NEW FACES Modeling and Acting Blog

Forbes Most Powerful Celebrity And Actress Is Angelina Jolie

2009-07-03T07:38:00.002-04:00

Forbes has released this year's Celebrity 100 list, ranking the world's most powerful celebrities from June 2008 to June 2009.

Angelina Jolie has made it to the top list, edging media maven Oprah Winfrey on the no. 1 spot for most powerful celebrities and snatching from Jennifer Aniston (not again!) the top spot for the most powerful actresses.

Angelina Jolie has made an estimated earning of $27 million last year, courtesy of her action movies Kung Fu Panda, Wanted, and the soon-to-released spy thriller Salt. The media attention from the birth of her twins, humanitarian efforts, and endless gossips and fashion citations have also contributed to her ranking.

Angelina Jolie's husband Brad Pitt ranked 9th on the list, thanks to constant media attention of his family life with the most powerful woman in the world and oh, his Academy Award nomination for doing the lead role in hit flick The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Brad Pitt's former wife Jennifer Aniston is on the 8th spot with a $25 million-earning from romantic comedies Marley and Me and He's Just Not That Into You and from the media gossips on her on-again, off-again romance with John Mayer.

Top 10 Most Powerful Celebrities:

1. Angelina Jolie
2. Oprah Winfrey
3. Madonna
4. Beyonce Knowles
5. Tiger Woods
6. Bruce Sprinsteen
7. Steven Spielberg
8. Jennifer Aniston
9. Brad Pitt
10. Kobe Bryant

Top 10 Most Powerful Actresses:

1. Angelina Jolie
2. Jennifer Aniston
3. Meryl Streep
4. Sarah Jessica Parker
5. Cameron Diaz
6. Sandra Bullock
6. Reese Witherspoon
8. Nicole Kidman
8. Drew Barrymore
10. Renee Zellweger

Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Celebrities is measured based on money and fame. Money is estimated from earnings made on films, television shows, endorsements, books and other entertainment ventures. Fame is calculated through Web hits on Google Blog Search, TV/radio mentions on LexisNexis, overall press mentions on Factiva, and the frequency of a celebrity's image appearance on the cover of 25 consumer magazines.

This 2009, Forbes' Celebrity 100 list couldn't help but admire La Jolie:

"She's rich. She's talented. She's beautiful. And now Angelina Jolie is the most powerful celebrity in the world."

Models And Celebrities Speak Out On Issues!

2009-07-02T08:51:00.008-04:00

Opinionated beauties now stand on hot issues, including political and moral beliefs.

Shine Magazine, a publication promoting "inner and outer beauty" in a woman's life, gives credit to the beauty icons who speak out their minds on contemporary issues - believing that a new era is dawning for beauty personalities.

According to magazine founder Michelle Borquez, the time has ended for celebrities to have to remain smiling and beautiful and just keep silent on issues in order to survive in Hollywood. Beauty and belief can now co-exist, thanks to the influence of opinionated beauty and fashion figures.

There's ex-Miss California Carrie Prejean, who reportedly lost the Miss USA crown after saying no to the gay marriage stance. With her marriage-should-only-be-between-man-and-woman belief, the dethroned beauty queen says her future includes "me speaking out and taking a stand for what I believe in."

There's also Elisabeth Hasselbeck, former contestant of CBS reality show "Survivor," who argues with her liberal co-host on ABC's "The View" on topics including abortion, gun control, and war in Iraq. The conservative host, according to Borquez, is a representative of the glamorous women with "moral absolutes and have families."

And then there's former supermodel Kathy Ireland who now runs a $1.4 billion company with her faith-centered campaigns. As a pro-life advocate, she believes that she was not able to send the right message to people in her modeling heyday:

"I regret that a few times in my modeling career, I may have contributed to… messages (parents find objectionable). Today, as an older and wiser mom, there are a few photo shoots I wish I'd passed on. When you know better, you do better..."

Because there's a favorable attention given to these beauty figures, a blogger has wrote that the fashion culture may be heading to a time when conservative role models may not be anymore rare:

"Whether you are 13 or 30, we all look for role models. We want to say, 'I want to be like that.' There are a whole lot of women doing amazing things, living what they believe and not afraid to show it."

Well yeah, some models and celebrities are starting to speak out their conservative opinions on issues. But nah, fashion models have long been speaking their minds on issues. If there's something new here, it's that some beauty figures with conservative opinions are getting support - whether or not the general public favor them.

Ex-Supermodel Karen Mulder, Arrested!

2009-07-01T07:55:00.004-04:00

Former supermodel Karen Mulder was arrested in France after making threatening phone calls to a plastic surgeon.

The 39-year old French-Dutch beauty reportedly became aggressive when the female surgeon refused to reverse an earlier operation she had undergone.

"She was screaming and shouting about the operation and became extremely threatening. There were repeated calls to the female surgeon who was extremely scared.

"She is being interviewed by detectives and is expected to be released on bail. Her phone records are being checked. It is not yet known if any charges will be brought," a police source had it.

Karen Mulder was just as crazy as she was beautiful. She had a long-time reputation for being troubled, especially during her "time."

She was one of the brightest fashion models in the 80s and 90s, reigning the catwalk with fellow supermodels Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Carla Bruni. She earned up to £10,000-a-day at the peak of her career and has been given the title "The Blonde With Class."

However, she ended her modeling career in 1998 and made an announcement that she "always hated being photographed:"

"From the beginning, I hated being photographed. For me, it was just an assumed role, and in the end, I didn't know who I really was as a person. Everybody was saying to me, 'Hi, you're fantastic.' 'But inside, I felt worse from day to day."

She joined the music industry later but it obviously did not become successful.

In 2001, Karen Mulder made a public controversy for claiming in a TV interview that she and other girls had been used as sex slaves by senior figures in the French police, government and fashion industry. She also claimed being raped by Prince Albert of Monaco. She withdrew the allegation days later.

She was then committed for treatment of chronic depression in a psychiatric hospital, blaming it on drug addiction during her modeling days.

