Mandatory News

Monday, February 23, 2015

Watch 'Fifty Shades' Star Dakota Johnson and Mom Melanie Griffith's Awkward ...

The actress steamed up the red carpet at the 87th Academy Awards but shared an uncomfortable back-and-forth with her mother

Dakota Johnsonturned the heat way up on a soggy Oscars red carpet on Sunday in a luscious blood redSaint Laurent gown.

Having literally beentied up with co-star Jamie Dornan over recent months, the Fifty Shades of Grey actress brought her mother, Melanie Griffith, as her date to Hollywoods biggest night.

See photos: Oscars Red Carpet Arrivals (Photos)

However, Working Girl starGriffith couldnt suppress herdiscomfort when grilled about whether shed gone to see her daughter having X-rated on-camera s*x in the BDSM film, and the two generations of actresses shared a very awkwardback-and-forth live on national TV.

WhenABC host Lara Spencers asked Griffith if she has seen the Valentines Day movie clearly, she struckon a sore subject.

No,Griffith curtlyreplied.Scowling, Johnson said: Maybe one day, with a shrug.

Also Read: Oscars Winners: The Complete List

But her mom isnt so sure. I dont think I can, I think it would be strange, she said.Well shes a really good actress, I dont need to seethat to know how good she is, Griffith said after some attempts at saving the scene by Spencer.

The subject is an obvious sticking point between the pair, as Johnson digressed to a pouting teenager for a moment, snapping:Alright! You dont have to see it. Jesus Christ.

The last time themother-daughter duo walked the Oscars red carpet together, Johnson really was a child. In 2000, then 10-year-old Dakota joined Griffith with her dad, Antonio Banderas. Then she shyly hid from the camera behind her mom, but this year she isa presenter.

When it came to her fashion choicefor the87th Academy Awards, Johnson, 25, has definitely grown up. Shehas stuck to muted grey and silver tones while promoting the sexybox office phenomenaover recent weeks, and seemed excited to break out a new color scheme in astreamlined dresswith a high slit up the side.

Also Read: Oscars 2015: Melissa Rivers Salutes Mother Joan in Touching Video

Heavy metallic details on the shoulder and a sweetheart neckline enhanced the stunning gown, which Johnson complimented with Forevermarkjewels and her hair in a simple ponytail.

Johnson wasnotthe only starrocking red on their way into the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland. Nominee Rosamund Pike went all out with crimson lace and red heels.

E! host Giuliana Rancic broke out of her own comfort zone in aMireille Dagher red lace gown, which enhanced her new auburn locks. Meanwhile, Benedict Cumberbatchs pregnant wife Sophie Huntercovered her baby bump in a flowing red Grecian gown with lacing up the side.

Watch the video of Johnson and Griffith here.

See what all of the Oscar nominees, presenters and guests are wearing as they arrive at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the 87th annual Academy Awards

Source: http://www.thewrap.com/fifty-shades-star-dakota-johnson-and-mom-melanie-griffith-have-awkward-exchange-on-oscar-red-carpet-video/

Arquette, Simmons Win Oscars for Supporting Roles

(Bloomberg) -- J.K. Simmons, the veteran film and TV starseen in everything from Spider-Man to insurance commercials,and Patricia Arquette won Academy Awards for supporting roles.

Simmons, 60, took the prize for his part in Whiplash,while Arquette, 46, won for her role in Boyhood, Sunday atthe 87th Academy Awards, telecast live from the Dolby Theatre inHollywood. Neil Patrick Harris, a veteran emcee of the Emmys andTonys, is hosting Hollywoods most prestigious awards show forthe first time.

Harris, 41, opened the show with a sharp elbow forHollywood, joking the ceremony would honor the best and thewhitest in a poke at academy voters who bestowed only twonominations on the Martin Luther King Jr. drama Selma. Thesnub led to the creation of the Twitter hashtag #OscarSoWhite.

Simmons garnered the statuette in a tough contest againstEdward Norton, who plays a hard-to-work-with Broadway actor inBirdman, and Ethan Hawke, co-star of Boyhood, a comingof age tale. All three films are nominated for best picture inan awards season marked by small, artistically ambitious movies.

Simmons described the awards race as more tiring than thelean times. For him the award means more opportunity, hesaid backstage.

Arquette, who won for her supporting role in the movieBoyhood, the coming-of-age tale shot over 12 years with thesame cast, said the time has come for equal rights for women.

Womens Equality

To every woman who has given birth to every taxpayer andcitizen of this nation: We have fought for everybody elsesequal rights, Arquette said from the stage. Its our time tohave wage equality once and for all, and equal rights for womenin the United States of America.

