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THE HELP and THE ARTIST will be the films to beat at the 2012 Academy Awards after landing four Oscar nominations apiece.
The two movies both landed nods for Best Picture, competing against War Horse, Moneyball, The Descendants, Hugo, The Tree of Life, Midnight in Paris and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.
The Help also scooped acting honors for Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis and Jessica Chastain, while silent film The Artist picked up nominations for Berenice Bejo and Jean Dujardin and a nod in the Best Director category for Michel Hazanavicius.
Demian Bichir (A Better Life), George Clooney (The Descendants), Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and Brad Pitt (Moneyball) will compete against The Artist star Dujardin in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category while Kenneth Branagh (My Week With Marilyn), Jonah Hill (Moneyball), Nick Nolte (Warrior), Christopher Plummer (Beginners) and Max von Sydow (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) will duke it out for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Nominees for Best Actress in a Leading Role aside from The Help’s Davis include Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs), Rooney Mara (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady) and Michelle Williams (My Week With Marilyn) and in the race for Best Actress in a Supporting Role alongside The Artist’s Bejo and The Help stars Chastain and Spencer are Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids) and Janet McTeer (Albert Nobbs).
The award nominations were announced at a press conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday (24Jan12) by Winter’s Bone star Jennifer Lawrence and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak.
The 84th annual Academy Awards ceremony will take place on 26 February (12) at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, and will be hosted by veteran Billy Crystal.
The major list of nominees is as follows: Best Picture: War Horse The Artist Moneyball The Descendants The Tree of Life Midnight in Paris The Help Hugo Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Best Actor: Demian Bichir - A Better Life George Clooney - The Descendants Jean Dujardin - The Artist Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Brad Pitt - Moneyball Best Actress: Glenn Close - Albert Nobbs Viola Davis - The Help Rooney Mara - The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady Michelle Williams - My Week With Marilyn Best Supporting Actor: Kenneth Branagh - My Week With Marilyn Jonah Hill - Moneyball Nick Nolte - Warrior Christopher Plummer - Beginners Max von Sydow - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Best Supporting Actress: Berenice Bejo - The Artist Jessica Chastain - The Help Melissa McCarthy - Bridesmaids Janet McTeer - Albert Nobbs Octavia Spencer - The Help Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist Alexander Payne - The Descendants Martin Scorsese - Hugo Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris Terrence Malick - The Tree of Life

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Soul legend ETTA JAMES has died at the age of 73.
The singer passed away at a hospital in Riverside, California on Friday (20Jan12) after a two-year battle with leukaemia. She also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C.
James was born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles in 1938 when her mother was just 14 years old.
She began professional vocal training at the age of five with the musical director of a local church, and her big break came after her family moved to San Francisco and she was discovered by blues star Johnny Otis. James was 14 years old when Otis took her and a group of her friends to record in L.A. and they released their first track in 1955 under the name The Peaches.
She soon split from the group and launched a solo career, touring with Otis Redding in the 1950s, before finding fame with her debut solo album At Last, which was released in 1961.
The record included her massive hit single At Last and her famous cover of Muddy Waters’ I Just Want to Make Love to You.
Her successful career in the 1960s was blighted by a heroin addiction, during which James endured a number of stints in a psychiatric hospital. She and her husband, Artis Mills, whom she married in 1969, were both arrested for drug possession and Mills served 10 years in prison. James kicked her bad habit in 1974 but endured another stint in rehab in 1998.
James’ career stalled in the 1980s, but she made a successful comeback and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. A year later (94), she won her first Grammy Award for her album Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday.
She went on to win two more Grammys for her work, as well as a lifetime achievement honour and the induction of two of her songs into the Grammy Hall of Fame. James’ star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled in 2003 and in 2008, her story came to the big screen in musical biopic Cadillac Records, in which James was portrayed by Beyonce.
Her later years were blighted by illness - she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2009 and hospitalised in early 2010 after contracting an infection caused by the MRSA bug.
Her cancer diagnosis came to light at the beginning of 2011 when Mills filed court papers in a bid to win control of her finances, claiming she had become too ill to manage her own affairs. A judge ruled in December (11) that he would remain conservator of her estate following a legal challenge from her son Donto.
She was placed under 24-hour care in December (11) after her health further deteriorated and she spent her last Christmas (Dec11) under the care of doctors in a Riverside hospital after suffering breathing difficulties.
Her death was announced by her longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, and comes just three days after her mentor Otis’ passing at the age of 90.

