Slumdog Millionaire: A Must See!

Hello everyone! I had the great pleasure of recently seeing Slumdog Millionaire, which you may have heard of through all the internet buzz. It tells the story of Jamal and his rise from the slums of India to fame and fortune. Though he doesn't care about the fame or the fortune - he only cares about one thing... A girl named Latika. He meets Latika when escaping the slums as a young child and he believes it is their destiny to be together. Through tragedy, violence, and many years apart, Jamal still believes he and Latika will live a long, romantic life together. Believing she is watching the show, he goes on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" and does the unthinkable on by getting all of the questions right, and must prove whether or not he is cheating to the Indian authorities.

This isn't your typical Titanic-unrealistic-love-occurs-during-tragedy kind of film. These people go through some really shitty situations (and in one case, that's literal), but the movie still manages to provide laughs as well as a heart warming feeling. I highly recommend it for anyone - it's so good! You must see it!!! It's sure to be nominated for numerous awards. Make sure when you go, stick around for the Bollywood dancing during the credits! And the soundtrack is good, too - I'm not usually a fan of Indian music, but there's even a different rendidtion of M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" that's a nice new spin on the summer hit. The soundtrack just hit iTunes today and will be available in stores next week. While you're debating what movie to see this holiday season, keep in mind that this is my pick! You're sure to enjoy it!

Bethenny Goes Moroccan!

Luckily, Pop Guru got an invite to the "Moroccan Style" party tonight, hosted by the "Real Housewife of New York City" herself, Bethenny Frankel. The party showcased the work of several Moroccan caftan designers and musicians. Bethenny welcomed the crowd wearing a beautiful caftan designed just for her and introduced the models, which included "America's Next Top Model"'s Fatima and "Make Me a Supermodel"'s Holly. All "Real Housewives of New York City" were in attendance, except Ramona Singer (where was she?? too good for this? hmm...) Everyone's favorite codependent couple, Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen, were of course shadowing each other throughout the entire event. But the real standout was Countess Luann De Lesseps, who looked absolutely fabulous from head-to-toe in her purple skin-tight dress. She could continue modeling for the rest of her life the way she keeps herself looking unbelievably gorgeous! The event was a hit, including Bethenny's "Skinny Girl Moroccan" specially-made drinks, which were delish! Gotta love that Skinny Girl!

Pete Wentz Opens a New Bar in Time for Baby!

Pop Guru has the exclusive gossip on Pete Wentz's recent bar opening.  Pete opened the newest location of his bar Angels & Kings in Barcelona (the third location, also in New York and Chicago) at the ME Barcelona Hotel.  Pete and his boys from Fall Out Boy performed hits like Thanks for the Memories, Beat It, and Dance Dance for a huge gathering for their Spanish fans, then partied well into the wee hours of the night.  At one point, Pete even scaled the rafters, dangled above crowd, and dazzled all of the fans!!!  Unfortunately, hot mama-to-be Ashlee Simpson-Wentz was nowhere to be seen as she is expected to give birth basically any minute now!

Following the opening of Angels & Kings, Pete and crew began their European tour for their latest album "Folie a Deux".  Make sure you pick up a copy of the album when it hits stores November 4!  

PatheticGrrl43 Finally Hits YouTube!

Sweet Dee and Charlie from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" were looking for a way to get famous a few episodes ago, resulting in the creation of PatheticGrrl43. Dee creates a video diary which Charlie finds, then exploits by putting on YouTube. Well, the folks at "Sunny" have finally put it up on YouTube for real and I have posted one of the videos above for your enjoyment. Hopefully Dee's hair won't recede any further, but I'm guessing with her luck, she will continue to live up to the name PatheticGrrl43. "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is on FX every Thursday at 10pm - don't forget to tune in!!

P.S. Congrats to Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney who got hitched a couple of weekends ago!!!

"Kath & Kim" - Not Worth the Hype

A fan of all things British, Australian, or Kiwi (wink, wink Jemaine), naturally I was ecstatic when I heard that the Australian show "Kath & Kim" was getting an American remake for the fall TV season. While I generally can't stand Selma Blair, I assumed pairing her with Molly Shannon might make her a little less annoying and half of a comedy powerhouse. However, I was wrong.

"Kath & Kim" is now available to watch on Yahoo! or you can download the pilot episode for free on iTunes. I downloaded it and watched it on my iPhone whilst wheezing on the elliptical machine at my gym. The best way for me to forget that I'm torturing my body is to watch comedy shows on my iPhone while I'm exercising. My staples: "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "Samantha Who?". When I realized I could get the pilot of "Kath & Kim" for free, I was giddy with excitement as I have been anticipating it's arrival for months now. But it didn't really result in the laughter blackout I was prepared for.

