Winona Ryder stole diamond jewelry this time

Famous Hollywood actress, Winona Ryder, is accused of jewelry theft. According to reports published by TMZ.com, an entertainment website, the actress had been accused of stealing $1,24,000 worth of Bulgari jewels which she borrowed to attend an event on November 20, 2008. The event was sponsored by Marie Claire magazine in Madrid.

Ryder said that she left the diamond jewelries in the hotel room as they were supposed to be picked up by someone from Marie Claire but some time after she left, the diamond bracelet and ring were missing. French celebrity magazine, Voici, reported that the actress left the jewelry at front desk of the hotel for safekeeping. However, the hotel management said that they did not receive any package from the actress and there was no surveillance footage which showed that Ryder gave any package for safekeeping.

Well, this is not the first time, Winona Ryder is accused of stealing. In 2001, Winona was accused of shoplifting at Beverly Hills, California. The actress was arrested on the charge of stealing $5,500 worth of designer clothes and accessories from a department store. Recently, on her way to London, the 37 year old actress forced to make a special landing over a mystery illness.

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New York Daily News

Stephenie Meyer's web promotion for Twilight

Twilight is now ruling North American box office. The movie collected around $100 million in the first ten days of its release. The novel, which was first published in 2005, turned novelist Stephenie Meyer from an orndinary homemaker into an American mainstream celebrity. Interestingly, internet played a major role behind Stephenie’s success.

In 2005, publisher Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers published 75,000 copies of the first book of Twilight series. For promoting the book, the company sent Meyer on a small author tour and set-up an “in-house web page.” Unfortunately, the site was not very successful. After this, Stephenie Meyers took things in her own hands. Henceforth, http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/ came into being. In the site, Stephenie wrote about her personal life, family and published photos. This gave people a chance to connect with her. She directly communicated with people and it gradually built up a strong fanbase over time.

Interestingly, one of the fans named Lori Joffs rewrote the book from a particular character’s perspective. She published it on fiction.net. Stephenie wrote a review and left her personal email address. The two chatted with each other. Then Lori Joffs and her friend, Laura Christiano, sought Stephenie's permission to set up a dictionary site for her novel. Stephenie agree and the two jointly set up http://www.twilightlexicon.com/ where fans would get reference. Last summer, the site even crushed from over use.

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Los Angeles Times

Australian government promotes tourism with Australia

Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman starrer, Australia, is now being promoted jointly by the Australian tourism department to attract tourists in Australia. Directed by Baz Luhrman, Australia is a romantic movie set in WWII era. Made in the style of epic movies like the Laurence of Arabia, the movie beautifully shows the diverse landscape and lives of Australian ranchers. In addition, there is the romance between Hugh Jackman, the “Sexiest Man Alive” and Nicole Kidman. Released in USA on November 26, 2008, the movie is getting positive reviews. The Australian tourism board developed a new tourism brand using the scenes, themes and actors from the movie. wsbtv.com reports:

"Through our marketing efforts we hope that as people get caught up in the romance and adventure of the movie that they will fall in love with the idea of holidaying in Australia," said Tourism Australia's managing director, Geoff Buckley, in kicking off the $26 million campaign

Australia is a developed country and has great attractions for tourists. Around half million people are employed in the tourism industry. Compared to last year, number of tourists visiting Australia rose by 2%. Of the total number of tourists, 21% are international tourists and the rest are domestic tourists. Last year, the tourism sector represented 3.7% of the country’s GDP.

Movie is the most popular media and can reach lots of people. Australian tourism board has made a good decision of promoting tourism through the movie.

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wsbtv.com

Will Australia be Hugh Jackman's ticket to Oscar?

Hugh Jackman is now one of the most sought after stars in Hollywood. From a humble beginning, he rose to top. In his latest movie, Australia, Hugh Jackman played the role of a drover who is a social outcast with a heart of gold. Released on November 26, 2008, the movie is getting positive reviews every where. Few days before the release, Hugh was announced to be the “Sexiest Man Alive” by People Magazine. After the news came out, Hugh Jackman’s inbox got filled with mails from friends teasing him. One of the messages goes like this:

"This is worse than the Florida 2000 recount. This is rigged. Give it back!" It's hard to get a big head after that.