Boyhood is a favorite for best picture among bettinghouses, along with Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue ofIgnorance). This years nominees highlight small-budget filmswith big artistic aims.

In Boyhood, Arquette plays the mother to Mason andSamantha, who audiences watch grow through their childhood andteen years. While the film focuses on Mason, moviegoers also seeArquettes character and the father, played by Ethan Hawke, growover time.

In Whiplash, Simmons plays Terence Fletcher, aninstructor known for his terrifying methods as well as histeaching talents. He discovers an aspiring drummer and bringshim into his top jazz ensemble at the school, forever changingthe young mans life. The film has a total of five nominations.

Best Favorites

Simmons won the Screen Actors Guild award for the role aswell as a Golden Globe, and was the favorite to win the Oscar,according to GoldDerby.com, which tracks the awards races.

Of the films competing for best picture. Boyhood andBirdman are the favorites to win, based on the odds frombetting houses. Richard Linklaters unique 12-year project hasbrought in $44 million at the box office worldwide, according toresearcher Box Office Mojo. Birdman has grossed $73 million.

American Sniper, from Warner Bros., has the biggest boxoffice sales so far among the best-picture nominees, with $406million worldwide, as of Feb. 22. It is nominated in sixcategories, including best actor for Bradley Cooper.

The other nominees include The Grand Budapest Hotel, acomic post-World War I caper tale, The Imitation Game, thestory of World War II British codebreaker Alan Turing, theStephen Hawking story The Theory of Everything, and theMartin Luther King Jr. story Selma.

To contact the reporter on this story:Anousha Sakoui in Los Angeles at asakoui@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story:Anthony Palazzo at apalazzo@bloomberg.netRob Golum, Dave McCombs

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-23/j-k-simmons-wins-oscar-for-role-as-tough-teacher-in-whiplash-

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Indie Spirit Awards Winners List For 2015 Includes 'Birdman,' Michael Keaton ...

Hosts Kristen Bell, left, and Fred Armisen speak at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Berenice Marlohe arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Jason Reitman arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Katherine Waterston arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Oprah Winfrey, left, and David Oyelowo arrive at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Julianne Moore, left, and Bart Freundlich arrive at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Clea DuVall, left, and Natasha Lyonne arrive at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kristen Wiig arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Miles Teller arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Common arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kerry Washington arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Oprah Winfrey arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kristen Bell arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Aubrey Plaza arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

David Oyelowo arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Jessica Chastain arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Actress Emma Stone attends the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Jessica Chastain arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

Olivia Munn arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Jessica Chastain arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Jenny Slate arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Michael Keaton, left, and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu arrive at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Michael Keaton, left, and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu laugh as they arrive at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Paul Wesley arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Benjamin McKenzie arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Cate Blanchett arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Eric White, left, and Patricia Arquette arrive at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Emmy Rossum arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Yvette Yates arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

Louise Roe arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Jeremy Sisto arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Marta Cunningham, right, and James Frain arrive at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Fred Armisen arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Stana Katic arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Marcia Cross arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Mark Duplass, right, and Katie Aselton arrive at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Anne Heche arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Jenna Malone attends the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Actors Ellar Coltrane (L) and Ethan Hawke attend the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Actor Andre Benjamin attends the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Actor Ethan Hawke attends the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Actress Gillian Jacobs and Film historian Leonard Maltin pose at the FIJI Water tent during the 30th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for FIJI Water)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Matt Bomer attends the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Rinko Kikuchi arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Matt McGorry arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Gillian Jacobs arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Michael Keaton and Adrien Brody attend the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Actress Lorelei Linklater attends the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Rene Russo attends the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Actress Jena Malone attends the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Actress Berenice Marlohe attends the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Jonathan Leibson/WireImage)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Actor J.K. Simmons attends the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Model Selita Ebanks attends the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 21, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Jonathan Leibson/WireImage)

Aja Naomi King arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

Darby Stanchfield arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/21/indie-spirit-awards-winners-list-2015_n_6727342.html

American Horror Story actor Ben Woolf struck by vehicle, in critical condition

Posted February 20 2015 3:13 PM EST

American Horror Story actor Ben Woolf was struck by a car on Thursday evening at 9 p.m.

Woolf, who plays Meep inAmerican Horror Story: Freak Show, was struck in the head by the side mirror of a passing vehicle at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Gramercy Place in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Woolf was transported to a nearby hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The police confirmed the incident was not a hit and run, as the driver remained at the scene.

