GeekSugar

Who Knew You Could Make So Much Money Playing Games?

GeekSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:30:34 PST

Yesterday, Dr. Pepper announced that for the first time ever, it would feature a professional athlete on its bottles. This athlete doesn't come with ripped arms, or muscular legs, but he does have some thumbs of steel. Tom Taylor, who plays Halo 3 professionally (putting in up to 15 hours a day of practice), has not only landed his first endorsement deal with Dr. Pepper, but has also signed a three-year sponsorship contract with Major League Gaming to the tune of $250,000.

New York City-based Major League Gaming organizes teams and professional gamers to compete in tournaments around the country. This year, MLG has over 50 professional teams ready to play, and vie for endorsement deals aimed at the gaming community. I know several other companies that might do well with advertisements targeted at gamers - Cheetos, Mountain Dew, and Domino's (otherwise known as geek fuel), just to name a few. And although I'm sure we wouldn't recognize newly coined gaming celeb Tom Taylor (who goes by Tsquared, natch) if he passed us on the street, he does carry around a Sharpie nonetheless. You know, just in case.

Source

Casting Update: Who's in For Les Misérables

Shannon Vestal — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:03:37 PST

The casting for upcoming musical Les Misérables is shaping right up, with most of the major parts now filled. The most recent news is that stage actress Samantha Barks will be taking on the role of Eponine, beating out previously rumored hopefuls like Taylor Swift and Lea Michele. The Tom Hooper-directed musical is one of the movies we're most looking forward to this year, so we've been eagerly eating up all the casting news. If you're also a fan of the beloved stage musical set during the 19th century, check out who's been cast in the film so far.

Hugh Jackman will star as protagonist Jean Valjean, a former prisoner who adopts orphan Cosette and turns his life around as the mayor of a small town.
Anne Hathaway will play Fantine, a woman forced to become a prostitute to support her young daughter, Cosette. She dies early on and requests that Jean Valjean raise her daughter in her absence.
Russell Crowe is attached to play Inspector Javert, Valjean's nemesis who becomes obsessed with bringing Valjean to justice.
Amanda Seyfried will play Cosette, Jean Valjean's adopted daughter, who falls for Marius.
Sacha Baron Cohen has the role of villain Monsieur Thenardier, a man who forces Cosette to work when she's a small child.
Eddie Redmayne will play Marius, a young man involved in the revolution, and the object of affection for both Cosette and Eponine.
The role of Eponine, the woman who is also in love with Marius, has gone to an unknown: Samantha Barks, a British stage actress who has played the part onstage before.
Aaron Tveit has a supporting role as Enjolras, a friend of Marius's who is also involved in a student-led revolution.

Winter Mood: Fashion-Week Minded

Hannah Weil — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:30:03 PST

It's pretty palpable here in NYC, talks have turned to the onslaught of street style and Fall New York Fashion Week. Our thoughts are likewise consumed with what the following few weeks will bring - street style that's teeming with covetable accessories (hello, Phillip Lim!) and snaps of our favorite style setters, like the always on-point Taylor Tomasi Hill. From there, it's on to what we'll be wearing, like Tom Binns gorgeous statement jewels and a luxe anorak. As for accessories, we couldn't help but tune into the Oscar buzz and channel our love of Marilyn (and the lovely Michelle Williams) with a nod to the glamazon's red lip and quintessential shades.

Clockwise from left: Taylor Tomasi Hill, Tom Binns Slap Dash Collar, Joan Smalls for T Magazine Fall 2011, Mikkat Market Fur Parka, Street Style Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel, Nars Semi-Matte Jungle-Red Lipstick, My Week With Marilyn, Yves Saint Laurent Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses

Kate Winslet Reveals Dreams to Play a Man and Liz Taylor in Golden Globes Press Room

Molly Goodson — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:52:27 PST

Kate Winslet stepped back into the Golden Globes press room shortly after accepting the latest statue for her collection. She won for her work in Mildred Pierce, but backstage, talk turned to future roles. She apparently has her eye on playing Elizabeth Taylor as well as taking on the part of a man someday. Plus, Kate told us why roast chicken became a favorite in her household:

On the rumors both she and Lindsay Lohan want to play Elizabeth Taylor: "I think I’ll decline to comment, that’s the first I’ve heard of that story. It’s a massive undertaking for anybody who should be fortunate enough to get that part. I’m not gonna go there, dude!"

