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Biggest Headlines of 2008: The Return of Jennifer vs. Angelina

Molly — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:00:36 -0800

We've been counting down the biggest headlines of 2008, and we'll be revealing more throughout the month of December. We hope you enjoy this look back at some of the posts and stories that created the most buzz throughout the year.

Let it be said that we at PopSugar firmly believe that one can be on both Team Jolie and Team Aniston. We'd much rather go out for girls' night on the town or spa day with Jen, but there is something beautiful and intriguing about the work Angelina has done for the world and the family she helped create. The truth is, however, not everyone feels this way, and no one in the world can sell a cover like these two women - especially when they're talking about each other. This Fall, with movies to promote and magazine covers to score, they both did just that.

This round of hoopla started late in the Summer, after Angelina had given birth to the twins, who made even bigger headlines than Shiloh two years earlier. The Jolie-Pitts were happily living in the South of France, until the press realized that both Brad and recently single Jennifer Aniston were scheduled to be at the Toronto Film Festival. While the former husband and wife did not see each other while screening their movies, the spark was lit again and it was only going to get hotter. To read the rest of what happened this Autumn, just read more.

Just a few weeks later, Angelina kicked off an epic set of interviews to promote The Changeling. We had heard that Brad was photographing his family for the November cover of W magazine, but no one was quite ready for what it would look like. The controversial breastfeeding cover was polarizing, to say the least, and gave us a very intimate look at the life of the Jolie-Pitts. Just a few weeks earlier, Jolie debuted her post-baby body and movie to much praise in NYC and sat down for a few interviews.

It was one in particular with the New York Times that stood out - in it she talked about her and Brad's children someday being able to watch the movie where their parents fell in love. Gasp. For years she and Brad had tiptoed around the timeline of his marriage to Jennifer ending and their relationship starting, and while Angelina did not say anything physical happened, it was an admission of something. In the midst of this, she took a trip to Afghanistan just fueling rumors about how well she orchestrates her image.

Just a few weeks later, it was Jennifer's turn to hit the interview circuit starting to get everyone excited for Marley & Me. Right before the storm, she got back together with John Mayer, but that didn't keep it from getting interesting. The first, and most headline-making, article was Vogue, which exclaimed on the cover that Jennifer said, "What Angelina did was uncool." When the full article came out, it was clear that the comment was taken out of context, and she was referring to a particular quote years ago, but the media still picked it up and ran with it as a comment about Angelina and Brad's relationship.

Since then, Jennifer called out Vogue in Oprah and in Entertainment Weekly, but the interview still caused a deluge of magazine covers implying that the women were at it again - all the while with Brad getting none of the blame, naturally. Meanwhile, Jennifer and John Mayer were back together and happy as ever.

With The Changeling getting award season buzz and Marley & Me sure to be a beloved holiday hit, both women are in amazing places in their careers right now. They're committed to charity work - be it overseas or with kids at home. Both women are in loving relationships that seem to make them happy. While there may be truth to bad blood between them - I mean, how could there not be? - and they seem about as different as two movie stars can be, both Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie are incredible and ground-breaking females. The end of 2008 proved to open up old wounds in fans and, doubtlessly, the stars themselves, but here's to 2009 celebrating more love and success for both Angelina and Jen. There's no need to Pitt these two strong women against each other, and as Miss Aniston mentioned there's no cattiness necessary.

Biggest Headlines of 2008: Jennifer Lopez From Twins to Bikinis and More

Molly — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:30:00 -0800

Jennifer Lopez's year started off in a big way when she gave birth to her twins, Max and Emme, on Feb. 21. Soon after, Jennifer and Marc introduced us to their twins on the cover of People for a reported $6 million paycheck. Always the multitasker, Jennifer was quick to make headlines talking about not having a nanny, but as you expected that didn't last, as the two now have help caring for their 10-month old twins. Jennifer and Marc immediately introduced their twins to a jetsetting lifestyle with trips overseas to meet all of mom and dad's glamorous friends. The family headed to Spain in June where Jennifer showed off her amazing slimmed-down bikini body more than once and also growing Max and Emme.