"Kath & Kim" tells the story of a mother and daughter, Molly Shannon and Selma Blair (MS is actually only 8 years older than SB in real life), who have an extremely dysfucntional relationship and have yet to realize the early 90's are over. They dress in horrendous outfits usually consisting of ill-fitting spandex and generally act like children, especially Kim. But spandex can only get you so many laughs before you start wondering when something funny is going to happen. Kim leaves her husband because he wants her to do stuff, like microwave dinner every once in a while. Kath is dating a sandwich artist. And...... that's about it. I was greatly disappointed that this is all the show had to offer. I know the physical comedy of her Mary Katherine Gallagher days are long behind us, but I was expecting more of Molly Shannon. Selma Blair has absolutely perfected the whiny brat character she plays in every film and was obviously the inspiration for Meredith Grey. She just annoyed me as usual, so bravo on that note for living up to my expectations!

It's just the pilot, and pilots are usually the worst episodes of an entire series. I wasn't so sure about "30 Rock" when I saw that pilot either, but I've since fallen in love with Liz Lemon and the antics of the crew at "TGS". So don't take my word for it... Give "Kath & Kim" a chance when it premieres on NBC Thursday night at 8:30pm. I'm going to keep watching... for now. If after three episodes it has still yet to impress, I'll give it the kiss of death (remove it from the DVR). I had higher hopes for this much hyped show, but I think we might be better off trying to find episodes online of the original version from the Outback.

Photo: via thebiz.fancast.com

Emmy Awards Tonight at 8pm!

It’s that time of year again. Fall is on its way, the leaves are changing, and the red carpet is rolling out for a long award season. So exciting!!! I have feelings of bliss overwhelming me just knowing that in a few hours time The Emmys will start, I will be able to use my magnificent gift of sight and wit to judge every dress that walks down that red carpet. It just makes me so happy! I’m watching the E! Preshow as we speak, and I feel it necessary to share with the masses that Ryan Seacrest is not that tall. He is most definitely standing on a platform. Oh, Napoleon…

Anywho, what’s an awards show without Pop Guru’s opinions? So I thought I would go for the usual format of who I think should win followed by who will actually win. You can see the full list of nominees here. Please to enjoy…

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who?”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus,”The New Adventures of Old Christine”
America Ferrera, “Ugly Betty”
Mary-Louise Parker, “Weeds”

Who Should Win: Tina Fey. I thoroughly enjoy watching the neurotic Liz Lemon every Thursday for two reasons: 1) She’s hysterical. 2) Her terrifying level of craziness makes me feel a little less crazy, so it’s like a 30 minute self-help session for me. And all I had to do was pay for my cable bill.

My vote would have normally gone to Mary-Louise Parker in the years past, but “Weeds” has really gone in the shitter these last two seasons and I’m almost at my breaking point. Will I watch next season? Yes, but it may be my last… Christina Applegate is funny (a tad campy) on “Samantha Who?”, however, she doesn’t beat Tina. I absolutely despise that “Old Christine” show and would rather drive pencils into my eyes than watch that, so Julia Louis-Dreyfus does not get my vote. I don’t watch “Ugly Betty”, but I kinda want America Ferrera to win so Maria Menonous can hurl insults at her again on live television. What a great moment in history that was.

Who Will Win: Most likely Tina. Whoop whoop! Here’s to you, Lemon!

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Tony Shalhoub, “Monk”
Lee Pace, “Pushing Daisies”
Steve Carell, “The Office”
Charlie Sheen, “Two and a Half Men”

Who Should Win: Alec Baldwin. He may be batshit crazy in real life, but that man is gold on the screen. He delights as Jack Donaghey and man, does he do an amazing impression of the cast of “Good Times”! My next vote would go to Steve Carell, who still manages to make me laugh as Michael Scott.

Who Will Win: Alec – expect “30 Rock” to take home most of the awards! And as far as Supporting Actor is concerned, it’s Neil Patrick Harris’ year to shine! He better take home the award for his hysterical portrayal of Barney on “How I Met Your Mother”.

Special mention: I wish Charlie Day from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” was nominated. That little guy deserves an award for his stellar dance moves as Green Man. Simply amazing!

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series:
Sally Field, “Brothers & Sisters”
Glenn Close, “Damages”
Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
Holly Hunter, “Saving Grace”
Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”

Who Should Win: Hmmm… This is a tough one. “Brothers & Sisters” is an absolutely terrible show. I just have a hard time looking at Calista Flockhart’s face for an hour. It hurts my eyes. I really like both Holly Hunter (who is scarily skinny in person, by the way) and Kyra Sedgwick, but I have to say my vote goes to Mariska. I never tire of watching “Law & Order: SVU”, until I remember that I live in NYC and it freaks me out. Mariska was just being interviewed by Ryan Seacrest and I love her tangerine dress! Not many people could pull off that color.

Who Will Win: I don’t know, but I’m guessing Glenn Close. She seems to win lots of awards, so why not this one?

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
James Spader, “Boston Legal”
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
Hugh Laurie, “House”
Gabriel Byrne, “In Treatment”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”

Who Should Win: It’s no secret that my vote goes to Michael C. Hall. He is phenomenal as Dexter Morgan and has been robbed every other time he has been nominated. No way is Hugh Laurie better than Michael! Don’t be fooled by that British accent! And that’s saying a lot for me. I think that’s the first time I have ever chosen something American over something British. Ever. Although, I watched a few episodes of “Breaking Bad” and Bryan Cranston really did a great job as a terminally ill chemistry teacher desperately trying to make money for his family by selling crystal meth. It’s nice to see Bryan do so well in a dramatic role because I really didn’t think he was capable of doing anything but comedy after “Malcolm in the Middle”.

