Altho I’m not a Country Music fan by any means, the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV last night attracted their fair share of non-Country Music folks to get my attention … and also clued me into the fact that the amazing Carrie Underwood (my Oklahoma homegirl) had herself a pretty spectacular night at this year’s ACMs (as did Taylor Swift, whose talent also impresses me). Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals last night (you will note that LeAnn Rimes showed up all by herself as her hubby was nowhere to be seen … Miley Cyrus was also flying solo, leaving manfriend Justin Gaston at home) along with a couple photos of Carrie and Taylor proudly hoisting up their two ACM awards in the press room last night:

The 44th Academy of Country Music Awards swung political, personal, playful and patriotic on Sunday and ultimately opted for popular in bestowing its top honor on “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood, naming her entertainer of the year over veteran male performers George Strait, Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban. “I’ve had a lot of good moments in the past four years,” the Oklahoma-born Underwood said at the climax of the three-hour event at the MGM Grand Arena, “but this one takes the cake.” The award was determined for the second year by popular vote during the show at CBS.com instead of being determined as it had been in past years by the performer who sold the most concert tickets during the previous 12 months, which would have given a fifth title to Chesney. But the ACM, in striving to boost ratings and make the event more interactive for fans, opened the voting for entertainer and new artist to the public. That helped TV-friendly faces such as Underwood and former “Dancing With the Stars”-turned-country singer Julianne Hough, who took home the new artist trophy. It was a big night as well for Internet-savvy teen phenom Taylor Swift, who sold more albums in 2008 than any other artist in any genre, passing 5 million. Her overwhelming success contributed to her sophomore album, “Fearless,” which has topped 3 million since its release in November, being named album of the year. The giddy singer and songwriter from Pennsylvania clapped her hands over her mouth and danced in her signature cowgirl boots upon learning she’d been chosen by the academy’s 4,000 voting members over Strait, Underwood, duo Montgomery Gentry and newcomer Jamey Johnson … The CBS telecast also looked to give more fans … to latch on to with a performance by Miley Cyrus, timed to plug the new “Hannah Montana” movie, even though the daughter of country singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus wasn’t nominated for any awards. Tough economic times coupled with strong sentiment over the war in Iraq figured into two of the night’s most powerful musical performances. John Rich, half of the duo Big & Rich, sang a solo version of his new single “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” that elicited cheers several times from the 11,000 fans in the MGM Grand Arena as he railed against federal bailouts to troubled corporations while family farms continue to fail by the thousands. U.S. troops got a salute from Trace Adkins as he was joined by the West Point Glee Club with a new song recognizing what soldiers have sacrificed from the Civil War through the ongoing fighting in Afghanistan. The ACM announced that proceeds from the downloadable version of the performance will go to Wounded Warrior, a Florida-based organization the helps injured troops once they return home. Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” an homage to those who weathered the Depression, fought in World War II and sustained long-term marriages, was named song of the year. Johnson’s album “That Lonesome Song,” which has drawn comparisons to the work of Waylon Jennings and others of the ’70s country Outlaw movement, had been chosen 2008’s best by a poll of country music critics. Reba McEntire hosted the show for the 11th year.

While I do not consider myself a Country Music fan per se, I still have a small place in my heart for the genre due to my years spent living in Oklahoma. Down there, you can’t escape Country Music so it’s best to just enjoy it for what it is — emotionally driven, heartfelt songs that have a pretty good way of tearing at heartstrings in order to illicit a response. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have my fave songs. I am prolly Carrie Underwood’s biggest fan who doesn’t own any of her albums. I have a few tracks but I’m most impressed with her singing abilities overall. She is truly the best thing to come from American Idol since Kelly Clarkson. I’m so happy that she continues to enjoy so much success. She’s a woman who works hard for what she has, it’s great to see her being successful. Taylor Swift, as well, strikes me as a very talented girl. The thing that I prolly like most about Country Music is that it is a genre that’s really driven by talent. Many of the biggest Country Music stars can play instruments … which cannot be said for a lot of pop/rock or rap musicians.

While all eyes were on the Country Music stars on the red carpet, there were quite a few celebs who showed up at the awards that have nothing at all really to do with Country Music as a craft. As you can see above, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves were in attendance and I understand that comedian Carrot Top was there as well. Additionally, new celeb couple Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jamie Kennedy chose the ACM Awards as their official coming out party as a couple:

I find it curious that they were both wearing all white … could they be trying to tell us something? The night wasn’t without it’s own drama as well … Tim McGraw ended up pulling out of performing on the show at the very last minute due to reported “problems” with production. See, even Country Music has their own divas. In any event, much congrats goes out to all the winners at this year’s ACM Awards!

