Hot Topic Tuesday: Coming Out in Hollywood

Yesterday, The Wrap wrote a really insightful article about the celebrities coming out publicly with ease yet there are certain industries where it is still taboo to be out of the closet, namely big movie stars.  It seems so easy to be Neil Patrick Harris, Matt Bomer, and Anderson Cooper, all big television personalities, who came out in their own way whether it was a press release, a significant other acknowledgment in a speech, or a letter to the editor of an online publication.  The news made the headlines for a day and then we all moved on.  Living in Hollywood, I hear the rumors all of the time from the stars hiding behind the religion of Scientology to the actor in two huge summer action films to the Academy Award nominated actor who almost came out, but chickened out at the last minute. (Google Toothy Tile for a hint.) Are the rumors true?  I certainly don't hang out in celebrities' bedrooms, but with certain stars, where there is smoke, there is fire.

If telling the public has been so easy for television stars, why is it so difficult for big box office stars?  Here are some of the reasons:

1.  Box Office Dollars:  There is a lot more at stake for an actor who carries the weight of a $200 million budgeted film on their shoulders.  If audiences cannot separate a celeb's public life from their personal life, the celeb runs the risk of a slimmer bank account and a dwindling career.  In narcissistic Hollywood, people fear a dead career as much as aging in this town.  Rupert Everett has talked on record about how his open sexuality affected his career.  You can argue that he has made some bad movie choices, but only he and his agent know the type of offers that came in before and after he came out.

2. Politics:  As open-minded as cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco are, there are plenty of cities and states that do their best to say anyone who is homosexual is "less than".  This is often your core movie-going audience and the heart of your fans, so this factor is taken into consideration for many stars and movie studios. Politics like California's Prop 8 (Or the antidote I support, NOH8) or the current power of the Christian right, play more into decision-making than you would think.  

3.  Image:  When you reach the stratosphere of superstardom like Brad and Angie, George Clooney, or Tom Cruise, so much of your image is controlled--from what you wear to whom you hang out with. If you buy into the system, part of your life will be ruled by this Hollywood image. (I will get into this more with in an upcoming Behind the Red Carpet post on certain behaviors of the A-Listers. )  So, if you remember back in the day when Rock Hudson married his secretary to keep his sexuality a secret, you better believe that there are a few marriages in this town that are arranged still to this day.  If I hear the excuse that "But they are married and have kids!" one more time, I might scream.  Hollywood is smoke and mirrors, things are arranged, people have a family, it's life and believe it or not, even in real life this happens too.

Will we see a major movie star come out soon?  I don't think so.  Like the country music, sports, and the hip hop industry, it's still tough for people to live their own truths.  Is it any of our business? Yes and no.  Yes, in that it is important to set a precedent for the next generation letting people know that it is okay to be who you are.  No, in that it is their private life and they should have the right to live as publicly or as privately as they want.  It's not a simple issue and it is one that won't be answered overnight.

What are your thoughts on this Hot Topic?  Do you think we will see a major movie star come out any time soon?  Chime in the comments below or join me on Facebook or Twitter.


Don't forget to join me tomorrow night on AfterBuzz TV for the So You Think You Can Dance after show with our special guest, Alexie Agdeppa from Season 7.  Check us out at 10PM PT on AfterBuzz TV. 

Hot Topic Tuesday: Baby Bump Watch Or Engagement Watch?: Jennifer Aniston

I can't believe we are doing this again, Jennifer Aniston is sure keeping me on my entertainment journalist toes this summer.  I want to thank all of the amazing Aniston fans that have emailed, tweeted, commented, and Facebooked me over the past few days.  Jen's trip to Europe with Justin Theroux has been filled with paparazzi photos with the final set of pics coming from Capri.  Jen is rocking her bikini, but some of you speculated that while she looks great, her body is a little less in shape than usual.  (I am treading  carefully on this because I hate to criticize someone's weight if they just gained a few pounds versus pregnancy pounds. Hey, my body has never looked like Jen's body, so I'm always envious!)  Here's a photo from her fantastic outing in Capri on a boat with her man.  What do you think?

