RODARTE'S KATE & LAURA MULLEAVY IN TORONTO AT THE BAY

Rodarte's Kate & Laura Mulleavy in Toronto - May 2012

Since their Debut in 2005, Sisters Kate & Laura Mulleavy have taken the Fashion World by storm. The Designing Duo, known for their Collaborative Line Rodarte, have become a hit among Celebrities with their most loyal of Fans including Cate Blanchett, Reese Witherspoon, Rooney Mara, Taylor Swift, Keira Knightley, Anne Hathaway, Rachel McAdams and many more.

The Mulleavy Sisters arrived in Toronto yesterday from Los Angeles for a rare appearance to launch their Van Gogh-inspired Collection which now is available at The Room at The Bay - Queen Street. In addition to being welcomed via a Private Party at the Store, the two sat down and chatted with the esteemed Jeanne Beker earlier today before Fans - an experience they admit as being a bit surreal as they grew-up watching Fashion Television.

In addition to a high-profile Collaboration with Target, Rodarte's Profile recently received a significant boost through their work on Academy Award-nominated and winning Black Swan.  The Mulleavy Sisters count that Film's Star Natalie Portman, among their best Friends and although they were late to crossover into the realm of Celebrity, they admit that exposure has had its benefits.  "It just gives a global awareness to what you're doing ...and has a different type of life with so many people seeing what you're doing, in addition to people who might not have followed your collections", says Kate Mulleavy.  "When that awareness happens, hopefully you want to translate something about your Brand in the right way and the integrity of your design.".

The Sisters admit that up until recently many of their Friends had no idea what they did for a living. "Some of our Friends would ask 'Are you guys planning to go on Project Runway?'", laughs Laura Mulleavy, who feels a key to their resilience is having many close Friends who happen not to be in the World of Fashion.

I had the pleasure of chatting quickly with the Mulleavy Sisters, who personalized my Black Swan Photobook from Japan.  "Wow!  I've never seen this before!", she admits to me as she flipped through the Book.  "I'm going to give you a bit of exclusive info - we didn't actually design the Dress Natalie is wearing on the Cover here as our Costumes weren't finished yet when they shot that Photo.  The Photo you see here actually was used for a Poster for Swan Lake seen in the Movie.". *gushing*  They even were kind enough to pose for a Photo despite being in a rush to catch their Flight!

Follow Rodarte on Twitter here and don't forget to check-out their Collection at The Room!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY CAST IN "SCRUPLES": PILOT TO BE PRODUCED BY NATALIE PORTMAN

Chad Michael Murray in Toronto - December 2011

Finally, they've given a Boy some work! The wonderful Chad Michael Murray, former Star of One Tree Hill, has been cast in an upcoming ABC Pilot titled Scruples, based upon the Novel by Judith Krantz and 1980 Mini-Series. Oscar Winner Natalie Portman will be serving as Executive Producer, while former "It Girl" Claire Forlani will be playing the Lead Role of a powerful Fashion Designer drawn into a world of Fashion, Sex, Scandal and Revenge. Juice-it-up!

Murray has signed-on to play Spider, a Photographer-turned-Creative Director. Am actually rather excited for this and hope it actually gets picked-up!  Maybe Portman will do a Cameo?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NATALIE PORTMAN SIGNS-ON TO TWO TERRENCE MALICK FILMS: FIRST ROLES SINCE MATERNITY BREAK

Natalie Portman at TIFF 2010

Those of us worrying that she'd be taking a hiatus following the birth of her Son Aleph last year, need not fret. The Black Swan herself Natalie Portman, has signed on to star in not one, but two Terrence Malick Films, Knight of Cups and Lawless.  Malick who after taking a bit of a break following 2005's The New World and prior to that 1998's The Thin Red Line, is now back in full swing with three titles in the works.

Details are sparse right now on both Knight of Cups and Lawless, but like The Tree of Life, they include all-star casting.  The former already boasts Christian Bale, Isabel Lucas and Cate Blanchett, while the latter includes Ryan Gosling, Rooney Mara and Bale once again.  

