Film star George Clooney arrested at US anti-Sudan protest

A group of U.S. lawmakers and film star George Clooney were arrested at Sudan`s embassy in Washington on Friday in a protest at which activists accused Khartoum of blocking humanitarian aid from reaching a volatile border region where hundreds of thousands of people may be short of food.

Protest organizers said those arrested included U.S. Representatives Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, Al Green of Texas, Jim Moran of Virginia and John Olver of Massachusetts - all Democrats. Organizers said Ben Jealous, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Martin Luther King III, the son of the slain U.S. civil rights hero, also were arrested.

Clooney, his father Nick and the other anti-Sudan activists ignored three police warnings to leave the embassy grounds and were led away in plastic handcuffs to a waiting van by uniformed members of the Secret Service.

"We need humanitarian aid to be allowed into the Sudan before it becomes the worst humanitarian crisis in the world," Clooney told reporters just before his arrest.

"The second thing we are here to ask is for the government in Khartoum to stop randomly killing its own innocent men, women and children. Stop raping them and stop starving them. That`s all we ask."

Clooney, who on Wednesday was a guest at the White House banquet in honor of British Prime Minister David Cameron, and several others posted bail and walked free later on Friday.

Sudan has denied U.S. concerns that famine might break out in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, although there is almost no independent access to the region, making it difficult to assess the humanitarian situation.

Khartoum has also restricted access of the United Nations and foreign aid agencies to the region, although it recently did allow the return of some U.N. international staff.

The 84th Annual Academy Awards 2012 Red Carpet

Even as fans all across the globe wait with baited breath for the planet’s biggest film awards, the red carpet has opened for the 84th Annual Academy Awards, the most spectacular night in Hollywood.

There has been a change in voting rules for the Oscar this year. The show features nine best-picture nominees for the first time, instead of the 10 they had the last two years.

The ballots are in, the stars are out and show’s favourite ringmaster Billy Crystal, who returns after an eight-year absence, has been defrosted.

Best actor nominees George Clooney and Jean Dujardin hit the Academy Award red carpet Sunday night to the delight of fans in the bleachers outside the Hollywood & Highland Center, but comedian Sacha Baron Cohen threatened to upset the chic Hollywood tone, dressed in an over-the-top white military uniform, sunglasses and a thick beard to promote his upcoming film ‘The Dictator.’

Nevertheless, Cohen stunt couldn`t dampen Dujardin`s hopes. He would like to become the first Frenchman to win best actor and his ‘The Artist’ is favored to become the only silent movie to take the best-picture prize since the first Oscar ceremony 83 years ago.

Christopher Plummer is in line to become the oldest acting winner ever at 82. Meryl Streep might join the acting three-peat club with a third Academy Award.

Along with Streep, Hollywood`s big night on Sunday has plenty of returning stars, too, with past Oscar winners and nominees such as Clooney — who arrived with girlfriend Stacy Keibler dressed like an Oscar statuette — Brad Pitt, Glenn Close, Michelle Williams and Nick Nolte in the running again.

At the red carpet, two time Oscar winner Tom Hanks said no one remembers what happens when you win the Oscar. He showed the OSCAR media room and portraits of past winners.

Actress Milla Jovovich was seen in an Elie Saab couture.

Brad Pitt said its much easier for men on red carpet to get ready. George Clooney and I are competitive by nature, glad we both are nominated. Meanwhile, Angelina Jolie looked stunning in black.

Sandra Bullock wearing a Marchesa gown, said she was glad to work with Tom Hanks .

Gwyneth Paltrow in white Tom Ford said she would like to sit with good friend Cameron Diaz. Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera said I am thrilled to be wearing it. She said, "I feared pepelum but I love the shape. I am expecting Billy crystal to do some sing and dance, lavish opening."

Colin Firth said, "I am glad the pressure`s not on me this year as I am presenting award tonight. "

Jean Dujardin said, "I am not a star, I am human. Its more freedom for me. I am not the puppet, I am an artist. After the movie I shed off my moustache. I love shooting in LA, I love the energy."

Michelle Williams wore a Louis Vuitton coral dress, while funnyman Zach Galifianakis said, "I`ve never presented an Oscar. This is my first."

Penelope Cruz was in Armani Prive. She said, "I don`t analyze much on dressing. I know I like. I don`t take time in dressing up. We actors are fortunate to be able to wear these stunning dresses."

Jennifer Lopez said Oscar is Hollywood`s biggest night.

The Artist wins tops honours at the BAFTAs

Silent movie The Artist and US actor Meryl Streep continued their march towards Oscar glory after scooping top awards at the BAFTAs, the biggest night of the British film industry. At a celebrity-packed ceremony at the Royal Opera House in London yesterday, The Artist won gongs for best film, best director and best original screenplay for Michel Hazanavicius and best actor for Frenchman Jean Dujardin.

Dujardin -- who is also nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of a silent film star overwhelmed by the arrival of the 'talkies' -- paid tribute to his director, saying: Michel, what have you done to me? It's all your fault.

Brushing shoulders on the red carpet earlier with Hollywood stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt, a clearly excited Dujardin told that he was overwhelmed at being ranked along side such top actors.

"To be here -- it's an honour to be nominated with such great actors, with Gary Oldman, (Michael) Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Clooney, pinch me, please!" he said, moments before beating all those named to the best actor award.

True to predictions, Streep was named best actress, although she lost her shoe on the way to collect her award and had to be rescued by Colin Firth.

The American has already won a clutch awards for her portrayal of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, and is tipped to take the third Oscar of her career on February 26.

There were no surprises in the best supporting actor and actress categories either, as BAFTA echoed last month's Golden Globes and awarded them to Christopher Plummer for Beginners and Octavia Spencer for The Help.

At the age of 82, Plummer, who like Spencer is also nominated for an Oscar for the role, becomes the oldest recipient of a BAFTA award.

Veteran British actor Gary Oldman missed out in his bid for a BAFTA for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, although the Cold War thriller, featuring the cream of British acting talent, won the award for outstanding British film.

Senna, Asif Kapadia's film about Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna who died in a crash in 1994, won best documentary, while Pedro Almodovar's The Skin I Live In was named the best non-English language film.

George Clooney, Meryl Streep win Golden Globes awards

The 69th Golden Globe Awards this year had some starry names like George Clooney, Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep and Madonna landing major honours and `The Descendants` taking home the Best Motion Picture prize.

As Clooney bagged the Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama award for his role in `The Descendants`, beating superstars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, Streep won the Best Performance by an Actress in the same category for her performance as Margaret Thatcher in `The Iron Lady`.

`The Descendants` was nominated alongside `The Help`, `Hugo`, `The Ides Of March`, `Moneyball` and `War Horse`.

Queen of pop Madonna`s track `Masterpiece` from her directorial venture `W.E.` proved to be one as she took home the Best Original Song - Motion Picture trophy for the track.

Oscar winner Kate Winslet grabbed a globe for her performance in the mini series `Mildred Pierce`.

Veteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese clinched the Best Director - Motion Picture for his `Hugo`, while Woody Allen took home the Best Screenplay award for `Midnight In Paris`.

Jean Dujardin was named the Best Actor in a Comedy Or Musical for his performance in `The Artist`, which was named the Best Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical.

The film was nominated alongwith `50/50`, `Bridesmaids`, `Midnight In Paris` and `My Week With Marilyn`, whose lead star Michelle Williams won in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical category.

`The Adventures Of Tintin` was named the Best Animated Feature Film.

Veteran actor Morgan Freeman was honoured with the Cecil B DeMille Award.