In the year that followed, she attempted suicide by taking an overdose of sleeping pills. She then shunned publicity for several years after. However in 2007, Karen Mulder returned to the catwalk at Christian Dior's Paris show with 1990s supermodels Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Linda Evangelista, and Stella Tennant.

Karen Mulder now faces a charge of threatening behavior, but is likely to be released later in the day. In the first place, the supermodel still has the right to demand a reverse surgical operation, crazy or not!

Susan Boyle On Ugly Betty

2009-06-30T08:00:00.004-04:00

Unlikely singing sensation Susan Boyle is set to cameo on Ugly Betty, says reports.

The 48-year old contestant of reality show Britain's Got Talent, who was made famous by her rendition of the Les Miserables song I Dreamed A Dream, is expected to appear in a cameo role on the popular American TV show after being contacted by the Ugly Betty production team a month ago.

"Hairy Angel," errr Susan Boyle, became a global phenomenon after her live audition on the reality show has attracted worldwide media attention through YouTube. Though she did not win the contest (reportedly affected by her so-called ranting after some reporters called her "Hairy Angel" prior to the grand finale), she made appearances on talks shows and earned the admiration of some Hollywood personalities including Demi Moore.

It's no wonder why Susan Boyle has been flooded with offers coming from program makers - pretty exhausting, it seems. But when it comes to her upcoming appearance for Ugly Betty, a source has said:

"Susan has been bombarded with offers of work in America, but this is something she is really keen on and we hope to make happen. She will definitely play herself."

Play herself, eh? 'Wonder how will Susan Boyle be related to ugly Betty on the show...

Hayden Panettiere Talks Nudity In Film

2009-06-29T07:59:00.001-04:00

Add adorable Hayden Panettiere to the list of successful stars in Hollywood who started as Disney child talent. Though she became popular after doing Claire Bennet from NBC TV series Heroes, the 19-year old actress started her acting career in Disney's Remember the Titans.

Aside from acting, she's also a commercial model and a singer. She started her modeling career at barely four months old before joining the world of soap operas in the 90s. As a singer, she recorded several songs, one of which has earned a Grammy nomination.

It's no doubt that Hayden Panettiere's fresh and girl-next-door image has earned her success at a young age. So, would it be a problem if she does nudity in future film projects?

Hayden Panettiere has revealed in an interview that she's cool showing some skin. In fact, in her latest film I love You Beth Cooper, the actress had a scene in a locker where she dropped off her towel to "seduce" a nerd suitor. How naked did the teenage star went?

"I was really naked. I had these little sticky petals on my boobs, but that was about it. My dad calls me such an exhibitionist. He always says, 'God, even when you were little, you were such an exhibitionist!' "

Taking about nudity, the teenage star has said that when it comes to future films involving naked scenes, she's "cool — you never know:"

"I'm cool with my body, and I'm cool running around undressed and all that stuff, but there are just certain things that not everyone needs to know, that you need to keep somehow private and personal to you. But you never know, you never know. I could be 30 years old and just be like, 'Screw it — I want to take it all off. I better take a picture of this baby before it all goes.' "

Michael Jackson Is Dead

2009-06-26T08:15:00.003-04:00

The world mourned the death of Michael Jackson who died yesterday at UCLA Medical Center.

The 50-year old King of Pop was preparing for his comeback concerts in London when he was cut short from his rehearsals. He was rushed to the hospital after a near hour of resuscitation. He was believed to be stricken by cardiac arrest.

Michael Jackson started his career in the 1960s as the gifted child who lead a group of singing brothers called the Jackson 5. He rose to fame in the 1980s with his album "Thriller," the best-selling album of all time with estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide. By that time, he was already considered the premier all-around performer with the signature moonwalk and feverish dance moves under his belt.

Later in his career, Michael Jackson's physical transformation became apparent. From the iconic African-American features, his skin became fair and his nose narrowed. He started to become a favorite subject of celebrity bashing. When he had child molestation charges and later admitted to sharing his bed with children, it signaled the beginning of the King of Pop's downfall.

Michael Jackson's comeback tour that was to start in July 13 was expected to be the greatest comeback of the musical superstar. Too bad that he did not live long enough to the much-awaited performance that supposedly would restore his tarnished legacy.

"The world just lost the biggest pop star in history, no matter how you cut it. He's literally the king of pop. He was on the eve of potentially redeeming his career a little bit. People might have started to think of him again in a different light," sighs Billboard magazine editorial director Bill Werde.

"Michael was a friend and undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest entertainers that I fortunately had the pleasure of working with... We have lost an icon in our industry," says fellow singer Dionne Warwick.

"No joke. King of Pop is no more. Wow. It's like when Kennedy was assassinated. I will always remember being in Times Square when Michael Jackson died," exclaims one person in New York City after receiving a text message from a friend.

True enough, when words of Michael Jackson's death spread over town, the once jeering crowd was saddened and started to realize how great was freakish "Wacko Jacko's" contribution to the music industry.

Paper And Barbie Dolls Of Supermodels And Celebrities!

2009-06-25T08:40:00.003-04:00

Ever heard of the Kate Moss, Agyness Deyn and Cheryl Cole paper dolls? How about the Heidi Klum Barbie doll? Then, you should also know that there's actually Bella and Edward dolls from the most-loved teenage flick, Twilight!

It's dollnination - designers are transforming today's most popular fashion icons into something that every person, young and old, can personally hang-out and play with.

Dress-Your-Own Kate Moss, Agyness Deyn and Chery Cole Paper Dolls!

London-based artist I Love Mel has designed paperdoll versions of the famous British models and WAG singer. Starting at around £13.50, anyone can order the cut-out creations of Kate Moss, Agyness Deyn, and Cheryl Cole with outfit options. Of course, there's stripes and waistcoats for Kate, trainers and alternative hairdos for Agy, and WAG outfits for the lovely Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole.

Heidi Klum Barbie!

Available in September, the Heidi Klum Barbie is glamorous in blonde wavy hair, supermodel long legs, a sequinned minidress, and gold Dior heels. The Heidi Klum Barbie doll is part of Mattel's special edition Blonde Ambition collection, which pays tribute to iconic blondes in fashion and entertainment.