Still Hugh Jackman is the same old guy. Beneath that 6 foot 2 inches structure and cheesled muscular body resides a very sensitive heart. His family is the most important thing to him. While he was dating his wife, actress Deborra-Lee Furness, they made a promise to each other that they would never stay away from one another for more than two weeks and till today, they kept their promise. Now the million dollar question is: Will Hugh Jackman go for Oscar this time?

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Los Angeles Times

Brooke Burke and Tom Bergeon are winners of “Dancing With the Stars” Season 7

American television personality and model Brooke Burke won the seventh season of “Dancing with the Stars.” The grand finale of season seven took place on November 25, 2008. Brooke Burke and her partner Tom Bergeon raised their hands in triumph and hugged one another after co-host Tom Bergeron announced their names. Asked about her reaction Brooke replied “Unbelievable.” The season finale, which was a two hour show, Brooke and Derek danced Samba, Freestyle, and Viennese Waltz. In Samba and Freestyle, Brooke and Derek scored 58 out of 60. They received another perfect 10 in the Viennese Waltz which made their total score 88 out of 90. The overwhelming viewer votes did the rest. People Magazine reports:

With her win, Burke joins an elite group of female stars–season one’s Kelly Monaco and season six’s Kristi Yamaguchi–who have hoisted the mirror-ball trophy and helped narrow the gap between the number of men to women Dancing winners to 4:3.

NFL star Warren Sapp and his partner Kym Johnson took the second place. Although Warren Sapp had been audience favorite althrough the season, his poor foot work failed to impress the judges. Sapp and Johnson scored 80. Lance Bass, former member of popular boy band ‘NSync and Lacey Schwimmer obtained third place scoring 81.

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Reuters

People Magazine

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt got married in Mexico

Famous reality TV show stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt eloped in Mexico for vacation and got married at Palmilla Resort near Cabo San Lucas on November 20, 2008. Heidi Montag, 22 and Spencer Pratt, 25, got married at the spur-of-the-moment. On November 24, 2008, the couple was spending time on the beach when Spencer Pratt brought the idea of having a hassle-free marriage ceremony and Heidi Montag agreed. They got married at the local church and bought rings made of leather from the store of the hotel. Spencer Pratt was a bit embarrassed about his ring as it had a flower. Heidi Montag wore a silk Balenciaga sundress and white Christian Louboutins. Pratt appeared on the altar wearing a John Varvatos shirt and Ever Jeans. The wedding cost $4150. In an interview with US Weekly, Heidi Montag said that the minute they said their vows she could not stop crying.Inside Track reports:

During the ceremony, Pratt vowed to his bride: “Heidi, from the moment you came into my life, I knew my life would never be the same without you. You are the light in my life like the sun to the Earth,” according to Perez. “Your loving warmth makes me want to be a better person. Being with you, I feel complete. I’m honored to even be able to call you my wife.”

Before breaking the news to Heidi’s mother, the couple told it to US Weekly magazine. Heidi’s mother was not very happy with the news. However, Pratt’s sister, Stephanie and Audrina Patridge, Heidi Montag’s BFF were very much happy after hearing the news.

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Inside Track

USA Today

MTV.com

Twilight takes the lead at the North American box office

“Twilight” the vampire love story has taken the lead at the North American box office grossing $70.5 million in its opening week. Based on Stephenie Meyer’s romantic novel, Twilight was released in 1000 theatres across USA and all of them are selling advance tickets. Earlier, analysts predicted that the film’s business would be lucky enough to reach $60 million because its appeal to a limited audience especially young adults.

