Celebrity of the Year: Kim Kardashian!

As 2008 winds down, it's time to reflect upon those - from household names to relative unknowns, from A- to D-list - who made this year so memorable.

The Hollywood Gossip is unveiling 10 finalists for its 2nd Annual Celebrity of the Year award. They've given us their best, their worst, even their nude pictures in some cases. Now it is time for us to give something back with this moving tribute.

We previously profiled a series of headline-making celebrities, such as Alaska's most dysfunctional famly, the Palins, and a not-so-innocent teen icon, Miley Cyrus Today, we present the top-ranked Celebrity of the Year… Kim Kardashian!
Kim didn't make a new sex tape this year. She didn't star in any movies, record any hit songs or be involved romantically with anyone except boyfriend Reggie Bush.

So, how did Kim Kardashian earn the honor of Celebrity of the Year, despite her lack of notable achievements? Because she has mastered the Hollywood gossip game.

Unlike former BFF Paris Hilton, who tries desperately to make news by staging elaborate reality shows, Kim does... nothing. She walks the red carpet, she goes shopping, she poses with her family - and she remains one of the most searched for celebrities on the Internet every month.

The Hollywood Gossip published approximately 145 stories on Kardashian in 2008; that's one every 2.2 days! They included fascinating looks at her wardrobe, her thoughts on marriage and, of course, her sizable rear end.

Even Spencer Pratt - who is forced to fake marriages for attention - has to admire Kardashian's ability to be famous simply for being famous. It's a skill that has earned Kim millions. Hence, for possessing large breasts, wearing tight clothing and simply living her life, we consider Kim Kardashian to be 2008's Celebrity of the Year. Will she accomplish nothing and repeat the award in 2009?

Please G*d No: Tom Cruise Wants 10 Kids

Watch out, Brangelina.

TomKat (or at least the first half of the strange celebrity couple) is out to surpass you – and not at the box office, but with celebrity babies.

The Brangelina brood of six will be tough to beat. But Tom Cruise recently revealed to the UK's The Sun that he would like to have 10. Yes, 10.

The Hollywood star talked about how he loves being a father and why the 16-year age gap with his third wife Katie Holmes is not a problem.

“I want10 children," the actor said. "I love kids. I feel really fortunate to have the teenagers and a two and a half-year-old. It’s a great dynamic.”

The star adopted twice with ex-wife Nicole Kidman, Isabella, 16, and 13-year-old Connor Cruise , who just made his movie debut in Seven Pounds.

Katie Holmes - shown here earlier this month after taking a beating from a hectic Broadway schedule - became a parent when Suri was born in 2006.

Suri has since become one of the world's most recognizable celebrity babies, and for all his craziness, there's no denying Tom's love for his little girl.

Of Suri Cruise , Tom says: “She’s so charming, she’s so beautiful, she’s great.” We'll see if he assesses the situation similarly after giving her 6-7 more siblings.

Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush: A Kush Christmas!

The health and happiness of Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush's relationship pains our staff.

What is there to make fun of between this seemingly normal couple, as the pair celebrated Christmas Eve by spending the holidays with each other's families?

Even Santa Claus stopped by for the occasion...

Wanna see more of dull, happy Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush (aka "Kush")?

2008: A Solid Year For Plastic Surgery

What a year for plastic surgery. Despite having achieved fame and fortune already, many celebrities just can't resist going under the knife. Just look at this guy!

What a freak. But here we're focused solely on 2008 and some of the best (and worst) unnecessary surgeries performed on stars in the past 12 months.

Leading the way - and following in the talentless, surgery-loving footsteps of little sister Ashlee - is our girl Jessica Simpson. Her gigantic boobs may be all-natural, but no way that schnozz is. Absolutely none. Girl had that thing shaved down.

Look at two sets of Jessica Simpson pics from 2008 (left) vs. before ...

Melissa Berry Nude Photos Lead to Lawsuit

Melissa Berry stars for the Tampa Bay Breeze of the Lingerie Football League.

But while this linebacker doesn't mind rushing the quarterback in her skivvies, the model draws the line at nude photos being posted on the Internet against her will.