Who Will Win: Maybe Michael C. Hall will actually go home with the gold this year. But Hugh Laurie typically wins awards and the masses are obsessed with”Mad Men” so Jon Hamm has a good chance.

Outstanding Comedy Series:
“30 Rock”
“Curb Your Enthusiasm”
“Entourage”
“The Office”
“Two and a Half Men”

Who Should Win: “30 Rock”! It really is one of the funniest shows on television. But I’m a little worried about the mass quantity of guest stars. When you bring Oprah on your show, you’re pretty much asking for her to take over as Executive Producer and add it to her pursuit for world domination. Damn you, Oprah!

Who Will Win: “30 Rock”. But maybe “The Office”. I love “The Office”, but I don’t think it’s as funny now as it was in the beginning. Maybe Ricky Gervais had it right when he ended the UK version after two seasons.

Outstanding Drama Series:
“Boston Legal”
“Damages”
“Dexter”
“House”
“Lost”
“Mad Men”

Who Should Win: Um, I’m sorry but I had no idea “Boston Legal” was still on television. Will William Shatner ever take a break? Geez! Please don’t let this show win! I’ve watched it several times and I have no idea why it keeps getting nominated. Make it stop. My vote most certainly goes to “Lost”. That show manages to keep me glued to my TV screen for an hour and then I spend the entire next week trying to figure out what is going to happen. It’s got thousands of websites and communities of Losties devoted to it and continues to shock and amaze week to week. They even have special commercials that play during the broadcasts that give clues into the Dharma Initiative. It just amazes me how interactive this show is. “Lost” should definitely take home the gold, but if not “Lost”, “Dexter” comes in at a close second.

Who Will Win: “Mad Men” is the new favorite of all the critics, so I’m pretty sure this one will win. It’s been on my Netflix Queue under “Very Long Wait” so I have no idea when I will ever be able to watch it! One day!

So there’s my thoughts on the nominees. I’ve been watching the celebs pour in and judging their every move. America Ferrera should not be wearing that blood red lipstick! Ah! Seacrest is butchering these interviews and Marcia Cross looks like a Magnolia Bakery cupcake. Woohoo – Denis Leary is being interviewed now and he needs my full attention. Enjoy the show!!!

Oh and as an added treat, celebrity sighting of the weekend: Kirsten Dunst walking around SoHo at Houston and MacDougal with some hipster boy (and no, it wasn't Justin Long). Also, two girls from last year's reality show "Fashionista Diaries" were boozing at the beer garden in Astoria.

Matthew Broderick - Minus a Bracelet

Reports have been circulating all summer that Matthew Broderick had quite the affair with a 25 year old youth counselor while Sarah Jessica Parker was filming Sex and the City: The Movie. Apparently he met the redheaded mistress in a Manhattan bar and began a four-month long relationship with the woman, who nicknamed him "Matty Cakes" - gag. Sources say MB and SJP are trying to work it out for little James Wilkie. The two have been seen wearing white unity bracelets as part of their efforts to fix their marriage.

However, Pop Guru and a friend went for a brunch on this lovely sunny Sunday and Matthew happened to walk by after a trip to the local Citarella. Matthew was most definitely NOT wearing his white unity bracelet... Hmmmm... What does this mean? Are SJP and MB no longer trying to make it work? Is SJP out of town and that gives him an excuse to take off the dumb bracelet? Or does he simply just not care? I'm just baffled that someone would find him sexually irresistible enough to actually commit adultery with him. SJP's basically paying the bills with SatC and her stinky perfumes, so why would Matthew try to screw over his meal ticket? Shame, shame. What happened to you, Ferris Bueller?

Also spotted this weekend, Natalie Portman and Lauren Hutton dining at Bar Pitti (at separate times). Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou walked around in the West Village with little Aoki Lee on Friday. Debbie Matenopoulos ate at Da Silvano with friends on Saturday. Seth Meyers looking like he had just rolled out of bed strolling down 7th Avenue.

Photo: Splash

Kendra Wilkinson in Cabo

A friend sent me information regarding Kendra Wilkinson's recent vacation and I'm just finally getting around to posting it. Sorry for the delay, but here it is... Finally!

She says, "Kendra Wilkinson, and her Playboy friends, Brittany Binger (Miss June 2007) & Sara Underwood (2007’s Playmate of the Year), just returned to LA from indulging in a relaxing vacation at ME Cabo in Los Cabos.

They spent a good amount of time lounging on the balcony and in the hot tub of their Presidential Suite. They also drank beer and munched on guacamole poolside on the daybeds adjacent to ME Cabo's Nikki Beach. Before leaving, the girls indulged in the resort’s signature Roses and Champagne massage at Yhi Spa. Kendra was astounded that ME Cabo served watermelon juice at their Passion Club Restaurant & Lounge. She’d never been anywhere that served watermelon juice!