Despite the gloom economy the movie created lots of frenzy among people. The movie was produced at $37 million. Summit Entertainment, the North American distributor of the movie and one of co-producers is now basking under the success of the movie. Richard Fay, President, Domestic distribution, Summit Entertainment, said:

"This certainly exceeded our expectations by a great deal," said Richard Fay, president of domestic distribution for Summit Entertainment. "The fan base was huge."

A new company, Summit has been struggling all this time establish itself in Hollywood. Now, with the success of Twilight the production and distribution company is going to make a sequel of the movie titled New Moon.

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New York Times

Los Angeles Times

“I was never frightened of any one” Shane Warne on Sachin Tendulkar

In his recently published book titled 'Shane Warne's Century,' famous Australian leg spinner, Shane Warne, named Sachin Tendulkar as the top batsman. He also corrected his year old claim about having nightmares after being badly beaten by Sachin Tendulkar. The India-Australia three day test match, which took place in February 1998, was one of the memorable matches of Shane Warne. In that match, India won by ten wickets. Sachin Tendulkar made 204 runs and made an example out of the Australian bowlers. Seeing his performance in the field that day, Shane Warne made the famous comment that he had seen Sachin Tendulkar in his nightmares. Now, after ten years, in his book, Shane Warne said that he was not actually afraid of Sachin Tendulkar and his remarks should not be taken seriously. In an interview with Australian News paper, Sunday Observer he said:

….but I was never frightened of anyone. And that's not me being big-headed, I was just confident of my ability.

"Players like (Brian) Lara and Tendulkar were always a challenge, because they were the best in the business and if you want to compete at that level you've got to step up to the mark. Of course some days they're going to smash you out of the park and you congratulate them afterwards, but you're going to get them next time," he told 'Sunday Observer'.

Observer Sports Monthly, named Shane Warne as the Sportsman of 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award. When asked about the reason behind Warne’s putting Tendulkar on top of Brian Lara, he said that that the former was more entertaining. He did not look at their statistics because they could be misleading. ven a match winner can end up having a modest average overall.

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NDTV

Can Guns N' Roses make it with "Chinese Democracy"?

Gun’s N’ Roses, the famous hard rock band of the 90s is back with its album, “Chinese Democracy.” After thirteen years, the band is going to release its unfinished album which many did not expect to see. For thirteen years, fans and music lovers have been hearing about this album but it was not completed due to various complications. Now, on November 23, 2008, the album is going to be released. Many are referring this album as the second coming of Guns N’ Roses. Reuters reports:

"It's just a remarkable moment in popular culture," said Blender magazine editor-in-chief Joe Levy, without a trace of hyperbole. "It really is. We never thought we would get here."

Others are hedging their bets. Reclusive singer Axl Rose, 46, is the only original member left. His volatile behavior drove out key members such as top-hatted guitarist Slash years ago. Some purists say he should not have used the Guns N' Roses name with this new project.

“Chinese Democracy” is the sixth studio album of Guns N’ Roses. The work of the album started in 1995. It was supposed to be their follow up album of “Use Your Illusion.” But the band fell apart; except Axl Rose, all the original members left the band. Geffen Records which was supposed to release the album spent around $13 million by 2005.

Finally, hard rock fans will be able to listen to their favorite band once again but the million dollar question is: Can Guns N’ Roses make it this time? Guns N’ Roses is one of my most favorite bands and the two people that comes to my mind when I think of this band are bass guitarist, Slash with his long hair and top hat and Axl Rose. I can not think about Guns N’ Roses without Slash. The tragedy is all the original band members are gone. For this reason, many purists and hardcore Guns N’ Roses lovers objected that Axl Rose should have renamed the band. Anyway, let’s wait and see what happens.

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Reuters

AP

Hugh Jackman is People Magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive"

Forty year old Australian actor, Hugh Jackman, has been chosen as People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2008. Every year People Magazine gives this title to a talented person in the entertainment industry. The news comes to Hugh Jackman at a good time because on November 26, 2008, his epic movie, “Australia,” is going to released. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, on November 17, 2008, the movie has been world premiered in Sydney and Australian newspapers gave out positive reviews. Hugh Jackman is followed by Matt Damon, who was chosen by the People magazine last year. Spokes Man Review.com says:

A triple-threat talent, Jackman – who acts, sings and dances – debuted as a teen in a high school production of "My Fair Lady," a role that he duplicated to rave reviews in 1998 on the London stage.