Such is the predicament Berry currently faces, as she is suing ex-boyfriend Mark Dawson for publishing several nude photographs of her on his MySpace page, including one taken without her knowledge of her "engaged in a particularly private, intimate sexual act."

Shortly after the naked pics were taken, the couple broke up. Dawson sees no reason why this should preclude him from making the photos public.

"For her to say that these pictures were taken against her knowledge is untrue because she is smiling in them," Dawson told The Tampa Tribune. "She takes her clothes off for a living and tells people I am doing all this other stuff. What she's doing now is creating a drama because there are pictures out there of her."

Berry, who is seeking unspecified damages in excess of $15,000, disagrees.

"If I wanted to take my clothes off for a living, that's what I would do,'' she said. "There's not a photographer that has ever taken those sorts of shots of me. It's more of a privacy thing. It's not for everyone else to see.... I am scared of what he will do to my career."

We can't answer that question.

But we do have a pretty good idea of what this scandal will do for the search term Melissa Berry Nude Photos

Oscar Nomination Ballots Are In The Mail

The holidays may be winding down, but for oscar fans, the season of celebration has just begun.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences mailed 5,810 official Oscar nominations ballots to voting members Friday, and perhaps no one was more excited - or more daunted - to cast votes than its 105 newest members.

“It’s like ‘Wayne’s World.’ I’m not worthy,” said Doug Cooper, 35, who just joined the short films

and feature animation branch. “Basically, it’s fear. You have to make a decision.”

Cinematographer Jonathan Brown said he and his industry pals have been doing their own Oscar polling for years - but this time, his vote really counts.

“The idea that now it matters is so cool,” he said. “We can, in a small way, have an influence in people getting recognized.”

New academy inductees were recently toasted at a private reception in Beverly Hills, where they mingled with fellow members and reflected on what it means to belong to Hollywood’s most exclusive club.

Producer Armyan Bernstein said he’s been preparing to cast Oscar votes since he was a child.
“My mom would get dressed up on Oscar night and make a special dinner,” he said. “The next day, we didn’t have to go to school. It was like a Jewish holiday.”

Academy President Sid Ganis welcomed the group and reminded them of their power as Oscar voters.
“Conscientiously wield that power,” he said. “Fill out ballots as thoughtfully as you can. This is your area of expertise.”

Each of the academy’s 15 branches is responsible for nominating those in their field - so actors nominate actors and sound engineers nominate sound engineers - based on the eligible films released that year. (There were 281 in 2008.) Oscar’s final winners are determined by the entire voting membership, regardless of what branch they claim.

“Don’t vote in any category in which (a) you haven’t seen all the nominated achievements, or (b) you don’t feel qualified to make a sophisticated critical judgment,” Ganis said. “Don’t vote if you haven’t got all the information. It’s the honorable thing to do.”

Membership in the academy is by invitation based on professional accomplishment. Nominations will be announced Jan. 22 and oscar will be presented Feb. 22.

Academy members typically spend hours and hours watching the nominated films on DVD or in theaters before casting their final votes.

Helena Packer, a new member in the visual effects branch, said anxiety about the voting process began when she joined the academy.

“When a movie

grabs you, you’re not thinking in critical terms,” she said. “This will require repeated viewing.”

But Jim Houston, a new member at large, said that as a filmmaker, he feels qualified to weigh in on others’ work.

“Once you start making movies

, you have an internal critic going at all times,” said the 49-year-old, adding that he’s as interested in the academy’s science and technology council as he is in casting Oscar votes.

While voting on the Oscars is one of the most coveted responsibilities of academy members, it’s hardly their only opportunity to wield influence in the world of film

. The organization maintains expansive movie and screenplay archives, operates a film-studies library, and hosts exhibits, screenings and special programs throughout the year - and academy members are key figures in all of it.

“The coolest thing is getting access to members, collections and events,” said Brown, who just joined the cinematographers branch.

Members can volunteer to serve as readers for the academy’s annual Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition or help spread the word about their craft through its media

-literacy program at local schools.

Regardless of how they plan to get involved, their work begins in earnest as soon as those nomination ballots land in their mailboxes.

