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OSCARS 2010: GABOUREY SIDIBE, SARAH PALIN AND AUDRINA PATRIDGE INSIDE THE OSCARS GIFTING SUITES!

Delaina Dixon — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:06:20 -0800

The best part of Oscar, after winning that gold statue of course, is scoring a host of goodies at the gifting suites.

There were plenty to choose from this past weekend. Sarah Palin made out like a bandit at the Silverspoon Oscars Gifting Suite in West Hollywood, Calif., in support of the American Red Cross. The former governor of Alaska and aspiring TV reality star snagged two fedoras, three t-shirts, a jacket and two pairs of sunglasses from designer Perry Ellis. Looks like political ambition does pay off!

Reality star Audrina Patridge and singer Ryan Cabrera stopped by the Oral-B Lounge at Haven 360, where entertainment correspondent Giuliana Rancic shared her red carpet ready tips. "I wouldn't dare go on the red carpet without fresh breath, white teeth and smooth lips," declares Giuliana, who uses the Oral-B Pulsonic toothbrush for an award-winning smile. And, "I always have breath mints in my red carpet clutch." Smart advice!

Beyond the Oscars, there were goodies to be had backstage at the "25^th Annual Independent Spirit Awards" inside L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles, all for a good cause. Best Actress nominee Gabourey Sidibe, Best Supporting Actress nominee alum Taraji P. Henson and pre-Oscar show co-host Sherri Shepherd were just a few of the stars who stopped by the FAGE Total 0% Yogurt Bar and LG Electronics Kompressor Vacuum booth to test drive the products and have the companies make a contribution in their name for Project Involve, the official charity of the Spirit Awards to support cultural diversity in the filmmaking business. The day's activities raised $75,000. Charity never tasted so good or cleaned up so well!

EXCLUSIVE!: OSCARS 2010: INSIDE LUDACRIS' VIEWING PARTY

Delaina Dixon — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:37:55 -0800

Oscar celebrations were everywhere! To celebrate Hollywood's golden night, rapper, actor and humanitarian Chris "Ludacris" Bridges threw an Oscar party at his restaurant Straits in Atlanta, Ga., to benefit The Ludacris Foundation, an organization that inspires youth through education and memorable experiences to achieve their dreams.

Gold streamers turned the eatery into an award-winning viewing spot as guests dined on the restaurant's signature Asian fusion dishes, sipped Conjure Cognac (Ludacris' own brand!) and listened to tracks from the star's new album, "Battle of the Sexes", which drops today.

Ludacris mingled with guests and his famous friends, including producer Isaac Hayes III, son of musician and "Shaft" star Isaac Hayes, and fellow rapper Lil Fate, before jet-setting off to yet another party at the Velvet Room.

But not before we caught up with the star to find out about his new album and his own Oscar moment, courtesy of Solanta Entertainment.

Check it below!

EXCLUSIVE! NYC OSCARS 2010: TINA LOUISE'S DREAM GILLIGAN'S ISLAND CAST

Delaina Dixon — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:07:29 -0800

The Plus has done some pretty incredible things. But we never imagined we'd be rubbing elbows with Oscar nominees and winners at the Official 82^nd Annual Academy^® Awards celebration at Gilt restaurant inside the New York Palace Hotel in New York City, and never did we think we'd meet one of our TV icons, Tina Louise!

The sexy siren made Gilligan's heart flutter on the hit '70s TV series "Gilligan's Island" as actress Ginger Grant, and the rest of the male population in the "The Stepford Wives".

Tina joined a host of other actors for an intimate cocktail reception to kick off Hollywood's biggest night for the Oscar alum who stayed on the east coast.

That includes "Milk" writer and Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black, who remained humble as we congratulated him on his award; iconic actress Sylvia Miles, nominated for her work in "Midnight Cowboy"; "Maria Full of Grace"'s Catalina Sandino Moreno, who will be seen in the next "Twilight" installment "Eclipse", and the incomparable Celeste Holm, who won the Best Supporting Actress Award for "Gentleman's Agreement" in 1947!

