Some directors clearly have no filter and suffer for it; others choose to live altogether filter-less, playing the game their own way, on their own terms. Which is why earlier this year Movieline anointed Tarsem Singh ( The Cell, The Fall ) the honey badger of Hollywood ; an indie film talent recently gone mainstream — who wore a homemade shirt proclaiming “I’ve been media trained” at WonderCon — Tarsem’s infamously cheeky public persona might threaten to overtake his work if only his films, just three features to date counting this week’s Immortals , weren’t so distinctive and gorgeous.
“Oh, no. I’ve done that gig,” Robin Williams responded when asked by Moviefone this afternoon whether he would consider replacing Eddie Murphy as this year’s Oscar host. “Years ago I co-hosted with Alan Alda and Jane Fonda and I pretty much saw my career flash before me, before I started. So, it was like, ‘No…’ It’s a tough gig. It’s a weird night, man. It’s pretty thankless in terms of if you do great, if they say that you’re a little edgy, they say, ‘He’s cool.’ If you’re not, they’re going to go, ‘He’s timid.'” [ Moviefone ]
Cutest couple ever alert? Lauren Conrad not only broke up with Dancing with the Stars pro Derek Hough recently, but the 25-year-old isn’t wasting any time moving on to her next guy … Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford! A source tells Us Weekly that the Hills alum was spotted “making out” with the actor. Their reps deny the hookup … but there’s no denying this kind of hotness! Lauren Conrad and Chace Crawford kicked off the hot night of flirting at L.A.’s Voyeur nightclub and later connected at a party at actor Shawn Pyfrom’s house. “There’s always been an attraction between them,” an insider says. “[But] Lauren is really enjoying herself lately. She’s not taking anything too seriously!” That’s what they all say. Play on, players. Think they make a cute couple?
Next year’s Oscar nominations have yet to be announced, but this has: Eddie Murphy has stepped down as host of the 84th Academy Awards, according to reports. The actor’s announcement comes one day after Tower Heist director Brett Ratner resigned as producer of the program. The 50-year-old said in a statement: “First and foremost, I want to say I completely understand and support each party’s decision with regard to a change of producers for this year’s Academy Awards.” Murphy went on to say: “I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I’m sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job.” Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak respected Murphy’s decision, saying in a statement: “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well.” Ratner recently came under serious fire for saying “rehearsal is for fags” while promoting Tower Heist . The controversial director also spoke openly about his sex life with actress Olivia Munn, who he claimed to “bang a few times.” And that brings you up to speed.
The news about Eddie Murphy hosting the Academy Awards was well-received, but he will no longer be the master of ceremonies of the 2012 Oscars. Murphy made his unfortunate resignation after Brett Ratner, the producer of the annual event, stepped down in disgrace yesterday (November 8th). Since Ratner hired Murphy to host the Academy Awards, some expected Murphy to follow suit. Ratner used a disparaging homosexual slur recently, and resigned from his post after many expressed offense and outrage at his word choice. He also offended many by discussing sex with media outlets while promoting his new film Tower Heist . Find out the rest of the story right here . RELATED POSTS: Eddie Murphy: “Tower Heist” Was Originally A Black “Ocean’s Eleven” [EXCLUSIVE] Eddie Murphy Is Hosting The Oscars!
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a conundrum: He’s an immensely likable actor, though he’s also very self-serious. He’s hammy, yet pretentious. He’s always rousing crowds with spirited acoustic covers, yet he’s always pimping that website of his. Bottom line: He’s an interesting mix, and because he gave an amazing performance in Mysterious Skin , I grant him extra leeway — and a tribute to his best moments as a viral singing sensation! Yesterday we watched him strum the bejesus out of R. Kelly’s “Ignition (Remix)” and today let’s tally up all his fun covers, sort out our favorites, and declare one favorite.
In case you haven’t heard, the Oscars have entered a state of crisis — or a state of freedom, if you prefer. Now that Eddie Murphy is out as host of this year’s Academy Awards, let’s vent as quickly as we can and think of the single best option for a replacement emcee.
Eddie Murphy is leaving the Oscars in support of his buddy Brett Ratner . Here’s his statement: “First and foremost I want to say that I completely understand and support each party’s decision with regard to a change of producers for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony,” Murphy said earlier today. “I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I’m sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job.” Aw, well that’s a shame. We understand the Eddie wanted to work with his long-time collaborator, but we sure would have loved to see what they would have come up with. Oh well. Blame Ratner and his big mouth. More On Bossip! Shhhh! Embarrassing Secrets That Damn Near Ruined These People’s Careers And Lives! R.I.P. A Celebration Of The Life Of Dwight Arrington Myers AKA “Heavy D The Overweight Lover” [PICS] Galleries: Rihanna And Friends “Ball So Hard VACA” (Photos) Bad Credit, No Credit? No Problem: The 10 Best Cities To Live In Without A Car (L.A. Is On This List??)
Rapper had a string of hip-hop dance hits in the ’90s; the cause of death is so far unknown. By Rob Markman Heavy D in 1991 Photo: Ron Galella / Getty Images New York rap legend Heavy D died Tuesday (November 8) at age 44, MTV News has learned through a source. Heavy, who was born Dwight Arrington Myers, was most known for his role in the group Heavy D & the Boyz. Together, the group recorded an array of hip-hop dance hits like 1991’s “Now That We Found Love” and 1994’s “Nuttin’ but Love.” Aside from his own hits, Heavy rapped on Michael Jackson’s 1991 hit ” Jam ” and a remix to Janet Jackson’s 1990 single “Alright” from her Rhythm Nation album. Photos: The life and career of Heavy D. According to TMZ , the Mount Vernon, New York, MC was transported to an L.A. hospital after a 911 call was placed from the musician’s Beverly Hills home. The call was made around 11:25 a.m. PT to report an unconscious male, but when the ambulance arrived, Heavy was conscious and speaking. He was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead a few hours later at 1 p.m. ET. As of now, the cause of death is unknown. Myers also composed the theme song for the 1990s sketch comedy show “In Living Color” and, as an actor, appeared in several television shows like “Roc,” “A Different World” and “Boston Public.” He also had roles in numerous films like “New Jersey Drive,” “Cider House Rules” and, most recently, ” Tower Heist ” with Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller. Most recently, the rapper/dancehall singer closed out the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards with an energetic performance consisting of several dance numbers. Heav powered through a host of his classics like “The Overweight Lover,” “Mr. Big Stuff,” “Is It Good to You” and “I Want Somebody” to the delight of the live crowd. Heavy was also active on Twitter, often sending positive messages to his followers. His last message, which came earlier Tuesday, read , “BE INSPIRED!” Share your memories of Heavy D on Facebook. Related Photos Heavy D: Life, Music And Friends Related Artists Heavy D & The Boyz
In this weekend’s Tower Heist , Eddie Murphy stars as as a benevolent crook who helps a few Ponzi scheme victims attempt to recover their money. So how did a Brooklyn-area stand-up transform himself into an ’80s comedic superstar, an unexpected dramatic talent and this February, an Academy Award host?