Bella and Edward - Twilight Barbie Dolls!

Ever wanting to possess the characters of Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson from the vampire movie series? Then these Bella and Edward Twilight Barbie dolls are perfect for you. Designers are genius enough to create dolls for the young fans who can't get enough of the Twilight saga.

"And so the lion fell in love with the lamb. Twilight has quickly become a worldwide phenomenon developing a strong core base of dedicated fans who are drawn to the story of a Romeo & Juliet style romance between mortal (Bella) and vampire (Edward). Who better to capture the young star-crossed love of these two characters than Barbie & Ken. Bella is dressed in her signature outfit from the movie. Edward doll sold separately."

Wow, these supermodels and celebrities are plastic fantastic! I mean, really.

Runway Diaries Wants You!

2009-06-24T07:45:00.003-04:00

Want to speak out for the modeling/fashion industry? Dig this.

New Faces is coming up with "Runway Diaries" - a modeling documentary that aims to capture the models lifestyle on film.

Lucky models who will be chosen get a chance to present the struggles and triumphs in the various stages of their careers, discuss about various topics relevant in the fashion industry today, and yeah, make great exposure in the modeling industry.

"Collecting and piecing together this information in documentary format will provide viewers with an insight into the virtually concealed world of modeling and fashion; it will also enable us to predict and make conclusions about the future of the modeling industry."

Here's more good news - the documentary is open to models of all ages, types, genders and experience levels - that's basically everyone who wants to share their side of the story in the industry.

Check out the Castings page for more information.

Victoria Beckham Removes Her Implants

2009-06-19T07:51:00.004-04:00

Victoria Beckham - known for her big hair, big boobs, and fake tan - is over and done with her fake, big asset. She had implants removed and reduced her bust to a 34B.

Victoria Beckham's boob downsizing is the third surgical procedure made on her chest. First, she had her bust increase from 34A to 34D in 1999. Then in 2001, she increased it further to a 34DD. Posh Spice had to undergo all of these surgical improvement procedures just for the WAG image she has always strive hard to maintain ever since she became Mrs. David Beckam.

But the former Spice Girls member feels like making a name for herself now, other than being the wife of high-profile footballer David Beckham. Her first step is removing her implants.

"Victoria has wanted her implants taken out for a while. She felt that was part of her old WAG image - the big hair, big boobs, fake tan - and that she has moved on since those days. She had the op three weeks ago and is very pleased with the results. After the op she came to London for business then went to France to heal properly in private," a source has revealed.

This isn't inspiring news for glamour models but bust downsizing is slowly becoming popular. Going back to a more "natural" boobs seems the best way to soothe regrets over having implants.

On the other hand, Posh Spice's decision is less on regrets (why, she made a name out of her implants and WAG image) and more on establishing a name for herself in the fashion department. Definitely, her big boobs and WAG image won't do good to her new career as Victoria Beckham - the up-market fashion designer.

Calvin Klein's Racy Campaigns

2009-06-18T08:39:00.003-04:00

Calvin Klein is really good at making controversies, steamy controversies at that. Its racy and sometimes "borderline pornographic" ad campaigns are always on the hot seat. In the mainstream "sex sells" world of media and advertising, the clothing company has definitely achieved its goal - gain a lot of publicity.

Calvin Klein has unveiled a yet another provocative billboard for its womenswear and menswear jeans line in New York this week. Some passersby raised eyebrows (while others popped their eyes out and ogled) at the large CK billboard displayed on Tuesday over a major intersection in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood (at the corner of Houston and Lafayette streets).

The ad shows a young semi-naked female model lying across one man and kissing another on a couch (and oh, there's another man on the floor but he seemed to be totally unnoticed even with his jeans unbuttoned). People think the ad is depicting a “threesome.”

The billboard has caused uproar, much coming from the people who believes the ad is obscene and inappropriate.

While there was no official statement from Calvin Klein regarding the billboard, CK menswear designer Italo Zucchelli was quoted as saying "It's my favourite campaign ever! I hope they're going to be, 'Ooooh, what is that?' And then they buy our jeans. In the best tradition of Calvin Klein."

Meanwhile, controversial sexy star Eva Mendes who's steamy commercial to promote CK fragrance 'Secret Obsession' has been banned from US television last year, is now back to turn up the heat.

A topless and sweaty Eva Mendes recently teams up with male model Jamie Dorman (yep, Keira Knightley's ex) for the Fall '09 Calvin Klein Underwear campaign.

Eva Mendes was shot in black lace bra and panty sets and a sexy garter belt while Jamie Dorman was in white briefs. The pair was styled by Love magazine's editor-in-chief Katie Grand in various state of undress - a yet another controversial CK campaign to watch.

Yes folks. Calvin Klein really did make good with its sexy advertisements "crossing the line" for years.

Whether or not the clothing company is successful in urging people to buy its jeans and underwears out of its controversial campaigns is yet to be tested by time - But the sexualization of women and the exploitation of young models are growing concerns.

Naked Gisele Bündchen Is Vanity Fair's Lowest-Selling

2009-06-17T08:29:00.003-04:00

A supermodel getting naked on a magazine cover does not guarantee big sales. In fact Gisele Bündchen's semi-naked photo for the May issue of Vanity Fair is the lowest-selling issue of the publication in nearly two years.

Vanity Fair confirmed that the May issue sold only 280,000 single-sale copies. Has the naked photo of the world's top-earning model caused Vanity Fair's 23 percent drop in sales?

There are three possible reasons for the underperformance of Gisele Bündchen's covers on newsstands:

1.) People are getting bored of beautiful naked women, whether its Gisele Bündchen or not. Desensitization - it's when once sensational happening becomes irrelevant or unnecessary because of continued exposure. Naked ladies are just sooo typical these days.

2.) Gisele Bündchen is already married when she did the photo shoot and even talked on the magazine about how she sees her husband's son as "100%" her own. Guys become less interested with a married beauty and people just don't like the idea of baby snatching.

3.) Gisele Bündchen's features have become so familiar and ubiquitous that her image becomes uninteresting.

