Baz Luhrmann honoured in Australia

November 19th, 2009 BAZ LUHRMANN has been honoured in his native Australia for his contribution to the country's film industry. The Moulin Rouge! moviemaker was handed the Living Legend trophy at the Inside Film Awards on Tuesday night (17Nov09).

November 19th, 2009 Famed director BAZ LUHRMANN was honoured in his native Australia on Wednesday night (18Nov09) - he was presented with the coveted Living Legend prize at the country's Inside Film (IF) Awards. The Moulin Rouge! moviemaker was also handed the trophy for Box Office Achievement for his 2008 epic Australia, a homage to his home country.

November 16th, 2009 SIR IAN MCKELLEN and KEVIN SPACEY have been honoured for their contribution to the arts at a glitzy ceremony in London. The Lord of the Rings star walked away with a trophy for his hard work in showbusiness at the annual Variety Club Awards on Sunday (15Nov09).

November 11th, 2009 LONDON - Oscar winning actor Morgan Freeman is to be honoured for his career achievements at California's 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. The "Million Dollar Baby" star will receive the Career Achievement Award for Acting at the festival Jan 5 next year, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, reports contactmusic.com.

November 11th, 2009 Electronic duo EMPIRE OF THE SUN have won three Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) Awards for their hit album WALKING ON A DREAM. The Aussie musicians, who worked with rapper Jay-Z on his latest album The Blueprint 3, picked up nods for Best Cover Art, Best Video and Best Producer.

November 4th, 2009 LONDON - Rolling Stones member Ronnie Wood was honoured at the Classic Rock Awards for his outstanding contribution. Wood, 62, who has also played with The Faces, was rewarded for his "ageless presence on the scene", and he revealed that it was his first ever accolade.

October 25th, 2009 VADODARA - Australia scored 292 for eight in their first One-day international cricket match against India here Sunday. Electing to bat, Australian top-order chipped in with vital contributions.

September 30th, 2009 Baz Luhrmann wields judges' paddle on 'Dancing'LOS ANGELES — The man who made "Moulin Rouge" is lending his expertise to "Dancing With the Stars." Baz Luhrmann is serving as a guest judge on the hit ABC dance show on Monday and Tuesday as head judge Len Goodman takes a week off. The 47-year-old Australian filmmaker wrote and directed "Strictly Ballroom" in 1992, which launched his film career.

September 16th, 2009 LONDON - Singer Robbie Williams says he is planning to move to Australia because his girlfriend Ayda Field feels that she will end up in the country. Thesun.co.uk reports that the singer is looking for a farm or beachfront retreat in the country after a premonition by his girlfriend.

August 31st, 2009 WASHINGTON - Michael Jackson has been honoured with a star on the Palms Casino's Walk of Fame in Las Vegas. The singer received the tribute on what would have been his 51st birthday on August 29.

July 25th, 2009 LONDON - Peter Andre has revealed that he would love to take his kids to Australia while he fights a bitter divorce battle with estranged wife Jordan. The singer, who was born in England but raised Down Under, said he would like to show Princess Tiaamii, two, Junior, four, and stepson Harvey, seven, the place where he grew up and met their mother.

July 22nd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been honoured with an inclusion into the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The 'Full House' duo is among 31 designers honoured by the institute, reports Contactmusic.

June 25th, 2009 LONDON - Actress Cameron Diaz has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Honoured for her work in a wide range of films, the movie star became the 2,386th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, reported aceshowbiz.com "It was what has given me the strength and courage to live this extraordinary life and it is what powers the light that burns inside of me, bright enough for me to be honoured today with this star on the Walk of Fame, said the actress.

June 17th, 2009 LONDON - A Bollywood director wants to make a film based on the alleged racist attacks on Indian students in Australia, despite an unofficial boycott of the country by his movie colleagues. "I have a script in my mind and hopefully by the end of the year we will go and shoot the film in Australia," The Telegraph quoted film maker Mohit Suri, as saying yesterday.

June 17th, 2009 MELBOURNE - Miss Universe Australia Rachael Finch has denied rumours that her leaked spat with pageant's national director could create grounds for her sacking. The 20-year-old was previously reported to be at the risk of losing her title after details of her letter of complaint to the New York head office of the Miss Universe Organisation was made public.