Casting Sinatra Biopic

Awhile back we were casting the Steve McQueen biopic. But now that Martin Scorsese has signed on to direct the Frank Sinatra biopic, I think this casting call is the more interesting one. Word on the street is that the front-runners areLeonardo DiCaprio, Harry Connick Jr and Justin Timberlake.

• While DiCaprio is not a singer, that may not be as much of an issue, since Scorsese and the Sinatra family favor using Frank's own singing in the film.

• Also key to the project were family concerns about how Sinatra's reported ties to the Mafia would be recounted.

• The working script by ''Field of Dreams'' writer Phil Alden Robinson does include a Chicago scene -- so we might see some filming here, though the bulk of the picture will be shot in New York, New Jersey, California and Vegas.

• It's also expected that Scorsese will incorporate material from his long-stalled film about Sinatra pal and fellow ''Rat Pack'' member Dean Martin into the Sinatra movie.

• Word has it, Scorsese is looking at telling Sinatra's story in a non-traditional way -- with hints it might look something like Todd Haynes' 2007 Bob Dylan biopic, ''I'm Not There.'' Though unlike the Dylan film, which cast six actors to play the music legend, Scorsese has made it clear he will go with one actor to play the Chairman of the Board.


I like Leo for it. Who do YOU like?

EDITED TO ADD: Perez is reporting that Johnny Depp is Universal's first choice to play Ol' Blue Eyes. If Depp signs on to this project it will be his first collaboration with Martin Scorsese. VERY exciting!

Happy Monday!

Good morning! Jake, Sam & I got to Florida Saturday night and have been enjoying the sun and warm weather. I gave my husband reason to be glad I was leaving for two weeks before I left. After much hubub with me trying to get myself, a 5 and 3 year old ready for a 2 week vacation, running around, etc, my husband took us to the airport. It was puzzling that we couldn't find our airline listed in any of the terminals at O'Hare. Just as we were about to park and go in to figure things out, I pulled up my itinerary on my Blackberry. "Oh shit, Craig! We're flying out of Midway!!" I was mortified. To his credit, Craig didn't even get mad at me. What a guy! We still made it to the airport in time and actually, I thought it was MUCH easier to deal with Midway than O'Hare. But still....I felt pretty stupid.

We're headed to the beach today and then up to Orlando for a day at The Magic Kingdom and a day at Sea World. I'm DEFINITELY more excited than the boys are. They have no idea what to expect. While I am planning on updating my blog during the next two weeks - it will most likely be light. Please bear with me and be sure to check back on May 4th for the announcement of my summer "Favorite Things Giveaway" and more exciting news!

I posted today about Kate Hudson's 30th birthday bash. Interesting that Justin Timberlake was "the life of the party," isn't it? Remember when JT and Kate hooked up at her New Year's Eve party a few years ago? With reports that love is on the rocks with surly, paparazzi tipin' Jessica Biel and Hudson off-again with Owen Wilson - maybe the time is right for a Hudson/Timberlake fling?! LOVE IT.

Did you see "Grey Gardens" this weekend on HBO? I haven't seen it yet, but I have been watching the original documentary. Wow! I'm now holding off on watching the Barrymore/Lange movie until I've finished the documentary. I'd love to know what you thought about it if you saw it!

xoxo
Nikki

Kate Hudson Celebrates 30

Kate Hudson celebrated her 30th birthday with a big party this weekend! Don't you wish you were Kate's friend? I do...

According to People Magazine:

Noticeably absent? Owen Wilson, the actress's on-again-off-again beau. Not that the party – at the home of Hudson's mom, Goldie Hawn, 63, and her partner Kurt Russell, 58 – lacked for a jaw-dropping roster of A-List guests, including Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Justin Timberlake (though without girlfriend Jessica Biel), Matthew McConaughey, Tobey Maguire, Jessica Alba, Cash Warren, Gwyneth Paltrow and husband Chris Martin, Gwen Stefani, Eva Mendes, Adam Sandler, Zach Braff – even Cher!

"Kate was elated, dancing all night, having the time of her life – and she looked amazing in a very sexy little dress and [Christian] Louboutin heels," a source tells PEOPLE. "She gave a very touching speech and spoke about how important her family is to her."

So who contributed to getting the crowd into a festive mood? "Justin Timberlake was the life of the party," says the source. "He was dancing, drinking tequila, and he had everyone doing the 'electric slide' on the dance floor."