Also, contrary to all the hot gossip going on right now about Kendra feuding with Hef’s other girlfriends, Holly and Bridget, I can personally attest that the rumors all false. I was with Kendra all week, and she had nothing but positive things to say about her fellow mansion-mates. She was texting them while she was there to tell them what a blast she was having! Take that, Page Six!"

Here are some exclusive pictures from the trip...

Celebrity Oasis - "Spaced" Screening in NYC

Tonight I had the privilege of attending the screening and Q&A session for the DVD release of the British series "Spaced". I can't even remember how I found out about it. Various trollings of my favorite blogs and IMDb stalkage, I'm sure. But as soon as I did, I knew I had to go. Being the good friend that I am, I forced my friend Amy to stand in line for many hours in the sweltering New York heat while I slaved away at work so we could gain entry into the screening. Side note: Are you there, God? It's me, Pop Guru. Please stop boiling the earth. Amen. Anywho, most of you know my unhealthy obsession with the Brits... And by unhealthy, I mean completely believing that I am actually British and choosing to speak as much as possible with a British accent and saying things like "wanker" and "bollocks". One of the many British things that I am obsessed with is Simon Pegg. He just makes me giggle like a school girl. In the show "Spaced", Simon and Jessica Hynes play two best friends who have to pretend to be in a relationship to get a really cheap flat (that's an apartment to you Americans). The show has never been available in America, thus the DVD release (tomorrow, July 22) and subsequent tour to promote the DVD release.

I met Amy and the hundreds of hipsters standing in the blazing heat in East Village around 6pm. Shortly after this, I hear screaming and we turn around to a limo driving by and Simon Pegg hanging out the window waving and screaming to his fans. Then he and Jessica proceeded to walk down the line of fans and high five them, take pictures, etc. Now how many actors, especially someone who has escalated in celebrity like Simon since "Spaced", would spend time greeting their fans in such an exuberant fashion, truly excited to see them? No one. It was such a fantastic sight to see. And of course, I giggled like the bashful little girl I am as I got a high ten (that's right... double high five) from Simon! I mean, it's the least he could do after I got a maximum of 4 people to see Shaun of the Dead. You're welcome for all of that revenue, Simon.



We were finally ushered inside to the air conditioning and got to watch three episodes of "Spaced" that were voted fan favorites. From what I've read since I even heard about the show a month ago, it was sort of the "Arrested Development" of Britian with a cult following and undying praise for the series. I have to say, even without being a Brit (I can't believe I just admitted that), I found it extremely funny and definitely worth a watch. The people in the audience that were fans screamed at their favorite scenes and clapped for their favorite pop culture references. After the screening, Simon, Jessica, and Edgar Wright (director of "Spaced" and Shaun of the Dead) sat down to answer questions regarding the series. It was fun to see them recall the filming of their favorite scenes and just goof off together like old friends. Then they all went about their merry way after graciously allowing the audience to pick their brains.

Afterwards, we were leaving the theater and I gasped as I saw Bill Hader of "Saturday Night Live" standing outside the exit taking pictures with fans. Then I nearly fainted as I realized, PAUL RUDD WAS WITH HIM! I have searched high and low for Paul Rudd since the age of 12, and fate finally brought us together tonight, my friends. I mean, I even rented Over My Dead Body for him. They wouldn't even torture prisoners with that movie it's so horrible, but I suffered through it for Paul. I did get to take this picture with him and about half of my face made it in. That's Amy hogging my one true love. Although, I will say Paul seemed very annoyed but did take pictures with about a hundred people - which I'm sure he has to do everywhere he goes.



Bill Hader was extremely excited to take pictures with fans and was a very nice guy. Funny story... When I worked at Bravo, I was so mesmerized when I saw Bill one day in 30 Rock that I couldn't get my key card to work so I kept slamming my body into the door as I tried to open it... With Bill watching every move I made. Very embarrassing. But needless to say, he was a gentleman tonight and didn't bring up that very significant moment in his life.



Also there was Joe Lo Truglio, one of the cast members of "The State". "The State" was an amazing sketch show in the early 90's that came on after "Beavis and Butthead". I wasn't allowed to watch "Beavis and Butthead" but I would race to the TV to watch "The State" immediately after. I was like 10 or something at the time, but memory served me well and I had a flashback in college to that wonderful show. I became obsessed with it again and began researching everything I could, watching old scenes on YouTube, and forcing all my friends to watch Wet Hot American Summer on repeat. After stammering "I'm such a huge fan of 'The State' and Wet Hot American Summer," Joe excitedly responded "very cool" and obliged with my need to take a picture with him. Below is my picture with Joe and you can see Matt Stone from "South Park" in the background.



It was very clear that they were all friends just hanging out and attending the screening. I felt my heart pounding out of my chest as so many of my worlds collided tonight. It was an unbelievable experience. After going so long without seeing celebrities, my celebrity drought has ended!!! Here's to my finally finding my celebrity oasis in the middle of Manhattan!

So go rent "Spaced" tomorrow! Like you have anything else to do...

