Reuters - Sam Mendes was already a top theater director when, at age 34, he burst onto Hollywood's scene with his film directorial debut, "American Beauty," a dark tale of dysfunction in a suburban family.
AFP - Queen Elizabeth II urged victims of the credit crunch not to "lie down and accept defeat" but to draw strength from loved ones in her annual Christmas message to the Commonwealth Thursday.
Marisa Tomei is adamant she could never work as a lapdancer - because she is not talkative enough. The actress plays a stripper in new movie The Wrestler, but insists real-life topless dancers have to be outgoing and chatty to succeed.


Focus Features has just released the official trailer for their upcoming 3D stop-motion animated film Coraline. From Henry Selick, visionary director of The Nightmare Before Christmas,


Filming on Lost creator J.J. Abrams new TV show was disrupted last week due to a strike at a New York hotel. The cast and crew of new series Fringe were due to begin shooting at the Crown Plaza Hotel, near Long Island's La Guardia Airport.


Click here for the latest edition of our daily web series Lara's wardrobe cam -- as "The Insider"'s Lara Spencer and stylist Anya Sarre pick the perfect outfit for tonight's show.   Your daily fashion fix starts right now!

[Read full story on The Insider]
"The Insider" style guru Steven Cojocaru has your fashion '08 recap! See the top style winners of the year, from Renee Zellweger's slinky, sexy, glittery Oscar gown to Teri Hatcher crowned double-winner ensemble, looking gorgeous in yellow at the Emmys and sensational in silver at the SAG Awards!   "Truly a spectacular, splendiferous year of staggering fashion, where all my divas delivered on the red carpet big time," says Cojo. Watch the video for Cojo's picks for this year's best, then check back tomorrow for Cojo's worst-dressed of '08!

[Read full story on The Insider]
Happy Birthday to English singer Dido (1971), Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan (1971), stolen base leader Rickey Henderson (1958), Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox (1954), "Carrie" actress Sissy Spacek (1949),


Filed under: Tom & Katie

Wherever Katie Holmes goes, Suri follows. Props to Katie for not ignoring her kid. Is Suri just a lucky kid with a doting mom or a publicity pawn?See Also Suri, There's' a Santa Clause -- But He's Dead to You...

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Filed under: Celebrity Justice Kevin Federline clearly likes 'em a little on the wild side. K-Fed's new squeeze, Victoria Prince, has had her share of run-ins with the law. Just last year, Prince was arrested for assault and disturbing the peace. But, she pled not guilty and the...

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Filed under: Wacky & Weird

Since when was drinking Jim Beam considered community service?Kid Rock recently went ballistic on his blog when a judge refused to allow him to use his live performances in Iraq as community service for his Waffle House assault. But when you look at...

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Filed under: Celebrity Justice

Marty Ingels -- the husband of the legendary Partridge Family matriarch Shirley Jones -- is under investigation for allegedly shoplifting a $500 hat.It happened at Baron Hats, a custom store that has made hats for the "Indiana Jones" and "Pirates of...

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E! Online - Kate Walsh marriage was facing cancellation even sooner than we thought.
Webisode 12/24/08 Here Lara's wearing a black, asymmetrical one-shoulder Leona Edmiston dress. Price tag? $515! Now, "Insider" head stylist Anya Sarre tells you how to achieve Lara's stunning look for less. Click today, Wear it Tomorrow!! Dress: Target www.target.com Shoes: Nicole Miller DSW www.dsw.com Bracelets: Diamonair www.diamonair.com Earrings: CVS www.cvs.com Belt: Marshall’s www.marshallsonline.com

[Read full story on The Insider]
E! Online - Lindsay Lohan has taken to her MySpace blog for to spread her own brand of, um, Christmas cheer.
Reuters - Earlier this month Adam Sandler whose new family movie "Bedtime Stories" debuts in U.S. theaters on Christmas Day, agreed to answer some questions posed by kids on Reuters' Fan Fare blog.
AP - Director Mike Nichols once said of Carrie Fisher: "She has too much personality for one person and not enough for two persons."
Reuters - Philanthropist and hotel heir Steven Hilton confronted two intruders in his Malibu Hills home earlier this week, police said on Wednesday, just days after his celebrity niece, Paris Hilton was burglarized.
Britney Spears has reportedly dismissed the two choreographers who helped launch her recent comeback appearances in favor of the man who directed Madonna's recent world tour.