But before blaming the Brazilian supermodel for the magazine's underperformance, some folks also consider the economic recession. And then there are also few who cited not the model but the stories featured on the cover as the culprit for low sales - "the cover boasts stories about Brad Pitt and Barack Obama (really, who wants to read about them?)"

We just hope this is not the end of Gisele Bündchen's "sell-like-pancake" days. Otherwise, this would be a serious case of one supermodel outliving her own fame:

“It might be that she’s losing her looks,” says Vanity Fair spokeswoman Beth Kseniak.

Bret Michaels Issues Statement On Accident At Tonys

2009-06-16T07:29:00.004-04:00

Fresh from the accident at Tony Awards on June 7, Poison lead vocalist Bret Michaels suffered a broken nose and a split lip. Performing with his band in the opening ceremony, the rocker "missed his mark" on stage and got smacked on the head by an enormous set piece descending from the ceiling. He then proved that live theater is no joke.

But the performer's grasp of the English language remained strong. In fact, the rocker who was also the star of the VH1 reality dating series Rock of Love with Bret Michaels has gotten stronger.

Proof? Read on his long press release statement below, complete and unabridged:

I had a great time at the Tonys right up until I got blindsided, I must admit it was a little blurry after that. In hindsight, there is no doubt I got my bell rung, unfortunately it has been posted and perhaps funny to watch, but I can assure you it has been painful to experience.

In all honesty I had absolutely no idea what struck my head. Upon impact I thought a piece of the lighting rig had fallen out of the ceiling and as I fell back it seemed like my head struck the stage and I blacked out for a second. When I opened my eyes I noticed a large set prop coming down straight for me. I immediately pushed myself out of the way and amidst the chaos I laid on the floor and asked ‘what the hell just happened?’

My nose, mouth and the back of my head felt numb. I vaguely remember asking Big John, ‘do I have any teeth left in my mouth?’ I knew I could move my arms and legs and that was an instant relief. Somebody handed me a towel to wipe the blood from my face and in my dazed state I recall staring at what seemed to be Shrek, a talking goat head and several monkey like creatures. Over the last few days a lot of speculation as to what happened and who is to blame have surfaced. I need to make clear at no point since the incident occurred do I feel like the accident was malicious in any way and I feel this will all work itself out.

However I must state I found it a little strange that the only statement released by the Tony organization was that I missed my mark and that I was completely fine. First, I thought, ‘what mark?’ as there was no official mark, just a retracting drum riser and an overhead prop being rapidly lowered which was out of my view. Second, I think it was slightly irresponsible for them to report that I was fine without full knowledge of my condition, when a doctor hadn’t even looked at me yet and I surely don’t remember any X-Ray machines backstage. I am not looking for an apology, I only hoped that on a human level that the Tony organizations’ representative would have expressed some concern for injury in their statement or at the very least claim they would be looking into the matter.

Whether it was a miscommunication, missed cue or missed mark no matter what the situation was the prop should have been stopped or at least slowed for a few more seconds until I cleared the stage. I apparently had less than two seconds to avoid being hit. It was evident I was backing up and moving in the direction to exit the stage for at least 30 to 40 feet and it is plain to see I had no clue this prop was descending. For God sake, they have at least a five second delay to prevent the airing of unapproved expletives and nudity!

For the record never at any point during my Sunday morning rehearsal was I ever instructed that the piece was coming down and that I had very little time to get off the stage, otherwise believe me I would have stopped or at least ducked so as not to be knocked out at the Tonys. Trust me I never wanted any of this to happen. I was simply doing as I was told which was to exit the stage as Poison’s song “Nothin’ but a Good Time” came to a close.

I feel for the actors and actresses who put in so much time and hard work on or off Broadway to get to the Tonys. This is their moment and I am sorry that some of it may have gotten overshadowed by my thick rocker cranium being struck by a stage prop. On a high note I hear it was the highest rated Tonys they have had in years. However, I was bummed that I did not get to see any of the acts perform during the Tonys as I have never seen a play on Broadway before, probably would have enjoyed it, and even more bummed that I did not get to attend the after parties, cuz rumor has it Anne Hathaway was going to be there and she is hot.

I would like to personally thank Bobby and C.C., Mark Hogue, Larry Morand and my crew along with Liza Minnelli, Mark Indelicato and Carole Propp for rushing to my dressing room to check on my condition. In closing I truly appreciate everyone’s concern. I thank the Good Lord I have a thick skull and I have a feeling this may have been my first and final curtain call at the Tonys.

Sincerely, Broadway Bret Michaels

Changes In Fashion Is Key To Modeling Success

2009-06-15T08:05:00.004-04:00

Changes in fashion plays a big part in modeling success. In this fickle world, the next supermodel could be you!

Managing Director Damian O'Connor of Models Direct, one of the largest modeling agencies in the UK, says that the way fashions change plays a big part in any modeling career. In this fickle world of fashion, supermodel Gisele Bündchen serves as an inspiration.

O'Connor recalled how super skinny, fragile-looking models took over the catwalk in the 1990s. In that era, waif-like Kate Moss was the ideal beauty of the fashion industry (in the same way that slim and smiling Julia Roberts ruled Hollywood.) Fit and curvy Gisele Bündchen, no matter how photogenic and gorgeous she might have been, would be deemed "too big" and exotic back then - there would be no way for her to attain enormous success.

But the fickle world of fashion changed. At the end of the 90s, the industry shifted towards the more traditional ideal of beauty - symmetrical face, perfect teeth, glossy hair. And then the Hispanic beauty became phenomenal. Brazilian women, in all their natural curves and tan, stole the limelight.

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen was lucky to start her modeling career during that era. Ever since she appeared on the cover of Vogue in July 1999, she was the new standard of beauty. With more than 20 international brands and more than 500 magazine covers under her name, she has risen to become the most successful model of all time.

O'Connor thus believes that Gisele Bündchen's path to becoming a model should be an inspiration to young people all over the world. Who knows? In the next time that the world of fashion changes, the lucky model to take center stage might be you.