Nicole Kidman, Jackman's "Australia" costar, says the 6-foot-2 actor was so hot on the set of their flick, which opens Wednesday, that he "left people stammering, 'Oh ... my ... God.' ... Women's jaws drop when Hugh walks into a room."

Hugh Jackman’s wife of twelve years, Deborra-Lee Furness, calls him “The body of Doom” and she is not surprised about People Magazine choosing Hugh. However, Hugh Jackman is not excited about all these. A polite man, Hugh Jackman said that his wife and his two children Oscar Maximillian, 8, and Ava Eliot, 3 are his priorities. He said that they were the best things ever happened to him.

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Spokes Man Review.com

Madonna Guy Ritchie divorce settlement presented in London court

The divorce settlement of Madonna and Guy Ritchie has been presented in the London court today. The fifty year old singer and forty year old British director has been married for eight years and divorced on the eve of their eighth marriage anniversary.Boston Herald reports:

Yesterday, the case, listed under the names “Ciccone M L v Ritchie G S,” will be heard before a judge in the High Court’s Family Division . Both are entitled to attend the court, although in most high-profile celebrity cases people choose not to.

The Daily Telegraph reported yesterday that Ritchie will not accept any of Madonna’s money and has instead insisted on sharing custody of the couple’s two children.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s sons Rocco and David are going to spend their times in New York City and London. The couple was introduced by famous British pop singer Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler, in 1998. Earlier, news of their sour relationship came up in the media but neither Guy Ritchie nor Madonna admitted it. It is said that Madonna’s adopted child and her spending more time in USA created serious problems for the couple. Madonna’s fortune, which is estimated to be about $450 million, will remain intact and Guy Ritchie said that he does not want Madonna’s money but a close friend of Guy Ritchie revealed to People Magazine that Guy Ritchie is in fact going after Madonna’s money.

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Carnival of Light: The unreleased track of "The Beatles"

Finally, the unreleased track of the famous British Pop/Rock band of the 60s,The Beatles, is going to see the daylight. Surviving Beatles member, Paul McCartney, said that the 14 minute track titled “Carnival of Light” was recorded in 1967. At that time, they did not release it because it was strictly an experimental song. The song was recorded by the four members: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They were trying out what they could do with their instrument and voices. John Lennon wanted the group to “just wander round all of the stuff and bang it, shout, play it.” efluxmedia.com reports:

it was recorded for an electronic music festival, McCartney told BBC Radio 4’s Front Row in an interview that is to be broadcast later this week. The musician had asked his bandmates to be “indulgent” for ten minutes during a recording session at Abbey Road Studios.

The final product was deemed too adventurous by the other three members and thus it was never released. It was played only once at an electronic music festival in London.

“Carnival of Light” was inspired by veteran artists- John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen. The song contains sounds of electric guitars, church organ, and phrases shout John Lennon and Paul McCartney such as “Are you all right?” and “Barcelona.” Before the song goes on air, Paul McCartney will have to obtain the permission of Ringo Starr, the other surviving member of the Beatles and the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison.