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ENTER TO WIN TORONTO ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE "THIS MEANS WAR" & "STAR WARS EPISODE 1 - THE PHANTOM MENACE 3-D"

Official Artwork for This Means War & Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace 3-D

20th Century Fox Films Canada & Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven are thrilled to offer Readers a chance to attend two exciting Advance Screenings in Toronto!

Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace 3-D hits theatres on February 10, 2012, giving you a chance to see a new, enhanced take on George Lucas' 1999 Box Office smash starring Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson, Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor. For the first time ever, audiences around the World can experience Star Wars as never before, in 3-D. The epic Saga has captivated millions with exotic worlds, iconic characters and unforgettable action, and now fans share the theatrical phenomenon with a new generation.

Click here to watch the Trailer in full.

The Screening for Star Wars Episode 1 - 3-D takes place on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Scotiabank Theatre - 7:30 PM.

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One of the most eagerly-awaited Action-Comedies to come in quite some time is Director McG's This Means War, in theatres Valentine's Day. Boasting an all-star Cast which includes Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy, we see the World's deadliest CIA operatives are inseparable partners and best friends until they fall for the same woman. Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis ever - each other.

EMMA STONE TO STAR IN "PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES"

Craig Gillespie & Mr. Will-W. - TIFF 2007

Although Natalie Portman will be busy being a Mom this next while, this won’t stop her from being involved as a Producer of her upcoming Project, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Portman initially was believed to star in the adaptation of the 2009 Parody Novel of the same title by Seth Grahame-Smith for Lionsgate Films.  As reported by Variety Magazine, the part now will be going to Easy A Star Emma Stone who quickly has found herself catapulted to the A-list over the past two years.

Craig Gillespie who directed TIFF 2007 hit Lars and the Real Girl and upcoming Disney Comedy-Horror Fright Night with Colin Farrell, is attached to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I did meet the friendly Gillespie here in Toronto while he was here for Lars (only his second Feature Film) and despite being from Australia, he actually sounded more American after having moved to New York when he was 19. A Film to keep a tab on - although it won't be out until 2013.

NATALIE PORTMAN & BENJAMIN MILLEPIED WELCOME A BABY BOY

Natalie Portman at TIFF 2010

Congratalie!  It has just been announced by People Magazine that Natalie Portman and Fiancé Benjamin Millepied have welcomed a Baby Boy into this World!  No name has been confirmed yet, but surely he's beautiful. 

Portman and Millepied currently reside in Los Feliz (Los Angeles), where their spacious four bedroom Home will soon welcome its newest inhabitant!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"THOR" POISED TO DEBUT BIG AT BOX OFFICE

Still from Thor

With surprisingly positive reviews, Thor opens this weekend with high hopes from Paramount Pictures which spent $150 million on production. The latest Marvel Comics adaptation is poised to make upwards of $60 million Friday to Sunday according the Studio estimates.  It will be looking to best Fast Five's stellar opening of $86 million last weekend at the Box Office.

Despite including a Cast with the likes of Natalie Portman, Kat Dennings and Anthony Hopkins, Thor looks to be star vehicle for Australian Hunk Chris Hemsworth and it is winning the praises of key Critics:

"Hemsworth, an Aussie actor with a vocal command to match his heaving brawn, doesn't just play the role, he owns it." - Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

2011 ACADEMY AWARDS RECAP

Natalie Portman at the 83rd Academy Awards

The 83rd Academy Awards held at Kodak Theatre this evening, were marred most perhaps by predictability. As Award after Award was handed-out this evening, it became more and more apparent that there were not going to be any real surprises in the most anticipated categories.   

Colin Firth as Actor in a Leading Role, yes - saw it a mile away.  Christian Bale and Melissa Leo, giving The Fighter an Oscar double in the Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role categories respectively - yes.  Aaron Sorkin for Adapted Screenplay with The Social Network - uh-huh.  Inception in the technical categories: Sound Editing, Visual Effects, Editing, Sound Mixing - yup.

The biggest surprise in my opinion was The King's Speech Director Tom Hooper nabbing the Award for Directing over The Social Network's David Fincher, a telling sign that the former would go on to win the coveted Best Picture Award.  Another telling sign was that Colin Firth's now-famous Speech in that Film was played over a Montage of all the Best Picture Nominees prior to the Award being announced.  The Weinstein Brothers sure know how to win an Oscar, that much I'll say.