"There's a great lesson for young people who are thinking of becoming a model. You can never really know what's around the corner when it comes to fashion, that's why it's so exciting. So if you really want to pursue a modeling career, just go for it! Whatever you do, don't put yourself off because you think you may not have the right look," advices the managing director.

Why Women Desire Angelina Jolie

2009-06-11T08:29:00.002-04:00

Angelina Jolie is Harper Bazaar's cover model for July. Instead of typically providing an interview with the 34-year old actress, the magazine hires feminist author Naomi Wolf to examine the appeal of the sexiest A-list celebrity in Hollywood today.

Naomi Wolf explains that Angelina Jolie's appeal has "women both identify with her and desire her." This, the feminist believes, is "more than simply a physical response."

For the first time in modern culture, Angelina Jolie "brings together almost every aspect of female empowerment and liberation. The feminist concludes that above all, Angelina Jolie has proved that women can be viewed as a symbol of goodness, and also be seen as sexual.

The feminist sees Angelina Jolie's transformation from a wild child to a woman.

The early career of Angelina Jolie in the industry presented her as an eccentric, goth, and attention-seeking starter. But after her first adoption with son Maddox in 2002 and later becoming a goodwill ambassador for the U.N. High Refugee Agency, the actress "seemed more mature, more beautiful, and more serious," says Wolf. It was during that time that "Jolie revealed a new, and fairly radical, vision of single motherhood..."

In 2005, Angelina Jolie was involved in a scandal when Brad Pitt chose to make a new life with her and broke his marriage with Jennifer Aniston. But with little Maddox in her custody, Angelina "has managed the almost unheard-of task of turning the home-wrecker label into a wholesome, family-friendly triumph," says Wolf. "There was little Maddox, who was growing up and clearly enjoying tossing footballs with his mother's new boyfriend. Jolie had managed to head off the scarlet letter by giving a boy an ideal masculine counterpoint."

Even Angelina Jolie's acquired skill of flying a plane was seen as metaphorical by the feminist. "Flying a private plane is the classic metaphor for choosing your own direction; usually, that is a guy thing to do, yet there was Jolie, with her aviator glasses on, taking flying lessons so she could blow the mind of her four-year-old son."

And while some people make jokes about Angelina Jolie's "rainbow family," this is commendable for the feminist. Naomi Wolf sees it as "a delicious in-your-face countermove against conventions about who we are to one another and what 'family' is expected to look like. She seems, without breaking stride, to care for half a football team of children while the rest of us tread water with our own biological offspring."

These feminist interpretations answer why women desire Angelina Jolie - she is ethereal, a standard of beauty that women (and not only men) admire and wanted to emulate.

But with Angelina Jolie's divinity comes her unpredictable nature. Ask what could be life in the future for this world's most beautiful woman, Naomi Wolf says "No way to tell. But I am certain, given the knack she has shown for tapping into this female collective unconscious, that we will watch with more than ordinary interest."

Want to know more about Angelina Jolie? Read it here:
"Angelina Jolie, The Woman Behind the Myth"

Star In "The Prince's Rainforests Project" Campaign Film

2009-06-10T08:18:00.008-04:00

Join the The Prince of Wales in his efforts to protect the rainforests by joining in a project campaign film - featuring YOU!

Established in October 2007 by Prince Charles of Wales, the Prince’s Rainforests Project (PRP) aims to develop consensus as to how the rate of rainforest destruction might be slowed to prevent the catastrophe of climate change. Since then, many celebrities and dignitaries have already teamed up to speak about the rainforest and climate change.

Last Friday, the Prince's Rainforest Project launched the personalized "Make your own Message" application through its rainforestSOS.org website. The application provides a video mash-up tool that allows users to create personalized versions of the PRP celebrity studded call-to-action. Users can record their own message of support and appear in a clip with the animated frog (PRP's rainforest ambassador) just like the celebrities who starred in the main campaign film.

"Using the state-of-the-art application, supporters of the PRP can record their own ‘Frog Message’ using a web camera, or by uploading a photo of themselves from their hard drive, together with one of three different frogs who will appear in the shot with them. They can then choose to create their own personalized Campaign Video by adding their Frog Message to those of the PRP’s well-known supporters, and any of their friends who have already recorded their own.

"Once submitted, each user will receive a unique URL of their Frog Message and/or Campaign Video that they can share with their friends, as well as post onto their social networking pages and blogs. Frog Messages and Campaign Videos will be featured on the PRP website."

Just like Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Robin Williams, the Dalai Lama, Princes William and Harry of England, and Prince Charles of Wales, star in your personalized The Prince's Rainforests Project Campaign Film and reach out to millions of people worldwide through:

www.rainforestSOS.org/frogmessage

Be part of this exciting campaign video - now!

Kathy Griffin: D-List Celebrity

2009-06-09T08:27:00.004-04:00

American actress and stand-up comedian Kathy Griffin is a self-proclaimed D-list celebrity, despite a successful career in the industry.

The 48-year old comedian has already won two Emmy Awards for her reality show on Bravo, "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List." She has also won a Grammy nomination for 2008 comedy album, "For Your Consideration."

As opposite to A-list stars in Hollywood - those major movie stars who are also most bankable in the Hollywood movie industry - a celebrity which falls under the "D-list" (C-list is actually the official lowest rank on the scale) are those who are hardly remembered by their names and are only known for appearances like those on game shows and reality TV.

But the comedian insists she's still a wannabe celebrity who's on the outside looking in:

"I have proof although I'm flattered at the suggestion that I could even be a C-minus. Recently, I was on tour and they delivered me a sandwich and it said Taffy Griffin. Now, I'd like to think that's maybe what they thought my stripper name was, but no. My name was on the marquee. Sold-out show. Taffy Griffin. I'm on the D-list where I belong."

As a "wannabe comedian on the lookout," Kathy Griffin's style of humor consists of her candid observations about everyday life and dating experiences, as well as mocking celebrities:

Q: Who's celebrity are you most afraid of running into?
Kathy Griffin: "Whitney Houston, because she'll just cut you. ... I'm afraid of many, many celebrities. Most of them really."