The Spawn of Gayken

In the past few months that I've been away from Pop Guru, little has slipped by me. I've still kept up with all the latest news - Miley Cyrus' skankified Vanity Fair pics, Lindsay Lohan's lesbian affair (ahem, old news), Britney Spears' tropical vacay with Mel Gibson, even Melissa Joan Hart's potty training troubles (why People insists on constantly updating us on her life is beyond me) - but none of this inspired my usual rants and raves. However, that has been put to an end today.

My friends, today is the day that I found out some horrifying news that shook me to my very core. News so shocking that it had the power to wake me from my blogging slumber. Prepare yourselves because what I'm about to say will undoubtedly cause you to run screaming for the hills. Are you sitting down? You should really sit down. Ok... Here goes... Clay Aiken has... wait for it... impregnated a woman. Ahhhhh!!! I know! I couldn't believe it either. I can practically feel the chills tingling down your spine at this very moment.



When I first saw the headline "Clay Aiken to Be a Dad", a million thoughts ran through my mind. Gayken is going to be a father? How is this so?! He has never even kissed a woman, for goodness sakes, much less gotten excited enough to impregnate one! This cannot be so. So I click upon the link only to see... BLOCKED!!! Nooooooooooo!!!! My employer had blocked the site that was my yellow brick road to this juicy Emerald City of gossip! What is a girl to do? Oh, the horror!

Luckily, People finally updated their site with the news and I was able to stop hyperventilating. Turns out Gayken has sperminated his dear friend and music producer Jaymes Foster. Wait... What?! I know Gayken could never sleep with a woman (you know what I'm talking about, Tom Cruise), so how did he impregnate a man named Jaymes? I'm so confused! Is this the pregnant man we keep hearing so much about on "Oprah"? Actually, it is a woman named Jaymes (interesante...) that is just a friend wanting to have a child with Gayken - no strings attached. Reps still made no comment on Gayken's sexuality (honestly, why bother?). The little bundle of joy is due in August. Do you need any help coming up with names, Gayken? I'm really good at that. For a girl, I suggest Barbra or Liza. Maybe Judy. Oh, or even Cher! I'm thinking if it's a boy you should call him Rock. Or perhaps Neil Patrick Harris. Yes, that's it! We shall call him NPH Gayken, Jr. Beautiful... Just beautiful...

And while I'm sharing happy news, I thought you might like to know some other joyous news I recently found out. My Sunday nights have been so terribly boring these past couple of months with no "Rock of Love" to look forward to. Sunday around 9pm only brought a dark void in my life and a reminder that Bret Michaels had found love with Ambre and there was nothing I could do to tear them apart in hopes of another season. But someone must have heard my prayers because VH1 has decided to produce "Rock of Love Girls: Charm School"!! Groupie lovers rejoice because we've got a whole season of Bret's girls getting whipped into shape - with Sharon Osbourne on hand to teach them some manners. Which just bewilders me because isn't this Mrs. Manners the same lady that threw a ham through her neighbor's window for being too loud? But I digress. Nothing can get in the way of the pure bliss I feel. I can hear the faint chants of people across America shouting, "Bring Daisy back! Bring Daisy back!" More FACE TIME! with Peyton! This is just too amazing for words. Oh, man. I can't wait!!! I'm already planning my premiere party.

Academy Awards Fashion Coverage

It's so late and I'm oh so tired, so sorry to make this brief. But I didn't want to disappoint you and leave you hanging without knowing what I thought about last night's fashion. So here goes...

Worst Dressed:

Cate Blanchett - I'm probably going to get torn apart for this, but this is a hideous dress. She looks like a giant eggplant - and no, I'm not making fun of the fact that she is knocked up. Pregnant or not, this dress would still get my vote for worst dressed.


Penelope Cruz - It's no secret that I despise Penelope. How long have you been in America? It's about time to learn a little English. And how many times can she wear this same silhouette? Every damn time she wears a strapless dress with some sort of feather assortment. Get a new stylist and a speech coach.


Nicole Kidman - The Ice Princess stayed true to her nickname by wearing every diamond that ever existed with this dress. She could have down-played that just a smidge. And when she went to present, the necklace was drapped around her left breast. Was that on purpose, Nicole? You were just trying to show off your new boob, weren't you?


Anne Hathaway - I mean, leave the garden at home. Train wreck upon her shoulder.


Daniel Day-Lewis - Lose the earrings, Captain Jack Sparrow.



Best Dressed:

Cameron Diaz - As much as I hate to admit because I loathe Cameron with a passion, I actually like this ensemble. I can feel my dignity being stripped away by the second.


Marion Cotillard - There have been mixed reviews of this dress. Some people say she looked like a fish. But I really liked it! It fit her perfectly and if I could squeeze my ass into that dress, I would have worn it, too.


Katherine Heigl - Love the dress, hate the hair. Did Ken Paves get a hold of her? Really girl - how about drink the juice, Shelby, because that hair looks like it came straight out of Steel Magnolias. But awesome dress!


Heidi Klum - This dress is fabulous! Heidi rocked it.


