Who wants to BET that “Single Ladies” wins for Video of the Year?

That catchy tune is just one of the reasons Beyoncé was nominated for a leading five honors at the upcoming 2009 BET Awards, a mark matched only by T.I., who might not be able to make it to the June 28 ceremony his year.

In addition to two nods for top video (the other coming for “If I Were a Boy”), Beyoncé is up for Female R&B Artist of the Year (in which she competes against Jennifer Hudson, among others), Best Actress and a Viewers’ Choice honor.

T.I., who on March 27 was sentenced to 366 days in prison on a weapons charge and is expected to turn himself May 19, shares nominations for Video of the Year and Best Collaboration with Rihanna (”Live Your Life”). He’s also up for Best Collaboration with Yung Dro and Young LA on “Ain’t I,” Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Viewers’ Choice.

Keri Hilson, Lil Wayne and T-Pain also had strong showings, with four nods apiece. T-Pain will square off against Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo, Ryan Leslie and the Dream for Best Male R&B Artist. Lil Wayne is up against T.I., Kanye West, Young Jeezy and Rick Ross in the Male Hip-Hop Artist category.

Jamie Foxx, also a multiple award nominee, will host the event at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium.

No doubt, MTV will do anything to get Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to its upcoming Movie Awards.

We’re sure Brangelina will receive many nominations (remember, this past year included Jolie in Wanted, Changeling and Kung Fu Panda, along with Pitt in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Burn After Reading), but for now we know of at least one so far for Ms. Jolie.

My peeps at MTV tell me that this year’s 18th annual awards, which will be handed out on May 31 and telecast live from L.A.’s Gibson Amphitheatre, will include a new category: Best WTF Moment.

Nominees include:

Angelina Jolie: Wanted, Curved Bullet Kill

Amy Poehler: Baby Mama, Peeing in the Sink

Ayush Mahesh Khedekar: Slumdog Millionaire, Jumping in the Poop Shed

Ben Stiller: Tropic Thunder, Tasting the Decapitated Head

Jason Segel and Kristen Bell: Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Naked Breakup

We say Ayush from Slumdog should take home the Golden Popcorn. Do you agree? Let us know what you think.

Miley Cyrus burst into tears at Nickelodeon’s 22nd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards.

The “Hannah Montana” star was overcome with emotion when she beat Beyonce Knowles, Alicia Keys and Rihanna to be named Favorite Female Singer at the ceremony, which was held at the University of California, Los Angeles’ Pauley Pavilion on Saturday (March 28, 2009).

Praising the fans who vote for the winners, she said: “I really thought I was going to lose, so thank you guys.”

“I’m so excited. I know this isn’t like the Oscars, but it’s still amazing because unlike any other awards show, it’s all because of you guys.”

“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” star Vanessa Hudgens picked up the Favorite Female Actress accolade, while the film was voted Favorite Movie.

Zac Efron took to the stage to accept the film’s award, saying: “Lately, a lot of people have been taking credit for bringing back the musical.”

“The truth is, we’ve known who’s been responsible for bringing back the musical all along. It was you guys!”

Just as important as the winners were those who got covered in green slime while on the stage, with Favorite Male Singer Jesse McCartney and presenters Sandra Bullock and Hugh Jackman getting gunged this year.

Other winners included Will Smith who was named Favorite Male Actor, the Jonas Brothers who won Favorite Group and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” which was voted Favorite Song.

Jack Black thrilled the audience by picking up the Favorite Voice gong – for his part as Po in animated movie “Kung Fu Panda” – in a motorcycle sidecar.

Leonardo DiCaprio was handed the first ever Big Green Help Award for his environmental work by Cameron Diaz.

He said: “Do you like this planet that we live on? Is this an awesome place to live or what? Well, it’s the only place we’ve got.”

“We need all of you, the next generation, to take action. In fact, I bet someone watching this very show tonight will be a part of the solution to global warming.”

The awards are decided by viewers of children’s TV network Nickelodeon, with a record 90 million votes being cast.

Nickelodeon’s 22nd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards winners:

Favorite Movie – “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”
Favorite Male Movie Star – Will Smith, “Hancock”
Favorite Female Movie Star – Vanessa Hudgens, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”
Favorite Animated Movie – “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa”
Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie – Jack Black, as Po, “Kung Fu Panda”
Favorite Song – “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)”, Beyonce
Favorite Male Singer – Jesse McCartney
Favorite Female Singer – Miley Cyrus
Favorite Music Group – Jonas Brothers
Favorite TV Show – “iCarly”
Favorite Reality Show – “American Idol”
Favorite Television Actor – Dylan Sprouse, “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”
Favorite Television Actress – Selena Gomez, “Wizards of Waverly Place”
Favorite Cartoon – “SpongeBob SquarePants”
Favorite Male Athlete – Peyton Manning
Favorite Female Athlete – Candace Parker
Favorite Video Game – “Guitar Hero World Tour”
Favorite Book – “Twilight” series

Kate Winslet is going to keep her Oscar in the toilet.