Q:What do you think of Angelina Jolie making it on top of Forbes' Celebrity 100 power list, ahead of Oprah Winfrey?
Kathy Griffin: "It's clearly something that Oprah just had Gail (King, Winfrey's longtime friend) write because she must be having security issues or something. There's no one more powerful than Oprah male or female in any country. Or on any planet."

Q: What do you think of Jon and Kate Gosselin (TLC's "Jon & Kate Plus 8")?
Kathy Griffin: "You have to admit, Jon doesn't seem to do much but whine. There's a lot of eye rolling and whining. I think the two of them have taken fame very well."

Q:How about Speidi also known as Heidi Montag Pratt and Spencer Pratt?
Kathy Griffin: "What is tough for me as a D-list celebrity is that kind of puts Speidi and me in the same category and that hurts. That's a bitter pill for me to swallow."

Ironically, Kathy Griffin's status on the D-list has made her widely known and award-winning. Her "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List" television show is currently on its 5th season. Her popularity on Bravo has made her the host of the 2009 Bravo A-List Awards on April 15, 2009. She also has a memoir coming out in September 29.

"Official Book Club Selection' is the title of my book because I'm trying to fool you into thinking it's part of the Oprah book club. It's not. Anyway, it comes out Sept. 29. And I believe it's going to be what you call a barn-burner. So we'll see who's talking to me after the book comes out. We'll see if you're even talking to me when the book comes out. Because some people, you know, they go down pretty hard. Including myself."

With success in her career pursuits, it is apt to say that Kathy Griffin is the A-list of all D-list celebrities. She surely has lots of D-list advice and tips for everyone.

Whatever Happened To Paris Hilton's BFF?

2009-06-08T09:05:00.007-04:00

Paris Hilton launched Season 2 of her friend-seeking reality show on MTV, "My New BFF" last June 2. The million-dollar question was, "What happened to her BFF from season 1, Britanny Flickinger?"

The second season of the Paris Hilton's BFF show has began and this could be hard for Brittany Flickinger - winner of the first BBF-seeking reality show who became the heiress' party companion after. Her friendship with Paris Hilton did not last long. They did not stay friends because "I loved her and I trusted her, but sometimes people get too caught up and they change," Paris once said.

Without any projects at hand, it seemed that Brittany Flickinger has nothing much left to do in the industry anymore - other than bashing the hotel heiress on BlogTalkRadio.

On Dr. Blogstein’s Radio Happy Hour, Paris Hilton's former-BFF ranted about the real score between her and her celebrity bestfriend. "I’m really sick of getting branded with a bad reputation for hanging out with her and sticking up for such a disgusting, self-centered user. I’m a good person… I have morals. I don’t have to do anything disgusting or rash to get famous."

According to the former-Paris Hilton BFF, her celebrity bestfriend dumped her when the casting for the second season of the reality show began:

"She’d tell me things that made me think I was her best friend. And we got really close. And I’m like, 'Oh, man, this is really nice.' Then all of a sudden it was like, 'Casting for BFF 2! Better end this now. Bye. I don’t need you anymore.' That’s disgusting to do to somebody… That’s defamation of character."

What happened to the "if not Siamese twin, still quiet sisterly" relationship she had with Paris Hilton then? Brittany Flickinger just said in her January interview "We’re not married. We're BFFs. Friends aren’t attached at the hip 24/7. And when we’re somewhere together and we’re not attached at the hip, they’re like, 'Oh, no. They’re fighting!"

On the other hand, did Brittany Flickinger really sees Paris Hilton as a bestfriend during the time when they were together? On the early parts of the show, Brittany Flickinger shared, "It was around the time she broke up with Benji (Madden), so she was feeling lonely. And she would say things to me that led me to believe that she really did think we were best friends. So I was like, 'Oh, shit. This girl must be a little f*cked up."

It seemed like both girls were faking friendship after all.

Unfortunately, Paris Hilton's BFF couldn't share a lot of things between her and the ultimate party girl anymore. Britanny Flickinger accused Paris Hilton of censoring her in cyberspace. "Any time I say anything about her to defend myself – after all the interviews she has done lying about me and making all this stupid stuff up – everything that I say is taken off the Internet."

Poor chick. It was too late for her to realize that real friendship cannot be staged. Besides, sticking to a famous name does not guarantee instant access to stardom.

Too bad for Britanny Flickinger - her ex-BFF Paris Hilton forgot to give her the "warmest" greeting back then - "Welcome to Hollywood!"

Brüno On Marie Claire!

2009-06-05T08:30:00.007-04:00

Brüno landed on the magazine cover of Marie Claire UK, with no less than the Victoria's Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio.

Sacha Baron Cohen's Australian fashion reporter alter-ego "Brüno" (who recently made a fuss with his gag on MTV with Eminem) appeared on the July '09 cover of British Marie Claire.

"Fashion is ze most important und lifesaving of all ze sciences," Brüno told Marie Claire as he "gate-crashed" its exclusive photo shoot.

Brüno described his style as the "A–Z List of Fashion":

"H is for 'High-vaisted Jeans.' In terms of human tragedy on a mass scale, vy are zese not getting the attention zat Hurricane Katrina did? ...S is for 'September 11th, 2001.' Famous, of course, for being ze day on vich Oscar de la Renta reintroduced ze chambray peasant blouse..."

Aside from flashing his sense(less) of fashion, Brüno also made brutal comments on some of the most prominent people in the fashion industry.

On Naomi Campbell:
"She's amazing--20 years in ze business und all the pressure und fame hasn't changed her a bit. She's remained a total b****."

On Madonna:
"Little black child... thanks to Madonna... it's zis season's vardrobe essential."

On Pink:
"Just vatching him now on MTV. A great singer und so hunky."

On Amy Winehouse:
"...not too skinny, in fact, for ein junkie she is actually zehr fat."

On Anna Wintour:
"pre-op trannie"

Some find Brüno's gags funny while others find them insulting (especially of course by those whom he mocked on the magazine interview).

But there are also people who believe that Marie Claire is genius enough to feature Brüno as a fashion critic. After all, the fashion industry is way too serious that "maybe Brüno will be the catalyst that causes the industry to step back and laugh at itself."