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ROBERT REDFORD has praised U.S. President BARACK OBAMA for "standing up" to the oil industry by shelving plans for an enormous pipeline stretching across the States.
The Oscar-winning actor/director has been a vocal opponent of the Keystone XL project, which would result in a new transportation pipe running from Canada to Texas.
Obama announced on Wednesday (18Jan12) he agrees with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recommendation that the proposal should be rejected - and Redford has hailed the president for avoiding an "economic disaster".
In a blog for The Huffington Post, he writes, "Let’s face it: Big Oil is used to getting its way. But not today… and we have President Obama to thank for standing up to them in spite of the political risk. President Obama has just rejected a permit for the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline - a project that promised riches for the oil giants and an environmental disaster for the rest of us.
"His decision represents a victory of historic proportions for people from throughout the pipeline path and all across America who have waged an uphill, years-long fight against one of the most nightmarish fossil fuel projects of our time."

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DENISE RICHARDS is glad to have patched up her rocky relationship with ex-husband CHARLIE SHEEN because they have become "like brother and sister" since putting their bitter divorce behind them.
The Bond girl divorced the troubled actor in 2006 and they endured a nasty court battle and a public war-of-words during the separation.
They have since mended the rift for the sake of their two daughters, Sam and Lola, and they have even been enjoying family holidays together, including a Christmas (11) vacation with their girls and Richards’ newly-adopted baby girl Eloise.
Richards tells Access Hollywood they are now closer than ever: "We’ve actually become like brother and sister, we really have. We’ve become very, very good friends and we wanted to have a trip with our daughters… We actually get along… If you’re divorced, it’s no longer about you anymore… (The key is) making it about the kids. You have to be the bigger person and make it about the kids and so that’s what we’re doing."

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HEATHER LOCKLEAR and her former fiance JACK WAGNER have been ordered to meet with prosecutors to discuss an alleged bust-up between the pair in December (11), according to a U.S. report.
Cops are said to have been called to Wagner’s home in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley last month (Dec11) to investigate reports of a disturbance, just weeks after the former couple ended the engagement.
Neither side wanted to press charges, but the case was handed to the L.A. City Attorney for review, according to TMZ.com, and both Locklear and Wagner have been asked to attend an informal meeting with prosecutors, who will decide if any charges will be brought.
The meeting will reportedly take place before the end of the month (Jan12).

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Soccer superstar DAVID BECKHAM and his family are staying in America for the foreseeable future - he has signed a new two-year deal to continue playing for Los Angeles Galaxy.
Rumours emerged earlier this month (Jan12) the sportsman was considering moving to France so he could play for soccer club Paris Saint-Germain, but he turned it down, citing family reasons.
Now the British star has decided to continue living in Los Angeles because his wife Victoria and their four children are "settled" in the city.
Beckham says, "This was an important decision for me. I had many offers from clubs from around the world, however, I’m still passionate about playing in America and winning trophies with the Galaxy.
"I’ve seen first-hand how popular soccer is now in the States and I’m as committed as ever to growing the game here. My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending many more years here."

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British boy band JLS are using their vocal skills to raise money for charity - they’re recording the official single for the U.K.’s Sport Relief campaign.
The band has written and recorded a song called Proud as a soundtrack for the charity, which aims to raise cash for good causes via sporting events.
The track will go on sale as a download on 18 March (12) before it is released in stores a day later (19Mar12), and the group is also taking part in a one-off concert for the campaign later in the month (24Mar12).
JLS are not the only stars to be raising funds for Sport Relief this year (12) - British singer Olly Murs, actress Kara Tointon and former Olympic rower James Cracknell have been sponsored to run the Sport Relief Mile.

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Australian fans of D12 have been left disappointed - event organisers have cancelled the Perth leg of the country’s HeatWave festival where the band was due to headline.
The hip-hop collective was due to perform at the event on Friday (20Jan12), alongside Obie Trice, Tech N9ne and Chamillionaire.
But just a day before the show was due to go ahead, representatives took to the festival’s official Facebook.com page to announce it has been cancelled.
A statement reads, "We regret to inform you that due to circumstances out of our control, HeatWave Perth has been cancelled.
"All ticket buyers will be refunded fully. MURDA-US Productions apologises to Perth for what is a great loss to us all. We thank you for all of your support, and again sincerely apologise to everyone affected." It is the latest in a string of woes for the festival - D12 were also due to perform at the Adelaide event last weekend (14-15Jan12), but they scrapped their slot after missing their flight to the South Australia city.
The band is reportedly planning to fulfil its commitments to play at the upcoming Melbourne and Canberra legs of the event.