The “The Reader” star, who won the Best Actress Academy Award at last week’s ceremony, is planning to display the famous statuette in an unusual place in her home.

Kate – who is married to Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes – said: “The statue is going in the toilet, next to Sam’s!”

“I’m not taking it on a set. I’m just going to work the way I’ve always worked, which is just to get on with it. I hope it won’t change anything in how other directors and actors work with me.”

The 33-year-old actress also admitted she is tired of wearing lavish gowns to awards ceremonies and has joked she is planning to spend the next year in comfy pajamas.

Kate – who has two children, eight-year-old Mia from a previous relationship and son Joe, five, with Sam – is keen to take a break from acting for a while and go on holiday with her family.

She explained to Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper: “I am planning a summer of getting totally away from it all. We will probably rent a house in Italy and maybe visit our favorite haunt in Cornwall.”

Brad Pitt has been sent a chocolate award in the shape of his face.

The “Curious Case of Benjamin Button” star received the 10lb solid dark chocolate figurine depicting his likeness to make up for losing out on an Oscar.

Deodorant brand AXE, known as Lynx in the UK, sent the sweet statuette, saying: “We still feel your performance deserves a statue, one that’s a bit sweeter.”

Brad has so far failed to bag a major accolade so far in his acting career.

“Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was nominated for a staggering 13 Oscars, but only left with three technical prizes.

Brad lost out in the Best Actor category to Sean Penn, who portrayed a gay US politician Harvey Milk in biopic “Milk.”

This isn’t the first time Brad has experienced disappointment at the Academy Awards. In 1996, he was beaten to the Best Supporting Actor by Cuba Gooding Jr. for “Jerry Maguire.”

Brad had been nominated for his acclaimed role in “12 Monkeys.”

Penelope Cruz is sleeping with her Oscar award.

The Spanish star picked up the Best Supporting Actress prize for her role in “Vicky Christina Barcelona” on Sunday (February 22, 2009) and was so thrilled she took the famous golden statue to bed.

She told US TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey: “When they gave it to me I could not stop crying for 20 minutes.”

“I could not look at it – is it for real, or one of those things my friends gave me or something?”

“This morning I woke up with the same feeling. But I had put the Oscar in my bed, on the other pillow, I looked – and it was there!”

Penelope’s friends and family all painted the letter “P” on their foreheads to show their support for the actress at the awards.

In her acceptance speech, Penelope said: “I grew up in a place called Alcobendas, where this wasn’t a very realistic dream.”

The mayor of her hometown, a suburb of Madrid, has since said he may name a street after her.

Penelope – who is her country’s first ever female Oscar winner – celebrated her win by partying until 5.30am after the ceremony.

In collecting an Academy Award, Penelope follows in the footsteps of her boyfriend Javier Bardem, who became the first Spanish actor to win an Oscar last year.

Javier didn’t attend the awards on Sunday because he was filming his latest movie “Beautiful.”

Mickey Rourke tried to grope Jessica Alba at the Independent Spirit Awards.

The 56-year-old actor – who was named Best Actor for his role in “The Wrestler” at the ceremony on Saturday (February 21, 2009) – lunged at Jessica, much to her horror.

A source told the New York Daily News newspaper: “He was standing near her and reached over to feel her up. She jumped back and made a disgusted face.”

Mickey and 27-year-old Jessica co-starred in sexy 2005 movie “Sin City.”

The aging actor was seemingly breast-obsessed at the awards – he also made an offensive chest-related remark to a female photographer as he walked the red carpet.

When the paparazzi politely asked Mickey if he would take his sunglasses off for a picture, he replied: “Show me your t**s.”

This is not the first time Mickey has got over familiar with a star at an awards show.

Last month, he fondled Thandie Newton at the Elle Style Awards in London.

As Thandie presented Mickey with the Best Actor award, the actor fondled her from behind, saying “You’re fit!”

He later said: “I wouldn’t kick her out of bed if she had gas.”

Penelope Cruz won the first Academy Award of the night Sunday, claiming the supporting-actress honor as a tempestuous artist in Woody Allen’s Spanish romance “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.”