In July, the new mom turned 39 and announced that she was training to participate in a triathlon in September. Before she took to her swimming, biking, and running, she stopped by the DNC on behalf of the Children's Defense Fund. After posing with Posh at NY Fashion Week, Jennifer was supposed to guest judge on the Project Runway finale but pulled out due to an injury, which clearly didn't stop her from completing her triathalon in Malibu just days later. Superwoman Jennifer was in NYC hours later to throw Marc a surprise 40th birthday before whisking him - and the twins - off to St.-Tropez and Milan. The Lopez-Anthony family partied overseas with friends, posed for photo shoots, and hit up another fashion week. As if that wasn't enough romantic excitement, Jennifer and Marc renewed their vows October in Vegas. 2008 was a landmark year for Jennifer Lopez in her personal life and her professional ventures, so we'll have to see whether she can top it in '09, but if anyone can do it, it's Jennifer.

Source, Flynet and Final Pixx

Biggest Headlines of 2008: "Manuelgate"

PopSugarUK — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:30:00 -0800

As part of our look back at 2008, we're recalling the biggest headlines of the year. We hope you enjoy joining us as we remember those stories that hit the headlines in a big way. We'll reveal more throughout December, so stay tuned.

Russell Brand caused quite a stir with his MTV VMA hosting in September, but that was nothing compared the to furore caused by his prank call with Jonathan Ross in October. During Russell's prerecorded BBC Radio 2 show broadcast on 18 October, he and Jonathan phoned Andrew Sachs (best known as Manuel in Fawlty Towers) four times, leaving lewd messages about Andrew's granddaughter on his voicemail. It wasn't picked up until Monday 27th, when the media started reporting it, and very quickly 1,500 people (including MPs) has made a complaint.

Within two days, the BBC suspended Russell and Jonathan and took all their shows off air during the BBC's investigation. The number of complaints swelled to 10,000, and Prime Minister Gordon Brown made his opinion known, saying the prank was "clearly inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour".

Later that day, Russell Brand announced his resignation from the BBC, saying: "I have apologised to Andrew Sachs... and he has graciously accepted. As I only do the radio show to make people laugh I've decided that given the subsequent coverage I will stop doing the show." Jonathan also offered a "full apology". It was the topic on everyone's lips at the National TV Awards that evening, and when I chatted with Davina McCall she, said: "I'm slightly inclined to forgive them - they're comedians - but I think they need to do a bit more of a heartfelt apology and then I'm over it".

To remember what happened next, just read more.

The following day, the number of complaints had risen to 27,000. Ofcom launched its own investigation, and the BBC's director general met with the corporation's governing body. That evening it was announced that Jonathan Ross was suspended for 12 weeks without pay. Radio 2 Controller, Lesley Douglas, resigned from her post, apologising to Andrew's family and saying she took responsibility for what happened.

Noel Gallagher publicly supported Russell, while Andrew's granddaughter, Georgina Baillie, sold her story and said Russell was "a disappointment" in bed. By the end of the week, the BBC said it was hoping to draw a line under the furore. The following week, however, Georgina did an about turn and called for Russell and Jonathan to be reinstated, saying "it's a shame that it got out of hand".

Russell took some time out in the US before speaking out, saying: "I did the daft thing, and that I take responsibility for. How it's been repackaged ... I'm not at all responsible for that". Jonathan's return to the BBC still hung in the balance, but both Russell and Jonathan were nominated for British Comedy Awards, although Jonathan couldn't take his usual position as host. Russell was named Best Stand-Up act at the ceremony on 8 December, and dedicated his award to Jonathan. This didn't impress Andrew, however, who said he couldn't understand why Russell won.

All this controversy earned Russell a place in my most scandalous British celeb of 2008 poll. Let's hope 2009 is a more relaxed year for all concerned.