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TRENT REZNOR, actor AZIZ ANSARI and rockers OK GO are among a group of musicians, filmmakers and authors who have signed a petition against controversial new anti-piracy laws in the U.S.
The Nine Inch Nails frontman is among those to have written an open letter to protest against the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA).
The bills are designed to crack down on internet piracy but they have drawn criticism over allegations they will stifle free speech on the web, with online database Wikipedia shutting down its English-language sites for 24 hours this week (beg16Jan12) in protest.
Reznor, Ansari, OK Go, author Neil Gaiman and Andy Samberg’s rap group The Lonely Island are the latest high-profile critics of the proposals and they have signed a petition and posted an open letter online in a bid to stop the bills becoming law.
The letter reads, "We fear that the broad new enforcement powers provided under SOPA and PIPA could be easily abused against legitimate services like those upon which we depend. These bills would allow entire websites to be blocked without due process, causing collateral damage to the legitimate users of the same services - artists and creators like us who would be censored as a result." Filmmaker Michael Moore also shut down his websites this week in his own protest against the proposals.

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Australian music mogul MOLLY MELDRUM has left hospital to continue his recovery at a private rehabilitation centre.
The 65 year old fell from a ladder while putting up Christmas decorations at his home late last year (11) and suffered numerous injuries including a fractured skull, a broken collar bone, punctured lung and extensive breaks and fractures to his ribcage.
He was initially placed in an induced coma and later underwent several surgeries, including an operation on his spine.
Meldrum has now been deemed well enough to leave the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne and has been transferred to the Epworth Rehabilitation Home.
His brother Brian says in a statement, "As well as his physical recovery, doctors are carefully monitoring his post-traumatic amnesia and he continues to need minimum stimulation as part of that treatment. He has a long rehabilitation road ahead of him, but we’ll keep you informed of his progress and thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts, for your concern and love."

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PINK FLOYD star ROGER WATERS will marry his fiancee on Saturday (21Jan12) at an intimate ceremony in New York, according to a U.S. report.
The British rocker has been engaged to his longtime partner Laurie Durning for seven years, and she recently confirmed they are finally planning to tie the knot in 2012.
A new reports now suggests the couple’s wedding will take place on Saturday (21Jan12).
They will exchange vows in front of just six guests at their home in Southampton, New York, according to New York Post gossip column Page Six.
The marriage will mark Waters’ fourth trip down the aisle - he was previously married to Judy Trim, Lady Carolyn Christie and Priscilla Phillips. He has three children from those relationships.

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HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER star JOSH RADNOR is set to release his memoirs, detailing his life in small-town Ohio, his Hollywood career and his adventures in between.
The 37 year old got his big break in 2005 when he landed the role of Ted Mosby on the hit U.S. sitcom, and has branched out from the show as a director with his acclaimed Happythankyoumoreplease in 2010.
Now he is set to put his life down on paper, and hopes his tome will be eye-opening for fans.
A statement from Amazon.com, the book’s publishers, reads, "The story of one man’s unlikely spiritual awakening - this is Eat, Pray, Love for those who would rather be reading (publishing house) McSweeney’s. Josh Radnor grew up in Ohio. He was driven to school in a big yellow bus. He watched The Cosby Show and John Hughes movies. He also went on to become a successful actor in Hollywood. How then, in 2007, did he end up drinking an indigenous plant medicine called ayahuasca with a shaman in Brazil?" The book will be released in April (12).

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Comedian RALPHIE MAY has finally decided to give up his marijuana habit as he fears it’s affecting his health.
The funnyman is known for his penchant for pot-puffing and has previously been in trouble with the law when he was caught in possession of drugs by customs officials as he arrived in Guam in 2010.
But May has now decided to turn his back on smoking weed because he’s convinced it’s caused his health to decline.
Last year (11) the comedian was diagnosed with walking pneumonia shortly before going on a cruise, but his condition quickly deteriorated - and he’s adamant smoking was to blame.
He tells TMZ.com, "If I hadn’t been a 20-year weed smoker, it wouldn’t have been as bad."