Eva Longoria: Excited About a Family

Eva Longoria and Tony Parker have been married for about a year.

And, according to the Desperate Housewives star, everything is perfect so far.

"Married life agrees with me because I'm very traditional and I'm very domestic and Tony is the same way," the actress told Extra, adding that a litter of adorable children will soon be on the way:

"We can't wait to start a family. I'm so excited about that chapter in our lives and you'll know what it happens."

More Hilary Duff Maxim Pictures

Ten days ago, we brought you the photos from Hilary Duff's sexy maxim cover.
Today, well, we've got some more outtakes from this glorious photo shoot.

Hey, when Hilary Duff comes into her own and kicks the good-girl image to the curb (or at least in that direction), it's worthy of multiple posts. Exhibit A: Hilary made Maxim's list of Sexiest Stars of 2009, along with the likes of Rihanna, Katy Perry, Vanessa Hudgens, Hayden Panettiere and Blake Lively.

BRITNEY SPEARS' SEX DISGUISE

Britney Spears reportedly snuck out of her home in disguise for a secret sex session.
The "Womanizer" singer apparently defied her father Jamie's ban on men to enjoy the saucy rendezvous with a mystery friend - and even bragged of her romp when she got home.

A source said: "She's been a prisoner in her own home and began to crave affection and attention from someone other than her parents, which is only natural."

"She told her dad she got a ride with the person she'd arranged to meet and gone to their house in Los Angeles for a few hours."
"She told him not to worry and that it was someone she'd known a long time who was a good person and wouldn't hurt her."

However, Jamie - who is co-conservator of her estate following her public meltdown last year - was apparently furious over the incident.

The source added to Britain's Now magazine: "Britney told him that she was a grown woman and ordered him to get out of her room."

"She didn't come out for the rest of the day."

BEYONCE WORRIES ABOUT CHRISTMAS DINNER

Beyonce Knowles is worried she might kill her family when she cooks Christmas dinner.
The "Cadillac Records" star – who is married to music mogul Jay Z has planned a festive feast for her closest relatives but fears her lack of culinary skills may prove to be a serious problem.

She said: "One thing I am doing for the first time is cooking. But I'm the worst! I've been working since I was 13. I've been touring. I haven't had the time to be at home and learn the simple things.

"My mother's like, 'You're 27 years old. This is a shame. You have to learn how to cook.' So this year it's going to be my first time. Hopefully, my family will still be well and alive after they eat what I cooked!"

The former Destiny's Child star also revealed she never sings over Christmas because she likes to have a break her job.
She is quoted by website Inquirer.net as saying: "Singing is the last thing I want to do. I just want to relax. Usually, I want to be spoiled. I can have my socks on and watch TV.
"But this time, I'm going to try to pitch in and make more than ice water - what I am very good at!"

Lindsay Lohan Praises Britney Spears, Shares Family Secret

Lindsay Lohan hit the web to share her enthusiasm for Britney Spears recent chart-topping comeback.

“Britney Spears is an amazing talent, and she has gone through a lot, (just as I have) in the public eye. Which is not necessarily a bad thing,” Lindsay wrote on Tuesday evening.

According to Lindsay, Britney set an example this year, one which others can take a lesson from.

“It teaches young girls and boys that there are certain things in life that you should not let get in the way of your dreams and accomplishments. Also, that you need to take care of yourself before anyone else, and I mean anyone and everyone else,” Lindsay wrote. “Because at the end of the day, you have to look at yourself in the mirror and see who you really are. Stripped of all the distractions in life. So YAY Britney for just being you and still following through with your dreams. I know I am a bit late in writing about this record since it came out already, but better late than never!!!!”

The red head, who revealed earlier this year that she is dating her longtime friend, DJ Samantha Ronson, said she will miss her family over the holidays as she spending it on the West Coast with her lady love.

“I love my mom, Aliana, Cody, Michael, and my Nana Sullivan!! I will be missing them this Christmas as it is the first one I am spending away from home,” Lindsay blogged. “I am spending it with Samantha in Los Angeles.”

While the actress wished everyone happy holidays, she also revealed that her father, Michael Lohan recently confirmed to the Lohan clan that he fathered another child out of wedlock.