SOFIA COPPOLA TWEETS NEW "MISS DIOR CHERIE" AD STARRING NATALIE PORTMAN

So gorgeous it hurts. Sofia Coppola, yes she has just joined Twitter, has Tweeted her latest Commercial for Christian Dior's Miss Dior Cherie Fragrance, starring an elegant and understated Natalie Portman.

Ahh, a world where people have nothing better to do than saunter about their high ceiling Living Rooms, waiting for their Lovers to come home and take baths in their Sunglasses....  Just six days until Portman is crowned the new Swan Queen Best Actress at the Oscars!  Will it be a Dior number?

Watch the TV Spot in full below:

RENEE ZELLWEGER & COLIN FIRTH REUNITE AT "THE KING'S SPEECH" AUDI PARTY

Renée Zellweger & Colin Firth

She hasn't looked this good in years!  Renée Zellweger and Colin Firth did a Bridget Jones's Diary reunion of their own reunion at Château Marmont last night as Audi hosted a part for Oscar Contender The King's Speech. 

The Party was full of talent including the likes of Amanda Seyfried, Michelle Williams, Busy Phillips, Cory Monteith, Gerard Butler and Orlando Bloom.

The Party comes one day after the annual Oscars Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel where Nominees showed-up in full force except for a noticably absent Director David Fincher for The Social Network.



NATALIE PORTMAN WINS AT SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS

Hilary Swank & Natalie Portman at 17th Annual SAG Awards

Yes!  Two of my favourites together at last.  Natalie Portman and Hilary Swank exchange greetings on the Red Carpet at tonight's Screen Actor's Guild Awards in Los Angeles.  Portman dressed in Azzaro and over $2 million in jewels from Tiffany & Co. showed off that growing Baby Bump loud and proud.  Swank opted for Versace in a colour she really should be seen in more often.

Of course, Portman won Best Actress for Black Swan in her first-ever SAG nomination in the category, beating out previous Winner Swank for Conviction.  The top honour of Best Ensemble Cast Award went to Tom Hooper's The King's Speech, including Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter.  The Film has displayed a stunning late kick this Awards season, possibly overthrowing The Social Network as the favourite for Best Picture at the Oscars late February.

 For a complete list of Winners, click here.  Check out more Photos from tonight's Red Carpet over at Zimbio (Tip: you must see Mila Kunis' Alexander McQueen number).

(Photo credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

"THE KING'S SPEECH" TOPS RIVALS WITH 12 OSCAR NOMINATIONS

Still from The King's Speech

Some surprises, but not really. This year’s Oscar nominations were announced earlier today and The King’s Speech from The Weinstein Co. towers over its rivals with a total twelve nominations, including the most coveted category of Best Picture in which it will be up against nine other titles. It is considered a favourite especially in the Best Actor category based on the strength of Colin Firth’s career-best performance, but also Co-stars Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter also get recognized for their work in the Best Supporting Actor/Actress categories.

Paramount Pictures’ Western-Drama True Grit garnered an impressive ten nominations also with Jeff Bridges surprising some with a Best Actor nomination after having won that Award last year. Meanwhile, Warner Bros.’ Blockbuster Inception earned a total eight nominations, although mostly in technical categories and less for Acting. This ranks Inception as the third most nominated Film in this year’s Oscars race, alongside Sony Pictures’ The Social Network which many consider to be the frontrunner for Best Picture based on its wins in precursor ceremonies like the most recent Golden Globes.  The King's Speech however, edged it out this past weekend in the Producer's Guild Awards. 

Another title from Paramount Pictures’ The Fighter, consistently has been in the thick of it this Awards season, garnering seven nominations (three coming from its outstanding Support Cast members Amy Adams, Melissa Leo and Christian Bale). Many are wondering though whether or not the split votes between Adams and Leo will aid for True Grit’s 14 year-old Star Hailee Steinfeld, who is seen as a Dark Horse to win Best Supporting Actress in her first role ever in a Film.