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Actress/singer ZOOEY DESCHANEL had a birthday to remember on Tuesday (17Jan12) - U.S. President BARACK OBAMA mailed the actress a personalised letter, wishing her "good health and happiness in the year ahead".
The Elf star was celebrating her 32nd birthday on Tuesday when she received an unexpected surprise in the mail box.
Taking to her Twitter.com account to post a snap of the document, it reads, "Michelle and I send our warmest wishes for a happy birthday. As you celebrate this special occasion with your family and friends, please know I am grateful for all you have done to encourage and support young women who are making a difference across our country.
"I hope your day is filled with love and laughter, and I wish you all the best for good health and happiness in the year ahead." Deschanel, who shares her birthday with the American leader’s wife, Michelle Obama, later poked fun at the politician for skipping out on her party, writing, "It’s okay. I get it. I would go to Michelle Obama’s birthday instead of mine, too." Tuesday marked Michelle Obama’s 48th birthday.

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Actress KATE HUDSON has replaced DEMI MOORE as the face of clothing retailer Ann Taylor.
The Ghost beauty recently fronted the brand’s 2011 winter advertising campaign and now Almost Famous star Hudson has signed on to take over as the company’s spokesperson.
She says, "I love fashion, and their new spring collection is so stylish and hip and colourful! As a young girl, I looked up to the sophisticated style of Ann Taylor, so it’s been very cool to see how the brand has evolved to meet the changing needs of modern women." Hudson has teamed up with photographer Tom Munro for her first Ann Taylor campaign shoot. The ads will be unveiled in America next month (Feb12).
The new mum also follows in the footsteps of Katie Holmes, who was among the 2011 faces of the company.

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MARK WAHLBERG has offered his apologies to the families of 9/11 victims after making "insensitive" comments about how he would have overcome the terrorist hijackers who flew a plane into New York’s Twin Towers.
The Fighter actor was originally booked on United Airlines Flight 175, which departed from his native Boston, Massachusetts bound for the Big Apple on September 11, 2001, but he decided to fly a week earlier to Toronto, Canada instead.
The decision saved his life, but Wahlberg recently claimed he would have done more to fight back against the terrorists who took over the plane had he actually been onboard the fateful flight.
In a new interview with Men’s Journal magazine, he says, "If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn’t have went down like it did. There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, ‘OK, we’re going to land somewhere safely, don’t worry.’" Wahlberg’s boast sparked controversy when the article was released online on Wednesday (18Jan12) and he immediately came under fire from the friends and families of those who perished in the terrorist attacks, including the widow of one of the Flight 93 heroes, who overcame terrorists plotting to crash land in Washington, D.C. and gave up their lives to force the plane down in a Pennsylvania field.
The actor has now backtracked over his comments, insisting he did not mean to cause offence.
In a statement to TMZ.com, he says: "To speculate about such a situation is ridiculous to begin with. I deeply apologise to the families of the victims that my answer came off as insensitive, it was certainly not my intention."

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MINISTRY rocker AL JOURGENSEN once gave a budding writer access to his recording sessions in return for a bag of drugs.
The woman told the star she wanted to write a book about the making of his 1989 album The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste and he agreed to let her join the band in the studio in return for enough drugs for them to use during the process.
He tells Revolver magazine, "She said, ‘I want to write a book about the making of this record and in return I’ll give you one pound of MDA.’ And she did. You’d lick your finger, dip it in the bag, and rub it on your gums. That bag lasted the whole record.
"She’d sit there every night and scribble s**t forever. About six months later, I looked at her book and it was nothing but gibberish and stick-figure drawings of trees. She didn’t write a f**king word."

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Actress MIRANDA COSGROVE is set to join the ranks of the stars who are furthering their education after revealing she’s leaning towards attending the University of Southern California beginning later this year (12).
The iCarly star has offers to attend both USC and New York University and she’s close to making her decision, confessing the Los Angeles school appears to be the favourite.
She explains, "I deferred for a year since I’m doing my show and it’s really getting down to the point where I have to make the decision.
"My dad loves USC because he went there and my parents don’t really want me to go to New York." And she’s hoping she’ll be able to balance a student life with work on her TV hit: "I could still do the show, especially if I went to USC." Whether she goes to USC or NYU, the School of Rock star doesn’t want to be pampered at university, telling Access Hollywood Live, "I want the dorm life… and I want a random roommate - that’s half the fun, right?"

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