Keri Russell - Absolutely love it!!!!! I'll be taking this picture next time I get my hair done to get this cute do. I love this girl. Love the dress. Love the hair. Love the jewels. She gets the ultimate best dressed award!


And now for my special awards...

What the F are you doing at the Oscars? Award:

Miley Cyrus - She annoys the crap out of me. Why were you at the Oscars? Victoria Beckham may as well have shown up if you were there. Paula Abdul - sure, come on down. We're so glad you could make it, Raven Symone. Why don't you just send out an invite to every asshole in Hollywood? Geez, I can't wait until she starts drinking.


Most Awkward and Inappropriate Moment Award:
Who else could this go to but Ryan Seacrest? I didn't see Maria Menounos anywhere so she must have sent her questions to Seacrest in advance. When he asked Jessica Alba if she was going to breastfeed her baby, Dick Clark rolled over in his grave. Wait, I think he is still alive. Regardless, he at least vomited over the tragic reality that his legacy is being shit on by Seacrest.

Photos: People.com

And the Oscar goes to...

The most important night of the year is finally here, ladies and gents. And I have dragged myself out of my black hole of blogdom to share with you devoted Pop Guru fans my picks for the Oscar winners. You didn't think I was going to let this event go by and not give you my two cents? Please, the Guru wouldn't do you like that! I just finished watching Michael Clayton to fulfill my third year of seeing each film nominated for Best Picture. I love this night! The dresses, the jewelry, the awards, the celebs, the speeches. Only a few speeches have ever brought me to tears over the past 24 years. I wonder if anyone will move me so much tonight. Never fear though... My Oscar speech has been prepared since I was eight years old. One day you will finally get to hear it.

Ok people, you know the drill. I'll give you the rundown of who I think should win, the Guru's Pick if you will, and then I will give you who I believe will actually win. I can't really control who The Academy chooses to be the winner, but I can sure as hell try!

Best Actress in a Supporting Role:
Cate Blanchett, I'm Not There
Ruby Dee, American Gangster
Saoirse Ronan, Atonement
Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone
Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton

Guru's Pick: I'm pretty ambivalent about the nominees in this category this year. Unpronouncable First Name Ronan did a really good job in Atonement, and how they found someone to look exactly like her when she grew up is still beyond me. Cate Blanchett is The Academy's absolute favorite and can really do no wrong as far as they are concerned. I feel she will most likely win. I haven't seen I'm Not There because I don't give a shit about Bob Dylan and how can a young black boy be him? I just don't get it. Someone did some serious drugs when they dreamed up that shit. But I hear she did a good job and I don't doubt it. But do I think she should win? I don't know...

Academy's Pick: Probably Cate. But I gotta say I hear Amy Ryan did a phenomonal job in Gone Baby Gone and I can't wait to see it. I've been filling every free minute I had this past week seeing all the movies I hadn't seen in anticipation for the big event tonight, so this one slipped through the cracks. Oh, and quick story about my movie adventures this week. I went immediately after work on Tuesday to see There Will Be Blood because that was the only night I was going to have three free hours to sit in the movie theater. Damn, that was a long movie. They could have shaved at least thirty minutes off that easily. But I digress. As I entered the theater, I saw a pathetic setup for the premiere of that A Raisin in the Sun movie for ABC starring Claire Huxtable and Puff Daddy (or whatever he calls himself these days. I prefer my dad's name for him... Piddy). I went about my merry way and sat for a very long three hours in the dark watching a very depressing There Will Be Blood. As I emerged from the theater, I immediately ran for the bathroom because I had a giant Coke and had to use the restroom like one hour in. And I NEVER get up to go to the bathroom during a movie. Especially an Oscar nominated film. Please. Anywho, I left the bathroom and saw this African American fellow chatting on his cell phone. I think for an instant, "Hey, I know that guy," and I raise my hand slightly as if to wave at my friend. Simultaneously, a rather large African American man got extremely defensive and walked towards me hurriedly as if ready to pounce. Only then did I realize I was attempting to say hello to Piddy and in return, get my ass beat. I just laughed in the bodyguard's face and chuckled all the way home. Good times...

Best Actor in a Supporting Role:
Casey Affleck, The Assasanation of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (OMG, I need to sit down after trying to remember all the words in that title. Who am I trying to kid? I am, of course, sitting down.)
Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Wilson's War
Hal Holbrook, Into the Wild
Tom Wilkinson, Michael Clayton

Guru's Pick: This is the easiest decision I will make regarding tonight's awards. I have never been so terrified of a human being as I was of Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men. One look from him and I was chilled down to my very spine. He is by far the scariest mofo that has ever lived and I will wet my pants if I ever encounter him. No lie. I mean I will be completely unable to control my bladder if I ever catch a glimpse of Javier Bardem. He completely transformed himself into a vicious killer fueled only by a love for money with a strange moralistic way of upholding his promises... Although they were deadly promises. Javier terrified me to my very core. So much so that I was constantly checking out the back window of the cab on the way home in fear I was going to get shot in the back of the head. Trust me, after seeing this movie you'd get that same feeling, too.

