Eddie Murphy the Front-Runner to Host 2012 Oscars

According to reports, Eddie Murphy has emerged as the front-runner to present the 84th Academy Awards ceremony.

Brett Ratner is putting together the show this year, and apparently Murphy is the name he'll be putting forward to Academy president Tom Sherak.

It shouldn't come as a huge surprise to learn that Ratner is favoring Murphy, as the pair have recently worked together on upcoming comedy Tower Heist, a kind of every man's Ocean's Eleven.

With his background in stand-up comedy, Murphy could certainly bring a bit of much needed energy to the proceedings, not too mention a welcome smattering of 'edge.'

Some rumor sites are reporting Murphy's role as a done deal, although there has been no official confirmation yet. According to Deadline, Oscars favorite Billy Crystal will be involved in some capacity.

Stay tuned....

Weekend Box Office: "The Help" Wins Again At The Top Spot

The Help stayed in charge for the third weekend in a row. It was only down two percent from last weekend, the drama earned an estimated $14.2 million, lifting its total to $118.6 million in 26 days.

The horror movies, Apollo 18 and Shark Night 3D, were just $60,000 apart in their estimates, but both were bloodless. Apollo nabbed $8.70 million at 3,328 nearly single-screen locations, while Shark packed $8.64 million on approximately 4,100 screens at 2,806 locations. Shark's run included around 2,500 3D locations, and they accounted for 86 percent of its business.

Charlie Sheen Celebrates Birthday With His Ex

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The Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller platonic love fest continued last night when the pair reunited for dinner to celebrate Charlie's 46th birthday.

On his way out, Charlie acknowledged his rough year, telling photogs, "You could have 45, all of it. All 12 months of 45, kicking it to the curb."

I guess that would make those 12 months a warlock year....

DJ Pauly D Gives a $40,000 Wedding Gift To Kim Kardashian

Pauly D wasn't invited to Kim Kardashian's extravagant wedding -- but that didn't stop him from giving her a gift that is valued at $40,000.... well kind of.

According to sources, Pauly was approached by Kim to DJ an event at her DASH store in NYC for Fashion's Night Out, the biggest event during Fashion Week.

Apparently Pauly agreed to do the event -- and even agreed to wave his appearance fee as a wedding present. He usually gets $40,000 per appearance.

Not a bad gift....

'Dancing with the Stars' The Rehearsal Photos

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The cast of "Dancing with the Stars" kicked off rehearsals this week in Los Angeles -- and we're finally getting a sneak peek inside the training sessions.

ABC just released the first crop of rehearsal pics, showing Ricki Lake, Robert Kardashian, Kristin Cavallari, Ron Artest and Elisabetta Canalis learning their first routines.

Do you think any of these guys have a shot at winning? Or will the Mirror Ball go to one of the other contenders, like Chaz Bono, Nancy Grace or David Arquette?

Who knows....and to some....who cares!

Melanie Brown Gives Birth To Baby Girl

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Melanie Brown is a proud mother once again! The little girl is the first baby for Mel B and Stephen Belafonte.


A rep released the following statement, "Both mum and baby are happy, healthy and doing well." The former Spice Girls singer, 36, Tweeted the following after giving birth:

"Stephen nearly passed out, Phoenix screamed, I laughed so hard the baby popped out!!! She is just sooo amazing!! 

I didn't think it was possible but I love you even MORE now honey,we have a truly amazing family xxxx."

Mel B. is already the mom to daughters, Phoenix, 12, and Angel, 4.

Jada Pinkett Smith's 'Hawthorne' CANCELED

 
Jada Pinkett-Smith just can't catch a break. Amid rumors of marriage troubles with Will Smith and tales of the "Hawthorne" star hooking up behind-the-scenes with costar Marc Anthony, her show has been given the ax.

"TNT has decided not to order a fourth season of 'Hawthorne,'" TNT confirmed to E! News in a statement.

"TNT truly appreciates the tremendous dedication of everyone involved in 'Hawthorne.' The series gave TNT the opportunity to work with many outstanding people, including Jada Pinkett Smith and the rest of the show's talented cast, crew, producers and writers. We wish everyone involved with 'Hawthorne' nothing but the best."

Prince von Anhalt Got Hit By a Car in Beverly Hills

Prince Frederic von Anhalt was rushed to a hospital after a car smashed into him while crossing a street in Beverly Hills.

Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband was walking near the busy intersection of Camden Drive and Brighton Way when the car hit him.

It's still unclear if Prince was in a crosswalk at the time of the accident, but Anhalt may have a broken leg.