Reese Witherspoon used to dare her brother to touch dead, skinned raccoons in their freezer.

The 'Four Christmases' actress was terrified of the dead animals her doctor father sometimes received as payment from his Tennessee patients, but the animal corpses inspired a popular game between her and sibling John.
Britney Spears reportedly snuck out of her home in disguise for a secret sex session.

The 'Womanizer' singer apparently defied her father Jamie's ban on men to enjoy the saucy rendezvous with a mystery friend - and even bragged of her romp when she got home.
Scarlett Johansson Christmas tradition is watching 'Goodfellas' on Christmas Day.

The 24-year-old actress - who married 'Definitely, Maybe' star Ryan Reynolds earlier this year - is looking forward to cuddling up with her new husband and watching the Mafia drama.
'Tropic Thunder' star Ben Stiller was rushed to New York's Mount Sinai Hospital on Sunday (12.21.08) where he was treated by specialist doctors determined to ensure his hand returned to full health.

A source said: "One of the hospital's top hand specialists was called in to treat him."
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are set to spend $6,000 on wrapping paper this Christmas.

The celebrity couple - who have a two-year-old daughter Suri together - are said to want to impress friends and family by wrapping gifts in expensive paper.
Cate Blanchett says all her pregnancies have been "surprises".

The 39-year-old actress - who has three sons, seven-year-old Dashiell John, four-year-old Roman Robert and eight-month-old Ignatius Martin, with husband Andrew Upton - admits she has been stunned each time she has found out she is expecting.
Beyonce Knowles is worried she might kill her family when she cooks Christmas dinner.

The 'Cadillac Records' star - who is married to music mogul Jay-Z - has planned a festive feast for her closest relatives but fears her lack of culinary skills may prove to be a serious problem.
Nicole Kidman is getting the serious stink-eye from her rich neighbors in a Sydney marina because she's left a big one in the water -- her yacht.Nicole sold her apartment in fancy Walsh Bay and was supposed to take her boat, named Hokulani when she...

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On TMZ TV tonight -- Warner Brothers wants $49 million from CBS, Jennifer Lopez wants to be left alone (is that such a good idea?), and a homeless guy wants a steak dinner. Be careful what you wish for!Check local listings....

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Filed under: Movies, Beauty, 'Memba Them?!

In the '40s and '50s, Esther Williams became famous for musical films with elaborate aquatic numbers like "Bathing Beauty" and "Million Dollar Mermaid." Guess what she looks like now!...

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Filed under: Wacky & Weird

When you're only 2'8" -- it's best to get some help when crossing the street late at night....

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Filed under: Wacky & Weird

Kooky Courtney Love took to her MySpace blog to trash Robert Kardashian -- and now the whole family is hella pissed!C. Love accused the Kardashian bro of a hate crime -- saying he attacked one of her employees and repeatedly called him a faggot....

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Filed under: Celebrity Justice Kate Walsh has filed her own divorce papers, and she's sayin' the marriage was over before her hubby even knew.In papers filed this afternoon in L.A. County Superior Court, Walsh says she and Alexander Young separated on November 17. Alex, who filed...

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Filed under: Celebrity Justice Jon Peters the mega-producer whose credits include "Flashdance," "Batman" and "Rain Man," probably wishes he had hired Jacoby & Meyers rather than the dude he's now suing.In a lawsuit filed today in L.A. County Superior Court, Peters claims his...