Academy's Pick: They are fools, fools I tell you, if they have the audacity to pick anyone but Javier. He deserves this award more than anyone else in this category. However, I have heard rumblings that Hal Holbrook might take home the naked gold man for his role in Into the Wild. I have no idea if he did well in that movie, but I have such fond memories of him growing up when he was Julia Sugerbaker's love Reese Watson on "Designing Women". For this, I'm at least glad he is nominated. Bravo, Hal. But the Oscar still goes to Javier.

Best Actress in a Leading Role:
Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Julie Christie, Away From Her
Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose
Laura Linney, The Savages
Ellen Page, Juno

Guru's Pick:
I pick Julie Christie. I have not seen Away From Her, but I hear she did a phenomenal job. The film is about a lady who gets Alsheimers and her husband puts her in a nursing home, and she falls in love with another man and her husband can do nothing about it because she is sick and has no idea he exists. Tragic. Very sad. I want to see this movie so bad, but I feel like it will easily make me cry so I have yet to break down and press play. So congrats, Julie. I think you should win.

Academy's Pick: Hell if I know. I mean come on guys, Cate Blanchett... again... for the sequel to Elizabeth? How many movies can we have about that f-ing queen? Why was she so great anyway? Cate could basically film herself going to the bathroom and she would get nominated. Expect that out Summer 2009. Cate Blanchett stars in Number One. Marion Cotillard has become somewhat of Hollywood's newest sweetheart, so she has a fighting chance. Ellen Page is, of course, nominated. I loved Juno, I did. But I just don't know if I feel anything about it should be nominated except for Best Original Screenplay. I really love Laura Linney, but I doubt she will take home the gold. We shall see tonight...

Best Actor in a Leading Role:
George Clooney, Michael Clayton
Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood
Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Tommy Lee Jones, In the Valley of Elah
Viggo Mortensen, Eastern Promises

Guru's Pick: Daniel Day-Lewis. He's been in like seven movies and won awards for every one. He's the modern day King Midas. Whatever he touches turns to gold. I wish I could say Viggo Mortensen because DAMN, he's hot! But that's just not gonna happen. George Clooney did well in Michael Clayton, but he's done that brooding thing too much recently. I mean, Syriana? What the F was that about? Never been more confused in my life. Johnny Depp - no way I was going to pay $12 to see that movie. Call me when it's on DVD.

Academy's Pick: Daniel Day-Lewis. Cate Blanchett and Daniel are the Oscar Dream Team. He plays a psycho well and did a fab job in There Will Be Blood. And who else could start a craze over a quote as stupid as "I drink your milkshake!"? His character was a very cold man obsessed with power and money and wouldn't let anything, even his son, come between him and his oil. Daniel took the man from his most powerful days to his hermit Howard Hughes-like old age and turned him very convincingly into a psycho - yet, is he psycho? These are questions that only Daniel Day-Lewis himself is capable of creating.

And finally, the Oscar goes to...

Best Picture:
Atonement
Juno
Michael Clayton
No Country for Old Men
There Will Be Blood

Guru's Pick: As I said earlier, I have yet again acheived my sad little goal of seeing each film nominated for Best Picture. How else will I be able to make this very important executive decision that so many people rely on? And after much deliberation, I have decided the award should go to........ No Country for Old Men. I loved it! Although I spent much of the movie covering my face with my jacket, I was in awe of how a movie without any music whatsoever could send me into such a state of anticipation. The suspense is unreal. When is Javier going to show up? Who is going to get shot next? Is someone standing around the corner waiting to shoot me with some weird oxygen tank gun thing? OMG - what is about to happen next? That is how I felt the whole movie. And then, it ended. And I was all, what the F? What just happened? It kept me thinking for days. I love thinker films - and hate them at the same time. But a movie that can force me to actually use my brain - well, that's nothing short of a miracle and definitely worthy of the Best Picture Oscar.

Academy's Pick: This will be a duel to the finish between No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood. It all comes down to this, folks. Both are good films, but I felt that No Country for Old Men was definitely the better picture. I wouldn't have made any adjustments to that film at all, yet There Will Be Blood could have definitely been shorter. I'm not complaining about the three hours. I've seen Braveheart more times than I can count and happily sit through three hours of blood and gore with no issues. But There Will Be Blood could have gotten the point across in two and half hours at least. I'm just saying, this small difference is the deciding factor for me. No Country for Old Men deserves that Oscar - you hear me, Academy?

Well, I hope you all enjoyed that. Look forward to Pop Guru's Fashion Coverage some time tomorrow! You better watch tonight! And think about me up on that stage one day...

We Bid You Adieu, Heath

I would like to share with you a very fond memory. One time after a long day at work, I got a ridiculous nicotine craving and decided to go outside for a breath of fresh air and a cigarette. I was in my pajamas but I thought, "Who am I going to see?" So I began my walk down the five flights of stairs to the street outside my apartment.

