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The race for 2002’s worst films and acting performances got off to a roaring start as the nominations for the Golden Raspberry, or Razzie, Awards were announced Monday. The actress category included Madonna‘s performance in Swept Away, which also snagged a nod for worst film, as well as Jennifer Lopez for her turns in Enough and Maid in Manhattan. Also on the list were Winona Ryder for Mr. Deeds, Angelina Jolie for Life Or Something Like It and Britney Spears for her debut in Crossroads, which also made it to the worst film list. Rounding out the worst films were The Adventures of Pluto Nash, the Italian film Pinocchio and Star Wars: Episode II–Attack of the Clones. Actors included Eddie Murphy for Pluto Nash, Roberto Benigni for Pinocchio, Adriano Giannini for Swept Away, Steven Seagal for Half Past Dead and Adam Sandler for his dual performances in Adam Sandler’s 8 Crazy Nights and Mr. Deeds.
Celebs
Michael Jackson wants to strike back at Martin Bashir, the British interviewer who, he claims, betrayed him in the documentary on his personal life which aired last week. The King of Pop has authorized the release of video footage to prove Bashir was misleading and unfair. “I am bewildered at the length to which people will go to portray me so negatively,” Jackson said in a statement.
The Associated Press reports Star Wars creator George Lucas is planning to build a $300 million special effects campus in San Francisco, Calif. for his company Lucasfilm Ltd. in hopes to give the coastal city recognition as a major player in filmmaking. The 850,000-square-foot project is scheduled for completion in 2005.
Maybe Ryan Phillippe thinks his star is dimming a bit in the glow of his successful wife Reese Witherspoon? Variety reports Phillippe has fired his agents at the William Morris Agency and his management company Brillstein Gray Entertainment. He is currently considering other representation.
George Clooney lost his usual cool while answering questions about his film Solaris at the Berlin International Film Festival Saturday. According to Reuters, a journalist from Turkey commented to the actor at a press conference that he thought the film, which received mixed reviews in the U.S., was “boring.” Clooney responded, “You crack me up, man. You just wanted to get up and be a rat, you know that? You just wanted to get up and say something rotten. What a jerk! I mean honestly, you know, what a (expletive) thing to say!”
Movies
George Clooney may not have been enjoying himself there, but perhaps his colleagues at the kickoff of the 53rd Berlin International Film Festival this past weekend were. Variety reports the festival attracted a more than a few celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Nicolas Cage, Jackie Chan and Dustin Hoffman. The well-respected festival has made a concentrated effort to boost star power this year.
Renee Zellweger has denied she and co-star Hugh Grant are gearing up for a sequel to their hit comedy Bridget Jones’s Diary. According to BBCNews.com, when asked about Jones‘ sequel at the Berlin Film Festival, the actress replied, “Neither of us has seen scripts, neither of us has a start date and neither of us has committed because there is nothing to commit to.”
Music
Eminem says he will do only one concert this year, in his hometown of Detroit, Mich. According to AP, the July 12 show, at the new Detroit football stadium Ford Field, will also feature Missy Elliot and 50 Cent.
