Celebrity

Category: Sightings

Sightings: Elizabeth Banks feasts on furniture; Phelps flexes

Elizabeth Banks

While the box office for "The Hunger Games" and record ratings for "Mad Men" might suggest the whole of existence has been indoors watching screens big and small, Hollywood has still managed some work and play lately.

Like "Hunger Games" fashion plate Elizabeth Banks, who celebrated the opening of her already-historic franchise with two things most actresses would fight to the death for: high-end furniture and Champagne. 

Banks hit up a bash for Restoration Hardware's spring collection, "Exposed," where the brand's lush West Hollywood flagship was transformed into a twinkling garden party with guests including Malin Akerman, Milla Jovovich and Abbie Cornish.

In a flattering orange-red cocktail frock, Banks took in a performance from the Pierces and many a compliment on her massive film franchise. And while the film packed theaters, a man who could easily win a real life Hunger Games focused on a different competition: the summer Olympics. 

Michael Phelps

Gold medalist Michael Phelps is gearing up for Olympic trials this June with some serious workouts. He of the famous wingspan has been training hard at the Under Armour global headquarters in his hometown of Baltimore.

By the looks him, the workouts are paying off. Elsewhere about town...

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Kanye West makes New Year's DJ debut in Las Vegas

Kanye West debuts as a DJ
Anyone curious about what's on Kanye West's personal playlist got some answers this New Years Eve, as the rapper made his DJ debut at the grand opening of nightspot 1 OAK in Las Vegas.

Fergie and Josh Duhamel ring in 2012At Sin City's Mirage hotel and casino, West took to the tables under the name "Yeezyworldpeace" playing hits of his own, natch, like "Gold Digger." "Good Life" and the ubiquitous "...In Paris" with Jay-Z. He also included hip hop, pop and '80s tunes for the three-hour set. 

Hosted by Fergie, with husband Josh Duhamel in tow, the glamorous opening attracted Joseph Gordon-Levitt (who is on the verge of pulling a Gwyneth with his singing lately), Topher Grace, Kid Cudi and Jason Ritter.

The bold names got down over plenty of champagne, as Fergie stole a midnight kiss from her man while he snapped a photo with his smartphone. Onlookers say Kanye did have a female present in the booth, and lucky he wasn't around the night before.

On Friday, a private party at 1 OAK saw a visit from West's ex Amber Rose and her current beau, Wiz Khalifa

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— Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photos: Top, Kanye hits the turntables. Left, Fergie snuggles up to husband Josh Duhamel. Credit: WireImage.



Ashton Kutcher 'swarmed' by single ladies in Iowa

Ashton Kutcher

Though Ashton Kutcher missed Paris' Crillon Ball this year, the "Two and a Half Men" star made his own debut last week: as a semi-single guy in Iowa.

While his stepdaughter (for now) Tallulah Willis made her debutante showing in Paris over the Thanksgiving holiday, Kutcher went back to his Midwestern roots, partying among an abundance of young ladies in Iowa City.

The Cedar Rapids native and his male pals hit two different sports bars, where his naked ring finger turned plenty of heads, according to Us Weekly.

"He was drinking beer, and girls kept coming up to him," a source told the mag of the Thanksgiving Eve outing. "He loved the attention. Girls were hugging him and shaking his hand."  

Kutcher's night out in Iowa got a repeat performance Saturday, only this time beers and shots abounded, some ladies invited him to a local strip joint and, according to an Us source, "He was swarmed by girls."

He reportedly declined, but did manage to tweet a photo of himself with another local: a real cow. 

Kutcher and wife Demi Moore announced their separation and intent to divorce in the second week of November, with both lying low since statements were released. Moore was also absent from Tallulah's French debut; the magazine cited a source saying she had work conflicts.

RELATED:

Tallulah Willis debuts in Paris with daddy Bruce, but no Demi

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-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Ashton Kutcher welcomes the holidays on "Two and a Half Men." Credit: CBS


Prince Harry tours Universal Studios, bunks in Beverly Hills

Prince Harry comes to Hollywood!

Prince Harry hit Hollywood this week, taking advantage of a holiday they don't have in Britain.

Residing on the United States' West Coast during a brief military training stint, the younger son of Charles, Prince of Wales, made the most of Thanksgiving time in Los Angeles by touring a major film lot and bunking at a swanky hotel. 

On Wednesday, Harry and a group of pals hit Universal Studios Hollywood for a VIP tour. A gourmet lunch by in-house chef Eric Kopelow was immediately followed by a turn on the Simpsons Ride. 

Favorite attractions for the prince included King Kong 360 3-D and the plane crash site from "War of the Worlds" on the Studio Tour, plus the ever-popular "Jaws" experience, an onlooker told the Ministry.