I lit a cigarette, took a deep breath, then made a call to my friend Miranda to entertain me for the next few minutes. I stood in front of Bar Pitti, a restaurant below my apartment, to see if I might catch a glimpse of a celeb. I scoped the crowd while I pretended to listen to my friend as she told me the joys of teaching kindergardners, or as I like to call them "Satan's Little Snotty Elves." I happened to notice a man with his back to me. I recognize that ponytail, I thought to myself. Then I suddenly gasped, "Oh my goh, Miranda - THAT'S HEATH LEDGER!!!" I moved to where I could get a good look at that gorgeous face. He was just casually dining with a friend (no sign of Michelle or Matilda). He caught me staring at him and I immediately jerked my head the other way. I then proceeded to fake laugh extremely loudly at everything my friend said just so Heath would glance my way. We stole a few more looks at each other - mine looks of love, his looks of fear at the girl in her pajamas smoking a cigarette and scarily glaring at him while laughing like a madwoman. Finally, I decided to leave him be and huffed and puffed all the way up the stairs just like a giddy schoolgirl.

So after that story, you can imagine my shock when I was informed of Heath's death yesterday. I was also shocked that he was friends with Mary-Kate Olsen, but that's another issue. Varying details are everywhere, all over the internet, newspapers, etc. Must they mention that he stared in A Knight's Tale? I mean, way to kick a man when he's down. That's a horrendous film. Can't they remember him for his more important works, like Lords of Dogtown? Oh yeah, I saw that in the theater. And multiple times since.

Heath's SoHo apartment is only ten blocks from mine and I've yet to venture to that area, but I'm sure it's a mad house. Some of you may think this is morbid, but below are some pictures that WireImage posted of the cops taking him from his house and his apartment building. Maybe that's terrible of me, I don't know, so sorry if you are offended. Also below, an article with a time line of the events before the cops arrived at his house. There have been a lot of rumors swirling around about what went on yesterday, but this New York Times article seems pretty accurate.

The masseuse who discovered the body of Heath Ledger in a Manhattan apartment on Tuesday twice called a friend of his, the actress Mary-Kate Olsen, before calling 911, New York City police officials said on Wednesday. The officials, who provided new details about Mr. Ledger’s death, emphasized that no illegal drugs were found in the apartment and that there were no obvious signs of suicide. Tests on a rolled-up $20 bill that was found in the apartment found no evidence that the bill had been used to handle drugs, they said.

According to the police, around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, a housekeeper, Teresa Solomon, arrived at the apartment, at 421 Broome Street in SoHo, to do household chores. At about 1 p.m., she went into Mr. Ledger’s bedroom to change a light bulb in an adjacent bathroom; she found him on the bed face down, with the sheet pulled up to his shoulders, and heard him snoring.

A masseuse, Diana Wolozin, arrived to give Mr. Ledger a massage about 2:45 p.m. At 3 p.m., after Mr. Ledger did not emerge from his bedroom, with the door closed, the masseuse called him on his cellphone but got no answer. She entered the bedroom and saw him lying in bed. She took a massage table out of the closet and began to set it up near his bed. She then went over to him and shook him, but got no response. Using his cellphone, she used a speed-dial button to call Ms. Olsen in California to seek her guidance, knowing Ms. Olsen to be a friend of Mr. Ledger’s.

According to the authorities, Ms. Wolozin told Ms. Olsen that Mr. Ledger was unconscious. Ms. Olsen said she would call some private security people she knew in New York, and hung up. Ms. Wolozin again shook Mr. Ledger, called Ms. Olsen a second time, and said she believed the situation was grave and would call 911.

Ms. Wolozin called 911 at 3:26 p.m. to say that Mr. Ledger was not breathing. The call occurred less than 15 minutes since she had first seen him in bed and only a few moments after the first call to Ms. Olsen. The 911 operator urged Ms. Wolozin to try to revive Mr. Ledger, but Ms. Wolozin’s efforts were not successful.

Emergency medical workers arrived at 3:33 p.m., at almost exactly the same moment as a private security guard summoned by Ms. Olsen. The medical workers moved his body to the floor and then used a defibrillator and CPR, to no avail. Mr. Ledger was pronounced dead at 3:36 p.m. By that point, two other private security guards summoned by Ms. Olsen had arrived, as had police officers.

The police said that all five witnesses — Ms. Solomon, the housekeeper; Ms. Wolozin, the masseuse; and the three private security guards summoned by Ms. Olsen — were fully cooperating with the authorities.

The police conducted tests on a rolled-up $20 bill found in Mr. Ledger’s apartment, but found no evidence that the bill had been used for anything improper. No illegal narcotics or alcohol was found in the apartment. Prescription sleeping pills were found near the body, but it is not known if the medication played a role in his death.

The police said they were looking to examine any surveillance videos from the apartment building and the surrounding area but were also awaiting the results of an investigation by the New York City chief medical examiner. The office conducted an autopsy early Wednesday morning but said that the results were inconclusive and that additional testing was needed.

The death of Mr. Ledger, 28, the Australian-born actor whose breakthrough role as a gay cowboy in the 2005 movie “Brokeback Mountain” earned him a nomination for an Academy Award, has attracted international attention.






Article: New York Times
Photos: WireImage