Rob Morrison/Nick Banks/BigPicturesPhoto.com, Source and Source

Biggest Headlines of 2008: The Tale (Tail?) of a First Puppy-to-Be

PetSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:45:02 -0800

I can't think of any other dog that's been more anticipated by the general population than the yet-to-be chosen, announced, named, or introduced addition to the Obama family. If we're all so excited, wanting to share our opinions for their pet, can you imagine what lil Sasha and Malia are feeling?! I know this was my favorite Barack Obama moment of the year, so I've backtracked to round up some of my fave posts about one of the Biggest Headlines of 2008.

Early 2008:
Obama Promises a Dog
Regardless of Outcome

Mid 2008:
AKC Polls on
Hypoallergenic Breeds

Late 2008:
Obama Gives Puppy a
Shout Out In Big Speech

Stay tuned, we'll meet this furball sooner (please, please) or later, turning it into one of the top dogs to watch come '09.

Biggest Headline of 2008: Paul Newman Passes Away

PopSugar — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0800

Early in 2008, rumors began to circulate that legendary actor Paul Newman's health was in decline. The stories persisted despite assurances that he was "doing nicely." As a friend let it slip that he was battling cancer, it began to appear that Paul was, in fact, seriously ill.

The chatter proved to be sadly accurate - Paul Newman passed away at his home in Westport, CT on September 27 after waging a private battle against cancer. As his family and friends remembered the actor and race car enthusiast, we took a look back at his storied life and career. The 10-time Academy Award nominee was famous for his many films, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Cool Hand Luke and Road to Perdition. He was equally revered for his extensive philanthropy, which included the non-profit food empire he ran with his daughter Nell, Newman's Own, and his Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a summer camp for seriously ill children.

Tributes continued to mount for the man who was unanimously loved in Hollywood for his kindness and charity, and Paul's memory is certain to live on.

Source and Source

Biggest Headlines of 2008: Madonna's Sticky and Sweet Year

PopSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:30:31 -0800

It was a year of ups and downs for Madonna, who spent the first half of 2008 focusing on her new album before her music was eclipsed by her personal drama in the press. She started things off by taking Lourdes and Rocco around India and continued to raise money for Malawi with her celebrity friends. In February Madonna showed off her first endeavor as a director when her film Filth and Wisdom premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Her debut was a milestone for the pop star, but the buzz quickly shifted to her new album, Hard Candy. She and her little black ensembles were all over the magazine covers and her collaboration with Justin quickly became a big hit.

Madonna's success continued and was marked by her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but by March there were whispers of problems with her marriage to Guy Ritchie. They battled the gossip with hand-in-hand dinner dates, but the speculation was far from over. Madonna hit the road on her Sticky and Sweet tour once Hard Candy was released in May. When she wasn't busy up on stage, she stuck by Guy's side at Cannes but by Summer the divorce rumors were back and bigger than ever. To look back at the rest of Madonna's year just read more.

Not long after Madonna was spotted at Yankee stadium with her kids in June, word spread like wildfire that something was going on between her and Yankee Alex Rodriguez and that both she and Guy had already hired divorce lawyers. Madonna's rep was quick to deny the reports and rumors, and as if on cue, Madonna and Guy were spotted holding hands a few days later in NYC. In early July Alex Rodriguez's wife filed for divorce, which didn't help matters.

Her marriage controversy was put on the backburner for a bit when her brother Christopher Ciccone published a tell-all about Madonna, which bothered her more than the affair rumors. Madonna and Guy continued to keep up the appearance of being a happy couple, celebrating her 50th birthday together in August and appearing together on red carpets for Guy's movie Rocknrolla before it was his turn for a birthday bash.

While everything seemed to be fine on the surface, the year-long questions about their relationship were about to be answered. The rumors about Madonna and A-Rod continued and they were spotted having dinner together in October just a few days before Madonna and Guy officially announced their divorce on October 15.

The split wasn't about to slow down Madonna's touring schedule, and she had friends in her corner on stage and off. It didn't take much time for the rumors about their divorce settlement and child custody to get ugly. The couple reached a divorce settlement in mid December, and went their separate ways. As Guy keeps busy with Sherlock Holmes, Madonna is still performing on stage night after night. She's been spotted with Alex a handful of times in the past months, and despite rumors that they're getting closer, A-Rod claims that there's nothing romantic between them. It was a roller coaster year for Madonna to say the least, but we might have to wait until 2009 to find out if she and A-Rod are more than just friends.