Mom Speaks About Jonas Brothers' Abstinence

2009-06-04T08:06:00.004-04:00

How would you take it when your celebrity children (very popular at that) are being criticized for virginity issues? Mom Denise, proud mother of the Jonas Brothers, speaks out on her sons' abstinence.

It all started with the purity rings that Kevin Jonas (21), Joe Jonas (19), and Nick Jonas (16) worn - proclaiming to the world their abstinence from sex. Critics said it was a ploy that would surely hit - people, especially mothers, talk about these virgin celebrities' chastity and see them as role models who defy the "sex sells" mantra in Hollywood. The verdict of the critics - be realistic!

Good thing the Jonas Brothers got a mom to back their choice for abstinence:

"They’ve been criticized for proclaiming things they never proclaimed. And what’s the criticism? They don’t want to go out there giving everyone an STD? What's so terrible about that?" defends Mom Denise.

But keeping with their abstinence or finally giving in to their sexual desires is not a problem for the Jonas Brothers. The loving Mama Jonas just says "They are men. They have desires. If they make a mistake, I’m not going to hate them. They are tested and tested, like every one of us. I pray for them."

Top-Earning Tweens Of Hollywood

2009-06-03T09:55:00.007-04:00

If there's a list for the top-earning models of the world, there should also be a list for tween talent who, in America alone, have influenced 20 million kids (8-12 years old) to spend $51 billion of their own money and urge their parents to spend $150 billion more every year.

Last year, the top-earning tweens of Hollywood were listed by Forbes according to their income from June 1, 2007 to June 1 2008.

Barely legal, these tween stars have quiet made an earning than most models and actors out there. And though they have passed the 8-14 age bracket to be considered tweens, most of their work still "caters to advertiser-beloved tween set."

Top-Earning Tweens Of Hollywood:

1. Miley Cyrus - $25 Million. This 16-year old star earned much of her popularity from Disney's Hanna Montana series. Thanks to that show, she has already sold millions of CDs, had a sold-out concert tour, and bagged movie projects. Miley is definitely a pro when it comes to banking millions. Can you blame her is she starts dressing like grown-up now?

1. Daniel Radcliffe - $25 Million. Like Miley, this 19-year old British star has earned much of his income after the success of his Harry Potter film series. For the last two parts of the series due to be released, it was reported that Daniel has signed an estimated $50 million contract. He also did BBC's TV movie My Boy Jack and the Broadway show Equus.

3. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen - $15 Million. Now at 22, these petite twins who play Michelle Tanner in popular sitcom Full House still have numerous television programs, films, and commercial endorsements.

4. Jonas Brothers - $12 Million. These three singing brothers - Kevin, Joe, and Nick - have earned $9 million from concert tours, $3 million from CDs, and merchandise and television deals.

5. Zac Efron - $5.8 Million. From High School Musical and High School Musical 3, the 21-year old tween heartthrob also starred in the successful movies Hairspray, Seventeen Again, and Me and Orson Welles.

6. Ashley Tisdale - $5.5 Million. This 23-year old actress has starred in High School Musical 3 as Vanessa Hudgen's rival. She also did voice work for Disney's Phineas and Ferb. She's an endorser of Red by Marc Ecko.

7. Emma Watson - $5.5 Million. This lovely English young star, now at 19, stars with Daniel Radcliffe in the Harry Potter series. She's Karl Lagerfeld muse and still does photo shoots for Chanel.

8. Hilary Duff - $5 Million. Before Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff once ruled the Disney world as Lizzie McGuire. Though not as popular now in her 20s, Hilary Duff has become a mature star with her roles in indie films Greta, Safety Class and War, Inc.

9. Rupert Grint - $5 Million. Playing Ron Weasley, this 20-year old was Harry Potter and Herminone's friend in Harry Potter films. Thanks to the money he earned, he has already made his childhood dream came to reality - he purchased an ice-cream van.

10. Vanessa Anne Hudgens - $3.2 Million. Aside from High School Musical films, she has also released two albums as a solo music artist and has become the face of Neutrogena skin products and Marc Ecko sneakers. She has two upcoming films Beastly in 2010, and Sucker Punch! in 2011.

The 2009 MTV Movie Awards

2009-06-02T09:21:00.004-04:00

The 2009 MTV Movie Awards held last May 31 has "Twilight" dominating the ceremony.

"Twilight," last year's vampire romance, bagged 5 Golden Popcorns, including the "Best Movie" which was awarded at the conclusion of the night. Hosted by Andy Samburg, the ceremony entertained the audience with lots of parodies, famous Hollywood presenters, and wonderful performances.

Highlights of the show included exclusive sneak peeks of 2009's most exciting films, Forest Whitaker sing Dick in a box, and rapper Eminem unexpectedly storming out in rage after Bruno (Sacha Baron Cohen) landed face down into his lap.

Check out this year's MTV Movies Awards winners:

* Breakthrough Performance Female - Ashley Tisdale, High School Musical 3

* Breakthrough Performance Male - Robert Pattinson, Twilight

* Best Male Performance - Zac Efron, High School Musical 3

* Best Fight - Robert Pattinson vs. Cam Gigandet, Twilight

* Best Kiss - Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, Twilight

* Best WTF Moment - Amy Poehler, Baby Mama

* Best Song From a Movie - Miley Cyrus, “The Climb”

* Generation Award - Ben Stiller

* Best Female Performance - Kristen Stewart, Twilight

* Best Comedic Performance - Jim Carrey, Yes Man

* Best Movie - Twilight

World's Top Earning Models

2009-06-01T08:59:00.002-04:00

Despite the sluggish economy, there are those who remain unaffected - the supermodels. Thanks to their gorgeous bodies, long and lean legs, and the popularity that surrounds their names, these top models continue to make millions and gain new contracts even in the midst of the fluctuating economy.

Forbes has measured the estimated earnings of these supermodels from June 2008 through June 2009 and came up with a realization: "The modeling industry has been hard-hit by the economic crisis, but the value of the beauties at the top is as strong as ever."