"NO STRINGS ATTACHED" TIES UP THE TOP SPOT AT BOX OFFICE

Still from No Strings Attached

No one can deny that Natalie Portman is the Belle of the Ball right now and she tops of the Box Office this weekend with Paramount Pictures' No Strings Attached, for which she is listed as not only its Star, but also a Producer. Despite mixed reviews overall (51% on Rotten Tomatoes), Moviegoers were not deterred with a projected total $20 million in a strong debut.

The Green Hornet 3-D continues to perform well, giving Sony Pictures a sigh of relief after multiple delays resulted from Re-shoots for the Comic adaptation. It is expected to bring in $17 million in its second week, bringing its two-week tally to $67.5 million.  It is performing fairly well overseas also, where it pulled in $15 million last weekend in select countries.

Ron Howard's The Dilemma which slips only one spot to third this weekend with $10 million for Universal Pictures, just ahead of Producer's Guild Award-winner The King's Speech which lands in fourth with $8.5 million for The Weinstein Co.

The team at Fox Searchlight surely are patting themselves on the back for the massive success that is Black Swan making for a second Portman Film in this weekend's Top Ten. Based on this weekend's $5.7 million, its total domestic run has brought home $83 million. Again, it was made for only $13 million and this tally does not even include overseas numbers.  I've seen it six times!

The Fighter also in its sixth week is still in the Top Ten impressively, hanging on in eighth spot with $4 million. Its total run so far has brought in $72.5 million in these parts for Paramount and Alliance Films, north and south of the Border respectively.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 68TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS

Aaron Sorkin

For those of you who missed the 68th annual Golden Globes tonight on NBC, here's a recap and some highlights:

-The Social Network executes a full-on assault on the evening, winning most major Awards - Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Director (David Fincher), Best Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin) and Best Score (Trent Reznor)

-The televised broadcast going black as Natalie Portman is announced as a nominee for Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture for Black Swan.  Of course she won joking, "That Man - Benjamin Millepied - he`s the best Actor ever because in the Film he said he wouldn`t sleep with me and look, he really does want to sleep with me! ". Millepied is now engaged to Portman and the Father of their Child, to be born this Summer.

-Colin Firth winning Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama for The King's Speech and true to character, delivering understated words.  No surprises there.

-A recovering Michael Douglas presenting the Award for Best Motion Picture - Drama to The Social Network Producer Scott Rudin; Douglas received a standing ovation.

NO SHORTAGE OF BEAUTY ON RED CARPET OF 68TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES

Natalie Portman at 68th annual Golden Globes

Natalie Portman looked absolutely stunning on tonight's 68th annual Golden Globes Red Carpet at the Beverly Hilton.  Dressed in a Viktor & Rolf number adorned with a beautiful Red Rose, she was Classic Hollywood. 

Appearing incredibly bored on E!'s Red Carpet Special with Ryan Seacrest talking about the preparation process for Black Swan, she appeared rehearsed and confident.  When it came to answering questions about what she plans to name her Baby, due this Summer, she fumbled for words before eventually saying "We're open for suggestions!".  

Others who stunned on the Red Carpet included Angelina Jolie in Versace, Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab, Olivia Wilde in Marchesa, Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad and both Megan Fox and Anne Hathaway in Armani.  Check out some Photos from tonight by Getty Images over at Zimbio.

(Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

NATALIE PORTMAN WINS AT CRITICS' CHOICE AWARDS

Natalie Portman at the 2010 Critics' Choice Movie Awards

Natalie Portman is winning so many Awards already for Black Swan that I've decided to coin a new term: Congratalie which has been created to save effort in congratulating Natalie Portman on her Award wins.  Portman won Best Actress last night at the 16th annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards in Los Angeles and I doubt anybody would dispute her deserving this.  Garbed in a lovely Gianfranco Ferre number which helped flatter that Baby Bump, the Actress was all smiles as she was presented the Award by Kevin Spacey.