Another partygoer "was even twirling Kate and Goldie around on dance floor," says the source.

As for the other revelers, "Eva Mendes kept a low profile, hanging out mostly with Zach Braff and Cash Warren in the beginning of night," says the source. "And Adam Sandler came by very briefly to say happy birthday and grab a cupcake, while Cher spent the whole night dancing, of course!"

Justin & Jessica Together in NYC

Sources from the Timberlake camp hint that JT and Jessica Biel have been on an unofficial break for the past couple of weeks. Him in NYC, her in LA. Ya haven't seen Justin out and about much while he's been there, have you? Interesting. It's long been rumored that Jess is a paparrazzi tipper. It has seemed obvious to us for a long time, right? But I guess Justin just got verification. Thus, the unofficial break.

They look super happy in this pic, don't they? Jess has joined Justin in MYC for her birthday. Surprise!

Radiohead Performing At Grammy's

It was announced earlier this week that Radiohead is performing at The Grammy's on February 8th. I can't WAIT! Do you think they'll want me to sit on on "Creep?" I can score a 100% singing it on Rock Band. Granted, it's on the "easy" setting, but still..

The last time I saw Radiohead (in 1994, I think) I didn't really see Radiohead. When I lived in Nashville I convinced a bunch of friends to go with me to see a Tom Petty show with Radiohead opening. No one was really too into the idea at first but by concert day we were totally excited! We crammed a bunch of us in a van, and got to amphitheather with plenty of time to pre-party. Unfortunately for me, I pre-partied a little too much. I quietly threw up in the blanket I was sitting on and spent the entire show sleeping in the van. Didn't even make it for the opening act. I learned a valuable lesson that day.

Well, except for the time my friend Lisa and I went to see Madonna, missed our train to the show, hailed a limo, bribed the driver to let us smoke and drink en route to the show, paid the driver to WAIT for us, got lost looking for the limo after the show, fell down in the parking lot....well, that's a different story.

I'm really excited for The Grammy's this year. In addition to Radiohead, also performing are: Justin Timberlake and T.I., who will perform together. Additionally, T.I. will also appear with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne for a rendition of "Swagga Like Us." Paul McCartney (with special guest drummer Dave Grohl), Kenny Chesney, Coldplay, Jennifer Hudson, Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, and Carrie Underwood.

I can't wait!

Britney & JT Join Madonna

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake joined Madonna onstage last night in LA. Not at the same time and so far there's no report that the two even spoke.

Britney looked good, huh? I can't say I'm nuts over it, but it's ok! And....I know that we're all just supposed to revere Madonna's body and with mouths agape exclaim, "She's 50!" But I have to say....she scares me. Her body scares me.

Britney & JT Reunite For Madonna?

Who's going to see Madonna in LA?! LaineyGossip.com is reporting that there is smutty evidence gathering that Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake might appear together during Madonna's LA shows. GET VIDEO! Please let this be true!!

Jessica Biel Jealous of Rihanna

UK Tabs are reporting that Jessica Biel was jealous of the chemistry her boyfriend, Justin Timberlake had with Rihanna while filming the video for her single, "Rehab." How could you NOT be jealous of Rihanna?!

Jessica Biel was said to be "fuming" after hearing about the heat her beau Justin Timberlake generated with Rihanna while filming the music video for her single Rehab in the California desert.

A source tells Star magazine, "Jessica wasn't there, but she heard about it, and everyone was gushing about the intense chemistry between Rihanna and Justin.

"That's not the kind of news a girl who's waiting on a proposal wants to hear, and she was fuming.

"Jessica also saw pictures from the video set while online and felt sick to her stomach when she saw Rihanna in her skimpy outfits looking incredibly sexy!"
(Source: Showbiz Spy)

Did Justin Propose to Jessica?

I hope this isn't true. Although, my Savior Miss Barb says that she knows someone who knew Jessica in school and that she was a very nice girl. I guess I've sort of come to accept JT's boring relationship with Biel. We'll see if this is actually true. I don't trust those British tabs!

JUSTIN Timberlake has proposed to girlfriend Jessica Biel, according to British tabloid reports

The pair were in Rome this week when the SexyBack hitmaker popped the question on the last night of their break, reports the Sunday People.

A source tells the publication, "Justin is besotted with Jessica and wants to make an honest woman of her.

"He planned to propose in Rome because it is such a romantic city. Jessica is over the moon and looking forward to a huge wedding. She can't wait.

