Entertainment

NMA 2013–SEALED

The Nollywood Movies Award 2013 came to an end with creative, wonderful and in no doubt the best actors, actresses, directors and filming crews in Nigeria, West Africa, Africa and the world to be gracing the occasion in a glamorous style.

 The NMA since its launch in 2012 had been a reason many talents in Nigeria, West Africa, Africa and the rest of the world flood the film industry; this they do to enable themselves get recognition, appraisal and celebration at the global level. The Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) has witnessed massive growth, increase in family and development over the years. Talents from across Africa and the rest of the world had been noted to be a part of the Nollywood family owing to the fact that entertainment “filming to be précised” is highly appreciated and patronised in the country. Therefore, the attention of the world has been, though, slowly drawn to Africa and Nigeria precisely.

With the creativity and innovation of the Nollywood family, the beauty and diaspora of Africa and Nigeria to be précised have been well portrayed and the mind-set of the Africans not being thoughtful and active in terms of human development has been well dealt with, tackled and corrected.

NMA is an annual event staged to celebrate, appreciate, recognise and remember the family as a body and not just an entity. It is an event that unites all the ethnic groups in the country and bring together people of diverse minds and filming talents to come dine and wine with one heart and one mind for one goal; unity, love and togetherness.

This year there were 29 awards staged for the family to grab and trust me not one was left, including a new Nissan Patrol car (courtesy Nissan).

These are the nominees;

BEST MOVIE

1.      Hoodrush

2.      Journey To Self

3.      The Meeting

4.      Phone Swap (winner)

5.      Udeme Mmi

6.      Mrs Somebody

BEST LEAD ACTOR

1.      Bayo Alawiye – The Gods Are Still Not To Blame

2.      Gabriel Afolayan – First Cause

3.      Iyke Adiele – Broken

4.      OC Ukeje – Hoodrush (winner)

5.      Moses Armstrong – Udeme Mmi

6.      Wale Ojo – Phone Swap

BEST LEAD ACTRESS

1.      Rita Dominic – The Meeting (winner)

2.      Nse Ikpe Etim – Mr & Mrs

3.      Mercy Johnson – Dumebi

4.      Funke Akindele – Ma’aami

5.      Bimbo Akintola – Hoodrush

6.      Uche Jombo – Mrs Somebody

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

1.      Imeh Bishop Udoh – Udeme Mmi

2.      Akin Lewis – Heroes & Zeros

3.      Bimbo Manuel – Broken

4.      Gabriel Afolayan – Hoodrush

5.      Afeez “Saka” Oyetoro – Phone Swap (winner)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

1.      Ngozi Ezeonu – Adesuwa

2.      Barbara Soky – Bridge Of Hope

3.      Ada Ameh – Phone Swap (winner)

4.      Chelsea Eze – Hoodrush

5.      Mary Chukwu – Broken

BEST INDIGENOUS MOVIE

1.      Udeme Mmi

2.      Odasan

3.      Ma’ami (winner)

4.      kokomma

      