The group had a real showbiz moment when it was allowed to sneak through a music-video shoot on Universal's back lot, capped off with some adrenaline seeking on Revenge of the Mummy -- the Ride, a roller coaster that Harry whipped through twice.

Before departing for Beverly Hills, where a source tells us Harry checked into the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel, the prince and company played some carnival games. Prince William's brother nabbed an oversize Curious George doll for his efforts, passing it off to an excited child just before heading out. 

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Prince William, Prince Harry surprise crowd outside Clarence House [Video]

-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Prince Harry attends a fundraising day at the offices of BGC Partners on Sept. 12 in London. Czech model Eva Herzigova is in the background. Credit: Paul Grover / Getty Images



Matthew Morrison's hoppy Halloween with 'Glee' cast

Photo 1 (1)
Matthew Morrison continued his bid for Hollywood Halloween domination, returning a second year to host his own party in a landscape crowded with competition from the likes of Heidi Klum and Kate Hudson.

The "Glee" teacher donned a bunny suit, complete with whiskers and white face paint, for the Saturday fete held once again at West Hollywood's Voyeur.

So who showed? Cast mates Chris Colfer (as, um, a sea monkey), Darren Criss as regal elephant Babar and  Naya Rivera as an adult-sized baby, as well as Amber Riley, Kevin McHale, Dianna Agron and Mark Salling.

A ghoulish house band lit up the Bing stage, where Morrison's girlfriend, Renee Puente, took the opportunity to celebrate a different holiday: the host's birthday Sunday. She sang "Happy Birthday" in the style of Marilyn Monroe.

Other attendees included some interesting Hollywood dating dynamics: Lauren Conrad partied in the presence of ex Kyle Howard, as did now-married David Annable (with wife Odette) among his "Brothers & Sisters" costar and his ex Emily VanCamp.

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Justin Bieber's scary guys night with Jaden Smith, Connor Cruise

Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith

Justin Bieber took a break from recording his Christmas album and romancing Selena Gomez for a fun-filled guys night Sunday with famous pals Jaden Smith and Tom Cruise's son, Connor. 

Hitting up Universal Studios Hollywood's popular Halloween Horror Nights attraction, Bieber indulged in scares including "Terror Tram: Scream 4 Your Life," where his group evaded a knife-wielding Ghostface killer, as well as mazes based on Eli Roth's "Hostel" films and Rob Zombie's gross-out movies.

Arriving around 7 p.m. and staying until just after midnight, the group received a VIP tour and were "totally scared," one onlooker said.

Ghoulish motifs must be a welcome change for the Biebs, who has been up to his 17-year-old ears in holiday spirit. "Under the Mistletoe," his soon-to-be-released Christmas record, features collaborations with the likes of his mentor Usher.

In fact, Usher and Bieber released their take on "The Christmas Song" on Monday. 

"This record is going to be remembered for years to come," Usher said on a call to Ryan Seacrest's morning radio show. "It's a record that has always been one of my favorites, and I'm happy that I was able to share it with Justin, and for us to put it out."

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-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Around this time last year -- when there was an NBA season going on -- Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith buddied up for a Lakers game at Staples Center. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times


Sightings: Chris Evans' animal within; Lindsay Lohan's smile woes

Chris Evans and Lindsay Lohan

Chris Evans unleashed the animal inside Wednesday night when "The Avengers" actor ventured out in Hollywood with some male pals in support of a Puma charity initiative.

Enjoying his time off, Evans hit up Puma's "Riddim + Run" event, where Siren Studios was converted into a city of bamboo huts offering food and drink. DJ Diplo got other stars, including Jamie Foxx, Cee-Lo Green and Sarah Hyland of "Modern Family," dancing while guests brought used sneakers for Soles4Souls.

Photos: Chris Evans, Jamie Foxx and Cee-Lo Green at Puma presents "Riddum + Run"

The Ministry was amused to see Jason Ritter rocking some serious facial hair, growing it out for his upcoming Charles Manson pic "Dead Circus."

A bit north on Hollywood Boulevard, the video game launch for "Saints Row: The Third" went down at Supperclub, nabbing Rob Kardashian, Audrina Patridge, Carmen Electra and Sasha Grey.

Photos: Stars arrive for the launch of Saints Row: The Third.

But Lindsay Lohan was the guest who got tongues wagging. Wide reports are ripping the actress for showing yellowing and, we'll say, not very attractive teeth at the fete. Check 'em out here.

A much more pleasant sighting was our pal Charlize Theron, out and about supporting her eponymous Africa Outreach project. The "Snow White and the Huntsman" star hosted photographer Randall Slavin for a series of celebrity shots.

The exhibit, sponsored by Grey Goose, drew names including Michael C. Hall, Sarah Silverman, Gabrielle Union, Jamie Chung and Michelle Monaghan. 