The win capped a big weekend for Cruz, fresh off her win Saturday for the same prize at the Spirit Awards honoring independent film. “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” features Cruz as an unstable Spaniard in a steamy three-way affair with her ex-husband and an American woman.

“Has anybody ever fainted here? Because I might be the first one,” Cruz said, who went on with warm thanks to Allen. “Thank you, Woody, for trusting me with this beautiful character. Thank you for having written all these years some of the greatest characters for women.”

It’s the fifth time an Allen film has earned a performer a supporting-acting honor. Cruz joins past Allen collaborators Dianne Wiest, a dual Oscar winner for “Hannah and Her Sisters” and “Bullets Over Broadway”; Michael Caine for “Hannah and Her Sisters”; and Mira Sorvino for “Mighty Aphrodite.”

The award was presented by five past supporting-actress winners, including last year’s, Tilda Swinton, plus Eva Marie Saint, Anjelica Huston, Whoopi Goldberg and Goldie Hawn.

It was a much-different style for the Oscars as each past recipient offered personal tributes to one of the nominees, without clips of the nominated performances. Awards usually are done in chit-chat style between a couple of celebrity presenters.

After last year’s Oscars delivered their worst TV ratings ever, producers this time aimed to liven up the show with some surprises and new ways of presenting awards. Rather than hiring a comedian such as past hosts Jon Stewart or Chris Rock, the producers went with actor and song-and-dance man Hugh Jackman, who has been host of Broadway’s Tony Awards.

Instead of the usual standup routine, Jackman did an engaging musical number to open the show, saluting nominated films with a clever tribute.

Offering a nod to best-picture favorite “Slumdog Millionaire,” Jackman crooned, “Just a humble slumdog, sitting in a chair, of a millionaire …” He hauled best-actress nominee Anne Hathaway on-stage to stand in as Richard Nixon in a gag tune about fellow best-picture nominee “Frost/Nixon” and asked the question in song — why don’t comic-book movies get nominated? — a dig at Oscar voters’ best-picture snub of the Batman blockbuster “The Dark Knight.”

“Slumdog Millionaire” came into the evening with 10 nominations and an unstoppable run of prizes from earlier film honors.

In keeping with its theme of bottomless optimism amid adversity, “Slumdog Millionaire” has led a charmed life, dodging a flirtation with straight-to-DVD release, winning over critics and climbing toward $100 million hit status. The film has won top honors at all key earlier awards ceremonies.

Now its cast of unknowns — from new celebrities Dev Patel and Freida Pinto to kids plucked by director Danny Boyle from the slums of Mumbai, India — earned a trip to Hollywood’s glitziest party.

The film’s young stars were greeted with cheers and blew kisses in return as they walked the red carpet before the Oscars.

For best picture, “Slumdog Millionaire” faced off against the romantic epic “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” the Richard Nixon saga “Frost/Nixon,” the Harvey Milk tale “Milk” and the Holocaust-themed drama “The Reader.”

Shot in India on a modest budget of $14 million, “Slumdog Millionaire” traces the life of a Mumbai orphan who overcomes poverty, betrayal, police torture and other hardships on his way to a reunion with his childhood love and success on India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”

The film nearly got lost in the shuffle as Warner Bros. folded its arthouse banner, Warner Independent, which had been slated to distribute “Slumdog Millionaire.” It was rescued from the direct-to-video scrap heap when Fox Searchlight stepped in to release the film.

It wasn’t all sunshine for “Slumdog Millionaire” going into the Oscars, though. A few raindrops fell on the red carpet at midmorning amid forecasts of a 30 percent chance of showers on Hollywood’s big night. And hope of warm feelings between the Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers was lost late Saturday night when SAG’s board of directors rejected the producers’ “last, best and final offer” for a new contract.

Sunday’s ceremony, airing live on ABC, featured a mix of fresh faces and old Oscar hands in the acting categories. Two-time winner Meryl Streep extended her record to 15 nominations, this time for best actress in “Doubt,” while other past Oscar recipients and nominees include Sean Penn (best actor for “Milk”), Kate Winslet (best actress for “The Reader”), Robert Downey Jr. (supporting actor for “Tropic Thunder”) and Philip Seymour Hoffman (supporting actor for “Doubt.”)

Newcomers included a rush of veteran performers, among them best-actress contenders Anne Hathaway (“Rachel Getting Married”) and Melissa Leo (“Frozen River”) and best-actor candidates Mickey Rourke (“The Wrestler”), Frank Langella (“Frost/Nixon”) and Richard Jenkins (“The Visitor”).