      BEST ACTOR INDIGENOUS

1.      Ekere Nkanga – Kokomma

2.      Wale Ojo – Ma’ami

3.      Segun “Lanko” Ogunyemi – Odasan

4.      Imeh Bishop Udoh – Udeme Mmi (winner)

BEST ACTRESS INDIGENOUS

1.      Tope Brass – Odasan

2.      Belinda Effah – Kokomma

3.      Obonganwan Bennet-James – Udeme Mmi

4.      Funke Akindele – Ma’ami (winner)

BEST DIRECTOR

1.      Mildred Okwo – The Meeting (winner)

2.      Lancelot Imasuen – Udeme Mmi

3.      Dimeji Ajibola – Hoodrush

4.      Kunle Afolayan – Phone Swap

5.      Tope Oshin Ogun – Journey To Self

BEST EDITING

1.      Paul Apel – Mr & Mrs

2.      Yemi Jolaosho – Phone Swap

3.      Victor Ehi-Amedu – Adesuwa

4.      Dimeji Ajibola – Hoodrush

5.      Okey Benson – The Meeting

6.      Kunle Adejuyigbe – Journey To Self (winner)

BEST SOUND DESIGN

1.      Obi Emeloye – Last Flight To Abuja (winner)

2.      Semiu Adewuyi – Kokomma

3.      Carl Raccah – Journey To Self

4.      Olukunle Adegbite – The Gods Are Still Not To Blame

5.      Alex Njuguna – The Meeting

6.      Dimeji Ajibola – Hoodrush

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

1.      Alfred Chia – Heroes & Zeros

2.      James Costello – Last Flight To Abuja

3.      Shalom Uyi Enabulele – Broken

4.      Yinka Edward – Phone Swap (winner)

5.      Jim Bishop – The Meeting

6.      Byron Ene – The Gods Are Still Not To Blame

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

1.      Tunde Babalola – The Gods Are Still Not To Blame

2.      Mildred Okow/Tunde Babalola – The Meeting

3.      Rita C. Onwurah – Udeme Mmi

4.      Dimeji Ajibola – Hoodrush

5.      Tchidi Chikere – Dumebi

6.      Kemi Adesoye – Phone Swap (winner)

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

1.      Jaiye Owolabi – The Gods Are Still Not To Blame (winner)

2.      Titi Aluko – Phone Swap

3.      Ekene Okoye Mpon – Kiss And The Brides

4.      Unnamed* - Journey To Self

5.      Wanger Ayu/Rosaline Ijejem – Mr & Mrs

6.      Iyen Agbonifo – Adesuwa

BEST MAKE-UP

1.      Temisan Esede – Adesuwa

2.      “Touch Of Glamour” Tobi Jeje-philip & Korede Olowoyo – Journey To Self

3.      Tracy Iyoha –The Gods Are Still Not To Blame

4.      Jennifer Alegieuno – The Meeting (winner)

5.      Olivia Obasi – Broken

BEST SET DESIGN

1.      Pat Nebo – Phone Swap

2.      Adeoye Bakare – Heroes & Zeros

3.      Hillary Patrick – The Meeting

4.      Sango B’song – Last Flight To Abuja (winner)

BEST SOUNDTRACK

1.      Truth – The Meeting

2.      Luke Corradine – Last Flight To Abuja

3.      Patrick Mathias – Hoodrushm (winner)

4.      Slam – Udeme Mmi

5.      Truh – Phone Swap

6.      Oludare Olateju – The Gods are Still Not To Blame#

BEST DIASPORA MOVIE

1.      Man On Ground (winner)

2.      Alaalo

3.      Turning Point

4.      The Past Came Calling

5.      Secret Past

BEST SHORT MOVIE

1.      Unspoken (winner)

2.      15 Minutes

3.      Epitaph

4.      Ogondah

5.      Blink

6.      Till Death Do Us Part

BEST RISING STAR MALE

1.      OC Ukeje – Hoodrush

2.      Ifeanyi Kalu – Kokomma

3.      Bobby Obodo – Mrs Somebody

4.      Uti Nwachukwu –In The Cupboard (winner)

BEST RISING STAR FEMALE

1.      Linda Ejiofor – The Meeting

2.      Belinda Effa – Kokomma (winner)

3.      Ijeoma Agu – Hoodrush

4.      Rachel Isaac – Daisy

5.      Tehila Adiele – Broken

6.      Tess Abubakar – In The Cupboard

BEST CHILD ACTOR

1.      Ayomide Abati – Ma’ami (winner)

2.      Adeola Faseyi – Married But Living Single

3.      Regina Ojeogwu – Wave Of Glory

4.      Obiora Samuel Olife – Broken Silence

POPULAR CHOICE

1.      Male – Imeh Bishop Udoh (winner)

2.      Female – Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde (winner)

3.      Top Box Office Film (Nigeria) – Phone Swap (Kunle Afolayan) (winner)

CROSS RIVER UNVEILS CALABAR FESTIVAL THEME FOR 2013

 The Cross River State government has unveiled the theme for the 2013 Calabar Festival at the main bowl of the Cultural Centre Complex, Calabar.

The annual carnival is regarded as the second biggest brand in Africa after Nollywood with over 50 million spectators globally.