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin, Wireimage; Source]

In celebration of this year’s Australia Day down unda, the Australian Post has announced and unveiled a new set of special edition postage stamps that feature Australian legends Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Geoffrey Rush and Cate Blanchett. How fabulous! Here is a photo of the Aussie legends as they’ll appear on the first batch of postage stamps and some information about this postal tribute:

Australians will get the chance to lick four of the nation’s most popular entertainers who have been selected to appear on a special series of postage stamps to mark Australia Day. Academy Award winners Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe and Geoffrey Rush have been named Australia Post “Australian Legends” in the lead-up to January 26. “These four outstanding Australians have captured the imagination of millions of people in Australia and around the world with their award-winning performances,” Australia Post managing director Graeme John said in a statement. There are eight 55 cent stamps in the series, featuring photos of the stars in and out of character, including Kidman from Moulin Rouge, Blanchett from Elizabeth, Crowe from Gladiator and Rush from Shine. “I am utterly, deeply humbled and chuffed by the fact that I’m a stamp,” Blanchett said in a statement. “I’m going to be licked by millions of Australians and I can’t wait. It is also recognising the value of the arts in Australia. It brings it into general consumption and if I’m part of that, I feel intensely proud.” Kidman was similarly pleased with her selection. “I have a vested interest in Australia,” Kidman said. “I want my children to live here at certain times of their life and see how wonderful it is. It would be lovely for them to lick a stamp, put it on an envelope and say ‘that’s my mum’.” Each of the stars will be presented with 24-carat gold replicas of their stamps.

In the US, you have to be dead (like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, etc.) or not living (like Mickey Mouse, Superman, etc.) to have your likeness printed on postage stamps but I think it’s very cool that other countries choose to honor people while they are still alive … and can appreciate the tribute. As the article mentioned, there are 8 total stamps to honor these Australian legends — after the jump, check out the other 4 stamps that feature these actors in some of their most famous movie roles …

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There is an old Australian Aboriginal belief that women who play the ancient didgeridoo instrument (which is forbidden) risk losing the ability to give birth to children … but that didn’t stop Aussie minx Nicole Kidman from wrapping her lips around a didgeridoo (or at least try to) and giving a good blow on live German television this week. Actually, her blowing prowess was described as “feeble” but she did her best when she appeared on the show Wetten Dass ..? with Australia co-star Hugh Jackman … behold:

Nicole Kidman has been warned by Aborigines who say she will not be able to have more children because she broke a sacred taboo by playing a didgeridoo on German television. Aborigine culture bars women from playing the traditional instrument because of a belief it will leave them barren. The Oscar-winning actress blew weakly into the long wooden instrument when she appeared on the TV show with fellow star Hugh Jackman to promote her latest movie, Australia. Jackman playfully danced a jig beside her – but Aboriginal tribes were far from amused when they saw pictures of the actress blowing into the instrument. “People are going to see Nicole playing it and think it’s all right,” said Aboriginal language teacher Richard Green. “But it will mean she has no more children. It is not meant to be played by women as it will make them barren.” And Mr Alan Madden, a cultural officer with Sydney’s Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, said Miss Kidman ought to have known better, particularly after the movie had been made on location in outback Australia. “I presume she doesn’t know of the taboo, otherwise she wouldn’t be playing it,” said Mr Madden. But he said movie-maker Baz Luhrmann should have known better ‘after working with those traditional (Aboriginal) fellas on the film’. Earlier this year Australian publisher HarperCollins had to apologise after Aboriginal academics complained about a section of “‘he Daring Book for Girls’ which gave instructions on how to play a didgeridoo. The section was removed from later editions. Miss Kidman, who adopted two children while married to Tom Cruise and has since given birth to Sunday Rose in her marriage to singer Keith Urban, said recently that she might put further films on hold to have more children. “In terms of my future as an actor and stuff, I don’t know,” she said. “I’m in a place in my life where I’ve had some great opportunities. And I may just choose to have some more children.”

Well, here’s hoping that the Aboriginal taboo is just mere superstition. After all, she and former hubby Tom Cruise were never able to have children but I suspect that had more to do with Tom’s didgeridoo rather than any ol’ superstition. I suppose she should be commended for throwing caution to the wind and tempting the fates with her brazen disbelief in the curse … tho, I’m not sure I’d be willing to tempt fate in that way. I guess we’ll see if Nicole will really get into any trouble after blowing on such a large instrument in front of all those people. And really, that wasn’t meant to sound as dirty as it did ;)

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Here are a few adorable photos of little Sunday Rose with her parents Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban as they made their way en masse to the Grand Palais in Paris, France earlier today to see a Picasso exhibit on display there:

She may only be five months old, but Sunday Rose is already a frequent flyer. The baby girl, who has clocked up trips to England and Australia, this time joined doting parents Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban on a whistle-stop visit to Paris. The family of three enjoyed a quick tour of the city, with a visit to the Picasso exhibition held at the Grand Palais today. They are in the French capital while Nicole continues her promotional blitz ahead of the release of the epic outback romance, Australia.