“The Dark Knight” co-star Heath Ledger was considered as strong a lock to win supporting actor as “Slumdog Millionaire” is to win best picture and director. Ledger, who died on Oscar nominations day last year, took comic-book villains to new heights with his delirious incarnation of Batman foe the Joker.

Past winner Angelina Jolie and her man, Brad Pitt, both were nominated. She’s up for best actress in “Changeling” and he’s competing for best actor in “Benjamin Button,” which leads with 13 nominations.

Heath Ledger will now forever be known as an Oscar winner.

Ledger won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as The Joker in “The Dark Knight.”

It is the first Oscar for the late actor. He was previously nominated for Best Actor for 2006’s “Brokeback Mountain.”

Heath’s father Kim Ledger, his mother Sally Ledger Bell and sister Kate Ledger accepted the award on the actor’s behalf.

“I’d like to thank the Academy for recognizing our son’s amazing work,” Kim Ledger said on stage, as the first family member to speak. “This award tonight would have humbly validated Heath’s quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here – his peers – within an industry he so loved.”

“Heath was such a compassionate and generous soul who added so much excitement and inspiration to our lives,” his mother Sally Leger Bell added. “We have been truly overwhelmed by the honor and respect being bestowed upon him with this award.”

And, his mother said, Heath’s win was much more celebratory than somber for the family.

“Tonight, we are choosing to celebrate and be happy for what he has achieved,” Bell concluded.

When his sister took the podium, she revealed that she and her brother had even talked about the idea of an Oscar win for his iconic role.

“Heath, we both knew what you had created in the The Joker was extraordinarily special and we had even talked about being here on this very day,” Kate Ledger noted.

“We really wish you were here, but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda.”

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Ledger’s 3-year-old daughter, Matilda, will be the recipient of the award. However, her mother, Michelle Williams, will technically be the legal custodian of the award until Matilda turns 18.

Past winners of the award Alan Arkin, Joel Grey, Cuba Gooding Jr., Christopher Walken, Kevin Kline presented the award, each taking time to honor an individual nominee.

“Heath Ledger has left us an original and enduring legacy,” Kline said of Ledger prior to his win.

The Oscar caps off an amazing award show run for the late actor, who died on January 22, 2008, from an accidental drug overdose in his New York apartment.

His turn as the maniacal Joker also earned him Best Supporting Actor awards at the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA, as well as LA, Boston, Toronto and San Francisco Critics Awards.

Ledger’s win at the Oscars marks the first posthumous Oscar since Peter Finch was awarded Best Actor in 1977 for “Network.” Finch, 60, died a few weeks before the awards ceremony.

“Slumdog Millionaire” took home eight Oscars Sunday night, including Best Picture and Best Director, and when Access Hollywood caught up with stars Dev Patel and Freida Pinto after the show, the magnitude of their big night was still sinking in.

“What just happened in there hasn’t really sunken in and it’s kind of just hit us,” Freida told Access’ Nancy O’Dell Sunday night at the Governor’s Ball. “I don’t think the reality has sunken in yet.”

Freida’s co-star was almost left speechless by the film’s big win.

“As you can see, I’m very silent,” Dev said. “I’ll be bouncing off the walls in a second.”

When “Slumdog” was announced as the Best Picture winner, Freida said she too was left speechless – almost literally.

“I’m losing my voice but I still found it somewhere to scream,” she laughed. “We were like, ‘We did it!’ But, the kids coming up on stage was the highlight of the moment. Ah, oh my God!”

Now that “Slumdog” is among the Oscar-winning elite, the stars of the movie got to rub elbows with some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

“Brad and Angie did congratulate us,” Freida said. “And, I think all the kids were really happy that they got to meet them.”

As for Dev, he was able to meet one of acting idols.

“I met Will Smith today! Finally!” Dev said with a giant smile. “Which was a dream for me. So that was surreal. I just sank into my seat and go, ‘Oh my God!’”

In fact, Will even came looking for the young star.

“He came off stage and goes, ‘Where’s Dev? Where’s Dev Patel?’” Dev said of Will. “And I was like, ‘Oh my God! He’s looking for me!’”

“You’re equal with Will Smith,” Nancy pointed out.

“No, not equal. Don’t be silly,” Dev replied. “He’s just showing some appreciation, which is very nice for someone of his caliber.”

Despite reports that Madonna was set to debut her rumored new boyfriend and W magazine model, Jesus Luz, at the Vanity Fair post-Oscar bash on Sunday night, the singer walked the red carpet solo and spoke to Access Hollywood about a different man from her life – ex-husband Sean Penn.

Decked out in an elegant sheer black gown, Madonna posed for photographs alone at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Sunset Tower Sunday night.