“I think that people go through a lot in life. And the things that we go through, whatever they may be, simply just make us stronger in the long run… that is, if we actually take what it is we have learned from our mistakes and teach ourselves what NOT to do in the future. I have gone through a lot in my past, and to be completely honest, I am still going through a lot right now,” Lindsay wrote. “My father just let my family and I know… that he had another child after my little sister Aliana, or maybe he had it before Aliana? Either way, he cheated on my mother and that really sucks… Wow – do I sound like ‘Debbie Downer’ or what?”

On Wednesday afternoon people reported that Michael Lohan had E-mailed the publication and denied his daughter’s claims.

He also claimed there was a “99 percent chance Lindsay’s post was written by Samantha.

The Shannon Twins: 'Tis the Season to Be Naked

Hey, that's just how life goes at the Playboy Mansion. Don't hate the players... or the game, for that matter. Just sit back and enjoy the show.

Why should half-nude pictures and possibly making love to a man four times your age take a break just because it's December 25? Exactly.

Below is Hugh Hefner's annual holiday card. This year's features his new, law-breaking girlfriends: sexy twins Karissa and Kristina Shannon.

Behold, The Shannon Twins nude except for body paint...

Hefner hooked up with the teenage twins after splitting with Girls Next Door stars Holly Madison (now with Criss Angel), Kendra Wilkinson (now engaged to Hank Baskett) and Bridget Marquardt (now MIA, but probably still half-naked).

David Beckham, Audrina Patridge & More Share Their Holiday Tidings

A host of celebs have hit the net this holiday season to share their good tidings.
David Beckham took to his personal web site on Christmas eve, where he blogged about his holiday plans and offered his season’s greetings to the fans.

“Now Christmas has arrived again and I’m really looking forward to spending time with my family and enjoying the holiday before I experience some time in Italy with AC Milan early next year,” he wrote. “So, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

“Hills” star Audrina Patridge posted a photo of her ransacked closet on Christmas Eve, and let fans know it was messy because she was thinking of others.

“I know it looks like a complete train wreck but I tore it apart for a good cause haha,” she wrote. “I actually went through all of my closets and gathered tons of clothes, shoes, hats, scarves etc. and gave all of it to charity. I really hope that they make someone’s Christmas!”

Barack Obama Shirtless: Hottest President-Elect Ever!

The New York Post has declared Barack Obama "Fit For Office." Looking at the photo of Obama on the cover yesterday, it's pretty hard to argue that fact! Yowza!

This is not the first picture of Barack Obama shirtless to make the rounds, of course. We've paired yesterday's Post cover with this classic picture from 2007 ...

You may question his ability to fix the current economic crisis or lead the U.S. Armed Forces, but one key issue everybody in America can agree on is this: You'd rather see these photos than any of John McCain shirtless, right? We thought so.

Kim Kardashian's Bathing Suit: Love It or Shove It?

It looks like Kim Kardashian has gone snorkeling for the latest in fashion .. and she's uncovered this confusing example of swimwear.

Is it a one-piece? A two-piece? A what-the-heck-is-she-thinking piece?

And is that a chain connecting the top and bottom?!?

Analyze the monstrosity below. If you can take your eyes off Kim's giant boobs, let us know your thoughts on her bathing suit...

Celebrity of the Year Finalist #6: Ashley Dupre

As 2008 winds down, it's time to reflect upon those - from household names to relative unknowns, from A- to D-list - who made this year so memorable.

The Hollywood Gossip is unveiling 10 finalists for its 2nd Annual Celebrity of the Year award. They've given us their best, their worst, even their nude pictures in some cases. Now it is time for us to give something back with this moving tribute.

We previously profiled the seductive, attention-grabbing, pretend lesbians of 2008. Today, we present Celebrity of the Year finalist #6 … Ashley Dupre!.
In our years in the celeb gossip biz, we've covered many a ho, but none like Ashley Dupre, a.k.a. Ashley DiPietro, a.k.a. Ashley Youmans, a.k.a. Kristen.

The reason? She was an actual ho, as in one who has sex for money. A lot of money. New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, a.k.a. Client No. 9, can attest!