RELATED:

Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lopez wine and dine in New York

Justin Bieber (no lie) and Anna Wintour ring in Fashion's Night Out

Charlotte Ronson is toasted by Nicole Richie, sister Samantha Ronson

-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photos:  (left) Chris Evans at the Puma event. Credit: Getty Images

(right) Lindsay Lohan at the video game launch for "Saints Row: The Third." Credit: Getty Images


Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lopez wine and dine in New York

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lopez

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lopez know how to lend a prix fixe meal some heat a la carte — by simply enjoying such a dinner date together.

The two single actors broke bread at New York City's Per Se, a swanky upper west side eatery that boasts a $295 prix fixe chef's tasting menu. Saturday night also saw them indulging in an hours-long conversation.

The outing was described as "romantic" by a TMZ source, and news of a Lopez-Cooper hookup would be both unexpected and sexy. But don't look for a save-the-date card soon: Others said it was all business, with the two talking about a possible project on which to collaborate, according to E! News. 

Lopez, 42, is divorcing Marc Anthony, her husband of seven years, after their union imploded this summer. Cooper, 36, had a serious go at it a while back with Renee Zellweger, but that fizzled after a year ending in September 2010.

On screen or off, what would you think of Jennifer and Bradley as a couple? Tell us in comments. 

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— Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photos: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lopez. Credits: Chris Jackson / Getty Images, left; Mario Anzuoni / Reuters, right.



Justin Bieber (no lie) and Anna Wintour ring in Fashion's Night Out

Fashion's Night Out: Brooklyn Decker, Justin Bieber, Anna Wintour

Justin Bieber and Anna Wintour collided in a mess of iconic hair and pursed lips on Thursday, celebrating Fashion's Night Out in New York.

Bieber and manager Scooter Braun hosted Dolce & Gabbana's efforts at their Madison Avenue shop, welcoming the Vogue editor and celebs including Brooklyn Decker, Sophia Bush, Antonio "L.A." Reid and his wife Erica, and Bieber mentor Usher.

LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian managed an invite (a customer is a customer in this economy, we suppose), as did "Gossip Girl" duo Kelly Rutherford and Matthew Settle, Rose McGowan and Lauren Santo Domingo.

The Wintour-created Fashion's Night Out drives communities, with the help of fashion's finest and tons of talent, to stimulate retail one night nationwide -- including here in Los Angeles, where Nicole Richie and Randy Jackson hosted the official FNO kickoff at the Beverly Center.

Vogue's West Coast Editor Lisa Love showed, as did Rachel Bilson. Other sightings included Mena Suvari at Marco Marco's fete at the Andaz Hotel and Lauren Conrad launching her new clothing line Paper Crown at the Grove's Nordstrom. 

RELATED:

Victoria Beckham, Alexander Skarsgard kick off N.Y. Fashion Week

Charlotte Ronson is toasted by Nicole Richie, sister Samantha Ronson

Fashion favorite 'Dragon Tattoo' star Rooney Mara premieres 'Tanner Hall'

-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Brooklyn Decker, left, Justin Bieber and Vogue Editor Anna Wintour at Dolce & Gabbana's Fashion's Night Out event in New York. Credit: Eugene Gologursky / Getty Images


Victoria Beckham, Alexander Skarsgard kick off N.Y. Fashion Week

Skarsgard_Ransone2

New York Fashion Week is here, with folks like Victoria Beckham and "True Blood" hunk Alexander Skarsgard hitting the Big Apple for the sartorial celebration.

On Wednesday evening, coverboy Skarsgard kicked things off as he played host to Blackbook magazine's 15th anniversary party.

Cast mate Kristin Bauer van Straten showed up on the rooftop of NYC's Dream Hotel, as did Estelle, Bryan Greenberg, Skarsgard's "Generation Kill" costar James Ransone and band One Republic, sipping Tequila Don Julio.

Beckham rolled with a much different crew out of Los Angeles: mainly her newborn, Harper. And talk about baby's first front row — soccer star David Beckham's wife even tweeted about bringing the little one to the shows.

"Mummy and baby Harper are very excited for fashion week!!!" she said.

Stay tuned to the Ministry for more Fashion Week star sightings and many fabulous party reports.

RELATED:

'Dragon Tattoo' star Rooney Mara premieres 'Tanner Hall'

Lake Bell and friends celebrate a 'Good Old Fashioned Orgy'

Charlotte Ronson is toasted by Nicole Richie, sister Samantha Ronson

— Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Alexander Skarsgard gives his "Generation Kill" costar James Ransone a little face time at Blackbook magazine's 15th anniversary bash at the start of New York Fashion Week. Credit: WireImage.



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