Source, Source, Splash News Online, Source, and Flynet

Biggest Headlines of 2008: Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson's Relationship

Molly — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:30:00 -0800

Lindsay Lohan found love this year, only it wasn't in the form we were originally expecting. Instead, her friendship with Samantha Ronson turned into more as the two women went from attached at the hip BFFs to a lot more. You wouldn't know it from the way Lindsay finished off 2007 - a trio of men in Italy, drinking on camera, which had you all convinced she was on a downward spiral again. By Spring, however, we were seeing a lot more of her shopping and dining with DJ Samantha than falling out of the club at the end of the night and creating scandals. Still, it took her - and us - a long time to tentatively talk about the coupledom, until LL's independent streak and desire to speak her mind won out and everyone learned of Lindsay Lohan's new love.

This wasn't the first time that we saw Lindsay and Samantha spending a lot of time together, in fact Samantha got a bad reputation for facilitating her 2007 downward spiral and most of you didn't think she would keep Lindsay out of trouble. By May, it became more clear that if anything Samantha was a stabilizing influence on Lohan, as the girls were spotted meeting each other's families. At the end of the month Lindsay nuzzled up to Samantha at Cannes only fueling relationship rumors. It heated up over the Summer as Samantha joined LL on the set of Labor Pains and the girls celebrated birthdays and spent every second together.

To read more of Lindsay and Samantha's year together just read more.

By August, the only drama in their relationship seemed to be caused by Michael Lohan who felt the need to rant about Samantha to the media. The girls fought back on their MySpace blogs and just about the only upside to that was we got two of our favorite celebrity bloggers out of it. The girls have kept us updated frequently the past few months on how they're feeling about everything from politics to relationships to clearing up any breakup rumors.

From party to party, it seemed if you hired Samantha to DJ, Lindsay would be part of the package. The girls supported each other and their families like watching Charlotte Ronson's Fashion Week show. Lindsay's publicist tried to deny the girls were more than friends, but LL herself opened up about it eventually. Not to mention, of course, seeing them kiss.

At the end of September, Lindsay and Samantha headed off for a romantic weekend in Cabo together full of bikini lounging. While Lindsay Lohan's movie career is still in a bit of a rut, her legging line is selling well and she seems happier and more stable than ever with Samantha by her side. It may not be what we expected to see from Lindsay in 2008, but it's been a pleasant surprise to watch her genuinely in love with someone who cares about her right back. We'll see what 2009 brings for LL and SR, but for now they're just enjoying the ride.

Splash News Online, Source, Source

Biggest Headlines of 2008: Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer Heat Up, Cool Down, Reunite

PopSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:00:04 -0800

Early this year rumors started that Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer were an item, but it wasn't until the first hot bikini photos with poolside drinks that they became one of the most buzzworthy relationships of 2008. John was first caught cuddling up to Jen in Miami in late April, and most of you pronounced them to be a sexy new couple. John paid a few more visits to Jen and the pool while she was in Florida shooting Marley & Me, which then turned into romantic dates in NYC and partying with Jen's BFFs in LA.

To read more about Jen and John's romance, just read more.

The vacation-loving couple soaked up the sun in Mexico before heading to Europe, where Jen listened in on a few of John's shows. Most of you didn't think they would last and by August word had spread that their fling had fizzled.

Jen quietly recovered with shopping, friend dates, and showing off her hot bod, while John took it upon himself to talk to the paparazzi about the breakup.
After a month of going their separate ways, rumors of a reunion started to heat up again.
By John's birthday in October they were already back in full force and celebrating together, though John had to promise Jen that he wouldn't blab to photographers about their relationship anymore. It's been smooth sailing since then, complete with pregnancy rumors, celebrating Obama and new celebrity friends. Jen even confirmed their relationship on Oprah, and these days their biggest problem seems to be giving each other proper credit for their baked goods. Sounds like 2009 will be kicking off on a happy note for the twosome, and we can't wait to see what kinds of twists and turns their relationship will take next year.