When Spitzer resigned in disgrace after being caught by the FBI arranging to payAshley Dupre nude at $4,300 per hour, she became a sensation. Downloads of her crappy music soared. Celeb news mags and TV shows clamored for interviews. Joe Francis offered her seven figures to get naked for Girls Gone Wild - before realizing she already did that while underage years ago, natch.

The country's most famous "escort" (she hates the term prostitute) says she's a real straight arrow now. Her next step is uncertain, but there's been talk of Ashley Dupre getting her own reality show. What a great country this is.

Hugh Hefner: Excited for Kendra Wilkinson Wedding, Dasha Astafieva Nude

Hugh Hefner is a busy, horny man.

In June, the Playboy founder will be giving away ex-girlfriend Kendra Wilkinson, as she walks down the aisle with fiance Hank Baskett.
"We're going to have Kendra's wedding and reception at the mansion - a spectacular affair!" Hef told Us Weekly over the weekend at the 55th anniversary Playmate celebration in West Hollywood.

Wilkinson will officially move out the Playboy mansion next week.

News of his sexual exploits with Karissa and Kristina Shannon have been well-documented, but sources also say Hef has been getting it on with Ukrainian model Dasha Astafieva. She has a pictorial in the 55th anniversary issue of Playboy.

“Hef is totally smitten with her. She is not his regular type, but Hef says something about her is really doing it for him,” said an insider.

Lindsay Lohan: No Bra, No Problem!

Since she started dating Samantha Ronson, Lindsay Lohan has been nearly unrecognizable.

She doesn't fall down drunk, she doesn't make outlandish statements and she almost always wears underwear. It's a totally different Lindsay than the Firecrotch Queen celebrity gossip tabloids fell in love with.

Fortunately, while walking the streets of L.A. over the weekend, the old Lohan flashed a bit of her former self... by flashing her nipples.

Indeed, a see-through shirt + no bra = the Lindsay Lohan we know and love!

Madonna & Guy Ritchie To Spend Christmas Together

According to the British newspaper, Madonna will arrive in the U.K. with children Lourdes, Rocco and David on December 23 and stay for Christmas at Guy’s Ashcombe House estate.

“Madonna and Guy want the best for the kids and so she has decided to come over to the UK so they can be with their father,” a source close to the former couple told the paper. “Guy hasn’t seen the kids for weeks and he is desperate to be with them over the holidays.”

According to the Mail, the pop singer and “RocknRolla” director Guy still have not come to an arrangement over where their children will live – Madonna reportedly wants them with her in New York, while Guy would prefer son Rocco to attend school in London.

The kids are currently accompanying Madonna on her “Sticky & Sweet” tour, which is currently in South America.

Their holiday festivities are said to include a traditional turkey dinner – though Madonna is expected to stick to her strict macrobiotic diet, according to the paper.

“She will… be eating a different meal as she will only eat fish,” the source continued. “She will also be working out on Christmas Day.’”

Still, Madonna – who follows the teachings of Kabbalah – is making some Christmas concessions.

“She has decided to be the bigger person and bring the kids home to Guy,” the source said.

Madonna has had no shortage of company since the holiday season began. According to the New York Daily News, she spent her Thanksgiving with baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez, who arrived at her place after having an early Thanksgiving dinner with his ex-wife, Cynthia, and their children.

Naomi Watts & Liev Schreiber Welcome Second Son

The star and partner Liev Schreiber welcomed their second child, a son, on Saturday.

“They had a baby boy yesterday,” a rep for the 40-year-old actress confirmed to Access Hollywood on Sunday.

The couple’s first child, Alexander Pete, was born on July 25, 2007 – and according to papa Liev, preparing him for a sibling hasn’t been easy.

“Naomi’s been teaching him ‘Kiss the Baby,’ which basically involves him going up to kiss the bump,” he told AccessHollywood.com’s Laura “Dish of Salt” Saltman at the “Defiance” junket last week. “I don’t think he knows yet that there’s something lurking in there that’s about to seize the spotlight from him forever.”

And while some stars take time off for their kids, Liev said his oldest son, whose nickname is Sasha, has influenced his choice of roles, as well.