To this end, the government said “plans are underway to making this year’s event the best ever experienced since its twelve years of existence in the state”. The state governor, Liyel Imoke gave the assurance at the unveiling, which was themed “No Stopping Us”.

The Calabar Carnival has grown to be a brand identified internationally, copied locally and even exported to other states and countries following its rich content.

Unveiling the theme which is expected to be interpreted by five participating bands, The Seagull, Master Blasta, Freedom Band, Passion4 and Bayside, Imoke spurred the bands members to reflect on the states culture, history , creativity and above all measures geared towards promoting the tourism industry in their quest for the interpretation of the theme.

Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Gab Onah as well as the only female band leader senator, Florence Ita-Giwa assured of new innovations at this year’s event, not forgetting its economic benefits to the state.

As the world await this epoch making event adjudged the biggest street party in Africa and scheduled for the 26th and 27th of December Annually, it is expected that this year’s live audience will outgrow last years.

Awards were also given to bands who emerged victorious at last year’s carnival.

PHARRELL MARRIES GIRLFRIEND

Singer-songwriter-producer Pharrell Williams and his longtime girlfriend Helen Lasichanh got married in Miami this weekend, Us Weekly reports.

The entertainment industry publication said the 40-year-old, Grammy-winning Williams and his model girlfriend tied the knot Saturday at the Kampong National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Miami. He wore a red plaid suit and she was decked out in a navy blue plaid gown. "Usher and Busta Rhymes did a mini concert at the wedding," a source told Us. "It was so fun. The little concert was amazing. It [was] the most fun wedding I've ever been to."

Williams and Lasichanh, who have been together for five years, have a 4-year-old-son Rocket

Annie Idibia Weeps During Interview 

On the Dubai wedding “Dubai wedding was 2face’s idea not mine. I wanted a very quiet wedding in Abuja but 2face wanted a dream wedding in Dubai.”

Girls in the mood controversy:

“That photo of me on the movie cover with a towel and panties, was photo-shopped, that girl wasn’t me, my face was used on someone else’s body. I wanted to sue the movie producer but my husband said I should ignore it.”

Girls in the mood controversy:

“That photo of me on the movie cover with a towel and panties, was photo-shopped, that girl wasn’t me, my face was used on someone else’s body. I wanted to sue the movie producer but my husband said I should ignore it.”

Insulting her daughter on social media “I will rather have anyone insult me and my husband than insult my daughter,I won’t let people insult my daughter”
Giving back to the society “I am starting an NGO to help women and kids from Akwa Ibom state.
She broke down in tears when a fan called to wish her well and thank her for standing by 2face when he was a nobody

Nicole Kidman knocked down by paparazzo on bicycle

NEW YORK, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Police in New York told TMZ they will issue a ticket to -- but not arrest -- the paparazzo who knocked Nicole Kidman down with his bicycle Thursday.

Carl Wu will be cited for riding his bike on the sidewalk but will not be charged with a criminal offense since Kidman was not seriously injured.

"An accident's an accident," one officer told the celebrity news website.

Kidman was knocked to the ground after she left Calvin Klein's Fashion Week show in Manhattan and was returning to the Carlyle Hotel, TMZ said.

Kimmel, Baldwin to be presenters at Emmy Awards show

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Will Arnett, Alec Baldwin, Andre Braugher, Bryan Cranston and Jimmy Kimmel are to be presenters at the 65th Emmy Awards show in Los Angeles.

Claire Danes and Sofia Vergara also are to help hand out awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE Sept. 22, CBS announced Thursday.

Neil Patrick Harris is to serve as host of the Emmy Awards ceremony, which honor the year's best in television.

Sexy Tiwa Covers The Bubbles Magazine

It's been an awesome year for the female pop star who released her highly anticipated debut album ‘Once Upon a Time’ in July 22 and will be getting married soon.

If there is one female singer that I crush on in the Nigeria entertainment industry, that will be Miss Tiwatope Savage. A stunning beauty she posesses and a lovely attitude with a wondeful charisma she portrays the beauty of hers with. More beauty to your body Tiwa and I trust Nigerian youths agree with me on this.