With her hair still a fiery red, we got the scoop on Tina's favorite Oscar moment, and who she'd like to see cast in the newly announced "Gilligan's Island" movie, including Michael Cera, Betty White and Mandy Moore.

Click below for more!

OSCAR DRESSING: HOW THE GALS CAN LOOK GORGEOUS!

Delaina Dixon — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:59:59 -0800

It's not if you win or lose at the 82^nd Annual Academy^® Awards ceremony happening on Sunday night, it's how you work the red carpet!

The Plus called on Andy Paige, beauty and style expert and author of "Style on a Shoestring," to get her fashion-savvy take on what this year's Best Actress nominees should slip into to accept that golden statue!

Carey Mulligan, "An Education": "I'd love to see Carey in a strapless gown, kind of a flowy version of the Proenza Schouler dress Amy Adams wore to the 2008 Oscars," Andy says. "Carey would look amazing in a periwinkle blue or a coral; men are highly attracted to that color. She should wear it with a bib necklace and bright lipstick."

Gabourey Sidibe: "Precious": "I would love to put Gabby in a dress that offers structure and possible color blocking to really create a shape that's powerful for her," Andy suggests. "I would pick cool colors, like an aqua or peacock blue, ones that would bring her a lot of confidence and peace."

Meryl Streep, "Julie and Julia": "It's time for Meryl to do something a little more frivolous. She always looks so maudlin and it tends to age her," Andy explains. "I'd love to see her in a print that works with her body. Something by the late Alexander McQueen or Betsey Johnson would really be out of the box for her."

Helen Mirren, "The Last Station": "Helen should be sun-kissed Hollywood with a bit of a spray tan, a little more blond than gray and rocking an amazing dress. I would love to see that dame in red," Andy exclaims. "She's amazing and a role model to so many, so she should not play it down in black or white. And the girls should be in. Something by Chanel or Valentino would be perfect."

Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side": "I absolutely adore Sandra. I think she's going to win," Andy says. "I would suggest a look that's a little girly in a pretty shade of green accented with beautiful colored stones. Maybe a design from Carolina Herrera or Diane von Furstenberg, who's repurposed a lot of her original designs from '70s into something fresh, hip and cool."

Oscar® Hair! The 5 Best Actress Nominees

Delaina Dixon — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:50:58 -0800

On Sunday night, we'll find out who are the Oscar winners, for their looks!

The Plus caught up with celebrity hair stylists Amoy Pitters, who has styled the coifs of Donatella Versace, Rihanna, Sheryl Crow and Alicia Keys, to find out how the five Best Actress nominees should wear their hair for the big night!

Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side": "Sandra always looks amazing with her long, side swept bangs, so maybe couple that with a half-up ‘do. The look, of course, also depends on the dress! If the gown is off the shoulder or asymmetrical, a messy side bun would look chic; if it has a dramatic neckline, a wavy and tousled look would be fabulous. She has a classic red carpet look, so these styles would be great, as they are stylish without being too trendy."

Helen Mirren, "The Last Station": "Helen has a classically sophisticated look that is also age-appropriate and absolutely fabulous. An updo would likely age her look, so a clean, straight style for her shoulder-length hair would be beautiful."

Meryl Streep, "Julie and Julia": "Always age-appropriate as well, Meryl exudes an elegant look with a sense of fun and whimsy. A clean, down style with a flirty side part, or a messy updo would be a terrific fit."

Gabourey Sidibe "Precious": "Gabby is young and so full of life without being over-the-top, which is also what her style should evoke. Tousles and down would look Awards show-pretty."

Carey Mulligan "An Education": "I love Carey’s cut and she has a great face for the look! I would add a little texture to the top, so it’s not flat, which will add a sense of glamour to the sleek look."

DON CHEADLE: Parenting Advice

Delaina Dixon — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:22:37 -0800

In his new movie "Brooklyn's Finest," Don Cheadle plays an undercover cop pulled into a situation where he may have to roll over the best friend who once helped save his life.

It's a life rule that's definitely NOT on Don's parenting list.

