Adele, ‘Les Miz’ cast sing on Oscar stage
It was an extra starry, musical day at the Dolby Theatre.
Adele took the stage first Friday, followed by the cast of “Les Miserables,” singing together of the first time.
Oscar nominees Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, along with co-stars Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham-Carter, Sasha Baron-Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit and Samantha Barks rehearsed their performances on the Oscar stage. They were backed by members of the musical’s stage productions from London and Broadway.
“Les Miserables” director Tom Hooper sat in the front row of the theater as his cast sang together on stage.
Moments earlier, Adele dazzled the tiny audience of show workers with her performance of the James Bond theme “Skyfall.”
She giddily remarked, “We’re seated in the front row!”
Jermaine now known as Mr. Jacksun
Jermaine Jackson has a new, brighter surname – Jacksun.
A Los Angeles judge approved the change to singer’s name Friday.
The 58-year-old, who shared lead singing duties with his younger brother Michael in the Jackson 5, did not appear in court.
He sought the name change for “artistic reasons.”
Ex-ambassador: ‘Argo’ slights Canada
Canada’s former ambassador to Iran, who protected Americans at great personal risk during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979, said Friday if “Argo” wins the Oscar for best picture on Sunday there would be something wrong with director Ben Affleck if he didn’t mention Canada.
Ken Taylor said he continues to feel slighted by a movie that he says makes Canada look like a meek observer to CIA heroics in the rescue of six U.S. citizens caught in the crisis. He said there would be no movie if the Canadian embassy didn’t take in the Americans.
Affleck’s CIA thriller “Argo” is widely expected to win the best-picture trophy on Sunday.
“In general it makes it seem like the Canadians were just along for the ride. The Canadians were brave. Period,” he said.
Taylor noted that Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter appeared on CNN on Thursday night and said “90 percent of the contributions to the ideas and the consummation of the plan was Canadian,” but the film “gives almost full credit to the American CIA.”
The birthday bunch
Actor Peter Fonda is 73. Singer-musician Johnny Winter is 69. Actress Kristin Davis is 48. Actress Kelly Macdonald is 37. Actress Emily Blunt is 30. Actor Aziz Ansari is 30. Actress Dakota Fanning is 19.