Mr 2kay dominates UK chart, gets verified on Twitter

Big things a gwan for Mr 2kay, the PH artiste is steadily making an entry into the mainstream…

After releasing his impressive ‘Bubugaga‘ remix featuring UK based acts May7ven and Moelogo, the single has risen to the top of UK Afrobeats top 20 chart. The chart is the online home of Green World Music, the UK’s newest and hottest Afro record label. Closely following Mr 2kay on the chart is J Martins with ‘Touching body’, Iyanya with ‘Sexy mama’ and Star Boy Ent with ‘Caro’.

In other news, the ‘waterside boy’ has been verified on micro-blogging site Twitter. His page got stamped with the blue badge this week.

By Osagie Alonge

Iyanya : "My relationship with Emma is just business" 

I came across this alleged interview a reported claimed they had with Iyanya; the question asked and answer Iyanya gave was weird, so I decided to share. Read below, for how the journalist claims the interview went:

“Surprising information from made men music artist Iyanya has he revealed some explicit details about his life to us. Iyanya who is fond of getting the ladies for his looks and body said his female fans make him work out more and work hard and his relationship with Emma is just business.

Our reporter went further to ask Iyanya how he sleeps with his fans …”ON OR OFF mr Iyanya ??” and he replied ” without condoms”. The room was quiet for a while and our reporter added ” I meant your ceiling fans in your room”.. and iyanya replied ” yes i know mbong ”.
By: NaijaTunez.

Sultry Simone wins 2013 Best Behind at the Afro Model Awards

 Sultry Simone is a US model, dancer and star of the Bubble Butt and Twerk It music videos. She was crowned the 2013 Best Behind at the Afro Model Awards Show held some months ago in the UK.

Genevieve Nnaji moves into N200m Ikoyi mansion

Three months after buying a twin duplex in Sangotedo, Lekki, Lagos, superstar actress Genevieve Nnaji has made another pleasantly surprising acquisition – a fabulous mansion in the highbrow Park View Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Actress who turned 34 on may 3,2013, has already moved into the new crib, according to NET investigations. ‘She is still putting a few things in place like electronics and fittings, but she’s moved in already’ a source privy to the details tells us in anonymity. Before the recent move, Genny lived in Lekki with bestie Chinny Onwugbenu

Sources say the property may have cost the sexy actress who is one of Africa’s most celebrated actors over N200 million. To avoid the media exposure, a source says the actress has decided to keep mum on the deal until she completes the renovation of the newly-purchased house. ‘Genny has been very coded about her relocation and has tried to hard to keep this information from the press because she values her privacy’, one of her friends who spoke with us said.

The new property will be her home for now. We were unable to immediately confirm if she will move to join her parents in Lekki upon completion of the Sangotedo property. The actress who on popular US talk show, Oprah was referred to as Africa’s Julia Roberts, only weeks ago was featured on ELLE’s website as one of seven international superstars who are the ‘Next Big Crossover Acts’ for 2013.
A spokesperson for the actress refused to comment.
Meanwhile, over the weekend, the actress was in Toronto, Canada for the premiere of the much-anticipated movie, ‘Half of a Yellow Sun‘ where she plays Miss Adebayo.

Ice Prince, Iyanya set to join Tiwa Savage, Nick Mutuma, others on ‘Shuga’

Ice Prince and Iyanya have been cast to star in the sex and relationship themed series ‘Shuga’.

Iyanya and Ice Prince will both play themselves in most of the scenes set at the Badoo nightclub, a regular hangout for the casts in Shuga

In the previous season shot in Kenya, EME’s, Banky W and Wizkid were featured in the series with Kenyan star, Nameless.

‘I am so grateful to the MTV Staying Alive team for offering the opportunity to continue to express myself in new and different ways as an actor in Shuga’, Ice Prince who expressed his excitement during one of his shoots said.

Ice Prince and Iyanya will join the star-studded Shuga cast which also includes Nigerian Pop diva Tiwa Savage. Other acts include Chris Attoh, KC Ejelonu, Dorcas Shola Fapson, Okezie Morro, Emmanuel Ikubese, Nick Mutuma, Efa Iwara, Leonora Okine, Maria Okanrende, Sharon Chisom Ezeamakaand others.