“It’s… starting to occur to me,” Liev, who plays Sabretooth in next May’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” told Laura. “I really thought of Sasha when I said yes to ‘Wolverine.’ I thought it would be fun for him to see his dad acting like a giant mutant game cat.”

But, he added, it may be a while before his kids are ready for the movies.

“Sasha’s 16 months old and all he wants to do is play the game where I pretend I can’t see him,” he said.

More Jennifer Aniston Photos from GQ

Jennifer Aniston posed naked for the cover of GQ's January 2009 issue. Perhaps you've heard, and salivated.

The actress donned a few layers of clothing for other shots in the pictorial, however.

And while they aren't as drool-inducing as the cover pose, these GQ images are still worth a glance or two dozen:

Tara Reid is Rehab Bound

Tara Reid has a problem. And it has nothing to do with her deficiencies as an actress.

"Tara Reid has checked herself into Promises Treatment Center. We appreciate your respect to her and her family's privacy at this time," the actress' rep, Jack Ketsoyan, said of his client's decision to enter rehab.

A friend of the Reid's wouldn't specify the problem at hand, but said the actress headed to the treatment facility on Tuesday.

"Her friends and family are supportive of her decision. She checked in herself – it was her decision."

Send Tara your well wishes today!

KEANU REEVES: I'M PERFECT

The 43-year-old actor - who can soon be seen in sci-fi drama "The Day the Earth Stood Still," a remake of the popular 1951 movie of the same name - is so happy with his film star looks and personality he wouldn't change anything about himself.

When asked if he would alter anything, Keanu laughingly replied: "No, I'm perfect!"

Despite his high opinion of himself, Keanu wants to be famous for his acting and not just be known as a sex symbol.

He said: "I never wanted it to be about me. It has always been about just losing me and embracing the character."

The Hollywood heartthrob also believes his latest role as half-alien, half-human Klatu in "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is his most challenging to date.

He told the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper: "I did the film because it's a worthwhile story to tell. And there is the lure of playing an alien, although he's not fully alien. That was the interesting side of the role. He starts alien and becomes quite human."

"The character has the clues - when he's born, the first time he tries to speak, drinking a glass of water and saying his body is going to take some getting used to."

"There was the interesting concept of the separation of his consciousness and his body."

KIDMAN'S DAUGHTER OBSESSED WITH PUPPETS

Nicole Kidman's daughter is obsessed with puppets.
The 41-year-old actress has bought five-month-old Sunday Rose – her daughter with country musician husband Keith Urban a turtle puppet toy for Christmas as she loves the make-believe characters.

She said: "This Christmas we will be celebrating with a lot of hugs and kisses and Christmas carols. We've bought her a turtle puppet – she loves puppets!"

Nicole's co-star in new movie "Australia" Hugh Jackman added at the London premiere of the film last night (Dec 10, 2008) he is planning to spend the festive period in America rather than his native country Australia.

The hunky star, who was recently named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive, revealed he wants to indulge in as many festive treats as possible, and is even looking forward to celebrating in colder weather.

He said: "I'm going to be in New York with my family. I'll be going to the 'Nutcracker,' I'll be going to Rockefeller Plaza, I'll be going to the Rockettes, maybe catch a basketball game or two."

"I've been at home for two years straight, so I'll be OK. I actually like the snow. I like the cold – it's all different, it's all a novelty to me."

Khloe Kardashian: Nude for PETA

Kim Kardashian says she might not pose naked ever again.

Fortunately, sister Khloe Kardashian is picking up the family's nude slack!

The reality TV star is the latest in a long line of animal rights activists to garner headlines for PETA by posing in her birthday suit.

In the poster below, Khloe joins better looking fur haters - such as Holly Madison, Christina Applegate and Amanda Beard - in the attention-seeking ad campaign.

Miranda Kerr: Topless!

Miranda Kerr recently appeared topless in France's Jalouse Magazine.

While still leaving something to the imagination, the photos show the natural beauty of this Victoria Secret Angel... he magazine also used some of their photo space to showcase what made us fall for the model in the first place: Miranda Kerr in lingerie...