will also include the MTV News docu-series “When I Was 22,” which gives viewers a unique look at the lives of the men who may be president, painting a portrait of each candidate in their early 20s. The online game “Fantasy Election ’12” will allow users to draft a team of candidates pursuing the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, and rack up points, just like in fantasy baseball or football. The first-of-its kind game also rewards players for getting involved in the electoral process — they’ll get extra points for registering to vote, “checking in” to town halls and debates, and discussing issues with friends. MTV News will begin its coverage of the election on the ground in Iowa and New Hampshire, with Jenks and MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway at the helm. For more on MTV’s election coverage, check out the official Power of 12 site. Related Videos Power Of 12: Andrew Jenks Kicks Off Election 2012
If you follow Royce Reed (of “Basketball Wives” fame) on Twitter, you know that she’s currently dating Tampa Bay Buccaneer Dezmon Briscoe, and from the looks of her tweets, the two are getting more serious by the day. An EXCLUSIVE With “Love & Hip-Hop’s” Yandy Smith Not only is she making cookies in the shape of her new man ( see it here! ), she cheers him on & chronicles his every move on the field : “”Woohooooo!!!! That’s my babyyyyy!!!! TD!!!! @DezBriscoe89″ Puts all breakup rumors to rest: “lol no @DezBriscoe89 and I are still together & stronger thn ever! ” Talks about the their future child: “Sooo according 2 morphthing.com this is what @DezBriscoe89 & I daughter will look like! She’s cute!!! yes! lol girls always end up favoring their dads BUT she def has my eyes! lol She’s gonna be a dancer/cheerleader/gymnast! )” And has already taken him home to meet the family: “Big day today!!! @DezBriscoe89 is gonna meet my parents!!!! Big Step!!! Yay!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!” But a recent tweet also revealed this: “I need another bridesmaid for my future wedding day lol…” If these two do end up tying the knot, will she appear on “Football Wives”? Shouldn’t Evelyn Lozada be heading over there too since she’s marrying Ochocinco? Considering the two ladies hate each other, VH1 has got another drama-filled show in the can! Royce Reed’s “Basketball Wives” Boyfriend Gets Another Woman Pregnant Royce Reed Suffers Seizure At Charity Event
Bristol Palin , the daughter of polarizing Republican Sarah Palin, decided to move to Los Angeles to live with two Black men. She and her son are roommates with Kyle Massey and his brother Chris, and became friendly with Kyle when they were cast mates on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.” Bristol, Kyle and Chris filmed a reality show together for the Bio channel. Find out more about their new show in this episode of “What’s Hot” by TV One and TheUrbanDaily . RELATED POSTS: 5 Reasons Ron Artest Was Set Up By “Dancing With The Stars” [ORIGINAL] Wendy Williams On “Dancing With The Stars” Cast [VIDEO]
Actress Sanaa Lathan, has been linked to celebs like Denzel Washington and Drake, but now she is being accused of “backing it up” on Kobe Bryant at a recent “Watch The Throne” concert. Bryant, who is being divorced by wife Vanessa, has been known to cheat so this would come as no surprise…that is, if we believed for one second that Sanaa is a home-wrecker. The Daily News reported: “According to our source, Lathan, 40, who’s the voice of Donna Tubbs on “The Cleveland Show,” came to the concert with a girlfriend, and Bryant, 33, who was with teammate Matt BarnesKim Kardashian , Beyoncé and Jake Gyllenhaal were among the other celebs in attendance. and a bodyguard, were initially seated on adjacent couches in the club-like friends-and-family VIP area behind center stage. Eventually, Lathan and Bryant ended up standing next to each other, and that’s when our source said the actress, who was drinking champagne, became progressively more flirtatious with the NBA star, who stuck to soft drinks, presumably because he’s in training. Lathan, attired in a sexy white-chiffon dress over what appeared to be a black bra, was “whispering in his ear” and at one point stroked the ballplayer’s face. “It seemed like a pretty intimate gesture,” says the source. At one point she left her seat and when she came back, she made sure she was standing next to Kobe again,” says the source She also danced to Jay-Z and West’s performance in front of Bryant. “She was throwing her head everywhere. Her hair was like slapping him in the face,” laughs the source, who adds that at one point, one of the straps of Lathan’s dressed slipped enticingly off her shoulder. When West performed “All of the Lights,” Bryant and Lathan danced together.” Sanaa responded on Twitter saying: Can a girl have some fun at a jayz/kanye concert w/out being linked 2 a breakup? I AM NOT, NEVER HAVE BEEN, INVOVLED W/KOBE IN ANY WAY. Anybody who pays attention knows I’m not his type… Blank stare. #blackgirlsrock #dontbelievethelies How Kobe’s Wife Found Out About His Alleged Cheating Vanessa Bryant Files For Divorce From Kobe