Full photo set on Superior Pics.

Oh, but let's not stop here with the speculation because Justin and Jen arrived back in LA and guess who is wearing a ring--a diamond ring?  Yes, she's got a rock on her right finger which really can mean everything or nothing.  It could be a ring she has had forever.  Have you ever seen this ring before in her wardrobe?  I know some of the Aniston sleuths out there are on the case.  The interesting thing I noted is that she reaches up for sunglasses in the photo.  Many celebs will do something like this to make an "unofficial" official announcement. Jen isn't one to make statements through the press like "I'm pregnant!", "I'm engaged!" unlike some celebrities. So, is this just a ploy to throw us off or is our gal, Jen, officially engaged to Justin Theroux?  Expect some heavy press on this one because there are going to be a lot of "sources" coming out of the woodwork on this story.  The press has been trying to marry and impregnate Jen for a decade.

Full photo set on X17 Online. 

Okay, your turn.  Tell me what you think!  Let's start the debate.  This is also NOT the time to tell me she just got engaged because Angie and Brad got engaged.  Sorry, that ship has sailed and Jen and Brad have moved on.  No love triangle arguments, please.  Thank you!  You know what to do:  comment below, on Twitter, or on Facebook.  

June 28th, 2012:  So this rumor is a bust since even E! hopped on the Jen engagement rumor mill and featured it in their segment, "So True, So False".  Thanks for all of your comments and helpful links.  We are all in this together.  Have a great weekend, kids!

July 20, 2012:  The Spreecast is officially happening!  If you have questions, make sure to RSVP and get your questions in here.  The live chat will happen Monday, July 23rd at 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET for 30 minutes.  I will be covering the entertainment news of the day and answering your Aniston questions that I haven't been able to get to lately because I have 
been working.  See you on Monday, this should be fun! 

July 24, 2012:  If you missed the live chat, the archive is here.  We will be doing another one 
on Monday, July 30th, same time, same place.  I hope to see you there!

July 25th, 2012:  I used one of Emmy's questions in this week's Behind The Red Carpet (taped) episode.  See it here.

July 29th, 2012:  Remember, Monday is another LIVE broadcast at 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET.  All of the information is here.  I also have several of your email questions that I will answer 
and address.  I will see you tomorrow!

July 30, 2012:  I made an official call on the Baby Bump Watch on the show last night.  Here is what I said:  Spreecast archive.

August 12th, 2012:  Darn it!  I should have kept the Engagement Watch going, forget the Baby Bump Watch.  Congrats to Jen and Justin who are OFFICIALLY ENGAGED!  See the Gossip Cop item confirming the news.  

Baby Bump Watch 2012: Gisele Bundchen

*Update:  This has been confirmed by US Weekly. See the post here.*


We still haven't resolved the mystery surrounding our last Baby Bump Watch.  In fact, Jennifer Aniston has a hard core faction of fans in her corner, but there are also the Team Pitt fans who are stuck in 2005 with Angie and Jen fighting over Brad (Read the comments).  Come on, kids, everyone is happy and has moved on.  So, while I don't have an answer yet about Jen, let's talk about Gisele.  Gisele and Tom Brady are royalty in New England and they already have one little prince together. (Tom also has child with Bridget Moynahan.) Rumor has it that Gisele is expecting again.  When this photo surfaced, I had to go with my instincts and make her my next official Baby Bump Watch.  With her incredible body that bounced back so quickly after her first, I think this photo is leading all of us to believe she is indeed pregnant. She is never out of shape. So, let the official Baby Bump Watch begin........(and let's hope she doesn't keep offering motherly advice to everyone like last time.)

Impressions of the 84th Annual Academy Awards

Like the Oscar Nominees Luncheon, I decided to give you my stream of consciousness notes.  My videos from the red carpet should be up in the morning. Make sure to check back for all of my big interviews....and trust me, they were big. 

Tony Bennett called me sweetheart on the red carpet. Swoon. 

Meryl Streep answered my question about the fabric of her sustainable green dress by Lanvin.

Michael Moore directly snubbed me.  Only one to do so.  