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Gone Baby Gone: A movie on moral dillemma

Title: Gone Baby Gone

Director: Ben Affleck

Writer: Ben Affleck and Aaron Stockard (Based on the novel by Dennis Lehane)

Cast:

• Casey Affleck-Patrick Kenzie
  
• Michelle Monaghan-Angie Gennaro
  
• Morgan Freeman-Capt. Jack Doyle
  
• Ed Harris-Detective Sergeant Remy Bressant
  
• Amy Ryan-Helene McCready
  
• John Ashton-Detective Nick Poole
  
• Amy Madigan-Beatrice McCready
  
• Titus Welliver-Lionel McCready
  
• Mark Margolis-Leon Trett
  
• Slaine- Bubba Rogowski
  

Synopsis: A four year old girl named Amanda McCready has been kidnapped from her house at the Dorchester district in Boston. The girl’s aunt comes to Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck), a private detective. Patrick Kenzie and his girlfriend, Angie Gennaro (played by Michelle Monaghan) work as detectives who finds out missing people. In the beginning, they did not want to take the case because Amanda was abducted but Amanda’s aunt, Beatrice McCready (Amy Madigan), persuades them. The detectives then go to Amanda’s and talks with her mother, Helene McCready, who is a drug addict. Helene and Patrick studied in the same school. The two detectives then start their search. Patrick has a rich information source. He knows people who are involved in illegal activities. He uses his connections to get information about Amanda. Their investigation leads them to a local drug runner named Cheese (Edi Gathegi). It was Cheese who kidnapped Amanda because Helene Mc Cready and her boyfriend, “Skinny Ray,” had his money. Police Captain Doyle (Morgan Freeman) shows Patrick a transcript which says that Cheese will return Amanda if they return him his money. The exchange is going to take place at a quarry in Quincy. Unfortunately, the exchange went wrong and Amanda was drowned. The case was closed.

Two month’s later, Patrick goes out with police officer Remy Bressant (Ed Harris) Nick Poole (John Ashton), who worked in Amanda’s case, to catch a child molester. The operation goes wrong and Nick dies in Patrick’s arms. He then goes into the house and finds out that the molester killed a seven year old boy who was abducted few days ago. Patrick killed the molester but he was filled with a sense of guilt. Outside the hospital, Patrick finds Bressant drunk. While talking with Patrick, Bressant told him that he knew “Skinny Ray,” Helene McCready’s boyfriend, who was killed by Cheese. This irked Patrick and he again starts his investigation. He then comes to know that everything was a set up. Remy Bressant and Helene Mc Cready’s brother, Lionel Mc Cready (Titus Welliver), set up the whole thing so that Amanda can get a good life and they end up having the money.    

Now, knowing the truth, Patrick is in a dilemma- Should he return Amanda Helene or Should Amanda stay with her new family?

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James Bond:Quantum of Solace is ruling the theatres in USA

The latest movie of the James Bond series, Quantum of Solace, enjoyed a great opening weekend around the world including USA. The twenty second movie of the Bond movie series, Quantum of Solace is the second movie of English actor, Daniel Craig as James Bond. The movie has become a hit in theatres across USA and analysts are predicting that its gross income is going to exceed Casino Royale, Daniel Craig’s first Bond movie.

James Bond: Quantum of Solace first released in UK on October 29, 2008. In the opening weekend, the movie grossed a record breaking $25 million. Till now, it collected more than $160 million around the world. Critics also liked the movie very much. Quantum of Solace received 76% positive rating from the famous movie critic website, rottentomatoes.com. In its opening weekend, Casion Royale collected $40.8 million in US and Canada from ticket sales. Overall, Casino Royale collected $167 million in the U.S. and Canda and $594 worldwide. It is the highest grossing Bond movie ever in USA. Reuters reports:

"This is arguably the most anticipated movie of the holiday season and therefore expectations are quite high," said Paul Dergarabedian of box office watcher Media by Numbers. "I think we are going to see tremendous numbers."

Dergarabedian noted U.S. box offices have been on a roll lately with five of the past six weekends beating year ago comparisons. Last weekend family film "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" opened to an eye-popping $63 million.

James Bond: Bond Quantum of Solace cost $200 million to make. It was jointly produced by Eon Productions and MGM. The movie is distributed by Columbia pictures, subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Quantum of Solace takes off where Casino Royale finished. In his pursuit to find out the killer of his beloved, James Bond faces Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), a member of the Quantum organization, posing as an environmentalist. The movie is now at the top charts in Europe and other countries where it released so far.