On dream future roles: "I would like to someday play a man. That is something that I do know. I don’t know what kind of man. I don’t know whether that would ever happen or not. That would be the ultimate challenge."

On learning to cook for the part: "I was taught to section up a chicken by Tom Colicchio! He used a technique that was quite old-fashioned so it married up. My children were eating a lot of chicken!"

On how Ricky Gervais is doing as a host: "He seems to be doing absolutely fine. I’ve been back here for about the past half-hour, so unless he’s fallen over or started drinking too much, I think he’s doing OK."

Best fashion advice she's ever received: "Wear something that I feel comfortable in, not to wear something just because someone else is telling me to. I think that is true of life as well."

Check Out the 2012 People's Choice Nominations Before the Show Airs Tonight!

Becky Kirsch — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:02:20 PST

The People's Choice Awards are tonight, so now's your chance to get a good look at who's up for the trophies. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is dominating the movie categories, especially since there was no Twilight film eligible for this year's awards (though Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson still earned nods because they appeared in other movies). Vampires are still big at the PCAs, at least for the TV categories - The Vampire Diaries and its stars are all over this list. On the subject of the small screen, the awards have brought in another distinction for television: network shows and cable series are now separated (and fan favorite Game of Thrones pops up for its first season).

You'll be able to watch the results when the show airs tonight, and remember: we are LIVE from the red carpet and backstage throughout the show! The live show starts at 5 p.m. PST/ 8 p.m. EST, and you can watch us here.

To get the full list of nominations, just keep reading.

Which New Spring Celebrity Couple Is Your Favorite?

PopSugar — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:44:17 PDT

Today is the first day of Spring and we're taking a look at all the budding relationships in Hollywood! Ryan Reynolds surprised us last month by popping up on the South African set of Safe House with a new lady, Agnes Fischer, and musical pair Chord Overstreet and Taylor Swift kept close during a hockey game in LA. Eva Longoria and Eduardo Cruz have taken their spicy romance on the road while Ashley Greene and Kings of Leon bassist Jared Followill may be giving it another go in NYC. Scarlett Johansson and Sean Penn shocked us with news of their possible love connection and Sienna Miller has been cozying up to British heartthrob Tom Sturridge. Vanessa Hudgens parted ways with Zac Efron over the holidays and found herself hanging with her Journey 2 costar, Josh Hutcherson. Olivia Wilde is coming off the breakup of her marriage but she seems to be working through it in the company of the one and only Ryan Gosling. So, tell us - which rumored couple are you rooting for this Spring?

Kate Middleton's Christmas Gift From Prince William

Kimberly Timlick — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:43:52 PST

Were Kate's earrings a gift from Prince William? - People
See how the stars are celebrating the holidays - TooFab
Pregnant Kourtney and Kim Kardashian pose on Santa's lap - Us Weekly
Mariah Carey looks great in her ski suit - Lainey Gossip
See the first photo of Ben Affleck in Argo - Huffington Post
Tom Cruise wins Christmas box office - Rotten Tomatoes
Sweet Colin Farrell plays Santa to sick kids in Ireland - Wonderwall
2011's biggest rule breakers - Hollywood Reporter
Lady Gaga being sued by her former assistant - Lifeline Live
Listen to Taylor Swift's Hunger Games single - Zap2It
The year in Lindsay Lohan trial fashion - The Daily Beast
Robert Downey Jr. adopted two rescue kittens - Celebitchy

The Week's Most Fun and Funny Celebrity Twitter Pictures!