I am just amazed at how big little Sunday Rose is already. It’s a shame that her hair hasn’t grown in yet but I’m sure it’ll be along any day now. This has to be one of the cutest families in Hollywood … and they sure do look happy all the time. I always knew that Nicole Kidman would be great with a baby of her own … she strikes me as a very cool mom. So glad to see the whole family lookin’ so happy together.

Sidebar: have any of y’all seen Australia yet? I haven’t been able to talk David in going to see it with me so I may have to see it back home in LA … is it worth the time/money?

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

The sweeping new Baz Luhrmann film Australia had its world premiere debut at the George Street Greater Union Cinemas in Sydney, Australia yesterday and was attended, of course, by the movie’s principal stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman (just named by People magazine as the Sexiest Man Alive). Described as the Aussie Gone With the Wind (in that the movie is grand, larger than life and romantic), Australia is set in WWII Northern OZ and throws together two characters that initially butt heads and then, naturally, fall in love over the course of the film. Here are a few pics from the red carpet arrivals from yesterday’s world premiere:

Red carpets were rolled out in Sydney and the dusty outback on Tuesday for the world premiere of the epic movie “Australia” which aims to showcase the rugged continent, its history and indigenous people to the world. Director Baz Luhrmann’s ambitious and grandly named film, the most expensive made in Australia, was released amid a blaze of publicity and a race to finish the movie on time. Australian co-stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman have both carved out lucrative Hollywood careers but wanted to work with Luhrmann, a perfectionist who was so busy editing the film until the last moment that the cast did not see it before the premiere. “I knew we would get there but it has been a long time,” Jackman told Reuters as he walked the red carpet in Sydney, while screenings were held in three other Australian locations. The two-hour 40-minute long movie, which is reported to have cost News Corp’s 20th Century Fox about US$130 million, is a World War Two drama set in stunning Australian landscape. An English aristocrat (Kidman) travels to Australia and joins forces with a “drover” or cowboy (Jackman) and an Aboriginal child to drive a herd of cattle across Australia, falling in love along the way. Australia is pinning high hopes on the romantic adventure, which Luhrmann said he had filmed in the style of “Gone With The Wind” hoping to make his mark on Australian film history, but it remained to be seen if it would draw audiences globally. “There will be some (bad reviews), and there will be some people who really embrace it,” said Luhrmann, admitting spending such a large amount on an old-fashioned style movie was a risk. Early reviews from Australian critics were mixed, with David Stratton in The Australian writing it was not the hoped-for masterpiece while Jim Schembri in The Sydney Morning Herald said it was good but not destined to be a classic — and way too long … Kidman, 41, who worked with Luhrmann on his last and third movie “Moulin Rouge” in 2001, said making “Australia” was a “once in a lifetime thing” for her. “Rarely do you get a make a film that you have dreamed of doing since you were little, which will be part of Australian cinema,” said Kidman. “This is a celebration for me and hopefully for this country.” The movie also focuses on “the stolen generation,” when tens of thousands of Aboriginal children were taken away from their families between the 1880s and 1960s to be raised by whites. Australia’s new Labor government this year issued a long-sought formal apology to Aborigines for past injustices, heralding a new era in race relations in the nation … Luhrmann said the release of the film in the same year as the national apology was coincidental, but in light of the apology, he felt he had to work the message into the story. “Australia” opens in the United States and Australia on November 26, and in Britain on December 26.

I really love all of Lurhmann’s films … he has an eye for making really inventive and exciting films that not only entertain but also look really beautiful. I became a fan of his with William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet and count Moulin Rouge as one of my all-time fave films. I am very excited to see this movie (I understand there is a scene in the film where Hugh Jackman dumps a bucket of water on his half-nekkid body … being well aware of how the man looks while half-nekkid and wet, I’m game) but am going in without any high expectations. The movie sounds grand but, for me, it doesn’t have to be a timeless classic that will last the ages. I’m just a fan of Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and Baz Luhrmann — what more could I want? I’ll deffo see this movie when it opens next week … mebbe I’ll run into one of you in the popcorn line?