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WILL SMITH’s son JAYDEN knows what he wants Santa to bring him for Christmas a real-life car. The 10-year-old - whose mother is actress Jada Pinkett Smith - is not willing to wait until his 16th birthday, when he is legally allowed get behind the wheel.When asked what gift he wants to for Christmas, the
Anne Hathaway is hoping to keep Christmas cheap this year (08) - she’s refusing to buy anything that costs more than $50 (£33.30).The actress is researching inexpensive gifts so she doesn’t end up spending a fortune as she shops for her friends and family.She explains, "I’m doing a lot of research right now on cool
Actor Jason Isaacs is racing to get to Lapland this Christmas, so he can give his kids some magical memories.The Harry Potter star fears he spends too much time away from his young children while he is filming, and wants to make sure they have a great family Christmas.He says, "I get home when my
Friends of actress Olga Kurylenko will be hard-pressed to top the star’s last Christmas (07) present - her role as a BOND girl in QUANTUM OF SOLACE.The sexy star was enjoying a traditional turkey meal when she received a phone call from her agent telling her she’d won the role of Camille Montes in the
Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon loves Christmas, because she gets to play chef for all of her family.The Legally Blonde star loves cooking for her two children - Ava, nine, and Deacon, five, with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe - and always makes sure the festive supper is a main part of the celebrations.She says, "I have kids,
Former SPICE GIRLS star Emma Bunton receives an annual Christmas card from British royals PRINCES WILLIAMS and HARRY.The singer first met the young princes during the height of her career in the girlband, when the boys were both teenagers.Prince William also famously admitted to having a poster of Bunton on his wall.And the star admits
Kate Hudson is taking to the slopes this Christmas, so her young son can perfect his skiing.The actress is returning to her family’s Colorado retreat, where she wed rocker Chris Robinson on New Year’s Eve (31Dec) in 2000.And the former couple’s four-year-old son Ryder will also start perfecting his technique on the pistes.She says, "Christmas
Mariah Carey is planning to wow husband NICK CANNON with her cooking skills when the couple sits down for its first Christmas feast together.Last Christmas, the pair wasn’t even dating, but, after a whirlwind romance, they wed in April (08) - and now Carey has a special feast planned to show her man she’s the
Actress Emma Watson is looking forward to Christmas this year - she’s spending it skiing with her family.The Harry Potter star splashed out on a chalet as an 18th birthday treat to herself, but insists it’s something all her relatives can enjoy.She says "That’s a family thing. We’re all going up there for Christmas. I
Pamela Anderson is planning to give outgoing U.S. President GEORGE W. BUSH and his successor BARACK OBAMA the same gift this Christmas - a copy of her favourite inspirational book.The busty actress/model is such a fan of Ingrid Newkirk’s new tome One Can Make A Difference, she’s buying up copies to hand out as presents
Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston has an unusual treat which she reserves for her Christmas Day feast - she swaps turkey for chilli con carne.The former Friends star loves the spicy creation and always serves it to her guests over the holidays.But Aniston admits that she usually leaves the cooking to someone else, as her culinary
GOOD CHARLOTTE frontman Joel Madden will be saving money this Christmas because his girlfriend NICOLE RICHIE doesn’t want an expensive present.The singer admits he won’t be buying his partner anything too pricey because she would prefer him to put more effort into her gift.He tells E! Online, "I have no clue right now what I’m
Nicole Kidman is looking forward to her first Christmas with daughter SUNDAY ROSE - so she can put her hand puppet technique to good use.The actress, who is married to country singer Keith Urban, gave birth to the tot on 7 July 2008.And Kidman is going all out to make it a memorable celebration by
Beyonce Knowles is planning a relaxing Christmas cruising around the Mediterranean.The R&B star is making sure her first holidays as a married woman are as stress-free as possible.She says, "I’m taking the whole month off - the end of December and the first week of January. I wanna travel, I wanna go to the South