The World's Top-Earning Models Of 2009:

1. Gisele Bundchen - $25 Million. With lucrative campaigns behind her famous name, the newly-wed Brazilian beauty remained on the top list even without her Victoria's Secret contract.

2. Heidi Klum - $16 Million. This 35-year old Victoria's Secret Angel has gained much of her earnings from TV and endorsement career.

3. Kate Moss - $8.5 Million. The success of British clothing line Topshop and the return of lost contracts has helped this heroin chic earn millions.

4. Adriana Lima - $8 Million. After winning Ford's Supermodel of the Year, this Brazilian model is now the new icon of Victoria's Secret.

5. Doutzen Kroes - $6 Million. Known for her lips, this 24-year old Dutch beauty is now the famous endorser of Seven For All Mankind jeans company.

6. Alessandra Ambrosio - $6 Million. Another Brazilian beauty, Alessandra Ambrosio is also a top endorser of Victoria's Secret.

7. Natalia Vodianova - $5.5 Million. This lovely Russian is the new face of French lingerie company Etam.

8. Daria Werbowy - $4.5 Million. Being the face of major brands like Lancome and Louis Vuitton has contributed much to her earnings.

9. Miran Kerr - $3 Million. This rising, young Australian model is best known as a Victoria's Secret Angel.

10. Carolyn Murphy - $3 Million. Used to be famous on Playboy, this 35-year old American model remains on the top list with her Estée Lauder contract.

11. Emanuela De Paula - $2.5 Million. Another Brazilian, she is also a rising Victoria's Secret Angel dubbed as the "next Gisele."

Katherine Heigl's High Salary Demand

2009-05-29T09:02:00.004-04:00

Whew! A high salary demand can cost you a career of a lifetime. Well, there's some exaggeration here - but if Katherine Heigl goes on with this demanding attitude, she might soon pack out of Hollywood and bid her acting career goodbye.

Katherine Heigl (of Grey's Anatomy and 27 Dresses) had been reportedly slated to star in the upcoming romantic comedy "Valentine's Day" to be released in 2011. But the producers chose to drop her because of her high salary demand - an eye-popping $3 million for a 3-14 day shoot!

“Producers at New Line originally had Katherine on their casting list. They wanted her for the project, but during the talks, she came back demanding $3 million for the role,” says a source. Her demand was deemed "ridiculous," considering that the movie has “an ensemble cast where there is really no one lead role. Actors are only filming between three and 14 days, and no other actors asked for nearly that amount.”

What's more ridiculous is that there's a lot of bigger stars for the movie but none of them ask for as much as Katherine Heigl's rate. You ask for the rest of the cast? The movie line-up includes Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher, Shirley MacLaine and Bradley Cooper - actors who have been in the film industry pretty longer and have had reputations for good acting and box-office hits.

Sad to say, haters of the 30-year old American actress says she's not worth $3 million... Does Katherine Heigl (and her high salary demand) ever realize how many good actors are looking for any paying work these days?

Emma Watson For Karl Lagerfeld: A Dream Come True

2009-05-28T09:21:00.003-04:00

First, she joined school plays. Then at the age of 9, she was casted as the adorable Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, playing alongside Danielle Radcliffe and Rupert Grint. Now at 19, Emma Watson is also recognized as one of the most beautiful faces in the fashion industry, posing for famous people like Karl Lagerfeld.

Emma Watson has undoubtedly enjoyed her success in the showbiz and fashion industry at a young age. Her work in Harry Potter has earned her more than £10 million. She is also one of the most sough-after teen star of her generation (Forbes ranked her as the 6th Most Valuable Young Star in March 2009). But what's most remarkable about this British young star is that, she chose not to leave school to become a full-time actress saying, "People can’t understand why I don’t want to... but school life keeps me in touch with my friends. It keeps me in touch with reality."

True enough, Emma Watson remains a zealous art student at the moment. Considering her classic beauty and her eye for fashion which she sees as an extension of her interest in art, it has become an easy work for this lovely teenager to crossed-over from acting to modeling.

In her latest photoshoot for Chanel as pictured above, Emma Watson posed as a "ghostly-looking nun with a veil, white eyebrows and an other-wordly expression on her face." Her nun-inspired looked was described as "ethereal." Her photo (and another one which shows her wearing an Alexander McQueen bodice-style top and a revealing Vivienne Westwood shirt) was taken by Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld for the French fashion magazine Crash.

Posing for Karl Lagerfeld, Emma Watson shares "This was a dream come true. We spent the whole day together and he can talk about anything - literature, art, science, modern culture. I was totally seduced."

Sophie Dahl's Cookbook, Released

2009-05-27T08:32:00.002-04:00

And the "First-Supermodel-To-Release-A-Cookbook Award" goes to (drums beating)... Sophie Dahl!

Sorry Kate Moss, you may have garnered much publicity about releasing a cookbook but this fellow British supermodel was just quick enough to "cook" her own publication in less time.

Sophie Dahl's cookcook, "Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights" included breakfast burrito and blueberry and strawberry smoothies. The book was published by Harper Collins in May 2009 and has already been sold on Amazon. Some people who have bought the cookbook were even pleased to comment that the recipes were unfussy and the ingredients can be easily bought from the market.

Asked if Kate Moss' recipes are also included on her voluptuous recipes, Sophie Dahl says, "I don't know her soufflé recipe. She might have a jolly good one up her sleeve, you never know. I just know mine. But part of the joy in writing this book is saying to people that just because one has modelled doesn't mean one doesn't eat."

Yeah, models not just eat - they cook too. And the first supermodel to prove that is not a skinny, waif-like glamorous icon but a voluptuous model with "enormous tits, an even bigger arse and a perfectly round face with plump, smiling cheeks."

Why Sophie Dahl calls her recipes "voluptuous" is considered out of question. The supermodel has long established a name of her own in the media and fashion industry with her voluptuous body that stood apart from the prevailing trend for unhealthily thin models.

But if Sophie Dahl calls her book "Voluptuous Delights," how should skinny Kate Moss calls her own cookery book? We're anticipating...