Mackenzie Wagoner — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:40:00 PST

Stars gave glimpses into their glamorous lives on Twitter this week. Alessandra Ambrosio posed in lingerie with fellow Victoria's Angels Candice Swanepoel and Erin Heatherton, while Britney Spears had a belated birthday bash at the end of her tour. Taylor Swift got dolled up for a ball, and Tom Cruise met fans in Madrid before a Mission: Impossible- Ghost Protocol premiere - click through to see all the pics, and don't forget to follow PopSugar on Twitter for exciting news and photos!

Announcing the 2012 Critics' Choice Nominations

Becky Kirsch — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:05:11 PST

Award season is officially around the corner, which means the nominations are coming in droves now. The Critics' Choice nominees feature some of the same contenders we've been expecting, like The Descendants and The Artist, but also has a few surprises. Namely, Martin Scorsese's Hugo has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, leading the pack with 11 nods.

Brad Pitt's got not one but two movies up for best picture, with Moneyball and The Tree of Life, not to mention a best actor nod for himself. The Help also cleaned up with eight nominations. On a personal note, we're excited to see some of our favorite 2012 comedies getting some recognition, like The Muppets, Horrible Bosses, and of course, Bridesmaids.

The show doesn't air until 2012, but check out the full list of nominees when you

read more. BEST PICTURE The Artist The Descendants Drive Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close The Help Hugo Midnight in Paris Moneyball The Tree of Life War Horse BEST ACTOR George Clooney, The Descendants Leonardo DiCaprio, J. Edgar Jean Dujardin, The Artist Michael Fassbender, Shame Ryan Gosling, Drive Brad Pitt, Moneyball BEST ACTRESS Viola Davis, The Help Elizabeth Olsen, Martha Marcy May Marlene Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady Tilda Swinton, We Need to Talk About Kevin Charlize Theron, Young Adult Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn See the rest of the list when you read more. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn Albert Brooks, Drive Nick Nolte, Warrior Patton Oswalt, Young Adult Christopher Plummer, Beginners Andy Serkis, Rise of the Planet of the Apes BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Bérénice Bejo, The Artist Jessica Chastain, The Help Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids Carey Mulligan, Shame Octavia Spencer, The Help Shailene Woodley, The Descendants BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS Asa Butterfield, Hugo Elle Fanning, Super 8 Thomas Horn, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Ezra Miller, We Need to Talk About Kevin Saoirse Ronan, Hanna Shailene Woodley, The Descendants BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE The Artist Bridesmaids The Descendants The Help The Ides of March BEST DIRECTOR Stephen Daldry, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist Alexander Payne, The Descendants Nicolas Winding Refn, Drive Martin Scorsese, Hugo Steven Spielberg, War Horse BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY The Artist – Michel Hazanavicius 50/50 – Will Reiser Midnight in Paris – Woody Allen Win Win – Tom McCarthy, Story by Tom McCarthy and Joe Tiboni Young Adult – Diablo Cody BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY The Descendants – Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, and Jim Rash Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close – Eric Roth The Help – Tate Taylor Hugo – John Logan Moneyball – Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, Story by Stan Chervin BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY The Artist – Guillaume Schiffman Drive – Newton Thomas Sigel Hugo – Robert Richardson The Tree of Life – Emmanuel Lubezki War Horse – Janusz Kaminski BEST ART DIRECTION The Artist – Production Designer: Laurence Bennett, Art Director: Gregory S. Hooper Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 – Production Designer: Stuart Craig, Set Decorator: Stephenie McMillan Hugo – Production Designer: Dante Ferretti, Set Decorator: Francesca Lo Schiavo The Tree of Life – Production Designer: Jack Fisk, Art Director: David Crank War Horse – Production Designer: Rick Carter, Set Decorator: Lee Sandales BEST EDITING The Artist – Michel Hazanavicius and Anne-Sophie Bion Drive – Matthew Newman The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo – Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall Hugo – Thelma Schoonmaker War Horse – Michael Kahn BEST COSTUME DESIGN The Artist – Mark Bridges The Help – Sharen Davis Hugo – Sandy Powell Jane Eyre – Michael O’Connor My Week With Marilyn – Jill Taylor BEST MAKEUP Albert Nobbs Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 The Iron Lady J. Edgar My Week With Marilyn BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Hugo Rise of the Planet of the Apes Super 8 The Tree of Life BEST SOUND Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Hugo Super 8 The Tree of Life War Horse BEST ANIMATED FEATURE The Adventures of Tintin Arthur Christmas Kung Fu Panda 2 Puss in Boots Rango BEST ACTION MOVIE Drive Fast Five Hanna Rise of the Planet of the Apes Super 8 BEST COMEDY Bridesmaids Crazy, Stupid, Love Horrible Bosses Midnight in Paris The Muppets BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM In Darkness Le Havre A Separation The Skin I Live In Where Do We Go Now? BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Buck Cave of Forgotten Dreams George Harrison: Living in the Material World Page One: Inside the New York Times Project Nim Undefeated BEST SONG “Hello, Hello” – performed by Elton John and Lady Gaga/written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin – Gnomeo & Juliet “Life’s a Happy Song” – performed by Jason Segel, Amy Adams, and Walter/written by Bret McKenzie – The Muppets “The Living Proof” – performed by Mary J. Blige/written by Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, and Harvey Mason, Jr. – The Help “Man or Muppet” – performed by Jason Segel and Walter/written by Bret McKenzie – The Muppets “Pictures in My Head” – performed by Kermit and the Muppets/written by Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis, and Chen Neeman – The Muppets BEST SCORE The Artist – Ludovic Bource Drive – Cliff Martinez The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross Hugo – Howard Shore War Horse – John Williams