“Powerful speech by Sean tonight,” Access’ Tony Potts said to the singer on the red carpet.

“Yeah, amazing,” Madonna said of Sean Penn’s win for Best Actor for his work in “Milk.”

Though the Material Mom might not have had a date for the party, she kept manager and longtime friend Guy Oseary close by – along with a slew of Hollywood’s biggest names.

Inside the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Madonna celebrated Hollywood’s big night with Sacha Baron Cohen, Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, Sheryl Crow, and Jerry Seinfeld.

The singer – and sometimes actress – was also spotted chatting with her former “League Of Their Own” director Penny Marshall.

After six nominations, British actress Kate Winslet finally picked up her first Academy Award on Sunday night.

Kate won the Oscar for Best Actress for playing Hanna Schmitz in “The Reader,” and she took the stage composed and poised.

“I’d be lying if I haven’t made a version of this speech before,” Kate said as she picked up her Oscar. “I think I was probably eight years old and staring in the bathroom mirror. This was probably the shampoo bottle. Well it’s not a shampoo bottle now. I feel very fortunate to have made it all the way from there to here.”

Kate thanked a host of people for her win, but gave a special mention to her parents, Roger and Sally, who were seated in the audience of the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.

“I’d like to thank some of the people along the way who had faith in me, my friends and my family, especially my mum and my dad, who are in this room. Dad, whistle or something ‘cause then I’ll know where you are,” Kate said as she stood on the podium as a high-pitched sound came from the audience.

“Yeahhhh!” Kate screamed as she waved to her proud father, who grinned happily, at his 33-year-old daughter on stage.

Kate continued on, thanking her husband, Director Sam Mendes, and children, before calling out the other women nominated in her category.

“I want to acknowledge my fellow nominees, these goddesses,” she said. “I think we all can’t believe we were nominated with Meryl Streep at all.”

Kate’s Oscar win for “The Reader” comes on the heels of several other accolades for the part, including the Best Leading Actress BAFTA, Best Supporting Actress at the Critics Choice Awards and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role at the Golden Globes.

“Slumdog Millionaire” took the best-picture Academy Award and seven other Oscars on Sunday, including director for Danny Boyle, whose ghetto-to-glory story paralleled the film’s unlikely rise to Hollywood’s summit.

The other top winners: Kate Winslet, best actress for the Holocaust-themed drama “The Reader”; Sean Penn, best actor for the title role of “Milk”; Heath Ledger, supporting actor for “The Dark Knight”; and Penelope Cruz, supporting actress for “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.”

A story of hope amid squalor in Mumbai, India, “Slumdog Millionaire” came in with 10 nominations, its eight wins including adapted screenplay, cinematography, editing and both music Oscars (score and song).

“Just to say to Mumbai, all of you who helped us make the film and all of those of you who didn’t, thank you very much. You dwarf even this guy,” Boyle said, holding up his directing Oscar.

The filmmakers accepted the best-picture trophy surrounded by both the adult professional actors who appeared among the cast of relative unknowns and some of the children Boyle cast from the slums of Mumbai.

The film follows the travails and triumphs of Jamal, an orphan who artfully dodges a criminal gang that mutilates children to make them more pitiable beggars. Jamal witnesses his mother’s violent death, endures police torture and struggles with betrayal by his brother, while single-mindedly hoping to reunite with the lost love of his childhood.

Fate rewards Jamal, whose story unfolds through flashbacks as he recalls how he came to know the answers that made him a champion on India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”

As he took the stage to accept his prize for playing slain gay-rights pioneer Harvey Milk, Penn gleefully told the crowd: “You commie, homo-loving sons of guns.”

He followed with condemnation of anti-gay protesters who demonstrated near the Oscar site and comments about California’s recent vote to ban gay marriage.

“For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think it’s a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect on their great shame and their shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that support,” Penn said. “We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone.”

For his demented reinvention of Batman villain the Joker, Ledger became only the second actor ever to win posthumously, his triumph coming exactly 13 months after his death from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.

His Oscar for the Warner Bros. blockbuster was accepted by Ledger’s parents and sister on behalf of the actor’s 3-year-old daughter, Matilda.

“I have to say this is ever so humbling, just being amongst such wonderful people in such a wonderful industry,” said his father, Kim Ledger. “We’d like to thank the academy for recognizing our son’s amazing work, Warner Bros., and Christopher Nolan in particular for allowing Heath the creative license to develop and explore this crazy Joker character.”

Since his death, the 28-year-old Ledger has gained a mythic aura akin to James Dean, another rising star who died well before his time.