Snarkiest answer.  Melissa Leo. It was a little rude. 

Funniest encounter.....Edie McClurg.  She did a Joan and Melissa Rivers red carpet stunt with me.  I think we have a show idea here.

The Dictator was the biggest red carpet moment of the night.  Bigger than George.  Bigger than Brad.  I kid you not.

Tom Sherak, President of AMPAS, promised a show running at 3 hours.  Did he deliver? (Yes, he did!)

Sandra Bullock continues to be one of my top girl crushes.  She’s genuine, sweet, and just a gal you want to have a cocktail with.

Hardest thing on the red carpet was staying warm.  The sun went down and so did the temperature.  All of the ladies were shivering in their gowns.  Goosebumps were the hottest accessory on the red carpet outside of Stacy Kiebler.

Hugo is dominating way more than anyone thought.....at least in the press room. 

As much as I love Cirque du Soleil, their performances are best enjoyed in the theatre.  A Muppets performance is enjoyable by all.  Yes, I am bitter.......I want The Muppets to sing.

I snuck over to the photo room and watched Octavia pose with her Oscars.  Holy flashbulbs.  No wonder we are still waiting for her here in the press room....she lost her sight.

First F-Bomb of the night by the Documentary guys.  Guess Melissa Leo feels better.  

My first snack of the night.....2 mac and cheese bites, 1 Tuscan chicken tender, 3 shrimp.  The cocktail sauce scares me a bit in my loaned Chagoury Couture dress.  Success!

George Clooney is a star. I don’t know what else to tell you, but this awards season has made me into a super fan.  

Did you know when winners come into the press room to be interviewed, reporters have a choice to ask questions or put on headsets and listen to the show?  It can often be a Sophie’s Choice moment.

Emma Stone is funny.  She’s charming.  She also needed to wear a bra with that dress.  

Everyone loved Chris Rock presenting and you want him to host.  Did you forget he was widely criticized for hosting in 2005?

The Academy provides librarians with Oscar history for reference materials.  I felt like an uber-Oscar geek when I asked a question.  

First question for the Doc Winners:  What about the F-bomb? They said the F-bomb came from the heart even though he apologized to the press for it. Second question:  Wondering if they were trying to top Melissa Leo’s F-Bomb.  They are going to be remembered for the F-bomb.  Classy, guys, classy.  

Thanks for passing out snacks to the Oscars audience. I’m hungry.....heading to the press room snack buffet.  

Second round of food:  2 pretzel bites with beer cheese, 4 cheese tortellinis, and one egg roll that I didn’t get to eat since I dropped it in the tortellini tray.  Shhh.....don’t tell anyone it was me.  

It’s quite an honor to have Christopher Plummer in the room.  Captain von Trapp forever!

It’s an hour later and we are still waiting on Octavia Spencer in the press room.  Just so you know, this is not her decision. It means she was held by production to return to her seat.  She might be needed in the audience if The Help is up for other awards that are coming up.  They do this for every nominee so there are five possibilities for each nominee should they win.

Christopher Plummer is still holding court and entertaining the press.  Big applause when he leaves.

Brett McKenzie is really cute.  So glad that he won after I made him sing on the red carpet.  “Man.....or Muppet!!”

How is it possible that “Rainbow Connection” never won an Oscar?  Blasphemy!

Michel Hazanavicius and Berenice Bejo were adorable on the red carpet.  Favorite new couple. And he thanked Uggie the dog....best thank you of the night. Uggie rules.  

The back of Berenice Bejo's gorgeous gown.

I know you all love Oprah, but I love Dick Smith. Don’t know who he is?  Here you go. 

8PM.....no Octavia Spencer.

Resting my eyes for a 30-second Oscar nap.  Okay, nap over.  Back to work.

Announcement comes over theatre loudspeaker.  They ask audience to NOT applaud during In Memoriam segment.  They don’t want anyone to be the most popular while dead.  

Normally you have to die by January 30th to be included in the In Memoriam segment. I imagine they included Whitney Houston to avoid any post-Oscars backlash.  