Oscar Winners Natalie and Colin Party With Gwyneth, Reese, Sandra, and More Inside Vanity Fair's Bash

Allie Merriam — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:03:01 PST

Vanity Fair pulled off another star-studded Oscars party last night. Some stars, like Jon Hamm, Jennifer Westfeldt, Emma Stone, Anna Paquin, and Stephen Moyer, arrived earlier to eat dinner and watch the show on TV, while others turned up after attending the big event hosted by Anne Hathaway and James Franco in person. Reese Witherspoon, who wowed in a Giorgi Armani gown, was solo on the red carpet before the show, but once at the bash she met up with her fiancé, Jim Toth. Cameron Diaz and one of the evening's performers, Gwyneth Paltrow, made it a ladies night as they caught up in a corner, but young lovers Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez hardly left each other's sides. Natalie Portman and Colin Firth, the best actor and actress winners, walked inside with the best accessory possible, their Academy Award. She stuck close by her fiancé, Benjamin Millepied, following her stint in the press room talking about their baby, while Colin was finally able to get in some dancing with his wife.

Plenty of other Hollywood couples were able to sneak in PDA, as Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel cuddled up on a couch. Madonna chose to make things a family affair, showing skin in a lacy black dress alongside her daughter Lourdes. For others, it was about catching up with old friends. Jake Gyllenhaal had a nice chat with 50 Cent, and newly single stars Jude Law and Scarlett Johansson shared a moment documented in pictures. Michelle Williams, who was nominated for the best actress honor that ultimately went to Natalie, spent the whole evening with her friend and date Busy Philipps. Selena momentarily left Justin Bieber to catch up with her friend Taylor Swift, who managed to not be photographed anywhere near her ex Jake. He also had another former love, Reese, to avoid as well. There are plenty of other big bashes from last night, so stay tuned to see lots more photos and make sure to check out all of our fashion and beauty coverage!

To see more photos from the bash, just