One of the lessons he is teaching his two daughters, Ayana and Imani, is "to be good to people," he shared at the movie's New Your City premiere Tuesday night.

Knowing teens can be easily swayed by the images they see on screen, Don's kids are skipping this gritty drama.

"Hell no," he declared over whether the girls will be seeing the film.

They'll just have to wait to see dad on the big screen in "Iron Man 2!"

OSCAR: HANDY MAN SPECIAL!

Delaina Dixon — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:36:53 -0800

The Plus knows the female nominees on the carpet for the 82^nd Annual Academy^® Awards will be buffed, polished and coutured to perfection this Sunday. But what about the guys? Don't they deserve some love, too?

Of course they do! That's why the men nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor all received a gift basket courtesy of The Baddish Group.

The overstuffed delivery includes an entire collection of men's grooming products from skincare giant Mario Badescu, Partagus Master Series Majestuos Cigars and The Dalmore 1263 King Alexander III single mall scotch from master distiller Richard Paterson.

The basket also made its way to the men who will be covering the carpet, including ET's Kevin Frazier.

"With award season in full swing, I will be using every thing in that basket to relax when it's all over," he tells The Plus .

Win or lose, looks like this year's guy nominees are coming out on top!

REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY'S DANIELLE STAUB SAYS: REACH DEEP!

Delaina Dixon — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:57:21 -0800

"The Real Housewives of New Jersey"'s Danielle Staub is taking a stand – on how to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

The Plus caught up with the reality TV star at Supermodel's Unlimited magazine's Candyland Fantasy Fundraiser inside of cavernous lounge M2 Sunday night.

Partnering with the American Red Cross, the showcase of fashion and music was to raise funds to help those in need in Haiti.

"How tragic it is to even get into detail about how it is to live there, even in the beginning, and then to know about what little they had taken from them," Danielle exclaimed to us.

"Everyone can help. If you don't have anything in your pockets, pray and love. Prayer and peace is something we should all have universally."

Danielle, who hosted the event, said that 100 percent of the night's proceeds benefits the Haiti Relief Fund.

"So everybody reach deep, and know that your next meal is sitting in refrigerator at home," she pleaded.

Definitely something to think about.

To make a donation, go to the Haiti Relief Fund.

MARCIA GAY HARDEN: HOW TO HOLD AN OSCAR!

Delaina Dixon — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:53:19 -0800

Ever dreamed of holding an Oscar?

A few lucky people got their chance to cuddle with the coveted statue at Meet the Oscars ® New York, sponsored by Kodak, inside The Shops at Columbus Circle in New York City.

Academy^® Award winner Marcia Gay Harden was on hand to give a few tips on how to hold the statue and look amazing in front of the lens. Check it out below.

The actress also revealed where she keeps her Best Supporting Actress award, which she won for her performance in "Pollock" in 2000.

"It's in my office in Harlem near a window that looks out over a park of kids," she shared with The Plus.

Lucky kids!

Catch the 82^nd Annual Academy^® Awards broadcast live this Sunday March 7.

MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL: WHERE'S YOUR OSCAR ACCEPTANCE SPEECH?

Delaina Dixon — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:52:00 -0800

With the Oscars just over a week away, you'd think that most nominees would be putting the final touches on their acceptance speech, just in case. Not Maggie Gyllenhaal!

The statuesque actress, looking fierce at the USA Network and Vanity Fair magazine Character Approved Awards reception in New York City last night, hasn't even started jotting down some notes.

"I have to think about that," said Maggie, who's nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Crazy Heart."

"What do you do," she exclaimed to The Plus. "It's probably not a good idea not to have thought of anything."

The New Yorker does have a plan for what she'll being doing come Oscar morning.

"A couple of my girlfriends from here are going to come out to Los Angeles with me," Maggie shared.

"We're going to have a little party that morning and make a party out of getting ready. I think getting ready is the best part.

"Maybe I'll try to go to yoga or something," she added.

Yep, your acceptance speech might come to you when you're in Downward Dog, Maggie!

The 82^nd Annual Academy^® Awards airs live March 7.