The Joker was his final completed role, a casting choice that initially drew scorn from fans who thought Ledger would not be up to the task given Jack Nicholson’s gleefully campy rendition of the character in 1989’s “Batman.”

In the months before Ledger’s death, buzz on his wickedly chaotic performance swelled as marketing for the movie centered on the Joker and the perverted clown makeup he hid behind.

Ledger’s death fanned a frenzy of anticipation for “The Dark Knight,” which had a record $158.4 million opening weekend last summer.

The previous posthumous Oscar recipient was Peter Finch, who won best actor for 1976’s “Network” two months after his death.

Cruz triumphed as a woman in a steamy three-way affair with her ex-husband and an American woman in Woody Allen’s romance.

“Has anybody ever fainted here? Because I might be the first one,” Cruz said, who went on with warm thanks to Allen. “Thank you, Woody, for trusting me with this beautiful character. Thank you for having written all these years some of the greatest characters for women.”

“OK, that fainting thing, Penelope,” Winslet joked later as she accepted her best-actress prize for “The Reader,” in which she plays a former concentration camp guard in an affair with a teen. “I’d be lying if I haven’t made a version of this speech before. I think I was probably 8 years old and staring into the bathroom mirror, and this would be a shampoo bottle. But it’s not a shampoo bottle now.”

It was Winslet’s first win after five previous losses.

“Slumdog” writer Simon Beaufoy, who adapted the script from Vikas Swarup’s novel “Q&A,” said there are places he never could imagine being.

“For me, it’s the moon, the South Pole, the Miss World podium, and here,” Beaufoy said.

The epic love story “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” which led with 13 nominations, had three wins, for visual effects, art direction and makeup.

“The Dark Knight” had a second win, for sound editing.

“Milk” writer Dustin Lance Black offered an impassioned tribute to Milk.

“If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he would want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told they are less than by the churches, by the government, by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value, and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours,” Black said.

“Man on Wire,” James Marsh’s examination of tight-rope walker Philippe Petit’s dazzling stroll between the towers of the World Trade Center in 1974, was chosen as best documentary.

The acting categories were presented by five past winners of the same awards, among them last year’s actress winners, Marion Cotillard and Tilda Swinton, plus Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Kline, Sophia Loren, Anthony Hopkins, Shirley MacLaine and Robert De Niro.

It was a much different style for the Oscars as each past recipient offered personal tributes to one of the nominees, without clips of the nominated performances. Awards usually are done in chit-chat style between a couple of celebrity presenters.

After last year’s Oscars delivered their worst TV ratings ever, producers this time aimed to liven up the show with some surprises and new ways of presenting awards. Rather than hiring a comedian such as past hosts Jon Stewart or Chris Rock, the producers went with actor and song-and-dance man Hugh Jackman, who has been host of Broadway’s Tony Awards.

Instead of the usual standup routine, Jackman did an engaging musical number to open the show, saluting nominated films with a clever tribute.

Jackman later did a medley staged by his “Australia” director Baz Luhrmann with such performers as Beyonce Knowles and “High School Musical” stars Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron.

“Slumdog Millionaire” went into the evening after a run of prizes from earlier film honors.

The film nearly got lost in the shuffle as Warner Bros. folded its art-house banner, Warner Independent, which had been slated to distribute “Slumdog Millionaire.” It was rescued from the direct-to-video scrap heap when Fox Searchlight stepped in to release the film.

“Slumdog” composer A.R. Rahman, a dual Oscar winner for the score and song, said the movie was about “optimism and the power of hope.”

“All my life, I’ve had a choice of hate and love,” Rahman said. “I chose love, and I’m here.

Complete list of winners at the 81st annual Academy Awards, presented Sunday night at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles:

— Motion Picture: “Slumdog Millionaire.”

— Actor: Sean Penn, “Milk.”

— Actress: Kate Winslet, “The Reader.”

— Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, “The Dark Knight.”

— Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.”

— Director: Danny Boyle, “Slumdog Millionaire.”

— Foreign Film: “Departures,” Japan.

— Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy, “Slumdog Millionaire.”

— Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black, “Milk.”

— Animated Feature Film: “WALL-E.”

— Art Direction: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

— Cinematography: “Slumdog Millionaire.”

— Sound Mixing: “Slumdog Millionaire.”

— Sound Editing: “The Dark Knight.”

— Original Score: “Slumdog Millionaire,” A.R. Rahman.

— Original Song: “Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire,” A.R. Rahman and Gulzar.

— Costume: “The Duchess.”

— Documentary Feature: “Man on Wire.”

— Documentary (short subject): “Smile Pinki.”