"He has grown up a lot in the last couple of years and has decided it is time to settle down."

The couple -- who have been dating for nearly two years -- had jetted to Italy for the wedding of actress Beverley Mitchell.

Jessica -- who played Beverley's sister in TV drama 7th Heaven -- was one of seven bridesmaids.

Justin has previously dated Cameron Diaz and Britney Spears.

(Source: Showbiz Spy)

Memo To JT & Jessica Biel

To: Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel

Listen, I know it must be annoying to be constantly followed by the paps. However, why do you choose to go to celeb-owned paparrazzi haunts like Beso for your date night if you don't want to be photographed?? If you don't want to be hounded by the media - find yourselves a little out of the way restaurant. There are LOTS of them in LA. But if you're going to go to Beso, STK, The Ivy or any of the other celeb spots - put a f&cking smile on your face.

It's not the paps fault that "The Love Guru" sucked or that Biel's much hyped project with Jake Gyllenhaal couldn't get funding. And because of that, you two need to be seen out and about. I get that. But would it kill you to play the game, then? I mean - you ARE playing it. So play it right.

Thank you.

Reunion: JT and Brit?

This would be SO awesome, wouldn't it? Justin has said that if Britney was serious, he would consider working with her. I don't know how serious Britney is - but I KNOW Jamie Spears and the rest of her team are serious about her comeback.

OK! Magazine is reporting that Britney Spears and Pipsqueak Justin Timberlake will reunite for her new album – a duet. Every month this story surfaces. And every month it gets slammed down.

This time though, the magazine swears on Shiloh it’s true – and there may be reason to believe it. Remember, OK! is totally in bed with Lynne Spears, having funded Jamie Lynn’s teenage pregnancy. So it’s likely their source on Britney’s side is tight.

Their insider on JT’s side however is probably much weaker.

What’s in it for Pippy?

Especially since Pippy’s launch pad was his status as her boyfriend. Be honest, most of us first knew of him as:

1. That curly haired child from N Sync and
2. That curly haired child from N Sync who is dating Britney Spears

Without Britney, Pippy may not be what he is today – something he was ostensibly sore about when they were an item. Pippy, more than anything, is big balls aggressive about asserting his own accomplishments.

Besides, adding Chicken Fried back in his diet would most certainly push Shelf Ass off the map. A benefit for us...but never something Shelfy would take lying down.

Will it happen? Please Shiloh make it happen!
(Source: Laineygossip.com)

More Engagement Chatter: JT and Jessica Biel

Is it so wrong that I don't want Justin Timberlake to get married? He's not even a Celebrity Boyfriend. But...you know...if he gets married it will dash all of my hopes for a Britney reunion! I'm only halfway kidding.

Justin Timberlake has fueled rumors he's set to marry girlfriend Jessica Biel after shopping for an engagement ring.

Sources close to SexyBack star Justin say he's planning to propose to Biel and is asking her close friends to help him choose the perfect diamond band.

A pal of Jessica's told the Chicago Sun Times newspaper, "Justin has been ring shopping, and we're talking serious, major Harry Winston-type shopping here.

"He has been quizzing Jessica's closest pals and associates, trying to get a take on the kind of engagement rings she has admired.

"The only comment I ever heard Jessica make was when she complimented a mutual friend's square-cut emerald ring - when a girlfriend of ours got engaged. It was huge!"

Justin's friends claim the former 'N Sync star wanted to take his relationship with 'The Illusionist' actress Jessica to the next level after their busy work schedules kept them apart for long periods.

It was last month claimed Justin, 27, was ready to marry Jessica, 26, on the privately owned Caribbean island of Mustique in the West Indies.

A source said, "Justin is 27 and thinking about marriage and kids. For the first time in his life he is feeling settled and has definitely decided to pop the question to Jessica."(Source: Showbiz Spy)

Justin Timberlake Proposing?

Why? Why Jessica Biel? I know the dudes love her perfect ass - but ugh. Just ugh!

I'm sure she's a lovely girl. Why don't I care for her? How do you guys feel about Jessica? Let me know!


Justin Timberlake is reportedly set to propose to girlfriend Jessica Biel.

The singer, who has previously dated Britney Spears and Cameron Diaz, has already started looking at potential wedding venues; and Jessica has not been drinking recently, sparking pregnancy rumors.

A source said, “Justin is 27 and thinking about marriage and kids.

“For the first time in his life he is feeling settled and has definitely decided to pop the question to Jessica.