Other winners last night include Colin Firth for Best Actor, Hailee Steinfeld for Best Young Actor, a pair of wins for The Fighter in the categories of Best Supporting Actor (Christian Bale) and Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Leo).  The Social Network was a big winner last night also winning top honours for Best Movie, Best Director (David Fincher) and also Best Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin).  No surprises here.  Don't forget to tune into tomorrow night's Golden Globe Awards, which air 8 PM EST on NBC.

Kevin Winters, my favourite Paparazzi took some amazing shots last night and you can see all 270+ Photos at Zimbio here.  For more highlights from the night visit the VH1 website.

(Photo credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

"W" MAGAZINE'S BEST PERFORMANCES OF THE YEAR PORTRAITS

Natalie Portman in W Magazine

I quite literally screamed when I saw these Photos.  Lynn Hirschenberg sits down with  the major Oscar contenders of 2011 in the February issue of W Magazine with stunning Photography by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.  The Photos are astounding.  

Interestingly we learn that my new favourite Natalie Portman is a huge fan of Dirty Dancing admitting, "I always loved Penny, probably because I was really like Baby. I was a Jewish girl from a Jewish family, so of course I liked the tall, skinny blond girl.”

Jeff Bridges reveals shockingly that he is a huge fan of the quirky Gay-themed Comedy Chuck & Buck, telling Hirschenberg, "I thought the best performance of the last decade was Mike White in Chuck & Buck.  I dug that performance."

NATALIE PORTMAN WINS BIG IN PALM SPRINGS

You will be seeing Natalie Portman's name pop up much over the next seven weeks leading up to the Oscars, mostly in the context of winning some Award or another. Portman was awarded at the 22nd Palm Springs Film Festival Awards Gala last night, winning the Desert Palm Actress Achievement Award for her work on Black Swan. The Actor Award went to Colin Firth for The King's Speech. Check out a full list of Winners here.

Watch clips of a pregnant Portman's Acceptance Speech in which she praises her Director Darren Aronofsky and also her Dance Partner in the Film and now her "Partner in Life" Benjamin Millepied below.  Not quite as epic as Mariah Carey's drunken Toast at last year's Gala, but it'll have to do.

(Video credit: People)

JIM CARREY PARODY PARODIES "BLACK SWAN" ON "SNL"

Jim Carrey in Black Swan Parody

Jim Carrey hosted Saturday Night Live last night in a triumphant return to the screen after having taken some time off to handle personal issues, including his break-up from Jenny McCarthy.  Although there hasn't been much promotion for his repeatedly-delayed new film I Love You Phillip Morris, this appearance is a perfect reminder why the Canadian Actor is in a league of his own.

Skit after skit was Comedy Gold for Carrey and in particular last night, this Black Swan parody made me laugh uncontrollably. Parodying Mila Kunis' character of Lily, Carrey dons a black Tutu and a pair of - get this - Buffalo Wings  versus Angel Wings tattooed on his back, repeatedly trying to seduce Vincent Cassel's Toma (Bill Hader) from Natalie Portman's Nina (Abby Elliot).  Does he succeed?  You'll see.

Although there might be regional restrictions, you can stream the Clip in full below here from NBC's site:

THE 37TH ANNUAL PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS

Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher

Only at the People's Choice Awards would these results ever fly! The Twilight Saga: Eclipse won top honours tonight at the 37th annual People's Choice Awards winning awards for Favourite Movie and Favourite Drama Movie. Among other Winners this evening were Katy Perry for Favourite Internet Sensation and Female Artist, Taylor Swift for Favourite Country Artist, Rihanna for Favourite Pop Artist and Glee for Favourite TV Comedy.

Click here to read a full list of Winners.

Other than Host Queen Latifah always being wonderful, the highlight of the show came late with a visibly pregnant Natalie Portman and her No Strings Attached co-star Ashton Kutcher, stepping-out to present the award for Favourite Movie to the principal cast members of Eclipse, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson. Portman looked radiant, although a bit like a fish out of water from the overwhelming fanfare.

And seriously, what was Kutcher thinking wearing an ensemble more suited for doing Groceries: a Pea Coat, Jeans and T-Shirt?  If this is any indication of their on-screen chemistry in upcoming Sex Comedy No Strings Attached, I think I'll just have to skip it.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)