— Film Editing: “Slumdog Millionaire.”

— Makeup: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

— Animated Short Film: “La Maison en Petits Cubes.”

— Live Action Short Film: “Spielzeugland (Toyland).”

— Visual Effects: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

___

Academy Award winners previously announced this season:

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (Oscar statuette): Jerry Lewis

Gordon E. Sawyer Award (Oscar statuette): Pixar Animation co-founder Ed Catmull

Katy Perry says winning a BRIT Award is like ”being knighted.”

The US singer – who picked up the Best International Female accolade at London’s Earl’s Court on Wednesday night (February 18, 2009) – is still thrilled by her victory and can’t think of a better honor.

Katy – who donned sexy skin-tight PVC leggings and a pink and black Hello Kitty corset for the glitzy ceremony – wrote on her blog “Oh my gawd. I’m am SO happy. I’ve won a BRIT.”

“That’s like being knighted practically! Maybe even better. Thank you. Didn’t expect THAT! I just thought I’d show up in my ridiculous hello kitty top and get worse dressed and leave (sic)”

The 24-year-old singer revealed she was ill during her acceptance speech.

Upon collecting her statuette from Lionel Richie, she said “Holy st! I’m so sick right now, but they said come along something good might happen.”

Shortly leaving the stage, the “Hot N’ Cold” singer was violently sick and is now recovering in bed.

She wrote “I can’t tell you how bad I feel right now. Last night I was sweatin it out, but yeah, lets just say this kitty does not look so pretty right now.”

“I have the doctor on speed dial if the fever gets over 101102. I thought I was invincible and then my body decides to show me otherwise.”

“I’m stuck in bed for the next couple of days as I should be. Im upset because Top Shop is right around the corner and I can’t move outta my sweat bed. Fing flu.”

“I can’t wait to come back to the brits next year. and not puke (sic).”

The singer has topped GQ magazine’s list of the Ten Most Stylish Men in America for his impact on fashion and his ”knack for targeting trends.”

Justin – who has his own clothing line William Rust – topped the list because of his willingness to take style risks with his use of hats, three-piece suits, skinny ties and facial hair.

The list also includes T.I. – who features on Justin’s song “My Love” – Kanye West, Jason Schwartzman, hotelier Andre Balazs and photographer Alexi Lubomirski.
Despite his grand title, Justin believes British supermodel Kate Moss is the ultimate fashion icon because she “could put a barrel on and it would be some sort of statement.”

Justin – who has been dating actress Jessica Biel since early 2007 – was recently thrown a surprise party by Jessica to celebrate turning 28.

A source said: “Justin was totally blown away when he walked in. He had no idea.”

Mickey Rourke groped Thandie Newton – in front of her husband.

The “The Wrestler” star couldn’t keep his hands off the “Crash” actress at the Elle Style Awards in London on Monday night (Feb 9, 2009).

As Thandie presented Mickey with the Best Actor award, the actor fondled her from behind, saying “You’re fit!”

He later said: “I wouldn’t kick her out of bed if she had gas.”

Mickey’s recent randy behavior has reportedly enraged rocker Courtney Love, who is said to be secretly dating the star.

A source said: “They’ve known each other for years. She’s stuck by him through the good times and the bad. Now he’s back on the Hollywood A-list he’s gone up another notch in the desirability stakes.”

“Mickey texted Courtney totally out of the blue asking to take her out for the night. They met up in secret and had an awesome evening. They didn’t stop at holding hands.”

Mickey – who has also won a BAFTA for his portrayal of an aging wrestler attempting a comeback – is enjoying his renewed fame, but hopes “Milk” actor Sean Penn wins the Best Actor Oscar which they are both up for.

He said: “Sean Penn is a good friend of mine. When I was down and out he got hold of me and told me exactly what to do and what not to do. I owe him so much that I hope he wins the award.”

The last-minute absences of scheduled performers and nominees Chris Brown and Rihanna caused some last-minute reshuffling of the Grammy telecast, including a hastily put together ensemble performance by Justin Timberlake, Boyz II Men, Al Green and Keith Urban.

Rihanna was set to be the second performer on Sunday night’s CBS show, singing “Live Your Life” and “Disturbia.”

Instead, the ensemble performance went on after an awkward, impromptu-sounding introduction by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who had been scheduled to introduce Rihanna.

Brown was scheduled as the evening’s fifth performer, singing “Forever,” but his performance was scratched.

Not long before the show the Los Angeles Police Department announced that Brown is the subject of a felony domestic violence battery investigation.

The Recording Academy said only that Rihanna wouldn’t be attending. It gave no reason for Brown’s no-show.