Lisa Rose, Source and Bauer Griffin Online

Biggest Headlines of 2008: RIP Heath Ledger

Molly — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:30:13 -0800

We've been counting down the most shocking headlines of 2008, and we'll be revealing more throughout the month of December. We hope you enjoy this look back at some of the posts and stories that created the most buzz throughout the year.

On January 22, 2008 we all learned a lesson about the tragic side of fame when we learned Heath Ledger had passed away of an apparent overdose that morning. As fans old and new alike tried to make sense of it and scramble for bits of information, the heartbreaking truth set in: we had lost one of the greatest actors of our time. He was a father, a son, a partner. He was known as a devoted actor and a kind person. He is still missed, he will be missed.

By the end of the 22nd, the details were still unknown but there were many theories being floated - some about Mary-Kate Olsen, though her involvement was never confirmed and the investigation is closed. His death was ruled an accident. A lethal combination of prescription drugs was found in his body.

To read more about the aftermath and his legacy just read more.

His friends and colleagues in Hollywood had only kind words and family released a statement saying: "Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him. He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many."

Michelle released a heartbreaking statement saying, "My heart is broken. I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father." In early February, Michelle joined Heath's family and loved ones for a beautiful celebration of his life and memorial service in Australia. It was the first most beautiful smile we saw on Michelle's face since the tragic loss.

We took a look back on his life through classic images and his fans - whether their favorite of his movies was 10 Things I Hate About You or Brokeback Mountain - reminisced about their favorite moments through tributes. There were hundreds of reasons, explanations and theories about why he passed away, but in the end the truth was just that he was gone too soon.

As the cold began to thaw in New York, we saw Michelle and Matilda emerge in Brooklyn for their happy walks and Michelle's carefully and radiantly stepped back onto the red carpet. In his hometown a theater was named in his honor, as was the scholarship set up in his name with Michelle making the first contribution.

In mid-July, The Dark Knight hit theaters to immense praise and broke box office record after box office record making upwards of $400 million already. It is slated for rerelease in early January 2009. Easily the most beloved movie of the Summer and perhaps best superhero movie of all time crowds gathered to see it again and again, constantly in awe of Heath's incredible performance.

The investigation into his death officially ended in early August, and in September his family chose to leave his estate to Matilda. Fellow actors Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell, the actors who took over Heath Ledger's role in his final movie The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus are donating their profits to Matilda.

Through his memorable performances especially The Dark Knight an Oscar contender, Heath's memory will not be forgotten. Michelle's grief breaks our hearts, but his beautiful mini me continues to grow and smile helping Heath's legacy live on.

Source, Source, Splash News Online and Flynet

Biggest Headline of 2008: Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds Marry in Secret

PopSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:00:59 -0800

We've been counting down the biggest headlines of 2008, and we'll be revealing more as the month comes to a close. We hope you enjoy this look back at some of the posts and stories that created the most buzz throughout the year.

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds got together in the Spring of 2007, after emerging from their crazy love square with Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake. Their relationship continued to gain momentum, as they traveled together and he went to Spain to pay her a visit on the set of Vicky Cristina Barcelona that August.

They managed to keep their relationship extremely private and were only photographed together a handful of times. Therefore, it was a bit unforeseen when Scarlett and Ryan announced their engagement this year on May 5. Later that day, Scarlett was all sparkles and smiles as she debuted her big diamond ring at the Costume Institute Gala in NYC.

Still, Scarlett and Ryan kept a low profile as they planned for the big day - so low that many of you thought they'd never actually make it to the altar. They managed to surprise everyone once again by pulling off a top secret ceremony at a remote wilderness resort just outside Vancouver on Sept. 27. We have yet to see them side by side since their wedding, but as they grow increasingly comfortable attending events together, hopefully in time we'll see lots more of Scarlett and Ryan showing their love in public.

Fame, Flynet and Source