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

This past weekend we learned that Nicole Kidman would be receiving a special tribute from Hollywood legend Shirley MacLaine at the 15th annual Women In Hollywood Tribute event hosted by Elle magazine — and last night was the big night. Celebs of varying stature and caliber made their way out to The Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills, CA last night to partake of Elle magazine’s tribute to, in their estimation, the most worthy women in Hollywood. Here are a few pics from the event’s red carpet arrivals last night:

Nicole Kidman, Jane Fonda, Jennifer Lopez, Diane Keaton and Halle Berry joined dozens of other stars in a ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel on Monday for Elle magazine’s 15th annual Women in Hollywood tribute, honoring seven noteworthy women in entertainment. Fonda served as an informal entertainment ambassador before the program, chatting up actress Kat Dennings and introducing Amber Tamblyn to Shirley MacLaine. Meanwhile, the evening’s host, Chelsea Handler, shared laughs with Jenny McCarthy and Cheryl Hines. Other guests included Kate Beckinsale, Courteney Cox, Eva Mendes, Angie Harmon and Cheryl Tiegs. Elle’s annual dinner pays tribute to women “who are telling our stories” in Hollywood, said editor Roberta Myers. This year’s honorees included Berry, Fonda, Kidman, Anne Hathaway, Sigourney Weaver, Isla Fisher and director Catherine Hardwicke — all of whom are featured in the magazine’s November issue. “Someday hopefully it won’t be necessary to allocate a special evening to celebrate where we are and how far we’ve come,” Weaver said. “Someday women writers, producers and crew members will be so commonplace, and roles and salaries for actresses will outstrip those for men, and pigs will fly.” Though things have improved for women, “we do have a long way to go,” she said. Hathaway said in today’s Hollywood “women are about so much more than how they look. I think it’s pretty remarkable that, at 25, I’m able to say that my role as a woman in Hollywood is purely as an artist, not a cause,” Hathaway said. “I’m free to play my characters as I imagine them, far beyond what size jeans they wear.” Fisher thanked “my baby daddy SBC” (Sacha Baron Cohen) and paid homage to Kidman, “who paved the way for all us Aussies.” MacLaine continued the praise. “Nicole Kidman has been a revelation to me, and it’s not easy for me to be revelated,” she said, calling Kidman “my star child.” Kidman thanked all the directors who “molded” her, particularly Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack. “They were men in Hollywood who loved women,” she said. Fonda thanked all the women in the house — and Hollywood itself. “Aren’t we glad we’re not bankers,” she said. “We are in the most fantastic business.”

I feel I must echo Sigourney Weaver’s comments and am also very much looking forward to the day when events like this are no longer necessary. Hopefully the day will soon come when there’ll be no need to honor women in Hollywood on a singular night of tribute because they will be afforded the same tribute as their male counterparts every single day. I find it criminal that Johnny Depp (and no offense to him in any way) can demand $55 million dollars for a film role when women cannot garner the same pay. There is still a huge disparity between wages paid to men over women. We may have come a long way (baby) but there is still a long way to go yet. In any event, congrats and kudos to the women honored at last night’s event. It sounds like due tribute was paid to some very deserving women.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

Nicole Kidman is featured on the cover and in the pages of the new issue of Elle magazine. You may recall that we finally got our first look at Nicole’s newborn daughter Sunday Rose earlier this week and while Sunday was lookin’ absolutely precious, Nicole — in her all black outfit — was not. Fortunately she looks much hotter in her new Elle magazine spread. Additionally, Marc Malkin of E! is reporting that Nicole is going to be honored by a true Hollywood legend at the upcoming Women in Hollywood Tribute event which is hosted by, you guessed it, Elle magazine. Here is Nicole’s Elle mag cover and some deets about the upcoming tribute:

Nicole Kidman’s night at Elle magazine’s Women in Hollywood Tribute will be legendary—literally. None other than silver-screen legend Shirley MacLaine will be presenting Kidman with her award at the upcoming VIP gala. The 15th annual festivities taking place Oct. 6 in Beverly Hills will honor eight of the movie business’ most powerful and celebrated women. Along with MacLaine, I’ve also learned that Courteney Cox will present to Isla Fisher, while Mía Maestro will do the same for her best friend, Salma Hayek. Jane Fonda’s tribute will come from Kerry Washington, her costar from the New York City reading of Eve Ensler’s play Necessary Targets. The event’s host will be E!’s very own funnylady, Chelsea Handler. Also being honored are Halle Berry, Sigourney Weaver, Anne Hathaway and Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke. Their presenters have not been announced.

Sounds like the Women in Hollywood Tribute is going to be a fancy affair. It makes sense that Elle would put Nicole on the cover of their latest issue. After the jump, check out a few more photos from Nicole’s Elle photoshoot …

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