‘Shuga’ will premiere on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) on December 1, 2013 (World AIDS Day) and will subsequently air on multiple TV and digital platforms around the world.

Pirates of the Caribbean V' 2015 release date postponed

Johnny Depp arrives on the red carpet before the screening of the film "Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" during the 64th annual Cannes International Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 14, 2011. UPI/David Silpa

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- "Pirates of the Caribbean" producer Jerry Bruckheimer says the release date of the fifth installment in the franchise has been postponed until at least 2016.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales," again starring Johnny Depp as beloved buccaneer Jack Sparrow, was initially scheduled to open in the summer of 2015.

"We have an outline everyone loves but the script is not done," Bruckheimer told The Hollywood Reporter.

Asked whether the budget for the next "Pirates" picture is another reason for the delay, Bruckheimer told the entertainment industry trade newspaper: "It's all a factor. We want a script that everyone's signed off on and a budget that everyone's signed off on."

The producer went on to say it is impossible to create a budget for the movie before Jeff Nathanson finishes the script.

"We're supposed to start in March and you start spending a lot of money now," Bruckheimer said about the timing of the decision to delay the project's release until at least the summer of 2016.

Yvonne Nelson hits the beach in bikini

Yvonne Nelson loves to the beach and play with sand

The Ghanaian actress goes to the beach wearing no make-up.

'Pregnant' Gwen Stefani covers up in yet another baggy ensemble

SHE'S rumoured to be pregnant with her third child, and judging by Gwen Stefani's latest wardrobe choices, she could well be trying to hide her growing tummy.

The 43-year-old star was pictured out and about in Beverly Hills yesterday wearing yet again another baggy top.

Gwen and her husband Gavin Rossdale are yet to comment on the pregnancy rumours, but perhaps her babty bump is starting to get big and that's why she's choosing to dress in her comfy clothes.

The No Doubt frontwoman teamed a pair of blue ripped jeans with a long black top that was ruched at the front and perfect for disguising a pregnant stomach.

Gwen completed her look with a long black blazer and snakeskin boots as she left Barney's after a spot of shopping.

However, perhaps the singer's stiletto boots were a bit too uncomfortable for her to wear all day as she was later seen sporting a pair of bright yellow loafers instead.

It wasn't the first time that the blonde star has worn a baggy top this week.

On Tuesday she was spotted wearing an over sized grey jumper, which also featured an assymetrical hemline and could have been hiding a potential bump.

Kim Kardashian seems to have lost her fashion sense

Is it just us or has Kim Kardashian slowed down on her fashion approach after giving birth to daughter North West in June?

No skin tight dresses for now; Kim K has been keeping it low key, her outfit on September 11 (above)further fuels the belief.

The 32-year-old reality star aka Kanye West’s baby mama stepped out dressed in cuffed, olive-colored slacks and a loose white blouse cinched at the waist with a gold belt.

And she’s gone blonde too! According to reports, Kim K unveiled her new hairdo over the weekend. ‘I think she wanted to go blonde this time because she wanted a big change’.

LADY GAGA IN COURT OVER PA WAGES LAWSUIT

The Poker Face singer's former personal assistant is suing her ex-boss for thousands of hours of unpaid overtime.

A former personal assistant to Lady Gaga, who says she was cheated out of overtime pay, can take her case to trial, a judge has ruled.

Jennifer O'Neill worked for the singer in early 2009 and again for a year from February 2010.

She claims she was required to be available to her 27-year-old boss 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

She says she was paid at a flat rate of $50,000 (£32,000) annually when she was first hired and $75,000 (£48,000) annually the second time.

It is believed she is suing Gaga for more than 7,000 unpaid hours.

In his written decision, district judge Paul Gardephe noted that lawyers said Gaga and Ms O'Neill frequently slept in the same bed because Ms O'Neill never had her own hotel room while on tour and was required to address Gaga's needs throughout the night.

She was forced to postpone tour dates due to hip surgery earlier this year

Ms O'Neill had testified in a deposition that if Lady Gaga was watching a DVD in the middle of the night and grew tired of it, she woke her up to take it out and replace it with another.