In addition to playing Meep in Freak Show,Woolf also appeared in the first season of American Horror Story.

Originally posted February 20 2015 3:13 PM EST

Source: http://www.ew.com/article/2015/02/20/american-horror-story-actor-ben-woolf-struck-car-critical-condition

Kurt Busch's final appeal denied

Updated: February 22, 2015, 9:33 AM ET

By Bob Pockrass | ESPN.comKurt Busch's Final Appeal Denied

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Kurt Busch lost his final NASCAR appeal Saturday night to get his indefinite suspension rescinded prior to the Daytona 500, the sport's biggest race that is set to go green Sunday afternoon.

NASCAR suspended the Stewart-Haas Racing driver Friday after the release of a Kent County (Delaware) Family Court commissioner opinion that detailed why he believed Busch had committed an act of domestic violence against ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll.

Busch lost his initial appeal to a three-member NASCAR-appointed panel Saturday afternoon and then made an appeal Saturday night to NASCAR Final Appeals Officer Bryan Moss. A former president of Gulfstream who was named as NASCAR's top appeals boss in 2014, Moss had not ruled on any final appeal until Saturday night.

Source: http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/12359632/kurt-busch-loses-appeal-indefinite-suspension

Kyle Busch Will Not Race In Daytona 500

Updated: February 22, 2015, 2:08 AM ET

By Bob Pockrass | ESPN.comKyle Busch Will Not Race In Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Kyle Buschwill miss the Daytona 500 after suffering a broken right leg and left foot following a hard crash into an interior concrete wall during an Xfinity Series race Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.

[+] Enlarge

Brian Lawdermilk/Getty ImagesKyle Busch was stretchered off after his car slammed into an infield concrete wall during the Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

Busch needed assistance getting out of his car after it slammed into a wall that did not have an energy-absorbing steel-and-foam energy reduction (SAFER) barrier. His right leg was placed in an air cast before he was transported by ambulance to nearby Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, where he underwent surgery Saturday night for a compound fracture of his lower right leg. He also suffered a mid-foot fracture in his left foot.

The team reported late Saturday night the surgery was successful and that Busch would remain hospitalized for observation.

Busch's wife, Samantha, offered an update on Twitter early Sunday morning: "In the recovery room with Kyle he's alert n chatting. Surgery went well. We thank you all for the support, prayers and love during this time."

Daytona track president Joie Chitwood said the speedway failed for not having the soft walls and will start next week on having them installed "on every inch of our property."

"The Daytona International Speedway did not live up to its responsibility today," Chitwood said. "We should have had SAFER barrier there. We're going to fix that. We're going to fix that right now."

Busch was supposed to start fourth Sunday in the Daytona 500. Matt Crafton, a two-time Truck Series champion who has never raced in the Daytona 500, will replace Busch in the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Hundreds gather to honor Malcolm X on anniversary of assassination

Activists, actors and politicians gathered Saturday in New York City to honor civil rights leader Malcolm X with a ceremony at the Harlem site where he was killed 50 years ago.

About 300 people converged to hear remarks from one of Malcolm Xs six daughters, Ilyasah Shabazz, as well as elected officials. The ceremony was held at the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, formerly known as the Audubon Ballroom.

A blue light shone onto the floor in the exact spot where he was killed. A mural with images of Malcolm X adorned a wall.

He was just a young man who gave all that he possibly could, Shabazz said after a moment of silence marking the time of his death.

Malcolm X, whose full name was El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was 39 when he was shot in the theater on Feb. 21, 1965, as he was preparing to address several hundred of his followers.

By the time he died, the Muslim leader had moderated his militant message of black separatism and pride but was still very much a passionate advocate of black unity, self-respect and self-reliance. Three members of the Nation of Islam were convicted of murder in his death. He had repudiated the Nation of Islam less than a year earlier.

In an interview with The Associated Press on the eve of the anniversary observance, Shabazz said she was pleased that the site is now a place for people to get a sense of empowerment.

One of the great things about Malcolm is that he redefined the civil rights movement to include a human rights agenda, she said. So while we are focusing on integrating schools, integrating housing and all these other things, Malcolm said that we demand our human rights by any means necessary. And that means that we have to address these problems. That we have to identify them, and absolutely discuss them.

Social and political activist Ron Daniels delivered the keynote address, calling Malcolm X a man of honesty and integrity. He ended his speech with chants of Long Live Malcolm X! as people stood and clapped.

The ceremony concluded with a reading by actor Delroy Lindo of a eulogy for Malcolm X that was written by the late actor and activist Ossie Davis.

Source: http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article10894682.html