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Britney Spears' son is doing fine now

Everything is fine in Britney Spears house right now. The two year son of the pop diva, Jayden James, was recently admitted to the hospital on November 9, 2008, after he suffered a terrible allergic reaction. The two year old had hives which was itchy and irritable. Jayden was rushed to the Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center. He was released on November 11, 2008. Reuters reports:

Earlier in the day, Spears' family posted a statement on her official website, www.britneyspears.com, saying Jayden James was admitted to the hospital on Sunday, and "doctors concluded he had a reaction to something he ingested."

The statement said the boy would be discharged on Tuesday, but TMZ posted a picture of Spears departing the hospital while holding the child on Monday evening.

The event took place during a family vacation in Louisiana. The Spears family was visiting their childhood home. It is the first time, Britney Spears visited with her two sons after she lost their custody to her husband Kevin Federline in July.

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Miss Alexandra Helga Ivarsdottir will do more charity work after winning Miss World 2008

Iceland 2008

Alexandra grew up in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland and one of the most clean and safest cities in the world. A joyful and ambitious girl, Alexandra is determined to get the best out of life and achieve as much as possible. She is also kind and helpful to others. Alexandra believes that she has a great chance of getting high scores in all the three areas but she believes that she will score high in the interview session because at that time, the judges will know about her character and personality.  

Name: Miss Alexandra Helga Ivarsdottir

Age: 18  

Height: 180cm

Languages: Miss Alexandra speaks Icelandic, English and Danish languages.

Education: A major in Psychology, Alexandra is now in her senior years in college.

Favorite food: Reindeer steak, chicken salad.

Favorite designer: Valentino, the Italian designer.

Favorite three must have songs in her iPod:

- February Song, by Josh Groban;

- Bliss, by Muse

- New Born, by Muse

Favorite motto: "To be the change you wish to see in the World".

Favorite sports and other outdoor leisure activities: Alexandra likes to stay fit. She regularly participates in outdoor activities. She like to travel a lot. 

Hobbies and other interests: In her leisure, Alexandra spends time with her family and takes care of her German shorthaired pointer dog. Alexandra also likes to listen to all kinds of music. She studied ballet dance for seven years and jazz ballet for four years.

Alexandra’s ‘Beauty with a purpose’ project: Alexandra is helping elderly people of her country, trying to make their lives better. She is also helping foreigners who have come t Iceland and to settle down. After winning Miss World 2008, she wishes to take part in more charitable activities.

Message to fellow Miss World 2008 participants:

Despite being competitors, we will be able to spend a great month together in Africa and our friendship will last forever. It will be and unforgettable experience. Looking forward to meet you all.

 

After five nominations now it's time to win an Oscar for Kate Winslet

It really gets you when you are nominated for one of the most prestigious movie awards for five times but winning not even one. Yes, I am talking about none other than the talented actress, Kate Winslet. This year, it looks like the five time Oscar nominee is definitely going to win two Oscars for her performance in The Reader and Revolutionary Road.

The Reader, which is going to release in 2009, is set in post World War II Germany. Kate Winslet played the character of Hanna Schmitz, a 33 year old woman, who falls in love with a teenage boy, who reads book to her. Ralph Fiennes played the male lead.

Revolutionary Road, which is based on the novel of Richard Yates, tells the story of April (Kate Winslet) and Frank Wheeler (Leonardo DiCaprio), a suburban couple in the late 1950s. Revolutionary Road is directed by Kate Winslet’s husband, Sam Mendes. The movie also brings together Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio after a long time. Regarding the two characters, Kate Winslet seems to be very happy. She said:

"I'm so lucky to play both of these women in my lifetime, let alone in less than a year," Winslet says. "It doesn't even add up that one person should have gotten to play both of these parts. It truly rocks my world."

At the age of twenty two, Kate Winslet received two Oscar nominations. By the time she was thirty one, it became five making her the youngest actress to receive the highest number of Oscar nominations. Now, it is time to win one.

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USA Today