Brown and Rihanna are dating and were both multiple Grammy nominees.

Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to her ”family in heaven” while accepting her Grammy Award.

The singer-and-actress – whose mother, brother and nephew were murdered last November – gave an emotional acceptance speech when she picked up the prize for Best R’n'B Album for her self-titled debut before fighting back tears as she performed “You Pulled Me Through” backed by a choir.

In her speech, Jennifer, 27, said last night (Feb 8, 2009): “Thank God, who brought me through. I’d like to thank my family in heaven – and those who are here today.”

Jennifer also thanked her fiance David Otunga, who before last night’s event said “the last few months have been an ordeal and it just brought us closer.”

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss were the big winners of the night, picking up five awards, including the coveted Album of the Year for “Raising Sand” and Record of the Year for “Please Read The Letter.”

Vocalist Robert admitted he was bemused by their success. The former Led Zeppelin rocker said: “I’m bewildered. In the old days we’d call this selling out. But I think it’s a good way to spend a Sunday.”

British rock group Coldplay picked up three awards, for Best Pop Duo/Vocal Group, Best Rock Album for “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” and Song of the Year for “Viva La Vida.”

Their triumph was matched by Lil’ Wayne – who picked up his prizes in a pre-show ceremony as he was unable to attend the bash in Los Angeles – who also received a trio of honors for Best Rap Album for “The Carter Show,” Best Rap Solo Performance for “A-Milli” and Best Rap Song for “Lollipop.”

As well as honoring American talent, the 51st Grammy Awards honored several British artists.

“Chasing Pavements” star Adele was named Best Newcomer and Best Female Vocal Performance, Duffy took home Best Pop Vocal Album and Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” was named Best Alternative Album.

Performers at the ceremony included Justin Timberlake, who duetted with soul legend Al Green on his hit “Let’s Stay Together,” country singer Carrie Underwood and “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus.

The 51st Grammy Awards list of major winners:

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Album of the Year: Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, “Raising Sand”

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Rap Album: Lil Wayne, “The Carter III”

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Record of the Year: Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, “Please Read the Letter”

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New Artist: Adele

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Rock Album: Coldplay, “Viva La Vida”

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Song of the Year: Coldplay, “Viva La Vida”

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Pop duo/group: Coldplay, “Viva La Vida”

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Pop Vocal Album: Duffy, “Rockferry”

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Alternative Album: Radiohead, “In Rainbows”

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Producer of the Year, non-classical: Rick Rubin

Kylie Minogue scooped two prizes at the BT Digital Music Awards 2008 last night (Oct 1, 2008).

The ceremony, which celebrates online achievements in music, saw Kylie win Best Pop Artist, while her Kylie Konnect website was given the Best Innovation award.

Coldplay took home the prize for Best Official Music Website while Radiohead were proclaimed Artist of the Year.

The London awards began with a performance from Norwegian pop singer Ida Maria.

The event also featured appearances from US band Iglu and Hartly, rockers Fightstar, pop act Sam Beeton, British indie act British Sea Power and human beatbox artist Beardyman.

Presenters Fearne Cotton and Rufus Hound presented the twenty awards – of which 13 were voted for by the public and seven by a music industry panel.

Other winners included The Zutons for Best Video Podcast, Wiley for Best Urban Artist, Hadouken! For Best Electronic Artist/DJ and Vampire Weekend who were awarded Best Breakthrough Artist.

Presenter Leigh Francis, Swedish DJ Basshunter and a host of former contestants from the UK’s version of the reality TV show “Big Brother” also attended the event at the Roundhouse in North London.

The BT Digital Music Awards 2008, full list of winners:

Best Pop Artist – Kylie Minogue
Best Rock/Indie Artist – Coldplay
Best Urban Artist – Wiley
Best Electronic Artist or DJ – Hadouken!
Best Audio Podcast – Hospital Records podcast
Best Video Podcast – The Zutons podcast
Best Radio Station – Planet Rock
Best Music Store – iTunes
Best Music Magazine – NME.com
Best Music Community – Download Festival Community
Best Artist Promotion – Dylan Messenger – Bob Dylan album promotion Best
Digital Service – We7
Best Mobile Campaign – Red Stripe Camden Crawl 2008
Breakthrough Artist of the Year – Vampire Weekend
Artist of the Year – Radiohead
Best Innovation – Kylie Konnect
Best Music Hardware – Gibson “robot” guitar
Best Music Blog – StopCryingYourHeartOutnews.blogspot.com
Best Unofficial Music Site – AvrilBandAids.com
Best Official Music Site – Coldplay.com