Hair call for me was at 6:30AM.  I am starting to feel the effects now despite two Cokes.  

Oooo, just realized that the snarky reporter who sat across from me last year is three seats away from me.  I’ve missed her snark.  She loathed Natalie Portman last year.  She rolls her eyes at the screen as Natalie walks out.  By the way, Natalie's fiancé, Benjamin Millepied, was wearing a wedding band.  Did those two get married on the sly?  Discuss.

Interesting reaction to the Jean DuJardin’s win in the press room.  A mix of groans and shock.  I’m not sure I am shocked since even I predicted his win......I think we were all looking for The Academy to shake things up a bit.  Guess not.

If y’all haven’t seen Albert Nobbs.  Add it to your queue.  Touching performances and a wonderfully thoughtful film about relationships and love.  Very topical in today’s political climate.  

Press room bursts into thunderous applause.  Meryl Streep wins.  I mentioned it on my Behind the Red Carpet segments a few weeks ago:  Academy voters are male, white, and over 60.....I said they would swing the vote....and they did.  

I’d like to thank the Academy for the suprise.  We needed one tonight.  Go, Meryl, go.  Grab that golden knight and put it on your shelf.  

The Artist wins......on stage and on the red carpet.  Their PR was in full force and very organized.  Thanks for making my job easy, Weinstein publicity.  It really is appreciated.  

I missed the dessert table.  Good thing my Girl Scout cookies and Devil Dogs shipment from the East Coast arrives tomorrow.  Yes, this was done on purpose.  There is no fat in Oscars.  

Guess who got sunburned at the Oscars?  Oh me.  Red carpet hazards.  

The shouting begins in the room next door.  Guess Meryl, Jean, Octavia, and Christopher have arrived.  Still waiting for Octavia to arrive.......

Guess what, Octavia is here!  She’s asked that The Academy keeps the Q&A short.  Um......it’s part of your job and you just won. I’m not sure how I feel about that request.  

She’s pleasant and she’s here a long time.  Guess it was her publicist's request.  Make sure to have a nice publicist.  It reflects upon your reputation with the press. 

A reporter asks her about the physical makeup of the voting members of The Academy which is primarily white, male, over 62.  She cuts off the question and says, “I don’t want to get on that bus”. Laughter abounds in the pressroom. 

Another reporter asks Meryl if she is gunning for Katherine Hepburn’s record. “Oh, she has more?”  “Four” says the reporter.  ‘Oh”, says Meryl.  Hilarious.

She’s very moved that her makeup artist, J. Roy Helland, won on the same night she did.  

“Never give up” is her advice to women.  I like it.  Simple, but true.  Meryl's words of wisdom. 

“But I’m so thirsty”. She says this before her final question.  Haha.....she wants alcohol.  My kind of gal!  

What did you see when you first saw the margaret Thatcher makeup?  “I first saw my dad.  Maybe my dad looks like Margaret Thatcher”.

Jolie-ing the leg is a new verb.  Adapted Screenplay winner, Jim Rash:  “We have exactly the same legs and I wanted to show everyone.  It was a loving tribute”.  I'm not sure Angie saw it that way, but use it in a sentence at work tomorrow.  

Alexander Payne is talking about his next film.  I really enjoy his films, so I hope I don’t have to wait five more years for another Payne film.


I had 64 bobby pins in my hair tonight.  

My Top 10 Thoughts About The 2012 Golden Globes

Photo Credit: Esquire

The show is over and my Top 10 is up!  I thought this year was rather snoozy versus boozy.  Do you agree?

1.  Spray Tan:  When you are asked if you want a second coat, just say "no".  Oompa Loompa orange is not pretty and we witnessed it on too many last night.  Bradley Cooper, Matt LeBlanc, and Rob Lowe, I'm talking to you.

2.  Accessories:  Every lady will be sporting a sparkly headband on the red carpet this season and men will be sashaying down the press line with a Brad Pitt-inspired cane.  Even an injury can be hot when you're shacking up with Angelina and your best friend is Clooney.