The full-length trailer for The Dark Knight Rises has finally arrived. This marks our first look at the Christopher Nolan flick showing not only Christian Bale in the batsuit, but Tom Hardy as Bane and Anne Hathaway as Catwoman. Ending with a huge explosion during a football game in Pittsburgh – real life Steelers star Hines Ward emerges as the sole survivor on the field – the trailer is not to be missed. Also starring Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Gary Oldman, the film opens July 20. Here’s more than two minutes of The Dark Knight Rises … The Dark Knight Rises Trailer (Full Length)
In case you thought Kate Middleton got any less stylish over the past few months, you were mistaken! Not that anyone in their right mind would think that. Anyway. The Duchess of Cambridge turned heads this weekend at London’s annual military awards show designed to recognize servicemen and women throughout the UK. The 29-year-old wife of Prince William wore a beautiful black Alexander McQueen gown as she and husband William attended “A Night of Heroes.” Take a look … Yes, that is Prince Harry creeping in the background . The gown, which appeared to be strapless and black velvet, was accessorized with sparkly earrings and a necklace that she reportedly received as royal wedding gifts. Kate’s wedding dress, of course, was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The girl definitely has her favorites … and exquisite taste, if you ask us. Wills, meanwhile, looked dapper in a classic black tux at the event, part of a busy week for the couple, who will spend Christmas at the palace and with her family. All in all, they make Britain proud with each public appearance. Check out our gallery of Kate Middleton pictures for more fashion highlights from the past year! [Photos: Fame Pictures]
Not so fast, Times Square ball. Before we celebrate the beginning of 2012, it’s time to raise a glass to the year that was. At THG, we’re doing that by counting down the 10 most newsworthy celebrities of 2011. First, there was the arresting centerfold Lindsay Lohan at #10; then the newly-divorced reality show judge Jennifer Lopez at #9; then the singing sensation Selena Gomez at#8; then those hilarious viral video stars at#7 spot; then everyone’s favorite California Gurl Katy Perry at #6. Now, at #5, who else? Justin Bieber himself! 2011 was the year Justin Bieber went from floppy-haired niche favorite to mainstream teenage icon. He met the President, he made wishes come true for family members of 9/11 , he even proved infallible to the classic celebrity scandal. Seriously. Nice try, Mariah Yeater . Coming into this year, we all knew Justin could sing. But 12 months later, we know now he can also play basketball , give back to charities and dominate the box office as much as he can the music charts. “Never Say Never” made millions across the U.S. and was actually applauded by most movie critics . Bieber can also rap, act (hello, CSI guest starring-spot!) and almost take down Twitter single-handedly by merely getting a haircut. Justin went public in February with Selena Gomez, but that relationship has not slowed down his popularity. To the star’s credit, he’s been nothing but open about his feelings and his connection to this pretty artist. The only drawback of their courtship? How Bieber has made every other boyfriend in the country look horrible by comparison, thanks to stunts such as this . A crossover star, Bieber sang duets in 2011 with everyone from Chris Brown to Mariah Carey, Usher to Boyz II Men. We’re looking at our generation’s next Justin Timberlake here, a singer who can step across genres, on to the big screen, really succeed anywhere across the entertainment spectrum. The guy is seriously talented. Justin concluded an incredible year by releasing a Christmas album that shot to number-one on the charts, to no one’s surprise. He made the media round in promotion, dazzling David Letterman and singing live for Today Show viewers. You name the medium and Justin Bieber has controlled it over the past few months. So congratulations on your number-five ranking, JB. We have a feeling you’ll be a mainstay on this countdown for many years to come.