"Every day is a work day for her, so every day is a work day for the rest of us," she said. "There is no 'We're going to stay in, we're going to sleep'. There is no, 'Let's put on sweatpants and go out to the movies and be girlfriends'. It doesn't work like that."

In her deposition testimony, Gaga had testified: "You don't get a schedule. You don't get a schedule that is like you punch in and you can play ... at your desk for four hours and then you punch out at the end of the day. This is when I need you, you're available."

Ms O'Neill had testified she was responsible for sometimes monitoring the singer's email and telephone communications and for handling all her luggage - generally 20 bags - including clothing, accessories, makeup and toiletries.

She was also responsible for making sure that "special food" was available at every location and for making sure the singer arrived at performances on time and had ample time for hairstyling, makeup and voice warm-ups and that she appeared on stage on time.

She said she assisted with costume changes during performances and was responsible afterwards for arranging ice packs, tea and a shower, along with dinner and an exit from the venue.

The judge noted that the women met after Gaga moved into Ms O'Neill's apartment building on the Lower East Side of Manhattan before 2008, when they became roommates and friends.

Ms O'Neill was offered a position as her personal assistant because they were friends and she had experience in the music industry, court papers said.

Mr Gardephe said a jury can decide to what extent Ms O'Neill might be owed compensation from the pop star, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta.

Lawyers did not immediately comment.

Gaga performed in the UK for the first time in a year at the beginning of September after undergoing hip surgery.

What to know about MTN PortStar with Don Jazzy

By Osagie Alonge

So ever since the above picture of Saka and Don Jazzy ‘making a record’ in the studio surfaced on the internet, we’ve all been longing to jump on a track with the record producer. Courtesy of MTN, you stand a chance to do so and even win something really big!

NET has gathered upcoming artistes stand a chance to win a Porsche Cayman and a record deal with Don Jazzy all by just singing the karaoke version of their favourite songs and share their creations on social media.

Check out the 10 things you need to know about MTN SongStar with Don Jazzy below…

1. The MTN SongStar Contest is only available to MTN Subscribers.

2. You have to Download and Install MTN SongStar from the MTN NextApp Store to participate.

3. Download tracks from the rich library of karaoke songs pre-installed on the App. Sing to the track, record and share to the MTN YouTube channel within the app.

4. As a contestant, you are to encourage friends and family to view your shared video[s] on the MTN YouTube channel.

5. Shared videos will be selected based on number of views.

6. The competition which started on September 6, 2013 and will end in November 29, 2013. During which there will be a monthly contest in which 10 monthly winners will emerge based on number of views generated. The contestant with the highest number of views in the month will be the overall winner for the month.

7. There will be monthly cut off dates: For the month of September on October 4, 2013, for October on November 1, 2013 and November on November 29, 2013.

8. There will be three finalists from the monthly play and another three selected by a wild card procedure from the general participants will compete for the ultimate prize of the Porsche Cayman and a record deal in a live performance contest.

9. This will be judged based on finesse and musical craftsmanship by the carefully selected panel of judges.

10. For now, the application is only available to smart phones with operating systems; Android OS versions 2.3 and above, Blackberry OS 6, 7, 10 and the Nokia Asha series

Once Again Scarlett Johansson Is Engaged This Time To Romain Dauriac

No date has been set for the second nuptials of the 28-year-old actress, previously married to Ryan Reynolds.

US actress Scarlett Johansson is to marry her French boyfriend, her publicist has confirmed.

The Hollywood star's representative said no date had been set for her wedding with Romain Dauriac, described as a former journalist.

Rumours about the engagement spread after Johansson was spotted wearing an Art Deco-style diamond engagement ring while promoting her latest movie, Under The Skin, at the Venice Film Festival.

According to People magazine, Mr Dauriac, who accompanied her in Italy, proposed last month.

The 28-year-old actress was previously married to actor Ryan Reynolds, but the couple split in 2010 – a separation that Johansson has described as amicable.

Johansson is generally reluctant to talk about her private life, but she has recently explained what she does not like in a relationship.

"I don't like jealous behaviour," she told Marie Claire magazine in an interview this year.

