Beyoncé : A Star is Born

Rumours have been circulating for a while but Queen B has finally outed herself as the star of the classic movie A Star is Born.

The movie was first made in 1937 starring Janet Gaynor as an aspiring singer who arrives in Hollywood desperate for a break. It was remade in 1954 with Judy Garland; in 1976 with Barbra Streisand and 2012/13 will see Beyoncé in the lead role.

The new version will be directed by Clint Eastwood and star Leonardo DiCaprio as a musician who falls in love with Beyoncé’s character - a young, up-and-coming songstress.

She told Good Morning America: “Clint Eastwood? Can you believe that? I can't believe it still. When I met with him I was just in awe. I'm so, so honoured that he believes in me. And I can't wait to do this film. I represent this generation's talent and for me to be the chosen person, as an African American woman, is incredible.”

Beyonce wearing Julien Macdonald on Good Morning America

Modest isn’t she?! She has a point though, for Clint to cast her in a role that has been traditionally white is a vote of confidence in her singing and acting ability. He has won two Oscars for his directing work (Million Dollar Baby and Unforgiven) so we have high hopes for A Star is Born. After everyone but her seemed to have been nominated in Dreamgirls, maybe this film will be the making of her acting career.

Now we’re off to rent the 1976 version so we know what the film is actually about!

Mary J. Blige & Nina Simone

Mary J. Blige has finally confirmed that she will be playing Nina Simone in the biopic film, Nina (working title). Shooting is due to start in June and Mary told US Weekly magazine: ‘I'm definitely still doing it, and I'm in acting classes for it now.’

Mary J.Blige and Nina Simone

Nina Simone’s voice is epic (her rendition of Strange Fruit gives us chills) – Mary certainly has some big shoes to fill. As much as we admire Mary, we’re not entirely convinced her voice is up to it. That said, we certainly wish her well and would like to see the film when it is released.

Will it be a TV/DVD movie or will it get a theatrical release? We’re not sure many people under the age of 30 even know who Nina Simone is (to their loss)!

Liya Kebede: Desert Flower

Supermodel Liya Kebede stars in Sherry Hormann’s new film ‘Desert Flower’. Based on a true story, Liya plays Waris Dirie, the model-turned-campaigner against female genital mutilation.

Liya Kebede

The film chronicles her journey as she flees an arranged marriage at the age of 13 and eventually finds herself in London where she becomes an internationally successful model.

The role is a natural for 33-year-old beauty Liya, who is also the World Health Organisation’s Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.

Kebede, whose co-stars include Sally Hawkins, Timothy Spall, Juliet Stevenson and Anthony Mackie, will headline a private screening of the National Geographic Entertainment film in New York on Monday March 7.



No word if the film will be released in the UK, so visit the official movie website for more information.