“He is so happy with her. They spent quite a bit of time apart recently when Justin was working with Madonna. That made him certain Jessica was the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.”

The ‘Sexy Back’ singer is said to have his eye on the West Indian island of Mustique as a venue for the wedding. It’s described as “an exclusive, 1,400-acre island in the southern Caribbean with lush, rolling terrain cooled by trade winds, surrounded by pristine white beaches and clear, aquamarine waters,” according to the island’s official website.

Justin wants the complete privacy for the couple’s big day — and because the island is privately owned by those who live there, he would be able to ban all paparazzi.

His friend added, “Although Justin has lived his whole life in the public eye, he feels his wedding is the one day that should remain private.

“To get all his close friends and family to Mustique will cost a fortune. But he can’t put a price on how he feels about Jessica.

“Then there are the rumours about a baby being on the way.”

(Source: Showbiz Spy)

JT Attends Cam's Dad's Memorial Service

So classy.

Justin Timberlake showed his support for ex-girlfriend Cameron Diaz at a memorial service for her late father, Emilio Diaz, in Seal Beach, California on Sunday.

Diaz’s other love-interest, John Mayer, also paid his respects to Emilio, who died of pneumonia last Tuesday at age 58.

Entertainment Tonight reports that tropical flowers were carried inside, and some guests even wore Hawaiian clothing and leis — a notion her father likely would have appreciated.

“Most people started arriving at 1.30pm and very few were wearing black. Lots of people had Hawaiian shirts on,” an onlooker said.

In a statement last week, the ‘Shrek’ actress said, “his humor and spirit will always live on in our hearts.”

In lieu of flowers, Diaz is asking fans to make donations in her father’s name on Surfrider.org or Reefcheck.org.

Justin dated Cameron from 2003 to 2006. And John has been romantically linked to the 35-year-old actress for the past two years. They both arrived separately and stayed until people started leaving at 4pm.(Source: Showbiz Apy)

Real-Life Celeb Spottings

If you've got 'em send them to me!! I don't care if they're old or new. Or B-list. Cuz...welll....I haven't really told you guys about me being the Queen of B-List Celeb Sightings.

My friend, Vanessa, was in LA last week and she had some awesome ones! Here's what she said about who she saw:

April 8
Was in LA for 48 hours for a boring as hell Forrester conference.
Barely left the 3 block radius of the hotel. The ONE night we did
leave was to have dinner somewhere fab. We ended up at Cut at the Reg
Bev Wil (how very Pretty Woman).

Spotted: J.T. (right mother fucking next to me which freaked me out).
He was sitting in a booth bordering ours, separated by a 2 ft glass
divider. I wanted to tossle his hair, but I resisted. LOL. He was with
two dudes and looking at his mobile phone a lot. One looked like his
bodyguard or something. Like I said he was much more fuckable in
person. I've never been one of those girls super into him, but now I
am. He is also taller and just more manly in person. Before I could
not get the image of him with the tight curls and blonde tipped hair
from his Britney years. Now, he's actually fuckable.

When he got up to leave he stopped to chit chat with girls at a few
tables (total dogs) and was saying hello to everyone. There were no
gawkers...he just seemed like a regular, friendly dude and everyone in
the restaurant was chill, but his presence was felt. No paprazzi or
weird fan stalkers anywhere. The photogs are not allowed in the
breezeway at the hotel...perhaps this was why so many celebs were
there. Not sure.

Then on his way out he walks over to this other table and surprise,
Ellen D stands up and gives him a big hug. Very geniune. We did not
know she was there until this happened. Then we come to notice Portia
was there as well. She's hot...really. We actually were at the
restaurant for hours and they were STILL there when we left ...
drinking wine and dining with what some Asian business men. The other
slightly odd thing is that Ellen and Portia were not seated directly
next to each other at the table. Odd.

At the table just behind me sat Rita Wilson with some of her
girlfriends. She had a very down-to-earth vibe about her.

Okay, that's about it. Oh yes and Oliver stone was at this place
called Craft (where we were prior to Cut). He was wasted.

Good times.

How awesome is that??

MUST WATCH!

Ok, well...the ladies. My friend Ellie sent me this along with the following note:

Stop what you’re doing and watch this video of Mickey Mouse club members Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Ryan Gosling, and a kid who didn’t become famous sing one for the ladies.

Be prepared to swoon! lol Oh and....someone in this video is on my Celebrity Boyfriends List. Guess who and check back on Friday to see if you're right!