"It's really unattractive because it shows a sort of insecurity."

Johansson has starred in movies including Lost In Translation, her breakthrough role, and Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Recently she was part of an ensemble cast in the action hit The Avengers.

James Bond Submarine Car Sells For £550,000

The Lotus Esprit was sold at auction after a fierce price war between a female buyer and a telephone bidder who took the prized collector's piece.

The distinctive-looking vehicle was designed for an underwater scene in the 1977 film starring Roger Moore as 007.

In the film, 007 and Bond girl Anya Amasova, played by Barbara Bach, escapes a helicopter attack by driving the Esprit off a pier into the sea. Also known as the Wet Nellie, it is a fully operational submarine but cannot be driven on the road.

Those in the room at RM Auctions in Battersea, south London, clapped as bids went up to £550,000, which after charges left the buyer £616,000 out of pocket.

Peter Haynes, from RM Auctions, said the auctioneer was pleased with the price despite it coming in at under estimated prices of between £650,000 and £950,000.

"We are very happy with that price, it is very strong money for what is an important piece of movie memorabilia," Mr Haynes said.

"Bearing in mind it is not a car that can be driven on the road, the price just goes to prove the draw that all Bond-related memorabilia has."

Diana Star Watts: 'We've Been Respectful'

Naomi Watts tells Sky News she hopes her portrayal of Diana in the new biopic will not upset William and Harry.

The star of the new film about Diana, Princess of Wales has insisted the producers were "respectful" to her memory when making the biopic.

The film Diana, which had its world premiere in London's Leicester Square on Thursday night, claims to shed light on her two-year romance with heart surgeon Hasnat Khan.

Speaking to Sky News at the premiere, Naomi Watts said of Wills and Harry: "I'll never know what they think because I don't know them. But if they see it, I hope they'll feel we've been respectful."

Referring to her decision to take on the role, she said: "It was the biggest risk that one could possibly take and a huge challenge. 

"I had a lot of hesitation about saying yes, but once I did I felt like it was an opportunity I couldn't refuse."

In a recent newspaper interview Mr Khan said he disapproved of the movie.

"It is based on gossip and Diana's friends talking about a relationship that they didn't know much about," he said.

"This includes some of my relatives who didn't know much about it either. It is all based on hypotheses and gossip."

His comments raised questions about the authenticity of the film as an accurate account of their affair.

The film is based on the 2001 book Diana: Her Last Love by Kate Snell.

None of the Royal Family is portrayed in the film, except a brief moment when a young William and Harry climb into a helicopter.

Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty Magazine, believes the princes will not watch the film.

"It would be incredibly hurtful," she said.

"They met Hasnat - well, certainly Harry met Hasnat - and I feel that once again their mother's memory has been hijacked."

Ice Prince Hits back at Rukus 

Rukus had earlier bashed Ice Prince on his new freestyle ‘The list‘ questioning his lyrical ability. ‘Ice Prince, you that function guy, why the hell are your punches dry? I am transforming while you are underperforming. You don’t believe in no bars, I swear this n***a is murmuring‘.

Obviously pained by this diss, Mr Zamani went on to Twitter to address Rukus’ opinion about him. ‘You can drop 20 songs now and they still might not blow. If I drop 10 tweets about you, you’ll get an NEA nomination next year‘. Then adds ‘Nice raps but don’t start your career dissing me, Naeto, Vector or anyone else u intend to. You can never ever murder me on anything‘.

While promoting his new single with French Montana, Ice Prince goes on to mock Rukus, asking his fans to download the rapper’s music. ‘So instead of focusing on my new single today. I will promote @Rukuslive for Charity #TeamRukuslive‘.

Rukus has also replied Ice Prince tweets saying that they should jump on a track to see who’ll do better.

Kunle Afolayan letsn out character posters for the film "October 1"

The much anticipated October 1 film poster pictures have been finally let out; it contains the pictures of its characters.

The posters were released via Facebook and they introduce some of the actors starring in lead roles in the movie.

The movie stars quite a number of seasoned actors including Kunle, who doubles as the director and producer of the film, which is scheduled for release in October.