3.  Please EAT, Julie Bowen:
This is Julie Bowen in 2012:

  This is a healthier Julie Bowen in 2011:

I ran into her about two weeks ago.  It (her scrawny body) doesn't look pretty in person.  Bones aren't beauty.  Sorry, Hollywood.

4.  Reese Witherspoon: I've called off the Baby Bump Watch.  She's not pregnant.

5. Year of the Actress:  I've seen just about everything this awards show season and I cannot think of a finer year with standout performances by women:  Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain, Michelle Williams, Octavia Spencer, and Tilda Swinton are proving you don't have to be 25 years old to get the juicy meaty roles in this town.

6.  Ricky Gervais:  He was funnier last year.  Less snark makes Ricky a dull boy.

7.  Sofia Vergara: I don't find her that funny on Modern Family with her non-stop yelling and yapping.  She keeps on receiving nominations.  I said her acting was one note.  A pal reminded me her acting is "two note".  Yes, kids, she's getting honored for her own Golden Globes.  So, while I might find her acting over the top and not award worthy, her dress certainly merited a mention here.

8.  Sarah Michelle Gellar:  Um.......color is always good on the red carpet, just not like this:

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

9.  Lea Michele:  This is also a NO.  Look, Lea works a mean red carpet and everyone knows it, including Sarah Hyland.  Lea takes fashion risks, but they don't always pay off.  This was one of those times.

10.  The Truth:  If any of these red carpets during award show season make you feel bad about yourself, here is the truth.  Fantasy:  The first photo is of me on Thursday night with a spray tan plus an outfit assembled by a stylist, hair professionally done, and makeup courtesy of a makeup artist.

Reality: This is the REAL me and my pal Julie at our Golden Globes party in Detroit.  Feel good about yourself, don't let the smoke and mirrors fool you.

What were your thoughts on last night's Golden Globes?  Give me the scoop in the comments below.

OMFG

minorityfashionstyle
VERSACE - ESMERALD/JADE GREEN DRESS

2011 Golden Globes

It's the glitz and glam of red carpet season and the Golden Globes never disappoints.  The stylists are working overtime to get their clients a bit of fashion buzz.  Did they succeed?   Here is the knowledge I am imparting from last night's show:

1.  Botox:  If you want to look your best on the red carpet and you think that involves a shot of Botox, do it two weeks before the big night.  Your face needs time to relax and get used to its new position.  You want the press to avoid describing your forehead as frozen, surprised, or shocked.  In fact, they shouldn't be talking about your forehead, JLo.

2.  Pregnancy:  Often times, it is a guaranteed way to win an award.  The press loves belly bumps as do the awards show voters.  Think Catherine Zeta-Jones back in 2003 when Chicago swept the awards season.  She sang, danced, and she even had EMTs on hand to deliver her baby just in case she went into labor while accepting her Academy Award.  This is Natalie's year to win it all for Black Swan, so please find a stylist who doesn't dress your bump like a mound of soil to plant your little flower.

3.  Flesh:  Okay, okay, we get that flesh tones are in vogue, but it's time to leave your skin tone dresses at home.  They don't look great on the red carpet, in photographs, or on camera.  It's time to tell the stylists to drop the fleshy palette and look for a bit of color to liven up the joint.  Who wore flesh dresses?  Nicole Kidman, Michelle Williams, Leighton Meester, Carrie Underwood, Sandra Bullock, Julie Bowen, Scarlett "The Frankenbride" Johansson, and more.  You want to be a movie star?  Act like one.  (You know that Lea Michele is gunning for the movie star title, so watch your backs, kids.)

4. Mother of the Bride Dresses:  Leave the frump at home.  This means you....Angelina, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway (Her dress looked like it would feel itchy with the thousands of sequins.), and Jenny from the Block who gets a mention here for the capelette over her gown.

5.  Stop Dressing Yourself:  January Jones.  Your Versace dress with a side of smooshed boobs and a dash of "What the hell?" should send you straight into the arms of a stylist.  Any stylist.  I don't care whom.

What were your thoughts on last night's show?  I would love to hear who you were happy and horrified with on the red carpet.

All photos are property of Jason Merritt/Getty Images.